After the local news at noon, tune in for a celebration of ’The President,’ Lester Young and Charlie “Yardbird” Parker. Born August 27 and 29, respectively, and known simply as Pres and Bird, these two saxophone colossi helped invent and re-invent jazz from the 1930s through the 1950s. While both were great composers and wildly creative soloists, what stands out most is their instantly recognizable, profoundly personal yet universal sound. Host Rob Saffer will go deep and explore their music through only a few recordings of these masters in small and large settings, as well as a few rarities of Bird. Music featured includes Count Basie Orchestra with Lester Young (1936-40); Pres and Teddy (1959); Bird and Diz (1950); Metronome All Stars (1949); Charlie Parker Rara Avis (1949 TV recordings); Bird on Tenor with Miles Davis (1953); Jazz at the Philharmonic 1949 with Pres and Bird.

Overlooked is a show focusing on overlooked and under-heard jazz, improvisational, and other fringe music, from early roots to contemporary experiments, a mix of familiar to rare, classic to weird. Live from the shadow of Overlook Mountain in Ulster County.

Host Rob Saffer is the former Executive Director and Producer of the Creative Music Foundation.

Overlooked Playlist Archive