Century Songs

In 1919, America's greatest operetta king premiered a quiet instrumental melody for English horn at an outdoor amusement park. He died five years later, never imagining his tender melody would endure. But two decades after its debut, a public lyric contest commissioned by his estate transformed the quiet instrumental piece into a number one swing sensation.This episode opens with a live performance of "Indian Summer," followed by a conversation with special guest Mark Buselli — trumpeter, bandleader, composer, and Head of Jazz Studies at Ball State University. Mark shares stories from a lifetime in music: playing trumpet in a closet at a private party (true story), relearning his embouchure after a career-threatening lip injury, co-founding the Buselli-Wallrab Orchestra, mentoring the next generation of jazz players, and looking ahead to new recording projects and eventual retirement ("sit in the corner and play flugelhorn until the money runs out").Then, stick around for our three-question quiz to find out what you don't know about Indian Summer — plus a roundup of upcoming Jazz Kitchen holiday shows and local Indiana artists to support this season.

On opening night of "Shuffle Along" in 1921, the creators of a groundbreaking Broadway musical stood by the backstage exit, terrified their show would spark a riot. Their gamble? A tender love song — “Love Will Find a Way” — sung between two Black leads, something Broadway audiences had never seen. The crowd didn’t protest. They cheered and demanded an encore.In Episode 10 of Century Songs, we explore that groundbreaking cultural milestone and its Indiana connection through Noble Sissle, the Indianapolis-born lyricist and musician who co-wrote the show with Eubie Blake. We sit down with saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Jared Thompson of Premium Blend Indy, who performs “Love Will Find a Way” live at the Jazz Kitchen in Indianapolis. Then, David and Eric test their knowledge in the three-question quiz: What You Don’t Know About Love Will Find a Way.GUESTJared Thompson is a saxophonist, composer, and bandleader based in Indianapolis. He leads Premium Blend Indy, whose sixth album is forthcoming. Find them at premiumblendindy.com, on all streaming platforms (search “Premium Blend Indie”), on Facebook and Instagram, and live every Thursday at Parlor Public House in downtown Indianapolis.ABOUT THE SHOWCentury Songs is a podcast about American standards in the public domain, hosted by Eric Baker and David Ponce. Visit centurysongs.com for show notes, links, and more.CHAPTERS00:00 Show Open00:48 Backstage at the Jazz Kitchen01:10 Live Performance: Love Will Find a Way07:00 Meet Jared Thompson11:18 Musical Beginnings12:48 Premium Blend Indy16:04 Shuffle Along & Love Will Find a Way18:43 Composing & Influences23:12 Where to Find Jared25:01 Quiz: What You Don’t Know About Love Will Find a Way30:12 Show Notes & Local Music31:16 Jazz Kitchen Calendar35:06 Outro & CreditsCREDITSHosts: Eric Baker & David PonceShow Theme: Eric Baker, performed by Kevin Anker, Fred Withrow, and Mike KesslerLogo & Branding: David Ponce, creative direction by Paul “PJ” YingerProduction Assistance: Ryan Busse, Noah Champion, Carson Ponce, Pierce VaughnResearch Assistance: Miran FoxProduced by David PonceCentury Songs podcast copyright 2026 by Someday Songs Music LLC. All rights reserved.#CenturySongs #LoveWillFindAWay #ShuffleAlong #EubieBlake #NobleSissle #JaredThompson #PremiumBlendIndy #PublicDomainMusic #AmericanStandards #IndianapolisJazz #JazzKitchen #BroadwayHistory #1920sMusic #JazzPodcast

Century Songs Ep. 9 |  What You Don’t Know About “Makin’ Whoopee” (1928), Mike Kessler Interview Century Songs Episode 9 explores the 1928 Broadway novelty song “Makin’ Whoopee,” tracing how a scandalous Jazz Age slang term was used in Florenz Ziegfeld’s revue Whoopee, introduced by Eddie Cantor, and later reinterpreted by artists including Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, and Willie Nelson. The episode features a conversation with educator, musician, and bandleader Mike Kessler about steel pan gig experiences, keeping the instrument in tune, why he took up vibraphone and steel pan, and his regular work on drums, vibraphone, congas, and steel pan with groups including the Monday Night Jam at the Jazz Kitchen, Chatterbox gigs, Island Mixtape, and a Cal Tjader tribute.  Kessler also discusses his 10 years with Kids Dance Outreach, bringing dance classes and live musicians into schools and culminating in a large annual show at the Schrott Center.The episode includes a three-question quiz on the song’s slang origins via Walter Winchell, the film’s Technicolor process, and closes with Jazz Kitchen show listings and local holiday gift album ideas.

Rediscovering a Jazz Classic: "Look for the Silver Lining" with Candice TugbyIntroductionCentury Songs has reached its eighth episode, diving deep into the tapestry of American standards in the public domain. In this episode, we explore the resilient journey of Jerome Kern's masterpiece, "Look for the Silver Lining." With a profound history spanning over a century, this song connects generations through its timeless message and universal appeal. Our guest this week is the talented educator and musician, Candice Tugby, offering her insights and anecdotes about the song and her contributions to the local jazz scene.The Story Behind "Look for the Silver LiningJerome Kern's "Look for the Silver Lining" began as a quiet melody for an out-of-town Broadway show in 1919. Despite its initial potential, the show flopped. However, the song found new life a year later, becoming a nationwide symbol of resilience through challenging times, including wars and economic hardships. Its transformation was further cemented in 1954, when Chet Baker reimagined it as a cool jazz staple.In Conversation with Candice TugbyWe had the pleasure of hosting Candice Tugby, an educator and musician, at the Jazz Kitchen in Indianapolis. Candice shared her journey from Winnipeg, Canada, to the heart of the jazz world in Indianapolis. She opened up about her work with the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation and their educational initiative, Jazz Futures. This program aims to provide high school (and occasionally middle school) students with opportunities to delve deeper into jazz performance—an invaluable experience for budding musicians.Candice highlighted the importance of the program being accessible to all interested students, regardless of their financial background. Thanks to generous donations, all participants received full-ride scholarships, ensuring that price points are never a barrier to musical education.The Role of Jazz Futures in Community BuildingThe Jazz Futures program is not just about music; it's about fostering a sense of community. By focusing on improvisation, arranging, and collaboration, students learn to listen to each other, a skill crucial for any musician. The program offers performance opportunities at various events, including TV appearances and the Jazz Kitchen's Legacy concerts.Candice also emphasized the importance of providing snacks during sessions, especially for students from underprivileged areas, ensuring they are well-fed and motivated.Candice's Personal Journey and Artistic ExplorationCandice's personal story is as compelling as her professional endeavors. She shares her musical journey, from her bachelor’s degree in jazz trumpet at the University of Manitoba to her master’s at Northwestern University. She also reflects on life with her musician husband, recent parenthood, and the chaos and joy of having a new puppy.Her favorite standards, such as Chet Baker's version of "Look for the Silver Lining," serve as both personal touchstones and teaching tools, illustrating the importance of understanding jazz's historical landscape to appreciate its future.Supporting the CauseCandice urged listeners to support the Jazz Futures program by donating to the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation. Contributions help sustain this vital platform, providing young musicians with exposure to jazz and performance opportunities they might not otherwise have.ConclusionOur episode concluded with a fascinating quiz about "Look for the Silver Lining," dispelling common myths and highlighting its historical context. Eric Baker and I shared insights into upcoming local jazz shows, encouraging listeners to dive into the vibrant jazz scene.

In this episode of Century Songs, we explore the story behind "On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away" — the 1897 ballad by Paul Dresser that sold half a million copies of sheet music in its first year and became Indiana's state song. We're joined by jazz vocalists Emma Hedrick, Amy Azzara, and Gabe Schonman, who were commissioned by Century Songs to create and perform a custom arrangement of the song, which debuts in this episode! Amy, Emma and Gabe discuss their Summer 2026 residency at Avaloch Farm Music Institute, their Lambert, Hendricks & Ross-inspired vocal group, and the Indiana imagery that rippled through American songwriting for decades. Then Eric and David face off in the three-question quiz covering Paul Dresser's colorful life, his famous novelist brother Theodore Dreiser, and the song's surprising appearances in early film — including The Al Jolson Story. Plus, upcoming shows at the Jazz Kitchen and a preview of next week's episode.

In Episode 6, we trace the remarkable transformation of "Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise" — from a 1928 Broadway operetta tango into a cornerstone of modern jazz. Saxophonist Rich Cohen joins us to share gig stories and musical influences, then Eric Baker faces our three-question quiz covering the song's origins in Sigmund Romberg and Oscar Hammerstein II's The New Moon, its surprisingly dark original lyrics, Artie Shaw's swing-era reinvention, and John Coltrane's 1961 soprano sax masterpiece that made it a bebop rite of passage. Plus, a rarely-heard Bing Crosby tango recording.Century Songs is a podcast about American standards in the public domain. Hosted by David Poncé and Eric Baker. New episodes are available each week at centurysongs.com.

Century Songs — Episode 5: What You Don't Know About Back Home Again in IndianaIn this episode of Century Songs, hosts Eric Baker and David Poncé explore the surprising history behind "Back Home Again in Indiana" — a song with "borrowed" melodies and lyrics, a bebop rebirth, and a legendary home at the Indy 500. Special guest Dr. Shawn O'Connor joins the show to share gig stories, discuss her journey from aspiring doctor to jazz educator, and introduce Boss Pitches, one of Indiana's first-ever all-women big bands. Then, Eric faces a three-question quiz covering the song's original title, its Hoosier-born composer James F. Hanley, and the Charlie Parker contrafact "Donna Lee" that brought the tune into the bebop era. The episode closes with the song's deep ties to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway — from James Melton's 1946 reopening performance to Jim Nabors' decades-long tradition — plus upcoming show highlights from Feinstein's and The Jazz Kitchen. Recorded at The Jazz Kitchen, Indianapolis, Indiana.

On a cold December night in 1926, a Broadway producer and leading lady secretly inserted a rival composer's song into Rodgers and Hart's new musical — and the audience went so wild they stopped the show with 24 encores. That song was "Blue Skies" by Irving Berlin, and the backstage betrayal behind it is just the beginning of the story.This week on Century Songs, co-host and musician Eric Baker joins the show to talk about his musical journey — from singing in church at age four, to discovering Nat King Cole and Harry Connick Jr. on vinyl, to building School of Rock franchises in Indiana and performing regularly at Feinstein's. Plus, Eric faces the "What You Don't Know About Blue Skies" quiz: Was the song really a lullaby? How did it end up in the first talking film? And who actually stood up to sing that final encore when Belle Baker forgot the words?Featuring a live performance of "Blue Skies" by the Century Songs house band with Eric Baker and Shawn O'Connor.

This week on Century Songs, we explore the 1918 standard "After You've Gone" — written by the pioneering Black songwriting duo Turner Layton and Henry Creamer, and immortalized by Vaudeville superstar Sophie Tucker. We sit down with educator and musician Oliver Nelson Jr. to discuss his father's remarkable legacy as a composer and arranger (from Blues and the Abstract Truth to The Six Million Dollar Man), the realities of making a living as a musician today, and the magic of the Indianapolis Monday jam scene. Then, Eric faces the three-question quiz on the song's hidden history, we dig into Ella Fitzgerald's second lyric, and we preview the upcoming 2026 Indy Jazz Fest. Next week: "Blue Skies." Show notes & more: centurysongs.com.Chapters0:00 - Introduction6:22 - Interview: Oliver Nelson Jr.21:03 - Three-Question Quiz: "After You've Gone"23:07 - Q1: Tin Pan Alley Pioneers24:29 - Q2: Sophie Tucker25:53 - Q3: The 20-Bar Chorus29:25 - Ella Fitzgerald's Hidden Second Lyric30:48 - Indy Jazz Fest Preview33:25 - Next Episode: Blue Skies33:54 - Credits

Century Songs — Episode 2: What You Don’t Know About Love for Sale In 1930, Broadway critics were scandalized by a white actress portraying a streetwalker in Cole Porter’s The New Yorkers. When producers moved the scene to Harlem and recast it with a Black singer, those same critics applauded. This week, we dig into the double standards, radio bans, and genius behind one of Cole Porter’s most controversial songs. Indianapolis jazz vocalist Sandy Lomax performs “Love for Sale” and shares stories from her career — a Wayne Newton phone mix-up, her six-year residency in the Cole Porter Room, and advice for young singers brave enough to step up to a jam. Then Eric faces the three-question quiz. Featuring:Sandy Lomax with Kevin Anker, Fred Withrow, and Mike Kessler Hosts:David Poncé and Eric Baker Chapters:0:00 — Intro1:01 — Sandy Lomax performs “Love for Sale”7:21 — Interview with Sandy Lomax20:12 — The “What You Don’t Know” Quiz25:24 — Cole Porter’s least favorite song28:40 — Indy Jazz Fest + upcoming shows31:38 — Outro Links:Show notes & Sandy Lomax info: centurysongs.comIndie Jazz Fest tickets: indyjazzfest.netRob Dixon — Naptown Soul: robdixon.bandcamp.com/album/naptown-soul Next week:Oliver Nelson plays “After You’ve Gone” Century Songs podcast. Copyright 2026 Someday Songs Music LLC. All rights reserved.