Jazz’s highest-profile competition recently crowned a new victor in a star-studded gala. But for the Thelonious Monk Institute, competition is only a small part of its desire to be back out West.
A Jazz Institution Moves Back Home To Los Angeles
Revive Big Band At Berklee
What would it sound like if someone bridged the gap between large ensemble jazz and classic hip-hop anthems? One multi-generational group of musicians has made it their aim to find out.
‘Heathens From The Bayous': Cajun And Creole Culture In Lafayette
“All this was community,” BeauSoleil’s Michael Doucet says. “This was not meant for the world, in a sense. It was just for the community to get together and have a good time and share.”
When The Lights Go Down, Who Will Hear ‘The Last Transmission’?
Famed film director Melvin Van Peebles joined the band The Heliocentrics to create music inspired by the sounds and signals of deep space exploration.
Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet Live Studio Session
The Marsalis family is The First Family Of Jazz with father Ellis and sons Branford, Wynton, Delfeayo and Jason. Jason, the youngest brother, has been making great music for years as a jazz drummer. Recently, though, he broadened his percussion palette by mastering the vibraphone. We were pleased to host the newly-minted Jason Marsalis Vibes […]
Halloween With Karrin Allyson
Vocalist and pianist Karrin Allyson is a longtime friend and frequent studio session guest at KPLU. This year, she joined us on Halloween and began her live session with an appropriate song, a jazz version of “Spooky.” Following that, she and her old buddy, jazz host Dick Stein, talked about life, music and such things. […]
Very Very Henry Threadgill
The saxophonist and composer, now 70, has always pushed boundaries. Harlem Stage celebrates his career with a two-day concert retrospective of his various groundbreaking ensembles.
Pete Jolly On Piano Jazz
On this 1986 episode of Piano Jazz, Jolly demonstrates his swinging piano style with a solo in “You, The Night And The Music.” Then, host Marian McPartland joins in for a performance of “Barbados.”
Viking’s Choice: Kid Millions & Jim Sauter, ‘Game Jump’
Borbetomagus’ Jim Sauter stabs at his feedback-ridden sax while Oneida’s Kid Millions enters a manic headspace with hydra-armed drum work. It’s improvised mayhem, but it seems to grin from ear to ear.
Jon Batiste Leads A Private Street Parade Atop A Fort
O’er the ramparts of 190-year-old Fort Adams, we watched the keyboardist and bandleader urge us to “Believe In Love,” accompanied by his Stay Human band, and then saunter away.