Abe Beeson
HostAbe Beeson is a former host of Jazz24 and has been hosting radio shows on KNKX since 1998. He currently hosts Midday Jazz, Studio Sessions Spotlight and The New Cool on KNKX.
Abe grew up in Western Washington, a 3rd generation Seattle/Tacoma kid. It was as a student in college that Abe landed his first job at Jazz24, editing and producing audio for news stories. It was a Christmas Day shift no one else wanted that gave Abe his first on-air experience which led to overnights, then Saturday afternoons, and he’s been hosting Evening Jazz since 1998.
His most memorable Jazz24 radio moments include introducing Dave Brubeck, Ray Charles, Oscar Peterson and other greats; attending the San Sebastian Jazz Festival in Spain with a group of Jazz24 fans; and locking himself out of the station on a particularly cold winter night.
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Saxophonist Donny McCaslin shares his experience collaborating with David Bowie on his final album, detailing their initial meeting and covert recording process. -
Jazz trumpeter Marquis Hill explores his connection to the jazz greats, his passion for education, and how his band Blacktet blends tradition with modern influences. -
A talented "homebody" who spent years flying under the radar, vocalist Kenny Washington steps into the spotlight in his sixties. -
Grammy-winning vocalist Kurt Elling and veteran pianist Joey Calderazzo have a knack for groundbreaking creativity, born from their palpable musical connection. -
Seattle instrumental group Polyrhythmics discuss how their distinct jazz-funk and Afrobeat sound is shaped by a 'two-way street' with their fans. -
Musician Roy McCurdy revisits his time in Cannonball Adderley's band and highlights a live recording of the saxophonist from Seattle’s historic jazz club, The Penthouse. -
Five-time Grammy-winning bassist Victor Wooten shares his journey to becoming the 'spine of the band,' and his philosophy on music as a catalyst for growth and connection. -
From Miles Davis influences to custom-built pedals, jazz cellist Jacob Szekely is pushing the cello beyond its traditional 300-year history. -
Saxophonist Cliff Colon, keyboardist Jake Sele, and drummer D'Vonne Lewis create smooth, organ-led jazz arrangements of classic hits from Nirvana and Pearl Jam. -
Alto saxophonist Vincent Herring heard jazz growing up, but he was more into pop music. With his Something Else! band, he blends the two styles into something fresh.
