Oct 5th, 2008 · A new musical by choreographer Bill T. Jones explores the controversial life and legacy of Nigerian musical revolutionary Fela Kuti. Fela pioneered Afrobeat, blending African harmonies and rhythms, jazz, funk (and even a little James Brown) with satirical lyrics criticizing the Nigerian government.
Oct 3rd, 2008 · The brilliant song stylist Nancy Wilson has recorded over 60 albums and moved effortlessly between jazz, pop, and R&B. Most recently, Wilson hosted NPR's popular program, Jazz Profiles. She joins McPartland to swap stories and sing songs, including "Easy Living" and "The Nearness of You."
Oct 2nd, 2008 · Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the debut album from Richmond, Va.-based jazz nonet Fight the Big Bull.
Sep 30th, 2008 · In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, here are five Latin interpretations of songs written by jazz musicians, a process that isn't as easy as playing the chords of a jazz composition over a mambo rhythm.
Sep 26th, 2008 · Chick Corea has been a major force in music for nearly 40 years. His inventive improvisations and musical ideas have made him one of the most important figures in modern jazz. On this 1987 program, recorded at Corea's Madhatter studio, Marian McPartland plays the Fender Rhodes and Corea plays his KX5 synthesizer in "Crystal Silence."
Sep 25th, 2008 · The phenomenal Bireli Lagrene can play anything, but his music extends a vital French tradition. The French guitarist has celebrated the hot club jazz of Django Reinhardt ever since the release of his first CD at age 13. Here, Lagrene performs with the Lausanne Big Band at a concert recorded in Switzerland.
Sep 24th, 2008 · Bassist Charlie Haden is known as a great jazz musician, but his lineage is all country: Growing up, he performed alongside his brothers and sister in the Haden Family Band, a country group led by parents, Carl and Virginia.
Sep 23rd, 2008 · Known for his articulation and clarity as both an ensemble player and an expressive soloist, trumpeter Doc Cheatham was comfortable playing big, brassy music. But his sound could also be soft and delicate.