Jay Leonhart on Piano Jazz
The turning point which propelled musician Jay Leonhart to take up the bass was hearing Ray Brown with the Oscar Peterson Trio in 1955. He has since become a superior bassist, a witty lyricist, and a...
View ArticleEric Mintel on Piano Jazz
Pianist Eric Mintel is on a mission to bring jazz to the masses. His playing is straight-ahead but energetic, lyrical, and always swinging. With his quartet, he has engaged audiences at the White...
View ArticleMax Roach on Piano Jazz
Being a legendary drummer was only part of Max Roach’s musical personality; he was also an accomplished composer and storyteller. On this 1998 Piano Jazz, Roach (1924 – 2007) relates a few of his...
View ArticleJane Ira Bloom on Piano Jazz
A supreme soprano sax player, Jane Ira Bloom is known for her innovative use of movement and her high-energy compositions. Her debut album, Modern Drama, caught the attention of NASA, who...
View ArticleBobby Enriquez on Piano Jazz
A florid, flamboyant pianist, Bobby Enriquez (1943–1996) was called “the Wild Man of jazz,” a reference to his karate-like attack with fists, elbows, and palms hitting the keyboard. Although he never...
View ArticleSergio Salvatore on Piano Jazz
Sergio Salvatore was only 14-years-old when he was McPartland’s guest 20 ago, but he was already making the jazz world sit up and take notice. This young composer, pianist, and improviser is a...
View ArticleMark Murphy on Piano Jazz
Regarded as one of the world’s hippest jazz vocalists, Mark Murphy (1932 – 2015) epitomized the jazz singer. He was discovered by Sammy Davis Jr. in 1953, and remained true to his art throughout his...
View ArticleHarold Mabern on Piano Jazz
Harold Mabern, born March 20, 1936, is one of New York’s most requested pianists and a staple of Japan’s jazz scene. A mainly self-taught musician, his style is influenced by Art Tatum, Chris...
View Article"The Music of Marian McPartland" on Piano Jazz
Of all McPartland’s attributes, possibly the most underrated is her ability as a composer. Her piano pieces have entered the jazz repertoire and some of her songs—with lyrics by such stars as Johnny...
View ArticlePaul Bley on Piano Jazz
Legendary leader of the jazz avant-garde, pianist Paul Bley (1932 – 2015) cultivated his own musical vision and influenced a generation of performers. Throughout his life, he remained on the cutting...
View ArticleBarbara Lea on Piano Jazz
Vocalist Barbara Lea (1929 – 2011) was a widely respected and admired interpreter of classic American popular song. She started her career in the 1950s, and the Downbeat Critic’s Poll of 1956...
View ArticleAyako Shirasaki on Piano Jazz
Originally from Japan, pianist Ayako Shirasaki showed an early talent for jazz and classical styles. As an adult, she moved to New York and entered the Manhattan School of Music, where she studied...
View ArticleProgram Listings for Piano Jazz
News Stations: Saturdays, 8 pm | Classical Station: Sundays, 7 pmApril 2/3: Paul Bley
View ArticleMike Longo on Piano Jazz
Mike Longo performed his first gig at fifteen with saxophonist Cannonball Adderley, who was at that time an unknown. Since then, Longo has played with, taught, and composed for many other jazz...
View ArticlePhil Woods on Piano Jazz
Saxophonist Phil Woods (1931 – 2015) was a true master of bebop. Whether weaving jazz improvisations with other members of his group or playing feisty crackling licks on cool solos, Woods’ playing...
View ArticleRose Murphy on Piano Jazz
Rose Murphy Rose Murphy (1913 - 1989) was a legendary singer and pianist who starred at Café Society in the heyday of New York’s jazz scene. She made history with her version of “I Can’t Give You...
View ArticleJim Ferguson on Piano Jazz
Bassist and vocalist Jim Ferguson got his start in South Carolina, where his father was a church music director. He picked up the bass late in high school and learned to play on the job before taking...
View ArticleTania Marie on Piano Jazz
Born in Brazil to a musical family, pianist and vocalist Tania Maria was leading her own group of professional musicians by the time she was thirteen. In the 1970s she moved to Paris, and she first...
View ArticleEden Atwood on Piano Jazz
One of the rare jazz discoveries of her generation, Eden Atwood has a voice that has been described as beautiful and refreshing. The daughter of arranger-composer Hub Atwood, she studied piano as a...
View ArticleJon Batiste on Piano Jazz
Pianist and bandleader Jon Batiste hails from the cradle of jazz, Louisiana. Now the leader of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert house band Stay Human, he has collaborated with Harry Connick Jr.,...
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