In this concluding episode of the Joys of Jazz series, Bob shares several personal stories about such things as his first hearing and falling in … Continue reading "“45 Revelations Per Minute” & other series"

In this episode, the remarkable jazz violinist talks about her Detroit roots, her important mentors and her special love for playing ballads. In conversation with … Continue reading "REGINA CARTER, Versatile Virtuoso"

As we all make our way through the coronavirus era, the traditional blues, “St. James Infirmary,” seems more apt than ever. A simple yet profound … Continue reading "St. James Infirmary Blues"

Theodore “Fats” Navarro is considered by many to be the greatest of the bebop trumpeters, famous for his full sound, inventive ideas and remarkable execution. … Continue reading "The Fabulous FATS NAVARRO"

The legendary cornet player Bix Beiderbecke is often considered to be the first great white jazz musician. But what is his legacy beyond that? And … Continue reading "Why BIX Matters"

In 1959, Bill Evans and Miles Davis collaborated on the famed Kind of Blue album. Scholars have shown that Evans was responsible for composing some … Continue reading "Blue in Green"

Improvisation is at the heart of  jazz, and throughout its history there have been many great improvisers, but perhaps none has been truer to the … Continue reading "Lee Konitz, Improviser"

Recognized as one of the foremost contemporary jazz trumpeters, Terell Stafford’s path has been marked by many twists, turns, ups and downs. At various times … Continue reading "Terell Stafford’s Circuitous Path to Jazz Stardom"

In this episode Bob talks with the remarkable young singing sensation Veronica Swift, about her parents’ influence and legacy (she is the daughter of bebop … Continue reading "Veronica Swift—”Preserving the Legacy”"

Stan Getz once commented on the genius of pianist Jimmy Rowles, describing him as “the best-kept secret to the public at large since the Mona … Continue reading "Rowles Rules: The Subtle Art of Jimmy Rowles, with Guest Mike Wofford"