Piano music
For classical pianist Jeremy Denk, life is like a series of music lessons
Denk talks about what he learned from his teachers, and his failures, frustrations and pivotal moments as an artist. His new memoir is Every Good Boy Does Fine. Originally broadcast March 21, 2022.
Remembering jazz pianist and composer Jessica Williams
Williams was a dazzling player and a favorite at Fresh Air. She died March 10 at 73. We'll listen back to her 1997 performance and interview.
For classical pianist Jeremy Denk, life is like a series of music lessons
The MacArthur "genius" grant winner talks about what he learned from his piano teachers, and his failures, frustrations and pivotal moments as an artist. Denk's new memoir is Every Good Boy Does Fine.
Erwin Helfer Helps 'Celebrate The Journey' With The Chicago Boogie Ensemble
For Helfer, vintage piano dialects are living traditions, not museum exhibits. The 85-year-old Chicago musician helps keep those traditions alive — and passes that knowledge on — with a new album.
Jon Batiste On Sharing Joy In A Painful Year: 'I Want To Reaffirm People's Humanity'
Jon Batiste reflects on the past year and how music can help, and he plays and sings at the piano.
Pianist Keith Jarrett On The 'Calling' That Drew Him To Jazz
Jarrett is acclaimed for his intense and physically energetic improvised performances. Kevin Whitehead reviews Jarrett's new album, Budapest Concert, and we listen back to a 2000 interview with him.
'Fresh Air' Favorites: Bandleader Jon Batiste
This week, we're listening back to some favorite Fresh Air interviews from the past decade. The bandleader for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert let loose at the piano during this 2018 interview.
Remembering Musician, Singer, Songwriter And Producer Dr. John
New Orleans musician Mac Rebennack, A.K.A. Dr. John, died Thursday at 77. He was known for his raspy voice and hits such as "Right Place, Wrong Time" and "Such A Night." Originally broadcast in '86.
'In The Moment, You Just Fly': Jon Batiste Lets Loose At The Piano
Batiste, the band leader for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, sits at the piano and demonstrates his "everything in the pot" style of playing. Originally broadcast Sept. 26, 2018.
Jazz Pianist Kenny Werner Shines As A Solo Act In 'The Space'
Werner named his new album after his state of mind when he's improvising. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says Werner's piano sings with the voice of experience