In-Studio Performances

Bill Harley writes music for children. His songs are inspired both by different folk traditions and his experiences as a father. He performs some of his music for Fresh Air guest host Liane Hansen.

Jazz guitarist Marty Grosz returns to Fresh Air to sing songs about cities where he's lived.

Folk singer Michael Cooney says that several classic songs from the early 20th century have verses that never made it onto recordings or sheet music. He joins Fresh Air to sing some of those forgotten words.

New Fresh Air performer-in-residence Dick Hyman plays some of the music of Jelly Roll Morton. Hyman says the pianist and composer bridged the gap between ragtime and jazz, incorporating the phrasing and style of wind and reed players.

Hyman performs and talks about the music of Erroll Garner. Hyman is a composer and arranger. He's worked on several Woody Allen films. He wrote the music for "Purple Rose of Cairo," and was music supervisor for "Radio Days."

Fresh Air performer-in-residence Dick Hyman looks at the early jazz style, discusses some of its early practitioners, and plays some tunes in-studio.

Performer-in-residence Dick Hyman demonstrates the techniques that defined Fats Waller's sound.

Jazz singer Sheila Jordan grew up in a Pennsylvania coal mining town. She says if she had never heard Charlie Parker, she would have become a country singer. She was recently laid off from her day job of 21 years; now she can perform full-time. Bassist Harvie Swartz joins her for an in-studio performance.

Performer-in-residence Dick Hyman talks about the late musician's approach to jazz. Hyman briefly studied with Wilson, who had a light touch and clarinet-like phrasing.

The jazz piano wunderkind performs some classic swing tunes on piano.

The Brazilian, guitar-playing brothers are in Philadelphia as part of their East Coast tour. They talk to Fresh Air guest host Marty Moss-Coane about their early music lessons and influences. The Assads' newest album, Alma Brasileira, features music exclusively by Brazilian composers.

New Orleans-based performer-in-residence Harry Connick, Jr. performs a few classic standards.

Performer-in-residence Harry Connick, Jr. performs a few Duke Ellington songs.

Performer-in-residence Harry Connick, Jr. plays the music of Harold Arlen. While his name may be known to few, Arlen wrote several popular and recognizable songs.

Accordionist and composer Guy Klucevsek joins Fresh Air to perform a solo arrangement of a new work, and to play a recording of a recent musical collaboration. He's slated to perform at the Brooklyn Academy of Music's Next Wave Festival.

Performer-in-residence Harry Connick, Jr. plays songs by Matt Dennis and Cole Porter.

Performer-in-residence Harry Connick, Jr. performs to two tunes about his hometown.

Pianist Harry Connick, Jr. makes his final appearance as Fresh Air's performer-in-residence. Today he examines the style of Thelonious Monk.

New Fresh Air performer-in-residence Dr. John performs a few of his favorite Hoagy Carmichael songs.

Fresh Air performer-in-residence, born Malcom Rebennack, plays some of the blues songs that influenced his own music.