Jazz

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead profiles trombonist and composer Rod Levitt. Levitt, who wrote for marching bands and played in the pit at Radio City Music Hall, drew from every musical style available in the 50s.

New Orleans pianist and singer Mac Rebennack, a.k.a. Dr. John, performs the last segment of a seven-part performance series. Up to now he's payed homage to other New Orleans musicians, like Professor Longhair and Louis Armstrong. But this time he plays his own music. He calls it "homegrown Dr. John the Night Tripper Music."

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead pays tribute to bandleader and arranger Gil Evans, who died on March 20. A reissue of Evans' music from the early 60s has just been released, and Whitehead uses that record to comment on Evans' varied contribution over the course of his 40-year career.

The third of a seven-part performance series with Dr. John, the New Orleans pianist who is also known as Mac Rebennack.

The first in a seven-part series of performance pieces with Mac Rebennack, better known as Dr. John. Today, a tribute to legendary New Orleans pianist Professor Longhair.