Jazz

Composer Antonio Carlos Jobim, who introduced America and Europe to bossa nova, the sensual, urbane musical idiom of Brazil. Before he started composing bossa novas in the 50s, he wrote symphonies, drawing from his training as a classical musician. His most widely circulated works include "The Girl from Ipanema" and "Desafinado."

Blues singer Moses Rascoe sings "St. Louis Blues." Rascoe, who retired from truck driving in 1983, was discovered at a folk society performance in York, Pa. (Interview by Marty Moss-Coane)

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews two new albums featuring trumpeter Paul Smoker. Smoker studied trumpet with Doc Severinsen and has played in a varied of settings, including orchestras, brass quintets and circus bands.

Composer William Bolcom. He is best known for his humorous and accomplished piano accompaniment of his wife, the singer Joan Morris, in their performances of American popular songs. His own compositions include the vast choral cantata "Songs of Innocence and Experience," that sets the poems of William Blake to music. He won this year's Pulitzer Prize in Music. Bolcom is also renown for his ragtime compositions, especially his work "Graceful Ghost."

Exiled South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela. In the 60's, Masekela was probably best known for his instrumental hit, "Grazing In The Grass." More recently, Masekela performed with Paul Simon during his the Graceland tour.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews a CD reissue of the recordings of tenor saxophonist Don Byas. The recording is titled "Don Byas on Blue Star," and captures the highlights of his recorded work during the period between 1947 and 1952.

Cabaret singer Wesla [sometimes Weslia] Whitfield. Ten years ago, she was paralyzed after she was shot in the back during a hold-up. She has since established herself as one of San Francisco's most popular cabaret singers.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Twilight Dreams," the third album by Lester Bowie's Brass Fantasy. With the exception of drums, the band consists entirely of brass instruments.

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."

British conductor Simon Rattle. While Rattle has won acclaim for his guest conducting in America and Europe, he is best known for the success of his City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Rattle's success has created a new legitimacy in England for regional orchestras. The orchestra is now touring in America.