Jazz

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new CD "Hubsongs" a new collection of Freddie Hubbard songs performed by Tim Hagans and Marcus Printup. It has been released on Capitol Records.

Jazz singer and pianist Blossom Dearie. She has been called "One of the last of the great supper-club singers". Her following is mainly centered in New York and London. For years, she has performed in London and New York. This year, she is appearing at Danny's Skylight Room in Manhattan.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Fred Hersch Plays Monk: Thelonious" (Nonesuch) and "Monk's World" by Italian pianist Umberto Petrin (on the Splasc label).

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the Rahsaan Roland Kirk reissue "Dog Years in the Fourth Ring" (32/Jazz)

Rock historian Ed Ward considers the music of Mardi Gras.

Writer Susan J. Miller talks about her new book "Never Let Me Down: A Memoir" published by Henry Holt. Her story recounts how at the age of 21 years-old her whole sense of self was changed when her father revealed he had been a heroin addict for 15 years. Miller lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Excerpts from her memoir have appeared in Harper's and Granata. This is her first book.

Drummer Elvin Jones recently celebrated his 70th birthday. His most influential work was with John Coltrane from 1960 to '66. Their Village Vanguard sessions were recently re-released in a CD box set.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews some CD re-issues by Blue Note Records. He recommends “Complete Quartets of Grant Green with Sonny Clark,” “The Complete Roost Recordings,” and “The Complete Herbie Nichols”.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Charles Mingus, Passions of a Man: The Complete Atlantic Recordings 1956-1961" (Rhino)

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews John Coltrane's CD box set of his recordings in 1961 at the Village Vanguard.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the CD “A Prescription for the Blues” (Impulse) by jazz pianist Horace Silver.

An in-studio concert and interview with jazz pianist Jessica Williams, recorded at WHYY. The concert was previewed on last Wednesday's show. It will feature Williams' original songs as well as some interpretations of standards, some from Williams' 1997 release: "Higher Standards" (Candid). Williams has been recording albums, both solo and with ensembles, since 1978. Her music is often featured on Fresh Air between interview segments.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new reissue "I Remember Newport" (Delmark Records, Chicago) featuring accordionist Leon Sash and his trio.

Soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy. He's on a North American tour with his trio through the beginning of December. Lacy is considered "the foremost interpreter of Thelonius Monk" and in fact trained and performed with Monk when he was in his mid-20's. Lacy is also known as the "father of the modern soprano saxophone." He is known for his unmistakable sound, as well as being one of the most prolific sax players performing today.

Preview of our in-studio interview and concert with jazz pianist Jessica Williams. It will air next week.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews Miles Davis works from the 70's which have been reissued on Columbia Records.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "You Must Believe in Swing" (Concord Jazz) featuring pianist Dave McKenna and clarinetist Buddy De Franco.

Jazz singer and guitarist John Pizzarelli. He's put out seven albums in the past two years, playing guitar in his drumless trio, which features his brother Martin on bass. His latest CD, "Our Love is Here to Stay" (RCA) features re-workings of songs by Johnny Mercer to the Gershwins to the Beatles, and this time Pizzarelli interprets these standards along with a 17-piece orchestra. John is the son of jazz guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli.

Jazz critic Kevin White reviews two new CDS featuring Ornette Coleman: "Colors" (Verve/Harmolodic) with Coleman and Joachim Kuhn and Geri Allen's "Eyes in the Back of Your Head" which features Coleman (Blue Note)

In-studio interview and concert with composer Joel Forrester, the co-founder of the Microscopic Septet (now defunct), composer of the Fresh Air theme, and solo pianist with a new cd, "Stop the Music" (Koch Records).