Jazz

Part one of Fresh Air's interview with jazz critic and concert producer Dan Morgenstern. He and Terry Gross talk about forming strong bonds with musicians and listen to some of his favorite recordings.

Part two of Fresh Air's interview with jazz critic and concert producer Dan Morgenstern. He and Terry Gross talk about bootleg recordings and ensuring that artists receive fair payment.

Jazz musician player Charlie Byrd explains his development as a guitar player, his interest in classical music, and the influence of bossa nova on his approach to his instrument.

Canadian record producer and music writer John Norris discusses releasing conventional and avant-garde jazz recordings.

Jazz and blues guitar player and singer Joe Williams talks about his experiences touring and his interactions with his audience.

Self-taught jazz guitar player Barney Kessel explains his approach to improvisation, as well as his varied career as an arranger and session musician.

Jazz trumpeter Ted Curson makes a living as a musician in the U.S. and abroad. He shares his thoughts on improvising, staying fit and playing with different ensembles.

After years in dance bands, jazz trombonist Jimmy Knepper made his mark playing with Charles Mingus, with whom he had a fraught relationship.

African-American poet Ntozake Shange tells Terry Gross about how Black liberation, women's movements and jazz have influenced her work. She has a new collection of poetry called Nappy Edges.

Philadelphia-based trombonist Al Grey talks about making a living in jazz and his experience playing with Count Basie's big band.

Al Fraser co-wrote Dizzy Gillespie's autobiography. He tells Terry Gross about the interviews he conducted with iconic jazz musicians during his research.

Red Rodney honed his skills as a trumpet player in Philadelphia. Later, he joined Charlie Parker's band. He tells Fresh Air host Terry Gross about kicking his heroin habit and the kinds of jobs he takes to make a career in music.

Jazz singer Nancy Wilson talks about her career, how she selects what songs to sing and record, and challenges of traveling and performing.

In his regular feature "Interval," jazz critic Francis Davis explains the work of post-bop pianist John Lewis.

Jazz critic Francis Davis takes a look at the brief life and career of baritone saxophonist Serge Chaloff.

In his regular feature "Interval," jazz critic Francis Davis shares his thoughts on jazz pianist Jaki Byard.

Conga player Mongo Santamaria moved from Havana, Cuba to the United States to play jazz music. He later made his name leading salsa bands.

Known for her roles in The Last Picture Show and Taxi Driver, Cybill Shepherd has refocused her career and is now making her name as a jazz singer.

The Philadelphia-born musician made his mark performing with John Coltrane before striking out as a band leader. He explains the continual evolution of his approach to the piano.