Myra Melford's Myriad Sounds

Jazz Night in America profiles multi-dimensional pianist and composer Myra Melford, who takes us on a musical journey across the spectrum, from the avant-garde to the blues.

Pianist Helen Sung: From Classical Outsider To The Jazz Inner...

Sung reflects on how, as a young classical pianist, she stuck to her jazz dreams. More recently, she's translated her emotions on social justice into a thematic composition for her quartet.

A Fine Romance: Jazz & Valentine's Day

Celebrate Valentine's Day with classic songs of love from a 2018 Jazz at Lincoln Center concert, featuring vocalists Brianna Thomas, Vuyo Sotashe and an all-star big band.

Lost (And Found) In Yonkers: The Billy Lester Story

Jazz Night shines a light on the reclusive 74-year-old pianist Billy Lester. Lester has spent his whole life in Yonkers, N.Y. We hear his story and listen back to a trio set recorded in 2019.

In Memoriam: Jazz Night Radio Remembers 10 Musicians Who Altered...

We remember luminaries we lost this year in our In Memoriam program: Jimmy Heath; Lee Konitz; Càndido; Tony Allen; Annie Ross; Freddy Cole; Gary Peacock; Henry Grimes; Wallace Roney; and McCoy Tyner.

Ring In The Holiday Season With Sherman Irby

Sherman Irby, saxophonist in the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, brings a fresh take to holiday favorites with his quintet. Christian McBride hosts.

Crate Digging With Christian McBride: Joe Zawinul And 50 Years Of...

Hear an electric fusion set from keyboardist Joe Zawinul and The Zawinul Syndicate in concert from 2006. We also celebrate 50 years of Weather Report with co-founder Wayne Shorter and other alumni.

Crate Digging With Christian McBride: The History Of Latin Bass

Hear the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra in 2006, with four virtuoso bassists: Rubén Rodríguez, Charnett Moffett, the late Andy González, and the mighty Cachao, two years before his death.

Swinging The Clouds Away: Jazz Takes Over Sesame Street

On this show, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis invite the Sesame Street gang onstage. Plus, trombonist Joe Fielder's Open Sesame share rare songs from the Sesame songbook.

Social Music In An Age Of Social Distancing

How is the Philadelphia jazz community responding to the global pandemic? Pianist Orrin Evans and other musicians are taking on the challenge.

Meet the NEA Jazz Masters, Class of 2020

Bird Lives! A Charlie Parker Centennial, With Strings Attached

Charlie Parker with Strings was the most commercially successful project of his all-too-brief career. We'll examine the backstory and hear rare selections from the collaboration.

The Modern All-Stars: A Newport Jazz Festival Special

Hear a power hour of all-stars with some of the best sets to come out of the modern era of the Newport Jazz Festival, featuring Herbie Hancock, Roy Hargrove, Cécile McLorin Salvant and more.

The Stars Shine: A Newport Jazz Festival Special

Hear historic music from the Newport Jazz Festival, hand-picked by Christian McBride. Tune in to rare sets from Ray Charles, Cannonball Adderley, Sarah Vaughan, Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong.

The Golden Age: A Newport Jazz Festival Special

Hear an unforgettable lineup of music from the Newport Jazz Festival, hand-picked by Christian McBride. Check out rare sets from the Clifford Brown/Max Roach Quintet, Dave Brubeck and Horace Silver.

Inspired By Injustice, Wynton Marsalis Reflects On His Music

Host Christian McBride and trumpeter/composer Wynton Marsalis reflect on Marsalis' studio recordings that address injustices and speak about the role music plays in speaking truth to power.

The Evolution Of Jon Batiste

Jon Batiste was born for show business. Hear him play an intimate set in New York and on our radio show as we trace his story to his current gig as band leader of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Stefon Harris: A Generation's Preeminent Voice Of The...

Vibraphonist Stefon Harris gives us a lesson in empathy on and off the bandstand with his band Blackout.

Jazz And Art Take Center Stage To Form 'Portraits Of America...

Let's go to the museum with our ears. Members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis explain their work inspired by the collection at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

'Smile' With A Performance By Pianist Monty Alexander...

Hear a concert with pianist Monty Alexander and bassist Ray Brown from 2000. Host Christian McBride picks his favorite songs from the gig that puts both musicians' joy and camaraderie on full display.

Jazz Vocalist René Marie Is Determined To Craft Songs With Moral...

Jazz Night in America features music from vocalist and songwriter René Marie. We'll hear the stories behind her songs and how she helps people feel more vulnerable and less afraid.

Camille Thurman Finds Her Voice On A Journey To Jazz At Lincoln...

We explore the jazz roots of saxophonist and vocalist Camille Thurman's home borough of Queens and hear her play with both the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and with her band.

Bassist Linda May Han Oh Is A Musician Rooted In Curiosity

From her roots in Australia to her growth in New York City, we hear the origin story of bassist and composer Linda May Han Oh and feature music from her latest project.

Baltimore Rebirth: A New Bloom Of Jazz In Charm City

We bring you the glory, the decline and the renewal of jazz in Baltimore with trumpeter Sean Jones, NEA Jazz Master Todd Barkan and The Baltimore Jazz Collective.

'Jazz Night In America' Remembers Artists We Lost In...

We are showing our deep appreciation for some of the greats who left us in 2019: Dr. John, Joseph Jarman, Ethel Ennis, Larry Willis, Ray Santos and Harold Mabern.

The South African Songbook: Jazz Musicians Who Stayed During...

We celebrate 25 Years of democracy in South Africa by focusing on the trailblazers that stayed during the brutal era of apartheid, featuring Herbie Tsoaeli and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

A Mambo Expedition In The Valley Of The Sun

Jazz Night stops by the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix. Hear a recap of a tour — the museum hosts more than 370 exhibits — and a performance by mambo big band Orquesta Akokán.

Take Three: Three Different Styles of Jazz Vocalists

Jazz Night in America offers a three-artist sampler of vocalists. Get introduced to the gospel roots of Quiana Lynell, the salsa stylings of Jeremy Bosch and the harmonizing trio Duchess.

Andy Bey At 80: A Love Letter To A Jazz Legend

We revisit pianist, singer and composer Andy Bey throughout his life: growing up in Newark, N.J., working with Horace Silver, performing during his 1990s renaissance and now, looking back at 80.

Gregory Porter: Personal Stories For Universal Songs

Host Christian McBride chats with singer-songwriter Gregory Porter about his journey as an ascendent talent.

A Toast To The Montreal International Jazz Festival At 40: Jazz,...

We celebrate 40 years of The Montreal International Jazz Festival with iconic performances and unique stories including Ella Fitzgerald, Dave Brubeck, Diana Krall, Oscar Peterson and Pat Metheny.

Electric Miles: Behind The 'Brew'

We celebrate the 50th anniversary of Miles Davis going electric for Bitches Brew — part controversial, part revolutionary and as a whole, historic.

'The Black Messiah' And The Legacy Of Cannonball...

Julian "Cannonball" Adderley left a monumental legacy during his two decades in the spotlight. Revisit his music with old bandmates and Patrick Bartley Jr.'s young New York band.

The Artistic Duality Of Drummer Mark Guiliana

Explore two sides of Mark Guiliana's creative brain, with two different sounding bands, from two hemispheres of the globe: The Mark Guiliana Jazz Quartet from Amsterdam and Beat Music from Brooklyn.

Good Gracious! Words Of Wisdom And Soulful Reflection From '...

Host Christian McBride sits down with saxophonist Lou Donaldson to talk about Lou's life as a performer, his thoughts on jazz today and how hip-hop brought new ears to his music.

Turtle Island Quartet Joins Cyrus Chestnut With Global Gospel...

Watch Carry Me Home, a program from Turtle Island, the hardest working string quartet in jazz, and their latest collaborator, pianist Cyrus Chestnut.

ECM At Big Ears: A Boundless Label Meets A Broadminded Festival

We head to the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville for the 50th anniversary of ECM Records. Hear three riveting performances by Carla Bley, Avishai Cohen and Nik Bärtsch's Ronin.

Cleveland's Joe Lovano Comes Home

Every December, saxophonist Joe Lovano travels home to Cleveland to throw himself a birthday concert. We hear tales of Lovano family lore, and a get a slice of his musical past and present.

Women To Watch: 3 Young Jazz Artists You Need To Know

Alto saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin, tenor saxophonist María Grand and vocalist and flutist Melanie Charles each talk about their artistic process.

No Man's Band: All-Female Jazz Orchestras Then and Now

The DIVA Jazz Orchestra celebrates 25 years, and one of the last surviving members of the International Sweethearts of Rhythm reflects on the legacies of all-female big bands.

Makaya McCraven: The Brain Behind The Mind-Bending Beats

Drummer/producer Makaya McCraven creates beat-driven jazz with post-production wizardry.

Oscar-Nominated Terence Blanchard On 30 Years Of Jazz And Film...

Trumpeter Terence Blanchard has career spanning three decades in both jazz and film scoring. We dive into his work with Spike Lee, his E-Collective band and a new commission.

A Reunion Of Brotherly Love: Joey DeFrancesco Traces His Roots

Organ talent Joey DeFrancesco reconnects with Christian McBride in an elaborate showdown, ultimately celebrating their deep love for jazz tradition.

'Jazz Night In America' Remembers Artists We Lost In...

Friends of the show offer memories and music of pianist Cecil Taylor, Village Vanguard owner Lorraine Gordon, South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela and trumpeter Roy Hargrove.

Big Band Holiday Cheer With The Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra

Listen to your favorite holiday classics from the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with guest vocalist Catherine Russell, recorded live in New York City at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

At 80, Saxophonist Charles Lloyd Finds Enlightenment in the Groove

In this episode of Jazz Night in America, we get a taste of Lloyd's collaboration with Lucinda Williams, along with choice moments from his recent appearances at Lincoln Center.

Women In Jazz? For Artemis, It's Bigger Than A Cause

The "all-female" framework is both integral to the jazz supergroup Artemis and somehow beside the point.

Into the Vault: Erroll Garner Uncovered

Take an essential and unprecedented glimpse into the music and life of the groundbreaking pianist-composer.

How Benny Green Saw His Jazz Horizon

The pianist shares his thoughts on the state of jazz and jazz education in conversation with Christian McBride.

The GroundUP Music Festival Brings Even More Heat to Miami

GroundUP is unlike any other musical event. Lines blur between artist and fan, and spill onto Miami Beach. Hear a jazz sampler from the 2018 line-up.

At The Helm: Harold Mabern, Stalwart Accompanist, At 82

Harold Mabern has been one of jazz's most consistent accompanists over the last 60 years. In this episode of Jazz Night in America, we explore some of that history with him.

What Makes A Jazz Standard?

Christian McBride of Jazz Night in America joins NPR's Audie Cornish with a few criteria for what turns a regular composition into a canonized classic.

Jazz Giants Take The Stage At The NEA Jazz Masters Listening Party

Jason Moran sat down with the NEA Jazz Masters to talk about their careers and listen to music that played important roles in their lives.

Jazzmeia Horn Enters The Jazz-Vocal Pantheon

A singer of ironclad capability, creative drive and irrepressible panache, she has emerged as the breakout new talent in a formidable jazz-vocal tradition.

Jane Bunnett And Maqueque: The New Queens of Afro-Cuban Jazz

Canadian saxophonist and flutist Jane Bunnett has dedicated her life to Cuban music. Her latest project is Maqueque, an all-female band of young Cuban artists blending folkloric grooves and jazz.

Marian McPartland: A Centennial Celebration

No jazz musician has ever been heard more on public radio than the late Marian McPartland. But for all her ubiquity, how well did we really know her?

Lizz Wright: Finding Grace In The South

Vocalist Lizz Wright takes us on a road trip tracing her Southern roots in her home state of Georgia — and we hear a performance from a concert recorded in Atlanta at the Variety Playhouse.

Fred Hersch And The Art Of Introspection

We join the pianist at his loft in SoHo to talk about his upbringing in Cincinnati, late-night gigs in New York, his recovery from a coma in 2008, and his adaptation of Walt Whitman's poetry.

Wayne Shorter: Artist In Residence At The Detroit Jazz Festival

This episode focuses on a highlight of the saxophonist's banner year: the time he spent as artist in residence at the Detroit Jazz Festival.

'Jazz Night In America' Remembers Artists We Lost In...

Friends of our program honor a handful of departed artists, celebrating their lives in an episode filled with insight, humor and plenty of music.

How Grover Washington Jr. Defined And Transcended 'Smooth...

In this radio episode, Jazz Night in America takes you to a tribute concert honoring the late musician, whose soulful sound was more than just "smooth."

Louis Hayes Celebrates His 80th Birthday In A Packed Jazz Club

Jazz Night in America takes you to Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, where the hard-bop drummer celebrated his debut as a band leader and talked about fond memories and favorite sessions.

Talent And Tourism Keep Blues Alive In Clarksdale, Mississippi

Join Jazz Night in America on a visit to Clarksdale, Miss., where struggling musicians are reaping the benefits of blues tourism.

At Ojai Music Festival, Vijay Iyer Showcases Improvisation

As music director for the distinguished festival, Iyer united jazz and classical artists with a passion for spontaneity.

Cyrille Aimée And Daymé Arocena Make Jazz Their Own

The vocalists brought '30s gypsy swing and modern Afro-Cuban influences to their 2017 San Jose Jazz Summer Fest performances.

Aww Yeah, Summertime — With The Robert Glasper Experiment

This special summer festival episode features a clever synthesis of hip-hop, R&B and soul, recorded live across two music festivals in New York City.

'A Pocketful Of Blues': Charles Lloyd On 'Passin...

The saxophonist, one of jazz's enlightened elders, reflects in an interview on his latest album with his New Quartet and on remaining in the moment while rifling through his back pages.

Buster Williams: The Low End Maestro

The low end has always been terra firma for Williams, one of the all-time great bassists in modern jazz. Hear highlights of a recent set with his post-bop ensemble, Something More.

Get To Know London's Thriving Jazz Scene (By Way Of Austin,...

Players like Moses Boyd, Shabaka Hutchings and Sarathy Korwar drive London's jazz scene forward with sounds from around the world. In March, SXSW hosted all three for an up-to-the minute dispatch.

Dee Dee Bridgewater: Fearless And Free

In words as well as music, hear how seriously Bridgewater takes her role as a music mentor and how it connects to her own experience in the jazz lineage.

The 2017 NEA Jazz Masters, In Their Own Words

Hear how the artists honored by the NEA this year — Dee Dee Bridgewater, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Dave Holland, Dick Hyman and Ira Gitler — earned their stripes and paid their jazz dues.

Muldrow Meets Mingus

Vocalist and producer Georgia Anne Muldrow's interpretive tribute to Charles Mingus aligns with the Afrocentric current that flows through underground hip-hop, avant-R&B and psychedelic soul.

Jazz On Film And The Problem Of The Mad Creative Genius

Jazz Night in America host Christian McBride reflects on how movies about his art form — including La La Land and a new Lee Morgan documentary — tend to paint the working jazz musician.

From The Critic's Desk: A Preview Of 2017 In Jazz

Jazz critic Nate Chinen and Jazz Night In America's Christian McBride discuss a few of this year's hotly anticipated albums, including new work by Miguel Zenón and Kevin Eubanks.

Marilyn Maye: The Queen Of Cabaret

The 88-year-old singer and actress is a living legend. She's performed with artists like Count Basie and Charlie Parker, and appeared on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson an unprecedented 76 times.

Toast Of The Nation 2017

Celebrate the New Year from Blue Note venues around the world. The lineup includes The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Joshua Redman and Brad Meldau, Fred Hersch, Ron Carter, Buika and Dee Dee Bridgewater.

Looking Back To Move Forward: Celebrating Jazz Artists We Lost in...

Jazz lost great players in 2016, including Paul Bley, Gato Barbieri and three musicians we're profiling — vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, harmonica player Toots Thielemans and bassist Victor Bailey.

'Harlem River Drive' Revisited With Eddie Palmieri

Palmieri's classic Latin funk album remains relevant 45 years later. This performance shows why.

As 2016 Winds Down, Remembering The Jazz Giants We Lost

Jazz Night in America host Christian McBride honors Bobby Hutcherson, Toots Thielemens and Victor Bailey, three prominent jazz musicians who passed away this year.

Musical Cannibalism With Cyro Baptista

The Brazilian percussionist lives by the philosophy of "cultural cannibalism" — eating, digesting and regurgitating culture and information to create experimental music.

The Lush Life Of Billy Strayhorn

The composer was remarkable not only for his harmonically rich collaborations with Duke Ellington, but for living as an openly gay black man in the 1940s.

Down Home In Treme With John Boutté And Shannon Powell

New Orleans is a place where you throw a parade for a funeral, where joyful music is found in struggle. In this concert documentary, two local legends show off their hometown pride.

Herbie Hancock's Latest Voyage

Herbie Hancock and his latest band push the boundaries of jazz in a concert at the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival in New York City.

Oliver Jones: A Canadian Jazz Legend Heads Home

Oliver Jones may be the most famous living jazz pianist you've never heard of. But in Canada, Oliver Jones is a champion for jazz — adored in his native Quebec and across the country.

Dance Like Animals In Wynton Marsalis' 'Spaces'

Tap dancer Jared Grimes and street dancer Lil Buck embody animals in Marsalis' new jazz suite.

Three Miles Ahead

Hear three interpretations of the musical icon: on screen, with actor and director Don Cheadle; on the page, with co-biographer Quincy Troupe; and on stage, with trumpeter Keyon Harrold.

Cecile McLorin Salvant And Sullivan Fortner

The communication between piano and voice often becomes deeply personal. Two rising stars of their instruments prove as much in duet at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

The Eminence Of J.J. Johnson, And His Partnership With Kai Winding

Among J.J. Johnson's greatest recordings pair him with fellow trombonist Kai Winding. At Jazz at Lincoln Center, Vincent Gardner takes on the music of his instrument's bebop pioneer.

Randy Weston At 90

The eminent pianist was the guest of honor at this year's Panama Jazz Festival. His quintet performs, and host Christian McBride speaks with the great musician.

The Ray Charles Songbook

Trumpeter Kenny Rampton launched his career on the road with the great performer. At Jazz at Lincoln Center, he presents Ray's music in the most authentic way he can.

Beyond Country And Blues: The Jazz Legacy Of Houston, Texas

Though not well known for its jazz scene, Houston has produced some of the country's best jazz musicians, including Jason Moran.

Return Of The Jazz Harp

Brandee Younger and Edmar Castañeda are bringing the ancient instrument back to the music. Hear concerts recorded at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Leroy Jones' New Orleans Strut

At the Dew Drop Jazz Hall across the lake from the city, music has been performed for more than a century. One of New Orleans' great trumpeters leads his sextet in concert.

Catherine Russell: Sunny Side Of The Street

More than 30 years ago, Sy Oliver arranged a book of music for female vocal trio, for one concert only. The singer Catherine Russell unearths those arrangements at Jazz At Lincoln Center.

Vanguard Jazz Orchestra: 50 Years Of Mondays

The Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra, the most influential modern big band, played on Monday nights at the Village Vanguard in New York. For its 50th anniversary, its successor performs a salute.

Carlos Henriquez: The Bronx Pyramid

The bassist spends a lot of time in midtown Manhattan for his day job with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. But his roots, and the music he's made about them, are uptown.

3 Artists From Abroad, For International Jazz Day

Bassist and Jazz Night In America host Christian McBride spotlights a vocalist from France, a drummer from Mexico and a trumpet-playing South African legend.

The Legacy Of The Benny Goodman Quartet

The small group that made a bespectacled white clarinetist a star happened to be of jazz's first racially integrated bands. Wendell Pierce and four young clarinetists tell the story live on stage.

Jymie Merritt: The Beat Goes Deep

The Philadelphia bassist, soon to be 90, played with Blakey, Morgan and Roach. But in all that, he also developed his own rhythmic and harmonic concept. Appropriately, it's called Forerunner.

Ibrahim Maalouf Plays Umm Kulthum

Born in Lebanon and raised in France, trained in both Western classical and traditional Arabic music, the trumpeter has always bridged worlds. He puts a jazz spin on the Arab world's most famous star.

Danilo Pérez: A Man, A Plan, A Canal, Panama

For the pianist and founder, the Panama Jazz Festival is much more than a bunch of concerts in his hometown. It's an exhibition of how music can change a neighborhood, a political climate or a life.

Snarky Puppy: 'Music For The Brain And Booty'

The instrumental band's deep, beyond-category grooves just earned a second Grammy Award. But as a live show in Dallas reveals, its sound is inseparable from church — and the state of Texas.

The ELEW Trio With Veal And Tain

Pianist Eric Lewis did a turn in the crossover celebrity spotlight with his "rockjazz" method. But he pledges allegiance to "the jazz republic" in a new trio with Reginald Veal and Jeff Watts.

Christian McBride's 'The Movement Revisited'

Jazz Night In America's host happens to be a Grammy-winning bassist, and he's written a special work. Hear a bluesy, soulful oratorio for big band and gospel choir, inspired by civil-rights icons.

At The DC Jazz Loft

How do major musicians make it happen away from major hubs? We sought out DIY presenter CapitalBop as it presented Kris Funn and Warren Wolf at a converted-warehouse stage for the DC Jazz Festival.

James P. Johnson: The Father Of Stride

The early-20th-century musician's seminal work represents the cornerstone of jazz piano conception. Pianists like Aaron Diehl, Ethan Iverson, Marc Cary and ELEW pay tribute.

Jazz At Lincoln Center Celebrates 'Big Band Holidays'

To ring in the season, we cozy up with members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra — and hear both their original arrangements and favorite holiday memories.

Christian McBride's Christmas Jazz Playlist

These days, the host of Jazz Night In America looks for old and forgotten gems during the holiday season. He weighs in with surprisingly different and joyous tunes — plus, of course, James Brown.

The Ladybugs Do Disney

Lead singers Martina DaSilva and Kate Davis immediately recall an era when intricate vocal harmonies were more common in jazz. Appropriately, they take on the music of classic Walt Disney films.

Wayne Horvitz: The Pianist And The Poet

In Seattle, he books a club, teaches college and high-school kids, and leads a lot of different bands. So it makes sense that his new project was inspired by the locally born writer Richard Hugo.

Sabertooth, Or The 23-Year Midnight Gig

At Chicago's Green Mill, one band has owned Saturday's after-hours set for decades. Jazz Night stays up with drunks, devotees and the organ quartet of saxophonists Pat Mallinger and Cameron Pfiffner.

Christian McBride On Ray Brown's Bass And James Brown's...

Over the last year, the bassist and NPR's Audie Cornish have discussed and dissected everything about jazz. Their latest chat, held for a live audience, focuses on how his own career started.

Michael Mwenso And The Late Night All-Stars

After the headliners and their crowds have left, a community of up-and-coming artists — brought together by a vocalist and natural ringleader — assembles in a corner of Jazz at Lincoln Center.

The Making Of Marquis Hill

Hill may be a rising star of jazz trumpet, but it took a village of mentors, peers and other opportunities to enable him to grow. So Jazz Night went to Chicago to find out where he came from.

Arturo O'Farrill Presents 'Cuba: The Conversation...

An economic blockade between the U.S. and Cuba didn't prevent jazz from traveling between the countries. But what if the dialogue could flow freely? The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra wanted to find out.

Jason Moran Plays Thelonious Monk's Town Hall Concert

The artistic director for jazz at the Kennedy Center presents In My Mind, his personal re-imagining of a famous 1959 concert led by his piano hero. Watch highlights from the show.

Celebrating Rahsaan Roland Kirk

The late multi-instrumentalist and boundary-pushing virtuoso certainly influenced trombonist Steve Turre, who played with Kirk in the 1970s. Turre leads a monster lineup for an 80th birthday tribute.

Up And Down The Mississippi With Bill Frisell

The remarkably versatile guitarist explores the music which came from stops along the Mississippi River, leading a set which spans New Orleans jazz to Delta blues, Bob Dylan to Bix Beiderbecke.

Celebrating Betty Carter

There's jazz conservatory, and there was "the school of Betty Carter": her band's alumni and the fellow singers bound by her thrall. Vocalist Charenée Wade leads a tribute to her lasting influence.

Celebrating Max Roach

Ali Jackson, drummer of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, salutes the father of modern jazz percussion — a man who was also his teacher and mentor.

Tootie Heath's 80th Birthday

The great drummer is sounding as good as ever in his ninth decade. Hear from him as he performs at his 80th birthday party, and as he speaks to host Christian McBride off stage.

Joey Alexander And Jazz Prodigies Through The Years

How can a young student sing the blues if he hardly knows what it means to feel them? Jazz Night In America explores young phenoms of different eras, including 11-year-old pianist Joey Alexander.

Jimmy Greene Remembers A 'Beautiful Life'

The saxophonist's latest album is dedicated to the memory of his 6-year-old daughter, killed in the 2012 mass shooting in Newtown, Conn. His quartet performs the genre-spanning music in concert.

The Central Brooklyn Jazz Festival With Akua Dixon

Every spring, a historically African-American neighborhood hosts a month of jazz events. This year, one of the featured performers was a versatile cellist who led her own string ensemble.

Joe Temperley: 'No Greater Sound On Earth'

Baritone saxophonist Joe Temperley has performed in some of the best big bands that ever were — including the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, which salutes their 25-year-veteran in concert.

A Tribute To Kenny Wheeler

The late trumpeter's stunning compositions and imaginative improvisations left deep impressions on generations — such as Ingrid Jensen and Steve Treseler, who rearrange Wheeler's catalog.

Venezuela's National Jazz Orchestra Returns

The Simón Bolívar Big Band, the flagship jazz group of the youth music education program El Sistema, came to New York to play canonical American repertoire and works by Venezuelan composers.

The Legacy Of The Jazz Organ In Philadelphia

In mid-century Philadelphia, dozens of organists made jazz a popular, swinging, danceable contemporary music. The city salutes three such pioneers: Jimmy Smith, Shirley Scott and Charles Earland.

Celebrating Billie Holiday's Centennial With Cassandra Wilson

On a new album, one of today's top singers turns her blues, country and folk-tinged delivery on Holiday's songbook. Jazz Night catches Wilson live in concert, and catches up with key collaborators.

Anat Cohen's Roots Of Rio

The genre choro — the New Orleans jazz of Brazil — has long fascinated Cohen, a jazz-trained clarinet and saxophone player. Her new quartet Choro Aventuroso modernizes the music's rhythms and forms.

Behind The SFJAZZ Collective's Original Approach To Joe...

For this season, each member of the all-star octet representing the San Francisco jazz institution wrote a new piece for the band, and rearranged a work by a saxophone master.

Revive Big Band: Where Jazz Meets Hip-Hop

For trumpeter and composer Igmar Thomas, much in contemporary music has clearly evolved from the jazz of eras past. It's the insight behind his big band, which recently visited his alma mater.

Introducing Marcus Roberts And The Modern Jazz Generation

At Jazz at Lincoln Center, where he was once a rising star, the pianist returns with a new 11-piece band which combines his trio with many of the younger musicians he has mentored.

The Many Sides Of David Murray

A hugely talented performer who also collaborates and composes at an astonishing rate, the saxophonist returned to New York recently for three different sets with three of his many different bands.

Eric Reed Plays Coleman Hawkins

For the 110th birthday anniversary of a pioneering tenor saxophonist, a hard-swinging modern-day pianist designed a special tribute set in Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Our Point Of View: A Blue Note Supergroup

A 76-year-old jazz record label gathers its new crop into a band. Robert Glasper, Ambrose Akinmusire, Marcus Strickland, Lionel Loueke, Derrick Hodge and Kendrick Scott play each others' tunes.

When Henry Met Steven

Trumpeter and arranger Steven Bernstein says that virtuoso pianist Henry Butler is "everything you ever loved about music, all being in one place." Their collaboration transforms early blues songs.

Prestige Records' 65th Anniversary Party

A half century ago, a small but important label recorded Miles, Trane, Sonny and Monk. A trio led by the rising star drummer Jamison Ross takes on classics from the Prestige catalog.

Live From Detroit

Violinist Regina Carter and bassist Rodney Whitaker take special delight in performing at their hometown jazz festival, guiding us through the city's jazz scene through their eyes and ears.

In Memory Of 2014: Jazz Night Looks Back

This year marked the passing of legends like Charlie Haden, Horace Silver and Gerald Wilson. Hear their great live performances from the vault, and highlights remembrances from loved ones.

Ellis Marsalis At 80

As an influential educator and pianist, Marsalis is a father figure to more than his famous sons. Jazz Night In America visits him as he performs on a big birthday.

Johnny O'Neal: Listen, Closely

Mezzrow is New York City's newest listening room: an intimate club for solo and duo shows. It's a bit of a throwback, as is its Monday night act: virtuoso pianist, singer and salon host Johnny O'Neal.

SpokFrevo Orquestra: Carnival And Jazz

A big band from Brazil has developed a unique, jazz-influenced take on a holiday tradition. Maestro Spok and his 17-piece crew present an adventurous program at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Very Very Henry Threadgill

The saxophonist and composer, now 70, has always pushed boundaries. Harlem Stage celebrates his career with a two-day concert retrospective of his various groundbreaking ensembles.

A Night At The Museum

Jazz musicians find inspiration in many things. Himalayan art is not typically one of them. But at the Rubin Museum of Art, five top young pianists were all driven by something they saw.

Identities Are Changeable

Miguel Zenón, the prolific saxophonist and composer, interviewed fellow Puerto Ricans living in New York City about their multiple national identities. Then he made a new album about it.

Happy Birthday, Blue Note

The iconic record company turns 75 this year, and to celebrate, it threw a concert featuring both its living legends and rising stars. Hear highlights and reflections on the label's influence.

Reimagining Brubeck

The late pianist Dave Brubeck left jazz with a large body of compositions. Hear how his iconic music was rearranged by members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

To Miles, From Wayne

In the late 1960s, saxophonist Wayne Shorter wrote a series of pieces for trumpeter Miles Davis and orchestra. They were never recorded — until Wallace Roney played them at the Detroit Jazz Festival.

Behind Wynton Marsalis' Afro-Cuban 'Ochas' Suite

Jazz At Lincoln Center welcomes a world-premiere commission featuring pianist Chucho Valdés and percussionist Pedrito Martinez. Together, they blend jazz with folkloric and religious music of Cuba.