Interviews

For the past few years, Smooth Jazz radio stations around the country have quietly changed call letters and formats opting for alternative rock, Spanish pop and even talk radio. Many people relied on the easy listening style of music to keep them de-stressed during the work day. It was a …

George Benson is a ten-time Grammy-Award winning guitarist and vocalist. Arriving on the scene in 1954, the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native has been recording for nearly six decades. In this time, he has had the opportunity to work with such legendary figures as Miles Davis, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, and Chaka …

Considered internationally as one of the best young trombonists in jazz, Gianluca Petrella began playing music after his father gave him a trombone. Born in Bari, Italy, Petrella got his professional start playing with Roberto Ottaviano. His dynamic style, technical detail and use of electronic loops, puts him on the …

Jazz is timeless, ageless, and limitless, yet there is a box people try to put the music, its musicians and singers in. Gregory Porter is like jazz, timeless and limitless however, his voice transcends what we hear today. It’s a classic – like Nat King Cole or Billy Eckstine. There …

Multiple Grammy-Award nominee and Guggenheim and MacArthur Fellow Miguel Zenón represents a select group of musicians who have masterfully balanced and blended the often-contradictory poles of innovation and tradition. Widely considered as one of the most groundbreaking and influential saxophonists of his generation, he has also developed a unique voice …

Trombonist and seashellist Steve Turre has been a jazz favorite of critics and listeners for many years. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay area, Turre was exposed to great music at an early age by his parents. They would take the young musician to listen to live big band …

Last name Scott, first name Jill. This is about transparency in spirit and in truth – her truth. Jill Scott has a way of drawing you in with her eyes; her smile gives us a feeling of warmth and a welcome like a hug. Her openness allows us to feel …

Roy Hargrove is a Grammy-Award winning trumpeter. In a career that has spanned over 25 years, Hargrove has worked with some of the most significant acts in and out of jazz, including Herbie Hancock, Stanley Turrentine, Christian McBride, D’Angelo, Common, and Erykah Badu. Hargrove maintains a consistent touring schedule, playing …

Nicole Henry has created a niche for herself as an acclaimed jazz vocalist, but only after hard work and dedication. Henry began her journey in Bucks County, PA singing in school and church and studying the cello and ballet. This background was great preparation for the future she had in …

Bobby Caldwell has established himself as an adult contemporary powerhouse. He is an acclaimed singer/songwriter and his music has been featured in numerous films including “The Perfect Man” and “Simone”. His beginnings started in Manhattan, NY where his parents were the host of Suppertime, a TV variety show. This exposed …

Eighty years after picking up the drumsticks, Roy Haynes has inspired and influenced generations of musicians. Keeping with his credo, “now is the time,” Haynes has stayed current and innovative across decades in an ever changing art form. During his illustrious career as a jazz drummer and bandleader, he is …

“I don’t use songs as a vehicle to glorify myself. I’m going to play whatever is required to make the song successful.” These are the words of Branford Marsalis. He’s a man that understands that it’s not all about him. Considering the big names he’s played with from Sting to …