J. Michael Harrison

Ring in the new year as we celebrate Philadelphia as the music city that it is. You can revisit the city’s past with music from Grover Washington, Jr., Trudy Pitts, the Eubanks’ and other jazz royalty.  There will also be a celebration of today’s Philly jazz scene, featuring Lee Smith, Daniel Peterson, and other local notables who always seem to be on the city’s music calendar. Monday, December 31st, 9 pm to midnight.

Ring in 2013 with timeless music! 

Drummer G. Calvin Weston has been part of the revolving door of guests on The Bridge for years.  It doesn't hurt that he lives just a few blocks from the WRTI studios.  Impromptu late night visits have been part of his relationship with the show, and the audience has been quite the benefactor. 

Charismatic trombonist and Philly homeboy Papo Vazquez commandeers The Bridge to discuss Oasis, the latest release by his Mighty Pirates Troubadours ensemble.  Papo Vazquez is more than 35 years into a career spanning the jazz, Latin, Afro-Caribbean and classical music recording worlds.

You don't want to miss what plans to be a wonderful evening on The Bridge - THREE truly special guests: master Trumpeter and epic composer Hannibal Lokumbe visits during the first hour to speak about the world premiere of Can You Hear God Crying? at the Kimmel Center, as well as his participation in a much-anticipated John Coltrane celebration.

A special evening is in store for you as host J. Michael Harrison welcomes two fascinating musicians to The Bridge: Senegalese kora player Ablaye Cissoko and German jazz trumpet player Volker Goetze. It's been several years since their last appearance on the show, and a lot has transpired. 

The duo will discuss their new CD, Amanke Dionti, the follow up to the critically acclaimed recording, Sira, and share details of a recently completed documentary that provides unique insight into Cissoko's life in Senegal.

Conductor Michel Galante joins WRTI's J. Michael Harrison on July 20th at 10 pm to discuss two much-anticipated concerts he'll be conducting at the newly re-opened Rodin Museum. The Spectral Impressions concert series features new works by French composers Tristan Murail on July 22nd, and Phillipe Hurel on July 28th performed by the Argento Chamber Ensemble.

French spectral music focuses on musical color, electronic sound, and impressionist aesthetics.

Join WRTI's J. Michael Harrison as he welcomes the leader of Mozaic Flow, trombonist Jermaine Bryson.  Jermaine will be visiting The Bridge to debut the group's new single and discuss his career and upcoming CD release. As a Temple University graduate, with a degree in jazz performance, Jermaine has a profound love for all types of music. 

Join WRTI's J. Michael Harrison on Friday, June 29th at 10 pm as he welcomes NBC10's Byron Scott back to The Bridge to perform his semi-annual duties as guest co-host. Byron has become part of The Bridge's revolving door of guests, and always brings his passion for jazz to the experience. You'll once again benefit from his vast knowledge of music, as well as his motivation to expose you to some of the selections that have a special place in his jazz collection.