WRTI presents a special celebration of the pioneers of jazz, as well as those who are keeping the art form alive. Tune in for a unique experience!
On Mondays through Thursdays during the month of April, starting at 6 pm to 6 am, you'll hear fascinating vignettes on the lives of a variety of jazz artists, and then experience their music. In addition, each week there will be a different instrumental theme. And Sundays during BP's jazz show, from 11 am to 3 pm, you'll be serenaded by great jazz vocalists from the present and the past.
This week the spotlight will be on great band leaders in jazz history, including Lionel Hampton, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, and Cab Calloway.Jazz Programming Highlights
The week of April 1 will be a celebration of jazz pianists.
The accomplishments and music of Dave Brubeck, Robert Glasper, McCoy Tyner, and Michael Wolff will be highlighted to honor jazz past and present.
During the week of April 7, the focus will be on the rhythm section.
Once again we'll switch back and forth between artists who are well known and artists you may or may not know. You'll learn about the life and times of bassist Milt Hinton, drummer Brian Blade, drummer Buddy Rich, guitarist Pat Metheny, and drummer Roy Haynes.
The week of April 14 will be an in-depth look at the jazz trumpeter.
Clark Terry, Terrell Stafford, Ben Webster and Chet Baker are among our subjects. And of course we can't forget the incredible Miles Davis.
During the week of April 21, the spotlight will be on great bandleaders in jazz history.
Once again we'll switch back and forth between artists who are well known and artists you may or may not know. You'll learn about the life and times of bassist Milt Hinton, drummer Brian Blade, drummer Buddy Rich, guitarist Pat Metheny, and drummer Roy Haynes.
The final week of April will be reeds week. You can bop to the music of multi-reedsman Eric Dolphy, sax and flute man David "Fathead" Newman, Benny Carter, and others.
There's more every weekend in April...
Each week during BP's Sunday jazz show - from 11 am to 3 pm - you'll be serenaded by great contemporary jazz vocalists as well as those from the past. Along with Billie, Sarah, and Ella's classics, you'll learn about contemporary singers such as Tony DeSare and Nnenna Freelon.