First, we play a relevant tune of immigration and cultural assimilation from West Side Story. Then celebrate jazz festivals in Hartford and Newport with Elio Vilafranca, Joel Ross, Herbie Hancock and more. We conclude this episode with random tracks from Weather Report, Lucky Peterson and Dream Shanti.

PlaylistArtist ~ Track ~ Album Dave Grusin ~ America ~ West Side StoryElio Vilafranca ~ Assumption ~ IncantationElio Vilafranca ~ In The Dark ~ the source in betweenJoel Ross ~ Kingmaker ~ KingmakerSuite Haus ~ Universal Beings ~ Makaya McCravenDiana Reeves ~ One for My Baby ~ Good Night and Good LuckHerbie Hancock ~ Maiden Voyage ~ Maiden VoyageHerbie Hancock ~ Dolphin Dance ~ Maiden VoyageWeather Report ~ Paladium ~ Heavy WeatherWalt Weiskopf ~ Scarlett Woman ~ The Way You Say ItLucky Peterson ~ Misty ~ Tribute to Jimmy SmithDream Shanti ~ Danhya Deep ~ Music In Our Dreams

We begin with classic Mingus and Brubeck before venturing into more modern music with a local Hartford connection. 

PlaylistArtist ~ Track ~ Album Charlie Mingus ~ Dizzy Moods ~ Tijuana MoodsCharlie Mingus ~ Ysabel's Table Dance ~ Tijuana MoodsDave Brubeck Quartet ~ Kathy's Waltz ~ Time OutDaryl Yokley's Sound Reformation ~ Echoes of Ancient Sahara ~ Pictures at an African ExhibitionAnthony Wonsey ~ Overjoyed ~ The ThangRudy Royston ~ Bownz ~ 303Rudy Royston ~ Prayer (for the Earth) ~ 303Steve Davis ~ Bird Lives ~ UpdateNat Reeves ~ Big Birtha ~ Blue RidgeJimmy Greene ~ Love In Action ~ Mission StatementJohn Coltrane ~ Impressions (take 3) ~ Both Directions at Once

This episode begins with a tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission to the moon. I have chosen some unique tracks to commemorate this event including an acapella reading of Moon River. Also, a review of a Hartford Jazz Society concert from Cuban pianist Elio Villafranca and a preview of a concert tribute to Roy Hargrove.

These tracks are meant to bring some "cool" to these hot days of summer ahead. There are some great Hammond Organ grooves in this episode from Dave Stryker and Dr. Lonnie Smith. Oscar Peterson is here with "How High the Moon" to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the moon landing. There is gorgeous music from Billy Childs and more to be enjoyed with a cold iced tea.

A very funky episode of In The Groove. 

PlaylistArtist ~ Track ~ Album Herbie Hancock ~ Actual Proof ~ ThrustHerbie Hancock ~ Hang Up Your Hangups ~ Man-ChildTower of Power ~ I Like Your Style ~ Tower of Power LiveTower of Power ~ What Is Hip ~ Tower of Power LiveBrecker Brothers ~ Some Skunk Funk ~ Brecker BrothersBilly Cobham ~ Stratus ~ SpectrumRale Micic ~ Hotel Insomnia ~ Night MusicPat Metheny ~ James ~ OfframpJovan Alexandre ~ Red Blues ~ Collective ConsciousnessDezron Douglas ~ Great Provider ~ Black Lion

Here are selections of tunes about America for this 4th of July holiday weekend. Other than Ray Charles' version of America the Beautiful, these songs may not be exactly the typical patriotic music one is used to listening to on this holiday. But what could be more patriotic than exercising one's free speech and freedom to protest. The highlight of this podcast comes at the end, with a jazzed-up version of West Side Story.

This podcast features new music from harpist Brandee Younger, Chick's highly anticipated release and Shorter's symphonic creation. Along the way you will experience some classic and new tunes from a wide range of jazz styles.

This episode begins with a new track from harpist Brandee Younger. We follow with saxophonists, current and from the past. Current artists with new recordings are Chris Potter, Greg Abate and Godwin Louis. Then we delve into the past with Getz (new release), Desmond and Mulligan.PlaylistArtist ~ Track ~ Album Brandee Younger ~ Respected Destroyer (feat. Sean Jones) ~ Soul AwakeningChris Potter ~ Pressed for Time ~ CircuitsGreg Abate and Tim Ray Trio ~ Bop Lives ~ GrattitudeGreg Abate and Tim Ray Trio ~ Gemini ~ GrattitudeGodwin Louis ~ Global Pt. I: The Journey ~ GlobalGodwin Louis ~ Global Pt. I: The Traveler ~ GlobalStan Getz ~ Woody 'n You ~ Getz at The Gate - Recorded Live at the Village Gate Nov 26 1961Stan Getz ~ Litha ~ Sweet RainStan Getz, Astrid Gilberto ~ Corcovado ~ Getz/GilbertoPaul Desmond and Gerry Mulligan ~ Blight of the Fumble Bee ~ Two of a Mind

We start with an unconventional take on classic Silver "Song For My Father", by bassist Victor Wooten. This podcast has saxophone greats, young and old. We hear from George Coleman, Chris Potter and Noah Preminger. Along the way we take a turn to hear some rock classics that feature drummer Bernard Purdie.

PlaylistArtist ~ Track ~ Album Victor Wooten ~ Song For My Father ~ PalmysteryNancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderly ~ Teaneck ~ Nancy Wilson/Cannonball AdderleyNancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderly ~ Save Your Love For Me ~ Nancy Wilson/Cannonball AdderleyNancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley ~ Unit 7 ~ Nancy Wilson/Cannonball AdderleyGeorge Coleman ~ Time to Get Down ~ A Master SpeaksGeorge Coleman, Mike Stern, Ron Carter, Jimmy Cobb ~ Green Dolphin Street ~ 4 Generations of MilesSteely Dan ~ Home At Last ~ AjaBB King ~ The Thrill Is Gone ~ Completely WellAretha Franklin ~ Rock Steady ~ Soul QueenChris Potter ~ Koutome ~ CircuitsChris Potter ~ Exclamation ~ CircuitsNoah Preminger ~ World of Illusion ~ Afterlife

This podcast highlights several jazz artists that can, in my opinion, be considered modern jazz masters. Metheny has been named and NEA Jazz Master for his groundbreaking guitar work. Saxophonists Potter and Preminger each have distinctive voices and are always exploring new musical territories. Other guitar masters represented here are Rosenwinkel and Bernstein.  

PlaylistArtist ~ Track ~ Album Pat Metheny Group ~ Phase Danse ~ Pat Metheny GroupPat Metheny Group ~ Are You Going With Me ~ OfframpChris Potter ~ Invocation ~ CircuitsChris Potter ~ Hold It ~ CircuitsNoah Preminger ~ World of Growth ~ AfterlifeNoah Preminger ~ Senseless World ~ AfterlifeKurt Rosenwinkel ~ Minor Blues ~ The Next StepKurt Rosenwinkel ~ kurt1 ~ Star of JupiterPeter Bernstein ~ Hidden Pockets ~ Signs LIVE