Jazz and Blues Features

By KNKX Public Radio

Music

What's Jazz and Blues Features about?

News about jazz, blues, Studio Sessions, and music samplings from jazz artists in the northwest and around the world.

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Jazz and Blues Features episodes:

08.05.2021
School of Jazz guest DJ for August: Dylan Hermansen
Tenor saxophonist Dylan Hermansen from South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia will join Abe Beeson as virtual guest DJ tonight (Aug. 5) on Evening Jazz at 7 p.m. For the past year, he has been recording albums in his...
07.22.2021
Mixing jazz, hip-hop and beats proves therapeutic for Kassa Overall
Kassa Overall's music is the sound of a classical jazz musician raised by West Coast G Funk. He's not afraid to mix and match genres, like throwing autotuned raps on top of smooth-jazz trumpet.
07.01.2021
School of Jazz guest DJ for July: Ryan Hsi
Pianist Ryan Hsi from Mercer Island High School in Seattle will join Abe Beeson as virtual guest DJ tonight (July 1) on Evening Jazz. He is in the school's jazz band and will start his junior year in the fall.
06.03.2021
School of Jazz: Sam Llanillo serves as guest DJ
Tenor saxophonist Sam Llanillo from Ingraham High School in Seattle will join Abe Beeson as virtual guest DJ tonight (June 3) on Evening Jazz. He is a senior and in the school's jazz band. He has formed his own indie...
05.06.2021
School of Jazz: Cade Sando serves as guest DJ
Saxophonist Cade Sando from Cascade Christian High School in Puyallup will join Abe Beeson as virtual guest DJ tonight (May 6) on Evening Jazz. He is a sophomore and in the school's jazz band. Cade plays alto and soprano saxophone,...
04.27.2021
Jazz Appreciation Month: The Jazz List of Lists
Social media has given us innumerable lists of songs on all kinds of topics. "Best love song," "My favorite break-up songs"—you name it, there’s probably a song list for it. Today, Nick Morrison’s going to give you a list of...
04.26.2021
Jazz Appreciation Month: Drummer Terri Lyne Carrington searches for social justice
Jazz speaks to social issues, and drummer Terri Lyne Carrington’s focus on equality informs her work at the Berklee School of Music as well as her new album. Robin Lloyd reports for Jazz Appreciation Month.
04.23.2021
Jazz Appreciation Month: Northwest Favorite Jazz Broadcaster Jim Wilke
He’s an Earshot Jazz Golden Ear Award Winner, broadcaster and originator of Jazz After Hours on public radio and champion of live jazz everywhere. For Jazz Appreciation Month, KNKX Music Director Carol Handley talked with Jim Wilke about his appreciation...
04.22.2021
Jazz Appreciation Month: 21st-Century Gypsies
The uplifting and swinging sound of gypsy jazz is no spring chicken. It’s pushing 90. So Nick Morrison decided to see how it was aging into the 21st century. Here’s his report.
04.21.2021
Jazz Appreciation Month: Classical to Jazz
Classical music and jazz may seem to be worlds apart, but they have more in common than you might think. KNKX Music Director Carol Handley explores some favorite jazz/classical crossovers for Jazz Appreciation Month.
04.20.2021
Jazz Appreciation Month: Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan make the most of live mistakes
Being on stage can be stressful. Even more so when singing for a live audience and you forget the words to the song. When you have the improvisation skills of Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan, though, you can turn lemons...
04.19.2021
Jazz Appreciation Month: Pianist Ahmad Jamal
His playing influenced Miles Davis and John Coltrane, and no – we’re not talking about a horn player. We’re talking about pianist Ahmad Jamal. Paige Hansen has more for our series during Jazz Appreciation Month.
04.16.2021
Jazz Appreciation Month: Explore legendary live recordings from Cannonball Adderley and Ramsey Lewis
The important connection between musicians onstage and a crowded jazz club has been missing for more than a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many fans have been turning to live recordings that captured moments of magic, when the music...
04.15.2021
Jazz Appreciation Month: Celebrating the 2021 NEA Jazz Masters
Nationwide recognition for jazz artists is a rare thing. The National Endowment for the Arts stepped up its mandate in 1982 to include jazz as an art form and celebrate those who advance it. Robin Lloyd introduces the 2021 NEA...
04.14.2021
Jazz Appreciation Month: Jaco and Joni
Bassist Jaco Pastorius was a musical innovator, a celebrated master and an audacious free spirit, who proved an inspiring—and challenging—force to all who played music with him. KNKX’s Michael Stein tells us more.
04.13.2021
Jazz Appreciation Month: Stride Piano
Historically speaking, jazz and blues met at the piano. For Jazz Appreciation Month, KNKX Music Director Carol Handley traces the development of the irresistible style called "stride" from its beginnings to the present day.
04.12.2021
Jazz Appreciation Month: Texas Tenor Titans
During the 1940s Swing Era, certain big bands began to popularize a saxophone style that would become known as the "Texas Tenor" sound. Nick Morrison’s going to take us back to the beginning of that sound and follow its evolution...
04.09.2021
Jazz Appreciation Month: Seattle's 2021 Jazz Hero
Jazz Appreciation Month brings recognition to the art form and to the artists who produce it. But did you know there are also awards for the behind-the-scenes supporters of jazz? Robin Lloyd has the scoop from jazz journalist Paul De...
04.08.2021
Jazz Appreciation Month: Pianist Bill Charlap
When you hear Bill Charlap on piano, you have the sense of someone lost – so lost in the music we may never be able to exist on that mountain with him. Paige Hansen has more on his exquisite playing...
04.07.2021
Jazz Appreciation Month: Defining a music genre that's always changing
Jazz is a music based on improvisation, and evolution. Moving through Dixieland, swing, bebop, free jazz, fusion and beyond can make describing what jazz is a difficult proposition. KNKX jazz host Abe Beeson spoke to three generations of musicians to...
04.01.2021
School of Jazz: Amy Anderson serves as guest DJ
Trumpeter Amy Anderson from Henry M. Jackson High School in Mill Creek will virtually join Abe Beeson as guest DJ tonight (April 1) on Evening Jazz. She is a senior and in the school's jazz band. Amy also sings jazz.
04.01.2021
The New Cool: Kate Olson springs forward with K.O. Solo
Springtime is coming on a lot faster than the end of the pandemic, but there are more signs of artists and audiences reuniting in person in the near future. Making the most of quarantine restrictions, saxophonist Kate Olson presents a...
03.04.2021
School of Jazz: Nate Gilbreath serves as guest DJ
Trombonist Nate Gilbreath from Bellevue High School will join Abe Beeson virtually as guest DJ at 7 tonight (March 4) on Evening Jazz. He is a senior and in the jazz band at Bellevue High School and Bellevue College.
02.26.2021
Black History Month: Robert Flack and Quiana Lynell's "Trying Times"
In 1969, Roberta Flack debuted with her album “First Takes.” It included her version of a song written by Donny Hathaway, “Trying Times,” which addressed the civil disorder of the era.
02.25.2021
Black History Month: Maceo Parker's idol, Ray Charles
Maceo Parker had many influences growing up, but Ray Charles was number one.
02.25.2021
Black History Month: Nina Simone's first protest song
When Nina Simone had finally had enough, she wrote her first protest song in 1963.
02.25.2021
Black History Month: Dr. Billy Taylor's anthem
For Black History Month, Robin Lloyd honors Dr. Billy Taylor and his Civil Rights anthem “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free.”
02.25.2021
Black History Month: The Bold Blanche Calloway
KNKX remembers the groundbreaking bandleader Blanche Calloway for Black History Month.
02.23.2021
Jackson Street Jazz Walk honors Seattle jazz past, present and future Saturday and Sunday
Black History Month concludes at the end of the week, and Seattle jazz musicians and fans will be celebrating the legacy of African-American musicians in the Northwest Saturday and Sunday nights with the virtual Jackson Street Jazz Walk .
02.04.2021
School of Jazz: Austin Schneider serves as guest DJ
Tenor saxophonist Austin Schneider from Lynnwood High School will virtually join Abe Beeson as guest DJ tonight (Feb. 4) on Evening Jazz at 7 p.m. He is a senior and in the school's jazz band program. Listen to the show...
01.07.2021
School of Jazz: Rohan Wassink serves as guest DJ
Tenor saxophonist Rohan Wassink from Shorecrest High School will virtually join Abe Beeson as guest DJ tonight (Jan. 7) on Evening Jazz at 7 p.m. He is a junior and in the school's jazz band program. Listen to the show...
12.04.2020
School of Jazz: Calvin Lundin serves as guest DJ
Drummer Calvin Lundin from Seattle Academy virtually joined Abe Beeson Dec. 3 on Evening Jazz. He is a sophmore and in the school's jazz program. Listen to the show and read their Q&A.
11.05.2020
School of Jazz: Avery Clarke serves as guest DJ
Drummer Avery Clarke from Ballard High School will virtually join Abe Beeson tonight at 8 p.m. (Nov. 5) as guest DJ during Evening Jazz. He is a junior and in the school's jazz band program. Listen to the show and...
09.09.2020
KNKX Pays Tribute to Gary Peacock
Bassist Gary Peacock passed away on Friday, September 4. He was a highly influential player, who had a seven decades-long career and taught locally during his time in Seattle as an instructor at Cornish College of the Arts. KNKX Director...
09.03.2020
School of Jazz: Anna McPherson serves as guest DJ
Alto saxophonist Anna McPherson from Snohomish High School will virtually join Abe Beeson on Evening Jazz tonight at 8 p.m. (Sept. 3) as guest DJ. She is a sophomore and in the school's band program. Listen to her show and...
08.06.2020
School of Jazz: Jonah Elbaum serves as guest DJ
Trumpeter Jonah Elbaum from West Seattle High School will take over Evening Jazz with Abe Beeson tonight at 8 p.m. (Aug. 6) as guest DJ. He is a junior and in the school's jazz band. He is also an aspiring...
07.02.2020
School of Jazz: Austin Miller serves as guest DJ
Trumpeter Austin Miller from Lake Stevens High School in Lake Stevens joins Abe Beeson tonight at 8 p.m. (July 2) during Evening Jazz as guest DJ. Austin also plays the horn and is in the wind ensemble at his high...
06.04.2020
School of Jazz: Elijah Allen-White serves as guest DJ
Pianist Elijah Allen-White from Chief Sealth International High School in Seattle will accompany Abe Beeson tonight at 8 p.m. (March 4) during Evening Jazz as guest DJ. Elijah is KNKX's first virtual guest student DJ. Listen to the show and...
05.01.2020
Jazz trailblazer Toshiko Akiyoshi gets her due
For Jazz Appreciation Month, Robin Lloyd salutes pianist, composer, and arranger Toshiko Akiyoshi. As a musician she is a trailblazer on the piano, in the jazz genre in her 64 year career, she has experienced many firsts.
05.01.2020
How jazz won the 'Cool' War
We live in a world of super-powers competing for global influence. Beyond military victory and economic dominance, they also compete for our hearts and minds, often deploying artists as ambassadors.
05.01.2020
The wit and sophistication of Cole Porter, father of the jazz standard
One of the great American songwriters of the last century, still gets plenty of exposure by some of todays’ great singers. Paige Hansen shines a light on Cole Porter.
04.30.2020
Abdullah Ibrahim shares a world of emotions with his piano
South African Jazz pianist and Composer, Abdullah Ibrahim was named the National Endowment of the Arts Jazz Master last year. Carl Pogue takes a closer look at the artist, his life and music.
04.30.2020
Masters of rhythm: Honoring the greats of Latin Jazz
For Jazz Appreciation Month, Robin Lloyd focuses on three influential Latin Jazz musicians and composers who shaped their creative talents to lead others in new directions as bandleaders.
04.30.2020
Thelonious Monk achieved mainstream success with his unconventional style
One of the most idiosyncratic musicians in jazz, Thelonious Monk is also one of the most popular. KNKX jazz host Abe Beeson is a big fan, but he’s been wondering: just what is it that makes Monk’s music so cool?
04.30.2020
One of KNKX's own honors three of America's great jazz radio DJs
Dick Stein takes a look back at American radio jazz hosts who helped us discover some of the world’s best jazz talent. Part of our Jazz Appreciation series.
04.30.2020
There was one world before Jaco Pastorius, and another after. He forever changed electric bass.
Once in a generation, a musician comes along whose individual innovations are so dramatic they fundamentally change the function and perception of their instrument. For electric bass, that person was Jaco Pastorius. John Kessler has the story, part of our...
03.05.2020
School of Jazz: Nicolas Lofgren serves as guest DJ
Multi-instrumentalist Nicolas Lofgren from Bainbridge High School on Bainbridge Island will take over Evening Jazz with Abe Beeson as guest DJ at 8 p.m. tonight (March 5). Nicolas is a senior and plays lead alto in the jazz band at...
02.28.2020
'Creativity is more than just being different.' A look at the career of Charles Mingus.
In honor of Black History Month, we are taking a look into the career highlights of African American artists and their contribution to the world of jazz and blues Charles Mingus is perhaps the jazz world’s most famous bass-playing composer....
02.27.2020
Rhiannon Giddens: Connecting to her African American roots through the banjo
In honor of Black History Month, we are taking a look into the career highlights of African American artists and their contribution to the world of jazz and blues. Rhiannon Giddens is a modern songwriter and musician, who is carrying...
02.26.2020
Regina Carter has felt the music running through her since Day One
In honor of Black History Month, we are taking a look into the career highlights of African American artists and their contribution to the world of jazz and blues. Robin Lloyd celebrates the diverse artistry of Regina Carter.

What's Jazz and Blues Features about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Jazz and Blues Features episodes:

School of Jazz guest DJ for August: Dylan Hermansen

Mixing jazz, hip-hop and beats proves therapeutic for Kassa Overall

School of Jazz guest DJ for July: Ryan Hsi

School of Jazz: Sam Llanillo serves as guest DJ

School of Jazz: Cade Sando serves as guest DJ

Jazz Appreciation Month: The Jazz List of Lists

Jazz Appreciation Month: Drummer Terri Lyne Carrington searches for social justice

Jazz Appreciation Month: Northwest Favorite Jazz Broadcaster Jim Wilke

Jazz Appreciation Month: 21st-Century Gypsies

Jazz Appreciation Month: Classical to Jazz

Jazz Appreciation Month: Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan make the most of live mistakes

Jazz Appreciation Month: Pianist Ahmad Jamal

Jazz Appreciation Month: Explore legendary live recordings from Cannonball Adderley and Ramsey Lewis

Jazz Appreciation Month: Celebrating the 2021 NEA Jazz Masters

Jazz Appreciation Month: Jaco and Joni

Jazz Appreciation Month: Stride Piano

Jazz Appreciation Month: Texas Tenor Titans

Jazz Appreciation Month: Seattle's 2021 Jazz Hero

Jazz Appreciation Month: Pianist Bill Charlap

Jazz Appreciation Month: Defining a music genre that's always changing

School of Jazz: Amy Anderson serves as guest DJ

The New Cool: Kate Olson springs forward with K.O. Solo

School of Jazz: Nate Gilbreath serves as guest DJ

Black History Month: Robert Flack and Quiana Lynell's "Trying Times"

Black History Month: Maceo Parker's idol, Ray Charles

Black History Month: Nina Simone's first protest song

Black History Month: Dr. Billy Taylor's anthem

Black History Month: The Bold Blanche Calloway

Jackson Street Jazz Walk honors Seattle jazz past, present and future Saturday and Sunday

School of Jazz: Austin Schneider serves as guest DJ

School of Jazz: Rohan Wassink serves as guest DJ

School of Jazz: Calvin Lundin serves as guest DJ

School of Jazz: Avery Clarke serves as guest DJ

KNKX Pays Tribute to Gary Peacock

School of Jazz: Anna McPherson serves as guest DJ

School of Jazz: Jonah Elbaum serves as guest DJ

School of Jazz: Austin Miller serves as guest DJ

School of Jazz: Elijah Allen-White serves as guest DJ

Jazz trailblazer Toshiko Akiyoshi gets her due

How jazz won the 'Cool' War

The wit and sophistication of Cole Porter, father of the jazz standard

Abdullah Ibrahim shares a world of emotions with his piano

Masters of rhythm: Honoring the greats of Latin Jazz

Thelonious Monk achieved mainstream success with his unconventional style

One of KNKX's own honors three of America's great jazz radio DJs

There was one world before Jaco Pastorius, and another after. He forever changed electric bass.

School of Jazz: Nicolas Lofgren serves as guest DJ

'Creativity is more than just being different.' A look at the career of Charles Mingus.

Rhiannon Giddens: Connecting to her African American roots through the banjo

Regina Carter has felt the music running through her since Day One