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 find a definition.

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

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

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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 home studio. In the future, he would like to form a jazz band.

School of Jazz guest DJ for August: Dylan Hermansen

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.

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

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.

School of Jazz guest DJ for July: Ryan Hsi

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 pop-rock band called Aurora Ave. Last month they participated in the Sound Off! showcase at MoPOP.

School of Jazz: Sam Llanillo 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, although he prefers soprano when it comes to jazz.

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

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