On this episode of Jazz Epicenter 6.7, host Ralph Johnson guides listeners through a masterfully curated journey of jazz from the 1960s and 1970s — an era that continues to define the sound, spirit, and soul of the genre.

Broadcasting from Los Angeles, Ralph opens the hour by inviting listeners into the “jazz scape,” a place without landmarks or boundaries, where the music leads the way. The program features iconic recordings from Miles Davis, including the Marcus Miller-composed title track from Tutu, along with electric sax innovator Eddie Harris, trumpet legend Freddie Hubbard, and the unmistakable vocal stylings of Tamia, Deniece Williams, and Dee Dee Bridgewater 

As the journey continues, Ralph highlights landmark performances by Bob James, Bobby Hutcherson, Dexter Gordon, Wes Montgomery, Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, Keith Jarrett, Dionne Warwick, and Burt Bacharach, seamlessly blending instrumental brilliance with timeless vocal storytelling. The episode closes with reflective selections that underscore jazz’s enduring emotional depth and spiritual resonance.

Jazz Epicenter 6.7 remains a destination for lifelong jazz fans and new listeners alike — a place where classic recordings are not just remembered, but re-experienced with intention, context, and reverence.

Step into the Jazz Scape with Ralph Johnson on another immersive episode of Jazz Epicenter 6.7, featuring the finest jazz from the 1960s, 1970s, and beyond.

This episode weaves together legendary performances and thoughtful storytelling, spotlighting iconic artists including Miles Davis, Gerald Wilson, The Jazz Crusaders, Chucho Valdés, Al Jarreau, Michael Brecker, Ahmad Jamal, Dianne Reeves, Stanley Turrentine, Cal Tjader, and more. From hard bop and modal jazz to Latin jazz, vocal jazz, and CTI-era classics, Ralph curates a timeless journey through the music that shaped modern jazz.

Listeners will hear celebrated recordings such as Seven Steps to Heaven, Eleanor Rigby, African Skies, Round Midnight, Poinciana, and other enduring jazz compositions—each placed in context with Ralph Johnson’s signature insight and reverence for the art form.

Jazz Epicenter 6.7 is more than a playlist—it’s a guided tour through jazz history, hosted by a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Kennedy Center honoree, and seven-time Grammy Award winner. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz fan or discovering classic jazz for the first time, this episode offers a deep, soulful listening experience that rewards close attention.

🎷 Be kind. Be cool. Be safe. Most of all—be blessed.

Step inside Ralph Johnson’s legendary JazzScape as Jazz Epicenter 6.7 returns with a special Holiday Jazz Edition, celebrating the season with timeless classics, rare grooves, and iconic performances from jazz’s greatest musicians. In this exclusive Christmas Spectacular, Ralph guides listeners through a soulful mix of holiday standards and jazz essentials from the 60s, 70s, and beyond — including Dexter Gordon’s Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Kenny Burrell’s Little Drummer Boy, Lyle Mays’ Feet First, and Diana Krall’s lush Winter Wonderland with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.

The journey continues with powerful selections such as Freddie Hubbard’s CTI classic First Light, Christian McBride Trio’s re-imagining of Michael Jackson’s Lady in My Life, Howard Hewett’s soaring version of O Come All Ye Faithful produced by George Duke, Vanessa Williams’ What Child Is This?, and holiday favorites from Luther Vandross, Brian Culbertson, Boney James, Bobby Caldwell, Foreplay with Eric Benet, and Donny Hathaway.

Ralph also shares personal milestones, including updates on his upcoming memoir Rhythm and Fire and the new Questlove-produced documentary debuting at Tribeca in 2026.

Warm, soulful, and full of holiday spirit, this episode is the perfect soundtrack to the season — blending jazz history, rare recordings, and classic Christmas magic.

Tune in and let Ralph Johnson guide you through an unforgettable holiday journey across the JazzScape.

Step into another immersive journey through the JazzScape with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Kennedy Center honoree, and seven-time Grammy Award winner Ralph Johnson. In this edition of Jazz Epicenter 6.7, Ralph guides listeners through a curated blend of classic jazz from the 1960s and 1970s, spotlighting the legendary artists, albums, and deep cuts that shaped modern jazz.

This episode features unforgettable performances from Lee Morgan, Chick Corea, Ray Charles, Cannonball Adderley, Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Tanya Maria, Pat Metheny, Shirley Horn, Wes Montgomery, and many more. Ralph’s insider commentary brings historical context, personal insight, and musician-level perspective to each track, making this an essential listen for jazz lovers and music students alike.

Highlights include:

• Hank Mobley’s “No Room for Squares” — a hard-bop masterclass from Blue Note’s golden era
• Lee Morgan’s “The Sidewinder” — the hit that famously saved Blue Note Records
• Chick Corea’s “Fingerprints” — a modern trio gem with Abishai Cohen and Jeff Ballard
• Ray Charles’ 3/4 swing version of “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning” from Ray Sings, Basie Swings
• Cannonball Adderley’s “Jeannine” featuring Nat Adderley and Barry Harris
• Stanley Turrentine & Astrud Gilberto’s “Brazilian Tapestry”
• Gerald Wilson’s “Viva Tirado” — a signature orchestral powerhouse
• Shirley Horn’s “Here’s to Life” — a breathtaking vocal finale
• Herbie Hancock’s “Tell Me a Bedtime Story” from Fat Albert Rotunda
• Miles Davis’ “Nefertiti” — his final acoustic album before going electric
• Tania Maria’s “Come With Me” — Brazilian fusion energy at its finest
• Pat Metheny’s “So May It Secretly Begin” from Still Life (Talking)
• Dianne Reeves, Chaka Khan, and Dee Dee Bridgewater delivering vocal brilliance
• Wes Montgomery’s “Bumpin’” — timeless guitar artistry
• Antonio Adolfo’s “Footprints” honoring Wayne Shorter

Designed for serious jazz listeners and newcomers alike, Ralph Johnson’s Jazz Epicenter continues to celebrate the depth, innovation, and emotional power of America’s greatest musical art form. Whether you’re exploring iconic albums, discovering new favorites, or reliving the magic of jazz’s most influential decades, this episode delivers a rich, soulful experience from start to finish.

Jazz Epicenter 6.7 – Episode 122 is a deep-dive into the golden era of classic jazz, guided by host Ralph Johnson, seven-time GRAMMY Award winner and founding member of Earth, Wind & Fire. This episode explores iconic recordings, influential jazz artists, and historic moments that shaped the sound of the 60s, 70s, and beyond.

Ralph begins with a powerful reflection on November 22, 1963, honoring the legacy of President John F. Kennedy through selections from Oliver Nelson’s landmark jazz album “The Kennedy Dream.” Featuring pieces like “The Artist’s Rightful Place” and “Let the Word Go Forth,” this segment offers a rare blend of jazz history and cultural memory.

From there, the playlist moves across generations of legendary jazz musicians, including:

• Jack DeJohnette, Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, and Dave Holland performing “John McKee”
• Idris Muhammad’s soulful “Peace of Mind,” arranged by Bob James
• Vocal brilliance from George Benson and Al Jarreau — with a possible cameo from Stevie Wonder on harmonica
• Modern jazz fusion from Kneebody featuring GRAMMY-nominated pianist Gerald Clayton
• Hard bop classic “El Dorado” from Donald Byrd
• A timeless performance of “My Favorite Things” by John Coltrane with McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison, and Roy Haynes
• The psychedelic jazz-funk energy of Quincy Jones’ “Walking in Space,” inspired by the Broadway smash Hair

Listeners are also treated to the elegance of Dianne Reeves, the Brazilian brilliance of Moacir Santos, and the lyrical mastery of the Keith Jarrett Trio performing “The Meaning of the Blues.”

Ralph closes with his signature message: “Be kind, be cool, be safe, and most of all, be blessed.”
Another unforgettable journey across the Jazz Epicenter — the place where jazz heritage, storytelling, and timeless recordings meet.

On this episode of Jazz Epicenter 6.7, Ralph Johnson guides listeners on another soulful voyage through the “Jazz Scape”—a place without landmarks, where the destination is found in the music. Broadcasting from Los Angeles, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and seven-time Grammy Award winner spins timeless classics from Freddie Hubbard’s First Light and Art Blakey’s Indestructible to Wes Montgomery’s Going Out of My Head and Quincy Jones’ Body Heat. Along the way, listeners are treated to emotional performances from Sergio Mendes & Brazil ’66, Regina Belle, and Donny Hathaway’s stirring live rendition of “What’s Going On.”

From the Afro-Brazilian rhythms of Antonio Adolfo to the cool sophistication of Keith Jarrett and Charlie Haden, Ralph curates a radiant mix that celebrates the finest in jazz from the 60s, 70s, and beyond. As always, he leaves listeners with his signature sign-off: Be kind, be cool, be safe—but most of all, be blessed.

 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Kennedy Center honoree, and seven-time GRAMMY winner Ralph Johnson guides you into the “jazz scape” on Jazz Epicenter 6.7—the finest in jazz from the ’60s and ’70s (and more). This hour glides from the Jazz Crusaders’ Lighthouse ’68 take on “Eleanor Rigby” to Quincy Jones’ swaggering “Killer Joe,” Miles Davis live on “Seven Steps to Heaven,” and Will Downing & Gerald Albright with “Here’s That Rainy Day.” Ralph spotlights Wayne Shorter’s “Speak No Evil,” then shifts to vocal elegance with Carmen Lundy (“So Beautiful”) and Diane Schuur (“Love Dance”), before the Christian McBride Big Band brings it home on “Down by the Riverside.” Hour two digs into Stanley Turrentine’s CTI-era fire (“Impressions”), the time-bending Don Ellis Orchestra (“Concerto for Trumpet”), Bob Mintzer & the WDR Big Band (“Whack”), Dianne Reeves (“Once I Loved”), Antonio Sánchez (“One for Antonio”), and a serene close with Shirley Horn (“Return to Paradise”). Be kind, be cool, be safe—and most of all, be blessed. 

In this episode of Jazz Epicenter 6.7, host Ralph Johnson guides listeners through a timeless journey across the jazz landscape. From the swinging power of Joe Henderson’s Big Band to the smooth keyboard work of Bob James, the fiery Latin stylings of Chucho Valdés, and the soulful vocals of Kathy Cousins, the show highlights the richness of jazz in every form. Along the way, we hear gems from Paul Desmond, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Eliane Elias, Stanley Jordan, Kirk Whalum, Horace Silver, Thelma Houston, Brenda Russell, John Klemmer, and Ahmad Jamal.

Blending classic cuts from the ’60s and ’70s with genre-defining performances, Ralph reminds us that jazz has no boundaries—it’s a journey of sound, spirit, and imagination

In this episode of Jazz Epicenter 6.7, host Ralph Johnson guides listeners through a timeless journey across the jazz landscape. From the swinging power of Joe Henderson’s Big Band to the smooth keyboard work of Bob James, the fiery Latin stylings of Chucho Valdés, and the soulful vocals of Kathy Cousins, the show highlights the richness of jazz in every form. Along the way, we hear gems from Paul Desmond, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Eliane Elias, Stanley Jordan, Kirk Whalum, Horace Silver, Thelma Houston, Brenda Russell, John Klemmer, and Ahmad Jamal.

Blending classic cuts from the ’60s and ’70s with genre-defining performances, Ralph reminds us that jazz has no boundaries—it’s a journey of sound, spirit, and imagination

On this week’s Jazz Epicenter 6.7, Ralph Johnson guides listeners on another unforgettable trip into the “Jazz Scape,” where the sounds of the past still resonate with power and soul. Featuring the timeless artistry of Ramsey Lewis, Freddie Hubbard, Eddie Harris, and Al Jarreau, the set moves seamlessly through classics from Earth, Wind & Fire, Donny Hathaway, and Wes Montgomery, alongside the lush sounds of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and the Pat Metheny Group. With moments of reflection, rare cuts, and stories that bridge eras, Ralph brings both history and heart to the music. The journey closes with the San Francisco Jazz Collective, reminding us why these songs remain cornerstones of jazz history.