KNKX Studio Sessions

Inspired by Seattle’s places and historical events, the Steve Griggs Ensemble plays music with a message. Griggs, a saxophonist, composer and writer addresses social injustice with music and words, telling the story of the International District’s Panama Hotel, where Japanese-Americans left their possessions when they were incarcerated in internment camps during World War II. The ensemble also recounts the history of Joe Brazil, the saxophonist who introduced jazz to the University of Washington

Tacoma's top jazz man, Kareem Kandi, returned to the knkx studios this fall armed with the enviable rhythm section of Delvon Lamarr on Hammond organ and D'Vonne Lewis and some new music from his new album, "Hourglass." One of the busiest musicians in the area, Kareem talked about helping to organize the Tacoma Jazz Association, the inspiration he draws from the jazz community, and his newest role, as a father of a new baby. He hasn't written a song for his daughter yet, we were treated with two

We were delighted to have the effervescent Adriana Giordano bring her EntreMundos Quarteto into the knkx studios for a live Jazz Caliente. This popular Brazilian-flavored band has fans all over the Northwest, and they’re celebrating the release of their long-awaited CD, “Brasilidade.” Enjoy!

More than a quarter century after they emerged from Eugene as a horn-powered, hard-rocking dance band, and over two decades since they ruled as kings of the swing revival with their smash hit "Zoot Suit Riot", the Cherry Poppin' Daddies continue to explore the possibilities of taking the roots of classic American swing and giving it a fresh energy. Their latest album, "The Boop-a-Doo," is the second in a trilogy of covers that began with a nod to the Rat Pack, and hits the core of singer/band

An inventive and effusive pianist and composer, Marina Albero moved to Seattle from Barcelona only two years ago. It didn’t take long for her to connect with the very best regional musicians to help her showcase her amazing mix of Spanish, Afro-Cuban and world-jazz music. Be mesmerized by this special live Jazz Caliente studio session! https://youtu.be/l4vP7jY1pLA

Though she began her jazz career after her kids were grown, Denise Donatelli has quickly become a singing sensation. Now a four-time Grammy nominee, she's augmented her jazz with work in commercials and television in Los Angeles - even earning a starring vocal role on a parody of the James Bond theme from "You Only Live Twice" on "The Simpsons." Check out the hilarious episode "YOLO" to hear Denise's best Nancy Sinatra impression. Though she emphatically pledged her loyalty to great standards

In welcoming Jake Shimabukuro to his second studio session here at 88.5, host Abe Beeson told listeners that he thinks of Jake as ‘the Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele.’ The comparison is apt in that both Jimi and Jake took their respective instruments to a new level. On Jake’s first visit to our studios he did a solo performance (archived at knkx.org ). This time he brought bassist, Nolan Verner. The two of them had recently recorded a CD called "Nashville Sessions," for Jake’s brand new label. If

Twin brothers Peter (tenor sax and clarinet) and Will (alto sax, clarinet and flute) Anderson brought their trio (with guitarist Alex Wintz) to the knkx studios for a thrilling afternoon of swinging standards. Though they compose their own music, the Andersons have a deep love of jazz standards, noting that "you can't write something good unless you've heard something good," but what our studio audience heard was better described as outstanding. The unique twin-reeds-and-a-guitar setting opens

San Diego-based pianist Danny Green says he's been an obsessive music fan, spending intense periods focusing on styles as diverse as Cuba's Buena Vista Social Club, his favorite Brazilian and classical composers, and a youth listening to Nirvana and playing in a ska band. It all comes together, however subtly, in every song he writes. Joined in our studios by his long-running trio, Justin Grinnell on bass and Julien Cantelm drumming, plus saxophonist Anton Schwartz, Danny focused on songs from

Catherine Russell doesn't care where or when a song gets made; if it's got a lyric with a good story, she is all in. Russell has a knack for finding great old tunes to sing. This session featured a couple of selection from the Billie Holiday songbook ("Swing! Brother, Swing", "You're My Thrill") and a very risqu é blues song from the 1920s ("You've Got the Right Key, but the Wrong Keyhole"). Charming and at ease, with a swinging backup band, Ms. Russell takes the past and brings it to life, here