Piano Jazz Shorts

Tony Caramia is a world-class pianist and educator, currently teaching at the Eastman School of Music, where he is Director of Piano Pedagogy Studies and Coordinator of the Class Piano Program. Caramia is skilled in both classical and jazz, but has an affinity for ragtime, with a particular interest in British composer and pianist Billy Mayerl. McPartland got her start in the music business when she joined Mayerl’s piano quartet in England in the late 1930s. On this 2003 Piano Jazz, Caramia

A composer, improviser, and trumpeter, Dave Douglas develops music that transcends the boundaries of traditional jazz. In 2000, when he was McParland's guest, he was named JazzTimes magazine's "Artist of the Year." On this Piano Jazz , Douglas talks about his album Soul on Soul , his stunning tribute to Mary Lou Williams. He and McPartland share their love for Williams' music with their rendition of "Cloudy." Bassist James Genus joins them to perform another Williams tune, "Scratchin' in the

Vocalist Veronica Nunn grew up in Little Rock, AR, absorbing all kinds of music, from jazz to funk to gospel. When she moved to New York in 1978, she split her time between Harlem’s jazz clubs and the Theology Department at Lehman College. On this 2008 Piano Jazz , Nunn is accompanied by her husband, pianist Travis Shook. She demonstrates her soulful technique on "One Note Samba" as well as "I'm Old Fashioned." News Stations: Sat, Sep 16, 8 pm | Classical Station: Sun, Sep 17, 7 pm

Vocalist Ernie Andrews is a musician known for his tremendous vitality and ability to communicate that stems from his gospel roots. Influenced by Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Eckstine, and Johnny Mercer, Andrews’ own special style is a mix of energy, drama, and humor. On this 1998 Piano Jazz, McPartland accompanies him as he sings "The More I See You" and "From This Moment On." McPartland then performs a Strayhorn tune, "Bloodcount." News Stations: Sat, Sep 09, 8 pm | Classical Station: Sun, Sep 10, 7

A former member of the Miles Davis "Famous Nonet," Lee Konitz is the foremost saxophonist in the cool style of jazz. He is also a composer, arranger, and teacher. While his very first instrument was a clarinet, he favored tenor sax and made his way to alto. What’s more, he plays the piano! On this 1992 Piano Jazz , Konitz and McPartland combine forces for a version of "Like Someone In Love." News Stations: Sat, Sep 02, 8 pm | Classical Station: Sun, Sep 03, 7 pm

A popular vocalist whose talent ranges from jazz to soul to R&B, Patrice Rushen is also a songwriter, arranger, and master keyboardist . She has performed with and produced for artists such as Stevie Wonder, Prince, Nancy Wilson, Michael Jackson, and Dianne Reeves, and she has played at some of the world’s most prestigious jazz festivals. On this 1987 Piano Jazz , Rushen demonstrates her talents with "Ocean Song." McPartland responds with "What’s Your Story, Morning Glory?" News Stations:

Award-winning pianist and vocalist Lenore Raphael has emerged as one of the most promising musicians in modern mainstream jazz. Influenced by such jazz greats as Oscar Peterson, Art Tatum, and Thelonious Monk, Raphael has developed her own swinging style. On this 2002 edition of Piano Jazz , she brings her creative ideas to the tune “I’m Old Fashioned.” McPartland joins Raphael to end the hour with “Blue Monk.” News Stations: Sat, Aug 19, 8 pm | Classical Station: Sun, Aug 20, 7 pm

Jack DeJohnette got his start on the piano as a child, but he took up the drums at eighteen and went on to become one of the most inventive and important drummers in modern jazz history. He’s provided rhythm for greats such as John Coltrane , Miles Davis, and Keith Jarrett. In this 1993 Piano Jazz session, DeJohnette shares the story behind the real "Freddy the Freeloader." McPartland and bassist Christian McBride join in for a jam on the McPartland original "Ambiance." News Stations: Sat, Aug

In 2005, Sicilian pianist Daniela Schaechter won the prestigious Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz competition. Ever devoted to the next generation of female jazz musicians, McPartland wasted no time in having Schaechter on this 2006 show. Schaechter's opening tune, an original called "Thinking of You," hints at her classical training while confirming her fondness for jazz masters like Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock. She and McPartland wrap the hour with a duet of Cole Porter's "I Love You."

As the swinging pianist in the Quincy Jones Orchestra, Patti Bown (1931 – 2008) kept the music moving. In honor of her July 26 birthday, Piano Jazz remembers Bown with this encore from the early years of the program. Bown joins host McPartland to talk about the role of women in jazz. She presents her rendition of Coltrane's "Giant Steps" and shares her Swahili love song, "Oh My Darling, How I Love You." News Stations: Sat, Jul 29, 8 pm | Classical Station: Sun, Jul 30, 7 pm