In the centennial year of Miles Davis and John Coltrane, pianist Emmet Cohen says the greatest tribute to the masters isn’t imitation, it’s self-discovery. As his new album Universal Truth arrives the same week he turns 36, Cohen reflects on artistry, mentorship, and why jazz remains one of the last places where people fully inhabit the moment.

On this episode of The Art of the Story, WBGO's Doug Doyle previews Crossroads Theatre's production of "Sizwe Banzi is Dead"

At a moment when musicians are increasingly expected to market themselves as brands, Detroit pianist and songwriter Mike Harrison is connecting for almost the opposite reason: he seems perfectly content not trying to sell you anything at all. Leo Sidran talks with the unlikely internet favorite about songwriting, Detroit, jazz, and the freedom of low ambition.

WBGO’s Ray Long dives into the new album from singer-songwriter Phoebe Katis, “A Coming Of Age” taking some highlights from the record track-by-track.

WBGO's Willard Jenkins sat down with D.C. based vocalist Heidi Martin to chat about one of her heroes Abbey Lincoln, as well as the importance of jazz education and the D.C. Jazz Fest.

Mexican singer-songwriter Julieta Venegas on how growing up in Tijuana - a border city suspended between Mexico and the United States - developed an instinct for living “in-between,” musically and personally.

Kyla Marshell catches up with vocalist Shenel Johns about her journey of self-discovery, musical and otherwise.

“You can only go as far forward as you go back.” Ahead of his Miles Davis tribute at Carnegie Hall, trumpeter Keyon Harrold talks about influences, collaboration, and honoring Miles by staying true to himself.

WBGO’s Dave Popkin recently spoke with Guy Davis about his new record “Fight On! True Blues Vol. 2” as well as his original play “Sugarbelly and Other Tales My Father Told Me.”

Pianist, educator, and longtime jazz advocate Eli Yamin got his first job in jazz at WBGO as an 18-year-old board operator. Now, nearly four decades later, Yamin’s Jazz Power Initiative is partnering with WBGO as the organization prepares for its annual Syncopated Celebration at Symphony Space, honoring WBGO CEO Steve Williams alongside Lakecia Benjamin and Council Member Carmen De La Rosa.