Vocalist and bandleader Michael Mwenso's unique voice draws upon his roots in Sierra Leone, his tenure as an emcee at Ronnie Scott's in London, and many destinations (and record collections) in between. Bringing the charisma of James Brown and the theatricality of Broadway to his expression of jazz, Michael Mwenso and the Shakes join Simon Rentner for a live in-studio performance.

A dream soul trio from LA present their auspicious debut We Are King. This all-woman group, as their name may not suggest, has already received royal accolades in the pop realm including from Erykah Badu, ?uestlove, Robert Glasper, and even the late Prince himself.

Ben Williams discovered Prince as a kid by way of the very adult film Purple Rain. The bassist tells that hilarious story plus shares one of his favorite songs by the late legendary rock star from the late 80s, a composition he arranged for his own large ensemble at Harlem Stage.

In 2015, Dave Douglas celebrated his 50th year by releasing four unique recordings, mostly on his own record label Greenleaf Music. We hear music from those albums plus the trumpeter talks about his father, brother, and the benefits of hosting his own jazz podcast Noise From The Deep. Recorded at 2016 Panama Jazz Festival. Assistant Producer, Lydia Liebman.

The only "Tromitizer" in this land steps down from his high post at Berklee College of Music after 30 years. Five of his most lauded students -- Esperanza Spalding, Antonio Sanchez, Chris Cheek, Leo Genovese, and Lionel Loueke -- join their professor onstage at Berklee Performance Center for one special night. Recorded February 18th, 2016.

Brandee Younger is redefining her instrument for 21st Century. She pays respect to the original Afro-Harpist Dorothy Ashy with her recording Wax & Wane plus shares music from her indie hip hop collaborations with Mack Wilds and Common.

Marc Cary moves jazz forward with his series of recordings Rhodes Ahead (Motema). He shares his obsession for Fender Rhodes, Washington DC Go-Go, and the music from West Africa. Recorded at the Montreal Jazz Festival.

Vibraphonist and composer Chris Dingman meditates on the natural beauty of Pinnacles National Park in California with his recording The Subliminal and the Sublime.

One of the most versatile men in jazz, pianist and producer Ray Angry explores the other side of this music as manifested in some of his favorite pop tunes by The Roots, Stevie Wonder, Don Blackman, Sting, and more.

Originally published February 4, 2016. Two of David Bowie's last band members, saxophonist Donny McCaslin and pianist Jason Lindner, visit our studios to celebrate the British rockstar's final album Blackstar, a recording that features some of the finest New York jazz-trained musicians. McCaslin and Lindner give us a unique duo performance. Music recording by David Tallacksen.