MPM is an instrumental trio based out of Tampa Bay, Florida specializing in jazz performance. Led by Alex Malkovich on guitar and saxophone, Cooper Madden on bass, and Ayrias Pedigo on drums, this ensemble performs classic bebop tunes in a modern way. This concert was recorded at In Between Days, an intimate sake bungalow house in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Sandujazz is an ensemble devoted to the sounds of the African, Caribbean, and Latin American idiosyncrasies. Since 2019, the group has released its first trilogy of albums blending Jazz Fusion and Salsa styles with psychedelic influences. They are now a prominent part of the jazz scene in Tampa led by the new generations.

Meet Steve Hunter. He's a musician, composer and guitarist who has been touring and recording with musicians like Peter Gabriel, Dr John, Jack Bruce, Lou Reed, Tracy Chapman, Mitch Ryder, Jason Becker, and Alice Cooper. Steve has contributed to ten Alice Cooper albums, starting in 1973 with Billion Dollar Babies and was recently featured heavily on the new ‘Welcome 2 My Nightmare'. He’s also had an illustrious solo career with seven solo albums with more in the making.

ERG is a new ensemble exploring the intersections of composed and improvised creative music. Four of its five members are SHIM alumni and include David Pate (saxophones & flute), Tom Kersey (cello), David Manson (trombone), TJ Glowacki (double bass), and Jim Stewart (drums). Their collective experiences include the free spirit of SHIM, the experimentalism of BONK, and the groove and grittiness of the Zappa repertoire band Bogus Pomp.

Harrison Jazz Ensemble performed in the WUSF Studio. Pianist and songwriter Roger Harrison played several original pieces while musicians from the Al Downing Association Henry Ashwood, Ron Gregg, and Valentyn Korniienko.

Meet Sarasota's Rich & Rose–a musical duo that features the guitar work of Charley Rich with the captivating vocals of Daenah Rose. For four years, this duo has been charming audiences with their blend of American Songbook classics, jazz favorites, pop, and original compositions. 

You can learn more about Charley Rich and Daenah Rose by visiting CharleyRich.com

Be sure to watch their Studio Sessions performance by going to wusfjazz.org or searching for WUSF on YouTube.

Today’s audio was recorded in the WUSF Performance Studio by Jackson Harpe. Production assistance by Chandler Balkcom. I’m Warren Buchholz, host and editor. Arts Axis Florida is a product of WUSF and is sponsored by Community Foundation Tampa Bay, the Gobioff Foundation with support from the Palladium by you. Thank you for your support. Learn more about Jazz on Arts Axis Florida by visiting our website at wusfjazz.org. Copyright 2025 WUSF.

Meet Mindi Abair. She’s a 2x GRAMMY nominated saxophonist, vocalist, author and wine entrepreneur. She’s recorded and toured with ensembles and musicians like Aerosmith, Gerald Albright, Gregg Allman, Dave Koz and Trombone Shorty. Mindi has just released a new album “I Can’t Wait for Christmas.” She’s currently touring and will be performing at the Capitol Theatre in Clearwater, FL on December 20 at 8pm. You can learn more about this wonderful holiday show at RuthEckerdHall.com