The Art of the Story

South African vocalist Vuyo Sotashe talks about his new EP with Chris Pattishall, 'Invocation'

Saxophonist and bandleader Lakecia Benjamin has become one of the most dynamic voices in jazz. She tells Leo Sidran about one of her first professional experiences, and how the mentors, heroes, setbacks and aspirations that shaped her journey continue to inform her new album, We Dream.

Leo Sidran catches up with Zev Feldman, a man often called 'the Indiana Jones of Jazz'. Others know him as 'the jazz detective'. He prefers something simpler: a music fan who never stopped asking questions. “I literally search the world for previously unissued recordings of this music - America’s classical music."

WBGO’s Ray Long talks with Mikey Bar-Lavi, creator and host of the NYC-based “Sleeves” record club (‘like a book club, but for records…’)

After traveling to Spain to accept a surprising jazz award, Leo Sidran finds himself wrestling with an old question: what is jazz, anyway? The answer arrives later that night at Madrid's Café Central, where musicians and fans gather to sing an impromptu tribute to the late Sonny Rollins.

Dave Popkin talks with Big Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr. of The Rumble about his New Orleans roots, shepherding tradition into the future, and more.

Leo Sidran explores the newly unearthed treasure trove from the archives of photographer Steve Schapiro, a photo book entitled "Jazz" offering a priceless look inside the happenings of jazz in 1960s New York City.

Jimmy Jam of legendary producing duo Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis talks about his 50+ year career and legacy, and his new live storytelling event, Jamz & Conversation, happening June 4 at Sony Hall.

WBGO’s Dave Popkin catches up with The Nth Power to cover their new record “Never Alone” plus performing with Snarky Puppy and more.

On this episode of The Art of the Story, WBGO's Doug Doyle reports on the death of the great jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins

To mark what would have been Miles Davis’s 100th birthday, Leo Sidran revisits a rare 1986 conversation between Miles and Ben Sidran, recorded on the terrace of Miles’s Malibu home. As musicians around the world celebrate the centennial, Miles reflects on creativity, individuality, and the lifelong search for something new.

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.

On this edition of The Art of the Story, WBGO's Doug Doyle previews the GSP production of "My Lord, What a Night"

To mark Keith Jarrett’s birthday, Leo Sidran revisits a rare 1980s conversation between Jarrett and his father, Ben Sidran - exploring the pianist’s deeply personal ideas about presence, improvisation, and the state of mind behind his music.

WBGO’s Ray Long chats with NYC-based trumpet player Jon Lampley about his forthcoming album Notes To Self, as well as a prolific career as a sideman, backing Jon Batiste, Lake Street Dive, Cory Wong, O.A.R. and many more - not to mention Lampley’s decade-long tenure as a member of the house band for The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.

Carmen Lundy tells Janis Siegel and Lezlie Harrison about the moment when she realized she was going to move to New York from her Florida home.