Jazz and America

The first episode of Jazz and America kicks off with UCF's Director of Jazz Studies and host of Jazz and The American Spirit on 89.9 WUCF Jazz - Jeff Rupert.

Kayonne Riley catches up with Grammy award winning keyboardist Jeanine McAdams who founded Divas of Jazz and can be seen this weekend at the 13th Annual Mayor's Jazz in the Park on March 8! She recalls anecdotes about working with Prince, Janet Jackson, Jacqueline Jones and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis...and how gospel has always been her guide.

She came into our station to speak on her love for the Orlando scene, how Michelle Mailhot played a huge role in her studies and how she has harnessed the process of songwriting. From her first EP in 2015 to her latest release "Glory" in 2025 - a lot has happened in ten years. We love getting to spotlight the amazing artists here in our city, and so does Hannah. She tells us about Song Stringer Pr...

Kayonne Riley speaks with Matt Catingub ahead of WUCF FM's 45th anniversary 'Jazz That Rocks' event.

Jesse Morgado sits down with the legendary George Benson whose career spans over 60 years. This ten-time Grammy winner is a guitarist and singer/songwriter who has transcended jazz, blues, soul, pop, funk, r&b and more. His album 'Breezin' is one of the best-selling jazz albums of all time. He is one of the greatest artists of our time and a NEA jazz master. 

Kayonne Riley speaks with Champian Fulton about her latest album...or is it two albums?!

What better way to celebrate 45 years than to speak with some of our most integral peers who have helped shape WUCF FM into what it is today? In part two of this captivating two part series, Kayonne speaks with Bob Kelley, Lyman Brodie and Robyn Austin. Tune in for a nostalgic journey through cherished memories and discover what makes Orlando truly exceptional.

What better way to celebrate 45 years than to speak with some of our most integral peers who have helped shape WUCF FM into what it is today? In part one of this captivating two part series, Kayonne speaks with Jeff Rupert, Alan Rock, Alex Diaz and Jen Cook. Tune in for a nostalgic journey through cherished memories and discover what makes Orlando truly exceptional.

Jesse speaks with Dave Meder ahead of his Timucua Arts Foundation appearance on January 19, 2024.

Jesse Morgado catches up with legendary pianist Bob James about his latest record "Jazz Hands", his collaborations, and sampling throughout hip hop history.

Kayonne Rileys talks with prolific bassist Ron Carter about his legendary career.

Kendra Weaver speaks with Dee Daniels about her involvement in JEN and the conference in Orlando January 2023.

Kendra Weaver speaks with Jeff Coffin and Chuck Owen about their involvement in JEN and the conference in Orlando January 2023.

Kendra Weaver speaks with Socrates Garcia about his involvement in JEN and the conference in Orlando January 2023.

Kendra Weaver speaks with Carl Allen about his involvement in JEN and the conference in Orlando January 2023.

Kayonne Riley had the pleasure of sitting down with the legendary pianist Les McCann - both a masterful sideman as well as leader. They are joined by pianist Joe Alterman - who shares a special friendship with McCann as well as having him as a mentor for the past decade. Alterman's latest album features collaboration with McCann.  

Chris talks about what it was like to grow up with Dave Brubeck as his dad, his own musical projects and their family's legacy. 

Did you know Judy Carmichael is celebrating her 20th anniversary on the air with her show Jazz Inspired? Kendra recently caught up with Judy to talk about life, music and her future plans. Her memoir is nothing short of amazing!

Kayonne Riley speaks with Mark Winkler about his album "Old Friends". (2021)

In this vulnerable and eye opening interview, Kendra and Judy talk about her illustrious career.

"We really like playing to an audience and we do have a great fan base. The people do support what I do and my family and so it's been a wonderful life for me." Hear from our Latin Jazz Artist of the Month Pete Escovedo about his new album on WUCF 89.9 HD2 Latin Jazz.

Kayonne Riley speaks with the multi-Grammy winning Brazilian artist Eliane Elias about her new album "Mirror Mirror" featuring Cuban pianist Chucho Valdés and the late Chick Corea.