Jazz Epicenter 6.7

Join Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Kennedy Center honoree, and seven-time GRAMMY Award winner Ralph Johnson for an unforgettable journey through the finest jazz from the 60s, 70s, and beyond. In this episode, Ralph guides listeners through an eclectic jazz soundscape featuring electrifying performances by Eddie Harris, Freddie Hubbard, Connie Han, and George Benson. From big band swing with Count B...

On this episode of Jazz Epicenter 6.7 , Ralph Johnson—Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Earth, Wind & Fire percussionist—guides you through a rich sonic voyage across the jazzscape. From the smooth piano magic of Chick Corea to the soulful resonance of Cannonball Adderley’s Mercy, Mercy, Mercy , this show taps into the raw emotion and technical brilliance of jazz’s golden age. Also featured: Shi...

Step into the second half of 2025 with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Ralph Johnson as Jazz Epicenter 6.7 continues its journey through the timeless Jazzscape. In Episode 112, Ralph blends the fire of Miles Davis and Art Blakey with the smooth stylings of Eliane Elias, Chaka Khan, Candice Springs, Minnie Riperton, and John Lucien. You'll hear iconic cuts like “So What,” “Moanin’,” and “Equinox,” al...

Celebrate Independence Day with Ralph Johnson on this soulful ride through the Jazzscape. In this episode of Jazz Epicenter 6.7 , Ralph spins classics from the 60s and 70s and takes us on a musical journey with legends like Gerald Wilson, McCoy Tyner, Donny Hathaway, Bob James, Regina Belle, Pat Metheny, West Montgomery, and Stanley Turrentine. Recorded live from Los Angeles, this special July 4th...

 Ralph previews Earth, Wind & Fire’s upcoming Hollywood Bowl shows, then launches into classics like Freddie Hubbard’s "Skydive," Cannonball Adderley’s "Jeannine," and Brenda Russell’s "Hello People." Charles Earland, Astrud Gilberto, and Herbie Hancock wrap the session with timeless depth. 

 With stops in LA’s Leimert Park and deep dives into spiritual and sensual grooves, this episode blends Billy Childs, Eddie Harris, Minnie Riperton’s "Inside My Love," and Connie Han’s "Wild Rose Goddess" into an atmospheric exploration of love and self-discovery. 

 Fresh off the St. Lucia Jazz Festival, Ralph returns with energy and elegance. Highlights include Joe Henderson’s "Mode for Joe," Bill Evans’ "Woody ’n You," and Diana Krall’s "The Look of Love." A lush, lyrical episode that captures jazz’s romantic side. 

 Jimmy Smith & Wes Montgomery’s "Down by the Riverside" leads this journey of collaboration and groove. Paul Desmond covers Simon & Garfunkel, Chaka Khan stuns with "I’ll Be Around," and Bob James delivers a classic fusion finale in "Sunrunner." 

 In this far-reaching episode, Ralph Johnson takes listeners from the fiery energy of Buddy Rich’s West Side Story Medley to the spiritual calm of James Vincent’s Space Traveler . Along the way, Freddie Hubbard blazes through Camel Rise , Donald Byrd embraces electric piano for the first time, and Regina Belle delivers a heartfelt ballad in You . The journey rounds out with Latin-infused classics,...

 Broadcasting from Japan, Ralph curates a global jazz tapestry featuring Freddie Hubbard’s "Skydive," Terrence Blanchard’s "Footprints," and Carmen McRae’s "I Thought About You." Gerald Wilson, Gil Scott-Heron, and a soulful close with "Come With Me" complete a heartfelt and worldly session. 

 Ralph opens Episode 104 with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and keeps the energy high with Jeff Lorber, Herbie Mann, and Diane Schuur. A romantic core shines through with Burt Bacharach classics performed by Ron Isley and Earth, Wind & Fire’s Maurice White. 

 Gerald Wilson’s "California Soul," Miles Davis’s "Seven Steps to Heaven," and Joe Henderson’s "Isotope" set the stage. Ralph weaves classic big band energy with intimate vocals from Dianne Reeves and Boz Scaggs, rounding out a dynamic episode that celebrates both power and tenderness in jazz. 

 Episode 102 opens with a tribute to peace and JFK before diving into Freddie Hubbard’s "Skydive" and Stanley Turrentine’s take on "Impressions." Ralph brings warmth and wanderlust through breezy global grooves and lush vocal jazz, including Kim’s sunny anthem "Live Just for the Sun." 

 Ralph Johnson kicks off Jazz Epicenter with a powerful lineup including Michael Brecker’s "African Skies," Wayne Shorter's "Speak No Evil," and a soulful take on "Compared to What" by Terence Blanchard featuring PJ Morton. A seamless journey through iconic jazz compositions that span decades of excellence.