Judy Carmichael's Jazz Inspired

Catherine has enjoyed a long career as a back up singer with everyone from David Bowie to Jackson Browne but is now focusing on the music of her father, Luis Russell, who was music director for Louis Armstrong and led his own bands in the 20â?²s and 30â?²s. Catherine discusses her love of New Orleans music and early jazz and what it means to come to this music at this stage of her career.

Guitarist/vocalist Matt Munisteri talks about drawing on jazz and western swing for his unique approach to playing and composing.

We revisit Judyâ??s conversation with the late Skitch Henderson about his Hollywood years with Bing Crosby and Sinatra and his long career with the NBC Orchestra and the Tonight Show.

Pianist Conal Fowkes discusses his long participation in Woody Allenâ??s jazz band and his recent part doing the vocals and piano work of the Cole Porter character in Woodyâ??s film Midnight in Paris.

Composer/pianist/vocalist, Deanna Witkowski, started as a classical pianist and now specializes in jazz, Brazilian, afro-cuban and sacred music.

Film producer (â??Boys Donâ??t Cryâ??) discusses his passion for jazz and the important role music plays in the pacing and mood of a film.

Classical and jazz guitarist Gene Bertoncini discusses how both approaches influence his playing and continue to inspire his recording projects.

Jazz pianist discusses his years playing with Jim Cullumâ??s Band on the radio show â??Live From the Landingâ?? and his thoughts on being a great ensemble player.

Musician and early jazz scholar Vince Giordano fell in love with 20's and 30's jazz at an early age and carries on the tradition performing with his band "The Nighthawks." Vince discusses bringing this music to a broader audience and especially the importance of young people hearing jazz live.

Canadian singer takes a straightforward, swinging approach to the Standards. Judy talks with Susie and her guitarist Jordan Officer on stage at the Ascona Jazz Festival in Switzerland about their somewhat retro approach to jazz and how that interest developed.

Recorded onstage at the Ascona Jazz Festival in Switzerland, vocalist/TV host China Moses discusses the advantages and challenges of having Dee Dee Bridgewater as a mom and growing up in France and America.

Pianist/vocalist Billy Stritch is that rare performer who is a great musician and great entertainer. Heâ??s learned from the best, with long associations with Liza Minnelli and Marilyn Maye, two gals who know a thing or two about winning over an audience.

In her new book "The Insanity Hoax" Schlesinger lays siege to the popular notion that to be truly creative, a person must be mentally unbalanced. A PhD psychologist and a jazz critic, Schlesinger discusses myths about Charlie Parker, Chet Baker and other jazz musicians presumed to have been insane to some degree. Judy and Judith discuss the psychology of genius and Judith's fascinating a...

Broadway star Ken Page (Ainâ??t Misbehavinâ??, Cats) and movie actor (Dreamgirls) talks about the way jazz used to influence stage performers and how he misses that influence in many performers today.

NEA Jazz Master winner, legendary drummer Chico Hamilton discusses starting the West Coast jazz sound in the early years of his career, his appearance in the film classic â??Sweet Smell of Successâ?? and why so many young musicians today canâ??t swing.

Trumpeter Warren Vaché discusses the realization of his life-long dream to play with strings, what makes a perfect jazz festival, and how to accompany a singer.

Judy Carmichael interviews Jerry Wexler

Jazz pianist Monte Alexander talks about how growing up in Jamaica influenced his music as well as his love of American Westerns and country music.

Film maker â??Hueyâ?? discusses his documentary about the late pianist Marian McPartland, which is part of his series of films about fascinating older artists.

We revisit Judy's conversation with Irish classical pianist John O'Conor, recorded at Steinway Hall in NYC and where she talked him into performing some jazz-inspired classical pieces on one of the many great Steinway grands sitting nearby.

Singer Sandy Stewart discusses her most recent CD with her son, pianist Bill Charlap, and the special musical connection they share.

Bassist Pat Oâ??Leary has helped some of the best musicians in jazz swing like mad: Diana Krall, Bob Dorough, Lionel Hampton, Mel Lewis and others. Oâ??Leary is also a composer and passionate teacher and talked to Judy about a fascinating project in Serbia where he combined his talents, working with students and professionals to present his arrangements of Serbian folk songs as reborn jazz orchest...

Italian pianist is equally smitten with jazz of the Barry Harris/Tommy Flanagan era and the great stride pianists who came before them. Rossano Sportiello, while extensively trained in classical music, loves jazz and enjoys combining the two.

Drummer Dave Tull has provided rhythm for everyone from Chuck Magione and Michael Buble, to Jack Sheldon and Family Guy creator Seth McFarlane. While Dave has also occasionally sung a tune or two with these groups and others, he has recently focused on performing his own beautiful melodies and often hilarious lyrics. Dave is a favorite among jazz musicians, who relish his spot on laments of the so...

Singer/pianist Geoffrey Tozer talks about his kooky, fun-loving radio show â??The Sly Crooner of Swanktownâ?? and shares his thoughts on getting more swank in the world.