Judy Carmichael's Jazz Inspired

Author, educator and classical and jazz pianist Stuart Isacoff explains how the openness and improvisation of jazz has affected his writing and other creative endeavors.

"I think Iâ??m the only Chinese/American Big Band Leader in the country," says George Gee, and a more enthusiastic proponent of this music cannot be found. George discusses keeping this music alive and the great advice he got from his mentor Count Basie.

Trumpet man Wayne Bergeron is known for his amazing high notes and studio work, and making everyone else sound great. In Judy's 2007 discussion with Wayne he revealed what it was like to finally record under his own name and receive a Grammy nomination for his efforts.

Trombone virtuoso talks about the influence his trombone-playing father Bill Allred had on him growing up and what it takes to be a great player in every setting.

Even Simon Cowell was wowed by vocalist Melinda Doolittle, on the sixth season of American Idol, and although he said she should have won, she placed third in the competition. Melinda discusses what her music education and career as a back up singer brings to the solo career she enjoys now.

Interior designer and jazz vocalist Andrew Suvalski discusses combining two full-time careers and how the two inspire each other.

Chicago pianist Jon Weber talks about his jingle writing years, his love for every kind of jazz from the early days to the present, and what his recent move to NYC has done for his playing.

We revisit Judy's 2008 conversation with stage and screen star, John Lithgow, who talks about his love for classic jazz, recording a jazz-inspired childrenâ??s record, and how improvisational acting influences even the most scripted performance.

New Orleans painter talks about how growing up in the south and experiencing jazz has influenced his painting â?? from his â??Blue Dogâ?? portraits to his posters for â??Jazz Fest."

Tony Award winning actress Blythe Danner joins Judy on stage at the Tanglewood Jazz Festival and connects with her early jazz roots. Blythe was a jazz singer in college and discusses with Judy how jazz has continued to influence her acting career.

Jazz pianist/conductor talks about working with some of the great jazz vocalists of our time and his present gigs as musical director for Tony Bennett and Barbara Cook.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback and jazz pianist, discusses the important role jazz has played in his sports and musical life and the joy he gets from encouraging young boys (often against the pressure of their peers) to continue their piano pursuits, as well as their athletic adventures.

Great-great grandson of the founder of Steinway and Sons pianos discusses his long life in music, pianos and his unique perspective on what it takes to be the best.

Jazz composer talks about being the first musician to win a Grammy with a CD released exclusively on the internet and influences from stride piano to The Fifth Dimension.

Dancer/choreographer discusses the collaborations his Parsons Dance Company has had with various jazz greats.

Singer/songwriter talks about the influence her famous father E.L. Doctorow has had on her writing and how she marries jazz and folk music.

Cabaret singer/pianist discusses creating the off Broadway show â??Our Sinatraâ?? and what jazz has done to inspire and expand his performances.

Jazz composer/guitarist talks about the influence Bela Bartok and Bill Finnegan and others have had on his music.

Judy Carmichael interviews Kristi Zea

Vocalist/arranger/pianist talks about his Lambert, Hendricks and Ross style vocal group and his many adventures working with Dame Edna.

Australian classical pianist Simon Tedeschi talks about his jazz piano pursuits, his particular love of stride piano and performing the music for the movie "Shine" at the tender age of 14.

Singer/composer combines pop and jazz in what she calls â??acoustic smashingâ??.

Tony award winning actress talks about her hilarious turn as Ulla in "The Producers", learning about jazz through Mr. Rogers, and how she combines her Broadway roots and her love for jazz in her vocal performances

As the stepdaughter of famed dancer Irene Castle, Jean met many of the early jazz greats and continued jazz friendships throughout her life. Jean brought her knowledge and long history of loving jazz to her Academy Award Nominated documentary "A Great Day in Harlem, which has been recently released, on DVD.

Vocalist Manzoâ??s vocal influences range from Celia Cruz to Sarah Vaughan. A wide range of influences and her 5 octave range give her a powerful and unique sound.