Studio Session Shorts

Seattle mallet percussionist Susan Pascal reflects on a diverse three-decade career and her work to source and restore vibraphones for school music programs.

Saxophonist Donny McCaslin shares his experience collaborating with David Bowie on his final album, detailing their initial meeting and covert recording process.

Jazz trumpeter Marquis Hill explores his connection to the jazz greats, his passion for education, and how his band Blacktet blends tradition with modern influences.

A talented "homebody" who spent years flying under the radar, vocalist Kenny Washington steps into the spotlight in his sixties.

Grammy-winning vocalist Kurt Elling and veteran pianist Joey Calderazzo have a knack for groundbreaking creativity, born from their palpable musical connection.

Seattle instrumental group Polyrhythmics discuss how their distinct jazz-funk and Afrobeat sound is shaped by a 'two-way street' with their fans.

Musician Roy McCurdy revisits his time in Cannonball Adderley's band and highlights a live recording of the saxophonist from Seattle’s historic jazz club, The Penthouse.

Five-time Grammy-winning bassist Victor Wooten shares his journey to becoming the 'spine of the band,' and his philosophy on music as a catalyst for growth and connection.

From Miles Davis influences to custom-built pedals, jazz cellist Jacob Szekely is pushing the cello beyond its traditional 300-year history.

Saxophonist Cliff Colon, keyboardist Jake Sele, and drummer D'Vonne Lewis create smooth, organ-led jazz arrangements of classic hits from Nirvana and Pearl Jam.

Alto saxophonist Vincent Herring heard jazz growing up, but he was more into pop music. With his Something Else! band, he blends the two styles into something fresh.

From St. Louis to Seattle, trumpeter Jun Iida follows in his koto-playing mother's footsteps, and turns a career change into a cross‑cultural musical journey.

Since welcoming pianist Orrin Evans to the group, The Bad Plus has embarked on an exciting musical journey that will come full circle during their farewell tour next year.

Grammy-winning composer and pianist Billy Childs draws inspiration from mentorship, and the 'alternate universes' various collaborations lend his projects.

With a name that serendipitously matches her career, vocalist Jazzmeia Horn feels she's living out her destiny, weaving together melody and emotion onstage.

After a near-fatal car accident, saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin channeled her recovery into creating the Grammy-nominated album Phoenix, a testament to her resilience.

Brought up in Seattle's grunge scene, multi-instrumentalist Jessica Lurie makes music that reflects boundless curiosity and a love for diverse musical traditions.

Since winning the prestigious Herbie Hancock Institute International Jazz competition in 2024, Chicago-born pianist Jahari Stampley continues to evolve as a pianist, composer and video game designer.

From ragtime roots to modern free jazz explorations, Spike Wilner's musical journey blossomed from mentorship and the permission to express his authentic musical self.

Guitarist Eric Krasno, drummer Stephen Moore, and organist Eric Finland celebrate women musicians across generations and musical genres on soulful record, 'Book of Queens.'

The Italian-born pianist, now living on Washington's Kitsap Peninsula, has found his musical home in the Pacific Northwest, where's he retired to focus on music-making.

In the KNKX studios in 2014, Carter explored her family heritage, uncovered early American field recordings, and highlighted how ancestry to shapes our lives today.

John Pizzarelli, skilled guitarist and vocalist, has collaborated with pop icons like James Taylor, blending timeless jazz standards and modern popular song.

A rebellious decision to ditch music school and tour with a saxophone legend was the catalyst for trumpeter Terell Stafford's illustrious career in jazz.

Leading harpist in jazz today, Brandee Younger, is carrying on trailblazer Dorothy Ashby's legacy as she ushers the tradition of jazz harp forward.