Composer, arranger, and conductor Burt Bacharach is a legend of American popular music. With such landmark tunes as "Alfie" and "What the World Needs Now," Bacharach has charmed audiences across the musical spectrum. He sits down with McPartland for an hour of freewheeling music making and conversation.

Saxophonist and music historian Loren Schoenberg is one of the preeminent authorities on jazz today. He's a prolific writer and educator -- and he currently serves as the executive director of the Jazz Museum in Harlem.

Piano Jazz honors the irrepressible singer/pianist/performer Bobby Short with an encore broadcast of his Piano Jazz performance before a live audience at Piano Jazz's "home" network, South Carolina Educational Radio. From his early days as a 12yr old saloon singer in Danville, Ill., to his 30+ year engagement at the swank Cafe Carlisle in New York, Short spent most of his life delighting audiences with his sophisticated and elegant versions of American popular songs. This live Piano Jazz program features Short's version of "Just One of Those Things;" McPartland's musical portrait of Bobby; and a two-piano version of "When Lights are Low."

Pianist Steve Kuhn is a highly accomplished player and a prolific composer who's been on the scene for more than forty years. As a teenager in Boston, he sat in with greats like Chet Baker and Coleman Hawkins as they came through town. Kuhn went on to play with Kenny Dorham, John Coltrane and Stan Getz, and often sat in with McPartland during her Hickory House days. He performs his own "Oceans In The Sky," and plays "Easy To Love" with McPartland.

Toots Thielemans is the unrivaled master of the jazz harmonica. His trademark style and tender sound is recognized the world over. His recording credits include film scores, commercials, and collaborations with Ella Fitzgerald and Quincy Jones. Thielemans exchanges stories with McPartland and joins her for "Giant Steps" and "Georgia."

Pianist and educator Noah Baerman is a remarkable young player. Though battling Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a rare disease of the connective tissue, he continues to put his energy into jazz education, with several teaching jobs and eight successful books about jazz. Baerman joins McPartland for "There is No Greater Love" and "Black Orpheus."

Nadine Jansen is a multi-talented musician: not only is she a masterful horn player, she's also a skilled singer and pianist. She developed her musical identity in Vaudeville and played with the likes of Skitch Henderson and The Clooney Sisters. Jansen shares stories from the bandstand and performs on both piano and flugelhorn, playing "Nadine's Blues."

Jodie Christian is one of Chicago's greatly admired musicians. As a leader of the 1950's Chicago Bop scene and as co-founder of Chicago's free jazz collective, the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians, Christian's music is woven into the musical history of the Windy City.
Featured Songs: "My Heart Stood Still" and "Gone With the Wind"

Ramsey Lewis is the quintessential Chicago musician, with a style that reflects the diversity of the Chicago scene. His playing blends his gospel roots and his classical training with jazz, creating a synthesis that has led to a very successful career. He demonstrates why he's often called "the great performer," playing his own tune "Second Thoughts" before joining Marian for Chicago-style blues.

Not many musicians are as busy as Lee Musiker. As a conductor, Musiker has led orchestras from Baltimore to San Diego; he's worked with everyone from Lionel Hampton to Jerry Lewis; and his piano credits extend from Broadway to Hollywood.
Featured Song: "Fascinating Rhythm"

In the world of jazz, Bill Kirchner is truly a jack of all trades. He's a fine saxophonist and bandleader, a composer/arranger, an author, educator and jazz historian, and he's an in-demand writer and radio producer.
Featured Songs: "Blue Bossa" and "Body and Soul"