close
 

Jazz archive

Sarah Vaughan performs during the International Jazz Festival of Nice in southeast France in July 1984.

Listen Sarah Vaughan: A New Box Set Revels In Glorious Imperfections

A new anthology packs four CDs with music, recorded live or in the studio with bands big and small.

ListenPlaylist

Rudresh Mahanthappa.

Listen Rudresh Mahanthappa On Piano Jazz

May 17, 2013 – Mahanthappa brings an explosive blend of jazz and South Indian classical music to the studio.

ListenPlaylist

Grady Tate.

Listen Grady Tate On Piano Jazz

May 17, 2013 – The much-celebrated drummer trades in his skins for a microphone in a Piano Jazz session.

Woody Herman in 1946.

Read Woody Herman At 100: 'A Blues Player From His Heart'

May 16, 2013 – A reedman, talent scout and bandleader, Herman led "Herds" that were both popular and respected.

Edmar Castañeda performs at the Americas Society.

Listen Edmar Castañeda And Friends On JazzSet WBGO

May 16, 2013 – Hear passionate improvisation across borders on Colombian harp, Argentinian bandoneón and more. WBGO

ListenPlaylist

Miguel Zenón.

Listen Miguel Zenón Quartet: Live At The Village Vanguard WBGO

May 15, 2013 – The Puerto Rican saxophonist's stunning quartet of 10 years presents new music in concert. WBGO

ListenPlaylist

Gregory Porter.

Watch Gregory Porter: A Lion In The Subway WBGO

May 14, 2013 – Watch a world-class jazz singer perform "Be Good (Lion's Song)" on a vintage Brooklyn train car. WBGO

Trombonist and arranger Melba Liston is one of the women featured in a new documentary about female instrumentalists in jazz, The Girls in the Band.

Watch A DIY Guide To The History Of Women In Jazz

May 10, 2013 – As "Women in Jazz Day" officially hits New York City, here are more resources on the subject.

Jane Monheit.

Listen Jane Monheit On Piano Jazz

May 10, 2013 – Marian McPartland accompanies the vocalist on music from the Gershwins, Duke Ellington and more.

ListenPlaylist

"It's about being here in the moment, accepting one another and allowing creativity to flow." - Stefon Harris

Listen Stefon Harris: Are There Mistakes In Jazz?

May 10, 2013 – Jazz composer Stefon Harris says many actions are seen as mistakes but they can be opportunities.

ListenPlaylist

Donny McCaslin.

Listen Donny McCaslin On Piano Jazz

May 10, 2013 – The tenor saxophonist plays "Take the 'A' Train" and "All the Things You Are" with host Jon Weber.

ListenPlaylist

Steven Bernstein performs at 92Y Tribeca with Sexmob.

Watch Sexmob: Live In Concert WBGO

May 9, 2013 – Steven Bernstein's down-for-anything quartet parties to the themes of film composer Nino Rota. WBGO

ListenPlaylist

Eddie Palmieri performs at the Kennedy Center.

Listen Eddie Palmieri's Latin Jazz Septet On JazzSet WBGO

May 9, 2013 – The pianist throws elbows and forearms to get what he needs in this Kennedy Center performance. WBGO

ListenPlaylist

Jimmy Hamilton (left) and Harry Carney were among the reedmen who played clarinet for the Duke Ellington Orchestra.

Read 'A Strict Taskmaster': 5 Ways To Play The Jazz Clarinet

May 9, 2013 – Ben Goldberg picks five legends, from legends to the present, who worked with the difficult horn.

NPR thanks our sponsors

Become an NPR Sponsor