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Jazz Music Interviews

Jazz clarinetist Anat Cohen has a new album out called Claroscuro.

Listen Anat Cohen: Bringing The Clarinet To The World

February 6, 2013 – On a new album, Claroscuro, the clarinetist explores influences from Louis Armstrong to Latin jazz.

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Read When Your Grandfather Is The Greatest Living Jazz Drummer

February 6, 2013 – Marcus Gilmore, 25, is in high demand these days. So is his grandpa: jazz legend Roy Haynes.

Wayne Shorter turns 80 this year. His newest album is called Without a Net.

Listen Wayne Shorter On Jazz: 'How Do You Rehearse The Unknown?'

February 2, 2013 – The 79-year-old saxophonist and composer discusses his new album Without a Net.

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The interior of the auditorium at the new SFJAZZ Center.

Read The New SFJAZZ Center, As Seen By Its Musicians

January 22, 2013 – Two artists who played the first SFJAZZ festival 30 years ago reflect on its new $64 million home.

Wynton Marsalis.

Listen Wynton Marsalis On 'Song Travels'

January 4, 2013 – The trumpeter and composer joins host Michael Feinstein to discuss the music that affects him most.

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Dave Douglas' new album, Be Still, includes hymns he played at his mother's funeral service.

Listen Dave Douglas: Jazz Hymns Honor A Dying Wish

December 16, 2012 – The trumpeter's new album of reinterpreted religious music is a tribute to his late mother.

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In a new memoir, jazz guitarist and son of jazz legend Bucky Pizzarelli tells stories from growing up in a musical household and making a name for himself as a musician.

Listen 'World On A String': John Pizzarelli Jazzes It Up

December 13, 2012 – In a new book, the guitarist, singer and songwriter shares stories from a musical life.

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In a 1999 interview with Fresh Air's Terry Gross, Dave Brubeck talked about his decades in the music industry and his first love: rodeo roping.

Listen Celebrating The Life Of Jazz Pianist Dave Brubeck

December 7, 2012 – The jazz master died on Wednesday at age 91. He spoke with Terry Gross in 1999.

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Dave Brubeck performing on the pilot episode of a television program in 1965.

Listen Remembering The Vital Force Of Jazz Pianist Dave Brubeck

December 5, 2012 – One of the most recognized and recognizable musicians of the postwar era has died one day shy of 92.

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Listen Jazz Man Maret Makes His Way On The Harmonica

October 9, 2012 – After cutting his teeth as a sideman for jazz greats, Maret is now taking the helm of bandleader.

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Anat Cohen's new album, her sixth as a bandleader, is called Claroscuro.

Listen Anat Cohen Bends The Spectrum On 'Claroscuro'

October 7, 2012 – The Israeli-born clarinetist and saxophonist kick-started Israel into a vital exporter of jazz.

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Joe Jackson's new album is The Duke.

Listen Joe Jackson Pays Tribute To 'The Duke'

September 16, 2012 – Throughout his career, Joe Jackson has taken on any musical challenge — from the symphony to swing.

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Luciana Souza has two new albums out, Duos III and The Book of Chet.

Listen Luciana Souza: From Bossa Nova To Chet Baker

August 31, 2012 – The Brazilian singer's two new albums of cover songs explore her love of both jazz and bossa nova.

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Classically trained violinist Ben Powell makes the leap to jazz in his album New Street, a tribute to the late Stephane Grappelli.

Listen Ben Powell: In The Footsteps Of Jazz Fiddle Royalty WBUR

August 27, 2012 – The young Berklee-trained violinist dedicates his new album to the late legend Stephane Grappelli. WBUR

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"There was this sensation of going on a journey together, without seat belts," says Rhiannon of her band's first totally improvised performance. Her newest album is called Spontaneous.

Listen Rhiannon: An Improviser Resists The Urge To Reuse

August 18, 2012 – The jazz vocalist says that once an idea is put to tape, "it's never going to be quite as strong."

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First Listen

Produced by Wilco's Jeff Tweedy, Staples' new album radiates reverence while summoning a slow burn.

First Listen: Mavis Staples, 'One True Vine'

Produced by Wilco's Jeff Tweedy, Staples' new album radiates reverence while summoning a slow burn.

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Samberg, Taccone And Schaffer: Three's Not A Lonely Island

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Sweet melodies by Bach and haunting sounds of Morton Feldman enliven new albums.

Distinctive Voices: Three Must-Hear Violin Albums

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Don't Kill Your Idols: J. Cole Looks For His Place In Hip-Hop

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