Brad Mehldau

Pianist Brad Mehldau and reigning American soprano Renee Fleming present a concert of surprises, including a new commission from Carnegie Hall based on the work of German poet Rainer Maria Rilke.

One of the appealing things about Lalo Schifrin's theme to Mission Impossible is that it's written in 5/4 time: five beats to the measure, instead of the more commonplace three or four. WNYC's Sara Fishko explores the atypical time signature's usage in music by Tchaikovsky, Dave Brubeck and more.

NPR's Noah Adams joins NPR's Alex Chadwick in an interview with jazz pianist Brad Mehldau. They talk about Mehldau's rendition of "River Man" on his new solo CD, Live in Tokyo. The song was originally written by the late British pop songwriter Nick Drake.

With this live version of "Wonderwall," Mehldau reduces Oasis' most famous song to a post-bop stride-piano exercise. The melody, condensed into its most basic elements, rhythmically attacks in short bursts, set over sturdy bass patterns and broken drum grooves.

With this live version of "Wonderwall," Mehldau reduces Oasis' most famous song to a post-bop stride-piano exercise. The melody, condensed into its most basic elements, rhythmically attacks in short bursts, set over sturdy bass patterns and broken drum grooves.

Ned Wharton, musical director for Weekend Edition Sunday, offers a collection of recordings offbeat enough to surprise your favorite music lover this holiday season.

How would you introduce someone to the jazz of today? We asked young jazz fans — none older than 24 — who run promising jazz Web sites to write about their five-album introductions to modern jazz. Here are highlights from our guest contributors.

Everybody loves Cole Porter. But most jazz musicians really love Cole Porter. Singers love his lyrics, which showcase great wit, amazing rhymes and beautiful imagery. Instrumentalists love his elegant melodies and sophisticated song structures. Celebrate Porter's birthday with Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Nellie McKay and more.

Virtually every band plays a few cover songs. In the jazz world, the term "jazz standard" is code for a classic song that's been covered many times by many artists over the course of many years. Here are five artists that break away with more modern-day fare like Radiohead and Bjork.

In 1982, the UN began observing "Peace Day" every September at the opening of its General Assembly. In 2002, it officially declared Sept. 21 as a permanent date for the International Day of Peace. In preparation, here are five beautiful jazz performances that celebrate the spirit of the occasion.

As August ends, so do the carefree days of summer. School begins, recent vacations are a fond memory and the temperature begins its slow and steady descent. Don't be sad, though: As Labor Day Weekend approaches, these songs are here to bring summer to a close on a positive note.

Sunday is Father's Day. If you're a dad, congratulations; these songs are for you. If you're a son or a daughter, here's a list of dad-friendly jazz songs to let your father know you're thinking of him.

WDUQ's Shaunna Morrison Machosky picks her Top 10 jazz CDs of 2007. All meet these criteria: The albums feature solid, engaging and interesting compositions, they're not simply collections of same-old jazz standards, and they're worth repeated listens.

Nick Morrison, a DJ at Seattle's KPLU, selects 10 of the year's best jazz CDs from instrumental legends and up-and-coming vocalists.