Upcoming Guests On Piano Jazz

September 25, 2008 - Back To Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz

Nov. 6: Aaron Diehl
Pianist Aaron Diehl is a very recent graduate of The Juilliard School of Music, but he's most assuredly an up-and-coming force in jazz. Dubbed "the Real Diehl" by the reigning prince of jazz, Wynton Marsalis, Diehl displays a brilliant technique and a truly creative approach to music whether he's interpreting Tatum, Ellington, or Mozart. He joins McPartland on "April in Paris" and "One Morning in May."

Nov. 13: Randy Brecker with guest host Bill Charlap
Trumpeter Randy Brecker has been a tireless explorer of all kinds of musical genres, from funk to Brazilian to mainstream jazz. Brecker brought along his group to this Piano Jazz where he joins guest host Bill Charlap and performs some of his own tunes including "There's a Mingus A Monk Us," "Skunk Funk" and "Moontide." Charlap joins the group for "All the Things You Are."

Nov. 20: George Shearing
English pianist George Shearing has appeared on Piano Jazz four times over the last 30 years — a record shared with Bobby Short for most appearances by a single guest. In this program from 1987, McPartland reminisces with her fellow countryman about obscure British tunes and the two have fun re-harmonizing "God Save the Queen." Shearing sings and plays Cole Porter's "After You" and the two end with a two piano version of "Indiana."

Nov. 27: Sheila Jordan with guest host Jon Weber
Sheila Jordan's unique singing style lights up Piano Jazz with guest host Jon Weber. Jordan reflects on her early inspirations in Detroit and chasing the great Charlie Parker, who later became a close friend. Along with brilliant pianist and collaborator Steve Kuhn, Jordan sets flame to "Hum Drum Blues" and "The Touch of Your Lips."

Dec. 4: Christian McBride
Christian McBride is one of the premier bassists on the jazz scene today. He has appeared on Piano Jazz numerous times as a sideman backing such artists as Jack DeJohnette and JJ Johnson. On this program from 2001, McBride take center stage to talk about his favorite gigs and to jam with McPartland on "Billie's Bounce" and "Midnight Sun."

Dec. 11: Beegie Adair
Pianist Beegie Adair is known for an impeccable sense of swing and her smooth but intricate playing. The Nashville resident has been an in-demand pianist for the town's best country musicians, but her heart belongs to those classic tunes from the Great American Songbook. Adair performs a graceful version of "I Wished on the Moon" and teams up with McPartland for her signature closer, "We'll Be Together Again."

Dec. 18: Piano Jazz Christmas Special
Piano Jazz swings in the holiday season with a special program of Christmas music! McPartland and her guests from seasons past share their favorite memories and perform Christmas classics and original holiday tunes. Guest artists include George Shearing, Tony DeSare and Dena DeRose.

Dec. 25: Marian Petrescu with guest host Renee Rosnes
Guest host Renee Rosnes introduces Romanian jazz sensation Marian Petrescu. This dazzling player has been tearing up the European jazz scene since he was 15. Petrescu pays homage to his childhood idol, Oscar Peterson, performing Peterson's erroneously named "A Little Jazz Exercise" before joining Rosnes for "My Romance."

Jan. 1: John Lewis
Pianist John Lewis was one of McPartland's first guests on Piano Jazz during season one in 1979. The founder of the Modern Jazz Quartet talked about his legendary group and about his first big gig with Dizzy Gillespie. He and McPartland flesh out the roots of bebop, playing Charlie Parker's "Donna Lee" before winding up the hour with "Stompin' at the Savoy."

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