Frank Wess

Frank Wess hits his marks at any tempo. When bassist Rufus Reid shifts his weight from side to side, he says that means he's into the music. Winard Harper is a small package with big energy at the drums. And trumpet man Terell Stafford (pictured) plays from his knees, painting the air with his bell and making great music.

At age 86, NEA Jazz Master Frank Wess has a ball leading a dream band with Terell Stafford on trumpet. Wess doubles on saxophone and flute, coming full circle to Washington, D.C., the city where he first took his studies seriously.

In March 2007, more than 30 lifelong jazz musicians were celebrated at the Kennedy Center for their contributions to a unique art form. JazzSet presents a recording of the concert companion to the awards ceremony, featuring Dave Brubeck, Nancy Wilson, and more.

This coming weekend, more than 100 jazz acts will descend upon the Detroit International Jazz Festival. The event will celebrate three brothers from a special Detroit-rooted jazz family: pianist Hank Jones and his two late brothers, drummer Elvin and trumpeter Thad.