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Jazz 'News & Notes' takes an in-depth look at the evolution, the sound, and the future of jazz music with profiles, feature reports and roundtable conversations.
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Jazz

Talented But Overlooked Jazz Artists

We've talked this month about the jazz greats, but what about the others? Many musicians have not won the recognition that they deserve — including Grammy-Award winning Billy Childs and singer Robert McCarther. They join Farai Chideya to help wrap up our series on jazz.

Talented But Overlooked Jazz Artists

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Jazz Singer Nnenna Freelon Shares Influences

Over the years, jazz songstress and six-time Grammy Award nominee, Nnenna Freelon, has earned a reputation as a fierce singer and captivating performer. NPR's Tony Cox talks with Freelon about her career and how female artists have affected the genre.

Jazz Singer Nnenna Freelon Shares Influences

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Understanding Women's Influence On Jazz

Usually when we think of women in jazz, we think of singers like Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, and Ella Fitzgerald. But female jazz players cannot be overlooked: Women have played almost every instrument, in every style, during every era of the music's history. For more, NPR's Tony Cox talks with jazz historian Linda Dahl.

Understanding Women's Influence On Jazz

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Exploring Jazz Music Overseas

As our series on jazz continues, we explore how the sound is developing in far-flung places. For more on the genre's reach abroad, NPR's Tony Cox talks with bass clarinetist and multireedist, Bennie Maupin; flautist and conductor, James Newton; and saxophonist David Murray.

Exploring Jazz Music Overseas

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Inside Jazz Hot Spots Around the Nation

As our series on jazz continues, Farai Chideya uncovers the remaining American jazz meccas and finds out how live venues have shaped the art of jazz. Joining in are Ron Sturm, owner of the Iridium Jazz Club; musician Dennis Winslett; and Peter Williams, artistic director of Yoshi's Jazz Club.

Inside Jazz Hot Spots Around the Nation

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A Jazz Journey From Its New Orleans Birthplace

We continue our jazz series with a look at the legacy of New Orleans jazz music. Farai Chideya talks with three notable Crescent City musicians: Irma Thomas, who is known as the queen of New Orleans soul; trumpeter and bandleader Irvin Mayfield; and Greg Davis, a member of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band.

A Jazz Journey From Its New Orleans Birthplace

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The Intersection of Jazz and Social Protest

Jazz music was forged by social struggle. America's cultural cauldron produced music, which criticized segregation with candor, sadness, and humor. For more, Farai Chideya speaks with jazz expert Robert O'Mealy.

The Intersection of Jazz and Social Protest

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Inside the Culture of Jazz

We continue our series on jazz with a look at a new generation of players who love the music, even though it doesn't sell big. Jazz trumpter Nicholas Payton and drummer Kendrick Scott give us their take on why jazz is still a music of the people.

Inside the Culture of Jazz

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What Is Jazz?

There's no question that jazz is the foundation of black music. But understanding the art form can be a daunting challenge. This month, News & Notes is focusing on America's classical music — jazz. Today, we're taking a crash course with three renowned experts.

What Is Jazz?

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An Elmo Hope centennial celebration: Giving a jazz piano pioneer his due

Jazz Night in America celebrates the centennial of influential pianist Elmo Hope. Hear selections from his rare discography, pictured above. Collage by NPR hide caption

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Collage by NPR

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

An Elmo Hope centennial celebration: Giving a jazz piano pioneer his due

Jazz at Lincoln Center

One hundred years after his birth in 1923, we celebrate the legacy of Elmo Hope — one of the most influential pianists you've probably never heard of.

An Elmo Hope centennial celebration: Giving a jazz piano pioneer his due

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Songs for the fathers: A tribute to Jazz Dads

Clockwise from top left: Chick & Armando Corea; Madison & Bobby McFerrin; Luis & Catherine Russell; Benny & Bert Green; Cory Wong & father Luis and Catherine Russell © Catherine Russell Collection, all other photos courtesy of artist hide caption

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Luis and Catherine Russell © Catherine Russell Collection, all other photos courtesy of artist

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

Songs for the fathers: A tribute to Jazz Dads

Jazz at Lincoln Center

Jazz Night celebrates dads in the jazz world. Hear tributes from Chick Corea, Bobby and Madison McFerrin, Cory Wong, Catherine Russell and Benny Green in this very special Father's Day episode.

Songs for the fathers: A tribute to Jazz Dads

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Jazz Night toasts the NEA Jazz Masters class of 2023

2023 NEA Jazz Masters (left to right): Louis Hayes (photo by Janette Beckman), Regina Carter (photo by Jeff Dunn), Kenny Garrett (photo by Jimmy Katz), Sue Mingus (Photo courtesy Mingus Archives) National Endowment for the Arts hide caption

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National Endowment for the Arts

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

Jazz Night toasts the NEA Jazz Masters class of 2023

Jazz at Lincoln Center

Jazz Night in America honors the 2023 NEA Jazz Masters: Louis Hayes, Regina Carter, Kenny Garrett and Sue Mingus. Four newly crowned masters, with plenty of music, stories, and memories.

Jazz Night toasts the NEA Jazz Masters class of 2023

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Exploring the many orbits of jazz legend Wayne Shorter

Wayne Shorter, photographed during a live performance at the Town & Country Club in London in April 1987. Fin Costello/Redferns hide caption

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Fin Costello/Redferns

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

Exploring the many orbits of jazz legend Wayne Shorter

Jazz at Lincoln Center

Jazz Night takes a moment to commemorate Wayne Shorter and his eternal body of work – with concert performances, unaired interviews and music picks from our host Christian McBride.

Exploring the many orbits of jazz legend Wayne Shorter

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'This is not entertainment': John Zorn, all over Big Ears

John Zorn in performance in New York. Jonathan Chimene/WBGO hide caption

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Jonathan Chimene/WBGO

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

'This is not entertainment': John Zorn, all over Big Ears

Jazz at Lincoln Center

Composer and alto saxophonist John Zorn brings eight eclectic bands to the Big Ears Festival stage, ranging from solo classical piano to all-out electrified jams.

'This is not entertainment': John Zorn, all over Big Ears

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Yule dig? Celebrate the holidays with drummer Matt Wilson's festive Christmas Tree-O

Matt Wilson's Christmas Tree-O Chris Pizzolo/Courtesy of Artist hide caption

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Chris Pizzolo/Courtesy of Artist

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

Yule dig? Celebrate the holidays with drummer Matt Wilson's festive Christmas Tree-O

Jazz at Lincoln Center

Celebrate the holidays with drummer Matt Wilson and his festive holiday group the Christmas Tree-O from Dizzy's Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.

Yule dig? Celebrate the holidays with drummer Matt Wilson's festive Christmas Tree-O

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BADBADNOTGOOD steps into the psychedelic void

BADBADNOTGOOD perform live at Brooklyn Steel. Jonathan Chimene/WBGO hide caption

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Jonathan Chimene/WBGO

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

BADBADNOTGOOD steps into the psychedelic void

More than a decade after BADBADNOTGOOD's viral debut upsetting the "jazz police" and carving their own niche playing rap covers, they take the stage in Brooklyn with a wildly psychedelic set.

BADBADNOTGOOD steps into the psychedelic void

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Bassist Jamaaladeen Tacuma reflects on his journey down a 'Dirt Road' in N. Carolina

Jamaaladeen Tacuma in front of the Whiteville Bus Station Sound Evidence/Courtesy of Artist hide caption

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Sound Evidence/Courtesy of Artist

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

Bassist Jamaaladeen Tacuma reflects on his journey down a 'Dirt Road' in N. Carolina

Jazz at Lincoln Center

Hear music and field recordings from bassist, composer, and fashion icon Jamaaladeen Tacuma's residency in North Carolina, where he explores his familial and musical roots.

Bassist Jamaaladeen Tacuma reflects on his journey down a 'Dirt Road' in N. Carolina

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