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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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Ron Carter at 85: tracks and stories from the life of a record-setting bassist

Bassist Ron Carter Jonathan Chimene/WBGO hide caption

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Jonathan Chimene/WBGO

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

Ron Carter at 85: tracks and stories from the life of a record-setting bassist

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

To celebrate bassist Ron Carter's 85th birthday, hear a conversation with Ron and our host Christian McBride with music handpicked from Ron Carter's storied discography.

Ron Carter at 85: tracks and stories from the life of a record-setting bassist

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Stanley Clarke – The Virtuoso Bass Doubler is now an NEA Jazz Master

Stanley Clarke performs at the Jazz Festival Basel, on November 1, 2017 in Switzerland. Goffredo Loertscher/WBGO hide caption

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Goffredo Loertscher/WBGO

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

Stanley Clarke – The Virtuoso Bass Doubler is now an NEA Jazz Master

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

Jazz Night profiles bassist, composer, producer, arranger and 2022 NEA Jazz Master Stanley Clarke. Hear stories from his collaborators and travel through sonic landmarks in Clarke's storied career.

Stanley Clarke – The Virtuoso Bass Doubler is now an NEA Jazz Master

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Jabali, Drummer Billy Hart – Master Teacher, Forever Student, and NEA Jazz Master

2022 NEA Jazz Master Billy Hart Jonathan Chimene hide caption

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Jonathan Chimene

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

Jabali, Drummer Billy Hart – Master Teacher, Forever Student, and NEA Jazz Master

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

Jazz Night profiles drummer, composer, educator, & 2022 NEA Jazz Master Billy Hart. Hear stories from his upbringing, words from his mentees, & a performance from Hart's quartet live at Dizzy's Club.

Jabali, Drummer Billy Hart – Master Teacher, Forever Student, and NEA Jazz Master

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Cassandra Wilson: Subtle singer, subversive songwriter and 2022 NEA Jazz Master

Cassandra Wilson at Newport Jazz Festival Jonathan Chimene hide caption

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Jonathan Chimene

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

Cassandra Wilson: Subtle singer, subversive songwriter and 2022 NEA Jazz Master

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

Jazz Night profiles singer-songwriter, composer, guitarist and 2022 NEA Jazz Master Cassandra Wilson. Hear tracks from her expansive catalog and listen to stories about her inspiring musical path.

Cassandra Wilson: Subtle singer, subversive songwriter and 2022 NEA Jazz Master

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Stream the 2022 NEA Jazz Masters Tribute Concert From SFJAZZ

Stanley Clarke, Donald Harrison Jr., Billy Hart and Cassandra Wilson will be honored at the 2022 NEA Jazz Masters Tribute Concert from SFJAZZ. NPR hide caption

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NPR

Jazz Night In America: Video Episodes And Shorts

Stream the 2022 NEA Jazz Masters Tribute Concert From SFJAZZ

Performances and speeches honor this year's NEA Jazz Masters award recipients, including Stanley Clarke, Donald Harrison, Jr., Billy Hart & Cassandra Wilson. Watch live Thu, March 31, 10:30 p.m. ET!

Shirley Horn: The queen of silence and anticipation

Shirley Horn in March 1991. Christian Ducasse/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images hide caption

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Christian Ducasse/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

The Picture Show

Shirley Horn: The queen of silence and anticipation

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

We celebrate Women's History Month with a spotlight on Miss Shirley Horn, via a 1991 concert featuring special guests Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Toots Thielemans and more.

Shirley Horn: The queen of silence and anticipation

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The gospel according to Damien Sneed

Damien Sneed conducts his Chorale Le Chateau during a performance of Wynton Marsalis' Abyssinian Mass at Jazz at Lincoln Center in 2019. Ayano Hisa/Jazz at Lincoln Center hide caption

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Ayano Hisa/Jazz at Lincoln Center

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

The gospel according to Damien Sneed

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

Hear music from jazz and gospel pianist/vocalist Damien Sneed and how he got his start in Augusta, GA and went onto work with Wynton Marsalis and give piano lessons to Aretha Franklin.

The gospel according to Damien Sneed

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Crate Digging: McCoy Tyner's never-before-heard set at the Village Vanguard

McCoy Tyner (left) with host Christian McBride from their first concert. Courtesy of Christian McBride hide caption

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Courtesy of Christian McBride

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

Crate Digging: McCoy Tyner's never-before-heard set at the Village Vanguard

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

We're crate-digging to examine the legacy of the late pianist McCoy Tyner, uncovering a concert gem recorded at the Village Vanguard in 1997.

Crate Digging: McCoy Tyner's never-before-heard set at the Village Vanguard

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