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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.
Special Series

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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Crate Digging With Christian McBride: The Works Of Cedar Walton

Cedar Walton, performing in the U.K. in 1976. Andrew Putler/Redferns hide caption

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Andrew Putler/Redferns

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

Crate Digging With Christian McBride: The Works Of Cedar Walton

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

Christian McBride dives into Jazz at Lincoln Center's vaults for another edition of our Crate Digging series. Hear a set from one of his favorite pianists and composers: Cedar Walton.

Crate Digging With Christian McBride: The Works Of Cedar Walton

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Terri Lyne Carrington: Trailblazer, Advocate and NEA Jazz Master

Terri Lyne Carrington at PDX Jazz in 2018 Mark Sheldon/PDX Jazz hide caption

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Mark Sheldon/PDX Jazz

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

Terri Lyne Carrington: Trailblazer, Advocate and NEA Jazz Master

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

In her decades behind the drum kit, 2021 NEA Jazz Master Terri Lyne Carrington has become one of jazz's most dynamic musicians. In this episode, we'll hear music that captures her wide-ranging sound.

Terri Lyne Carrington: Trailblazer, Advocate and NEA Jazz Master

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Phil Schaap's 50-Year Career: The Raconteur Raised On Jazz

Phil Schaap in WKCR studio, 1991 John Abbott/John Abbott hide caption

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John Abbott/John Abbott

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

Phil Schaap's 50-Year Career: The Raconteur Raised On Jazz

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

We examine the life and legacy of 2021 NEA Jazz Master Phil Schaap with music from Jazz at Lincoln Center and a rare live album produced by Schaap himself at the West End Café in Manhattan.

Phil Schaap's 50-Year Career: The Raconteur Raised On Jazz

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Marcus Miller: Electric Miles

Bassist and composer Marcus Miller, performing during a tribute to Miles Davis on July 13, 2011 in Montreux, France. Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images

Jazz Night In America: Video Episodes And Shorts

Marcus Miller: Electric Miles

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

Join us for the premiere of electric bassist (and Miles Davis collaborator) Marcus Miller's retrospective concert celebrating the 50th anniversary of Miles Davis going electric!

Chick Corea: Back In Boston

Chick Corea performs in Boston. NPR hide caption

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NPR

Jazz Night In America

Chick Corea: Back In Boston

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

The legendary pianist has lived many lives as a musician, from post-bop wunderkind to free-jazz maverick to fusion explorer to chamber-jazz eminence.

Chick Corea: Back In Boston

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