May 4 - 8:
Major Contributions from Prolific Bassist Ron Carter
Regarded as the most-recorded bassist in jazz history with over 2,200 selections, Ron Carter celebrates his 83rd birthday this week. We'll visit some of Carter's recordings as a leader, including his most recent sides leading a big band and collaborations with former San Antonio, now NYC-based drummer and bandleader Gerry Gibbs.
May 11 - 15:
The Avant-Garde Stylings of Guitarist Mary Halvorson
Guitarist Mary Halvorson is in a world of her own creation throughout improvised music circles. Her mind-bending technique and sheer individualism led to her winning every year in the category of Best Guitar for DownBeat magazine's International Critics Poll since 2017. This week, hear why famed music writer and author Howard Mandel describes Halvorson as "NYC's least predictable improviser."
May 18 - 22:
Sun Ra: Not Of This Earth
We take you to the outer reaches of jazz and improvised music this week with the futuristic sounds of bandleader Herman Poole Blount, aka Sun Ra. From early forms of jazz to swing, bebop, and beyond, Ra built a loyal crew of dozens of musicians and various ensembles throughout his extraordinary time on earth.
May 25 - 29:
Birthday Celebrations for Diverse, Notable Musicians from the Past and Present
We'll celebrate the music of numerous artists with upcoming birthdays this week. Gifted trumpeter Wallace Roney, icon Miles Davis, hitmaker Ramsey Lewis, Texas bluesman T-Bone Walker, and storyteller Lynne Arriale will all be heard, with highlights from each artist's discography.
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