Jazz Legends
Fresh Air is deeply connected to the jazz world, and Terry has had the opportunity to interview many legends in their own time.
Sonny Rollins: The Quintessential Jazz Man
The tenor saxophonist is one of the jazz world's greatest improvisational artists. At the tender age of 23, he played with Miles Davis and Charlie Parker. In the early 1950s, he joined the Clifford Brown-Max Roach quintet. He also began a critically-acclaimed solo career. Now in his sixties, he feels obligated to carry on the vision of his own mentors to today's rising stars. His latest album, "Old Flames," focuses on jazz standards and features Sonny backed by a brass section.
Jazz Vocalist Nancy Wilson
Jazz singer Nancy Wilson talks about her career, how she selects what songs to sing and record, and challenges of traveling and performing.
Clarinetist and Big Band Leader Woody Herman
The jazz musician has spent most of his life on the road. Long after the golden era of the big bands, Herman continues to lead a large ensemble, all the while keeping up with contemporary jazz and pop music.
Jazz Vibraphonist Lionel Hampton Discusses His Life and Career.
Jazz vibraphonist Lionel Hampton. He introduced the vibes to the jazz world and remains one of it's undisputed masters. In the 1930's he played with the Benny Goodman's band -- being one of the first blacks to play with a white band. He's just written an autobiography, "Hamp." Al Capone and Louis Armstrong also play surprising roles in his life.
Jazz bassist Ron Carter
Jazz bassist Ron Carter has more than 2,000 recordings to his credit. From 1963-1968 he was part of the Miles Davis Quintet with Herbie Hancock, Tony Williams and Wayne Shorter. Over the years he's played with Randy Weston, Herbie Mann, Betty Carter, Eric Dolphy, Sony Rollins, McCoy Tyner and others. Carter's new CD is Stardust.
Jazz Pianist and Composer, McCoy Tyner.
Jazz pianist and composer McCoy Tyner grew up in West Philadelphia. In his early career, he worked as John Coltrane's pianist and recorded over twenty albums with the legend. Tyner has been recording on his own since 1965, and his influence is clear in the style of younger players. Tyner will perform and attend a concert in his honor at the upcoming Cool Jazz Festival.
Jazz Piano Player Dave Brubeck
Dave Brubeck's quartet released the groundbreaking record Time Out, which introduced odd-time signature jazz music to a mainstream audience. He was recently commissioned to compose a Catholic mass.
Jazz Saxophonist Ornette Coleman
The free jazz innovator remains both influential and controversial 30 years after he appeared on the scene. His new album is called In All Languages.
Jazz Saxophonist Stan Getz.
Jazz saxophonist Stan Getz dropped out of school and went on the road at 15. He only took a few lessons on his instrument, instead learning by playing with other musicians. He's been popular in both jazz and pop. His latest album is Apasionado.
Jazz Horn Player, Nat Adderley.
Trumpeter and cornet player Nat Adderley is the son of a jazz musician and the brother of saxophonist Julian "Cannonball" Adderley. Adderley joins the show to discuss his musical journey, career, and the current state of jazz.
Jazz Drummer Max Roach
The performer, composer, and professor is one of bop's progenitors. He continues to innovate with his Double Quartet, which incorporates strings into a more conventional jazz combo. He became an activist during the civil rights movement, and often incorporated his politics into his music.
Jazz Pianist McCoy Tyner
The Philadelphia-born musician made his mark performing with John Coltrane before striking out as a band leader. He explains the continual evolution of his approach to the piano.
Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald.
Author, jazz writer and musician, Stuart Nicholson. He is an expert on and biographer of late jazz great Ella Fitzgerald. Through interviews with those closest to her,. "Ella Fitzgerald: A Biography of the First Lady of Jazz" (1994, Charlse Scribner's Sons) shows the public and private side of the media-shy legend. In her career of over 60 years, she gained the admiration of her contemporaries in the business. At the age of 79 and after years of suffering from diabetes, Fitzgerald died Saturday (June 15) at her home in California.
Remembering Art Blakey
Fresh Air remembers hard bop drummer Art Blakey with an interview excerpt from 1979. Blakey passed away yesterday at the age of 71.