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Renee Klahr/Think of the best songs of 2021 as a playlist catering to the most basic human urges. Within it, booties were called, muffins were buttered and bloody revenge was contemplated. It was quite a year. -
Renee Klahr/Think of the best songs of 2021 as a playlist catering to the most basic human urges. Within it, booties were called, muffins were buttered and bloody revenge was contemplated. It was quite a year.
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On this program from 1980, Blake remembers his vaudeville days and writing the classic songs "Charleston Rag" and "I'm Just Wild About Harry." -
The jazz composer Carla Bley doesn't celebrate Christmas, and left the church behind as a teenager. But you wouldn't know it from her new album, which sets her favorite Christmas carols — traditional and original — to her edgy writing style.
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Two kinds of people consume Christmas music: those who actually like the stuff, and folks who need something listenable on hand in case seasonal visitors insist on some ornamental mood music. For both groups, two new jazz brass albums should do the trick. Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews.
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In Shearing's second appearance on the program from 1987, host Marian McPartland reminisces with her fellow countryman about obscure British tunes, and the two have fun re-harmonizing "God Save the Queen." Shearing also sings and plays Cole Porter's "After You," and the two end with a two-piano version of "Indiana."
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Host Marian McPartland calls Dearie an "incandescent singer and pianist" whose "delicate, swinging style makes every song a musical gem." The vocalist and pianist died this past year of natural causes. Piano Jazz remembers her life and music in an archival interview and performance.
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In tribute to Dave McKenna, Marian McPartland asked pianist and singer Daryl Sherman to guest host this remembrance that includes clips from the two programs McKenna did with McPartland in 1979 and 1994. Sherman also puts a delightful twist on "Rhode Island is Famous for You" and "Teddy Ballgame."
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Following Jarrett's stellar performance at Carnegie Hall in 2005, Marian confronted the elusive performer and convinced him to put in an appearance on her show. Hear an interview and performance.
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Here, Piano Jazz showcases vibraphone virtuoso Dave Samuels along with pianist Alain Mallet. Samuels' gift for evocative melody and his rhythmic versatility make him one of the leading mallet players of his generation.
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Piano Jazz celebrates the centennial of songwriter and lyricist Johnny Mercer. Pianist-singer and Mercer enthusiast Daryl Sherman brings her sophisticated swing and witty charm to the show for performances of "Too Marvelous for Words" and "Jeepers Creepers." McPartland joins in on one of her favorite Mercer tunes, "Skylark."
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Walker is an exciting presence on the jazz scene, singing with impeccable phrasing, a soulful swing and a warmly sensuous tone. She and host Marian McPartland spend a delightful hour talking about the jazz life and performing together on "The More I See You," "It Could Happen to You" and Walker's own tune, "Love Is."
