Latest Jazz from NPR Music

After releasing his fourth album earlier this year, the alto saxophonist premieres a new set of compositions: a suite for jazz octet inspired by A.A. Milne's poetry for children.

The guitarist said he didn't "really have all that much technique anyway," but it was clearly enough to influence half a century of jazz musicians. Peers and proteges like Sonny Rollins, Julian Lage and John Scofield reflect on one of the finest ever on his instrument.

One of the world's great percussionists leads a band driven by decades-long friendships, emotionally resonant anthems and flying drumsticks.

The Shreveport, La. siblings talk growing up together and the lessons of gospel master Brady Blade Sr.

Saxophonist Jean Fineberg and drummer Allison Miller join the trumpeter in a 2006 session.

The songs were a byproduct of slavery in the U.S. But after being passed along by generations of African-American musicians, they were later embraced by a variety of improvisers, including Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Grant Green and John Coltrane.

Jazz bassist and composer Ben Allison looks back on an era when sci-fi sounds began infiltrating popular music, and discusses his new album, The Stars Look Very Different Today.

Host Rachel Martin is joined by pianist Batiste and his band, who hope to make jazz transcend genres and generations, as they play live at NPR's headquarters.

The Grammy-winning musician's new recording, "We Are America," protests the controversial detention center. But she tells NPR she doesn't like to call it a protest song. It's more of a "let's get together and do something pro-active, creative and productive" song.

The trombonist, composer and fabulist Mauro Ottolini and his Sousaphonix play music for his science-fiction tale Bix Factor. Then, J.P. Jofre plays the tango with a string orchestra.