Patrick Jarenwattananon

A saxophonist, a pianist and a bass player walk into a bar. But the bar happens to be one of the world's preeminent jazz clubs. And they're working as a collective band: no drummer, no hierarchy.

The death of 22-year-old pianist Austin Peralta prematurely ended a rapidly expanding career. A child prodigy, at the end of his teenage years he cut Endless Planets, an album which showed a jazz-trained musician just beginning to utilize the enormity of the tones and rhythms around him.

Few jazz bandleaders are as active — and as actively acclaimed — as saxophonist Joe Lovano and trumpeter Dave Douglas. They've launched a band with friends new and old. Hear a live performance.

As season three winds to a close, many regular guests of the show play a few numbers. Read a recap of the soundtrack, featuring Shamarr Allen, Cheeky Blakk, Kermit Ruffins, Jill Sobule, Big Sam, Tom McDermott, Ivan Neville, Trombone Shorty and Bonerama.

This fall marks the centennial anniversaries of two all-time great improvisers, born in 1912. The fat-toned saxophonist and the fleet, sparkling pianist were peers, and if they didn't record a lot together, the story of their generation comes out in their shared histories.

Born Peter Sims, the New York native played what he called his first jazz gig in 1957. It was immortalized as a Sonny Rollins live recording, and led to work with Joe Henderson, John Coltrane and more. The first-call player of New York's '50s and '60s heyday was 74 years old.

Recap the episode in music: a present, future and living history of New Orleans trumpet featuring Irvin Mayfield, the all-female Pinettes Brass Band and legendary Lionel Ferbos. Plus, a treatise on Davis and Annie's relationship as musicians.

Top ten deaths to listen to before you jazz, Blue Note's branding and Marian on Mary Lou. Plus, Dave Liebman recalls his former employer, Miles Davis; 51 gateway albums; Ambrose Akinmusire drops some knowledge; four bloggers on blogging; Dave Holland at large and LCD Soundsystem meets trumpet.

The saxophonist has built up an impressive educational pedigree. But he's really flourished by backing up greats like Kenny Barron and Idris Muhammad, and being a first-call player on both the East and West Coast. He leads his quartet live at his alma mater.

Much like his father before him, French spent decades leading the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band, a group in existence for more than 100 years. His outspoken, colorful personality made him a stalwart of the local music scene — and briefly won him national attention, too.