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Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead has a review of pianist Dave Brubeck's new CD, Impressions of Japan.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews an installment of the legendary Jazz at the Philharmonic concerts, produced by Norman Granz. This particular show comes from Carnegie Hall in 1949, and was recently released on CD.

Two very different musical personalities contributed to the timeless jazz standard, dedicated to the giant of gypsy jazz.

Recorded by the legendary Dave Brubeck Quartet, "Take Five" remains the biggest-selling jazz single of all time, and its familiar melody has introduced many listeners to jazz.

Host Jackie Judd talks with Karrin Allyson, a singer who's new album dedicated to the work of John Coltrane combines both her jazz and classical training. Allyson's vocal CD, based on Coltrane's instrumental Ballads record, is titled "Ballads: Remembering John Coltrane." (6:21) {Karrin Allyson, "Ballads: Remembering John Coltrane." Concord Records, 2001} {John Coltrane Quartet, Ballads MCA Records 1987}

Noah Adams talks with Peter Case, musician and producer of the new CD Avalon Blues: A Tribute to the music of Mississippi John Hurt. Case has assembled an impressive group of musicians who each play a Hurt song. They include Chris Smither, Lucinda Williams, Beck, Ben Harper, Bill Morrissey, and Gillian Welch. Case explains how he first heard the music of Mississippi John Hurt as a kid in Buffalo, and that his blues playing was powerful and opened doors for him into understanding American music. Some of the songs on this CD have a very modern feel; others harken back to the classic blues sound of Hurt, in terms of vocals and guitar playing. The CD is on Vanguard Records.

Otis Taylor brings his banjo to the studio for a concert and conversation. We'll hear tracks from his new CD, White African. Taylor plays guitar and ukelele in addition to banjo. His music is often described as minimalist, and his lyrics are often stories of race and racism. He's been compared to John Lee Hooker.

Rev. Gary Davis was not only an ordained minister, he was also an incredible guitar player. As a blues musician, he played both popular Tin Pan Alley tunes and ragtime, incorporating his own unique style. Rev. Gary Davis influenced many folk musicians of the 1960s and '70s. Meredith Ochs reviews the work of Reverend Davis and the recent box set of his work called Demons and Angels. (4:45) The CD is called Demons and Angels: The Ultimate Collection by Rev. Gary Davis, from Shanachie Entertainment.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new anthology Woody Herman - Blowin' Up a Storm: The Columbia Years 1945-47.

Herbie Hancock continues his tour in tribute to the music of John Coltrane and Miles Davis. Herbie Hancock's new album is called Future 2 Future.