• NEWS 90.9 KXJZ Sacramento
  • 90.5 KKTO Tahoe/Reno
  • 91.3 KUOP Stockton
  • 88.1 KQNC Quincy
  • MUSIC 88.9 KXPR Sacramento
  • 91.7 KXSR Groveland/Sonora
  • 88.7 KXJS Sutter/Yuba City

Jazz Highlights

Features

  • Celebrate International Jazz Day with a Live Concert from Istanbul

    Celebrate jazz as the universal language of freedom with a live concert from Istanbul, Turkey. More than 80 events in 30 countries are part of the festivities. Watch a replay of the concert any time, on-demand.

  • An Hour With John Pizzarelli

    Wednesday, January 30, 2013

    In talking with Capital Public Radio’s Gary Vercelli, John Pizzarelli reflects back on 32 years of work as a professional musician, recounting the influences of Nat King Cole, Rosemary Clooney, George Shearing, Benny Goodman, and his prolific father.

Reviews

  • Jazz Reviews

    George Benson's latest release, "Inspiration, A Tribute to Nat King Cole,' is reviewed by Capital Public Radio Jazz Host Gary Vercelli.

Jazz News from NPR

Cécile McLorin Salvant: Making Old Songs New Again

The 23-year-old jazz phenom's debut album showcases her takes on vintage jazz and blues numbers by Bessie Smith, Fats Waller and others. You can trace some of her effects back to jazz greats like Sarah Vaughan, Betty Carter and Abbey Lincoln.


Terence Blanchard Turns A Tragic Champion Into An Opera Hero

The jazz composer's latest project is an opera based on the life of Emile Griffith, a gay boxer who became a world champion in the 1960s — at a price.


Two Generations Of Jazz Guitar Tune Up For Father's Day

Bucky Pizzarelli and his son, John, have been collaborating since John was a kid. They perform live in NPR's studios.


NO BS! Brass Band: Tiny Desk Concert

When a studio engineer and drummer from New Orleans met one of the best trombone players in Richmond, Va., a funky, danceable, street-style brass band was born. Watch 11 musicians squeeze behind NPR Music's Tiny Desk, turn up the funk and fly the "RVA" flag high.


Cynthia Sayer On Piano Jazz

The banjo player whips up a fresh take on an old-time sound with the help of host Jon Weber.


Johnny Smith, Revered Guitar Player, Has Died

Though mainly a jazz player, wrote the surf guitar anthem "Walk, Don't Run," which became a Top 10 hit for The Ventures on two occasions.


Reflections On A Dozen Years With Abbey Lincoln

When he was 21, pianist Marc Cary moved to New York City to find his father. He wound up finding himself in the upper echelons of the city's jazz scene. Cary's new album pays tribute to the legendary singer and songwriter with whom he spent more than a decade performing.


Janis Siegel On Piano Jazz

Siegel, a singer, is one quarter of the jazz supergroup The Manhattan Transfer. Throughout the 30 years she's spent with that musical institution, she's also released her own recordings featuring hip, seductive arrangements of standards, as well as newer works. Here, she visits Piano Jazz along with pianist and accordion player Gil Goldstein.


Gretchen Parlato, The Cookers On JazzSet

The 2012 Caramoor Jazz Festival presents everything from young artists making their marks to established stars still shining bright. We highlight both with the quietly affecting singer Gretchen Parlato and the distinctive hard bop band The Cookers.


José James On World Cafe

The jazzy, soulful singer challenges himself throughout his latest album, No Beginning, No End.


We Get Support From:

Become a Supporter

Today's Jazz Birthdays


We Get Support From:

Become a Supporter

We Get Support From:

Become a Supporter