Monday 6.29.15
Night Train marks birthdays of composers Frank Loesser and Erik Satie; kicks off a week highlighting newly announced winners of the DownBeat Critics’ Poll; and for the Guitar Month feature, new albums from guitarists – including Jack Allen, Wes Montgomery (a set of rare and previously unreleased recordings), Bob Shimizu, and Jacques Lesure.
Tuesday 6.30.15
Night Train celebrates birthdays of bassist Stanley Clarke and pianist Andrew Hill; wraps up the Guitar Month feature with music from John Scofield, Al DiMeola and a new release from Stanley Jordan & Kevin Eubanks; and continues a week-long salute to the newly named winners of the DownBeat Critics’ Poll, including music from Male Vocalist honoree Gregory Porter.
Wednesday 7.1.15
Night Train kicks off a new month’s feature – celebrating the 85th birthday of jazz-piano and piano-trio great, Ahmad Jamal. The show also previews Crossroad’s July feature, as today marks the centennial birthday of legendary blues bassist and composer Willie Dixon, and the 80th birthday of blues harmonica great James Cotton. Plus new music from 11-year-old jazz phenom Joey Alexander, pianist Jacky Terrasson, and singers Mary Stallings and Allan Harris (Rising Star Male Vocalist winner in the recent DownBeat Critics’ Poll).
Thursday 7.2.15
Today is July-featured artist Ahmad Jamal’s 85th birthday and Night Train celebrates with music from the acclaimed pianist –along with a cover of one of his classic compositions by Miles Davis and a guest appearance with Ray Brown - plus a conversation with Jamal in hour two of the show that took place after he received an NEA Jazz Masters Award. Also tonight, new music from the Gary McFarland Legacy Ensemble, bassists Katie Thiroux and Kyle Eastwood, and saxophonist Cory Weeds with a tribute to Jackie McLean – and more music from the recently announced DownBeat Critics’ Poll winners – tonight it’s vibes legend Gary Burton, bassist Christian McBride, and violinist Regina Carter.
