Stories and insights from leading jazz and blues artists interviewed during KNKX Studio Sessions.
Latest episodes
-
4 min
Jon Cleary looks back on a lifetime shaped by New Orleans music
Inspired by his uncle's record collection, Jon Cleary moved from England to New Orleans at 18 and built a career as a celebrated pianist, vocalist, and songwriter.
-
4 min
Guitarist and composer Julian Lage plays his 'true nature'
From prodigy to Grammy nominee, guitarist Julian Lage opens up about his daily writing routine, stripped-down philosophy, and taking risks with his band.
-
4 min
Trumpeter Jeremy Pelt celebrates jazz legacy on stage and in print
As he makes his own way in jazz, trumpeter Jeremy Pelt mentors his young band and captures the stories of his musician peers in his book, Griot.
-
4 min
Trumpeter Keyon Harrold makes jazz like a Power Rangers 'Megazord'
Trumpeter Keyon Harrold compares his love for musical storytelling and unique combination of jazz and hip-hop to beloved media from his youth.
-
4 min
Ranger and the Re-Arrangers carve their own path in hot club jazz
Led by violinist Ranger Sciacca, Ranger and the Re-Arrangers are redefining European hot club jazz with an atypical lineup and nods to American jazz.
-
4 min
Pianist Christian Sands evolves from 'Footprints' to global stage
Jazz pianist Christian Sands explores his growth from child prodigy to Grammy-nominated bandleader as well as his connection to the legacy of pianist Errol Garner.
-
4 min
Screaming Trees' Barrett Martin blends Seattle grunge with world jazz
Rock and jazz drummer Barrett Martin traces his musical evolution from his family's player piano to grunge rock to jazz and global rhythms.
-
4 min
After 'thousands' of songs, guitarist Brian Nova returns to Seattle
Jazz guitarist-vocalist Brian Nova reflects on his journey from a teenage rocker inspired by Herb Ellis to an in-demand sideman and bandleader.
-
4 min
Dance rhythms and '60s soul jazz drive The Greyboy Allstars
From a San Diego garage to Hollywood films, soul jazz band The Greyboy Allstars look back on the makings of their signature laid-back sound.
-
4 min
Vocalist Dominique Fils-Aimé finds playfulness and healing in song
Montreal-based vocalist Dominique Fils-Aimé blends jazz, soul, and blues to explore creative freedom and foster human connection.
-
4 min
Jazz flugelhornist Dmitri Matheny finds artistic inspiration in PNW
Flugelhorn player Dmitri Matheny salutes the Pacific Northwest, his community, and his father on his 2022 album "Cascadia."
-
4 min
The lasting harmonies of vocal group Take 6
For 50 years, faith, friendship and fun have fueled the musical journey of award-winning a cappella group Take 6.
-
4 min
Born on D-Day, pianist Monty Alexander vies for peace
Pianist and composer Monty Alexander, now 82, discusses his Jamaican roots, his feel-good music, and the deep meaning behind his album "D-Day."
-
4 min
Sammy Miller and The Congregation make serious jazz a total blast
Six-piece New York band Sammy Miller and the Congregation blends early jazz inspiration with a modern mission to spread joy and make audiences feel good.
-
4 min
Vibraphonist Susan Pascal inspires the next generation of players
Seattle mallet percussionist Susan Pascal reflects on a diverse three-decade career and her work to source and restore vibraphones for school music programs.
-
4 min
Saxophonist Donny McCaslin recalls recording with David Bowie
Saxophonist Donny McCaslin shares his experience collaborating with David Bowie on his final album, detailing their initial meeting and covert recording process.
-
4 min
Trumpeter Marquis Hill drives the jazz 'continuum' forward
Jazz trumpeter Marquis Hill explores his connection to the jazz greats, his passion for education, and how his band Blacktet blends tradition with modern influences.
-
4 min
Vocalist Kenny Washington proves it's never too late for a debut
A talented "homebody" who spent years flying under the radar, vocalist Kenny Washington steps into the spotlight in his sixties.
-
4 min
Vocalist Kurt Elling makes spontaneous music with Joey Calderazzo
Grammy-winning vocalist Kurt Elling and veteran pianist Joey Calderazzo have a knack for groundbreaking creativity, born from their palpable musical connection.
-
4 min
Polyrhythmics let the dance floor dictate the groove
Seattle instrumental group Polyrhythmics discuss how their distinct jazz-funk and Afrobeat sound is shaped by a 'two-way street' with their fans.