In the Groove, Jazz and Beyond

Highlights from this week's In The Groove include early fusion from Weather Report, lush vocals from San Diego's Steph Johnson and a set of Indian fusion from Shakti and Anoush Shankar to conclude the show... and more Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Weather Report ~ Between the Thighs ~ Tale Spinnin' Wayne Shorter ~ Second Genesis ~ Second Genesis Noah Preminger & Max Light ~ Blooming Coldblood ~ Stitching Life Steph Johnson ~ Here's to Life ~ So in Love Steph Johnson ~ Case of You ~ So in Love Shai Maestro ~ The Time Bender ~ The Guesthouse Shakti ~ Get Down and Sruti ~ Natural Elements Anoushka Shankar & Norah Jones ~ Traces Of You ~ Traces Of You Anoushka Shankar ~ River Pulse ~ Traces Of You

Celebrating Baseballs Opening Day 2026 with this week's episode. Really the only track that relates to baseball is the first one by B3 organist Joey D. The balance of the show is music I have been listening to this week. We wrap up the show with the archival release of a 1964 Duke Ellington concert. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Joey DeFrancesco ~ Take Me out to the Ballgame ~ Joey D! Weather Report ~ A Remark You Made ~ Heavy Weather ARTEMIS ~ Sights Unseen ~ ARBORESQUE Noah Preminger & Max Light ~ Everything Means Nothing To Me ~  Single Shai Maestro ~ GG's Metamorphosis ~ The Guesthouse Matt Dwonszyk ~ Mode For Rene ~ Matt Dwonszyk Live at the Side Door Duke Ellington ~ Isfahan ~ Copenhagen 1964 Duke Ellington ~ Medley: Black and Tan Fantasy, The Mooche & Creole Love Call ~ Copenhagen 1964

Classic jazz albums bookend new artists from both coasts. Plus there are some interesting covers of Metheny tunes from guitarist Peter Sprague and vocalist Leonard Patton. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Lee Morgan ~ Mr. Kenyatta ~ Search for the New Land Matt Dwonszyk ~ Stage Dive ~ Matt Dwonszyk Live at the Side Door Ian Harland ~ Four-Flat Blues ~ Behind Bars Shai Maestro ~ Moon of Knives ~ The Guesthouse Shai Maestro ~ Gloria ~ The Guesthouse Peter Sprague ~ Life Loves Lone Jack ~ Peter Sprague Plays Pat Metheny, Vol. 1 Peter Sprague ~ Going with Me ~ Peter Sprague Plays Pat Metheny, Vol. 2 Alice Coltrane ~ Journey in Satchidananda ~ Journey in Satchidananda

More new music in this week's show. The first half are established artists with national/international touring bands. The second have are young jazz cats, some with a local following that are making a name for themselves with creative new sounds and music. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Joshua Redman ~ Icarus ~ Words Fall Short Chris Potter ~ Osawatomie Brown ~ Alive With Ghosts Today Noah Preminger ~ Hummus ~ Dark Days  Pat Metheny ~ Make a New World ~ Side-Eye III+ Dolphin Hyperspace ~ The Life of a Bee ~ ECHOLOCATION Shai Maestro ~ Nature Boy ~ The Guesthouse Justin Joyce ~ Dos Hermanos ~ Almost Familiar Carsten Dahl Experience ~ You Stepped Out of a Dream ~ Into the Storm

Perhaps the heart and soul of this episode is the collaboration of Joe Henderson and Alice Coltrane from the album The Elements. The other recording that deserves attention is the release of guitarist Pat Metheny' Side-Eye III+. Not only did Pat's album drop this week, but he has begun a tour of the US and Europe. I'm looking forward to seeing Metheny in May as I already have my tickets. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Clarke, Rushen & Chancler ~ Take Five ~ Standards Joe Henderson & Alice Coltrane ~ Fire ~ The Elements Joe Henderson ~ Black Narcissus ~ Power To The People Pat Metheny ~ SE-O ~ Side-Eye III+ Nicole McCabe ~ Twister ~ Color Theory Dave Holland, Norma Winstone ~ Not Waving But Drowning ~ Vital Spark McCoy Tyner ~ Fly With The Wind ~ Fly With The Wind

Another eclectic mix. From a 1957 recording from alto sax player Art Pepper to brand new releases from tenor saxophonist Noah Preminger, and other iconic jazz artists in between. Enjoy this musically diverse set list. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Art Pepper ~ You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To ~ Art Pepper Meets the Rhythm Section Ian Harland ~ Blues For Bobbie ~ Behind Bars Lyle Mays ~ Slink ~ Lyle Mays Pat Metheny Group ~ James ~ Offramp Pat Metheny Group ~ Last Train Home ~ Still Life (Talking) Noah Preminger & Max Light ~ Blooming Coldblood ~ Blooming Coldblood - Single Noah Preminger ~ Mopti ~ Dark Days Kurt Elling & WDR Big Band ~ Steppin' Out ~ In The Brass Palace

An eclectic mix of music this week with no real theme. We have new releases, bebop from the 60's and jazz rock fusion. Open your mind and enjoy the full breadth of what jazz music can be. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Kurt Elling & WDR Big Band ~ They Speak No Evil ~ In The Brass Palace Vi Redd ~ If I Should Lose You ~ Bird Call Vi Redd ~ Now's the Time ~ Bird Call Phil Woods ~ The Last Page ~ Musique du bois Brandon Sanders ~ 8/4 Beat ~ Lasting Impression Andrew Renfroe ~ BIG COUNTRY ~ POP LOGIC Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin & Paco de Lucía ~ Meeting of the Spirits ~ Saturday Night in San Francisco

This episode kicks off with the iconic Valentine's day tune My Funny Valentine with a unique interpretation by vocalist extraordinaire Dianne Reeves. The rest of the playlist is vibraphone heavy with contributions from San Diego's Ian Harland as well as several tracks that include Joel Ross as both a leader and sideman. Also featured is Hartford's hard working bassist Matt Dwonszyk.  Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Dianne Reeves ~ My Funny Valentine ~ The Palo Alto Sessions 1981-1985 Ian Harland ~ Hitchcock ~ Behind Bars Ian Harland ~ Four-Flat Blues ~ Behind Bars Joe Farnsworth ~ You Already Know ~ The Big Room Matt Dwonszyk ~ Peaceful World ~ A Year and a Day Matt Dwonszyk ~ Morning Dreams ~ Morning Dreams - Single Anthony Fung ~ Duid Deed ~ Duid Deed - Single Julian Lage ~ Havens ~ Scenes From Above Joel Ross ~ The Shadowlands ~ Gospel Music

All selections in this episode are from recent releases. Some of these you may never had heard of, like Brandon Sanders or Justin Joyce. Some like Joel Ross, Julian Lage or artists in Out Of/Into are young players with active touring bands. Then we have the jazz masters like Metheny, Scofield and Holland. Jazz is here to stay as a creative force in music. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Brandon Sanders ~ Tales of Mississippi ~ Lasting Impression Joel Ross ~ Hostile ~ Gospel Music Out Of/Into ~ Brothers In Arms ~ Motion II Justin Joyce ~ That Was Never ~ Almost Familiar Pat Metheny ~ Don't Look Down ~ Don't Look Down - EP Julian Lage ~ Talking Drum ~ Scenes From Above John Scofield & Dave Holland ~ Mine Are Blues ~ Memories of Home Sam Yahel ~ Strum It ~ Quiet Flow

In this episode, we pay tribute to the spirit of Minneapolis as the city resists a heavy-handed federal ICE presence. We honor the memories of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, whose lives were taken during protests against these federal actions. This playlist features jazz artists with roots in the Twin Cities, ranging from local talents to national acts. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album The Bad Plus ~ Long Distance Runaround ~ For All I Care The Bad Plus ~ Smells Like Teen Spirit ~ These Are The Vistas José James ~ Lovely Day ~ Lean On Me Bobby McFerrin ~ Joshua ~ SpiritYouAll Craig Taborn ~ When Kabuya Dances ~ Dream Archives Society of Chemists ~ transactional kindness by candlelight - Single Zacc Harris ~ This Land Is Your Land ~ American Reverie Atlantis Quartet ~ You Are Here ~ Live at Berlin Connie Evingson ~ Lullaby of the Leaves ~ Gypsy In My Soul Russ Kaplan ~ Leopard Frog ~ Lake Songs Jennifer Grimm ~ Minneapolis & St. Paul ~ After Noon

Jazz artists have a history of making political statements. Mingus, Max, Rollins and Nina are among those. Recently there have been several jazz artists that have made a statement to this administration for the taking over the respected Kennedy Center for the Arts. We honor them here. Chuck Redd, The Cookers and Bela Fleck have cancelled their scheduled appearances at the Center in protest. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Chuck Redd ~ A Groove for Gail ~ Groove City Chuck Redd ~ Lonely Woman ~ Groove City The Cookers ~ Capra Black ~ Warriors Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda & Antonio Sánchez ~ Touch and Go ~ BEATrio Larry Goldings, Peter Bernstein & Bill Stewart ~ FU Donald ~ Perpetual Pendulum Charlie Haden ~ This Is Not America ~ Not In Our Name Les McCann & Eddie Harris ~ Compared to What ~ Swiss Movement John Coltrane ~ Alabama ~ Live At Birdland

At the center of this episode is music from alumni of the Jackie McLean Institute for Jazz, University of Hartford where this show is broadcast. Also music from jazz greats Rollins, Pepper and Miles. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album John McLaughlin & The 4th Dimension ~ Lock Down Blues ~ Live at Montreux Jazz Festival 2022 Tony Davis ~ Trinkets From Mars ~ Jessamine Brandee Younger ~ End Means ~ Gadabout Season Sarah Hanahan ~ NATO ~ Among Giants Al Foster ~ Pent-Up House ~ Live at Smoke Sonny Rollins ~ How High the Moon ~ Sonny Rollins and the Contemporary Leaders Art Pepper ~ You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To ~ Art Pepper Meets The Rhythm Section Miles Davis ~ Joshua ~ Seven Steps To Heaven

We continue with a 2025 album release review. This week we are concentrating on recordings from local jazz scenes that I have a connection with, Hartford and San Diego. I also include Detroit after attending their great jazz festival. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Irving Flores ~ With Amanda in Favignana ~ Armando Mi Conga Victor Baker Quartet ~ As the Crow Flies ~ As the Crow Flies David Borgo ~ The Lick ~ Uplift Tony Davis ~ Unrequited ~ Jessamine Alex Tremblay & Vanisha Gould ~ Scenic Route ~ People and Places Louis Jones III ~ Stuck ~ Motions Chuck Mangione ~ Children of Sanchez ~ Children of Sanchez

This show features some of my favorite releases in 2025. We also pay tribute to the jazz artists that passed during last year. Playlist  Artist ~ Name ~ Album Joe Farnsworth ~ All Said and Done ~ The Big Room ARTEMIS ~ What The World Needs Now Is Love ~ ARBORESQUE Branford Marsalis Quartet ~ ‘Long As You Know You’re Living Yours ~ Belonging Brandee Younger ~ BBL ~ Gadabout Season Roberta Flack ~ Compared to What ~ First Take Mike Wofford ~ Cole Porter ~ Synergy Al Foster ~ E.S.P. ~ Live at Smoke Jack DeJohnette, Ravi Coltrane & Matt Garrison ~ Two Jimmys ~ In Movement

This post-holiday episode is taken from the Replay 2025 list of most recordings that I played most frequently throughout the year. It is, perhaps a reflection of my current musical tastes that I would like to share with you at the years end. Hope you enjoy. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Out Of/Into ~ Ofafrii ~ Motion I ARTEMIS ~ Komorebi ~ ARBORESQUE Noah Preminger ~ Carry Me Ohio ~ Ballads Charles Lloyd ~ Cape to Cairo ~ The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow Branford Marsalis Quartet ~ The Windup ~ Belonging Emmet Cohen ~ Surrey With the Fringe on Top ~ Vibe Provider Mike Wofford ~ J.P.'s Afternoon ~ Synergy Ahmad Jamal ~ Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child ~ Marseille

I usually don't do Christmas specials, but there are a few holiday tunes that seem to make it into my playlist each year. There is a San Diego jazz set following, and we throw in Hubbard and Cobham to round out this show. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Chris Potter ~ O Come All Ye Faithful ~ A Concord Jazz Christmas 2 Marian McPartland ~ God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen ~ A Concord Jazz Christmas Miles Davis ~ Blue Xmas (To Whom It May Concern) ~ Jingle Bell Jazz Holly Hofmann ~ Minor Miracle ~ Minor Miracle James Moody ~ Cherokee ~ 80 Years Young: Live at the Blue Note James Moody ~ Moody's Mood For Love / The Television Rap ~ 80 Years Young: Live at the Blue Note Gilbert Castellanos ~ New Delhi ~ Espérame En El Cielo Freddie Hubbard ~ Crisis ~ Ready for Freddie Billy Cobham ~ Heather ~ Crosswinds

The core of this episode has some of the best tenor sax players from today and yesteryear. I'm speaking of Potter, Kirk, Rollins and Trane. They are bookended by a new release from Out Of/Into and Zawinul's In A Silent Way. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Out Of/Into ~ Nacho Supreme ~ Motion II Chris Potter ~ The Mind's Eye (For Michael Becker and Joe Lovano) ~ Gratitude Roland Kirk ~ Alfie (Live at the Penthouse in Seattle September 1967) ~ Single Sonny Rollins ~ Alfie's Theme ~ Alfie John Coltrane ~ Moment's Notice ~ Blue Train Herbie Hancock ~ Watermelon Man ~ Head Hunters Weather Report ~ In a Silent Way ~ 8:30 (Live) Miles Davis ~ In a Silent Way (Rehearsal) ~ The Complete in a Silent Way Sessions

S Wonder, one of the greatest artists in popular music, is known for his popular hits, vocals, and multi-instrumental playing. However, his compositions extend far beyond the mainstream, incorporating jazz sensibilities that have inspired jazz artists to cover his work. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Joe Farrell ~ Too High ~ Penny Arcade Herbie Hancock ~ You've Got It Bad Girl ~ The New Standard SFJAZZ Collective ~ My Cherie Amour ~ Music of Stevie Wonder and New Compositions Stevie Wonder ~ As ~ Songs in the Key of Life Mike Stern ~ Echoes ~ Echoes and Other Songs Michael Brecker ~ Nothing Personal ~ Michael Brecker

After giving thanks, post Thanksgiving Day we get into a guitar set featuring both jazz masters (Kessel, Wess, Forman) and a talented young artist Tony Davis. Also featured are a new release from pianist George Colligan and a modern sound from Ahmad Jamal. We dance our way out with a funky Weather Report. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Jimmy Greene ~ Give Thanks ~ Mission Statement Bruce Forman ~ Rope-a-Dope ~ Reunion! Barney Kessel ~ On Green Dolphin Street ~ The Poll Winners Tony Davis ~ Sphere Of Blues ~ Jessamine Wes Montgomery ~ Bumpin' On Sunset ~ Tequila George Colligan ~ If the Mountain Was Smooth, You Couldn't Climb It ~ Live at the Jazz Standard Ahmad Jamal ~ Marseille ~ Marseille Weather Report ~ 125th Street Congress ~ Sweetnighter

We begin this week's show with a celebration of this Fall season and Thanksgiving from Jamal and Monk. Also of note in Hutcherson's vibes and Trane's lament. New music from Hartford's guitarist Tony Davis and maestro Kenny Barron. Playlist  Artist ~ Name ~ Album Ahmad Jamal ~ Autumn Leaves ~ Marseille Thelonious Monk ~ Stuffy Turkey ~ It's Monk's Time Bobby Hutcherson ~ Little B's Poem ~ Components John Coltrane Quartet ~ Lonnie's Lament ~ Crescent Tony Davis ~ Viridian ~ Jessamine Kenny Barron & Kurt Elling ~ In The Slow Lane ~ Songbook Marquis Hill ~ Joseph Beat ~ Composers Collective: Beyond The Jukebox Marquis Hill ~ Libra ~ Composers Collective: Beyond The Jukebox