The Upside of Jazz

With hits like “The In Crowd,” “Wade in the Water,” and “Sun Goddess,” three Grammy Awards, and more than 80 albums, Ramsey Lewis brought his unmistakable piano sound to generations of listeners. He was also one of Joe Alterman’s dearest friends and mentors. Through personal stories and treasured voicemails from Ramsey himself, Joe remembers the music, humor, generosity, and wisdom of a jazz icon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe talks with pianists Mike Jones and Jon Regen about learning from their heroes, finding their own voices, and building musical lives that took them places they never expected. First, Mike Jones discusses his latest album, “Mike Jones with Strings,” his longtime gig with Penn & Teller in Las Vegas, his friendship with Dave McKenna, and the nerves —andencouragement—that come with playing for your musical heroes. Then, Jon Regen talks about his new album, “Live in London,” how studying with Kenny Barron and touring with Jimmy Scott helped him bridge his love of jazz and pop, and how his curiosity led him into songwriting, editing Keyboard magazine, and programming music at The Django in New York.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob James joins Joe to talk about his life playing piano. They discuss how, at 86 years old, James is still enthusiastic about playing music and enjoying new talent, the range of his work from the traditional to more avant-garde, and his time as pianist and music director for Sarah Vaughan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erroll Garner could make one piano sound like an entire orchestra and make even his fellow musicians wonder how he did it. This week, we celebrate the imagination, swing, and generosity behind his unmistakable sound, with stories of a pianist who never stopped surprising himself or his listeners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe has a conversation with comedian and actor, Jeff Garlin about Garlin's career as well as his love of jazz and how it influences his comedy. They also discuss the parallels between the two art forms, from improvising in front of a live audience to finding your own musical or comedic voice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.