Monday, December 16
Night Train kicks off a week-long feature of new jazz holiday titles with music from the Justin Time for Christmas Volume Six set, along with holiday projects from singer Lizzie Thomas, guitarist Dave Stryker and the Capitol Bones Big Band. Plus a number of jazz birthdays to note – including trumpeter Thomas Marriott, saxophonist Joe Farrell, soul jazz organist Johnny “Hammond” Smith, guitarist John Abercrombie, and poet, lyricist and composer Andy Razaf, whose songs were extensively recorded by Fats Waller and who is also the subject of a special in hour two of the show.
Tuesday, December 17
Night Train highlights standards tonight – both classic recordings of these famous songs and new versions of some old favorites. Among the artists featured, guitarist Kenny Burrell, vocalists Dinah Washington and Etta Jones, drummer Art Blakey, Brazilian pianist Antonio Adolfo, saxophonist Houston Person with bass legend Ron Carter, tenor man Gene Ammons, and jazz organ pioneer Jimmy Smith.
Wednesday, December 18
More new holiday releases tonight on the Night Train, including from the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, singer and guitarist Keb’ Mo’, guitarist Peter Curtis, and saxophonist Richie Cole. Night Train also marks birthdays of big band pioneer and arranger Fletcher Henderson, saxophonist Harold Land, and saxophonist and singer Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson, who is also featured in a special in hour two of the show.
Thursday, Decemember 19
Tonight on the Night Train - new holiday releases, and birthday celebrations for Crescent City trumpeter Kermit Ruffins, guitarist Jacques Lesure, hard bop pianist, composer and Jazz Messenger Bobby Timmons, and Kansas City born cool jazz valve trombonist Bob Brookmeyer (also featured in a Jazz Profiles special in hour two of the show).
