Monday, March 16
A special edition of Night Train to celebrate what would have been the 90th birthday of one of the great poets of the jazz piano (and one of our March featured artists), Tommy Flanagan. We’ll hear music from his early days in Detroit through his later acclaimed work as a leader, including from a performance done in conjunction with receiving the Jazzpar Prize and one of his Grammy-nominated recordings. Flanagan also had a prolific early career as a sideman and we’ll hear him with Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Coleman Hawkins, and, in his most famous sideman role, as pianist and musical director for Ella Fitzgerald. Hour two of the show will feature a Jazz Profiles special documenting Flanagan’s life and career.
Tuesday, March 17
Night Train marks birthdays of pianist Jessica Williams, keyboardist Ron Oswanski, and the legendary Nat ‘King’ Cole (including a Jazz Profiles special focusing on his artistry as a pianist). We’ll also hear music from March featured artists Ornette Coleman and Tommy Flanagan, new music from trumpeter Jeff Lofton, and a little nod to St. Paddy’s day courtesy of jazz bagpiper Rufus Harley.
Wednesday, March 18
Night Train marks birthdays of steel drum player Andy Narell, vibes player Joe Locke, and guitar great Bill Frisell (including a concert special from the Savannah Music Festival in hour two of the show). Plus more music from March featured artists Bobby McFerrin and Ralph Towner, and the latest from Bay Area Brazilian guitarist Ricardo Peixoto, Cape Verdean singer Carmen Souza, and flutist Andrea Brachfeld.
Thursday, March 19
A special edition of Night Train to celebrate the arrival of spring with music from Clifford Brown, Milt Jackson, Jim Hall with Pat Metheny, Larry Coryell with Philip Catherine, Betty Carter, Abbley Lincoln, Billy Holiday and more.
