Monday, March 30
Night Train begins a week-long tribute to one of the most recorded congueros in Latin jazz, Ray Mantilla, who passed away earlier this month. Tonight we’ll hear music from High Voltage, his last album as a leader. We also mark birthdays of guitarists Dave Striker and Ximo Tebar, and Brazilian vocalist Astrud Gilberto (including a special featuring her and other Brazilian jazz in the second hour of the show). We’ll hear a new album from pianist Michael Wolff and the latest in an on-going series of reissues from the legendary Erroll Garner. And there’s music from March featured artists Tommy Flanagan (with Benny Golson) and Ralph Towner (from a solo album he did in tribute to Bill Evans).
Tuesday, March 31
Night Train marks birthdays of Johann Sebastian Bach (with the help of Jacques Loussier who launched his career with jazz reinterpretations of Bach compositions) and jazz vibes pioneer Red Norvo (including a Jazz Profiles special about him in hour two of the show). Plus more in our week-long tribute to Latin jazz percussionist Ray Mantilla, and we wrap up the March feature with music from Bobby McFerrin (with Chick Corea), Ralph Towner (with Oregon) and Tommy Flanagan (with Kenny Burrell.)
Wednesday, April 1
Night Train begins a new month’s feature, marking the centennial birthday of one of the great singers of jazz, Carmen McRae. We’ll hear music tonight from her Grammy nominated tribute to Nat Cole and another tribute album she did in honor of her greatest influence, Billie Holiday. Also tonight, birthday salutes to pianist and composer Duke Jordan, and Classic Blues Queen Alberta Hunter; more in our weeklong remembrance of Latin jazz percussionist Ray Mantilla (as a leader and with guitarist Kenny Burrell); and new releases from the Kenny Barron/Dave Holland Trio, Rodney Whitaker, Delfeayo Marsalis, Harold Mabern, and the Calle Loiza Jazz Project.
Thursday, April 2
Night Train marks the birthday of guitar great Larry Coryell with his two 2007 sets at the Fur Peace Ranch. We’ll hear the jazz fusion pioneer and guitar legend in concert for two hours with two other great musicians, perhaps best known for their work with Pat Metheny – bassist Mark Egan and drummer Paul Wertico. This was also the lineup that appeared on Coryell’s critically acclaimed Tricycles album.
