Monday, January 25
Throughout this week, Night Train remembers Junior Mance, the talented pianist who worked extensively as both a leader and sideman, beginning tonight with music he did with Gene Ammons. The January feature looking back at the year in music continues with remembrances of Freddy Cole and Richie Cole, and a Grammy-nominated set of the early music of Nat Cole. We’ll also hear birthday salutes to Etta James (from an album she did in tribute to Billie Holiday), bossa nova great Antonio Carlos Jobim (with Stan Getz and Joao Gilberto), and saxophonist and composer Benny Golson (featured in a special in hour two of the show).
Tuesday, January 26
Night Train marks birthdays of composer Jimmy Van Heusen (with his music performed by Dinah Washington, Janis Siegel, and Martin Wind) and jazz violin great Stephane Grappelli (also featured in a special in hour two focused on the Hot Club group he was in with Django Reinhardt). The January feature, looking back at the past year in music, continues with Grammy nominee Carmen Lundy, and a Grammy Hall of Fame recording from Cannonball Adderley – and Night Train also remembers bassist Eugene Wright (with the Dave Brubeck Quartet) and tuba master Howard Johnson (with his group Gravity).
Wednesday, January 27
Night Train marks birthdays of saxophonist Bob Mintzer (as a special guest on a 2020 release from Dave Stryker), bassist Henri Texier, vibes legend Bobby Hutcherson, drummer Jimmie Smith (on one of several Erroll Garner reissues that came out last year), and composer Jerome Kern (featured in a special in hour two). There’s also new music from harmonica player Hendrik Meurkens, and tributes to Junior Mance, Candido, and Eugene Wright.
Thursday, January 28
It’s twosomes tonight on the Night Train with duo recordings from a Latin Grammy-winning release from pianist Michel Camilo and flamenco guitarist Tomatito, 2020 NEA Jazz Master Bobby McFerrin with pianist Chick Corea, pianist Oscar Peterson and vibes legend Milt Jackson, pianist Fred Hersch and singer Jay Clayton, pianist Kenny Barron with bassist Dave Holland, and several duo recordings from bassist Charlie Haden – with guitarist Pat Metheny, and with pianists Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Hank Jones, and Keith Jarrett.
