Monday, March 1
It’s a Chopin birthday celebration tonight on the Night Train, with jazz reinterpretations of Chopin works from Chick Corea’s last album, pianist Chucho Valdes, and baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan in hour one, and a special in hour two devoted to Chopin jazz in a performance from singer Grazyna Auguscik and pianist Ben Lewis. Night Train also marks birthdays of bassists Carles Benevent (also with Chick Corea) and Nilson Matta, and guitarist Ralph Towner – and the latest recordings from Keith Jarrett, New Faces, Nelson Riveros, and Conrad Herwig.
Tuesday, March 2
Night Train continues the March Women’s History Month with performances from women artists doing birthday related performances. We mark the birthday of composer Kurt Weill with performances of his songs by Ella Fitzgerald, Dianne Reeves and Cassandra Wilson, of drummer Clarence Penn (on an album he did with singer Luciana Souza), and soul jazz tenor saxophonist Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis (in projects he did with organist Shirley Scott). We’ll also hear new music from pianists George Kahn and Monty Alexander, and saxophonist Cory Weeds, and we continue our on-going remembrance of Chick Corea with music he did early in his career with Cal Tjader.
Wednesday, March 3
Night Train features jazz legends tonight. We’ll hear the debut albums from Elvin Jones, Shelia Jordan and Nina Simone, along with selections from Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers, Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins with John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Betty Carter, and the Triple Treat lineup of Monty Alexander, Ray Brown and Herb Ellis.
Thursday, March 4
Night Train marks birthdays of drummer Jason Marsalis (including a special performance in hour two with the Marcus Roberts Trio with special guest Bela Fleck), world chamber jazz saxophonist Jan Garbarek, and Vivaldi (with a jazz reinterpretation from the Jacques Loussier Trio). There’s also new music from the 14 Jazz Orchestra and guitarist Diego Figueiredo.
