Jazz Inspired

Young Chicago pianist/organist/vocalist discusses his move to New York, his love for Oscar Peterson and Jimmy Smith and his new, as yet unnamed CD.

British drummer discusses his favorite musicians and his work with Scott Hamilton, John Bunch, Barry Harris and other jazz giants.

To celebrate the publication of his new memoir, My Dear Departed Past, we revisit Judyâ??s 2007 conversation with the pianist/composer.

The French/Scottish vocalist spent her young life in Paris, training four hours a day as an ice skater, with breaks for the occasional gig as a child actor. Somehow, she knew she would be a singer someday, even though that was never the focus of her life. She now lives and works in England, singing and playing accordion, performing a repertoire influenced by everyone from Edith Piaf to Billie Holiday.

Britainâ??s go-to guy for swinging interpretations of the standards, which heâ??s performed in various venues around the world, as well as a royal appearance at Buckingham Palace.

Judy and Billy talk about his many years with Liza Minnelli and Tony Bennett and perform together onstage at Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor, NY.

Part 2 of 2: British blues and boogie pianist, Jools Holland has collaborated with everyone from Sting to Eric Clapton to Norah Jones after jumping into a musical career at the age of fifteen with the band, Squeeze. Jools is a popular TV and radio presenter as well and his BBC Television show, Later with Jools Holland is now in its 25th year. This is the first of Judyâ??s two conversations with Jools Holland, which were recorded in his London home in June 2017. He talked about his varied career and his most recent CD, Piano.

Part 1 of 2: British blues and boogie pianist, Jools Holland has collaborated with everyone from Sting to Eric Clapton to Norah Jones after jumping into a musical career at the age of fifteen with the band, Squeeze. Jools is a popular TV and radio presenter as well and his BBC Television show, Later with Jools Holland is now in its 25th year. This is the first of Judyâ??s two conversations with Jools Holland, which were recorded in his London home in June 2017. He talked about his varied career and his most recent CD, Piano.

Steinway CEO planned on a career as a concert pianist, studying at Julliard and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Artistic talent and business skills are not often paired but in Ronâ??s case they were. Ron talks about his transition from performer to businessman, how he wishes jazz were part of his musical training and how he feels the presentation of sophisticated music has changed over the years.

"Pianist Dick Hyman has enjoyed a long career playing concerts and composing for movies and television. In March 2017 he celebrated his 90th birthday. Judy and Dick have done a number of concerts together so he was her first choice for a series of interviews recorded onstage from Kiawah Island, SC. This conversation took place March 3rd, 2015."

Pianist/composer Dick Hyman has enjoyed a fascinatingly diverse musical career, recording under his own name, collaborating with others, acting as musical director for movies and television and playing concerts. Dick has an unusually astute understanding of jazz history and the stylistic elements that distinguish the piano giants who created this music. Dick shared his thoughts on these players and how theyâ??ve influenced his own creativity when I recorded this coversation in 2006.

Musician and early jazz scholar Vince Giordano fell in love with 20â?²s and 30â?²s jazz at an early age and carries on the tradition performing with his band â??The Nighthawks.â?? Vince discusses bringing this music to a broader audience and especially the importance of young people hearing jazz live.

British composer/pianist discusses his new CD Story Inside and the deep influence pianist Bill Evans has had on his work.

Second of Judyâ??s conversations with pianist/composer Bill Cunliffe, recorded onstage during the Jazz Inspired from Kiawah Island Festival in February 2016. Judy and Bill perform together along with Harry Allen and Pat Oâ??Leary.

First of Judyâ??s conversations with pianist/composer Bill Cunliffe, recorded onstage during the Jazz Inspired from Kiawah Island Festival in February 2016. Judy and Bill perform together along with Harry Allen and Pat Oâ??Leary.

Vocalist/composer Gabrielle Stravelli draws on influences as varied as Pink Floyd and Duke Ellington, Dolly Parton and Johnny Mercer. She discusses her new CD of standards and originals which was produced by Taylor Swiftâ??s Music Director an early guest on Jazz Inspired, David Cook, another connection showing Stravelliâ??s wide musical interests.

British guitarist Sam Dunn discusses the challenges of the jazz scene in England and combining his equal passion for the music of Django Reinhardt, Joe Pass and English rock.

Irish American singer combines her Irish roots with New Orleans music of the 20â??s and 30â??s. She discusses this mashup, as well as her sartorial choices, for which she is equally well known.

Canadian singer/pianist talks about her new CD â??Alone Togetherâ?? and the difference in the jazz scene in her present home, Los Angeles and NYC.

Mike Karn toured for years, playing tenor saxophone with Ray Charles big band, followed by a long stint touring with Harry Connick, Jr. After establishing himself as one of the best on the scene, Mike realized heâ??d much rather play the bass and in many ways started over with his career. Judy and Mike perform together onstage at the 2017 Jazz Inspired Festival from Kiawah Island Festival and talk about his life and jump from saxophonist to bassist.