Jazz Inspired

Judy performs with and interviews Grammy winning guitarist onstage at the Clayton Center for the Arts in Maryville, TN and discusses Johnâ??s career highlights from touring with Elton John to playing with Bonnie Raitt to his duo gigs early in his career with Judy!

Jazz pianist Mark Shane discusses his work for movie soundtracks and playing with jazz greats Doc Cheatham, Buck Clayton, Ruby Braff and others.

Guitarist Freddie Green played rhythm guitar with the Basie band for 50 years. His unique sound became an integral part of the Basie sound and added a swinging, solid time feel to everyone he played with, myself included. Alfred Green, Freddieâ??s son, talks to Judy about his extensive biography of his father onstage at â??Jazz Inspired from Kiawahâ?? with musical contributions by Judy (who recorded with Freddie) guitarist James Chirillo, bassist Pat O'Leary and saxophonist Harry Allen.

Minneapolis based pianist, Rick Carlson, pursued a variety of careers before jumping in relatively late to become one of the finest musicians on the scene today. Rick Carlsonâ??s love for Basie and joy in accompanying great singers enticed him to make music his primary focus and he is now one of the most in demand players in his beloved Minnesota and beyond.

New Orleans pianist Tom McDermott brings to life the many influences that fed the early musical scene in that most musical of cities. His original passion for ragtime came from his youth in St. Louis, but once in New Orleans, Tom put a scholarly zeal into studying his favorites--James Booker, Professor Longhair and Dr. John, as well as into discovering the lesser-known musical gems that formed the sound of New Orleans.

Judy Carmichael interviews Dave Damiani

"Chicago-based guitarist Andy Brown is a favorite among musicians and audiences alike. His YouTube video of an hour-long solo guitar performance is nearing a million hits and has a popularity that continues with a thousand views per day, something rare for a post from a mainstream jazz player. Andy is considered one of best younger player on the scene, but his attitude harkens back to an earlier time when listening and learning from jazz elders was a stronger focus than a jazz degree from music school. "

Actor/magician/pianist Todd Robbins has spent decades specializing in arcane forms of popular entertainment. His inspirations range from his work at Coney Island and the Big Apple Circus to his stint as Woody Allenâ??s pianist. Todd discusses his current gig with Judy on the Investigation Discovery channel's new series True Nightmares. The series features Todd as the host telling bizarre true tales of murder and mayhem that all have a lovely ironic twist to them. (2nd interview)

Pianist/composer Mary Louise Knutson has performed with many jazz greats including Dizzy Gillespie, Bobby McFerrin, Dianne Reeves, Randy Brecker and was a finalist in the Kennedy Centerâ??s Mary Lou Williams Women In Jazz International Pianist Competition. She talks with Judy about making a living as a jazz musician in her native Minneapolis and what sheâ??s learned touring with Doc Severinsen.

Judy Carmichael interviews John Boutte

Judy Carmichael interviews Larry Coryell

Judy Carmichael interviews Don Vappie

Guitarist Greg Ruggiero grew up in New Mexico with swing-dancing parents who encouraged him to listen to the Great American Standards and classic jazz, something he initially resisted. Greg is now one of the most respected younger musicians on the scene and an enthusiastic proponent of the very music he initially avoided and talks to Judy about his journey from rock musician to jazz player.

Guitar legend Bucky Pizzarelli, talks about Eddie Lang, Dick McDonough, and others who influenced him, and what it takes to be a great rhythm guitarist.

UPDATED 1/20/2018 - Composer Miho Hazama graduated from Kunitachi College of Music in her native Japan with a bachelorâ??s degree in classical composition and went on to get her Masters in jazz composition from the Manhattan School of Music. Miho has won numerous awards and scholarships and has written jingles for television, although her passion is writing concert works. Now based in NYC, Miho continues to record and perform her compositions, which draw on not only her jazz and classical studies but on her wide range of musical influences.

Part 2 of 2: Tony Bennett talks about his long career, early inspirations, iconic sessions with Bill Evans and his recent Grammy-winning "Duets II" CD with an all-star cast: Lady Gaga, Michael Bublé, Amy Winehouse, John Mayer, k.d. lang, Aretha Franklin, Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, Queen Latifah, Norah Jones, Josh Groban, Natalie Cole, Andrea Bocelli, Faith Hill, Alejandro Sanz, Carrie Underwood, and Mariah Carey. Tony and his collaborators received the Grammy for "Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album" as well as the Grammy for "Best Pop Duo/Group Performance" for his duet, "Body and Soul" with Amy Winehouse.

Part 1 of 2: Tony Bennett talks about his long career, early inspirations, iconic sessions with Bill Evans and his recent Grammy-winning "Duets II" CD with an all-star cast: Lady Gaga, Michael Bublé, Amy Winehouse, John Mayer, k.d. lang, Aretha Franklin, Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, Queen Latifah, Norah Jones, Josh Groban, Natalie Cole, Andrea Bocelli, Faith Hill, Alejandro Sanz, Carrie Underwood, and Mariah Carey. Tony and his collaborators received the Grammy for "Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album" as well as the Grammy for "Best Pop Duo/Group Performance" for his duet, "Body and Soul" with Amy Winehouse.

Judy Carmichael interviews Jonathan Schwartz

UPDATED 11/11/17 - After years away from performing because of vocal cord issues, Steven is back with his new big band CD, The Way You Look Tonight a throwback to the Sinatra days of swinging arrangements of the standards.

Judy Carmichael interviews Charles Osgood.