Jazz Profiles

KPBX Thursdays 11-12 p.m.

Jazz Profiles with Nancy Wilson discontinues production at the end of September; past episodes will be available via NPR.org. KPBX will announce a new jazz program for this slot in October.

Program Listings

March 18, 2010
The Village Vanguard
The world's oldest continuously operated jazz club may consist of a small triangular room with low ceilings, but its remarkable acoustics have attracted plenty of essential recordings.

March 25, 2010
Jimmy Smith
This tribute explores Smith's early days in Philadelphia and shows how he brought the Hammond organ to the forefront of jazz.

April 1, 2010
Stanley Turrentine
Known for his big, warm, sound, "The Sugar Man" or the original "Mr. T" found inspiration in the blues and turned it into a hugely successful career.

April 8, 2010
Al Hibbler
A rich, supple baritone, Hibbler brought many of Duke Ellington's most popular ballads to life during an eight-year stint with the orchestra. He went on to a long and successful solo career, becoming the country's first prominent blind performer.

April 15, 2010
Doc Cheatam
Doc Cheatham was a part of virtually all of jazz's history from his own early groups in the mid 1920s to the McKinney Cotton Pickers and Cab Calloway's band in the 30s, and on into the 70s with numerous other bands. Late in life, Doc emerged from his role as an ensemble player and blossomed into an expressive soloist in small group settings. His articulation and clarity on the trumpet were the pillars of his style.

April 22, 2010
Ellis Larkins
Pianist Ellis Larkins' elegant playing style was described as a rainbow of interwoven musical textures. His layered technique created a warm and intimate palette of sound that brought out the full artistic potential of his partners in jazz -- Coleman Hawkins and Ella Fitzgerald among them.

April 29, 2010
Artie Shaw
He was one of the most admired instrumentalists of the twentieth century, matching an immaculate technique to a clarinet sound that was indescribably beautiful. His big bands were among the best of the swing era and his small group, known as the Gramercy Five, was trend setting. Shaw will always be remembered as one of the most important musicians of the swing period.

May 6, 2010
Anita O'Day
Singer Anita O'Day experienced both the "high times and hard times" - as her autobiography is so aptly titled. In the mid 1940s she was a celebrated vocalist with the Stan Kenton and Gene Krupa orchestras. In the mid 1950s, she had a string of highly regarded albums. Drug addiction interfered with her potential for super-stardom, yet she still had a profound impact in jazz with her exceptional range at improvisation and her skill at interpreting a lyric.