Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz

KPBX 91.1, Wednesday, 10pm-11pm
(or directly following World of Opera)

Piano Jazz is a forum for jazz legends and influential performers as well as up-and-coming talents. Oscar Peterson, Herbie Hancock, Dave Brubeck, Diana Krall, Max Roach, Cassandra Wilson and Tony Bennett are among the over 500 guests who have joined McPartland to create dynamic duets and discuss their lives and music.

Program Listings

July 28, 2010
Pat Metheny
Guitarist Pat Metheny is one of the brightest stars in the jazz firmament. The Grammy-winning artist is constantly experimenting with technology new and old, and honing his improvisational skills and unique style. On this Piano Jazz, the Pat Metheny Trio, which includes bassist Christian McBride and drummer Antonio Sanchez, performs exclusive versions of "Go Get It" and "Bright Size Life."

August 4, 2010
Marian Selects: Remembering Hank Jones
Legendary pianist Hank Jones was one of Marian McPartland's first guests when she began Piano Jazz over 30 years ago. Jones passed away earlier this year, and on this 2009 session, Marian McPartland asked another of her favorite pianists, Bill Charlap, to take a turn on the host's bench to catch up with Jones. The two sparkle on such duets as "Oh Look at Me Now" and Billy Strayhorn's "Lotus Blossom."

August 11, 2010
Marian Selects: Remembering Joyce Collins
Singer and pianist Joyce Collins became the first woman to conduct a Las Vegas resort show band in the late 1950s. She also worked in film and television, serving in bands on the Mary Tyler Moore Show and Bob Newhart's programs. Collins passed away earlier this year, and Piano Jazz remembers her with this 2002 session. She performs her tune "Marjolane," and duets with Marian McPartland on "All Blues and "On Green Dolphin Street."

August 18, 2010
Marian Selects: Clark Terry
Legendary trumpeter and educator Clark Terry got his jazz education playing with the Basie Band and Duke Ellington's orchestra. Commanding a wide range of styles and a dazzling technique, Terry went on to become one of the most influential jazz horn players of his generation. On this 1994 session, he joins Marian McPartland for Ellington's "Come Sunday" and Terry's most famous tune, "Mumbles."

August 25, 2010
Allen Toussaint with Guest Host Elvis Costello
Five years ago Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, but the city's musical heritage is indestructible. Piano Jazz pays tribute to the Crescent City on this session with one of her favorite sons -legendary pianist, singer, composer and producer Allen Toussaint. The ever-eclectic Elvis Costello sits in as guest host for this session, which features Toussaint singing and playing his hit tune "Southern Nights" and a duet with Costello on the pair's recent collaboration -- "Ascension Day."

September 1, 2010
Vijay Iyer with Guest Host Arturo O'Farrill
The multifaceted Vijay Iyer's resume includes pianist, composer, bandleader, writer and PhD. candidate in Physics. Last year his Vijay Iyer Trio won a treasure trove of accolades for the album Historicity. On this session, Iyer performs Geri Allen's "I'm All Smiles," and duets with guest host Arturo O'Farrill on the bluesy Iyer original "Abundance."