Search results for

Before he was famous for popularizing bossa nova with "The Girl from Ipanema" in the early 1960s, saxophonist Stan Getz recorded with small jazz groups all through the '50s. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says a new reissue shows Getz was one of the best at playing pretty.

In celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, here's a playlist of favorites from Grammy Award-winning bassist, composer, educator, broadcaster and Jazz Night in America host Christian McBride.

The annual ceremony, held in New York Thursday night, also honored Motown founder Berry Gordy, producer Max Martin, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Babyface and members of the band Chicago.

Before Nat King Cole became known for his velvety singing voice, he was a pianist working nightly gigs to hone his craft.

NPR's Audie Cornish talks with Christian McBride about the impact of Miles Davis' seminal album Bitches Brew — an electrified sound that ushered in decades of jazz fusion 50 years ago.

The first person to record a solo on the vibraphone, Lionel Hampton was a master balladeer. Among its many gems, Essential Masters of Jazz has Hampton's classic "Midnight Sun," which Hampton described as capturing a "love feeling."

A Tragic Treasury, from the musical group the Gothic Archies, sets stories from the Lemony Snicket children's series to music.

The summer of 2005 may not go down in history as another Summer of Love, but Woodstock's legacy includes a summertime routine of music festivals across the country. Weekend Edition Sunday music director Ned Wharton lists some of the best bets.

Black Francis, frontman of the Pixies, is trying his hand at literature. He's co-authored an illustrated novel based on the world's first pornographic film, a 1908 production called The Good Inn.

Decades after the death of Django Reinhardt, his music is flourishing and evolving in Roma musical communities all around the world. Hear an interview with Michael Dregni, author of a new book on Gypsy swing.