Short List with host Bob Naujoks
Monday – Friday at 8:35 AM and Saturday at 7 AM
Cats On The Keys 4: Cyrus Chestnut
Cyrus Chestnut’s accessible mix of gospel, blues and bop-tinged piano jazz has emerged as a strong voice in just the last decade. Though he started his career with such stalwarts as singer Jon Hendricks and trumpeter Terrence Blanchard, his big break came when he joined singer Betty Carter. She literally “took him to school,” allowing Chestnut to take chances.
Jazz Corner of the World with host Craig Kessler
Monday, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sonny Clark, Part Three (1959 to 1962)
Craig finishes a 3-part series of shows spotlighting the career of this amazing pianist. Parts One and Two dealt with Sonny’s recordings from 1953 to 1958, and part three will look at the end of his career – 1959 to his death in 1962. We’ll hear Clark’s sessions as a leader, as well as tunes from his many ‘sideman’ appearances with jazz greats like Dexter Gordon, Jackie McLean, Stanley Turrentine, Grant Green, and others. Essential listening from the period!!
Jazz Profiles with host Nancy Wilson
Monday at 11:00 PM
John Coltrane: Saxophone Icon, Part 1
No modern jazz musician has a sound more influential yet less attainable than saxophonist John Coltrane. His pure tone was established by the mid-’50s, playing in Miles Davis’ hard bop quintet. Coltrane’s career was characterized by his constant, exponential advancement in improvisational technique and ideas. His sound reached its peak in his quartet of the ’60s, which has served as a model for modern jazz ensembles for the last forty years.
Wednesday Night Special 
6:00 PM
Steve Grismore 4 at the Opus Concert Cafe
Steve Grismore leads an incredible combo at First Friday Jazz at the Opus Concert Café. In his 50+ years in music, this veteran guitarist has played the whole spectrum of jazz – from traditional to avant garde, from Latin to rock and blues – and with a veritable “who’s who” of local legends and internationally-acclaimed artists. Grismore’s recordings (including 10 with Orquesta Alta Maiz) have garnered praise from Downbeat Magazine and critics across the country, and have been included in many Top 10 Best lists. He brings it all to the Opus Concert Café in an electrifying performance.
Jazz Night in America with host Christian McBride
Thursday at 11:00 PM
Jimmy Greene’s “Beautiful Life”
In 2012, Jimmy Greene’s 6-year-old daughter, Anna Grace, was killed in the Newtown massacre. To celebrate her life, the acclaimed saxophonist wrote a joyous and loving tribute, entitled “Beautiful Life.” This encore presentation, re-airing in light of the recent gun violence and murder in Texas, spotlights Greene’s tribute to his daughter. Greene plays his compositions live and discusses his thoughts of how joy and positive change can be found after tragedy.
Jazz Corner of the World with host Craig Kessler
Saturday, Noon – 4:00 PM and Monday, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
70th Anniversary Celebration of The Jazz Showcase
Craig celebrates 70 years of Chicago’s Jazz Showcase by spinning a tasteful mix of fine live recordings from one of the most important jazz venues in the world! We’ll hear from giants Ahmad Jamal, Marian McPartland, Sir Charles Thompson, Hampton Hawes, and others. Craig will also share some quips from Joe Segal’s new book, “Stay On It” – a personalized journal by this NEA Jazz Master during his 70+ years of musical endeavors. Don’t miss it!!!
KCCK’s Midnight CD
The Monday – Sunday Midnight CD for this week can be found at: