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Talking Pictures 3-4-26
“The House Was Not Hungry Then” (2025 Horror Amazon Prime Video) and “His & Hers” (2026 Thriller Netflix limited series) with Hollis Monroe, Phil Brown and Scott Chrisman.
KCCK’s Featured Album for March 2026
The KCCK Featured Album for March is “KCCK’s Corridor Jazz Project Volume 19”, featuring the outstanding students from a record twenty-one Eastern Iowa high school jazz bands. Each band is paired up with a professional guest artist who mentors the students during rehearsals and professional recording sessions. The experience culminates with concerts featuring the bands …
Soundtrack to the Struggle – Cora Bryant Breaks Barriers in Jazz
“When you put that iron in your mouth, you run into problems.” Clora Bryant, a trumpet player who broke barriers in jazz, was raised a Baptist and taught that anything with a backbeat was likely “the devil’s music,” But even on the North Texas prairie where she grew up, the siren sounds of jazz found …
Soundtrack To The Struggle – The International Sweethearts of Rhythm
From 1938 to 1946, The International Sweethearts of Rhythm graced the stage as the first racially integrated all-female jazz band to tour nationally. Their popularity came during World War II, when many male jazz artists were serving overseas, leaving an opportunity for women to shine their talents at home. Over time, the group attracted some …
Talking Pictures 2-25-26
“Primate” (2025 Horror) and “How to Make a Killing” (2026 Thriller/Comedy) with Hollis Monroe, Phil Brown and Monica Schmidt.
Soundtrack to the Struggle – Mannenberg Is Where It’s Happening
Oppressors hate jazz. Whether in the U.S. or abroad, jazz has always made the right enemies. The Soviets and Castro tried to stomp it out. Hitler was no fan, and you don’t hear much about a Chinese jazz scene. Jazz requires, promotes, and symbolizes a kind of democracy, an exchange of ideas that dictators can’t …
Soundtrack to the Struggle – Gil Scott-Heron’s Revolution
It’s 2021, and jazz poet Gil Scott-Heron is inducted posthumously into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for his “early influence” on rap. Scott-Heron bristled at the “Father of Rap” distinction, saying, “I don’t know if I can take the blame for rap music. I listen to the jazz station.” An artistic polymath, Scott-Heron …
Soundtrack to the Struggle – June Richmond Makes the Mold
It’s 1937, and June Richmond steps to the microphone for Jimmy Dorsey’s big band. Doing so, she makes history as the first Black singer in an all-white orchestra. Richman caught the attention of Dorsey and Bing Crosby during a set at the Los Angeles Cotton Club. They invited her to their table, made Richmond an …