The KCCK Featured Album for September is “Dreams Do Come True” from George Benson. In 1989, the Grammy Award-winner collaborated with the celebrated composer and arranger Robert Farnon, whose lush orchestral arrangements perfectly complemented Benson’s soulful vocals and fluid guitar work.. The recording took place during a prolific period for Benson and he chose to …
The KCCK Featured Album for August is “Dream Tracks” by guitarist and songwriter Craig Erickson. The Cedar Rapids native has drawn from many sources and his own intense life experiences over the years to forge a unique and inspirational sound that runs the gamut from blues and rock to funk and fusion. The new recording …
The KCCK Featured Album for July is “Suite for Africa” from Amina Figarova. The Azerbaijani-born pianist and composer was inspired to write the suite by her experiences meeting students during her travels to South Africa, and a chance encounter during a travel mishap with the Matsiko World Orphan Choir, who brought the stirring piece fully …
The KCCK Featured Album for June is “Remembrance” from Chick Corea and Bela Fleck. The recording serves as a moving final document of the years-long creative and personal relationship between the two which began in 2007. It’s also a crucial addition to Chick’s legacy, featuring three previously unreleased compositions by the legendary pianist.. The disc …
The KCCK Featured Album for May is “D-Day” by Monty Alexander. June 6, 2024 will mark the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings of World War II. It’s also the day Monty turns 80-years-old! It’s a highly symbolic historical concordance which the great Jamaican musician naturally embraces, since the name he was given pays homage …
The KCCK Featured Album for April is KCCK’s Corridor Jazz Project Volume 17. In honor of JazAppreciation Month, we feature students from twenty of Eastern Iowa’s 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 …
The KCCK Featured Album for March is “Lotta Livin’” froBetty Bryant. The Kansas City-born vocalist, pianist and songwriter was dubbed ‘Cool Miss B’ by her fellow musicians. Ms. Bryant began her career in her hometown where she was mentored by the great Jay McShann. She moved to the west coast in 1955 and quickly became …
The KCCK Featured Album for February is “Tell the Birds I Said Hello” from bassist Ben Allison, guitarist Steve Cardenas and saxophonist Ted Nash. The fourth album by this trio focuses its attention on the ever-surprising music of the under-recognized pianist and composer Herbie Nichols. The trio puts its own spin on a set of …
