President Biden approves $95-billion in military aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan…planting season is underway in Iowa except in one area where rainfall has been unpredictable.
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President Biden approves $95-billion in military aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan…planting season is underway in Iowa except in one area where rainfall has been unpredictable.
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Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify
Nicole Glover has been getting some well-deserved exposure recently in the context of groups like the Artemis sextet and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. But this tenor saxophonist is best appreciated on her own albums, where she fronts a saxophone-bass-drums trio. While not a common jazz format, this instrumentation has sired some classic recordings, beginning with a 1945 recording by Don Byas and Slam Stewart, through classics by Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson and Ornette Coleman, to contemporary trios led by Branford Marsalis and JD Allen. Glover’s own trio on her new disc, “Plays,” features the rich, full-toned bass of Tyrone Allen and the sensitive, yet propulsive drumming of Kayvon Gordon. A special guest on the recording is vibes master Steve Nelson, who appears on four of the tracks.

The Shona word “Ngayibatanei” translates to a call for unity and kinship, emphasizing the interconnectedness of people—a very appropriate sentiment guiding the second album by Idit Shner & Mhondoro. The melding of traditional Zimbabwean music, American jazz, and an unescapable dose of the Pacific Northwest, the disc celebrates the sounds of its diverse roots with tart melodies sailing amongst inspired grooves, creating surprising moments throughout. Along with Ms. Shner, the Israeli saxophonist, Mhondoro is Zimbabwean vocalist & percussionist John Mambira, and the Oregon-bred rhythm section of pianist Torrey Newhart, bassist Garrett Baxter and drummer Ken Mastrogiovanni, who discovered their collective sound during the long days of the pandemic.

Also this week, saxophonist and composer Chris Potter features a modern day supergroup including pianist Brad Mehldau, bassist John Patitucci and drummer Brian Blade on the new record “Eagle’s Point”; saxophonist and composer Melissa Aldana’s second Blue Note album, “Echoes of the Inner Prophet,” is a musical voyage to explore the depth of the spiritual journey; and Columbus, Ohio-based organist Tony Monaco demonstrates that he is still a stone-cold cooker on “Over and Over.”
Late Night with the Devil (2023) and Mr. Bates vs The Post Office (PBS Masterpiece 2024) with Hollis Monroe, Phil Brown and Ron Adkins.
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A tabloid publisher testifies how he was the “eyes and ears” for the Trump 2016 campaign…Gov. Reynolds’ “Thrive Iowa” program was among her proposals that made it through the 2024 legislature.
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Nina Torkelson, Kellen Dykstra, and Olivia Naber from the West Branch Jazz Ensemble join us for a fun show that included not only some great music, but a longer discussion of how Roller Derby is scored than you might expect on KCCK.
Nina, Kellen, and Olivia’s playlist:
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Testimony will continue today in Donald Trump’s hush-money trial…Trees Forever launches the public phase of a fundraising effort to replace trees lost to the derecho in Cedar Rapids.
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Ukrainian Pres. Zelenskyy expresses thanks for $61-billion in military aid making its way through Congress…Iowa’s 2024 legislative session ended in the wee hours of Saturday morning.
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Jazz Corner of the World Encore with host Craig Kessler
Mondays at 6:00pm
Acoustic Jazz Piano Jamboree, Part 4
Craig spins a variety of wonderful records that feature Duke Pearson as a dynamic pianist, composer, and arranger. He’ll also take this opportunity to again celebrate the 85th anniversary of Blue Note Records.
The Wednesday Night Special
Wednesdays at 6:00pm
The IWJO at Jazz Under the Stars
Our celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, where we recognize jazz making in the schools, finishes with a listen to the area’s outstanding jazz educators. The Iowa Women’s Jazz Orchestra is one of the premier ensembles in the Midwest, and its line-up boasts some of areas top jazz educators and students. The IWJO headlined a 2022 Jazz Under the Stars.
Jazz Night in America with host Christian McBride
Thursdays at 11:00pm
Jazz Master Billy Hart
Christian McBride profiles drummer, composer, educator, and 2022 NEA Jazz Master Billy Hart. We’ll hear stories from his upbringing, words from his mentees, and music from Hart’s 80th birthday concert at Dizzy’s Club.
Jazz Corner of the World with host Craig Kessler
Saturdays from 12 noon to 4:00pm
Acoustic Jazz Piano Jamboree, Part 5
Craig presents a variety of selections from the lengthy career of the incomparable Chick Corea. We’ll hear Chick as a leader and composer, dating back to the early 1960’s right up to 2020.
KCCK’s Midnight CD
Every Night at Midnight
Each night, KCCK lets you hear a new CD played start-to-finish.
Beatin’ the Odds by Leigh Pilzer’s Seven Pointed Star on Monday; Nohmad by The Seulah Noh Jazz Orchestra on Tuesday; Legacy by Nick Finzer on Wednesday; LaFaro by Brian Bromberg on Thursday; Rogue Blues by Nick Gravenites with Pete Sears on Friday; Same Pain by Garret T. Willie on Saturday; Seems by Kelly Green on Sunday.