Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify
Renowned for giving his big band a break during concerts by shifting to a three-man jam session in the midst of a show, jazz icon Buddy Rich would let the piano and bass shine through during these performances. Although these three-man interludes were staples during many shows, there has never been a recording released of them until now. Taped by Rich’s alto saxophone player Alan Gauvin during a series of shows around the world in 1976 and ’77, “Trios” features extraordinary bassists Jon Burr and Tom Warrington along with the young piano prodigy Barry Kiener and is marked by stunning solos by the drummer using only his brushes.
Guitarist Joel Harrison’s 25th CD, “Anthem of Unity,” brings together a once-in-a-lifetime ensemble that showcases his most pointed and focused work as a musician yet. The team of Gary Versace, with his virtuosic and soul-drenched B-3 organ, Greg Tardy, one of our finest jazz woodwind players, and the legendary drummer Jack DeJohnette, exhibits extraordinary musicianship on the program. Tardy shows the range of his considerable abilities here, developing interesting ideas and phrases throughout his may solos. Versace has been about everywhere at this point, with giants such as Maria Schneider, John Abercrombie and Al Foster, and he anchors the bottom end on the Hammond as DeJohnette continually ignites the band.
Also this week, pianist Mike Jones, who has been leading a trio that opens the Las Vegas shows of Penn & Teller since 2002, is joined by drummer Jeff Hamilton and Penn Jillette himself on bass on “Are You Sure You Three Guys Know What You’re Doing?’; singer Linda Purl, who is known to millions for her running roles on multiple, iconic television series like “Happy Days,” “The Office,” and “Hacks,” releases her sixth album, “This Could Be the Start”; and Grammy Award winning trombonist, arranger, composer and producer Doug Beavers drops his seventh release as leader, “Luna.”
Hey, Jazz fans! Be sure to tune in this week as we celebrate the birthdays of saxmen Lester Young, Charlie Parker, Art Pepper, and Jerry Dodgion, singers Velma Middleton, Dinah Washington, Van Morrison and Rachel Price, pianists Kenny Drew and Gene Harris, trumpeter Kenny Dorham and more. We’ll also mark the recording anniversaries of “Clifford Brown Memorial Album” (1953), Dexter Gordon’s “A Swingin’ Affair” (1962), Yusef Lateef’s “The Gentle Giant” (1971), Mal Waldron & Jackie McLean’s
Jazz Corner of the World with host Craig Kessler
Jazz Night in America
KCCK wraps up the summer by bringing back one of our favorite weekends of 2023, as we rebroadcast the Iowa City Jazz Festival throughout September. The fun begins on Labor Day. You’ll hear all the main stage performances, including Christian McBride, the Huntertones, Benny Bennack, Hannah Marks, Jon Ailabuoni, Damani Phillips, Shorter Stories, and the Salsa Band. Plus the students of the United Jazz Ensemble and North Corridor All Stars. Then each Wednesday in September, we’ll play back the local stage performances on the Wednesday Special. More than 18 hours of the best jazz in the nation! We’ll also take you backstage to listen in on our exclusive conversations with all the headliners. 
Labor Day Broadcast Special
Hey, Jazz fans! Be sure to tune in this week as we celebrate the birthdays of pianist/bandleader/composer Count Basie, trumpeter Art and bassist Addison Farmer, Bluesman John Lee Hooker, guitarists Pat Martino and Mimi Fox, saxophonist Wayne Shorter and more. We’ll also mark the recording anniversaries of Count Basie’s “Jumpin’ At the Woodside” (1938), Jimmy Smith’s “The Sermon/House Party” (1957), Herbie Mann’s “Memphis Underground” (1969), “Buddy Tate Meets Dollar Brand” (1977), Mary Stallings’ “Spectrum” (1995), Eric Alexander & Vincent Herring’s “Friendly Fire” (2011) and many others, Mondays thru Fridays at noon on Jazz Masters. 
Jazz Corner of the World with host Craig Kessler
Jazz Night in America