WTJU 91.1 FM

Louise kicks off the 2024 Jazz Marathon with two hours of songs that have the word "earth" in them. It's a Monday morning sing-along that will get your week started!

The program will consist of mainly 1950’s & 1960’s Hard Bop, Bebop & Swing from many artists where they're hard swingin' the tune or has "blues" in the title! It’s all a secret until show time, so tune in and dig.

When Willie Mitchell went from top selling Hi Records recording star to owner of the label, the Memphis imprint started its imperial phase and unleashed a brand new sound in Rhythm and Blues. Tune in for the smooth but gritty Soul sounds of such heavy hitting stats as the aforementioned Al Green, Ann Peebles, Syl Johnson, Otis Clay, Willie Clayton and Willie Mitchell himself along with your host The Rum Cove!

Chick Corea & Bela Fleck, two master songwriters, musicians and band leaders meet in a historic duet of piano and banjo.

We celebrate what would have been the 100th birthdays of the legendary drummer Max Roach, groundbreaking pianist Bud Powell and the great trombonist JJ Johnson. We’ll primarily sample recordings they made together.

Saxophonist Chris Potter is one of the most celebrated and imitated artists of his generation. Not only a virtuosic powerhouse on the saxophone, Potter is distinguished for his deep sense of groove, compositional prowess, and unmistakable creative voice. We’ll dive deep into my personal collection of Potter’s discography and his evolution over the years since his debut recording as a leader in 1993.

Stephanie Nakasian is an exciting, well-seasoned vocalist and master of innovative jazz improvisation, completely authentic with a fresh and vibrant sound all her own. Bringing high energy to every performance, Stephanie enthralls listeners with her pure tones and a flawless delivery, engaging them on a personal level with a love for the music that is playful, electric and spontaneous in story and song.

Stephanie came to international attention in the mid-80s when she sang and toured with the vocal jazz master Jon Hendricks and Company. She continues to tour and record as a vocal leader to this day! Stephanie has been teaching jazz vocals at UVA for 30 years and was a jazz dj at WTJU for 20 years. For this performance her group will include Jeff Massanari -guitar and Karl Kimmel -bass.

"Second Sight" DJ David Buie-Moltz for a one-off special exploring Oregon, the groundbreaking band that defies genre boundaries. Revel in their pioneering fusion of jazz, folk, and world music with intricate compositions and masterful improvisation. This show delves into the band's rich discography, spotlighting their innovative use of diverse instruments and their artistic evolution from their early days to their latest creations.

Explore the use and sampling of jazz and desert blues in hip hop. Tune in for an audio adventure where jazz meets gritty desert blues in the realm of hip hop.

All night for the seven nights of the Jazz and Blues Marathon, we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of sound engineer Rudy Van Gelder, whose recordings for Blue Note and Prestige in the 50s and 60s defined the Golden Age of Hard Bop. Along the way, we will touch on other centenarians, such as JJ Johnson, Max Roach, Sonny Stitt, Bud Powell, Kenny Dorham. Blue Train, Moanin', Song For My Father, The Sidewinder, Out To Lunch, Maiden Voyage, Go, Something Else, Soul Junction, and much much more.

A retrospective of drummer Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers and all the talent he fostered.

One of the great discoveries of the last year at WTJU is the amazing Icelandic bassist, composer and band leader Tomas R. Einarsson. He has written for large ensemble, piano/bass duo, and set Icelandic poetry to music. But he is perhaps best known for his extraordinary Cuban jazz. He has travelled to Cuba many times, recorded with top players there and he popularized this vibrant music inIceland where he leads a ripping Cuban big band.

She would have been 100 this year. Unfortunately, she only made it to 66, but that was long enough to leave a wonderful legacy. Known as “Sassy,” and “The Divine One,” her rich, expressive voice won her many awards and the opportunity to perform with some of the biggest names in jazz.

The sweet sounds of Brazilian jazz with artists such as Flora Purim, Egberto Gismonti, Luciana Souza, Elaine Elias and many more.

Despite the looming British Invasion, 1964 was a prodigious year of groundbreaking releases from new and established artists alike. Explore the likes of Donald Byrd (A New Perspective), Booker Ervin (The Blues Book; The Freedom Book), John Coltrane (Live At Birdland; Crescent), Lee Morgan (Sidewinder), Shirley Scott (Soul Shoutin’), and many more. An embarrassment of riches lays in store during the 1964 Show.

Ronnell Bright was a great pianist and a wonderful accompanist who backed a number of great singers, including Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae, Nancy Wilson, Anita O'Day and others. Many jazz fans may remember him as the pianist behind Sarah Vaughan on two of her classic late 1950s albums, After Hours At The London House & No Count Sarah.

Bright was a wonderful composer as well. One of his compositions, Cherry Blossom, appears on fellow pianist Horace Silver's album The Tokyo Blues. The inclusion of that tune stands out as the only tune on that album not composed by Horace Silver himself, one of the all time great composers.
In addition to his own albums, Bright recorded with Coleman Hawkins, Buddy Tate, Johnny Pate, Shirley Scott, Frank Wess & Harry "Sweets" Edison and others. Unfortunately, during his later years, Bright faded into comparative obscurity, unfairly so. However we take this opportunity to revisit some of the music of Ronnell Bright, from both his own sessions and his collaborations with other great artists.

Dhara Goradia and Quiet Fire featuring Loren Oppenheimer on Tabla and Eric Knutson on guitar plus special guest. Bassist and UVA alum Dhara Goradia leads this world music project influenced by sounds of the east and concepts of modern jazz. A fresh new sound for lovers of improvised music. John D’Earth was once a member of this stellar group.

The Blue Note Tone Poet vinyl series pays homage to the enormous legacy of the Blue Note Label by releasing vinyl audiophile editions of lesser-known albums from their catalog and from the catalogs of other similar labels. For the series, albums are chosen and produced by Joe Harley of Music Matters and are mastered for vinyl by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio. In our two hours together, we’ll explore some of my favorites from the series. They may become some of your favorites too.

We pay tribute to the legendary composer, arranger and tenor saxophonist Benny Golson who recently passed away at the age of 95. Golson played with a who’s who of jazz luminaries including Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie and Art Blakey before launching his solo career and co-leading the Jazztet with Aft Farmer. He’s known for a big tenor sound, but he is best remembered for composing so many tunes that became jazz standards. Celebrate the career and life of this great NEA Jazz Master.

All night for the seven nights of the Jazz and Blues Marathon, we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of sound engineer Rudy Van Gelder, whose recordings for Blue Note and Prestige in the 50s and 60s defined the Golden Age of Hard Bop. Along the way, we will touch on other centenarians, such as JJ Johnson, Max Roach, Sonny Stitt, Bud Powell, Kenny Dorham. Blue Train, Moanin', Song For My Father, The Sidewinder, Out To Lunch, Maiden Voyage, Go, Something Else, Soul Junction, and much much more.

Before programming became a science rather than an art, mainstream jazz artists appeared in top 40 charts, rubbing shoulders with rockers, country artists, and pop balladeers. We'll be playing chart toppers by the Ramsey Lewis Trio, Dave Brubeck, Oscar Peterson, Vince Gualdi, Herbie Hancock, Geroge Benson, Aker Bilk, Stan Getz and Astrud Gilberto -- and others. How many do you remember?

Jazz songs with the seasons or months in the title. A mix of instrumental and vocals as we mark these climate changes.

Jazzy, danceable highlife has been a popular style of music in Ghana since the 1970s. It has incorporated many influences over the years, from marching bands and bebop to funk and Afrobeat. We'll cover the post WW2 era to the present, featuring giants like E.T. Mensah and Ebo Taylor as well as energetic young bands like Santrofi. Tune in and put on a smile.

Jazz Harpist Dorothy Ashby (1932-1986) expanded the boundaries of the instrument and introduced new audiences to its distinctive sound. She overcame the challenges of being an African-American female musician in a male dominated industry, established the harp as an improvisational jazz instrument, and proved it could play bebop. Ashby also introduced the Japanese Koto to Jazz. In this program we'll showcase Ashby's music, from jazz standards to free jazz, original compositions to world influenced sounds. We'll also include tracks in which Ashby was a sidewoman, and contemporary works built on Ashby's influence.

Since Dizzy Gillespie mixed Afro-Cuban music in as an additional seasoning for the Jazz gumbo, hot sounds from across the Caribbean have played a major role in the music. Join us as we explore boleros, son Cubano, salsa, and Afro-Cuban Jazz from today’s masters.

Miller's Downtown has been a mainstay of live music performance in Charlottesville for many, many years. In April 1998, John D'earth headed a band that included Dawn Thompson on vocals, Jeff Decker and Bobby Read on saxophones, Jamal Milner on guitar, Wells Hanley on piano, Pete Spaar on bass, and Robert Jospé on drums. The performance was recorded and engineered by Greg Howard. Selections from this disc along with recordings by members of this band will be featured on this show. Jamal Milner will be sitting in to speak of his recollections of this band and DJ Bill Corrigan will co-host. Check out this marathon program to recognize one of the many bands fronted by John D’earth at Miller’s and share in some of the fun.

Guitarist Mike Rosensky has been a member of the performance faculty at the University of Virginia since the mid-90’s. He’s created the courses Fretboard Harmony and Play Guitar!, coaches jazz combos, maintains an active teaching studio, and has performed as a guest with many of the departmental ensembles. He has extensive freelance experience as a jazz guitarist, including performances with the Mike Rosensky/Jeff Decker Quartet. Chamber music engagements up and down the east coast include concert appearances in New York City with the New Music Consort, the Manhattan Chamber Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. Special guest saxophonist Jeff Decker has been active in the central Virginia music scene for over twenty years. As a member of the University of Virginia's performance faculty, he performs regularly with the Free Bridge Quintet (the faculty jazz ensemble) and the Charlottesville University Symphony Orchestra.

John D’earth is an amazing trumpet player and composer, but his greatest talent may be as an educator. Over his long career, he has taught and mentored many great musicians, both with his UVA Jazz Ensemble, and in private lessons and clinics. During this program we will feature recordings by a few of his many students, including vocalist Veronica Swift, trumpeter Will Evans, pianist Kait Dunton, bassist Lisa Mezzacappa, saxophonist Greg Weaver, trumpeter Brandon Walsh and trumpeter/composer Emily Kuhn, who brings her Chicago Quintet to the Front Porch for a concert sponsored by WTJU on October 12th.

Taking its name from Yusef Lateef's famous album and exploring how the sounds of India, China, Japan, etc found their way into jazz of the 1960's and 70's but also in contemporary recordings.

All night for the seven nights of the Jazz and Blues Marathon, we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of sound engineer Rudy Van Gelder, whose recordings for Blue Note and Prestige in the 50s and 60s defined the Golden Age of Hard Bop. Along the way, we will touch on other centenarians, such as JJ Johnson, Max Roach, Sonny Stitt, Bud Powell, Kenny Dorham. Blue Train, Moanin', Song For My Father, The Sidewinder, Out To Lunch, Maiden Voyage, Go, Something Else, Soul Junction, and much much more.

Contrary to belief, there is never a bad time for the stylings of Thelonious Sphere Monk. Two hours of Monk in the early morning accompanied by your pledges of support at 434-924-3959 or online at wtju.net/donate.

Not the classic torch song "Body and Soul" but a deconstructed body paired with offerings for the soul.

Body parts and soul songs.

Since the 1970's, bluegrass musicians have been incorporating jazz into their music and have built a large catalog of jazz influenced or jazz grass. Join us for 2 hours of jazz grass performed by some of the best musicians in acoustic music.

Born on D-Day (June 6, 1944), Jamaican-born jazz pianist Monty Alexander has long called America his adopted homeland (he lived in Charlottesville for a while in the 80's). He honed his craft over the years at both intimate jazz clubs and legendary jazz festivals like Montreux. He is also a well-known mentor of high school and college jazz musicians, fiting master classes into his relentless touring schedule. As Monty himself has said, he tries to “build up the heat and kick up a storm” in his playing. Come join me for two joyful hours of hard swing, American songbook, calypso beats, and rhythm and blues.

Jazz drumming, early and contemporary, featuring Elvin, Tony, Buddy, Art, Max and Roy. Also Robert Jospe and some Afro-Cuban and Indian drumming. Drummer Tim O’Kane will be on hand to offer expert insight.

The Juddermeister features two hours of his favorite trumpet players from jazz to blues and all that funky stuff in between and from the crescent city, to the west coast, through the mid-west, the south, northeast to right here in Hookville. We'll feature Louis Armstrong, Kermit Ruffins, Shamar Allen, and Wingy Manone from New Orleans. Some jazz from Lee Morgan, Donald Byrd, Kenny Dorham, and Blue Mitchell. We'll play John D'earth and many you have never heard of such as Erik Jekabson, Eric "Benny" Bloom, and Jukka Eskola.

Drummer Robert Jospé joined the University of Virginia’s music department’s faculty in 1989. Jospé teaches jazz drumming for drum set and “Learn to Groove”, a rhythmic fluency course for hand drums. He is a member of UVA’s faculty jazz ensemble, The Free Bridge Quintet.. Jospé released an instructional drum set and hand drum book and DVD Learn to Groove in 2008. For our marathon show Jos will be joined by Justin Nelson and Joseph Nichols.

Throughout his career Jospé has played and recorded with many bands and in many musical styles including Cosmology (fusion), Tim Reynolds and TR3 (rock/reggae/fusion), John McCutcheon and SGGL (folk rock), Robin and Linda Williams (folk), Heather Maxwell (soul and Afro-Pop) and jazz with John D’earth Sextet, Bobby Read Quintet, Jeff Decker Quartet with pianist Hod O’Brien and Royce Campbell.

In 2019 Jospé released Just Lookin’, his eighth CD as a leader. The digital CD features John D’earth on trumpet along with the Express Quartet. Currently The Robert Jospé Trio and Quartet includes piano/keyboards, bass and guitar and continues to perform locally and regionally. Jospé has been featured in Jazz Times Magazine and in Modern Drummer Magazine, UVAMagazine.org, and The Savvy Musician.

Join DJLP for a special late-night journey into the world of jazz during the WTJU Jazz Marathon! This show will feature the incredible sounds of Art Pepper, the legendary alto saxophonist who brings jazz to life. Tune in, enjoy some West Coast jazz, and help us raise money for WTJU.

Inner City, the record label founded by the guy who came up with those “Music Minus One” records you could play along to, had an incredible run of releases beginning in 1976. The label was hugely eclectic, spanning the classics to the avant-garde, and so I’ll cover a wide berth, playing tunes by the likes of Clifford Jordan, Jackie McLean, Andrew Hill and more.

All night for the seven nights of the Jazz and Blues Marathon, we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of sound engineer Rudy Van Gelder, whose recordings for Blue Note and Prestige in the 50s and 60s defined the Golden Age of Hard Bop. Along the way, we will touch on other centenarians, such as JJ Johnson, Max Roach, Sonny Stitt, Bud Powell, Kenny Dorham. Blue Train, Moanin', Song For My Father, The Sidewinder, Out To Lunch, Maiden Voyage, Go, Something Else, Soul Junction, and much much more.

Two hours of sweet and swinging songs by some of the best big bands and also featuring many amazing vocalists and soloists. This is some of the most exciting music ever recorded! Listen to the stunning and sophisticated sounds of Glen Gray, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Hal Kemp, Artie Shaw and Claude Thornhill and more. Jam-packed with electrifying gems from the Swing Era, don't miss this one!

Back by popular demand, it’s the Soul Jazz Explosion with your host, Brian Keena. Packing in 2 hours of funky jazz influenced by hard bop, gospel, blues and rhythm & blues, we will highlight plenty of B3 organ combos among other permutations. Get ready for Brother Jack McDuff, Grant Green, Shirley Scott, Louisa Donaldson, Horace Silver, Charles Earland and others. Get your groove on and drop some greenbacks into the pot for the funkiest of funky Fridays.

Does the music reflect your blues or those of someone else? Blues artists and songs have influenced or permeated other genres for decades. This show will explore notable covers of blues songs, some blues originals from which great covers came, and samples of blues songs crossing over into rock and folk.

The Gentle Mastery of John D'earth. Russell Perry and John D'earth will explore highlights of John's deep discography to celebrate his profound impact on Jazz in Central Virginia.

Not just a drummer Joe Chambers was an all around percussionist playing instruments that included vibes and that king of percussion instruments, the piano. Add to that the fact that he intensively studied composition from an early age and you have the ingredients for varied and interesting career. We'll follow Joe from his early days as one of Blue Notes staff drummers playing with artists such as Freddie Hubbard ,Bobby Hutcherson and Wayne Shorter through to his later releases as a leader , featuring his own compositions throughout.

Ira Gershwin said, "I never knew how good our songs were until I heard Ella Fitzgerald sing them." Her Songbooks (1956-1964) are some of the best interpretations of Broadway classics, including the music of Cole Porter, Rodgers & Hart, George & Ira Gershwin, Harold Arlen, Jerome Kern, and Irving Berlin.

John D’Earth came to Charlottesville in 1981 from New York City where his band Cosmology had cut an eponymously titled record for Vanguard co-produced by Collin Walcott (1977). He settled into a weekly residency at Miller’s Downtown where he mentored a young bartender named, Dave Matthews and played with several players including LeRoy Moore and Carter Beauford who became central to the Dave Matthews Band.

He’s maintained that weekly gig for 40 years, during the time welcoming myriad visiting players as well as getting regular participation from Devonne Harris (aka DJ Harrison of Butcher Brown) and local guests such as Charles Owens, Veronica Swift and her father, pianist Hod O’Brien.

Decades ago, John was asked by University of Virginia students to lead their student-organized UVa Jazz Ensemble, now a for-credit University effort (graduates of that program include pianist/composer Kait Dunton and bassist/composer Lisa Mezzacappa). For more than 25 years, John has also been a member of the UVa faculty Free Bridge Quintet. Concerts produced under the auspices of those units have hosted international jazz talents of a range from John Abercrombie to Joe Henderson, Terence Blanchard and Nicole Mitchell.

John routinely contributes his time and talents to causes in the region and is frequently found on the bandstand if there is money to be raised for a progressive cause. In demand as a teacher, he is as known for his deep musical knowledge as he is for his encouragement and support of young players. He has composed for regional groups such as the Charlottesville Symphony and the Youth Orchestras of Charlottesville and Albemarle, employing musical chops matched with his limitless support of other players and his easy smile.

For the past four decades, he’s anchored and nurtured a broadly expansive jazz community here in Central Virginia. John D’earth deserves every bit of thanks and appreciation as Charlottesville Jazz Hero that we can provide.

At 87-years-old, blues guitar legend Buddy Guy recently announced he's retiring from touring after 70+ years on the road. As one of the last surviving greats of the post-war electric blues era, Buddy has influenced countless blues and rock guitarists, plus he's always been an excellent singer. Join Peter Welch from Nothin' But The Blues for a retrospective of Buddy's great career and legacy.

Everybody, come on! It's Friday night: time to get your Funk on, and in this case, African Psych Funk. We'll cover the presence of psychedelia in African Funk music with an ear to fuzzy guitar riffs, dizzying synth sounds, soulful soaring vocals, and a little distortion to keep you dreaming. Prepare for a late-night dance party with the Zostress, Don H, and Sister Pirate Jenny, who will get you grooving and giving to WTJU with far out sounds from Ghana, Nigeria, Zambia and more...

All night for the seven nights of the Jazz and Blues Marathon, we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of sound engineer Rudy Van Gelder, whose recordings for Blue Note and Prestige in the 50s and 60s defined the Golden Age of Hard Bop. Along the way, we will touch on other centenarians, such as JJ Johnson, Max Roach, Sonny Stitt, Bud Powell, Kenny Dorham. Blue Train, Moanin', Song For My Father, The Sidewinder, Out To Lunch, Maiden Voyage, Go, Something Else, Soul Junction, and much much more.

Charles Henry Christian was a jazz guitarist. He was among the first electric guitarists and was a key figure in the development of bebop and cool jazz. Often called the best improvisational guitarist of his time. He gained exposure as a member of Benny Goodman's Bands from 1939 to 1941. His single-string technique, combined with amplification, helped bring the guitar out of the rhythm section and into the forefront as a solo instrument. All of this before his tragic death in 1942 at the age of 25. So join us as part of the 2024 Jazz Marathon and hear Charlie, Benny and all of their friends.

My grandfather Bill Baldwin was a jazz drummer in southern West Virginia in the 1950s. His band didn't achieve any fame, but his living room was always full of classic jazz tunes from the big band era. In this show about memory, family, and jazz, my mom and I trace the musical story we both grew up hearing.

Michael Stock features two hours of his favorite jazz theme songs used in vintage TV shows such as Route 66, Burkes Law, Peter Gunn, Mannix, Honey West and others.

Jackie Mittoo…

Roland Alphonso....

Tommy McCook...

Lloyd Brevett…

Ernest Rangin…

...and, many others were the Funk Brothers of Jamaican music, through the Ska-Rocksteady-Roots Reggae eras.

As a unit and with their own projects, they formed the backbone of the Young Sound of Jamaica.

Focus on living jazz bass players: Incl. Ron Carter, Victor Wooten, Christian McBride, Esparanza Spalding, Ana Butterss, Marcus Miller, Stanley Clarke, Fuensanta, etc.

What's happenin' Daddio? Groove to the sounds that the coolest cats around were diggin' back in the 1950s-Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon, Charles Mingus and Sonny Rollins. Snap your fingers to hipster poets and word riffers Lord Buckley and Ken Nordine, poets Allen Ginsberg and Rod McKuen (yes, that Rod McKuen!) Don your shades, snap your fingers and welcome to Coolsville.

Guess we’ll see…with music by Emily Remler, Joe Pass, Grant Green, Jim Hall, Charlie Byrd and others.

Serving up fresh slices of funk with The Groove Tube's OG DJ's, as we explore the workings of Marcus Miller, Delvin Lamar Organ Trio, Ghost-Funk, Snarky Puppy, and Charlottesville's own Veronica Smith!

Exploring the hotbed of Hardcore Funk in the 1970's and 1980's, the state of Ohio, home to the Collins Bros: Bootsy and Catfish, Ohio Players, Junie Morrison, Dayton Sidewinders, Slave, Lakeside, Zapp and Roger Troutman.

All night for the seven nights of the Jazz and Blues Marathon, we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of sound engineer Rudy Van Gelder, whose recordings for Blue Note and Prestige in the 50s and 60s defined the Golden Age of Hard Bop. Along the way, we will touch on other centenarians, such as JJ Johnson, Max Roach, Sonny Stitt, Bud Powell, Kenny Dorham. Blue Train, Moanin', Song For My Father, The Sidewinder, Out To Lunch, Maiden Voyage, Go, Something Else, Soul Junction, and much much more.

Kitarō has won both a Grammy and a Golden Globe for his electronic, instrumental music that swells and pulses with inspiration and hope. Over the years, the Japanese born performer has collaborated with Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead, Jon Anderson of Yes, and former Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman. This show will focus on his 1980's output, when he pioneered what came to be known as "New Age" music. While it was not necessarily a term he embraced, he also did not take issue with the categorization. "Whether people say my music is new age or not, it's OK with me," he said. "I'm just going to keep calling it Kitarō's music."

During the 2024 Jazz Marathon, be sure to tune in for some of my favorite gospel quartets from the 1920's and 1930's. There will be selections from the Alphabetical Four, the Belmont Silvertone Jubilee Singers, the Birmingham Jubilee Singers, the Carolinians, the Golden Gate Quartet, the Heavenly Gospel Singers, Mitchell's Christian Singers and many more. So join us as part of the 2024 Jazz Marathon.

Greatest hits from Miles Davis, the Prince of darkness, from "Birth of the cool" to "Kind of Blue" to "New Directions". It's only two hours so pledge your support at 434-924-3959 or wtju.net/donate.

Dorothy Donegan knew how to make an audience listen. The Chicago-born, classically-trained pianist hooked crowds across the globe with riffs on recognizable classics, then 'drug it through the swamp' - infusing concert halls and cocktail bars with her unmatched style and swagger.

Tune in to meet the women who were so important to the development of The Blues, they were given royal nicknames. We will celebrate three “Queens of the Blues”, an “Empress”, “First Lady”, “Uncrowned Queen”, “Mother” and “Matriarch”. Who were they? Tune in to find out!

Two hours of snazzy swing music to dance along to, whether you know the steps or not brought to you be the social chair of UVA’s Swing Club.

Get ready to celebrate a musical legend with Henry Mancini at 100! We're diving into the incredible world of the genius behind hits like "The Pink Panther Theme", "Moon River", and the occasional television theme song. Join us for rare tracks, cool stories, and special guests sharing their love for Mancini's magic. It's going to be a fun and nostalgic ride through the sounds that have shaped generations.

Though not often heard in a blues band the African American heritage of the banjo figures prominently in the roots of blues music. Explore some of the artists of past and present who are keeping this traditional music alive.

Sic Semper Tyrannis! What a fitting way to conclude this 2024 Jazz Marathon, with the long-awaited return of the hometown heroes as we present two hours of classic soul and funk sounds from Virginia. Let the Radio Wowsville gang put you in step with the Old Dominion's great (often obscure) indigenous funk and soul performers - from Hampton Roads to Richmond to Roanoke -- showcasing classic cuts by Lenis Guess, Ida Sands, Swamp Dogg, Mr. Wiggles, Gary US Bonds, the Deceptions and many more ear-bending artists from the '60's and '70's. It's the show that will make you ask: "What? That was made in Virginia??!!"

All night for the seven nights of the Jazz and Blues Marathon, we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of sound engineer Rudy Van Gelder, whose recordings for Blue Note and Prestige in the 50s and 60s defined the Golden Age of Hard Bop. Along the way, we will touch on other centenarians, such as JJ Johnson, Max Roach, Sonny Stitt, Bud Powell, Kenny Dorham. Blue Train, Moanin', Song For My Father, The Sidewinder, Out To Lunch, Maiden Voyage, Go, Something Else, Soul Junction, and much much more.