Jazz

The newest crop of trumpet stars are in their 20s; Wheeler is four decades older -- which may account for why he hasn't gotten more attention. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says that his beautiful tone is unmatched, and his distinctive solos have a saxophone-like quality. Tucker reviews two of Wheeler's albums on the ECM label.

Murray is one of the few cello players working in jazz. She says class and cultural differences between black and white communities can explain why fewer African American children learn classical instruments. She appears on Muhal Richard Abrams' new album, The Hearinga Suite.

Kevin Whitehead reviews albums by Muhal Richard Abrams and Walter Thompson. Both bandleaders came from the 1960s avant-garde scene, and incorporate all styles of jazz into their music, including traditional bop, free improvisation, and electronic sounds.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead looks at another British invasion, this one the current invasion of British jazz musicians. Kevin reviews singer Cleveland Watkiss, saxophonists Evan Parker, Courtney Pine, and Steve Williamson.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Charles Mingus Epitaph" (on the Columbia label) It's a live recording of the Mingus composition conducted by composer Gunther Schuller last year at New York's Lincoln Center.

Jazz trumpeter Red Rodney. Rodney's played with the greats...Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Charlie Parker, among many others. He has a new album, called "Code Red," on the Continuum label.

Photographer William P. Gottlieb. In the 40s, Gottlieb learned photography and took hundreds of shots of the jazz greats of the time. Many of those shots are now well known through album covers, books, and posters. 200 of those photos appear in Gottlieb's new book, "The Golden Age of Jazz." It's published by Da Capo Press

Jazz saxophonist Stan Getz dropped out of school and went on the road at 15. He only took a few lessons on his instrument, instead learning by playing with other musicians. He's been popular in both jazz and pop. His latest album is Apasionado.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Manic Traditions," the new album by Les Miserables Brass Band. They're an eclectic group that plays brass music from around the world, as well as original works. (They're on the Northeastern label).

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews Miles Davis "Birth of the Cool" album. That influential album from 1950 has just been reissued on CD by Capitol.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new album from pianist Art Hodes, "Pagin' Mr. Jelly."

Jazz drummer Tony Williams.

Musician and actor John Lurie. He appeared in Jim Jarmusch's off-beat films "Down By Law," and "Stranger Than Paradise." Lurie also scored the music for these films, and he performs and records with his group, The Lounge Lizards. Lurie has a new album, Voice of Chunk, which he produced and is marketing himself through TV ads and an 800 number.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews a new CD featuring Carmen McRae. It's "Carmen Sings Monk" on the BMG/RCA label. The recording is a first: no other performer has been permitted to record the lyrics to Monks' songs. McRae got special permission from the Monk family. The CD also features the late saxophonist Carlie Rouse.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Jumpworld," the new album from jazz singer Cassandra Wilson. It's on JMT records.

Milo Miles looks at the career of Cameroonian musician Manu Dibango.

A combination concert and interview with pianist and composer Joel Forrester. Forrester is co-founder of the quirky jazz group, The Microscopic Septet.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "The Best of Teo Macero," a reissue of Macero's so-called "third stream" work from the 50s. It's on Stash records.

Jazz tenor saxophonist Dexter Gordon was one of the creators of bop and one of the most influential players of the 1940s and 1950s. Gordon received a Best Actor Academy Award nomination for his role in the 1986 film Round Midnight. He died this morning of kidney failure. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead joins the show to remember Gordon.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "That's a Serious Thing," a new reissue featuring trombonist Jack Teagarden. Kevin says the album shows how Teagarden brought a country influence into jazz. The album's on the RCA/Bluebird label and it features Teagarden performances from 1929 to 1957.