May 12, 2023
Ellis Larkins and the Singers
This week, we explore the delicate touch and effortless swing of pianist Ellis Larkins, in honor of his centenary, and his work with singers like Ella Fitzgerald, Beverly Kenney, and Chris Connor.
May 5, 2023
Irving Berlin at the Movies
The songs of Irving Berlin were featured in some of Hollywood’s first “Talkies,” and this week, we’ll explore the songwriter’s work in cinema, including songs like “Blue Skies,” “Puttin’ On The Ritz,” and “Cheek To Cheek”
April 28, 2023
Dream A Little Dream
We’re counting sheep with the Great American Songbook this week, as we explore standards all about dreaming, including “This Time The Dream’s On Me,” “You Stepped Out Of A Dream,” and many more dreamy tunes.
April 21, 2023
The Songs of 1923
100 Years Ago, America was in love with the blues and the Charleston. But what songs from that year stuck around over the century? This week, we’ll turn back the clock 100 years to hear some songs of 1923, like “I Cried For You” and “Tin Roof Blues.”
March 31, 2023
Tributes To The Lady
Billie Holiday’s emotionally-charged singing style changed jazz vocals, and influenced nearly every singer that followed in her wake. This week on Afterglow, we examine the times other artists paid tribute to Lady Day.
March 24, 2023
Billie Holiday in the 1940s
This week, we’re taking a deep dive into the recordings of the great Billie Holiday from the 1940s. We’ll hear her work for the Commodore and Decca labels, including signature songs like “Solitude” and “I Cover The Waterfront.”
March 17, 2023
Ella Fitzgerald On Decca
The early years of Ella Fitzgerald, as she established herself as one of the greatest big band vocalists and jazz singers of all time.
March 12, 2023
The Song Styling of Carol Sloane
We pay tribute to the late jazz singer Carol Sloane, who passed away in January. I’ll chronicle career interpreting the American songbook, from her first recordings in the 1960s through her late career Renaissance that stretched into the 21st century.
March 3, 2023
The Joni Mitchell Jazz Songbook
Joni Mitchell was named the 2023 recipient of the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. This week, we’ll pay tribute to Mitchell, by hearing her songs performed by jazz singers like Tierney Sutton, Dianne Reeves, and many more.
February 24, 2023
Live Nina!
We feature Nina Simone, the "High Priestess of Soul," in her most natural element: live on stage at venues like Carnegie Hall, Town Hall, and the Newport Jazz Festival.
February 17, 2023
Mr. B: The Great Billy Eckstine
Exploring the life and career of “Mr. B” Billy Eckstine, a singer and bandleader who broke boundaries as a black icon in a segregated world.
February 10, 2023
Isn't It Romantic?
For Valentine’s Day, we’re exploring romance in the Great American Songbook, including songs like “Isn’t It Romantic,” “A Fine Romance,” and “This Is Romance.”
January 27, 2023
2023 Grammy Award Preview
The 65th annual Grammy Awards are on Sunday, February 5th. We’ll preview some of the vocal jazz nominees, including Samara Joy and Cécile McLorin Salvant.
January 20, 2023
The Modern Touch of Marty Paich
Arranger Marty Paich helped define the West Coast cool jazz sound in the 1950s and 1960s, working with Mel Tormé, Anita O'Day, and Ella Fitzgerald.
January 13, 2023
The American Songbook’s “I Want” Songs
We explore wants and desires this week, hearing “I Want” songs from the American Songbook, including “I Want To Be Happy,” “Whatever Lola Wants,” and “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly.”
January 6, 2023
Schoolhouse Jazz!
50 years ago this week, Schoolhouse Rock made its debut on television. And this week on Afterglow, we’re exploring the many jazz singers—like Blossom Dearie, Grady Tate, and Jack Sheldon —who helped shape the sound of the popular educational series.
December 30, 2022
Let's Begin: Songs For The New Year
Ring in the New Year with Afterglow, as we explore songs and standards about new beginnings, including “Let’s Begin,” “Begin The Beguine,” and “I’m Beginning To See The Light.”
December 23, 2022
Christmas On The Air
For our Afterglow holiday show this year, we’ll be featuring some classic Christmas radio broadcasts, performed by favorite jazz singers like Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald and more.
December 9, 2022
Recent Releases 2022, Part 2
We’re checking in on what’s new in the world of vocal jazz for the second half of 2022, featuring new albums by Samara Joy, Sara Gazarek, and Rachael and Vilray.
