August 18, 2023
A Fine Romance: The Dorothy Fields Songbook
This week, we explore the songs of Dorothy Fields, a Tin Pan Alley songwriter whose work stretched from the 1920s through the 1970s. We’ll sample her songbook, including “A Fine Romance,” “I Won’t Dance,” and “The Way You Look Tonight.”
August 4, 2023
The Girl From Ipanema: Astrud Gilberto
On this episode, we're celebrating Astrud Gilberto, a key figure in popularizing bossa nova music worldwide in the 1960s. Gilberto passed away in June at age 83.
July 28, 2023
Tony Bennett... with piano
In our ongoing remembrance of the late great Tony Bennett, we're taking a look at some of his work with solo piano accompaniment, with a special focus on his 1970s albums with Bill Evans.
July 21, 2023
Tony Bennett’s Early Columbia LPs
This week, we explore the early artistry of the great Tony Bennett, listening to excerpts from the LPs he recorded for Columbia Records in the 1950s and early 1960s. Bennett passed away on July 21, 2023 at age 96.
July 14, 2023
Recent Vocal Jazz Releases 2023, Part 1
We’re taking a look at what’s new in the world of vocal jazz, exploring some recent releases by the duo Rachael and Vilray, singer Rickie Lee Jones, and more.
July 7, 2023
The Debonair Johnny Hartman
This week, we’re celebrating the rich baritone voice of jazz singer Johnny Hartman, who would have turned 100 years old on July 3rd. We’ll explore his entire recording career, including his legendary album with saxophonist John Coltrane.
June 30, 2023
Roberta Flack’s New American Songbook
In the 1970s, singer Roberta Flack made a name for herself performing covers of songs by folk singers and other little-known artists, establishing a new canon of songs. This week, we’ll explore some of her entries into this new American songbook.
June 23, 2023
Stevie Wonder in the 1960s
This week, we explore the highs and lows of Stevie Wonder's first decade in the music industry, a time when he experimented with jazz, pop, soul, and the Great American Songbook.
June 16, 2023
The Standards By Marvin Gaye
R&B star Marvin Gaye recorded jazz standards more-or-less out of the spotlight for his entire career.
June 2, 2023
The Musical World Of Harry Belafonte
We pay tribute to the late singer, activist and humanitarian Harry Belafonte, who passed away this year at age 96. We’ll explore his expansive recording career, which encompassed folk, calypso, jazz, blues and more.
May 26, 2023
The Rat Pack: Sammy Davis, Jr.
We’ll continue highlighting the work of the “Rat Pack” this week, with a focus on “Mr. Wonderful” himself, Sammy Davis Jr. We’ll chronicle his recording career and explore why he got the nickname “Mister Show Business.”
May 19, 2023
The Rat Pack: Dean Martin
This week and next, we’ll celebrate two of the members of the so-called “Rat Pack.” This week, a close look at the life and music of “The King Of Cool” Dean Martin, and his songs like “Ain’t That A Kick In The Head.”
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.
