Night Lights Classic Jazz

Late Autumn: Stan Getz, 1987-91

Long a troubled star in the mid-20th century jazz world, at the end of his life saxophonist Stan Getz found peace and made some of his finest recordings. Read More »

Recent Shows

Trane '62: The Classic Coltrane Quartet Begins

In 1962 John Coltrane collaborated with Duke Ellington, recorded an all-ballads LP, and established the group now known as the Classic Quartet.

By 1966 the Monterey Jazz Festival was an established institution—but the decade’s winds of change were already starting to blow from the festival’s stage.

Joni Mitchell is well-known as the writer of radio hits such as “Both Sides Now” and “Help Me”, but she also formed connections with the jazz world, especially in the 1970s.

A wartime concert, a Carnegie Hall debut, an epic work celebrating black history: the story of Duke Ellington's most ambitious work.

Steve Allen is remembered today as the founder of “The Tonight Show” and a lasting influence on late-night television. But he was also an important advocate for jazz in the 1950s.

"To French listeners and writers of the 1950s and 60s… Solal’s power was spectacular." Surveying the arrival of a modern jazz piano giant.

Though he recorded with organists Bill Doggett and Jimmy Smith, when saxophonist Percy France died in 1992 he was primarily known and admired among a small circle of his fellow New York City jazz musicians. Now a new website aims to elevate his soulful tenor sound and story.

Ashby turned the harp into a swinging and dynamic instrument for jazz.

Older stories »

Night Lights Blog

New And Forthcoming From Mosaic: Freddie Hubbard, Sonny Clark, Jazz At The Philharmonic

More classic jazz sets on the way from Mosaic Records.

Michael Bourne became a global name in the jazz community after starting his on-air job at WBGO-Newark at the end of 1984. This tribute celebrates his beginnings at WFIU-Bloomington, Indiana in the 1970s and early 80s, with remembrances from friends and fans, interview excerpts, and a rollicking 1976 performance at Bloomington's Bluebird nightclub with Michael on lead vocals.

... OK, that should be "interview." A virtual conversation, using a very analog-era practice, in which I chat with the Duke about his work on the film score for ANATOMY OF A MURDER.

John Coltrane A Love Supreme Live In Seattle

Night Lights' annual roundup of notable archival releases and reissues.

Indiana University jazz studies head Tom Walsh and vocalists Rachel Caswell and Janiece Jaffe joined David Brent Johnson on WFIU's "Just You And Me" to discuss Dominic Spera, the trumpeter and former IU jazz educator who passed away on Saturday, October 23 at the age of 89. Spera's music is featured as well.

"The great chain of witnesses": a poem by Betsy Sholl in the new issue of Brilliant Corners drew its inspiration in part from a Night Lights show.

Explore some of the notable musicians who emerged from the 20th century Detroit jazz scene.

"Serious jazz musicians are into their music like it's a religion," says Sisto.

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Noon Edition

Late Autumn: Stan Getz, 1987-91

Recent Shows

Trane '62: The Classic Coltrane Quartet Begins

Jazz From Monterey: 1966

Joni + Jazz: Joni Mitchell

Black, Brown And Beige: Duke Ellington's Historic Jazz Symphony

Jazz Tonight With Steve Allen

Caravan: Martial Solal, The Early Years

Out Of The Shadows: Percy France

The Fantastic Jazz Harp Of Dorothy Ashby

Night Lights Blog

New And Forthcoming From Mosaic: Freddie Hubbard, Sonny Clark, Jazz At The Philharmonic

Anon, Anon: Michael Bourne, 1946-2022

My Interview With Duke Ellington

Best Historical Releases 2021

A Tribute To Dominic Spera

"Thomas Merton Experiments with Meditations on Jazz": A Poem And A Night Lights Program

Detroit Jazz Artists On Night Lights

"No Time Like Now": Music And Conversation With Vibraphonist Dick Sisto

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