Schedule

Veteran American blues and jazz singer Carrie Smith (1925-2012) was often compared to the legendary Bessie Smith, an artist she greatly admired. She was best known in Europe for her powerful, resonant voice, impeccable timing, and the emotional depth she brought to her songs. Born in Georgia, Carrie Smith began her career singing gospel music and later gained international acclaim as a star of the hit Broadway musical revue “Black and Blue”. In this concert recording from the Ascona New Orleans Jazz Festival, held in late June and early July 1998 at picturesque Lake Maggiore in Ascona, Switzerland, Smith delivers a captivating performance. Backed by a trio led by pianist Bross Townsend, Smith performs jazz standards by Harold Arlen and George and Ira Gershwin, alongside a string of blues classics including "I'm Tore-Down", "Down Home Blues", "Rock Me Baby", and "Back Water Blues".

In the 1960s, composer Michel Magne transformed the Château d'Hérouville, an 18th-century country house north of Paris and former home of lovers George Sand and Frédéric Chopin, into the first residential recording studio. In addition to its excellent facilities, the complex featured a swimming pool and a beautiful garden, allowing artists to stay for weeks or months at a time. From David Bowie and Iggy Pop to Pink Floyd and Chet Baker, countless stars recorded unforgettable music here until the studio closed in the 1980s. Three decades later, Château d'Hérouville has reopened its doors. This program follows American baritone Gregory Porter as he collaborates with the British electro-pop band Metronomy. The former American football player, who later dedicated himself entirely to music, gives an interview at Hérouville and performs songs including ‘Don't Loose Your Steam’, ‘In Fashion’, and ‘Sunny’. The British band Metronomy contributes songs such as ‘The Look’, ‘Night Owl’, and ‘Mick Slow’. Metronomy consists of Joseph Mount (drums), Oscar Cash (saxophone, keys), and Michael Lovett (keys). Gregory Porter’s own band consists of Lakecia Benjamin (saxophone), Chip Crawford (piano), Jahmal Nichols (bass guitar), and Emanuel Harrold (drums).

Explore the music of one of the most influential and innovative saxophonists in jazz history: John Coltrane! Immerse yourself in this collection of remarkable performances from the early 1960s that showcase Coltrane's unparalleled artistry and unique sound during a transformative period in the artist’s career. Recorded in various European cities, Coltrane is seen playing the songs “Autumn Leaves”, “Hackensack”, “My Favorite Things”, “I Want To Talk About You”, “Vigil”, and “Naima”. Tune in and experience why the music of John Coltrane has touched the lives of so many!

Coleman Hawkins: Live in '62 presents two incredible concerts featuring stellar European and American legendary side-musicians including Harry ‘Sweets’ Edison on trumpet and drummer ‘Papa’ Jo Jones. Coleman Hawkins, ‘The Father of Jazz Saxophone,’ demonstrates why he is still considered one of the most important innovators in the history of jazz.

The North Sea Jazz Festival is the largest indoor music festival in the world, known globally as the event where the past, present and future of jazz are featured within three days. Next to a firm base of jazz as the festival’s staple music genre, many others, such as blues, soul, funk, or hip hop, pass by. In 1986, famed Icelandic jazz fusion band Mezzoforte performed for over an hour at the North Sea Jazz Festival in The Hague. Led by founders Fridrik Karlsson on guitar, Eythor Gunnarsson on keyboard, Jóhann Ásmundsson on bass, and newcomer Dave O'Higgins on saxophone, they play a variety of pieces, including their 1982 hit single "Garden Party".

Pianist Kenny Barron’s June 27, 2019 appearance at the Alfa Jazz Festival in Ukraine’s Lviv was a celebration of sublime jazz virtuosity. The revered elder statesmen of jazz piano brought his regular working trio of Kiyoshi Kitagawa (bass) and Jonathan Blake (drums), augmented by stellar jazzman Marcus Strickland (tenor saxophone) and young lion Riley Mulherkar (trumpet). Their seamless blend of classic bebop and modern explorations spoke of a deep, emotive connection to each note, captivating the Ukrainian audience with lyrical improvisations during this unforgettable concert.

“God Bless The Child”, “Foolin’ Myself”, and “I Loves You, Porgy”: timeless songs that were made classics by the inimitable Billie Holiday. ‘Lady Day’, as her loyal friend and musical partner Lester Young nicknamed her, was a highly original jazz and pop singer. In a career that spanned most of the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, she displayed an uncanny ability to convey emotion through her voice. Her vocals, which were strongly inspired by instrumental jazz, are admired for their deeply personal and intimate sound. This compilation features recordings from the 1950s of Billie Holiday singing a string of her greatest successes. Enjoy this unique footage of one of jazz’s all-time greats!

Duets II: The Great Performances is a visually stunning video companion to Tony Bennett's history-making #1 album, Duets II. The concert features the full song performances from Tony and today's greatest artists as they were recorded live in the studio. The musical segments are enhanced by insights on the process from Tony and the duet partners, providing an inside look at this landmark album in an unprecedented career. Duets II: The Great Performances is a testament to the artistry and dedication of Tony Bennett, beloved by the performers who sing with him and audiences around the world. Starring Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, Natalie Cole, Sheryl Crow, Aretha Franklin, Josh Groban, Faith Hill, Norah Jones, Lady Gaga, kd lang, John Mayer, Willie Nelson, Alejandro Sanz, Queen Latifah, Carrie Underwood, Amy Winehouse.

Anita O’Day boasts two wonderful concerts from 1963 and 1970 that present the “jazz singer supreme” in impeccable form. O’Day’s horn-based approach to singing is in full effect throughout both shows including stand-out renditions in each show of audience favorites “Tea For Two” and “Sweet Georgia Brown” (both reprised from her triumphant appearance at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival.) This show is a fitting testimony to one of jazz music’s true originals and shows unequivocally why she is ranked in the top tier of vocalists along with Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Billie Holiday.

On June 18, 1962, American pianist and composer Erroll Garner performed at the Singer Concertzaal in Laren. The vibrant and joyous concert was played with drummer Kelly Martin and bassist Eddie Calhoun, each long-standing collaborators from Garner's trio. The Singer Concertzaal in Laren, the Netherlands is a concert hall and museum dedicated to the preservation of the art collection of American William Henry Singer. It features a variety of artists, both visual and aural.

The North Sea Jazz Festival is the largest indoor music festival in the world, known globally as the event where the past, present and future of jazz are featured within three days. Next to a firm base of jazz as the festival’s staple music genre, many others, such as blues, soul, funk, or hip hop, pass by. In 1982, the Superstar Quintet, which consists of the otherworldly American trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, saxophonist Joe Henderson, drummer Tony Williams, bassist Ron Carter, and pianist Kenny Baron performed at the North Sea Jazz Festival in The Hague. The star-studded fivesome put on a concert of cosmic proportions.

Bill Evans: Live in '64, '65 & '70 features five separate performances by one of the most revered pianists in music history. This collection covers an 11-year span, highlighting Evans’ ever-deepening artistry as he performs with four different all-star rhythm sections, including the stunning duo of bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen and drummer Alan Dawson. This recording includes Evans’ renditions of the rarely performed “Sareen Jurer,” “Blue Serge”, and “Twelve Tone Tune Two.” Among the many surprises in this collection is a live performance of “My Melancholy Baby” with saxophonist Lee Konitz.

Emblematic trumpeter of the second wave of "neo-boppers" that appeared at the end of the 80s in the wake of Wynton Marsalis, Roy Hargrove has established himself as one of the most talented and unpredictable of the lot. While performing alongside Herbie Hancock, Sonny Rollins and Diana Krall, the Texan (born in Waco in 1969) turned leader has distilled some twenty sonic manifestos, going from orthodox and inventive jazz to funk or the hottest Afrobeat.

Since 1977, Estival is a summer jazz festival in Switzerland, Lugano. Estival offers a thrilling and particularly surprising line-up that explores the rich world of contemporary music whilst promoting the understanding of different cultures, tolerance, and co-existence. Jimmy Witherspoon and Rozaa Wortham, two incredible brilliant jazz musicians. Rozaa Wortham starts off the show with the Jimmy Witherspoon Quartet. Swinging and full of energy she performs ‘It Don’t Mean A Thing’. Jimmy Witherspoon, known for the song “Ain’t Nobody’s Business” ends the show with some astounding lean-back blues.

The world-renowned North Sea Jazz Festival features a wide variety of genres, including traditional New Orleans jazz, swing, bop, free jazz, fusion, avant-garde and electronic jazz, blues, gospel, funk, soul, R&B, hip hop, world beat and Latin. The festival was founded by entrepreneur and jazz fan Paul Acket, who sold his highly successful pop magazine publishing house to organize and fund the first edition of the festival in 1976. This broadcast from the North Sea Jazz Archives presents the great Wayne Shorter Quartet. Shorter’s maxim is to reinvent his music during each concert. He means to give his music a radical originality.

‘Jazz à Vienne’ is one of the world's most prestigious jazz festivals. Ever since 1981 it has attracted leading jazz artists, with many of them playing return engagements. Unsurprisingly, the festival's 2013 edition did not fall short of expectations: the lineup was filled with the biggest names in music. Among them was the wonderful Richard Bona. He conquered the world with his bass and voice a long time ago. Joined on stage by Mike Rodrigues on trumpet, Luisito and Robert Quinteros on percussions, Ozzy Melendez on trombone, and Osmandy Paredes on piano, Bona once again shows why audiences around the world fall for his music.

Da Pá Virada sessions bring the best musicians of contemporary Brazilian jazz, and beyond. Filmed in São Paulo, each session offers a unique experience by giving a fresh look into Brazil's music scene. The artists for each session are selected in consultation with Stingray DJAZZ's music editor. One of the bands taking part in this series is the Ricardo Herz Trio, which consists of Ricardo Herz on violin, Michi Ruzitschka on nylon string guitar, and Pedro Ito on percussions. Band leader Ricardo Herz is a classically-trained musician, who also studied jazz at the prestigious Berklee College of Music.

The North Sea Jazz Festival is the largest indoor music festival in the world, known globally as the event where the past, present and future of jazz are featured within three days. Next to a firm base of jazz as the festival’s staple music genre, many others, such as blues, soul, funk, or hip hop, pass by. In 1982, the American jazz fusion band Spyro Gyra took the stage at the North Sea Jazz Festival in The Hague. Having struck gold with their album "Morning Dance" just a few years prior, they played a slick set with exuberant energy.

The North Sea Jazz Festival is the largest indoor music festival in the world, known globally as the event where the past, present and future of jazz are featured within three days. Next to a firm base of jazz as the festival’s staple music genre, many others, such as blues, soul, funk, or hip hop, pass by. In 1987, American trumpeter Randy Brecker and saxophonist Bennie Wallace brought their band of pianist Elian Elias, drummer Peter Erskine and bassist Marc Johnson to the North Sea Jazz Festival in The Hague. Together they put on a stellar duo performance.

On October 19, 2021, John Patitucci (bass), Marco Pignataro (sax and musical director), and Joe Lovano (sax) showcased inspirational new originals at GBH's Fraser Performance Studio in Boston, MA, accompanied by Terri Lyne Carrington (drums), Nadia Washington (vocals), Chico Pinheiro (guitar), and Anastassiya Petrova (piano). This recording, titled 'Tällberg’s Jazz for the Planet', was made in support of the Tällberg Foundation’s message and aims to inspire positive climate action. Since 1981, the Tällberg Foundation has been trying to nurture new thinking, in part by looking at societal challenges through the lenses of artists.

‘Jazz a Vienne’ is one of the world's most prestigious jazz festivals. Ever since 1981 it has attracted leading jazz artists, with many of them playing return engagements. Unsurprisingly, the festival's 2012 edition did not fall short of expectations: the lineup was filled with the biggest names in music. Among them was vocalist Gregory Porter transcends the jazz bubble. His magnificent, burnished baritone can sink into a lyric with luxurious ease, the melody gently sculpted into new shapes at every turn, with the rhythm tugging subtly back and forth across the bar line.

Jazz first gained a foothold on Latvian soil in the 1920s. A century onward, this documentary traces the first two decades of jazz in Latvia in this portrait of Jack Michalicky, the first known Latvian jazz pianist. Michalicky was a musician from head to toe – a gifted violinist, he truly felt at home at the piano. Slender and lithe, the imaginative pianist’s fingers flew across the keys like a true miracle. Seemingly indefatigable, Michalicky would play improvised solos during breaks in the band's sets, if the patrons wished. This brief yet insightful documentary, which places this remarkable musician in the context of post-WWI jazz in Europe, was produced by Latvian Mareks Ameriks.

Double bassist Avishai Cohen’s trio with Noam David (drums) and Omri Mor (pianist) joined forces with the international Symphony Orchestra ‘INSO-Lviv’, conducted by Christian Schumann. On June 24, 2017 they brought Avishai Cohen’s signature blend of influences from Eastern Europe, American jazz and the Middle East to the Alfa Jazz Festival in Lviv, Ukraine. Cohen, who also supplies vocalizations in the Judeo-Spanish dialect Ladino, came to prominence internationally in the 1990s when jazz great Chick Corea offered him a place in his trio and a recording deal. Thirty years later, Cohen has become a house-hold name himself, leaving his Ukrainian audience enthralled and connected through the universal language of music.

Since 1977, Estival is a summer jazz festival in Switzerland, Lugano. Estival offers a thrilling and particularly surprising line-up that explores the rich world of contemporary music whilst promoting the understanding of different cultures, tolerance, and co-existence. Jack DeJohnette, an important figure in jazz fusion, was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 2007. His style combines elements of jazz, free jazz, world music and R & B, and his versatility makes him a regarded and in-demand drummer. Discover his unique style as part of this breathtaking performance delivered at Estival.

Vocalist Jazzmeia Horn’s 2019 Malta Jazz Festival appearance was a celebration of jazz’s future, infused with the soul of its past. Featuring Keith Brown (piano), Rashaan Carter (bass), Irwin Hall (flute and saxophone), and Anwar Marshall (drums), the young singer’s performance was a reminder of jazz’s enduring power to speak to the heart. Situated at the Valletta waterfront outside Our Lady of Liesse Church, Horn’s concert was a truly spellbinding experience.