Inspirations Pianist and composer Glenn Zaleski is acclaimed for his expressive musical approach, seamlessly blending influences like Bill Evans and Dave Brubeck. His career includes collaborations with artists like Ravi Coltrane and Ari Hoenig. In late 2020, Zaleski received an unexpected invitation from Cécile McLorin Salvant to join her on…
Inspirations Jazz vocalist Alexis Cole is celebrated internationally for her warm, rich tone and impeccable phrasing. Her extensive discography comprises collaborations with stellar artists like Fred Hersch, Bucky Pizzarelli, and Don Braden. Beyond performance, Cole is dedicated to jazz education, having held teaching positions at SUNY Purchase and William Paterson…
Inspirations Guitarist and singer John Pizzarelli has lived a life steeped in show business. That world of music and storytelling inspired his recent album Stage and Screen. Growing up as the son of legendary guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, John was surrounded by jazz, jazz musicians, and classic songs from Broadway and…
Inspirations Saxophonist and composer Randal Despommier draws deep inspiration for his recent album South from his return to his roots in New Orleans . After years away, the reconnection with his hometown’s rich musical and cultural fabric sparked a personal and artistic awakening. The album is a reflection of memory,…
Inspirations Caili O'Doherty's new record Bluer Than Blue acknowledges the contributions of jazz figure Lillian “Lil” Hardin Armstrong, revealing her significant influence on Louis Armstrong's success and her songwriting for esteemed artists such as Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin. On Bluer Than Blue, O’Doherty breathes new life into Armstrong’s music…
Inspirations Musician and composer Ted Nash is a vital force in contemporary jazz, known for versatility, imagination, and a deeply personal approach to music-making. A longtime member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Nash has made significant contributions to modern large ensemble writing, particularly with works like Portrait in…
Inspirations Saxophonist Owen Broder has long admired the lyrical artistry of Johnny Hodges, whose smooth alto saxophone was a hallmark of the Duke Ellington Orchestra. This deep appreciation inspired Broder to create Hodges: Front and Center, a two-volume project dedicated to reimagining Hodges’s work. Released in 2022 and 2024, respectively,…