Best Smooth Jazz Interviews Podcasts (2026)

1
The song Josh Ritter was nervous to share and more stories from his catalog 35:18

27m ago35:18

35:18

The singer-songwriter joins World Cafe for a new installment of Backtracking, where musicians revisit songs from their back catalog that have shaped their careers. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
Artists to Watch Las Vegas: Saxophonist Jackiem Joyner on New Music and His Las Vegas Smooth Jazz CD Release Show 4:26

22h ago4:26

4:26

On this episode of Artists to Watch Las Vegas, host Carlaya sits down with nationally recognized smooth jazz saxophonist Jackiem Joyner ahead of his upcoming Las Vegas CD release performance. Jackiem joins the show to talk about his brand-new album Every Part of Me, sharing why this project is especially personal and how it explores deeper musical …

1
Forged in isolation, Couch is ready for the big stage on 'Big Talk' 28:42

15m ago28:42

28:42

The 7-piece Boston outfit performs live in the World Cafe studio. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
Syndee Winters Sings Lena Horne: A Theatrical Jazz Tribute Live at The Smith Center in Las Vegas 5:05

2d ago5:05

5:05

Tony Award–nominated performer Syndee Winters brings a powerful and deeply personal tribute to one of the most influential artists of the 20th century with Syndee Winters Sings Lena Horne, live at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas. Presented inside the intimate Myron’s Cabaret Jazz, this performance is far more than a traditiona…

1
Tune in to a Sharon Van Etten mini-concert 20:05

1d ago20:05

20:05

Listen to Sharon Van Etten and the Attachment Theory perform at the 2025 XPoNential Music Festival. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
KIRBY’s Mississippi roots echo through 'Miss Black America' 37:53

10h ago37:53

37:53

Kirby Lauryen Dockery has written for stars like Rihanna and Beyoncé, but her latest album centers her own creative legacy. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
Deftones bet against Y2K nostalgia. The move paid off on 'private music' 29:06

4d ago29:06

29:06

Frontman Chino Moreno says the alternative rock band has defied expectations at every turn. Their Grammy-nominated 10th studio album is no different. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
The Number Ones of 2025, Part 2 | Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown 1:53:37

10d ago1:53:37

1:53:37

The Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown continues its year-end celebration with The Number Ones of 2025, Part 2 — the high-stakes finale counting down the Top 20 songs of the year, including the longest-running #1 smooth jazz hits of 2025. Broadcast from the KUNV studios on the UNLV campus, host Pamela Black takes listeners deeper into the countdown, ran…

1
Happy holidays from Old Crow Medicine Show 35:02

12d ago35:02

35:02

The Americana band join us to talk about their first-ever holiday album, OCMS Xmas. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
Jake Shimabukuro rings in the holidays with 'Tis The Season' 19:51

13d ago19:51

19:51

The Hawaiian ukulele marvel is joined by Yo-Yo Ma and Michael McDonald on his new holiday album, Tis The Season. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
Cut Copy on their latest album, 'Moments' 18:28

14d ago18:28

18:28

The Australian synth-pop band decamped to scenic Byron Bay to record their latest album. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
Beyond the Cheeks: Sean Jones & Brinae Ali Revisit the Genius of Gillespie 20:49

14d ago20:49

20:49

Recorded live on the Journey of Jazz cruise, this episode of Jazz Cruises Conversations features an in-depth discussion on the legendary Dizzy Gillespie. Host Lee Mergner is joined by trumpeter Sean Jones and tap artist Brinae Ali to explore Dizzy’s physical trademarks, his deep spirituality, and his enduring influence on the evolution of jazz. Key…

1
Kathleen Edwards on her latest album, 'Billionaire' 52:31

15d ago52:31

52:31

The Canadian singer-songwriter talks about working with Jason Isbell, plus Edwards performs songs from Billionaire live. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
The Number Ones of 2025, Part 1 | Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown 1:52:58

17d ago1:52:58

1:52:58

The Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown kicks off a special two-part year-end celebration with The Number Ones of 2025, Part 1 — a coast-to-coast journey through every song that reached #1 on the Smooth Jazz charts this year. Broadcast from the KUNV studios on the UNLV campus, host Pamela Black begins the countdown at #35 and works up to #21, ranking eac…

1
Saint Etienne go out with a big party on 'International' 19:06

20d ago19:06

19:06

The English pop band says their latest album will be their last. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
Acadiana Music Showcase: Leyla McCalla & Louis Michot 13:44

20d ago13:44

13:44

The Louisiana musicians team up for a set that includes a Haitian folk classic. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
Bria Skonberg's Reset: From Pandemic to NYC Hot Jazz Camp Director 1:06:24

21d ago1:06:24

1:06:24

Lee Mergner hosted a Listening Party with Bria Skonberg who played tracks from her recent album, "What It Means," and then talked about the making of the recording. The album blends many different influences, but it has a decidedly New Orleans flavor thanks to contributions from Herlin Riley, Don Vappie and Ben Jaffe. Send us a text Listen to more …

1
Celebrating 50 years of Parliament's 'Mothership Connection' 9:09

21d ago9:09

9:09

The American funk band, led by George Clinton, made more than just music — they had a revolutionary vision including stage performance, art and more. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown — December 13, 2025 1:51:47

24d ago1:51:47

1:51:47

In this week’s episode of the Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown, host Pamela Black guides listeners through the 20 smoothest contemporary jazz tracks in the nation, broadcasting from the KU NV studios on the campus of UNLV. This holiday edition features powerful chart movement, standout new releases, and beloved favorites, all curated from Mediabase ai…

1
Adam Hawley Interview | Billboard 2025 Artist of the Year | Artists to Watch Las Vegas 4:30

28d ago4:30

4:30

In this episode of Artists to Watch Las Vegas, host Carlaya sits down with acclaimed guitarist, producer, and educator Adam Hawley, recently named Billboard’s 2025 Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year. Adam reflects on a landmark year that saw him become the most-played artist on the chart, driven by multiple No. 1 hits including “Automatic,” “Absolute L…

1
How Jeff Tweedy's sons gave 'Twilight Override' an extra layer of trust 34:26

25d ago34:26

34:26

The making of Tweedy's massive triple album was a family affair, with his sons providing percussion, vocals and synthesizer work to the record. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
Tune in to a mini-concert with Amy Millan 15:05

27d ago15:05

15:05

The Canadian indie rock musician performs music from her latest album, I Went to Find You. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
Dan & Chris Brubeck: The Maestro, Milhaud & "The Real Ambassadors" 49:42

30d ago49:42

49:42

Host Lee Mergner interviews brothers Chris and Dan Brubeck during the sailing of The Jazz Cruise '25, where they provide a deep, intimate look at the life and immense legacy of their father, jazz legend Dave Brubeck. The conversation spans Dave Brubeck’s surprising upbringing as a ranch cowboy, his transformative experience leading an integrated ar…

1
How living 'by the signs' led S.G. Goodman to her latest album 37:57

28d ago37:57

37:57

The Kentucky-born musician's latest album, Planting by the Signs, ruminates on the Appalachian traditions she grew up with. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
The Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown with Pamela Black – December 6, 2025 1:55:58

1M ago1:55:58

1:55:58

Step inside another high-roller edition of The Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown with Pamela Black, recorded at the KUNV studios on the campus of UNLV. This week’s show delivers the 20 smoothest contemporary jazz hits in the country, featuring big chart movers, new debuts, and the artists shaping today’s Smooth Jazz sound. From legendary icons to risin…

1
How Robert Plant's new band 'saved his sanity' 39:22

1M ago39:22

39:22

Plant's band, Saving Grace, and singer Suzi Dian helped the rock legend access the "backwoods" of his musical inspiration. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
Tom Skinner pushes his compositional skills on 'Kaleidoscopic Visions' 30:05

1M ago30:05

30:05

The English percussionist is best known for his work with The Smile and Sons of Kemet, but Skinner refines his own voice on his latest solo album. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
Vegas Made: How Jason Tenner Built Purple Rain into a Strip Phenomenon 5:18

1M ago5:18

5:18

On this episode of Artists to Watch Las Vegas, host Carlaya sits down with Las Vegas’ premiere Prince tribute performer Jason Tenner, frontman of the award-winning production Purple Reign at Planet Hollywood. Recently named the “All-Time Best Tribute Show” by Las Vegas Weekly, Purple Reign has become a beloved staple of the Strip—complete with live…

1
Marcus Miller & Gregory Porter: The Real, Fazioli Pianos, and Creative Process Secrets 54:20

1M ago54:20

54:20

This episode of Jazz Cruises Conversations features an interview by Michael Lazaroff with Journey of Jazz '25 co-hosts Marcus Miller and Gregory Porter. The session evolved into a candid conversation where the three shared memorable cruise stories, discussed their musical influences (including Miles Davis, Luther Vandross, and Nat King Cole), recou…

1
Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown - November 29th, 2025 1:54:20

1M ago1:54:20

1:54:20

Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown with Pamela Black – November 29, 2025 Support the show this GIVING TUESDAY - https://tinyurl.com/SupportSmooth Get ready for another smooth and soulful ride as Pamela Black counts down the Top 20 Smooth Jazz tracks in America on this week’s Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown, recorded from the KU NV Studios on the campus of…

1
Tune in to a mini-concert with Courtney Barnett 20:44

1M ago20:44

20:44

The Australian musician performs a set recorded at the 2025 XPoNential Music Festival. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
In 1985, the smooth sound of Sade's 'Promise' stood out 13:34

1M ago13:34

13:34

The mid-'80s were loud and bombastic. World Cafe correspondent John Morrison says that’s exactly why the smooth R&B of Sade stood out. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
Oscar Peterson's Poem to Ella: A Look at Their Deep, Loving Friendship - w/Cecile McLorin Salvant, Sullivan Fortner & Kelly Peterson 47:58

1M ago47:58

47:58

110: Remembering Ella Fitzgerald & Oscar Peterson w/Cecile McLorin Salvant, Sullivan Fortner & Kelly Peterson This episode of Jazz Cruises Conversations, hosted by Lee Mergner, is drawn from a "Jazz on Film" session on the Journey of Jazz Cruise. The session focuses on the lives, careers, and close relationship of jazz titans Ella Fitzgerald and Os…

1
Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown - November 22nd, 2025 1:54:24

1M ago1:54:24

1:54:24

In this week’s Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown, host Pamela Black delivers another smooth and sophisticated journey through the Top 20 smooth jazz songs in America, based on real nationwide airplay. Recorded at the KUNV studios in Las Vegas, this episode blends new chart movers, rising stars, veteran powerhouses, and exclusive artist spotlights—all c…

1
Why My Morning Jacket wrote an elegy and other stories from their back catalog 20:42

2M ago20:42

20:42

Frontman Jim James, of My Morning Jacket, joins World Cafe for a new installment of Backtracking. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
Acadiana Music Showcase: Dustin Dale Gaspard 12:27

2M ago12:27

12:27

He made a splash on The Voice, but Gaspard has been a longtime part of Louisiana's Cajun and swamp pop music scene. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
Nate Smith on his latest album, 'LIVE-ACTION' 52:20

2M ago52:20

52:20

The drummer and jazz bandleader turns his seventh album into a party, including Snarky Puppy's Michael League, guitarist Charlie Hunter and singer Lalah Hathaway. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
Marcus Miller & Ravi Coltrane: Dual Legacy, Finding Your Voice in Jazz 46:31

2M ago46:31

46:31

Ravi Coltrane with Marcus Miller Marcus Miller interviews Ravi Coltrane about his musical evolution and the dual legacy of his parents, Alice and John Coltrane. This insightful and candid talk, recorded live on the Journey of Jazz cruise, covers the challenges of growing up under the shadow of a jazz icon and finding one's own voice through the mus…

1
Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown - November 15th, 2025 1:52:52

2M ago1:52:52

1:52:52

This week’s Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown with Pamela Black delivers a high-energy trip through the 20 biggest smooth jazz hits in the nation, straight from the KUNV studios on the campus of UNLV. Pamela brings her signature warmth, flair, and Las Vegas polish as she guides listeners through rising stars, returning favorites, and major movers on th…

1
David Byrne on his latest album, 'Who Is the Sky?' 42:54

2M ago42:54

42:54

The Scottish-American rock star teams up with New York's Ghost Train Orchestra. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
Dee Lucas: Sax, Soul & the Vegas Groove - Birthday Bash w/ Serente Jazz & Wine Escapes 3:35

2M ago3:35

3:35

In this episode of Artists to Watch Las Vegas, host Carlaya sits down with acclaimed contemporary jazz saxophonist Dee Lucas for an intimate, inspiring, and soulful conversation. Known for his smooth tone, emotional phrasing, and chart-topping success, Dee opens up about his creative process, his evolution as a self-made independent artist, and the…

1
Lukas Nelson on his debut solo album, 'American Romance' 14:23

2M ago14:23

14:23

The country singer's record has been nominated for a Grammy Award for best traditional country album. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
Tune in to a mini-concert with Michigander 21:12

2M ago21:12

21:12

The Michigan musician performs a set recorded at the 2025 XPoNential Music Festival. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
Emmet Cohen & Benny Benack III: The Future of Jazz, Community, and Inspiring Others 53:16

2M ago53:16

53:16

Pianist Emmet Cohen sits down with his longtime friend, trumpeter and singer Benny Benack III, for a conversation recorded during the recent Journey of Jazz cruise. This interview tracks Cohen's journey from a college student to becoming a celebrated artist and future host of The Jazz Cruise. Cohen discusses the inspiration behind his acclaimed "Ma…

1
PUP on their latest LP, 'Who Will Look After the Dogs?' 43:31

2M ago43:31

43:31

The Toronto punk band pared down their creative process with help from producer John Congleton. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown - November 8th, 2025 1:57:08

2M ago1:57:08

1:57:08

From the KUNV Studios on the campus of UNLV, host Pamela Black counts down the 20 smoothest jazz songs in America — the official Mediabase chart of the week. This episode celebrates a season of rising stars and timeless legends. Saxophonist Najee, joined by Brian Simpson, holds the top spot with “Salvador.” Close behind, Adrian Crutchfield’s Sooo G…

1
At first, Amanda Shires wasn't sure she wanted to write about her divorce 42:22

2M ago42:22

42:22

On Nobody's Girl, the singer-songwriter offers her perspective on her high-profile split from Jason Isbell. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
Tune in to a mini-concert with Richard Thompson 24:43

2M ago24:43

24:43

Listen to the English songwriter and guitarist perform at the 2025 XPoNential Music Festival. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
Sean Jones Interviews Wycliffe Gordon: JLCO, Teaching Jazz, and the Trombone's Sell 54:41

2M ago54:41

54:41

Show Notes: 107: Wycliffe Gordon with Sean Jones This episode of Jazz Cruises Conversations, recorded live on the recent Journey of Jazz cruise, features trumpeter and educator Sean Jones interviewing fellow brassman Wycliffe Gordon about his remarkable life and storied career in music. Jones and Gordon share a similar background, both having Georg…

1
Sports Team change up their sound on 'Boys These Days' 44:21

2M ago44:21

44:21

The British rock band talks about life on the road and making their third album in Norway. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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