Best WBGO Podcasts (2024)

1
Carla Bley at 85: In Praise and Awe of an Unfettered Genius 28:54

6M ago28:54

28:54

Jazz United celebrates Carla Bley, the irrefutably original composer and pianist, as she rounds the corner on an 85th birthday.By Greg Bryant, Nate Chinen

1
The impact of midterm elections in NJ and NY and we'll meet former Knicks athletic trainer Mike Saunders 30:30

1+ y ago30:30

30:30

On this edition of the WBGO Journal, we'll examine the NJ and NY midterm elections, Jon Kalish introduces us to a Korean War veteran and we'll meet former Knicks athletic trainer Mike SaundersBy Doug Doyle

1
An exclusive look at the making of Snarky Puppy’s new album EMPIRE CENTRAL

1+ y ago

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In this 3-part series, we take you inside the creation of Empire Central. From the unique songwriting process to the rehearsals, where the band performs songs for the first time without music sheets, to the recording process and final song selection, you’ll get an unforgettable look inside the creative process of one of the world’s most renowned ja…

1
WBGO Journal wins Best Public Affairs show from New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists 30:34

1+ y ago30:34

30:34

This April 2021 episode of the WBGO Journal recently won the Best Public Affairs category at the NJSPJ Awards in PrincetonBy Doug Doyle

1
WBGO Studios and Snarky Puppy partner on a new podcast release 0:30

1+ y ago0:30

0:30

A podcast that goes deep into the creative process of one of the world’s most talented and genre-defying super bands, Snarky Puppy. Captured during the recording of their latest album, Transmissions From Deep Ellum takes you behind the scenes as they build the soundscape that will become the album tracks; then, into the room as the album is recorde…

1
The Midterm Elections, and we meet songwriter Jorge Drexler and retiring National Javelin Champion Kara Winger 30:34

1+ y ago30:34

30:34

The Midterm Elections are here, and we'll meet singer/songwriter Jorge Drexler and Javelin National Champion Kara WingerBy Doug Doyle

1
A preview of the midterm elections and a chat with the Black Fairy Godmother Simone Gordon 30:27

1+ y ago30:27

30:27

On the October 29 edition of the WBGO Journal, Bob Hennelly previews the midterm elections and you'll meet the Black Fairy Godmother Simone GordonBy Doug Doyle

1
A preview of the Trenton mayoral race and New York Choral Society's upcoming performance of Duke Ellington's Sacred Concerts 30:29

1+ y ago30:29

30:29

A preview of the Trenton mayoral race and New York Choral Society's upcoming performance of Duke Ellington's Sacred Concerts, a look at the 60th NYFF and the fight to take down controversial historical murals

1
Two River Theater's production of "Wine in the Wilderness" and a chat with trombonist Conrad Herwig 30:13

1+ y ago30:13

30:13

On this edition of the WBGO Journal, a look into special education in Newark, a preview of Two River Theater's production of Wine in the Wilderness and trombonist Conrad Herwig talks about the Rutgers University Jazz EnsembleBy Doug Doyle

1
Governor Murphy's role in state elections and a commentary on the upcoming live version of "The Little Mermaid" 30:03

1+ y ago30:03

30:03

A legislative crackdown on NJ nursing homes, Steve Adubato, Jr. on Governor Murphy's role in upcoming elections and commentator Mildred Antenor is angry about the controversy over the live version of "The Little Mermaid"By Doug Doyle

1
The legacy of former Governor Jim Florio, a chat with "The Budgetnista", and a profile of bassist Michael Thurber 29:56

1+ y ago29:56

29:56

On this edition of the WBGO Journal, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy comments on the passing of former Governor Jim Florio, a chat with "The Budgetnista", and Leo Sidran profiles bassist Michael ThurberBy Doug Doyle

1
A preview of the Exit Zero Jazz Festival and a review of Steven Spielberg's "The Fabelmans" 29:58

1+ y ago29:58

29:58

A preview of the Exit Zero Jazz Festival and Harlan Jacobson reviews "The Fabelmans"By Doug Doyle

1
Migrants from Texas, tributes to Jack Kerouac and Ramsey Lewis 30:08

1+ y ago30:08

30:08

We'll hear about the Bobby Sanabria and David Amram's tribute to Jack Kerouac and then Grammy Award-winning producer Carl Griffin remembers Ramsey LewisBy Doug Doyle

1
On this edition of the WBGO Journal, we get an update on some changes for the new school year in New York City and New Jersey, WBGO's Jon Kalish reports on the resurgence of community bands and host Doug ... 30:12

1+ y ago30:12

30:12

On the September 10th edition of the WBGO Journal, we get an update on some changes for the new school year in New York City and New Jersey, WBGO's Jon Kalish reports on the resurgence of community bands and host Doug Doyle chats with two-time AUDL MVP Ben Jagt of the champion New York EmpireBy Doug Doyle

1
On this edition of the WBGO Journal, we'll hear about the 12th annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival and find out why actor and comedian Tommy Davidson is launching a new singing career 30:16

1+ y ago30:16

30:16

On the September 2nd edition of the WBGO Journal, we find out what has been done in New Jersey and New York a year after Hurricane Ida devastated the area, we'll hear about the 12th annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival and we'll find out why actor and comedian Tommy Davidson is launching a new singing career…

1
On this edition of the WBGO Journal, host Doug Doyle has an in-depth conversation with Jazz pianist Monty Alexander, we pay tribute to the late WBGO announcer and Journal theater critic Michael Bourne ... 30:00

1+ y ago30:00

30:00

On the August 27 edition of the WBGO Journal, host Doug Doyle has an in-depth conversation with Jazz pianist Monty Alexander, we pay tribute to the late WBGO announcer and Journal theater critic Michael Bourne and WBGO's Jon Kalish has the latest about musician Andy StatmanBy Doug Doyle

1
On this edition of the WBGO Journal, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka calls for a citywide Peace Walk to support efforts to create a safer city, WBGO's Kenneth Burns reports on how inflation is impacting Jersey ... 29:59

1+ y ago29:59

29:59

On this August 20 edition of the WBGO Journal, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka calls for a citywide Peace Walk to support efforts to create a safer city, WBGO's Kenneth Burns reports on how inflation is impacting Jersey Shore tourism and host Doug Doyle chats with Dr. Augusta Palmer, director of the upcoming doc The Blues Society…

1
On this edition of WBGO Journal, we'll find out New Jersey and New York's response to the monkeypox virus and a campaign to make rooftop solar a solution to energy costs and climate change 30:17

1+ y ago30:17

30:17

On the August 13 edition of WBGO Journal, we'll find out New Jersey and New York's response to the monkeypox virus, there's a campaign to make rooftop solar a solution to energy costs and climate change and the play Port Chicago 50 tells a powerful storyBy Doug Doyle

1
On this edition of the WBGO Journal, we get an update on the Portal North Bridge project, a discovery in South Jersey that reveals new information about the Revolutionary War and an award-winning chat ... 30:23

1+ y ago30:23

30:23

On this August 6 edition of the WBGO Journal, we get an update on the Portal North Bridge project, a discovery in South Jersey that reveals new information about the Revolutionary War and an award-winning chat with documentarian Ken BurnsBy Doug Doyle

1
On this edition of the WBGO Journal, we learn about the tradition of cantorial music from WBGO's Jon Kalish, film critic Harlan Jacobson reviews Jordan Peele's NOPE and host Doug Doyle chats with the big ... 30:35

1+ y ago30:35

30:35

On this July 30 edition of the WBGO Journal, we learn about the tradition of cantorial music from WBGO's Jon Kalish, film critic Harlan Jacobson reviews Jordan Peele's NOPE and host Doug Doyle chats with the big names in the American Cornhole LeagueBy Doug Doyle

1
On this episode of the WBGO Journal, Trumpeter Sean Jones talks to Gary Walker about NYO Jazz and we meet two of the filmmakers involved in the Women in Media Newark International Film Festival 30:08

1+ y ago30:08

30:08

On this episode of the WBGO Journal, Trumpeter Sean Jones talks to Gary Walker about NYO Jazz and we meet two of the filmmakers involved in the Women in Media Newark International Film FestivalBy Doug Doyle

1
The new class of NEA Jazz Masters, a chat with pianist Bill Charlap about "Jazz in July" and singer and executive producer Melissa Walker runs down the 2022 Montclair Jazz Festival 30:12

2y ago30:12

30:12

On the July 16 edition of the WBGO Journal, the new class of NEA Jazz Masters is announced, WBGO's Gary Walker chats with pianist Bill Charlap about "Jazz in July" and singer and executive producer Melissa Walker runs down the 2022 Montclair Jazz FestivalBy Doug Doyle

1
The latest update on the rise of coronavirus in NYC, WBGO commentator Mildred Antenor reacts to the U.S. Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, and a chat with International Boxing Hall of ... 30:17

2y ago30:17

30:17

On this July 9 edition of the WBGO Journal and update on the rise of coronavirus in NYC, commentator Mildred Antenor's reacts the U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, and host Doug Doyle chats with International Boxing Hall of Famer and Brooklyn Native Lou DiBellaBy Doug Doyle

1
Sorting through our mixed feelings about Oscar Peterson 57:07

2y ago57:07

57:07

On the final episode of Jazz United, Greg Bryant and Nate Chinen work out their mutual ambivalence about one of jazz's best-loved virtuosos.By Greg Bryant, Nate Chinen

1
The Checkout x Jazz Night in America: Top 5 Collabs 1:09:30

2y ago1:09:30

1:09:30

Mark Guiliana, Randy Weston, Herbie Hancock, Robert Glasper, Abdullah Ibrahim, and Kamasi Washington are the artists featured in this retrospective podcast celebrating the top Jazz Night In America and The Checkout productions over the years.By Simon Rentner

1
We're in this together 3:47

2y ago3:47

3:47

Jazz United began with a literal conversation, as Greg Bryant and Nate Chinen met up for some music just over two years ago. We're proud of how far we've come, and now we're asking for your support.By Greg Bryant, Nate Chinen

1
From cacophony to clarity: Cecil Taylor's 1973 return concert is a fresh revelation 46:01

2y ago46:01

46:01

Jazz United considers the vital challenge and rich reward of 'Cecil Taylor - The Complete, Legendary, Live Return Concert.'By Greg Bryant, Nate Chinen

1
Angel Bat Dawid leads a fearless expedition to 'Afro Town' at Winter Jazzfest 50:47

2y ago50:47

50:47

Winter Jazzfest artist-in-residence Angel Bat Dawid premieres 'Afro-Town Topics: A Mythological Afrofuturist Revue,' and talks about it on The Checkout with Simon Rentner.By Simon Rentner

1
Digging into 'Dilla Time,' and the legacy of a rhythm pioneer 59:25

2y ago59:25

59:25

Jazz United digs deep into the trailblazing rhythm legacy of hip-hop producer J Dilla — in conversation with Dan Charnas, author of an essential new book, 'Dilla Time.'By Greg Bryant, Nate Chinen

1
Vijay Iyer shares lessons in stillness for our turbulent time 40:05

2y ago40:05

40:05

As his trio settles in for a week at The Village Vanguard, pianist and composer Vijay Iyer stops by The Checkout to share insights, and a glimmer of hope.By Simon Rentner

1
Cory Henry walks back the timeline to his 'First Steps,' with a new concert recording 1:04:46

2y ago1:04:46

1:04:46

On The Checkout, keyboardist Cory Henry pinpoints the album that marks his rite of passage as an artist.By Simon Rentner

1
Our New Year's Resolutions 44:00

2+ y ago44:00

44:00

As 2022 gets underway, we're energized with a spirit of renewal. So we decided to devote this episode of Jazz United to some New Year’s resolutions.By Greg Bryant, Nate Chinen

1
Michael Bourne in his element at the Montreal Jazz Festival, with Diana Krall and more 26:57

2+ y ago26:57

26:57

Michael Bourne interviews Diana Krall and tells stories of Charlie Haden, Dave Brubeck, and Tony Bennett at the Montreal International Jazz Festival.By Simon Rentner

1
The Year in Jazz: Our farewell to 2021, from the National Jazz Museum in Harlem 1:24:15

2+ y ago1:24:15

1:24:15

For a dynamic look back at 2021, Nate Chinen and Greg Bryant welcomed critic Jordannah Elizabeth to a panel discussion at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem.By Greg Bryant, Nate Chinen

1
When Booker T. Jones met Robert Randolph, at a session hosted by Michael Bourne 36:15

2+ y ago36:15

36:15

In 2003, legendary organist Booker T. Jones and pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph met for the first time at WBGO. That studio performance comes to light again as we celebrate the retirement of our own legendary jazz jock, Michael Bourne.By Simon Rentner

1
A Tale of Two Kenny Gs 59:39

2+ y ago59:39

59:39

One is a chart-topping juggernaut who has sparked musical controversy for the last 35 years. The other is a master who’s spent that same span of time balancing improvisational fire with lyrical soul. Yes, in both instances we’re talking about saxophonist Kenny G — Gorelick in the first case, and Garrett in the second. As you can imagine, we have so…

1
From Rat Pack to J Dilla: José James Serves a Holiday Vibe 48:37

2+ y ago48:37

48:37

On The Checkout, José James explains why it's finally time for him to release a holiday recording, featuring his takes on Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Donny Hathaway.By Simon Rentner

1
Ready or not, here come the yuletide grooves 43:26

2+ y ago43:26

43:26

Greg Bryant is a self-admitted Grinch when it comes to Christmas jazz, while Nate Chinen is a full-blown Elf. Hear them work out their differences on this holiday edition of Jazz United.By Greg Bryant, Nate Chinen

1
Dave Douglas and Joe Lovano aim for the stratosphere on Sound Prints' 'Other Worlds' 44:03

2+ y ago44:03

44:03

Jazz United host Nate Chinen talks with the members of Sound Prints, including its co-leaders trumpeter Dave Douglas and saxophonist Joe Lovano, for a lively conversation about their latest recording, Other Worlds.By Simon Rentner, Nate Chinen

1
A decade after his passing, Paul Motian is still with us 49:58

2+ y ago49:58

49:58

Jazz United remembers the incomparable drummer and composer Paul Motian, whose spirit lives on in the music, and in a new documentary film.By Greg Bryant, Nate Chinen

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