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In the Groove, Jazz and Beyond

Ken Laster 25 Episodes Jun 28, 2026

From Jazz masters of past and present to emerging new artists performing modern jazz and fusion. No smooth jazz here!

Episodes

Episode June 28 2026 Jun 28, 2026 3580 Another eclectic set featuring fusion, hard-bop, and protest. Beginning with piano master Hancock and up-and-coming phenom Cardello, and ending with fusion guitarists supreme McLaughlin and Stern. Then a little protest music in between. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Herbie Hancock ~ Actual Proof ~ Thrust Caelan Cardello ~ Steppin' Up ~ Chapter One Les McCann & Eddie Harris ~ Compared to What

Trane, Brecker, Potter Jun 21, 2026 3563 This episode begins with a Coltrane inspired track from Emmet Cohen's latest album. We follow that with saxophone giants Potter and Brecker. The set concludes with a great arrangement of a Coltrane classic from Hancock and then an extended piece from Trane himself. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Emmet Cohen ~ Blue Train ~ Universal Truth Chris Potter ~ Sister Annie ~ Alive With Ghosts Today Micha

Episode June 14 2026 Jun 14, 2026 3578 This episode begins with a Joe Henderson tribute after attending a show by flautist Lori Bell of Henderson arrangements. Other tracks of note are Emmet Cohen's latest release, a Miles' classic, and the fusion feature from RTF. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Lori Bell Quartet ~ Black Narcissus ~ Recorda Me - Remembering Joe Henderson Joe Henderson ~ Isotope ~ Inner Urge Larry Young ~ Zoltan ~ Unity

More Sonny and Miles Jun 7, 2026 3553 The last two episodes have been dedicated to Miles and Sonny, but there were a few more tracks I wanted to get into, so we review those at the top of the show. That is followed by some new music including a recent release by Emmet C and Joe F. Finally, we review some early Weather Report and late Joe Zawinul. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Sonny Rollins ~ Way Out West ~ Way Out West Thelonious Mo

Sonny RIP May 31, 2026 3661 One of the greatest players in the jazz legacy, Sonny Rollins passed away last week on May 25 at 95 years of age. On this episode, we look back on his career which spanned 7 decades. Here are some of my favorite "Newk" recordings from his most creative years. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Sonny Rollins ~ Strode Rode ~ Saxophone Colossus Sonny Rollins ~ Wonderful! Wonderful! ~ Newk's Time Sonny Ro

Miles Centennial Celebration May 24, 2026 3541 For this week's episode, we celebrate Miles Davis on the Centennial of his birth, May 26 1926. Miles is one of the most influential of jazz artist, having set new directions for jazz time and time again. Here we represent music from his first and second great quintets along with his explorations in electronics and rock rhythms that led to the jazz-rock fusion of the 70's and beyond. Playlist Artis

Latest from the Greatest May 17, 2026 3572 This episode features brand new music from some of the best jazz artists of today. From Potter to Metheny to Marsalis and more we have new album releases for your listening pleasure. They don't dissapoint. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Chris Potter ~ Sister Annie ~ Alive With Ghosts Today Steve Wilson ~ Quiet Girl ~ Enduring Sonance Billy Childs ~ Lazy Afternoon ~ Triumvirate Gregory Hutchinson ~

A New York City Groove May 10, 2026 3650 In this episode, I’m sharing my thoughts on my recent trip to New York City, focusing on the jazz clubs and concerts I explored. We visited some of the iconic spots that have been standing the test of time, like Smalls, Mezzrow, and Smoke, and also discovered some fresh new places, such as Jazz Cultural and Close Up. Plus, we went to the Essentially Ellington competition at Jazz @ Lincoln Center t

Episode May 3 2026 May 3, 2026 3574 Lots of new music in this week's episode. But first we begin with some funky 80's fusion from Steps Ahead with great tenor work from Michael Brecker. Perhaps two of the greatest jazz artists currently touring and making new music are on the playlist from Potter and Metheny. Also new music from today's modern creative forces Wilkins, Preminger and Turner. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Steps Ahead

Episode April 25 2026 Apr 26, 2026 3617 This is an eclectic set for sure! It features a vocal track, modern jazz, 70's fusion and a jazz suite with chamber orchestra. The latter is selections from the Zodiac Suite composed by Mary Lou Williams and arranged for strings, brass and woodwinds. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Nicole Zuraitis ~ won't make it out alive ~ the devil i knew Immanuel Wilkins ~ COMPOSITION II ~ Immanuel Wilkins Qua

Episode April 19 2026 Apr 19, 2026 3555 This episode was inspired by recent live performances to commemorate Miles/Coltrane centennial. These concerts featured some of modern jazz's finest artists including Emmet Cohen, Joe Lovano, Terrance Blanchard and others represented here. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Emmet Cohen ~ Well You Needn't ~ Universal Truth Joe Lovano ~ Lady Day ~ Paramount Quartet Joe Lovano ~ Solid Steps ~ Solid Step

Chick on the Side Apr 12, 2026 3562 This podcast episode features Chick Corea as a sideman on other artists recordings. All except the final track are Corea compositions. His contributions to these albums are significant. These tunes span a timeframe from the 1960's through the 1990's. Chick's influence on the jazz lexicon cannot be overstated. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Stan Getz ~ Five Hundred Miles High ~ Captain Marvel Joe

Episode April 5 2026 Apr 5, 2026 3499 Highlights from this week's In The Groove include early fusion from Weather Report, lush vocals from San Diego's Steph Johnson and a set of Indian fusion from Shakti and Anoush Shankar to conclude the show... and more Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Weather Report ~ Between the Thighs ~ Tale Spinnin' Wayne Shorter ~ Second Genesis ~ Second Genesis Noah Preminger & Max Light ~ Blooming Coldblood

Take Me Out to the Ballgame 2026 Mar 29, 2026 3608 Celebrating Baseballs Opening Day 2026 with this week's episode. Really the only track that relates to baseball is the first one by B3 organist Joey D. The balance of the show is music I have been listening to this week. We wrap up the show with the archival release of a 1964 Duke Ellington concert. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Joey DeFrancesco ~ Take Me out to the Ballgame ~ Joey D! Weather Rep

Episode March 22 2026 Mar 22, 2026 3600 Classic jazz albums bookend new artists from both coasts. Plus there are some interesting covers of Metheny tunes from guitarist Peter Sprague and vocalist Leonard Patton. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Lee Morgan ~ Mr. Kenyatta ~ Search for the New Land Matt Dwonszyk ~ Stage Dive ~ Matt Dwonszyk Live at the Side Door Ian Harland ~ Four-Flat Blues ~ Behind Bars Shai Maestro ~ Moon of Knives ~ The

More New Jazz 2026 Mar 15, 2026 3630 More new music in this week's show. The first half are established artists with national/international touring bands. The second have are young jazz cats, some with a local following that are making a name for themselves with creative new sounds and music. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Joshua Redman ~ Icarus ~ Words Fall Short Chris Potter ~ Osawatomie Brown ~ Alive With Ghosts Today Noah Preming

Episode March 8 2026 Mar 8, 2026 3599 Perhaps the heart and soul of this episode is the collaboration of Joe Henderson and Alice Coltrane from the album The Elements. The other recording that deserves attention is the release of guitarist Pat Metheny' Side-Eye III+. Not only did Pat's album drop this week, but he has begun a tour of the US and Europe. I'm looking forward to seeing Metheny in May as I already have my tickets. Playlist

Episode March 1 2026 Mar 1, 2026 3626 Another eclectic mix. From a 1957 recording from alto sax player Art Pepper to brand new releases from tenor saxophonist Noah Preminger, and other iconic jazz artists in between. Enjoy this musically diverse set list. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Art Pepper ~ You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To ~ Art Pepper Meets the Rhythm Section Ian Harland ~ Blues For Bobbie ~ Behind Bars Lyle Mays ~ Slink ~ Ly

Episode Feb 22 2026 Feb 22, 2026 3594 An eclectic mix of music this week with no real theme. We have new releases, bebop from the 60's and jazz rock fusion. Open your mind and enjoy the full breadth of what jazz music can be. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Kurt Elling & WDR Big Band ~ They Speak No Evil ~ In The Brass Palace Vi Redd ~ If I Should Lose You ~ Bird Call Vi Redd ~ Now's the Time ~ Bird Call Phil Woods ~ The Last Page

Valentine Vibe Feb 15, 2026 3551 This episode kicks off with the iconic Valentine's day tune My Funny Valentine with a unique interpretation by vocalist extraordinaire Dianne Reeves. The rest of the playlist is vibraphone heavy with contributions from San Diego's Ian Harland as well as several tracks that include Joel Ross as both a leader and sideman. Also featured is Hartford's hard working bassist Matt Dwonszyk. Playlist Arti

All New 2025-2026 Feb 8, 2026 3587 All selections in this episode are from recent releases. Some of these you may never had heard of, like Brandon Sanders or Justin Joyce. Some like Joel Ross, Julian Lage or artists in Out Of/Into are young players with active touring bands. Then we have the jazz masters like Metheny, Scofield and Holland. Jazz is here to stay as a creative force in music. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Brandon San

Minneapolis Strong Feb 1, 2026 3591 In this episode, we pay tribute to the spirit of Minneapolis as the city resists a heavy-handed federal ICE presence. We honor the memories of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, whose lives were taken during protests against these federal actions. This playlist features jazz artists with roots in the Twin Cities, ranging from local talents to national acts. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album The Bad Plus ~ L

In Protest Jan 25, 2026 3595 Jazz artists have a history of making political statements. Mingus, Max, Rollins and Nina are among those. Recently there have been several jazz artists that have made a statement to this administration for the taking over the respected Kennedy Center for the Arts. We honor them here. Chuck Redd, The Cookers and Bela Fleck have cancelled their scheduled appearances at the Center in protest. Playli

Episode January 18 2026 Jan 18, 2026 3527 At the center of this episode is music from alumni of the Jackie McLean Institute for Jazz, University of Hartford where this show is broadcast. Also music from jazz greats Rollins, Pepper and Miles. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album John McLaughlin & The 4th Dimension ~ Lock Down Blues ~ Live at Montreux Jazz Festival 2022 Tony Davis ~ Trinkets From Mars ~ Jessamine Brandee Younger ~ End Means ~

2025 Review Part 2 Jan 11, 2026 3600 We continue with a 2025 album release review. This week we are concentrating on recordings from local jazz scenes that I have a connection with, Hartford and San Diego. I also include Detroit after attending their great jazz festival. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Irving Flores ~ With Amanda in Favignana ~ Armando Mi Conga Victor Baker Quartet ~ As the Crow Flies ~ As the Crow Flies David Borgo ~

In the Groove, Jazz and Beyond

Episodes

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