Jazziz Not What You Think

From his earliest days as a music promoter in the ‘60s to his tenure at Warner Bros in the ‘70s, hit first jazz smash hit (George Benson’s Breezin’), Natalie Cole’s multiplatinum Unforgettable, legendary concerts in Montreux, his role in the rise to fame of Al Jarreau, Yellowjackets and so many others to his days at Verve, Diana Krall, Natalie Cole and Paul McCartney, commentary on topics from President Obama to his only movie soundtrack (a work he’s most proud of) to a train ride home with the precocious Joey Alexander to his commentary on how jazz took a dive when everyone started to sound like everyone else … enjoy a conversation with legendary producer Tommy LiPuma. Intro: Kickin' it - Jeff Lorber

Esperanza Spalding has won four Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist at the 53rd Grammy Awards, making her the first jazz artist to win the award. At that time, she turned some heads beating out Justin Bieber and affecting the Grammys to change their voting rules. Intro music: “Kickin’ It” by Jeff Lorber

Though he’s played with everyone from The Fowler Brothers to Freddie Hubbard to Frank Zappa, Chester Thompson is best-known as the touring drummer for the progressive rock super group Genesis. A jazz drummer from the start, Thompson talks about how his playing large arenas actually makes it harder to get jazz gigs and why his trio albums are his labor of love. Intro: Kickin' it - Jeff Lorber

Kenny G is the biggest-selling instrumental musician and one of the best-selling artists of all time (a reported 75 million records). He’s a good sport, and we’ve had a lot of fun with Kenny over the years. A cover of JAZZIZ (shown here) and this conversation with Kenny helps explain why… Music: Kickin' It - Jeff Lorber

Our guest for this episode of JAZZIZ Not What You Think is Jethro Tull’s intriguing leader, Mr. Ian Anderson. When Jethro Tull entered the music scene, they opened the eyes and ears of a generation of music fans with their new kind of fusion; mixing rock with folk, blues, jazz and classical music with unusual visual references through Anderson’s coloful lyrics and “stories”. Intro music: “Kickin’ It” by Jeff Lorber

You’ll enjoy this edition of JAZZIZ Not What You Think; a conversation with UK’s most successful jazz artist of all time, Jamie Cullum. Though he’s modest about his success and critically acclaimed piano, vocal and songwriting talents, you’ll discover that Jamie is equally meticulous in presenting the art of the past and his peers. Intro music: “Kickin’ It” by Jeff Lorber

Two-time Grammy Award-winning clarinetist Richard Stoltzman is better known as a captivating recitalist. A chamber musician and jazz performer with a large discography, Stolzman gave the first clarinet recitals at both the Hollywood Bowl and Carnegie Hall. Intro music: “Kickin’ It” by Jeff Lorber

For this episode of JAZZIZ Not What You Think our guest is my old friend and business partner, Grammy-Winning guitarist, composer, producer (with 17 Grammy nominations and over 40 albums), Lee Ritenour. Music intro: Kickin' It by Jeff Lorber

Oscar-nominated, Grammy-award winning singer-songwriter Melissa Manchester celebrates 40 years of making music. From pop to musicals, soundtracks to dance, Melissa’s latest album hits the smooth jazz charts. Music Intro by: Jeff Lorber

For this episode of JAZZIZ Not What You Think our guest is composer, pianist, hit maker, three time Grammy-winner, festival artistic director, radio and TV personality and now head of a new record label. Mr. Ramsey Lewis. Intro music: “Kickin’ It” by Jeff Lorber

Our guest for this episode of JAZZIZ Not What You Think is one of the most fascinating people in the world, Mr. Bill Clinton. Intro music: “Kickin’ It” by Jeff Lorber

Journey founder and guitarist Neal Schon talks about Santana, Eric Clapton, Return to Forever and his love for Blues and Jazz. Intro music: “Kickin’ It” by Jeff Lorber