Jazz Inspired

Trumpeter Duke Heitger isnâ??t a native New Orleanean, but has lived there many years and talked with Judy about the challenges and advantages of a career in this most musical of cities, when you arenâ??t a native. Recorded onstage at the Ascona Jazz Festival in Switzerland.

Broadway singer/composer Ann Hampton Callaway discusses how jazz inspires her singing.

The comedian Chevy Chase talks about Jazz and comedy and his own â??Bill Evansâ?? influenced piano playing.

Judy Carmichael interviews Roy Scheider.

Celebrated stage and film director Roger Michell loves emotion. Whether directing Shakespeare on stage or television comedy, an edgy, intense film like â??Changing Lanesâ??, or the romantic comedy â??Notting Hillâ??, emotional truth is his focus. Roger Michell discusses his jazz-love and using Miles Davis in everything film or stage production he can!

Tony Award winning director/lyricist Richard Maltby discusses his Fats Waller inspired play â??Ainâ??t Misbehavinâ??â??, his screenwriting, and how jazz influences everything he creates.

German boogie-woogie pianist Axel Zwingenberger and American vocalist Lila Ammons (opera singer and granddaughter of pianist Albert and niece of saxophonist Gene) talk about working together, in spite of their very different cultural and musical backgrounds.

Catherine has enjoyed a long career as a back up singer with everyone from David Bowie to Jackson Browne but is now focusing on the music of her father, Luis Russell, who was music director for Louis Armstrong and led his own bands in the 20â?²s and 30â?²s. Catherine discusses her love of New Orleans music and early jazz and what it means to come to this music at this stage of her career.

Guitarist/vocalist Matt Munisteri talks about drawing on jazz and western swing for his unique approach to playing and composing.

We revisit Judyâ??s conversation with the late Skitch Henderson about his Hollywood years with Bing Crosby and Sinatra and his long career with the NBC Orchestra and the Tonight Show.

Pianist Conal Fowkes discusses his long participation in Woody Allenâ??s jazz band and his recent part doing the vocals and piano work of the Cole Porter character in Woodyâ??s film Midnight in Paris.

Composer/pianist/vocalist, Deanna Witkowski, started as a classical pianist and now specializes in jazz, Brazilian, afro-cuban and sacred music.

Actor/director discusses how the process for his films, Best in Show, Waiting For Guffman, and This is Spinal Tap is similar to jazz, not only from the improvisational aspect, but how each actor approaches his character and the structure of the film.

Film producer (â??Boys Donâ??t Cryâ??) discusses his passion for jazz and the important role music plays in the pacing and mood of a film.

TV, radio and film composer talks about working with Steve Allen, Peggy Lee, Carly Simon and others and writing for everything from soap operas to stage productions.

Classical and jazz guitarist Gene Bertoncini discusses how both approaches influence his playing and continue to inspire his recording projects.

Jazz pianist discusses his years playing with Jim Cullumâ??s Band on the radio show â??Live From the Landingâ?? and his thoughts on being a great ensemble player.

Musician and early jazz scholar Vince Giordano fell in love with 20's and 30's jazz at an early age and carries on the tradition performing with his band "The Nighthawks." Vince discusses bringing this music to a broader audience and especially the importance of young people hearing jazz live.

Canadian singer takes a straightforward, swinging approach to the Standards. Judy talks with Susie and her guitarist Jordan Officer on stage at the Ascona Jazz Festival in Switzerland about their somewhat retro approach to jazz and how that interest developed.

Recorded onstage at the Ascona Jazz Festival in Switzerland, vocalist/TV host China Moses discusses the advantages and challenges of having Dee Dee Bridgewater as a mom and growing up in France and America.