Studio Session Shorts

Led by violinist Ranger Sciacca, Ranger and the Re-Arrangers are redefining European hot club jazz with an atypical lineup and nods to American jazz.

Jazz pianist Christian Sands explores his growth from child prodigy to Grammy-nominated bandleader as well as his connection to the legacy of pianist Errol Garner.

Rock and jazz drummer Barrett Martin traces his musical evolution from his family's player piano to grunge rock to jazz and global rhythms.

Jazz guitarist-vocalist Brian Nova reflects on his journey from a teenage rocker inspired by Herb Ellis to an in-demand sideman and bandleader.

From a San Diego garage to Hollywood films, soul jazz band The Greyboy Allstars look back on the makings of their signature laid-back sound.

Montreal-based vocalist Dominique Fils-Aimé blends jazz, soul, and blues to explore creative freedom and foster human connection.

Flugelhorn player Dmitri Matheny salutes the Pacific Northwest, his community, and his father on his 2022 album "Cascadia."

For 50 years, faith, friendship and fun have fueled the musical journey of award-winning a cappella group Take 6.

Pianist and composer Monty Alexander, now 82, discusses his Jamaican roots, his feel-good music, and the deep meaning behind his album "D-Day."

Six-piece New York band Sammy Miller and the Congregation blends early jazz inspiration with a modern mission to spread joy and make audiences feel good.

Seattle mallet percussionist Susan Pascal reflects on a diverse three-decade career and her work to source and restore vibraphones for school music programs.

Saxophonist Donny McCaslin shares his experience collaborating with David Bowie on his final album, detailing their initial meeting and covert recording process.

Jazz trumpeter Marquis Hill explores his connection to the jazz greats, his passion for education, and how his band Blacktet blends tradition with modern influences.

A talented "homebody" who spent years flying under the radar, vocalist Kenny Washington steps into the spotlight in his sixties.

Grammy-winning vocalist Kurt Elling and veteran pianist Joey Calderazzo have a knack for groundbreaking creativity, born from their palpable musical connection.

Seattle instrumental group Polyrhythmics discuss how their distinct jazz-funk and Afrobeat sound is shaped by a 'two-way street' with their fans.

Musician Roy McCurdy revisits his time in Cannonball Adderley's band and highlights a live recording of the saxophonist from Seattle’s historic jazz club, The Penthouse.

Five-time Grammy-winning bassist Victor Wooten shares his journey to becoming the 'spine of the band,' and his philosophy on music as a catalyst for growth and connection.

From Miles Davis influences to custom-built pedals, jazz cellist Jacob Szekely is pushing the cello beyond its traditional 300-year history.

Saxophonist Cliff Colon, keyboardist Jake Sele, and drummer D'Vonne Lewis create smooth, organ-led jazz arrangements of classic hits from Nirvana and Pearl Jam.

Alto saxophonist Vincent Herring heard jazz growing up, but he was more into pop music. With his Something Else! band, he blends the two styles into something fresh.

From St. Louis to Seattle, trumpeter Jun Iida follows in his koto-playing mother's footsteps, and turns a career change into a cross‑cultural musical journey.

Since welcoming pianist Orrin Evans to the group, The Bad Plus has embarked on an exciting musical journey that will come full circle during their farewell tour next year.

Grammy-winning composer and pianist Billy Childs draws inspiration from mentorship, and the 'alternate universes' various collaborations lend his projects.

With a name that serendipitously matches her career, vocalist Jazzmeia Horn feels she's living out her destiny, weaving together melody and emotion onstage.

After a near-fatal car accident, saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin channeled her recovery into creating the Grammy-nominated album Phoenix, a testament to her resilience.

Brought up in Seattle's grunge scene, multi-instrumentalist Jessica Lurie makes music that reflects boundless curiosity and a love for diverse musical traditions.

Since winning the prestigious Herbie Hancock Institute International Jazz competition in 2024, Chicago-born pianist Jahari Stampley continues to evolve as a pianist, composer and video game designer.

From ragtime roots to modern free jazz explorations, Spike Wilner's musical journey blossomed from mentorship and the permission to express his authentic musical self.

Guitarist Eric Krasno, drummer Stephen Moore, and organist Eric Finland celebrate women musicians across generations and musical genres on soulful record, 'Book of Queens.'

The Italian-born pianist, now living on Washington's Kitsap Peninsula, has found his musical home in the Pacific Northwest, where's he retired to focus on music-making.

In the KNKX studios in 2014, Carter explored her family heritage, uncovered early American field recordings, and highlighted how ancestry to shapes our lives today.

John Pizzarelli, skilled guitarist and vocalist, has collaborated with pop icons like James Taylor, blending timeless jazz standards and modern popular song.

A rebellious decision to ditch music school and tour with a saxophone legend was the catalyst for trumpeter Terell Stafford's illustrious career in jazz.

Leading harpist in jazz today, Brandee Younger, is carrying on trailblazer Dorothy Ashby's legacy as she ushers the tradition of jazz harp forward.

During two visits to the KNKX studios, the late Roy Hargrove shared his influences, a humbling bandstand moment, and an uncanny relationship he had with a Seattle piano.

Formed in 1973, The Headhunters have been jazz fusion pioneers for more than fifty years, blending improvisation with funk, rock, and world music sounds.

Jazz clarinetist Anat Cohen highlights her passion for choro, an emotive musical form that combines the musical traditions of indigenous Africans and Western Europeans living in Brazil.

Despite a comical mishap surrounding the Japanese release of his debut record, Larry Fuller has had a noteworthy jazz career as a sideman and trio leader.

In her mid 20s, saxophonist Grace Kelly landed the opportunity of a lifetime: To play in the live studio band for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Delvon Lamarr, leader of the Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio, started out as the drummer for Seattle organist Joe Doria. One night, he decided to try Doria's organ. It opened up a whole new world.

Hawaiian ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro strummed his way to international fame when a 2006 viral video catapulted him into the spotlight.

By passionately studying and preserving the legacy of jazz masters, pianist Emmet Cohen has honed his reverent, yet distinctive, musical voice.

From backup band to critically acclaimed quartet, Yellowjackets have been a vibrant force in contemporary jazz since the late '70s.

With a voice reminiscent of Billie Holiday and a string of successful albums, Madeleine Peyroux is an international sensation—who got her start on the streets of Paris.

The duo chatted about their friendship, close musical collaboration, and first meeting at a party at Sergio Mendez's house during a 2015 KNKX studios appearance.

If it weren't for a chance concert invitation in the early '90s, in-demand jazz pianist Helen Sung wouldn't be where she is today.

Billy Cobham stumbled onto fame after releasing his debut in 1973. In 2022, the drummer explored the watershed moment and his illustrious career in the KNKX studios.

Bassist and Jazz Night in America host Christian McBride shared the origins, and collaborative creative process, behind his celebrated trio during a 2015 visit to KNKX.

Whether you call them jazz or electronica or a mix of genres, GoGo Penguin's music is unmistakable.

During a 2019 visit to KNKX, Seattle-raised saxophonist Roxy Coss spoke about the impact of her musical upbringing and her efforts to improve gender diversity in jazz.

Renowned jazz guitarist Martin Taylor reflects on his unique musical upbringing and early work with pioneering fiddler Stephane Grappelli.

The Brubeck Brothers Quartet, co-led by sons of jazz legend Dave Brubeck, explore how their father's music is tied to his sense of social justice and solidarity.

George Stevens and Johnny Bacolas, founders of The Rumba Kings, revisit their musical roots and a chance meeting in 2015, which led to a decade-long musical collaboration.

Pianist and composer Bill Anschell, a very well-liked Seattle musician with more than a dozen acoustic albums, shares his love of electronics.

Years ago, Kassa Overall was, separately, a rising jazz drummer and a hip-hop producer. Once he began merging these worlds, he found his true voice.

Seattle based Indigenous jazz fusion group Khu.éex' shares their unique modern grooves, deeply connected to centuries old tribal traditions, in song and conversation.

Barrett Martin grew up on jazz but also made his mark on the '90s grunge scene. His travels further influenced his music, but he still calls Olympia home.

Based in Port Townsend, Washington, soul singer Grace Love talks about going against the grain, and how our personal and professional lives inevitably connect.

Bria Skonberg, who also plays trumpet, talks about returning to New Orleans, playing with drummer Herlin Reiley, and being a "band camper" for life.

Longtime Northwest singer Greta Matassa's love of singing led to an unconventional upbringing that boosts her good-humored sensibilities.

One of today’s premier organ trio leaders, Delvon Lamarr tells KNKX about some of the adventures that come with playing a large 1970s Hammond B3 organ.