Piano Jazz Shorts

Harold Mabern, born March 20, 1936, is one of New York’s most requested pianists and a staple of Japan’s jazz scene. A mainly self-taught musician, his style is influenced by Art Tatum, Chris Anderson, Billy Wallace, and Bud Powell. In 2015, he released Afro Blue. McPartland caught him for this 1991 Piano Jazz before he left for a late spring tour of Japan. Mabern solos on “You Don’t Know What Love Is,” then joins McPartland for Ellington’s “Squeeze Me.” News Stations: Sat, Mar 19, 8 pm | News

Harold Mabern, born March 20, 1936, is one of New York’s most requested pianists and a staple of Japan’s jazz scene. A mainly self-taught musician, his...

Regarded as one of the world’s hippest jazz vocalists, Mark Murphy (1932 – 2015) epitomized the jazz singer. He was discovered by Sammy Davis Jr. in 1953, and remained true to his art throughout his life. This week, we remember Mark Murphy with this 1998 Piano Jazz session. Accompanied by bassist Sean Smith and host McPartland, Murphy puts his mark on “Detour Ahead.” He and Smith perform their own “Song for the Geese.” News Stations: Sat, 8 pm | Classical Stations: Sun, 7 pm

Regarded as one of the world’s hippest jazz vocalists, Mark Murphy (1932 – 2015) epitomized the jazz singer. He was discovered by Sammy Davis Jr. in...

Saxophonist Phil Woods (1931 – 2015) was a true master of bebop. Whether weaving jazz improvisations with other members of his group or playing feisty crackling licks on cool solos, Woods’ playing was always compelling. He built up his amazing technique with Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, Buddy Rich, and with his quartet. We remember Phil Woods with this Piano Jazz from 2003. In this session, his imaginative and sultry sound blends with his trio and McPartland on “How About You” and “Fine and

Saxophonist Phil Woods (1931 – 2015) was a true master of bebop. Whether weaving jazz improvisations with other members of his group or playing feisty ...

Pianist and bandleader Jon Batiste hails from the cradle of jazz, Louisiana. Now the leader of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert house band Stay Human...

Pianist and bandleader Jon Batiste hails from the cradle of jazz, Louisiana. Now the leader of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert house band Stay Human, he has collaborated with Harry Connick Jr., Allen Toussaint, Cassandra Wilson, and the Marsalis family. On this Piano Jazz session from 2011, guest hosted by Jon Weber, Batiste sings “What a Wonderful World” and joins Weber for a duet of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” News Stations: Sat, Feb 13, 8 pm | Classical Stations: Sun, Feb 14, 6 pm

One of the rare jazz discoveries of her generation, Eden Atwood has a voice that has been described as beautiful and refreshing. The daughter of arranger-composer Hub Atwood, she studied piano as a child and went on to have a performing career in New York and beyond. She has released several studio albums and tours regularly. On this Piano Jazz from 1996, Atwood and McPartland duet on “Old Devil Moon.” News Stations: Sat, Feb 6, 8 pm | Classical Stations: Sun, Feb 7, 7 pm

One of the rare jazz discoveries of her generation, Eden Atwood has a voice that has been described as beautiful and refreshing. The daughter of arrang...