Jazz

Juan-Carlos Formell participated in a multi-artist showcase at SOB's — home to Brazilian and Latin music in New York — a few years ago. Between a couple of amped-up bands, he took the stage alone (as I recall) and sang in Spanish, accompanying himself on guitar. His voice had urgency to it, and there was an irresistible engine inside that guitar. Ever since, I've wanted to hear and know more.

April Schedule of Events

April has been designated as Jazz Appreciation Month and Public Radio Music Month. WVAS-FM has scheduled several special features to air throughout the month.

On April 12th tune in for a one hour special saluting Herbie Hancock on his birthday during Jazz at Nite.

Friday, April 13th has been designated as Jazz Day In America. Join WVAS-FM for a very lunchtime concert featuring Jilla Webb and Kurt McKinney with special guests The E.D. Nixon Elementary School Choir broadcast live from 12:00 until 1:00PM .

Gil Scott Heron was born on April 1, 1949. Join Milton Shirdan on Bill Boynton's SwingTown this Sunday afternoon for a musical salute to Gil Scott Heron on his birthday.

The pioneering pianist Thelonious Monk left behind a treasure trove of compositions. Onstage at the KC Jazz Club at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., a current jazz treasure is here to play some of the best. Benny Green is on piano with Peter Washington on bass and Kenny Washington on drums.

Sarah Vaughan was born on March 27, 1924. Join Milton Shirdan on Jazz at Nite this Tuesday evening during the 9:00 hour for a musical salute to Sarah Vaughan on her birthday.

Only on your station for Jazz, Blues, News and Views.

JazzSet returns to the 2011 Newport Jazz Festival for performances from two complementary bandleaders on the main Fort Adams stage: violinist Regina Carter and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis.

Regina Carter started playing violin as a 4-year-old Suzuki method student in Detroit, and later played in school and community orchestras. After attending the New England Conservatory of Music, she chose jazz as her primary direction. JazzSet first presented her from the 1995 Telluride Jazz Festival — on a stage in the mountains, playing into the open air.