Tagged: Brian Clardy

One of the great music innovators in the second half of the Twentieth Century, and the formative years of the Twenty-First, was the Chicago based iconic artist Franz Jackson. Having performed with Fletcher Henderson, Billie Holiday, and Duke Ellington (as well as being a leader on several recordings), Jackson brought energy, excitement, and soul to his music. As such, Jackson was one of the great pioneers of American jazz. History professor and host of Café Jazz, Dr. Brian Clardy spoke with his daughter, Michelle Jackson-Jewell in a telephone interview. Listen to the full interview above. See more at franzjackson.com, including how to purchase his new album, "Milestone."

Classically trained vocalist Solitaire Miles has the range and sound that echoes the musings of jazz singer Anita O'Day and Ella Fitzgerald, and opera singer Fredericka Van Staad. Her brilliantly recorded albums Born To Be Blue and Melancholy reflect her complex ideas and multifaceted influences. But equally impressive are her paintings, one of which is of President Obama that was accepted by the White House. Café Jazz host and Department of History professor Dr. Brian Clardy spoke with her by telephone about her work and views on the future of jazz as an art form. A shortened version of this interview aired on Café Jazz Wednesday, March 13. The interview above is the longer, full version.

Chicago area pianist, composer, and band leader Kelly Brand has been on the music scene for well over a decade and a half entertaining jazz lovers with her innovative compositions and arrangements. Her original compositions, as well as her covers of musicians like Bobby Hutcherson, have enthralled listeners from the concert stage to her stellar recordings. Murray State History Professor and host of Café Jazz Dr. Brian Clardy spoke with her via telephone in an interview that was aired recently on the Wednesday night broadcast. Hear is the full interview. Discover more of her work at kellybrand.com.

Click here to download the mp3.

Recorded in December 2007

Since its creation in 1966, African Americans have celebrated their cultural heritage with the celebration of Kwanzaa, which derives from Swahili phrase meaning "First Fruits." Dr. Brian Clardy and Dr. Debbie Owens explain the origins of the week long celebration and the seven associated principles.