Best Nat Adderley Podcasts (2025)

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Ralph Johnson’s JazzScape Journey: From Blue Note Legends to Modern Icons 1:53:57

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9d ago1:53:57

1:53:57

Step into another immersive journey through the JazzScape with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Kennedy Center honoree, and seven-time Grammy Award winner Ralph Johnson. In this edition of Jazz Epicenter 6.7, Ralph guides listeners through a curated blend of classic jazz from the 1960s and 1970s, spotlighting the legendary artists, albums, and de…

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Dave Brubeck & Paul Desmond (Round 2) 24:17

8d ago24:17

24:17

Pianist Dave Brubeck (born December 6, 1920) and saxophonist Paul Desmond (born November 25, 1924), along with bassist Eugene Wright and drummer Joe Morello, formed one of the most popular jazz quartets ever assembled. They were responsible for over 60 albums, and Desmond’s composition “Take Five” became the biggest selling jazz single of all time …

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Episode 122 - Rhythms, Reverence, and the Jazz Scape 1:56:01

16d ago1:56:01

1:56:01

Jazz Epicenter 6.7 – Episode 122 is a deep-dive into the golden era of classic jazz, guided by host Ralph Johnson, seven-time GRAMMY Award winner and founding member of Earth, Wind & Fire. This episode explores iconic recordings, influential jazz artists, and historic moments that shaped the sound of the 60s, 70s, and beyond. Ralph begins with a po…

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Billy Strayhorn (Round 2) 24:28

14d ago24:28

24:28

While often overshadowed by his association with his longtime employer and collaborator Duke Ellington, composer/arranger and pianist Billy Strayhorn (born November 29, 1915) was no less a genius in his own right. In a life cut short by cancer at the age of 51, he produced a huge catalog of original music, all of it bearing his unique harmonic and …

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Episode 121 - Elegant People: A Journey Through the Jazz Scape 1:54:07

23d ago1:54:07

1:54:07

On this episode of Jazz Epicenter 6.7, Ralph Johnson guides listeners on another soulful voyage through the “Jazz Scape”—a place without landmarks, where the destination is found in the music. Broadcasting from Los Angeles, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and seven-time Grammy Award winner spins timeless classics from Freddie Hubbard’s First Light …

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Hoagy Carmichael 21:40

20d ago21:40

21:40

Songwriter Hoagy Carmichael (born November 22, 1899) is one of the best-loved and most prolific of the Great American Songbook composers. He is responsible for several hundred songs, including fifty that achieved hit record status. His timeless compositions, Stardust, Georgia on my Mind, Skylark, I Get Along Without You Very Well, The Nearness of Y…

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Phil Woods (Round 2) 23:25

1M ago23:25

23:25

Saxophonist Phil Woods (born November 2, 1931) was much more than just another alto saxophonist who followed in the footsteps of the great Charlie Parker. Throughout his career, he carved his own path, continuing to develop his own voice on the instrument, as well as his voice as a prolific composer. He delved into the avant-guarde with his group '…

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Clifford Brown 25:02

1M ago25:02

25:02

Before his life was tragically ended by an automobile accident at the age of 25, trumpeter Clifford Brown (born October 30, 1930) set the jazz world ablaze with his seemingly effortless mastery of his instrument and incendiary playing. His trailblazing quintet with drummer Max Roach and saxophonists Sonny Rollins, and later, Harold Land, set the st…

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Charlie Parker & Dizzy Gillespie 18:11

1M ago18:11

18:11

Saxophonist Charlie “Yardbird” Parker (born August 29, 1920) and trumpeter John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie (born October 21, 1917) together revolutionized jazz music with their harmonic and rhythmic innovations. Both virtuosos on their respective instruments, they basically set the standard for others to aspire to. While Parker’s life was cut short by…

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Episode 120 Horns, Voices, and Vibes: A Return to Paradise 1:54:02

2M ago1:54:02

1:54:02

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Kennedy Center honoree, and seven-time GRAMMY winner Ralph Johnson guides you into the “jazz scape” on Jazz Epicenter 6.7—the finest in jazz from the ’60s and ’70s (and more). This hour glides from the Jazz Crusaders’ Lighthouse ’68 take on “Eleanor Rigby” to Quincy Jones’ swaggering “Killer Joe,” Miles Davis live…

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Thelonious Monk (Round 2) 24:53

2M ago24:53

24:53

Pianist / composer Thelonius Sphere Monk (born October 10, 1917), often referred to as the 'High Priest of Bebop', was one of the founders of the musical movement, alongside Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie at Minton’s Playhouse in Harlem. His idiosyncratic piano style and compositions are so distinctive as to be immediately identifiable as compl…

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Bill Evans (Round 2) 28:52

2M ago28:52

28:52

Pianist/composer Bill Evans (born August 16, 1929) remains one of the most influential jazz pianists to this day, some 45 years after his death. His introspective, impressionistic use of harmony, and his unique touch and piano sound have shaped the concept of all players who have come after him. He produced an enormous body of work: over 50 albums …

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Episode 119 - From Big Band to Brazil: A Journey Through the Jazz Scape 1:53:57

2M ago1:53:57

1:53:57

In this episode of Jazz Epicenter 6.7, host Ralph Johnson guides listeners through a timeless journey across the jazz landscape. From the swinging power of Joe Henderson’s Big Band to the smooth keyboard work of Bob James, the fiery Latin stylings of Chucho Valdés, and the soulful vocals of Kathy Cousins, the show highlights the richness of jazz in…

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Nat and Cannonball Adderley 30:17

2M ago30:17

30:17

Saxophonist Julian “Cannonball” Adderley (born September 15, 1928) and his cornet-playing brother Nat (born November 25, 1931) co-led a popular jazz combo for many years in the 1960s and 70s. While Nat composed much of the music for the group, Cannonball’s galvanic, pyrotechnic alto saxophone playing was the big draw. Indeed, from the time he arriv…

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Episode 118 - Ramsey, Freddie, and Wes: Masters of the Jazz Epicenter 1:54:04

2M ago1:54:04

1:54:04

On this week’s Jazz Epicenter 6.7, Ralph Johnson guides listeners on another unforgettable trip into the “Jazz Scape,” where the sounds of the past still resonate with power and soul. Featuring the timeless artistry of Ramsey Lewis, Freddie Hubbard, Eddie Harris, and Al Jarreau, the set moves seamlessly through classics from Earth, Wind & Fire, Don…

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The Spiritual Force of John Coltrane 29:07

2M ago29:07

29:07

Saxophonist and composer John Coltrane (born September 23, 1926) remains one of the most revered and influential musicians of all time across genres. The spiritual force of his music speaks to people who aren’t even jazz aficionados, but has been an overwhelming influence on all of us who play this music to this day. And don't forget ... St. Michae…

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Episode 117 - From Mr. Clean to So What: A Night of Jazz Legends" 1:54:06

3M ago1:54:06

1:54:06

Ralph Johnson curates a stellar lineup of jazz gems, opening with Freddie Hubbard’s 1971 CTI classic “Mr. Clean” alongside Joe Henderson, Herbie Hancock, and George Benson. The journey continues with Herbie Hancock’s “Butterfly,” Donald Byrd’s “Fancy Free,” John Lucien’s “Lady Love,” and Luther Vandross interpreting Stevie Wonder’s “Creepin’.” List…

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Kenny Dorham 23:55

2M ago23:55

23:55

Trumpeter / composer Kenny Dorham (born August 30, 1924) is hardly a household name, but one would be hard pressed to name a musician held in as high regard by other jazz musicians. He played at a consistently high level throughout a career that included stints with Charlie Parker, Max Roach, Art Blakey, Joe Henderson to name just a few, and myriad…

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Sonny Rollins' 95th Birthday 27:12

3M ago27:12

27:12

Saxophonist Sonny Rollins turns 95 this Sunday, and the Jazz Evensong Quintet honors this milestone by programming an afternoon of his compositions. Widely recognized as the greatest improviser of all time, his well of inspiration sometimes seems bottomless, and he refuses to fall back on licks and patterns on the rare occasion when he feels less t…

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Episode 116: Legends, Grooves, and Timeless Vibes 1:55:44

3M ago1:55:44

1:55:44

Join host Ralph Johnson for another rich journey through the timeless sounds of the Jazz Epicenter 6.7, where the finest jazz from the ’60s, ’70s, and beyond comes alive. In this two-hour set, Ralph spins an eclectic mix featuring legends like Mongo Santamaria’s funky take on James Brown’s “Cold Sweat,” Buddy Rich’s driving “Sister Sadie,” and the …

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Jerome Kern 25:30

3M ago25:30

25:30

Jerome Kern (born January 27, 1885) was one of the most beloved and prolific of the Great American Songbook composers. While he wasn’t especially fond of jazz music himself, many of his compositions have been embraced by jazz musicians because of their strong, original harmonic and melodic content. Plus ... St. Michael’s Jazz Fest returns for a sec…

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Episode 115 - Timeless Grooves with Ralph Johnson 1:55:29

3M ago1:55:29

1:55:29

Join Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Kennedy Center honoree, and seven-time GRAMMY Award winner Ralph Johnson for an unforgettable journey through the finest jazz from the 60s, 70s, and beyond. In this episode, Ralph guides listeners through an eclectic jazz soundscape featuring electrifying performances by Eddie Harris, Freddie Hubbard, Connie Han, a…

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Wayne Shorter (Round 2) 21:30

3M ago21:30

21:30

Saxophonist / composer Wayne Shorter (born August 25, 1933) has cast an oversized shadow on jazz since he joined Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers in 1959. Soon becoming the primary composer for that group, and upon joining Miles Davis’ second great quintet in 1964, he soon filled that role with Miles as well. In 1970, he co-founded the jazz fusion grou…

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Duke Pearson 22:38

4M ago22:38

22:38

Pianist, composer, and producer Duke Pearson (born August 17, 1932) is hardly a household name, but his influence on jazz music is far out of proportion to his personal fame. In addition to his compositions like "Jeanine" being accepted as jazz standards, his behind-the-scenes work as producer and arranger on a plethora of Blue Note records contrib…

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What Makes A Good Jazz Tune? 24:25

4M ago24:25

24:25

Occasionally, jazz musicians are asked to play certain requests that don’t really fit into our stylistic framework. Today, we’re going to make an effort to explain why that is. Some tunes not originally intended to be played in a jazz style fit easily into one, and some don’t, and we’ll try to explain why that is.…

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Freddie Hubbard 19:28

4M ago19:28

19:28

Trumpeter Freddie Hubbard (born April 7, 1938) was one of the most gifted and technically proficient of any of the jazz trumpet players of his generation. His fiery, athletic, harmonically rich, seemingly effortless style influenced virtually all trumpet players who came after him. Serving his apprenticeship with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, his c…

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Mercy, Mood & Motion: A Jazz Journey with Ralph Johnson 1:55:47

4M ago1:55:47

1:55:47

On this episode of Jazz Epicenter 6.7, Ralph Johnson—Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Earth, Wind & Fire percussionist—guides you through a rich sonic voyage across the jazzscape. From the smooth piano magic of Chick Corea to the soulful resonance of Cannonball Adderley’s Mercy, Mercy, Mercy, this show taps into the raw emotion and technical brillia…

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Lee Morgan (Round 2) 24:53

4M ago24:53

24:53

Trumpeter/composer Lee Morgan (born July 10, 1938) first rose to national prominence as a teenager with Dizzy Gillespie’s big band. Becoming one of the most prominent hard bop trumpet soloists, he spent years with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, eschewing forming his own bands even as he issued numerous recordings as a leader in his own right. His re…

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Soulful Transitions: From Coltrane to the Cosmos 1:55:35

4M ago1:55:35

1:55:35

Step into the second half of 2025 with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Ralph Johnson as Jazz Epicenter 6.7 continues its journey through the timeless Jazzscape. In Episode 112, Ralph blends the fire of Miles Davis and Art Blakey with the smooth stylings of Eliane Elias, Chaka Khan, Candice Springs, Minnie Riperton, and John Lucien. You'll hear iconic cut…

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Hank Mobley (Round 2) 23:06

5M ago23:06

23:06

Tenor saxophonist/composer Hank Mobley (born July 7, 1930) has been described as one of the most underrated musicians of the bop era. Even though his career included stints with Miles Davis, Max Roach, Horace Silver and recordings with most of the greatest players of his generation, addiction and poor health adversely affected his life, leading to …

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A Fourth of July Journey Through the Golden Era 1:55:33

4M ago1:55:33

1:55:33

Celebrate Independence Day with Ralph Johnson on this soulful ride through the Jazzscape. In this episode of Jazz Epicenter 6.7, Ralph spins classics from the 60s and 70s and takes us on a musical journey with legends like Gerald Wilson, McCoy Tyner, Donny Hathaway, Bob James, Regina Belle, Pat Metheny, West Montgomery, and Stanley Turrentine. Reco…

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Hollywood Bowl Countdown and Timeless Jazz 1:55:45

4M ago1:55:45

1:55:45

Ralph previews Earth, Wind & Fire’s upcoming Hollywood Bowl shows, then launches into classics like Freddie Hubbard’s "Skydive," Cannonball Adderley’s "Jeannine," and Brenda Russell’s "Hello People." Charles Earland, Astrud Gilberto, and Herbie Hancock wrap the session with timeless depth.By Ralph Johnson

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From Leimert Park to Cosmic Love 1:57:45

4M ago1:57:45

1:57:45

With stops in LA’s Leimert Park and deep dives into spiritual and sensual grooves, this episode blends Billy Childs, Eddie Harris, Minnie Riperton’s "Inside My Love," and Connie Han’s "Wild Rose Goddess" into an atmospheric exploration of love and self-discovery.By Ralph Johnson

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Back from St. Lucia A Jazz Celebration 1:55:46

4M ago1:55:46

1:55:46

Fresh off the St. Lucia Jazz Festival, Ralph returns with energy and elegance. Highlights include Joe Henderson’s "Mode for Joe," Bill Evans’ "Woody ’n You," and Diana Krall’s "The Look of Love." A lush, lyrical episode that captures jazz’s romantic side.By Ralph Johnson

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Jazz Duos and Love Grooves 1:55:54

4M ago1:55:54

1:55:54

Jimmy Smith & Wes Montgomery’s "Down by the Riverside" leads this journey of collaboration and groove. Paul Desmond covers Simon & Garfunkel, Chaka Khan stuns with "I’ll Be Around," and Bob James delivers a classic fusion finale in "Sunrunner."By Ralph Johnson

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Big Band Fire, Soulful Flights, and Space Travelers 1:55:44

5M ago1:55:44

1:55:44

In this far-reaching episode, Ralph Johnson takes listeners from the fiery energy of Buddy Rich’s West Side Story Medley to the spiritual calm of James Vincent’s Space Traveler. Along the way, Freddie Hubbard blazes through Camel Rise, Donald Byrd embraces electric piano for the first time, and Regina Belle delivers a heartfelt ballad in You. The j…

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International Soul and Jazz Standards 1:55:48

4M ago1:55:48

1:55:48

Broadcasting from Japan, Ralph curates a global jazz tapestry featuring Freddie Hubbard’s "Skydive," Terrence Blanchard’s "Footprints," and Carmen McRae’s "I Thought About You." Gerald Wilson, Gil Scott-Heron, and a soulful close with "Come With Me" complete a heartfelt and worldly session.By Ralph Johnson

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Heartfelt Standards and Studio Legends 1:55:49

4M ago1:55:49

1:55:49

Ralph opens Episode 104 with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and keeps the energy high with Jeff Lorber, Herbie Mann, and Diane Schuur. A romantic core shines through with Burt Bacharach classics performed by Ron Isley and Earth, Wind & Fire’s Maurice White.By Ralph Johnson

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Big Band Brilliance and Romantic Ballads 1:55:47

4M ago1:55:47

1:55:47

Gerald Wilson’s "California Soul," Miles Davis’s "Seven Steps to Heaven," and Joe Henderson’s "Isotope" set the stage. Ralph weaves classic big band energy with intimate vocals from Dianne Reeves and Boz Scaggs, rounding out a dynamic episode that celebrates both power and tenderness in jazz.By Ralph Johnson

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Genuine Vibes and Global Sunshine 1:55:58

4M ago1:55:58

1:55:58

Episode 102 opens with a tribute to peace and JFK before diving into Freddie Hubbard’s "Skydive" and Stanley Turrentine’s take on "Impressions." Ralph brings warmth and wanderlust through breezy global grooves and lush vocal jazz, including Kim’s sunny anthem "Live Just for the Sun."By Ralph Johnson

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Jazz Epicenter Episode 101 1:55:46

4M ago1:55:46

1:55:46

Ralph Johnson kicks off Jazz Epicenter with a powerful lineup including Michael Brecker’s "African Skies," Wayne Shorter's "Speak No Evil," and a soulful take on "Compared to What" by Terence Blanchard featuring PJ Morton. A seamless journey through iconic jazz compositions that span decades of excellence.…

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Epicenter is 100 Episodes Old 1:55:50

4M ago1:55:50

1:55:50

By Ralph Johnson

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Kurt Weill & Vernon Duke 32:45

5M ago32:45

32:45

Kurt Weill (born March 2, 1900) and Vernon Duke (born Vladimir Dukelsky, October 10, 1903) were both European born composers who composed “serious” concert music before emigrating to the United States and becoming two of the greatest exponents of American popular song. Kurt Weill felt strongly that music should have a political point of view, his "…

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Chick Corea (Round 2) 17:30

5M ago17:30

17:30

Pianist/composer Chick Corea (born June 12, 1941) is widely considered one of the most important pianists of the post Coltrane era. A prolific composer, a great many of his tunes have become jazz standards as well. His association with Miles Davis in the 1960’s lead to the birth of jazz fusion, and his various groups remained on the cutting edge of…

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Cole Porter (Round 2) 24:21

5M ago24:21

24:21

Composer Cole Porter (born June 9, 1891) was something of an anomaly among songwriters of the Tin Pan Alley era. Born to an affluent Indiana family, songwriting was initially just a hobby for him, but he soon parlayed his gift for penning witty urbane lyrics and totally original melodies and harmonies into one of the most important creative voices …

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Tom Harrell (Round 2) 26:18

5M ago26:18

26:18

Trumpeter, flugelhornist, composer/arranger Tom Harrell (born June 16, 1946) has been critically acclaimed for most of his career. Starting as a sideman with Woody Herman, Horace Silver and Phil Woods, he has gone on to lead his own groups and record wonderful original music on dozens of recordings. His prolific creative output is made even more as…

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Arthur Schwartz 26:35

5M ago26:35

26:35

Songwriter Arthur Schwartz(born Nov 25, 1900) was trained as a lawyer, but encouraged by friends George Gershwin and Lorenz Hart, soon abandoned that career and became a successful popular songwriter. His tunes are featured in several Broadway shows, and many of his tunes are favorite vehicles for jazz musicians due to their interesting harmonic st…

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Gerry Mulligan 31:40

6M ago31:40

31:40

Gerry Mulligan (born April 6, 1927) is possibly the best known baritone saxophonist in jazz, but he has also recorded on soprano and tenor saxophones, clarinet and piano. He is a prolific composer and arranger, contributing scores to the Miles Davis Birth of the Cool nonet, the Claude Thornhill and Stan Kenton bands, and his own Concert Jazz Band i…

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Jackie McLean (Round 2) 22:31

6M ago22:31

22:31

John Lenwood “Jackie” McClean (born May 17, 1931) grew up in the same neighborhood in Harlem that was home to Sonny Rollins, Bud Powell and Thelonius Monk, and soon fell under the sway of the Bebop Revolution, particularly as espoused by Charlie Parker. Throughout his career, Jackie kept his ears open to new developments in the music, while still r…