In the Groove, Jazz and Beyond

Host Ken Laster curates a tribute to 1970s jazz rock fusion, featuring tracks from Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Frank Zappa, Shunzo Ono, Miles Davis, and a cross-cultural project with John McLaughlin, while honoring the late bassist Paul Jackson.

This episode segment introduces an eclectic mix of jazz music, featuring a new release by vocalist Kurt Elling with the WDR Big Band, performing a Wayne Shorter composition.

Ken Laster hosts a post-Thanksgiving jazz show, playing Jimmy Green's 'Give Thanks' from the album 'Mission Statement' as a thematic follow-up to last week's 'Stuffy Turkey' by Thelonious Monk.

This segment discusses the life and career of jazz drummer Jack D.

This episode segment introduces and begins playing Chick Corea's Electric Band track 'Trance Dance' from the album 'The Future Is Now', featuring his band members, with plans to follow with solo piano from 'Forever Yours'.

The host introduces a two-part show focusing on favorite jazz releases from 2025 and tributes to artists who passed away, starting with Joe Farnsworth's album featuring a sextet of musicians.

The host introduces a holiday jazz set featuring solo renditions of Christmas tunes by Chris Potter and Marian McPartland.

This episode segment introduces a jazz show focusing on contemporary masters and new artists, starting with tenor saxophonists Joshua Redman, Chris Potter, and Noah Preminger.

The host introduces a new jazz track by the group Out Of Slash Into, featuring notable musicians and a composition by Gerald Clayton.

This episode segment introduces a Stevie Wonder jazz covers special, focusing on the song 'Too High' performed by Joe Farrell and other musicians.

The host introduces a jazz show themed around autumn and Thanksgiving, featuring Ahmad Jamal's version of 'Autumn Leaves' and a Thelonious Monk composition.

The episode introduces a cover of the classic jazz composition 'Take Five' by Paul Desmond, performed by Stanley Clark, Patrice Russian, and Leon Ndugu Chancellor from their 2006 album 'Standards', highlighting its distinctive 5-4 time signature.

The host introduces a Valentine's Day-themed jazz show starting with Diana Reeves' version of 'My Funny Valentine'.

This episode segment introduces a jazz podcast on opening day for the San Diego Padres, featuring Joey DeFrancesco's version of 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame'.

The host introduces an episode featuring pianist George Colligan's recent album with a tribute to drummer Jack DeJeanette, highlighting their jazz performance and style.

Ken Laster introduces a segment about a fundraiser for Gilbert Castellanos' Young Lions Jazz Conservatory, featuring performances by notable musicians and highlighting Castellanos' latest album with conservatory alumni.

This segment introduces the San Diego-Tijuana Jazz Festival and features a performance of James Moody's composition 'Darbin and the Red Fox' from the festival.

Host Ken Laster continues his 2025 jazz retrospective, focusing on regional artists from San Diego and Hartford, Connecticut, while sharing his experience at the Detroit Jazz Festival.

This episode explores how jazz artists canceled Kennedy Center performances to protest President Trump firing the board and renaming the venue, featuring protest music from Chuck Redd, The Cookers, Bela Fleck, and historical connections to John Coltrane's 'Alabama'.

Host Ken Laster creates a tribute episode highlighting jazz artists from Minneapolis and St.

Host Ken Laster presents a jazz music program featuring recent releases from 2025 and earlier, highlighting artists connected to the University of Hartford and exploring cross-coast musical collaborations.

The host introduces a jazz classic by trumpeter Lee Morgan from his 1964 album 'Search for the New Land', including historical context about his death.

Host Ken Laster presents an exclusive showcase of brand new jazz releases from late 2025 and 2026, featuring emerging artists like Brandon Sanders and established legends like Pat Metheny.