The Art of the Story

Sunny Sumter on the musical "crossroads" of D.C Jazz Fest

Willard Jenkins talks with D.C. Jazz Festival President and CEO Sunny Sumter about the origins of the festival and the musical "crossroads" it embodies and represents.

Joel Harrison and the inaugural Brooklyn Guitar Festival

Dave Popkin speaks with one of the key organizers of the inaugural Brooklyn Guitar Festival, musician Joel Harrison.

Warren Wolf: The Vibraphone Chose Him

Vibraphonist Warren Wolf is one of the most accomplished musicians of his generation, but he never planned on playing the instrument that would define his career. Raised in Baltimore by a father who insisted he study music, Wolf spent years practicing vibraphone, drums and piano before discovering the joy of performance and finding his own voice. Today, whether he's making groove-oriented records like Smooth Vibes or revisiting ambitious works like Chick Corea's Lyric Suite for Sextet, Wolf continues to follow a philosophy shaped by a lifetime of listening: keep an open mind, avoid musical boxes, and let the music speak for itself.

Vocalist Vuyo Sotashe's 'cosmic agreements'

South African vocalist Vuyo Sotashe talks about his new EP with Chris Pattishall, 'Invocation'

Lakecia Benjamin Dreams Out Loud

Saxophonist and bandleader Lakecia Benjamin has become one of the most dynamic voices in jazz. She tells Leo Sidran about one of her first professional experiences, and how the mentors, heroes, setbacks and aspirations that shaped her journey continue to inform her new album, We Dream.