Jazz Inspired

New Orleans pianist Tom McDermott brings to life the many influences that fed the early musical scene in that most musical of cities. His original passion for ragtime came from his youth in St. Louis, but once in New Orleans, Tom put a scholarly zeal into studying his favorites-- James Booker, Professor Longhair and Dr. John, as well as into discovering the lesser-known musical gems that formed the sound of New Orleans.

Judy Carmichael interviews Dave Damiani

Celebrated Chicago based guitarist, Andy Brown discusses his love of solo playing, as well as his duo work with Howard Alden and his own band and why he left his native New York for the windy city.

Actor/magician/pianist Todd Robbins has spent decades specializing in arcane forms of popular entertainment. His inspirations range from his work at Coney Island and the Big Apple Circus to his stint as Woody Allenâ??s pianist. Todd discusses his current gig with Judy on the Investigation Discovery channel's new series True Nightmares. The series features Todd as the host telling bizarre true tales of murder and mayhem that all have a lovely ironic twist to them. (2nd interview)

Pianist/composer Mary Louise Knutson has performed with many jazz greats including Dizzy Gillespie, Bobby McFerrin, Dianne Reeves, Randy Brecker and was a finalist in the Kennedy Centerâ??s Mary Lou Williams Women In Jazz International Pianist Competition. She talks with Judy about making a living as a jazz musician in her native Minneapolis and what sheâ??s learned touring with Doc Severinsen.

Judy Carmichael interviews John Boutte

Judy Carmichael interviews Larry Coryell

Judy Carmichael interviews Don Vappie

Guitarist Greg Ruggiero grew up in New Mexico with swing-dancing parents who encouraged him to listen to the Great American Standards and classic jazz, something he initially resisted. Greg is now one of the most respected younger musicians on the scene and an enthusiastic proponent of the very music he initially avoided and talks to Judy about his journey from rock musician to jazz player.

Guitar legend Bucky Pizzarelli, talks about Eddie Lang, Dick McDonough, and others who influenced him, and what it takes to be a great rhythm guitarist.

Composer Miho Hazama graduated from Kunitachi College of Music in her native Japan with a bachelorâ??s degree in classical composition and went on to get her Masters in jazz composition from the Manhattan School of Music. Miho has won numerous awards and scholarships and has written jingles for television, although her passion is writing concert works. Now based in NYC, Miho continues to record and perform her compositions, which draw on not only her jazz and classical studies but on her wide range of musical influences.

Part 2 of 2: Tony Bennett talks about his long career, early inspirations, iconic sessions with Bill Evans and his recent Grammy-winning "Duets II" CD with an all-star cast: Lady Gaga, Michael Bublé, Amy Winehouse, John Mayer, k.d. lang, Aretha Franklin, Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, Queen Latifah, Norah Jones, Josh Groban, Natalie Cole, Andrea Bocelli, Faith Hill, Alejandro Sanz, Carrie Underwood, and Mariah Carey. Tony and his collaborators received the Grammy for "Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album" as well as the Grammy for "Best Pop Duo/Group Performance" for his duet, "Body and Soul" with Amy Winehouse.

Part 1 of 2: Tony Bennett talks about his long career, early inspirations, iconic sessions with Bill Evans and his recent Grammy-winning "Duets II" CD with an all-star cast: Lady Gaga, Michael Bublé, Amy Winehouse, John Mayer, k.d. lang, Aretha Franklin, Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, Queen Latifah, Norah Jones, Josh Groban, Natalie Cole, Andrea Bocelli, Faith Hill, Alejandro Sanz, Carrie Underwood, and Mariah Carey. Tony and his collaborators received the Grammy for "Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album" as well as the Grammy for "Best Pop Duo/Group Performance" for his duet, "Body and Soul" with Amy Winehouse.

Judy Carmichael interviews Jonathan Schwartz

After years away from performing because of vocal cord issues, Steven is back with his new big band CD, â??The Way You Look Tonightâ?? a throwback to the Sinatra days of swinging arrangements of the standards.