Jazz Inspired

We revisit my conversation with magician, actor and side-show specialist Todd Robbins, one of the most unusual entertainers in the business. Todd discusses his musical work with Woody Allen, his passion for early jazz, and how he utilizes these interests in his magic shows.

Cabaret star Steve Ross was one of my early guests on Jazz Inspired and is not only a close pal but a frequent musical collaborator. We revisit this hilarious conversation (Steve's one of the funniest people I know) about his long career and how the greats, Cole Porter, Noel Coward and others, continue to inspire him.

I talked with pianist/vocalist Billy Stritch fresh from his participation in the 2013 Bobby Short tribute at Jazz at Lincoln Center and discussed how Bobby, Liza and other greats have informed and shaped his music and career.

Multi-Emmy and Grammy winner, composer/pianist Mike Renzi discusses his work as Music Director for Sesame Street, Mel Tormé, Peggy Lee, Liza and numerous others and reveals what continues to thrill and inspire him about jazz.

We revisit my conversation with vocalist/saxophonist Curtis Stigers, where we discuss his former life as a pop musician (appearing on the soundtrack of "The Bodyguard") and contrast that to his present life as a jazz musician.

We revisit Judy's 2006 conversation with singer, radio personality and Sinatra authority Jonathan Schwartz, who talks about his early years in radio and growing up with his famous father, composer Arthur Schwartz.

French singer Mina Agossi draws on opera, hip hop and jazz to create her unique approach to the Great American Songbook.

Pianist/composer talks about his work for Woody Allen and early TV.

Author, educator and classical and jazz pianist Stuart Isacoff explains how the openness and improvisation of jazz has affected his writing and other creative endeavors.

"I think Iâ??m the only Chinese/American Big Band Leader in the country," says George Gee, and a more enthusiastic proponent of this music cannot be found. George discusses keeping this music alive and the great advice he got from his mentor Count Basie.

Trumpet man Wayne Bergeron is known for his amazing high notes and studio work, and making everyone else sound great. In Judy's 2007 discussion with Wayne he revealed what it was like to finally record under his own name and receive a Grammy nomination for his efforts.

Trombone virtuoso talks about the influence his trombone-playing father Bill Allred had on him growing up and what it takes to be a great player in every setting.

Even Simon Cowell was wowed by vocalist Melinda Doolittle, on the sixth season of American Idol, and although he said she should have won, she placed third in the competition. Melinda discusses what her music education and career as a back up singer brings to the solo career she enjoys now.

Interior designer and jazz vocalist Andrew Suvalski discusses combining two full-time careers and how the two inspire each other.

Chicago pianist Jon Weber talks about his jingle writing years, his love for every kind of jazz from the early days to the present, and what his recent move to NYC has done for his playing.