Jazz Inspired

We revisit Judy's 2008 conversation with stage and screen star, John Lithgow, who talks about his love for classic jazz, recording a jazz-inspired childrenâ??s record, and how improvisational acting influences even the most scripted performance.

New Orleans painter talks about how growing up in the south and experiencing jazz has influenced his painting â?? from his â??Blue Dogâ?? portraits to his posters for â??Jazz Fest."

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.

Judy turns the tables on Marian (Marian interviewed Judy years ago) and talks with Marian about her adventures during WWII playing for the troops and meeting Jimmy McPartland during this period and how it all influenced her music and career.

Film maker "Huey" discusses his documentary about pianist Marian McPartland, which is part of his series of films about fascinating older artists.

Part 2 of 2: Tony Bennett talks about his long career, early inspirations, iconic sessions with Bill Evans and his recent Grammy-winning â??Duets IIâ?? 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 â??Best Traditional Pop Vocal Albumâ?? as well as the Grammy for â??Best Pop Duo/Group Performanceâ?? for his duet, â??Body and Soulâ?? 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 â??Duets IIâ?? 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 â??Best Traditional Pop Vocal Albumâ?? as well as the Grammy for â??Best Pop Duo/Group Performanceâ?? for his duet, â??Body and Soulâ?? with Amy Winehouse.

Seth MacFarlane, "Family Guy" creator, met with Judy in Hollywood (well, not really, but close by) to talk about his new CD and his favorite jazz recordings. Stewie and Peter dropped by to add their thoughts as well. Brian brought the martinis.

Tony Award winning actress Blythe Danner joins Judy on stage at the Tanglewood Jazz Festival and connects with her early jazz roots. Blythe was a jazz singer in college and discusses with Judy how jazz has continued to influence her acting career.

Judy Carmichael interviews Sandy Stewart

Béla Fleck is often considered the premier banjo player in the world. Judy talks with him about his musical interests from bluegrass to bebop, and what he learned about process working with Chick Corea.

Bassist Pat O'Leary has helped some of the best musicians in jazz swing like mad: Diana Krall, Bob Dorough, Lionel Hampton, Mel Lewis and others. O'Leary is also a composer and passionate teacher and talked to Judy about a fascinating project in Serbia where he combined his talents, working with students and professionals to present his arrangements of Serbian folk songs as reborn jazz orchestrations.

Pianist Conal Fowkes discusses his long participation in Woody Allen's jazz band and his recent part doing the vocals and piano work of the Cole Porter character in Woody's film Midnight in Paris.

Judy Carmichael interviews Ron Jones.

Australian documentary filmaker and jazz singer discusses her film Intangible Asset Number 82, a film about one musicianâ??s journey to find the Korean musician who has inspired him, a drummer designated by Korea as Intangible Asset Number 82.