Night Lights Classic Jazz

Why Jazz Happened, With Marc Myers

David Brent Johnson — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:59:15 +0000

JazzWax blogger and Wall Street Journal music writer Marc Myers discusses his book about how cultural, economic, and social forces shaped the sound of jazz.

Freddie Hubbard: The CTI Years

David Brent Johnson — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 12:37:50 +0000

In the early 1970s trumpeter Freddie Hubbard made a series of records for the CTI label that combined hardbop, funk, modality, and 70s groove.

Jazz Women Of The 1940s

David Brent Johnson — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 18:42:27 +0000

Women instrumentalists thrived in the upside-down jazz world of wartime America.

The Jazz Standards, With Ted Gioia

David Brent Johnson — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 00:45:39 +0000

Jazz historian Ted Gioia joins Night Lights this week to talk about his latest book.

Best Historical Releases Of 2012

David Brent Johnson — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 15:48:05 +0000

Our annual, highly-subjective roundup of classic-jazz favorites.

Have Yourself a Very Quiet Christmas

David Brent Johnson — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 23:44:17 +0000

Night Lights pays tribute to the holidays in the mellowest of moods.

Brubeck Time

David Brent Johnson — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 18:15:08 +0000

Much time out across the jazz world and beyond for Mr. Brubeck.

Birth Of The Cool, Birth Of The School

David Brent Johnson — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 20:55:49 +0000

Indiana's impact on a seminal early Miles Davis record, the sound of West Coast jazz, and the rise of jazz education.

A National Road Of Song: Indiana Singing Groups And Songwriters

David Brent Johnson — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 18:20:54 +0000

Many influential and significant jazz artists have come out of the state of Indiana… but the Hoosier heartland has also produced several notable songwriters and vocal groups as well, including Cole Porter, Hoagy Carmichael, the Four Freshmen, and the Ink Spots.

Indiana Avenue: Black Boulevard Of Jazz

David Brent Johnson — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:39:26 +0000

Exploring the lost world of 20th century Indianapolis jazz and the ways in which its musical influence continues to reverberate throughout today's jazz scene.