Autumn Equinox: Changes & Sounds of the Season
Reggie Morris Reggie Morris

Autumn Equinox: Changes & Sounds of the Season

As temperatures begin to dip and the leaves turn color, we celebrate the Autumnal Equinox with a soundtrack for the changing season. We hope for crisp air in Fall with Nina Simone’s plea, “Chilly Winds Don’t Blow,” and Sarah Vaughan’s take on Kurt Weill’s “September Song.” For the harvest, we spin Johnny Cash’s “Pickin’ Time.” And with shorter days and longer nights, it’s Ahmad Jamal playing “Old Devil Moon” and Van Morrison with “Moondance.” Plus, we pay tribute to the late Aretha Franklin, whose spirit prevails for all seasons, with memories from her Atlantic Records producer Jerry Wexler, studio musicians from Muscle Shoals, and her father, Reverend C.L. Franklin.

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Remembering Flaco Jiménez and Eddie Palmieri
Reggie Morris Reggie Morris

Remembering Flaco Jiménez and Eddie Palmieri

This week, we feel the Pan-Latin vibe and remember the late Flaco Jiménez and Eddie Palmieri. San Antonio native and king of the conjunto accordion, Jiménez recalls his father’s influence on his playing. And NuYorican jazz pianist Eddie Palmieri talks about reshaping Latin bands with his La Perfecta group in the early 1960s. Plus, hear how Latin music influenced American roots rock, jazz and even Cajun music.

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How Blue Can You Get?: Howard Tate and Lyle Lovett
Reggie Morris Reggie Morris

How Blue Can You Get?: Howard Tate and Lyle Lovett

When we asked Lyle Lovett why he didn’t stick with journalism, he said “It’s hard to sing the newspaper.” From blues to country to Texas swing, Lyle and his large band can tell some good stories, and they’re not all about penguins. We’ll hear all about it (and more) when we sit down in conversation. The late Howard Tate was a master of soulful singing, bringing his bluesy touch and deep meaning to such classics as “Get it While You Can” and “Ain’t Nobody Home.” We’ll talk about his life in Philadelphia’s gospel and soul scenes, and his path back to the stage.

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Piano People and More: Jason Moran & Heath Allen
Reggie Morris Reggie Morris

Piano People and More: Jason Moran & Heath Allen

Jazz pianist Jason Moran started out in Houston playing classical music, but found his way to jazz through Thelonious Monk. We’ll learn more about his adventures in the NYC jazz scene. Then a conversation and tour around the piano with Philadelphia cabaret player and creator Heath Allen, plus music from Fats Waller, Jerry Lee Lewis, Herbie Hancock, and Sweet Emma.

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