Judy Carmichael's 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

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 Larry Coryell

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.

UPDATED 1/20/2018 - 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.

Judy Carmichael interviews Jonathan Schwartz

UPDATED 11/11/17 - After years away from performing because of vocal cord issues, Steven is back with his new big band CD, The Way You Look Tonight a throwback to the Sinatra days of swinging arrangements of the standards.

Canadian vocalist Amy Cervini discusses her combining jazz and country music on her CD â??Jazz Countryâ?? and the fun she has with her female vocal trio Duchess and the different dynamic of singing with women vs. men.

TV, radio and film composer talks about working with Steve Allen, Peggy Lee, Carly Simon and others and writing for everything from soap operas to stage productions.

Jane Monheitâ??s longtime bassist, Neal Miner, has worked in many settings but especially enjoys playing with vocalists. His father, Bill Miner, was a jazz collector of the highest order. Neal discusses the influence Bill had on shaping his love of jazz and his desire to pursue a music career.

UPDATED 12/16/17 - Pianist Tardo Hammer discusses his work with Annie Ross, Jon Hendricks and others and his new CD, â??Simple Pleasures."

West End and UK theater actor, pianist, and vocalist Ben Stock talks about his many inspirations from Noel Coward and Tom Lehrer to John Coltrane and Artie Shaw!

UPDATED 12/23/17 - Bassist/composer David Finck discusses his collaborations with everyone from Tony Bennett and Aretha Franklin to Rosemary Clooney and Dizzy Gillespie. He sings occasionally too, which is shown to advantage on his newest CD â??Low Standards."

Filmmaker and design consultant discusses the influence his grandparents, design icons Charles and Ray Eames, have had on his work.

Composer/arranger/pianist talks about writing "Here's to Life" for the classic Shirley Horn recording, as well as his pop hits for Barry Manilow ("Copacabana") and others.

Banjoist Bela Fleck has collaborated with the top musicians in every style of music and has the 16 Grammys to prove it.

UPDATED 10/28/17 - Part 2 of 2: Clarinetist/saxophonist, Ken Peplowski had his first professional gig when still in elementary school and went on to play with everyone from Marianne Faithfull and Leon Redbone to Peggy Lee and Woody Allen. BBC2 says, â??Ken Peplowski is arguably the greatest living jazz clarinetist.â??

UPDATED 10/21/17 - Part 1 of 2: Clarinetist/saxophonist, Ken Peplowski had his first professional gig when still in elementary school and went on to play with everyone from Marianne Faithfull and Leon Redbone to Peggy Lee and Woody Allen. BBC2 says, â??Ken Peplowski is arguably the greatest living jazz clarinetist.â??