Studio Session Shorts

From prodigy to Grammy nominee, guitarist Julian Lage opens up about his daily writing routine, stripped-down philosophy, and taking risks with his band.

As he makes his own way in jazz, trumpeter Jeremy Pelt mentors his young band and captures the stories of his musician peers in his book, Griot.

Trumpeter Keyon Harrold compares his love for musical storytelling and unique combination of jazz and hip-hop to beloved media from his youth.

Led by violinist Ranger Sciacca, Ranger and the Re-Arrangers are redefining European hot club jazz with an atypical lineup and nods to American jazz.

Jazz pianist Christian Sands explores his growth from child prodigy to Grammy-nominated bandleader as well as his connection to the legacy of pianist Errol Garner.

Rock and jazz drummer Barrett Martin traces his musical evolution from his family's player piano to grunge rock to jazz and global rhythms.

Jazz guitarist-vocalist Brian Nova reflects on his journey from a teenage rocker inspired by Herb Ellis to an in-demand sideman and bandleader.

From a San Diego garage to Hollywood films, soul jazz band The Greyboy Allstars look back on the makings of their signature laid-back sound.

Montreal-based vocalist Dominique Fils-Aimé blends jazz, soul, and blues to explore creative freedom and foster human connection.

Flugelhorn player Dmitri Matheny salutes the Pacific Northwest, his community, and his father on his 2022 album "Cascadia."

For 50 years, faith, friendship and fun have fueled the musical journey of award-winning a cappella group Take 6.

Pianist and composer Monty Alexander, now 82, discusses his Jamaican roots, his feel-good music, and the deep meaning behind his album "D-Day."

Six-piece New York band Sammy Miller and the Congregation blends early jazz inspiration with a modern mission to spread joy and make audiences feel good.

Seattle mallet percussionist Susan Pascal reflects on a diverse three-decade career and her work to source and restore vibraphones for school music programs.

Saxophonist Donny McCaslin shares his experience collaborating with David Bowie on his final album, detailing their initial meeting and covert recording process.

Jazz trumpeter Marquis Hill explores his connection to the jazz greats, his passion for education, and how his band Blacktet blends tradition with modern influences.

A talented "homebody" who spent years flying under the radar, vocalist Kenny Washington steps into the spotlight in his sixties.

Grammy-winning vocalist Kurt Elling and veteran pianist Joey Calderazzo have a knack for groundbreaking creativity, born from their palpable musical connection.

Seattle instrumental group Polyrhythmics discuss how their distinct jazz-funk and Afrobeat sound is shaped by a 'two-way street' with their fans.

Musician Roy McCurdy revisits his time in Cannonball Adderley's band and highlights a live recording of the saxophonist from Seattle’s historic jazz club, The Penthouse.

Five-time Grammy-winning bassist Victor Wooten shares his journey to becoming the 'spine of the band,' and his philosophy on music as a catalyst for growth and connection.

From Miles Davis influences to custom-built pedals, jazz cellist Jacob Szekely is pushing the cello beyond its traditional 300-year history.

Saxophonist Cliff Colon, keyboardist Jake Sele, and drummer D'Vonne Lewis create smooth, organ-led jazz arrangements of classic hits from Nirvana and Pearl Jam.

Alto saxophonist Vincent Herring heard jazz growing up, but he was more into pop music. With his Something Else! band, he blends the two styles into something fresh.

From St. Louis to Seattle, trumpeter Jun Iida follows in his koto-playing mother's footsteps, and turns a career change into a cross‑cultural musical journey.

Since welcoming pianist Orrin Evans to the group, The Bad Plus has embarked on an exciting musical journey that will come full circle during their farewell tour next year.

Grammy-winning composer and pianist Billy Childs draws inspiration from mentorship, and the 'alternate universes' various collaborations lend his projects.

With a name that serendipitously matches her career, vocalist Jazzmeia Horn feels she's living out her destiny, weaving together melody and emotion onstage.

After a near-fatal car accident, saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin channeled her recovery into creating the Grammy-nominated album Phoenix, a testament to her resilience.

Brought up in Seattle's grunge scene, multi-instrumentalist Jessica Lurie makes music that reflects boundless curiosity and a love for diverse musical traditions.

Since winning the prestigious Herbie Hancock Institute International Jazz competition in 2024, Chicago-born pianist Jahari Stampley continues to evolve as a pianist, composer and video game designer.

From ragtime roots to modern free jazz explorations, Spike Wilner's musical journey blossomed from mentorship and the permission to express his authentic musical self.

Guitarist Eric Krasno, drummer Stephen Moore, and organist Eric Finland celebrate women musicians across generations and musical genres on soulful record, 'Book of Queens.'

The Italian-born pianist, now living on Washington's Kitsap Peninsula, has found his musical home in the Pacific Northwest, where's he retired to focus on music-making.

In the KNKX studios in 2014, Carter explored her family heritage, uncovered early American field recordings, and highlighted how ancestry to shapes our lives today.

John Pizzarelli, skilled guitarist and vocalist, has collaborated with pop icons like James Taylor, blending timeless jazz standards and modern popular song.

A rebellious decision to ditch music school and tour with a saxophone legend was the catalyst for trumpeter Terell Stafford's illustrious career in jazz.

Leading harpist in jazz today, Brandee Younger, is carrying on trailblazer Dorothy Ashby's legacy as she ushers the tradition of jazz harp forward.

During two visits to the KNKX studios, the late Roy Hargrove shared his influences, a humbling bandstand moment, and an uncanny relationship he had with a Seattle piano.

Formed in 1973, The Headhunters have been jazz fusion pioneers for more than fifty years, blending improvisation with funk, rock, and world music sounds.

Jazz clarinetist Anat Cohen highlights her passion for choro, an emotive musical form that combines the musical traditions of indigenous Africans and Western Europeans living in Brazil.

Despite a comical mishap surrounding the Japanese release of his debut record, Larry Fuller has had a noteworthy jazz career as a sideman and trio leader.

In her mid 20s, saxophonist Grace Kelly landed the opportunity of a lifetime: To play in the live studio band for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Delvon Lamarr, leader of the Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio, started out as the drummer for Seattle organist Joe Doria. One night, he decided to try Doria's organ. It opened up a whole new world.

Hawaiian ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro strummed his way to international fame when a 2006 viral video catapulted him into the spotlight.

By passionately studying and preserving the legacy of jazz masters, pianist Emmet Cohen has honed his reverent, yet distinctive, musical voice.

From backup band to critically acclaimed quartet, Yellowjackets have been a vibrant force in contemporary jazz since the late '70s.

With a voice reminiscent of Billie Holiday and a string of successful albums, Madeleine Peyroux is an international sensation—who got her start on the streets of Paris.

The duo chatted about their friendship, close musical collaboration, and first meeting at a party at Sergio Mendez's house during a 2015 KNKX studios appearance.

If it weren't for a chance concert invitation in the early '90s, in-demand jazz pianist Helen Sung wouldn't be where she is today.