Celebration for Duke Ellington's birthday

Brick Top discusses her career, her colleagues, and the jazz scene.

Bradley Parker Sparrow discusses his musical influences and growing up as a self taught jazz musician and composer. He also discusses the rigidity of the classical music world and how he likes to improvise with that music. His songs from the album "Latin Black" are played: "Latin Black Funk", "Latin Black Agagio", "Bur-wiser", and "Looking for Duke". "Reflections in D" by Duke Ellington and "Cleopatra's Dream" by Bud Powell are also played. Songs have been removed on this file for copyright reasons.

Bob Koester, record producer and owner of Delmark Records, the United State's oldest independent jazz and blues label, talks about jazz, blues, and bebop musicians.

Studs interviews Billy Taylor (Jazz pianist and commentator for Jazz Alive radio program), who discusses the creativity of jazz musicians, the Jazz Mobile, and relationships between musicians. Taylor also mentions a large variety of Jazz musician influences. Studs plays various pieces of Jazz from a diverse pool of musicians. Taylor provides details about the Jazz Mobile's traveling show and education of Jazz music. There are no music recordings in this edited version.

Studs interviews Billy Taylor about his performance at the Rick's Cafe at the Holiday Inn in Chicago. They discuss what has influenced Billy Taylor's jazz music. Taylor explains some of his work with various other jazz musicians. This edited version does not include the music recordings.

Bill Russo talks about the commedia dell'arte production being staged at the Center for New Music at Columbia College Chicago. The production includes two pieces, "Pedrolino's Revenge" and "Isabella's Fortune".

Barbara Carroll demonstrates her piano skills, discusses her career as a singer and musician, and shares her passion for jazz music.

Art Hodes discusses his history and influences on his career as a jazz and blues pianist. He tells stories of musicians he has worked with and how he keeps his performances fresh after playing for so many years. Music by Art Hodes is played throughout: "Chimes Blues", "Tennessee Waltz", "Grandpa's Spells", "Just a Closer Walk with Thee","Cakewalkin' Babies from Home", "Blues 'N Booze", and "Riverside Blues".

Musician Anthony Braxton speaks with Studs Terkel about his music and the various musicians who have influenced him.

Studs Terkel interviews jazz musician Anita O'Day.

This is an interview with Adam Makowicz (Polish musician) in which he talks about the formation of his music career on jazz.

Aaron Copland discusses his music, his colleagues, contemporaries, musicians, and composers.