Ken Peplowski and Dick Hyman rehearse at The Kitano prior to the live recording of their performance.

Pianist Dick Hyman and clarinetist/tenor player, Ken Peplowski, work on their arrangements at The Kitano on April 20, 2012 in preparation for a live recording of their performance later in the evening.

The Manhattan School of Music Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra, April 23, 2012.

WBGO’s Rhonda Hamilton interviews Bobby Sanabria prior to his conducting the Manhattan School of Music Afro-Cuban Orchestra at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, April 23, 2012.

Members of the Manhattan School of Music Afro-Cuban Orchestra backstage at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola as they wait to go onstage for WBGO Monday at Dizzy’s; April 23, 2012.

Bobby Sanabria and WBGO’s Rhonda Hamilton have a visit backstage from the great conguero, Candido. Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, April 23, prior to WBGO Monday at the club.

Hugh Masekela at The Jazz Standard, May 1.

South African trumpeter, flugelhornist, vocalist, composer, all-round musician’s musician and charmer par excellence, Hugh Masekela, doesn’t come to New York City often. But he was at The Jazz Standard May 1 and 2 with pianist Larry Willis to celebrate the release of their new CD, “Friends,” a collection of performances of 40 songs from the American Songbook.

This week, 83 year-old Cecil Taylor will be honored with a series of concerts in New York. In February 2008, I had the privilege of being one of three people at Taylor’s two hour-long sound check for the Portland Jazz Festival. Here’s one of many photos from that session.

Young pianist, Joe Alterman, opened at The Blue Note for one of his heroes, Les McCann. The two met shortly before the gig. April 15, 2012.