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00000177-b008-d5f4-a5ff-b9f8b4b60000Radar is WBGO's exclusive album preview feature.

Radar: Art Hirahara "Central Line"

Art Hirahara album cover

Pianist Art Hirahara has a diverse resume, spending time  with Charlie Haden, Vincent Herring, Stacey Kent, Dave Douglas and Jenny Scheinman, in addition to recordings of his own dating back to 2000. Art has also studied West African drumming , influences that are part of the palette. His sound is clean, techniquely astute but exploring.

"Central Line" is mostly a trio session, with bassist Linda Oh and drummer Rudy Royston. But there's a nice added depth when saxophonist Donnie McCaslin joins in on tunes like "Entanglement" and "Kin-Ka: Gold Coin". With "Central Line" Art gives the listener enough spirit for reflection and enough swingin' dynamics to make this listen worthwhile.

  Individual Tracks

In jazz radio, great announcers are distinguished by their ability to convey the spontaneity and passion of the music. Gary Walker is such an announcer, and his enthusiasm for this music greets WBGO listeners every morning. This winner of the 1996 Gavin Magazine Jazz Radio Personality of the Year award has hosted the morning show each weekday from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. And, by his own admission, he's truly having a great time.