This week's schedule:
7/22 Sam Dunn
7/23 Don Vappie
7/24 Julie Andrews/Emma Walton Hamilton
7/25 Neil deGrasse Tyson
7/26 John Boutté
Monday, July 22
British guitarist Sam Dunn spent his early years in the business traveling the world on a 200-passenger, luxury cruise ship where he played solo guitar sets and where I was lucky enough to corral him into playing with me when I was flown in for a concert. A friendship and musical partnership were born and since then Sam and I have toured widely around the world from Europe to Australia.
Tuesday, July 23
New Orleans banjoist/vocalist Don Vappie resisted the banjo during his early years in music but is now considered a virtuoso on the instrument. He has worked with Peggy Lee, Eric Clapton, and countless others in various styles for records and concerts and soundtracks for film and television.
Wednesday, July 24
Julie Andrews and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton have written over 30 children’s book and their latest, Waiting in the Wings, is based on a delightful true story of a family of ducks taking up residence at Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor, NY. We celebrate children with this special edition of Jazz Inspired with a conversation with Julie and Emma and John Lithgow’s and Allegra Levy's jazz children’s CDs.
Thursday, July 25
Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson discusses his love of blues and the connection between science and music. I’m crazy about astrophysics, so this conversation was loads of fun for me. And showing what a lovely guy Neil is, after he listened to the show, he took the time to send me this note:
Judy,
”I finally got around to hearing our entire interview on Jazz and Astrophysics. I think it is one of my best ever - magnified and strengthened by our on-air chemistry. Thank you again for your interest and your enthusiasm for what I do” -Neil
Friday, July 26
Vocalist/composer
John Boutté, like many of his fellow New Orleaneans, grew up surrounded by music in the streets and in his home, but unlike most of his fellow natives, he went on to a career in the military after graduating with a degree in business. With influences ranging from Stevie Wonder to Nat Cole, John’s vocal style is swinging and unique. John wrote and sang the theme for the HBO series Treme but sees the fame he’s gained from this as giving him freedom to make the music he wants, rather than a road to stardom.
Listen each morning on WBGO from 6 to 8 am ET.
For an archive of episodes on WBGO, visit the show’s page here.
