Music

John Beasley & Frankfort Radio Big Band's 'Returning To Forever' featured on WBGO's New Day, New Play Sep 23-27

WBGO | By Gary Walker

Published September 22, 2024 at 12:15 PM EDT

John Beasley's large ensemble work has reimagined Charlie Parker among others, and his MONK'estra outings created a new listen to the world of Thelonious Monk. With Returning To Forever, John teams up with the Frankfort Radio Big Band for an inspiring reimagination of the legendary Chick Corea and Return To Forever. Beasley preserved each song's form, theme and essence while making these pieces sound like a natural fit for a big band.

Tags

Gary Walker

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 on Daybreak. He's the winner of the 1996 Gavin Magazine Jazz Radio Personality of the Year Award and the recipient of the 2021 Marian McPartland-Willis Conover Award for Career Achievement in Broadcasting from the Jazz Journalists Association. Gary hosts the morning show each weekday from 8am til noon. And, by his own admission, he's truly having a great time.

See stories by Gary Walker