The Third Story

As Gregory Porter revisits his Grammy-winning album Take Me to the Alley a decade later, he reflects on his childhood in Bakersfield, the influence of his mother, and the people and places that inspired his music.

From singing jingles as a child to writing some of the biggest pop hits of the 1980s, Richard Marx reflects on his musical upbringing, his songwriting career and his new album, After Hours, in conversation with Leo Sidran.

Harry Connick, Jr. talks to Leo Sidran about his new project, Babe: Elaboratio — A Tribute to My Mother, part symphony, part memoir, and devoted to his mother, Anita Livingston, who died when he was 13.

As she celebrates her 70th birthday at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Russell reflects on a working life shaped by unexpected opportunities, a remarkable family legacy, and a willingness to keep following wherever the music leads.

Guitarist Miles Okazaki tells Leo Sidran about the making of The Monkathon, a new concert film documenting the extraordinary undertaking of performing all 66 Thelonious Monk compositions from memory in a single evening.

On pop stardom, artistic identity, and learning to let go of what happens to your work.

Sullivan Fortner tells Leo Sidran about how he seriously considered becoming a doctor, and didn't choose music until almost the last possible moment.

Leo Sidran revisits a 2023 conversation with singer Samara Joy about her experience studying at SUNY Purchase

Singer, composer, and producer Sofia Rei talks with Leo Sidran about “Folk and Futurism,” rediscovering tradition from a distance, and how her collaborators and students continue to influence the music she makes.

Ray Long reviews the latest record from singer-songwriter Jacob Jeffries (of Vulfpeck fame) entitled You Got The Right Idea