Best Smooth Jazz Interviews Podcasts (2025)

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Tune in to a mini-concert with Amy Millan 15:05

Play Pause

6h ago15:05

15:05

The Canadian indie rock musician performs music from her latest album, I Went to Find You. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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How living 'by the signs' led S.G. Goodman to her latest album 37:57

1d ago37:57

37:57

The Kentucky-born musician's latest album, Planting by the Signs, ruminates on the Appalachian traditions she grew up with. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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The Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown with Pamela Black – December 6, 2025 1:55:58

4d ago1:55:58

1:55:58

Step inside another high-roller edition of The Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown with Pamela Black, recorded at the KUNV studios on the campus of UNLV. This week’s show delivers the 20 smoothest contemporary jazz hits in the country, featuring big chart movers, new debuts, and the artists shaping today’s Smooth Jazz sound. From legendary icons to risin…

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How Robert Plant's new band 'saved his sanity' 39:22

5d ago39:22

39:22

Plant's band, Saving Grace, and singer Suzi Dian helped the rock legend access the "backwoods" of his musical inspiration. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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Tom Skinner pushes his compositional skills on 'Kaleidoscopic Visions' 30:05

7d ago30:05

30:05

The English percussionist is best known for his work with The Smile and Sons of Kemet, but Skinner refines his own voice on his latest solo album. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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Vegas Made: How Jason Tenner Built Purple Rain into a Strip Phenomenon 5:18

8d ago5:18

5:18

On this episode of Artists to Watch Las Vegas, host Carlaya sits down with Las Vegas’ premiere Prince tribute performer Jason Tenner, frontman of the award-winning production Purple Reign at Planet Hollywood. Recently named the “All-Time Best Tribute Show” by Las Vegas Weekly, Purple Reign has become a beloved staple of the Strip—complete with live…

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111: Marcus Miller & Gregory Porter w/Michael Lazaroff 54:20

8d ago54:20

54:20

This episode of Jazz Cruises Conversations features an interview by Michael Lazaroff with Journey of Jazz co-hosts Marcus Miller and Gregory Porter. The session evolved into a candid conversation where the three shared memorable cruise stories, discussed their musical influences (including Miles Davis, Luther Vandross, and Nat King Cole), recounted…

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Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown - November 29th, 2025 1:54:20

11d ago1:54:20

1:54:20

Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown with Pamela Black – November 29, 2025 Support the show this GIVING TUESDAY - https://tinyurl.com/SupportSmooth Get ready for another smooth and soulful ride as Pamela Black counts down the Top 20 Smooth Jazz tracks in America on this week’s Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown, recorded from the KU NV Studios on the campus of…

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Tune in to a mini-concert with Courtney Barnett 20:44

14d ago20:44

20:44

The Australian musician performs a set recorded at the 2025 XPoNential Music Festival. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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In 1985, the smooth sound of Sade's 'Promise' stood out 13:34

15d ago13:34

13:34

The mid-'80s were loud and bombastic. World Cafe correspondent John Morrison says that’s exactly why the smooth R&B of Sade stood out. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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110: Remembering Ella Fitzgerald & Oscar Peterson w/Cecile McLorin Salvant, Sullivan Fortner & Kelly Peterson 47:58

15d ago47:58

47:58

This episode, from a Jazz on Film session on the Journey of Jazz cruise, features an engaging discussion about the legacies of Ella Fitzgerald and Oscar Peterson with guests Cecile McLorin Salvant, Sullivan Fortner and Kelly Peterson, Oscar’s widow. --- Episode 110 of Jazz Cruises Conversations, is drawn from a "Jazz on Film" session on the Journey…

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Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown - November 22nd, 2025 1:54:24

18d ago1:54:24

1:54:24

In this week’s Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown, host Pamela Black delivers another smooth and sophisticated journey through the Top 20 smooth jazz songs in America, based on real nationwide airplay. Recorded at the KUNV studios in Las Vegas, this episode blends new chart movers, rising stars, veteran powerhouses, and exclusive artist spotlights—all c…

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Why My Morning Jacket wrote an elegy and other stories from their back catalog 20:42

19d ago20:42

20:42

Frontman Jim James, of My Morning Jacket, joins World Cafe for a new installment of Backtracking. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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Acadiana Music Showcase: Dustin Dale Gaspard 12:27

20d ago12:27

12:27

He made a splash on The Voice, but Gaspard has been a longtime part of Louisiana's Cajun and swamp pop music scene. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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Nate Smith on his latest album, 'LIVE-ACTION' 52:20

21d ago52:20

52:20

The drummer and jazz bandleader turns his seventh album into a party, including Snarky Puppy's Michael League, guitarist Charlie Hunter and singer Lalah Hathaway. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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109: Ravi Coltrane with Marcus Miller 46:31

22d ago46:31

46:31

Ravi Coltrane with Marcus Miller Marcus Miller interviews Ravi Coltrane about his musical evolution and the dual legacy of his parents, Alice and John Coltrane. This insightful and candid talk, recorded live on the Journey of Jazz cruise, covers the challenges of growing up under the shadow of a jazz icon and finding one's own voice through the mus…

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Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown - November 15th, 2025 1:52:52

25d ago1:52:52

1:52:52

This week’s Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown with Pamela Black delivers a high-energy trip through the 20 biggest smooth jazz hits in the nation, straight from the KUNV studios on the campus of UNLV. Pamela brings her signature warmth, flair, and Las Vegas polish as she guides listeners through rising stars, returning favorites, and major movers on th…

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David Byrne on his latest album, 'Who Is the Sky?' 42:54

26d ago42:54

42:54

The Scottish-American rock star teams up with New York's Ghost Train Orchestra. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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Dee Lucas: Sax, Soul & the Vegas Groove - Birthday Bash w/ Serente Jazz & Wine Escapes 3:35

27d ago3:35

3:35

In this episode of Artists to Watch Las Vegas, host Carlaya sits down with acclaimed contemporary jazz saxophonist Dee Lucas for an intimate, inspiring, and soulful conversation. Known for his smooth tone, emotional phrasing, and chart-topping success, Dee opens up about his creative process, his evolution as a self-made independent artist, and the…

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Lukas Nelson on his debut solo album, 'American Romance' 14:23

27d ago14:23

14:23

The country singer's record has been nominated for a Grammy Award for best traditional country album. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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Tune in to a mini-concert with Michigander 21:12

29d ago21:12

21:12

The Michigan musician performs a set recorded at the 2025 XPoNential Music Festival. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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108: Emmet Cohen with Benny Benack III 53:16

29d ago53:16

53:16

Pianist Emmet Cohen sits down with his longtime friend, trumpeter and singer Benny Benack III, for a conversation recorded during the recent Journey of Jazz cruise. This interview tracks Cohen's journey from a college student to becoming a celebrated artist and future host of The Jazz Cruise. Cohen discusses the inspiration behind his acclaimed "Ma…

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PUP on their latest LP, 'Who Will Look After the Dogs?' 43:31

1M ago43:31

43:31

The Toronto punk band pared down their creative process with help from producer John Congleton. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown - November 8th, 2025 1:57:08

1M ago1:57:08

1:57:08

From the KUNV Studios on the campus of UNLV, host Pamela Black counts down the 20 smoothest jazz songs in America — the official Mediabase chart of the week. This episode celebrates a season of rising stars and timeless legends. Saxophonist Najee, joined by Brian Simpson, holds the top spot with “Salvador.” Close behind, Adrian Crutchfield’s Sooo G…

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At first, Amanda Shires wasn't sure she wanted to write about her divorce 42:22

1M ago42:22

42:22

On Nobody's Girl, the singer-songwriter offers her perspective on her high-profile split from Jason Isbell. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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Tune in to a mini-concert with Richard Thompson 24:43

1M ago24:43

24:43

Listen to the English songwriter and guitarist perform at the 2025 XPoNential Music Festival. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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107: Wycliffe Gordon with Sean Jones 54:41

1M ago54:41

54:41

In this episode of Jazz Cruises Conversations, recorded live on the recent Journey of Jazz cruise, trumpeter and educator Sean Jones interviews fellow brassman Wycliffe Gordon about his remarkable life and storied career in music. Jones and Gordon share a similar background, both having Georgia roots and musical beginnings in the church and gospel …

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Sports Team change up their sound on 'Boys These Days' 44:21

1M ago44:21

44:21

The British rock band talks about life on the road and making their third album in Norway. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown - November 1st, 2025 1:53:28

1M ago1:53:28

1:53:28

Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown — Week Ending November 1, 2025 Join Pamela Black from the KU-NV studios on the campus of UNLV for the smoothest show in America — counting down the 20 biggest smooth jazz hits from coast to coast. This week’s lineup delivers a perfect blend of chart-topping icons, rising stars, and timeless legends. Hear fresh grooves …

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Tune in to a mini-concert with The Happy Fits 14:30

1M ago14:30

14:30

The four piece treats you to group harmonies and a fuller sound on their new album, Lovesick. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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The Mountain Goats' new record weaves a tale fit for Broadway 37:39

1M ago37:39

37:39

The indie folk band enlisted Lin-Manuel Miranda to tell the story of a shipwrecked crew on Through This Fire Across from Peter Balkan. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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Mae Martin talks about their debut album, 'I'm A TV' 27:37

1M ago27:37

27:37

The Canadian comic and actor joins World Cafe to talk about their debut album, I'm A TV. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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106: Niki Haris "Lift Thine Eyes" Listening Party 1:05:57

1M ago1:05:57

1:05:57

This episode features a moving and candid listening party session with vocalist Niki Haris, recorded live during the Journey of Jazz cruise. Host Lee Mergner sets the scene as Niki plays and discusses several tracks from her deeply personal and spiritual album, Lift Thine Eyes. Niki reveals the challenging circumstances, including personal loss, he…

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Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown - October 25th, 2025 1:53:07

2M ago1:53:07

1:53:07

From the KUNV 91.5 FM studios on the campus of UNLV, host Pamela Black takes listeners on another silky-smooth ride through the Top 20 Smooth Jazz songs in America, as ranked by Mediabase Airplay. This week’s countdown features standout performances from Ryan LaValette (“London Nights”), Lisa Addeo (“Lipstick and Moonlight”), Nathan Mitchell, PJ Sp…

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For Brandi Carlile, solitude is overrated 41:34

2M ago41:34

41:34

The singer-songwriter decamped to Aaron Dessner's Long Pond Studio in upstate New York to record her new album, Returning to Myself. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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Blues phenom Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram on his latest album, 'Hard Road' 33:08

2M ago33:08

33:08

The blues musician from Clarksdale, Miss., also talks about his new record label and searching for the next generation of blues talent. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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Celebrating 45 years of Talking Heads' 'Remain in Light' 10:46

2M ago10:46

10:46

On their fourth album, the American rock band refined their innovative sound, which had long been inspired by Black music traditions. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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Acadiana Music Showcase: Jeffery Broussard & The Nighttime Syndicate 16:39

2M ago16:39

16:39

Zydeco veteran Jeffery Broussard teamed up with members of the New Orleans TBC Brass Band and a swing band's rhythm section for Bayou Moonlight, a blend of zydeco, R&B and blues. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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#105: John Clayton & Jeff Hamilton with Marcus Miller 44:37

2M ago44:37

44:37

This interview from the Journey of Jazz cruise was hosted by Marcus Miller, co-host of that sailing, who talked with John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton, longtime co-leaders of the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. Their Grammy Award-winning big band performed during the cruise and the two also played with their old friend Diana Krall. Marcus talked with…

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Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown - October 18th 2025 1:56:43

2M ago1:56:43

1:56:43

Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown – October 18, 2025 Hosted by Pamela Black | Produced by Jason Beatty | Recorded at the KUNV Studios, UNLV Step into the groove with another chart-topping edition of The Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown, where Pamela Black brings you the 20 smoothest tracks shaping contemporary jazz nationwide. This week’s show delivers an…

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'It was never taped': There's a missing piece to Montreal's jazz history 14:29

2M ago14:29

14:29

Historian Dorothy Williams explains why Montreal became a center for jazz music. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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RuPaul’s Drag Race - Asia O’Hara: Drag, Dazzle, and the Power of Representation 3:38

2M ago3:38

3:38

In this vibrant episode of Artists to Watch Las Vegas, host Carlaya sits down with Asia O’Hara, the celebrated star of RuPaul’s Drag Race and the dazzling emcee of RuPaul’s Drag Race Live! at the Flamingo Las Vegas. Asia opens up about her journey from Texas stages to the Las Vegas Strip, reflecting on how the hit show transformed her craft, expand…

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How Elisapie turned 10 classic rock hits into ‘true Inuit songs’ 19:06

2M ago19:06

19:06

The Juno Award-winning Inuit musician, based in Montreal, imbued her favorite childhood songs with new meaning on her covers project, Inuktitut. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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Take a tour of Leonard Cohen's Montreal 13:19

2M ago13:19

13:19

Expert guide Ruby Roy has given countless tours of the city for Cohen's fans. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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#104: Sullivan Fortner with Lee Mergner 49:57

2M ago49:57

49:57

This episode captures a coffee talk session from the recent Journey of Jazz Cruise, where host Lee Mergner interviews the great pianist Sullivan Fortner ("Sully"). Since Fortner does not enjoy talking about himself, the interview uses prompts featuring names of influential people in his life. Fortner, an adept mimic and great storyteller, shared pr…

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Montreal is home, but Pierre Kwenders' heart is in Kinshasa 16:40

2M ago16:40

16:40

Kwenders is the co-founder of Moonshine, a Montreal-based collective that spotlights the culture and music of the African diaspora. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown - October 11th, 2025 1:52:29

2M ago1:52:29

1:52:29

From the KUNV studios at UNLV, Pamela Black guides your Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown through 20 of the week’s smoothest spins. The ride starts with Darren Rahn at #20 (“Light of the World”) and rolls through Norman Brown, Blake Aaron, Jazz Funk Soul, and a horn-powered blast from Dave Koz & Summer Horns on “Vehicle.” Mid-chart movers include Lisa …

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Meet the producer behind some of Montreal's finest records 25:52

2M ago25:52

25:52

Howard Bilerman went from taping punk shows as a teen to co-founding Hotel2Tango, one of Montreal's most iconic recording studios. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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'DIY will never die': No Joy remembers the heyday of Montreal's Mile End 13:26

2M ago13:26

13:26

Jasamine White-Gluz takes us back to the early aughts, when the city was experiencing a boom of DIY music. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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#103: Dee Dee Bridgewater with Marcus Miller 43:07

2M ago43:07

43:07

This week's episode, recorded during the Journey of Jazz Cruise on the West Coast, features Dee Dee Bridgewater in conversation with co-host Marcus Miller, sharing stories from her remarkable five-decade career. The interview explores her journey from setting big goals at age seven to her life in Paris, discussing how she overcame adversity and dev…