Jazz Epicenter 6.7 with Ralph Johnson Step into the groove with Jazz Epicenter, hosted by legendary Earth, Wind & Fire drummer Ralph Johnson. In episode 6.7, Ralph curates a smooth and soulful journey through the latest in contemporary jazz, spotlighting new releases, timeless grooves, and hidden gems from the genre’s brightest talents. Whether you're a longtime jazz lover or just discovering the sound, this episode delivers rhythm, class, and plenty of soul—straight from the epicenter.
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Yusef Lateef Podcasts
An off-the-cuff podcast where I talk about albums I've recently listened to, that I think you would enjoy.
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Episode 122 - Rhythms, Reverence, and the Jazz Scape
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1:56:01Jazz Epicenter 6.7 – Episode 122 is a deep-dive into the golden era of classic jazz, guided by host Ralph Johnson, seven-time GRAMMY Award winner and founding member of Earth, Wind & Fire. This episode explores iconic recordings, influential jazz artists, and historic moments that shaped the sound of the 60s, 70s, and beyond. Ralph begins with a po…
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Episode 121 - Elegant People: A Journey Through the Jazz Scape
1:54:07
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1:54:07On this episode of Jazz Epicenter 6.7, Ralph Johnson guides listeners on another soulful voyage through the “Jazz Scape”—a place without landmarks, where the destination is found in the music. Broadcasting from Los Angeles, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and seven-time Grammy Award winner spins timeless classics from Freddie Hubbard’s First Light …
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Episode 120 Horns, Voices, and Vibes: A Return to Paradise
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1:54:02Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Kennedy Center honoree, and seven-time GRAMMY winner Ralph Johnson guides you into the “jazz scape” on Jazz Epicenter 6.7—the finest in jazz from the ’60s and ’70s (and more). This hour glides from the Jazz Crusaders’ Lighthouse ’68 take on “Eleanor Rigby” to Quincy Jones’ swaggering “Killer Joe,” Miles Davis live…
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Episode 119 - From Big Band to Brazil: A Journey Through the Jazz Scape
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1:53:57In this episode of Jazz Epicenter 6.7, host Ralph Johnson guides listeners through a timeless journey across the jazz landscape. From the swinging power of Joe Henderson’s Big Band to the smooth keyboard work of Bob James, the fiery Latin stylings of Chucho Valdés, and the soulful vocals of Kathy Cousins, the show highlights the richness of jazz in…
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Episode 118 - Ramsey, Freddie, and Wes: Masters of the Jazz Epicenter
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1:54:04On this week’s Jazz Epicenter 6.7, Ralph Johnson guides listeners on another unforgettable trip into the “Jazz Scape,” where the sounds of the past still resonate with power and soul. Featuring the timeless artistry of Ramsey Lewis, Freddie Hubbard, Eddie Harris, and Al Jarreau, the set moves seamlessly through classics from Earth, Wind & Fire, Don…
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Episode 117 - From Mr. Clean to So What: A Night of Jazz Legends"
1:54:06
1:54:06
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1:54:06Ralph Johnson curates a stellar lineup of jazz gems, opening with Freddie Hubbard’s 1971 CTI classic “Mr. Clean” alongside Joe Henderson, Herbie Hancock, and George Benson. The journey continues with Herbie Hancock’s “Butterfly,” Donald Byrd’s “Fancy Free,” John Lucien’s “Lady Love,” and Luther Vandross interpreting Stevie Wonder’s “Creepin’.” List…
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Episode 116: Legends, Grooves, and Timeless Vibes
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1:55:44Join host Ralph Johnson for another rich journey through the timeless sounds of the Jazz Epicenter 6.7, where the finest jazz from the ’60s, ’70s, and beyond comes alive. In this two-hour set, Ralph spins an eclectic mix featuring legends like Mongo Santamaria’s funky take on James Brown’s “Cold Sweat,” Buddy Rich’s driving “Sister Sadie,” and the …
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Episode 115 - Timeless Grooves with Ralph Johnson
1:55:29
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1:55:29Join Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Kennedy Center honoree, and seven-time GRAMMY Award winner Ralph Johnson for an unforgettable journey through the finest jazz from the 60s, 70s, and beyond. In this episode, Ralph guides listeners through an eclectic jazz soundscape featuring electrifying performances by Eddie Harris, Freddie Hubbard, Connie Han, a…
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Mercy, Mood & Motion: A Jazz Journey with Ralph Johnson
1:55:47
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1:55:47On this episode of Jazz Epicenter 6.7, Ralph Johnson—Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Earth, Wind & Fire percussionist—guides you through a rich sonic voyage across the jazzscape. From the smooth piano magic of Chick Corea to the soulful resonance of Cannonball Adderley’s Mercy, Mercy, Mercy, this show taps into the raw emotion and technical brillia…
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Soulful Transitions: From Coltrane to the Cosmos
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1:55:35Step into the second half of 2025 with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Ralph Johnson as Jazz Epicenter 6.7 continues its journey through the timeless Jazzscape. In Episode 112, Ralph blends the fire of Miles Davis and Art Blakey with the smooth stylings of Eliane Elias, Chaka Khan, Candice Springs, Minnie Riperton, and John Lucien. You'll hear iconic cut…
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A Fourth of July Journey Through the Golden Era
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1:55:33Celebrate Independence Day with Ralph Johnson on this soulful ride through the Jazzscape. In this episode of Jazz Epicenter 6.7, Ralph spins classics from the 60s and 70s and takes us on a musical journey with legends like Gerald Wilson, McCoy Tyner, Donny Hathaway, Bob James, Regina Belle, Pat Metheny, West Montgomery, and Stanley Turrentine. Reco…
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Hollywood Bowl Countdown and Timeless Jazz
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1:55:45
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1:55:45Ralph previews Earth, Wind & Fire’s upcoming Hollywood Bowl shows, then launches into classics like Freddie Hubbard’s "Skydive," Cannonball Adderley’s "Jeannine," and Brenda Russell’s "Hello People." Charles Earland, Astrud Gilberto, and Herbie Hancock wrap the session with timeless depth.By Ralph Johnson
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With stops in LA’s Leimert Park and deep dives into spiritual and sensual grooves, this episode blends Billy Childs, Eddie Harris, Minnie Riperton’s "Inside My Love," and Connie Han’s "Wild Rose Goddess" into an atmospheric exploration of love and self-discovery.By Ralph Johnson
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Back from St. Lucia A Jazz Celebration
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1:55:46Fresh off the St. Lucia Jazz Festival, Ralph returns with energy and elegance. Highlights include Joe Henderson’s "Mode for Joe," Bill Evans’ "Woody ’n You," and Diana Krall’s "The Look of Love." A lush, lyrical episode that captures jazz’s romantic side.By Ralph Johnson
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Jimmy Smith & Wes Montgomery’s "Down by the Riverside" leads this journey of collaboration and groove. Paul Desmond covers Simon & Garfunkel, Chaka Khan stuns with "I’ll Be Around," and Bob James delivers a classic fusion finale in "Sunrunner."By Ralph Johnson
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Big Band Fire, Soulful Flights, and Space Travelers
1:55:44
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1:55:44In this far-reaching episode, Ralph Johnson takes listeners from the fiery energy of Buddy Rich’s West Side Story Medley to the spiritual calm of James Vincent’s Space Traveler. Along the way, Freddie Hubbard blazes through Camel Rise, Donald Byrd embraces electric piano for the first time, and Regina Belle delivers a heartfelt ballad in You. The j…
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International Soul and Jazz Standards
1:55:48
1:55:48
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1:55:48Broadcasting from Japan, Ralph curates a global jazz tapestry featuring Freddie Hubbard’s "Skydive," Terrence Blanchard’s "Footprints," and Carmen McRae’s "I Thought About You." Gerald Wilson, Gil Scott-Heron, and a soulful close with "Come With Me" complete a heartfelt and worldly session.By Ralph Johnson
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Heartfelt Standards and Studio Legends
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1:55:49Ralph opens Episode 104 with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and keeps the energy high with Jeff Lorber, Herbie Mann, and Diane Schuur. A romantic core shines through with Burt Bacharach classics performed by Ron Isley and Earth, Wind & Fire’s Maurice White.By Ralph Johnson
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Big Band Brilliance and Romantic Ballads
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1:55:47Gerald Wilson’s "California Soul," Miles Davis’s "Seven Steps to Heaven," and Joe Henderson’s "Isotope" set the stage. Ralph weaves classic big band energy with intimate vocals from Dianne Reeves and Boz Scaggs, rounding out a dynamic episode that celebrates both power and tenderness in jazz.By Ralph Johnson
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Episode 102 opens with a tribute to peace and JFK before diving into Freddie Hubbard’s "Skydive" and Stanley Turrentine’s take on "Impressions." Ralph brings warmth and wanderlust through breezy global grooves and lush vocal jazz, including Kim’s sunny anthem "Live Just for the Sun."By Ralph Johnson
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Ralph Johnson kicks off Jazz Epicenter with a powerful lineup including Michael Brecker’s "African Skies," Wayne Shorter's "Speak No Evil," and a soulful take on "Compared to What" by Terence Blanchard featuring PJ Morton. A seamless journey through iconic jazz compositions that span decades of excellence.…
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By Ralph Johnson
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3.20.21 - Halcali, Michael Garrick, Andrew Hill
7:30
7:30
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7:30Episode Notes Albums: Halcali - Halcali Bacon // Michael Garrick Trio - Moonscape // Andrew Hill - Passing Ships This podcast is powered by Pinecast.
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2.27.21 - Luigi Nono, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Hailu Mergia and Dahlak Band, Parliament
13:46
13:46
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13:46Episode Notes Albums: Andre Richard and Irvine Arditti: Luigi Nono 2: La lontananza nostalgica utopica futura // Antonio Carlos Jobim - Stone Flower // Hailu Mergia and Dahlak Band - Wede Harer Guzo // Parliament - Funkentelechy vs. the Placebo Syndrome This podcast is powered by Pinecast.
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2.20.21 - Don Cherry, Hakushi Hasegawa, U-Roy, Pet Shop Boys
13:34
13:34
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13:34Episode Notes Albums: Don Cherry - Eternal Rhythm // Hakushi Hasegawa - Bones of Dreams Attacked! // U-Roy - Dread in a Babylon // Pet Shop Boys - Actually This podcast is powered by Pinecast.
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2.16.21 - Grachan Moncur III, Thelonious Monk, Yusef Lateef
14:42
14:42
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14:42Episode Notes Microphone was extra noisy today. Albums talked about: Grachan Moncur III - Evolution // Thelonious Monk Septet - Monk's Music // Yusef Lateef - Yusef Lateef's Detroit: Latitude 42 30' Longitude 83 // Buy links available on twitter.com/music[adv]cast This podcast is powered by Pinecast.…
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2.14.21 - Solex, Lia Ices, Bark Psychosis, Sonic Youth
13:14
13:14
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13:14Episode Notes Apparently links don't show up on most platforms' descriptions :///Albums I talked about:// Solex - Low Kick and Hard Bop // Lia Ices - Family Album // Bark Psychosis - Codename: Dustsucker // Sonic Youth - Sonic-Youth //Albums links are available at twitter.com/music adv cast This podcast is powered by Pinecast.…
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2.11.21 - Masakatsu Takagi, Yellow Magic Orchestra, Blu & Exile, Matia Bazar
17:02
17:02
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17:02Episode Notes Links: Masakatsu Takagi - Kagayaki Yellow Magic Orchestra - Technodelic Blu & Exile - Miles Matia Bazar - Aristocratica This podcast is powered by Pinecast.
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