Best Wbgo Jazz Podcasts (2025)

1
The Essex County College Wolverines Athletics Hall of Fame's inaugural class of 2025 is an impressive group of athletes and coaches 29:32

8d ago29:32

29:32

On this edition of SportsJam with Doug Doyle, Dr. Keith Kirkland talks about the inaugural class of the Essex County College Wolverines Athletics Hall of FameBy Doug Doyle

1
Dr. Lawrence Hogan's new book Harlem's First Citizen captures the amazing story of groundbreaking sports figure Rev. John Howard Johnson 28:11

21d ago28:11

28:11

On this edition of SportsJam with Doug Doyle, author Dr. Lawrence D. Hogan talks about his new book Harlem's First CitizenBy Doug Doyle

1
Togethxr's co-founder Jessica Robertson is changing the landscape of sports media and beyond 35:39

2M ago35:39

35:39

Togethxr's co-founder and CCO Jessica Robertson joins SportsJam with Doug Doyle to talk about the fastest-growing women sports brandBy Doug Doyle

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'KING JAMES' is a funny and heartwarming play about friendship and passion for the Cleveland Cavs and its iconic star 33:12

2M ago33:12

33:12

King James director Ryan George and actors Doug Harris and Blake Morris join SportsJam with Doug Doyle to talk about the comedy that runs through April 6 at GSPBy Doug Doyle

1
Harlem Globetrotter's dunk specialist and mixed media artist Maxwell 'Hops' Pearce challenges how we perceive humanity 27:04

3M ago27:04

27:04

Harlem Globetrotter and award-winning mixed media artist Maxwell "Hops" Pearce joins SportsJam with Doug Doyle to talk about his amazing talent on and off the courtBy Doug Doyle

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SportsJam with Doug Doyle Hall of Fame: Amiri Baraka (2012) 30:37

3M ago30:37

30:37

Newark's legendary poet and activist Amiri Baraka joined SportsJam with Doug Doyle in 2012By Doug Doyle

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The inspiring story of 2011 NCAA Wrestling Champion Anthony Robles in 'Unstoppable' 19:02

4M ago19:02

19:02

2011 NCAA Wrestling Champion Anthony Robles joins SportsJam with Doug Doyle to talk about the new movie about him titled UnstoppableBy Doug Doyle

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Award-winning actor Don Cheadle shines as a wrestling coach in the inspiring movie 'Unstoppable' 19:33

4M ago19:33

19:33

Multi-talented actor Don Cheadle joins SportsJam with Doug Doyle to talk about his role in the new wrestling film UnstoppableBy Doug Doyle

1
Sports media trailblazer, author and philanthropist Ann Liguori's 'Life on the Green' gives wisdom from 12 golf legends 35:14

5M ago35:14

35:14

TV and radio personality, author and philanthropist Ann Liguori joins SportsJam with Doug Doyle to talk about her new book Life on the GreenBy Doug Doyle

1
Giants legendary running back and Super Bowl XXV MVP Ottis 'O.J.' Anderson followed his destiny to be a champion on and off the field 27:46

5M ago27:46

27:46

Super Bowl XXV MVP and Giants and St. Louis Cardinals legendary running back Ottis "O.J." Anderson joins SportsJam with Doug Doyle to talk about his amazing careerBy Doug Doyle

1
Chiropractic physician Dr. David Levine helps some of the biggest stars in sports deal with chronic pain 25:19

5M ago25:19

25:19

Dr. David Levine joins SportsJam with Doug Doyle to talk about his work with current and former sports starsBy Doug Doyle

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SportsJam with Doug Doyle Hall of Fame: Internationally-acclaimed dancer Judith Jamison (2008) 26:04

6M ago26:04

26:04

SportsJam with Doug Doyle pays tribute to internationally-known dancer and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Emerita Judith Jamison who died on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at the age of 81. Jamison was a special guest on the show in 2008.By Doug Doyle

1
Long Island's 'Ali The Anthem Girl' is on quest to sing at all 30 MLB ballparks 16:46

6M ago16:46

16:46

Long Island's Ali Berke is the latest guest on SportsJam with Doug DoyleBy Doug Doyle

1
Actor, singer and Broadway star Norbert Leo Butz portrays legendary coach Bill Belichick in FX's 'American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez' 26:18

6M ago26:18

26:18

Actor, singer and Broadway star Norbert Leo Butz portrays legendary coach Bill Belichick in FX's American Sports Story: Aaron HernandezBy Doug Doyle

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Devils fan and AW Chang Corporation's Terence To brings his passion to FE's 'The Legends Collection' 30:36

6M ago30:36

30:36

Devils fan Terence To joins SportsJam with Doug Doyle to talk about FE's 'The Legends Collection' of NHL apparelBy Doug Doyle

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Legendary radio and television sports host Bill Daughtry gives his take on the NY teams 32:54

7M ago32:54

32:54

Retired radio and television sports host Bill Daughtry joins SportsJam with Doug DoyleBy Doug Doyle

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Former MSG President Bob Gutkowski gives a sports history lesson in 'Gut Punch' 38:11

9M ago38:11

38:11

Former MSG President Bob Gutkowski's talks about his career and his new book Gut PunchBy Doug Doyle

1
American Dream's Gregg Schwartz is turning the retail and entertainment center into a sports destination 21:12

9M ago21:12

21:12

American Dream's Gregg Schwartz joins SportsJam with Doug Doyle about how the retail and entertainment center into a sports destinationBy Doug Doyle

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Emma-Jayne Wilson breaks Julie Krone's purse-winning record 25:04

9M ago25:04

25:04

Jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson joins SportsJam with Doug Doyle to talk about breaking Julie Krone's purse-winning recordBy Doug Doyle

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USA Wrestling CEO Rich Bender is expecting plenty of GOLD in Paris 35:13

10M ago35:13

35:13

USA Wrestling CEO Rich Bender joins SportsJam with Doug Doyle to talk about the Paris Olympic Games and his Hall of Fame careerBy Doug Doyle

1
Carla Bley at 85: In Praise and Awe of an Unfettered Genius 28:54

1+ y ago28:54

28:54

Jazz United celebrates Carla Bley, the irrefutably original composer and pianist, as she rounds the corner on an 85th birthday.By Greg Bryant, Nate Chinen

1
Sorting through our mixed feelings about Oscar Peterson 57:07

3y ago57:07

57:07

On the final episode of Jazz United, Greg Bryant and Nate Chinen work out their mutual ambivalence about one of jazz's best-loved virtuosos.By Greg Bryant, Nate Chinen

1
The Checkout x Jazz Night in America: Top 5 Collabs 1:09:30

3y ago1:09:30

1:09:30

Mark Guiliana, Randy Weston, Herbie Hancock, Robert Glasper, Abdullah Ibrahim, and Kamasi Washington are the artists featured in this retrospective podcast celebrating the top Jazz Night In America and The Checkout productions over the years.By Simon Rentner

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We're in this together 3:47

3y ago3:47

3:47

Jazz United began with a literal conversation, as Greg Bryant and Nate Chinen met up for some music just over two years ago. We're proud of how far we've come, and now we're asking for your support.By Greg Bryant, Nate Chinen

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From cacophony to clarity: Cecil Taylor's 1973 return concert is a fresh revelation 46:01

3y ago46:01

46:01

Jazz United considers the vital challenge and rich reward of 'Cecil Taylor - The Complete, Legendary, Live Return Concert.'By Greg Bryant, Nate Chinen

1
Angel Bat Dawid leads a fearless expedition to 'Afro Town' at Winter Jazzfest 50:47

3+ y ago50:47

50:47

Winter Jazzfest artist-in-residence Angel Bat Dawid premieres 'Afro-Town Topics: A Mythological Afrofuturist Revue,' and talks about it on The Checkout with Simon Rentner.By Simon Rentner

1
Digging into 'Dilla Time,' and the legacy of a rhythm pioneer 59:25

3+ y ago59:25

59:25

Jazz United digs deep into the trailblazing rhythm legacy of hip-hop producer J Dilla — in conversation with Dan Charnas, author of an essential new book, 'Dilla Time.'By Greg Bryant, Nate Chinen

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Vijay Iyer shares lessons in stillness for our turbulent time 40:05

3+ y ago40:05

40:05

As his trio settles in for a week at The Village Vanguard, pianist and composer Vijay Iyer stops by The Checkout to share insights, and a glimmer of hope.By Simon Rentner

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Cory Henry walks back the timeline to his 'First Steps,' with a new concert recording 1:04:46

3+ y ago1:04:46

1:04:46

On The Checkout, keyboardist Cory Henry pinpoints the album that marks his rite of passage as an artist.By Simon Rentner

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Our New Year's Resolutions 44:00

3+ y ago44:00

44:00

As 2022 gets underway, we're energized with a spirit of renewal. So we decided to devote this episode of Jazz United to some New Year’s resolutions.By Greg Bryant, Nate Chinen

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Michael Bourne in his element at the Montreal Jazz Festival, with Diana Krall and more 26:57

3+ y ago26:57

26:57

Michael Bourne interviews Diana Krall and tells stories of Charlie Haden, Dave Brubeck, and Tony Bennett at the Montreal International Jazz Festival.By Simon Rentner

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The Year in Jazz: Our farewell to 2021, from the National Jazz Museum in Harlem 1:24:15

3+ y ago1:24:15

1:24:15

For a dynamic look back at 2021, Nate Chinen and Greg Bryant welcomed critic Jordannah Elizabeth to a panel discussion at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem.By Greg Bryant, Nate Chinen

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When Booker T. Jones met Robert Randolph, at a session hosted by Michael Bourne 36:15

3+ y ago36:15

36:15

In 2003, legendary organist Booker T. Jones and pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph met for the first time at WBGO. That studio performance comes to light again as we celebrate the retirement of our own legendary jazz jock, Michael Bourne.By Simon Rentner

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A Tale of Two Kenny Gs 59:39

3+ y ago59:39

59:39

One is a chart-topping juggernaut who has sparked musical controversy for the last 35 years. The other is a master who’s spent that same span of time balancing improvisational fire with lyrical soul. Yes, in both instances we’re talking about saxophonist Kenny G — Gorelick in the first case, and Garrett in the second. As you can imagine, we have so…

1
From Rat Pack to J Dilla: José James Serves a Holiday Vibe 48:37

3+ y ago48:37

48:37

On The Checkout, José James explains why it's finally time for him to release a holiday recording, featuring his takes on Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Donny Hathaway.By Simon Rentner

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Ready or not, here come the yuletide grooves 43:26

3+ y ago43:26

43:26

Greg Bryant is a self-admitted Grinch when it comes to Christmas jazz, while Nate Chinen is a full-blown Elf. Hear them work out their differences on this holiday edition of Jazz United.By Greg Bryant, Nate Chinen

1
Dave Douglas and Joe Lovano aim for the stratosphere on Sound Prints' 'Other Worlds' 44:03

3+ y ago44:03

44:03

Jazz United host Nate Chinen talks with the members of Sound Prints, including its co-leaders trumpeter Dave Douglas and saxophonist Joe Lovano, for a lively conversation about their latest recording, Other Worlds.By Simon Rentner, Nate Chinen

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A decade after his passing, Paul Motian is still with us 49:58

3+ y ago49:58

49:58

Jazz United remembers the incomparable drummer and composer Paul Motian, whose spirit lives on in the music, and in a new documentary film.By Greg Bryant, Nate Chinen

1
Rachel Eckroth, a most mysterious pianist and singer 40:10

3+ y ago40:10

40:10

Pianist and singer/songwriter Rachel Eckroth is a musical shapeshifter of the highest order. She speaks with The Checkout's Simon Rentner about her latest recording, 'The Garden.'By Simon Rentner

1
Everybody Should 'Really Care' About Melanie Charles 42:01

3+ y ago42:01

42:01

Vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Melanie Charles joins The Checkout to talk about 'Y'all Don't Really Care About Black Women,' her major-label debut.By Simon Rentner

1
Kurt Elling and Charlie Hunter emerge from lockdown with the ultimate groove elixir: SuperBlue 48:41

3+ y ago48:41

48:41

On this episode of Jazz United, we peer under the hood of Superblue, with a special attention to the mechanics of groove; reminisce about our separate relationships with Kurt Elling and Charlie Hunter’s music; and hear from both artists about their collaboration.By Greg Bryant, Nate Chinen

1
Nate Smith flips an awkward youth into a skyward path on 'Kinfolk 2: See the Birds' 49:27

3+ y ago49:27

49:27

Drummer and composer Nate Smith taps into his unique autobiography on his latest album, Kinfolk 2: See The Birds. On this episode of The Checkout, he talks about growing up in Chesapeake, Va., with an unorthodox taste for hard rock.By Simon Rentner

1
BADBADNOTGOOD, a band beloved in hip-hop circles, rediscovers its jazz voice 33:42

3+ y ago33:42

33:42

'Talk Memory' is BadBadNotGood's first album in five years. Bassist Chester Hansen and saxophonist Leland Whitty join The Checkout's Simon Rentner to talk about it.By Simon Rentner

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A Holy Grail experience: listening to John Coltrane's 'A Love Supreme: Live in Seattle' 46:29

3+ y ago46:29

46:29

Just how major is 'A Love Supreme: Live in Seattle'? Nate Chinen and Greg Bryant discuss this historic release on Jazz United, moments after listening together to the album.By Greg Bryant, Nate Chinen

1
Switch on your senses: Steph Richards sniffs out the possibilities 48:05

3+ y ago48:05

48:05

The Checkout catches up with trumpeter and composer Steph Richards, who unleashes our sense of sound and smell on her latest recordings Supersense and Zephyr.By Simon Rentner

1
Terence Blanchard's opera 'Fire Shut Up in My Bones' is more than a historic first 49:35

3+ y ago49:35

49:35

Jazz United was in the house when Terence Blanchard became the first Black composer to have an opera presented at The Met. In this episode, Greg Bryant and Nate Chinen laud 'Fire Shut Up in My Bones' for its music, its message and its broader meaning.By Greg Bryant, Nate Chinen

1
Hiromi finds the bright side, with fast fingers, on 'Silver Lining Suite' 28:30

3+ y ago28:30

28:30

While the music industry was mostly dormant, Hiromi was busy collaborating with a string quartet, writing new music for her Silver Lining Suite, and performing at the Tokyo Olympics.By Simon Rentner

1
Reunited & Reconsidered: the Chick Corea Akoustic Band Deepens a Legacy with 'Live' 49:30

3+ y ago49:30

49:30

Jazz United goes deep on 'Live,' the first posthumous album by Chick Corea, and discusses the evolving legacy of Corea's Akoustic Band.By Greg Bryant, Nate Chinen

1
Checkout Sesh (Almost Lost): Knower's Genevieve Artadi & Nay Flutist Faris Ishaq 49:17

3+ y ago49:17

49:17

Genevieve Artadi talks about her creative partnership with Louis Cole and Faris Ishaq proclaims he's the world's first Nay flute jazz artist.By Simon Rentner

1
A Fall Preview Six-Pack: Jazz United Picks Some Winners 31:42

3+ y ago31:42

31:42

As a supplement to WBGO's 2021 Fall Preview, Jazz United picks a half-dozen new releases we're excited about.By Greg Bryant, Nate Chinen

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Wbgo Jazz Podcasts

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