HEC-TV

I LOVE JAZZ
This magazine style program based on Don Wolff's popular jazz radio show, I Love Jazz, showcases his depth of musical knowledge and appreciation of the historical jazz tradition. As a local renowned jazz authority, Don's insightful interviews reveal his dedication to music education and his personal love of jazz.

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May 2010 This episode features an interview and performance at Seasons St. Louis with singer "Lady Jazz" - Mae Wheeler . Also featured is composer, pianist, keyboardist & native St. Louisan, Jay Oliver performing with Bill Lenihan and Miles Vandiver at the Historic Holmes Lounge on the campus of Washington University. Rising Stars of Jazz travels to East St. Louis High School , where we take a look at two promising performers from this storied jazz program, Brady Lewis & Carlos Brown Jr. And in Building Blocks of Jazz, Phil Dunlap and Matt Henry dissect the beat in Part 2 of Latin Jazz rhythms.	March 2010 This episode features an interview and performance with singer/composer/pianist Ann Hampton Callaway -- including classics and her own compositions. A special tribute to St. Louis native and Jazz Great Clark Terry with the Statesmen of Jazz -- including Clark himself and Nicki Parrott, Rossano Sportiello, Wycliffe Gordon, Houston Person, Randy Sandke, Chuck Redd, Denise Thimes, Jim Widner & Marty Morrison. A new segment premieres -- Rising Stars of Jazz, where we take a look at promising performers in the area's great University and High School programs. And in Building Blocks of Jazz, Phil Dunlap and Matt Henry examine the roots of Latin Jazz rhythms.	January 2010 Jazz vocalists lead off and close this installment of I Love Jazz with Don Wolff. Recorded at a performance at the Sheldon concert hall in 2009, Denise Thimes treats her audience to great renditions of jazz and blues standards. Reporter Christian Cudnik travels with legendary Tenor Saxophonist Hamiett Bluiett as he passes on his love for jazz and the blues to young students in the University City School district. Phil Dunlap delves deeper into "the Rhythm Section" on" Building Blocks of Jazz." And Gene Lynn makes standards from the American Songbook come to life in a performance captured live at Sasha's on Shaw.	November 2009 7 String guitar master John Pizzarelli, son of Bucky Pizzarelli, and his quartet perform Jazz Standards with the University of Missouri - St. Louis Jazz Ensemble. Don Wolff talks with John about growing up with a famous musical father, his influences, and why jazz became his calling. Swing with the sound of the "Hot Club of Paris" and enjoy the gypsy jazz styling's of Dizzy Atmosphere with a performance captured at the Sheldon Concert Hall. Phil Dunlap examines what makes up the rhythm section in the education segment, "Building Blocks of Jazz". And catch a little jazz in the open air with a visit to the 10th Annual Glendale Jazz Festival.
September 2009 Keyboard and piano artist Carolbeth True and her new group, Two Times True, are featured in this installment of I Love Jazz. The group includes Larry Johnson on sax, Greg Smith on bass, and Carolbeth's son, David True on Drums. Don talks with David and Carolbeth about the importance of jazz education and what it's like to have two generations playing together. On the education beat, Phil Dunlap explores the rhythm combinations that make up a "groove" in "Building Blocks of Jazz". Rounding out the show is New Orleans Born - St. Louis raised blues and jazz artist Curt Landes, performing classics and original works on piano and organ.	March 2009 In this episode, we go digging into the show archives for extra performances we didnâ€™t have time to include in our earlier programs. Youâ€™ll hear new performances from Trio Tres Bien, David Venn, Tom Byrne, Peter Martin, and Riverboat Jazz pianist and vocalist Dr. Jeannie Kittrell. Weâ€™ll take a look at last summer's Old Webster Jazz and Blues Festival with memorable performances by Anita Rosamond, Erin Bode, and the Webster Groves High School Jazz Band. And we premiere a new segment with the focus on jazz education, The Building Blocks of Jazz with Jazz St. Louis Education Director Phil Dunlap. This segment explores and explains the jazz concept of improvisation.	January 2009 In this episode we'll meet internationally celebrated jazz pianist, Peter Martin. Peter has toured with Wynton Marsalis, Chris Botti, Joshua Redman and others. Also in this episode, we'll see local guitarist and educator, Tom Byrne. A professor of jazz studies at Webster University, Tom teaches guitar, jazz theory and improvisation. And as a special post holiday treat, we give you an interview and performance with Israeli born Anat and her brother Avishai Cohen.	Live November 2008 Recorded Live at the Mildred Lane Kemper Contemporary Art Museum on the campus of Washington University-St. Louis, this program features art, design, and music from the Cool jazz era. Take a tour of the "Birth of Cool - California Art, Design, and Culture at Mid-Century" traveling exhibition, hear live cool jazz, and learn more about the era's music & culture.
August 2008 The Gaslight Square jazz scene is the theme for the show. There's a look at the history of this once vibrant arts and music district in St. Louis, as well as live performances from some artists who experienced Gaslight Square on stage -- vocalist Jeannie Trevor and jazz pianist Dave Venn.	April 2008 Riverboat Jazz is on display with a look at its history and live performances by Dr. Jeanie Kitrell and the Rivermen. Also a great group composed of three brothers -- keyboardist Jeter, drummer Howard and Bass player Harold Thompson - Trio Tres Bien. The show concludes with a tribute to the late Oscar Peterson.	December 2007 This program takes a look at the history of Ragtime in St. Louis, and features musicians from the region performing live examples of this early jazz form. The show also features saxophonist Willie Akins, who left the New York scene to return to his roots in St. Louis to play and teach the next generation of jazz musicians.