Milt Jackson was the most popular vibraphonist in jazz history playing bop, blues, and ballads with sensitivity and swing. He was discovered by Dizzy Gillespie and is best known for his stint with the Modern Jazz Quartet. Start the New Year with a look at the 50 year career of the legendary "Bags." Jazz awakes at 8 on KJZZ.

Grammy award winner Danilo Pérez is among the most influential and dynamic musicians of our time. In just over a decade, his distinctive blend of Pan-American jazz has attracted critical acclaim and loyal audiences. Find out more about Danilo’s abundant talents and joyous enthusiasm which has made a fresh imprint on contemporary music, guided, as always, by his love for jazz.

Paul Desmond once quipped that he wanted his alto sax to sound like a dry martini. His shaken not stirred lyrical style highlighted his 17 year stint in the Dave Brubeck Quartet and one of the most popular jazz tunes of all time, "Take Five." Some of his best work was also done in his quartet with guitarist Jim Hall. Tonight explore the life and music of one of the world's greatest sax players. Jazz awakes at 8.

George Gershwin started as a song plugger on Tin Pan Alley and became one of the most important American composers of the 20th Century. Unforgettable songs written for stage and screen that spanned both popular and classical worlds. Fasinatin Rhythm, Lady Be Good, Embraceable You, Summertime, and The Man I Love. What's your favorite Gershwin tune? Hear it tonight as we celebrate Gershwin's 114th birthday. Jazz awakes at 8.

Check out what's hot and who's cool tonight as we dig into some new grooves! Travel to Dizzy's Club Coca Cola for a new live recording featuring vibe man Bobby Hutcherson and the Joey DeFrancesco Trio. Guitarist Graham Dechter teamed up with drummer Jeff Hamilton, pianist Tamir Hendelman and bassist John Clayton for a powerful new release. Also preview the latest from Anat Cohen, vocalist Dena DeRose and newcomer Elizabeth Shepard. Jazz awakes at 8.

Vocalist Lorraine Feather and pianist Shelly Berg will kick off the Lakeshore Music Jazz Series at Tempe Center for the Arts this Friday. Tonight find out more about the daughter of Leonard Feather, who sang backup for Petula Clark and Grand Funk Railroad, and about Shelly Berg, Dean of Music at University of Miami, whose known for his collaborations with jazz singers from Nancy Wilson to Tierney Sutton. Jazz awakes at 8.

He was called the "Genius" and the "Father of Soul." With a voice drenched in the passion and experiences from a remarkable life, Ray Charles combined the musical worlds of jazz, country, r&b, blues and gospel to break your heart or make you dance. By the time he died in 2004, he had revolutionized the American music scene and was catapulted to legendary status. Tonight celebrate the birthday anniversary of Brother Ray Charles. Jazz awakes at 8.

John Coltrane. The name conjures a deeply emotional, sometimes spiritual response from even the most casual jazz fan. Tonight celebrate the birthday of the most revolutionalry and widely imitated saxophonist in jazz history. Learn more about the legend, from his stints with Miles, Monk and Dizzy to his search for new sounds. Jazz awakes at 8.

Arizona is home to a thriving jazz scene from former Count Basie vocalist Dennis Rowland, Joey and Papa John DeFrancesco to jazz diva Margo Reed, Armand Boatman and guitarist Stan Sorenson, just to name a few! Tonight groove to some swinging tunes all from Arizona artists. Get to know your local jazz community better and find out who's playing where. Jazz awakes at 8.

What's hot? Who's cool? Where's the latest groove? Tonight hear this week's newest releases from the Brad Mehldau Trio, guitarist Lee Ritenour's "Rhythm Sessions," live soul jazz from saxman Maceo Parker with the WDR Big Band, and Kurt Elling sings from "1619 Broadway," the Brill Building Project. Jazz awakes at 8.