Pianist Horace Silver created a whole movement of Hard Bop while composing favorites like "The Preacher" & "Song for my Father." The Hardbop Grandpop's delightful grooves & melodies tonight

Keep up with who's hot and what's cool as we preview new jazz by bassist Kyle Eastwood, singer Nicole Henry, and jazz flutist Mindy Canter, who got her start playing with Albert King when she was 1

Pianist Mulgrew Miller played gospel music in his church and R&B and blues at dances. Mulgrew was constantly meddling in jazz piano, and established a trio in high school that would play cocktail parties. Miller is said to have set his mind definitely to becoming a jazz pianist after seeing Oscar Peterson on television.  Hear the bluesy jazz grooves of Mulgrew Miller tonight on the 9 O'clock special

Pat Metheny is a unique self styled guitarist and brilliant innovator.  He has performed with everything from self powered synthesizers to symphony orchestras.  He started his career in 1975 with vibe player and mentor Gary Burton, and his latest album is solo guitar.  Hear the many sides of Pat Metheny Friday night on the 9 O'clock Special.

Alphonse Mouzon's musical life is a Who's Who of Modern Jazz music. His talent covers a broad range of musical styles. He laid down the groove for pianist McCoy Tyner and he was a charter member along with keyboardist Joe Zawinul and saxophonist Wayne Shorter, of  Weather Report. He and guitarist Larry Coryell, co-founded of The Eleventh House, a fusion band of the seventies. And his new CD with Wallace Roney and Cedar Walton is dedicated to his daughter, he calls it "Angel Face".  Hear Alphonse Mouson tonight on the 9 O'clock Special.

Bassist and composer Charlie Haden started his professional career as a child singing folk and country music with his family.  A tragedy in his life took  him from singing to the bass and ever since he has been making his bass sing.  Hear Haden on Beyond the Missouri Sky, with Pat Metheny, on American Dreams with Michael Brecker and with Melody Gardot on Sophisticated Ladies tonight on the 9 O'clock Special.

Trumpeter and singer Chet Baker became the definition of cool jazz.  His brilliant improvisation and tender tones were like nothing else and his matinee idol good looks got him plenty of attention.  He worked with Stan Getz and Charlie Parker and created a sensation playing counterpoint solos with Gerry Mulligan and his baritone sax.  hear Chet Baker sing and play tonight on the 9 O'clock Special.  

Dr. Billy Taylor is a pianist , composer,  teacher and advocate for jazz.  He has had a radio show and a television series that featured legendary  jazz performers.  He was the artistic director for Jazz at the Kenndy Center from 1994 to 2010.  Billy Taylor studied classical piano with Ellington's teacher as a child in DC.  Hear the sound of Billy Taylor tonight on K-Jazz.  

Guitarist Kenny Burrell has been playing and recording for over 50 years.  Tonight hear him in the 50s with Coltrane, in the 70s with Herbie Hancock and today with his band, including pianist Benny Green.  Cover the years with jazz guitar legend Kenny Burrell tonight on K-Jazz.

Pianist Hank Jones played jazz for over 65 years!  He recorded 60 albums under his own name and many more as a side man with Coltrane, Cannonball, Ella and more.   The Jones brothers, Hank, Elvin and Thad were well known as a jazz family dynasty who brought dynamic ideas to the sound of jazz.  Hear the sounds of Hank Jones tonight with Blaise Lantana on the 9 O'clock special on KJZZ.