This week hear highlights from the best new jazz of 2011 on the 9 o'clock special with Michele Robins. Piano players and B-3 groovers are showcased tonight! Brad Mehldau brought lyrical beauty to his solo release  "Live in Marciac" while Monty Alexander's playful notes were the stars of two new releases. You'll also have a chance to win Brad Mehdlau Trio's complete "Art of the Trio" 5-CD series from 1996-2001 plus a bonus CD of unreleased performances during the 9 o'clock hour. We'll also get into the B-3 grooves of  Mike LeDonne, Reuben Wilson and Joey DeFrancesco's celebration of turning "40." Jazz awakes tonight at 8!

This week hear highlights from the best new jazz of 2011 on the 9 o'clock special. Vocalists take center stage tonight. Grammy winner Kurt Elling is back with "The Gate," and Tierney Sutton gets her long awaited shot at a Grammy with "American Road." Newcomers Tianna Hall and Gretchen Parlato stepped into the spotlight but Tony Bennett's "Duets II" earned the 85 year old crooner his first number one on the Billboard 200 chart. Jazz awakes tonight at 8!

This week hear highlights from the best new jazz of 2011 on the 9 o'clock special with Michele Robins. Tonight features bass and drums! The rhythm section provides the back beat but this year took front and center with bassist Ron Carter's exploration into big band territory. Kyle Eastwood's elegant bass lines contributed to "Marciac," while drummer Alphonse Mouzon hosted a who's who on "Angel Face" and Roy Haynes presided over "Roy-alty." Jazz awakes tonight at 8!

This week hear highlights from the best new jazz of 2011 on the 9 o'clock special with Michele Robins. Tonght is devoted to horns aplenty! Listen to cuts from Houston Person's "So Nice,"  Kennedy Center honoree Sonny Rollin's Grammy nominated "Road Shows Vol. 2,"  Terrell Stafford's tribute to Billy Strayhorn, and Randy Brecker's Grammy nominated release with the Danish Radio Big Band! Jazz awakes tonight at 8!

In the 50s and 60s pianist Dave Brubeck had one of the best loved quartets of all time with his sax playing partner Paul Desmond.  Brubeck's brilliant use of time signatures and Disney melodies started a whole new trend in jazz performance.  Today Brubeck performs with his own quartet, with his talented sons, and with symphony orchestras.  He is still creating new music at the cutting edge of jazz.  Take five and hear the dynamic talent of Dave Brubeck tonight on the 9 O'clock Special with Blaise Lantana.

Tonight it's 2 for 1 on the 9 O'clock special.  Saxaphonist Scott Hamilton has made a career on his beautiful tone and great chops.  He carries on the tradition of Ben Webster and Coleman Hawkins with a modern sense of harmony and time.  Hear the sweet sound of Scott Hamilton tonight as well as the trombone and shells of SNL musician Steve Turre. It's a contrast of sound and style tonight with two jazz giants on the 9 O'clock Special.

Alto sax giant Art Pepper was influenced by Charlie Parker but managed to find his own unique sound. Hear Art Pepper's beautiful music tonight.