Wes Montgomery learned to play guitar by ear, listening to Charlie Christian records, and discovered his unique sound when he used his thumb instead of a guitar pick. He toured with Lionel Hampton and recorded with his brothers, Monk and Buddy. Cannonball Adderley helped Wes get his big break on Riverside Records in 1959. At the height of his popularity, when he was only 45, he died of a heart attack. Tonight learn more about this smokin' guitar legend and hear new unreleased tracks from recently discovered lost tapes.

Also, tune in during the 8 o'clock hour  for an interview with Wayne Messmer, National Anthem singer for the Chicago Cubs and a popular jazz host and vocalist. He'll talk about the Cubs and his upcoming Wednight night Jazz in AZ concert with Judy Roberts, Greg Fishman and Neal Seroka at ASU Kerr Center. Jazz awakes at 8 on KJZZ.

Hard bop trumpeter Bobby Shew has that rare ability of being able to play lead in big bands and star as a soloist in combos. He rose to fame playing in the Tommy Dorsey, Woody Herman and Buddy Rich Big Bands. Shew settled in LA after working for a long stretch in Las Vegas show bands. An important jazz educator who ironically was mostly self taught, he has still found time to play with the Toshiko Akiyoshi-Lew Tabackin big band. Find out more about Bobby Shew tonight on the 9 oclock special. Jazz awakes at 8 Monday through Friday on KJZZ.

There's many stories as to how tenor saxman Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis got his nickname but one thing critics and fans agreed on is that he could "blow his way out of any problem." Lockjaw was a pioneer of the organ/tenor format and made his first impact on the jazz world during his stint with Count Basie. He could play like he was on fire with an agressive, big-toned, bluesy sound, and held his own in saxophone battles with other tenor titans including Johnny Griffin. Yet he was also able to bring great sensitivity and lyrical beauty to any ballad. Find out more about Eddie "Lockjaw Davis" tonight! Jazz awakes at 8 every Monday through Friday on KJZZ.

Tonight the 9 O'Clock Special honors the music and memory of soul jazz sax legend Red Holloway who passed away last Saturday from kidney failure. When you heard Red Holloway blow his sax, the South Side of Chicago came to life with all its gritty, tough and bluesy personality. Red was one of the last great beboppers from Chicago, and helped shape the soul jazz scene. Critics admired his "imposing sound, keening dissonances, fat vibrato and lamenting phrases."  Red played with many jazz and blues artists including Billie Holiday, Yusef Lateef, Ben Webster, Dexter Gordon, Willie Dixon, Bobby "Blue" Bland and B.B. King. His recordings opposite tenor giant Sonny Still and Hammond B-3 master Jack McDuff featured some of his best work. Celebrate the genius and soul of Red Holloway tonight at 9. Jazz awakes at 8 on KJZZ.

The middle of the week gets a little better when you can preview the best new jazz releases! Tonight "All ballads and a little Bossa" from guitarist Royce Campbell, and previously unreleased live radio/TV and concert performances by jazz legends Gerry Mulligan, Benny Goodman with Anita O'Day, and Cannonball Adderley. The recordings were made during post-war Europe when Germany, in particular, gave American jazz artists a warm reception. New music label JAZZHAUS holds the keys to the biggest unpublished live jazz recordings of many American major modern jazz artists from 1947-1960, and is now sharing it with the world! New releases from your favorite jazz stars to enjoy and experience tonight at 9. Jazz awakes at 8 on KJZZ.