British conductor/arranger discusses his project to restore the scores of the classic Hollywood musicals from the 30's and 40's, most of which were lost or destroyed, and his work with Kevin Spacey on "Beyond the Sea", Spacey's biopic on Bobby Darin.
John O'Conor
Irish classical pianist John O’Conor is know for the passion and poetry of his music. This focus on emotional expression is also what fuels his love for jazz. Judy met with John at Steinway Hall in NYC where John played some of his favorite jazz inspired classical pieces and talked to Judy about how jazz has influenced his work.
Huey
Film maker “Huey” discusses his documentary about the late pianist Marian McPartland, which is part of his series of films about fascinating older artists.
Ehud Asherie
Pianist Ehud Asherie was born in Isreal, spent his early years in Italy and now lives in the States. He brings an international perspective as well as wide musical knowledge to his jazz playing. Judy and Ehud discuss his broad range of influences including Orson Welles whom he considers a major source of inspiration!
Frank Gehry & F. Murray Abraham
Architect Frank Gehry, who died December 5, 2025, explores how architecture, like jazz, is a dynamic art that absorbs the times and culture it inhabits, constantly reinventing itself while retaining its historic connection.
In the second half of the show, Oscar-winning actor (Best Actor, Amadeus) F. Murray Abraham discusses improvisation, spontaneity and jazz as great theater.
Frank and Murray were two of my first guests on Jazz Inspired saying yes as a show of support and friendship. Both loved the thought of a conversation about inspiration with a fellow creative artist, something unusual in media in 1999 when these conversations were recorded.
Axel Zwingenberger and Lila Ammons
German boogie-woogie pianist Axel Zwingenberger and American vocalist Lila Ammons (opera singer and granddaughter of pianist Albert and niece of saxophonist Gene) talk about working together, in spite of their very different cultural and musical backgrounds.
Kristi Zea
Kristi Zea is a multifaceted filmmaker who has worked as costume designer, production designer and/or director for Silverado, Birdy, Philadelphia, As Good As It Gets, Broadcast News and many other films. I talked with Kristi while we were cruising around the Southern tip of South America aboard the Silver Spirit cruise ship, where we were both lecturing and I was performing.
Deanna Witkowski
Composer/pianist/vocalist, Deanna Witkowski, started as a classical pianist and now specializes in jazz, Brazilian, afro-cuban and sacred music.
Todd White
From "Tiny Toons" and "Sponge Bob Square Pants" to his own eccentric paintings, Todd White focuses on his pictures telling a story. He discusses seeing that same aspect in his favorite jazz.
Aaron Weinstein
Twenty year old jazz violinist Aaron Weinstein talks about why there aren't more jazz musicians playing violin and how he was drawn to the music himself.
George Wein
My 2006 conversation with jazz impresario George Wein, who died in September 2021. George talks about creating the festival phenomenon, his own piano playing and his continuing love affair with jazz.
Jon Weber
Chicago pianist Jon Weber talks about his jingle writing years, his love for every kind of jazz from the early days to the present, and what his recent move to NYC has done for his playing.
George Washingmachine
Australian violinist with a name as unique as his musical approach, discusses continuing the jazz tradition on violin while still performing country western and classical music.
Mark Walter
Son of pianist Cy Walter, Mark Walter talks about bringing awareness of his father's great musical legacy.
Warren Vaché
Trumpeter Warren Vaché discusses the realization of his life-long dream to play with strings, what makes a perfect jazz festival, and how to accompany a singer.
Allan Vache
Clarinetist Allan Vache grew up in a musical family and carried on that tradition by marrying a classical clarinetist! Allan is a longtime friend and occasional bandmate so this was a fun excuse to get together for a conversation about his inspirations and his own music.
Neil deGrasse Tyson
Astrophysicist and director of the Hayden Planetarium in NYC discusses his love of blues and the connection between science and music. I’m crazy about astrophysics, so this conversation was loads of fun for me. And showing what a lovely guy Neil is, after he listened to the show he took the time to send me this note:
Judy,
”I finally got around to hearing our entire interview on Jazz and Astrophysics. I think it is one of my best ever - magnified and strengthened by our on-air chemistry. Thank you again for your interest and your enthusiasm for what I do”
-Neil
Steve Turre
Saturday Night Live trombonist discusses the state of jazz today and how we can spread the jazz word to the next generation.
Dave Tull
Drummer Dave Tull has provided rhythm for everyone from Chuck Magione and Michael Buble, to Jack Sheldon and Family Guy creator Seth McFarlane. While Dave has also occasionally sung a tune or two with these groups and others, he has recently focused on performing his own beautiful melodies and often hilarious lyrics. Dave is a favorite among jazz musicians, who relish his spot on laments of the sometimes ridiculous challenges jazz musicians face.
Allen Toussaint
Producer/pianist/vocalist (and recent collaborator with Elvis Costello) Allen Toussaint talks about the effect Hurricane Katrina has had on his life and music, and the inspiration he's gotten from his temporary home in NYC.