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New England Conservatory in Boston is recognized as one of the top music schools in the country, and at the forefront of leadership in educating and training musicians of all ages from around the world. NEC’s music students represent more than 40 countries, and per its mission statement, it “cultivates a diverse, dynamic community for […]

Known for his lyrical and relaxed style on the tenor saxophone, exceptional improvisor and seminal influence on his instrument, Lester Young, “The Prez,” was interviewed in a Paris hotel room just two months before he died. In response to a question about big bands like Count Basie’s Orchestra, where Young had become famous, he stated, […]

The telling originality and influence of a great innovator in jazz, based on their instrument, technique, and voicing, is often echoed by the number of outstanding musicians of future generations that advance the established style. The signature thumb-based strumming method, soft tone, and octave-chordal sound of Wes Montgomery’s Gibson is instantly recognizable from the opening […]

Often when a selection of bossa nova jazz is played by Stan Getz, Donald Byrd, or Dizzy Gillespie, it is attributed to them from an American perspective. The 1964 groundbreaking release in the US by Verve Records, Getz/Gilberto, sold over 2 million albums the first year and made Getz an international star. This overwhelming success, […]

Artbooks are unique. Artbooks are often, large, expensive, and typically are not for everyone. But some of them stand out and would be welcome additions to anyone’s library. I covered an amazing assortment of books about art this year and the ones listed below deserve special mention as unique. Mark Lynch, host: Inquiry. Nicholas Fox […]

I read 2-4 books a week, every week, to prepare to interview guests on Inquiry. I honestly can say that I have enjoyed almost all my conversations. NB: the ones I haven’t enjoyed took place years ago. Here are 10 of my favorite books by authors I have interviewed in 2021. Remember, books make great […]

In the arena of large jazz orchestras – whether it be Duke Ellington, Count Basie, or Dizzy Gillespie – the choice of an individual musician becomes a critical decision for any bandleader. Ray Brown, legendary acoustic double-bassist, DownBeat Jazz Hall of Fame winner, and peer-less performer of his instrument, was the obvious choice for many […]

On November 26, 2021, WICN Public Radio, licensee of 90.5FM, Worcester, Massachusetts, filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission for the renewal of its broadcast license. Members of the public wishing to view this application or obtain information about how to file comments and petitions on the application can visit https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/public/tv/draftCopy.html?displayType=html&appKey=25076f917d0c2e17017d15092d4f2b61&id=25076f917d0c2e17017d15092d4f2b61&goBack=N.

As you look at all the seminal legends and stars of jazz that have performed and recorded for over 60 years, there are only a few currently active. An even shorter list, indeed, if you consider the list of performers still alive today who have intersected with jazz leaders from the 1940s and participated in […]

Jazz trumpeter and composer, Randy Brecker, has been at the center of seminal jazz-funk groups with his late brother Michael (on saxophone) through the mid-‘70s and early ‘80s. Brecker has helped shape the sound of jazz, R&B, and rock for more than four decades. Playing both trumpet and flugelhorn, he has performed all over the […]