If you missed the original airing of Harry Duncan's (producer and host of In The Soul Kitchen) exclusive interview with Van Morrison during his recent run of five sold out shows at San Francisco’s Palace of Fine Arts, you can still listen to this great interview. Van and Harry sat down for an exclusive interview to talk about his new album, Somebody Tried To Sell Me A Bridge. The album features covers and fresh interpretations of some of Van’s favorite blues, R&B and soul artists by Van and his band plus special guests Taj Mahal, Buddy Guy and Elvin Bishop. Van and Harry share a love and deep respect for these artists and their music. Both the artists Van honors on Somebody Tried To Sell Me A Bridge and beyond. This interview was a welcome opportunity for them to talk freely about the inspiration these artists provided and the influence these artists have had on both of them. (click the story subject to hear the interview)

JAZZ in IRELAND: Part 1 of a new series of articles from Ireland and Europe for KCSM.org INTRO by Melanie O’Reilly, jazz singer, radio host & producer, jazz educator. Happy St Patrick’s Day! On this day when Irish culture is celebrated around the world, we begin a new series of regular articles on Jazz in Ireland on the KCSM website. Jazz is alive and well in contemporary Ireland with jazz festivals, jazz workshops, and jazz education in third-level institutions flourishing, with bebop, swing, blues, fusion, ethno-jazz, jazz rock, Celtic jazz, Latin-jazz and improvised explorations being the norm. (click story subject to continue)

Melanie Berzon was a true powerhouse at KCSM for over 25 years. She served as Program Director before moving into the role of Director of Operations, but most listeners know her as the unforgettable afternoon cohost of Jazz In The Afternoon, sharing the mic on alternating days with fellow afternoon dynamo Jesse "Chuy" Varela. Together, they were unstoppable especially during Fund Drives, when their energy, camaraderie, and talent for turning listeners into supporters were unmatched. (click story subject to continue)

Dan Bruce graces our stage regularly now – but he spent a number of years cutting his teeth in Chicago where guitar duo jam sessions were commonplace. They’re a little bit less common in Cleveland – so we knew we were in for a special night when he teamed up with Akron native –and Mack Avenue Records recording artist Dan Wilson for a night of two guitarist doing what they do best. From a sold-out show on July 1st, 2025 Daniel Peck is your host for Dan Bruce and Dan Wilson… Live at the Bop Stop.

The Moonglows, Part 2 - 1956-61. Much has been written about the great R&B vocal groups of the 1950s. Many of the classic groups were either great musicians and vocalists and never had the recognition or record sales to back it up or these groups were thrown together, they couldn't sing very well and scored one, solid hit that still spins in the eternal jukebox of public consciousness. The Moonglows were one of the few groups to come out of the post-World War II, pre-Elvis era, who were extremely talented and had the sales figures and notoriety to back it up. Originally called The Crazy Sounds, Harvey Fuqua and Bobby Lester led The Moonglows to a #1 R&B smash in 1954 with "Sincerely" on Chess, but that was after a somewhat bumpy start on Alan Freed's Champagne Records and Chicago's Chance Records. This week, Matt The Cat presents part 2 of a 2-part feature on the fantastic Moonglows, covering their career from 1956 through their breakup in 1958 and the singles that followed through the end of 1961. An interview with the late Reese Palmer reveals how Harvey Fuqua came to hire his group, The Marquees as the "new" Moonglows. This week's "Juke In The Back" shares the rest of the story on this influential and important 1950s vocal group.

Pianist Randy Weston would have turned 100 on April 6th. Hear an archival live performance from his quintet at the Panama Jazz Festival, plus one of his final interviews, a candid conversation recorded at his Brooklyn home with host Christian McBride.

Join Jesse “Chuy” Varela as he welcomes drummer extraordinaire, Michael Carvin. Among the most influential drummers in jazz and a veteran bandleader, Michael Carvin is an iconic artist whose resume includes work with Freddie Hubbard, Jackie McLean, Alice Coltrane, and dozens more. The Houston-born Carvin began his career at age 12 and quickly advanced as a professional, serving as a house drummer at Motown Records for two years before moving to New York and his first high-profile gig with trumpet genius Freddie Hubbard. He has appeared on more than 250 albums and led or co-led 15 sessions including Antiquity, the landmark 1975 duo session with saxophonist Jackie McLean. Carvin makes his SFJAZZ debut at the Joe Henderson Lab on Thursday, April 9, with his Michael Carvin Experience.

Dave Solazzo and The Bridge. Sometimes, producing an album takes work, labor, a bit of suffering and a lot of negotiation. For Central New York Based Dave Solazzo and the Bridge, the trio knew after one session that they had to hit the studio and then the road. The fruit of that chemistry produced the 2023 album Locrian Skye, and you’ll hear selections from that release on this episode of the program. Featuring Dave Solazzo on piano, Matthew Vacanti on Bass and Bill D’Agostino on Drums, and from a March 12th, 2025 performance, performance, Daniel Peck is your host for Dave Solazzo and the Bridge…Live at the Bop Stop.

This episode includes selections by the Christ Universal Temple Ensemble, Gospel Keys, GMWA Mass Choir, Bibletone Gospel Singers (pictured), Glorifying Vines Sisters, selections in loving memory of Bili Thedford and Ron Kenoly, and others.

John Conyers, former United States Congressman, Michigan. Conyers was one of the 13 founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and was considered the Dean of that group. Formed in 1969, the CBC was founded to strengthen African American lawmakers' ability to address the legislative concerns of Black and minority citizens. He served longer in Congress than any other African American. In 1971, he was one of the original members of Nixon’s enemies list.Conyers served for a year in Korea during the Korean War as an officer in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and was awarded combat and merit citations. After his active military service, Conyers pursued a college education. He earned degrees from Wayne State University. After he was admitted to the bar, he worked on the staff of Congressman John Dingell. He also served as counsel to several Detroit-area labor union locals. From 1961 to 1963, he was a referee for Michigan's workmen's compensation department.Conyers became one of the leaders of the civil rights movement. He was present in Selma, Alabama, on October 7, 1963, for the voter registration drive known as Freedom Day.

Tara Pilbrow is the Executive Director of Alameda’s West End Arts District. Their mission is to: “create vibrant art experiences that bring together local and regional audiences around the visual and performing arts.” Host Scott Piehler talks with Tara about WEAD’s signature events like “Blues, Brews, and BBQ,” and how the Arts are integral to a thriving community, both from a social and economic standpoint.