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)

This month, KCSM Jazz 91 proudly celebrates Women’s History Month with a full lineup of special programming honoring the extraordinary women who have shaped jazz. All month long, listeners can enjoy curated shows spotlighting the groundbreaking artists, composers, bandleaders, and broadcasters past and present whose voices and vision have defined the sound of the genre. From trailblazing legends to today’s innovators, KCSM Jazz 91 highlights the significant contributions of women both behind the mic and on the bandstand—celebrating their enduring impact on the past, present, and future of jazz.

Antoine Drye. Composer/trumpeter Antoine Drye’s latest CD, Retreat to Beauty, with orchestrations by Isaac Raz, celebrates Antoine’s love of the Great American Songbook, and newer compositions that honor that tradition. It’s rare to hear a recording these days with an orchestra with live musicians, not sampled sounds. Retreat to Beauty celebrates not only this music, but the communal experience of making it.

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.

The Moonglows, Part 1 - 1953-55. 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 1 of a 2-part feature on the fantastic Moonglows, covering their career from 1953 to 1955. Vocal harmony doesn't get much sweeter than this, so don't miss one note this week.

Flea in Conversation with Christian McBride. We sit down with iconic bassist Flea for a special conversation with host Christian McBride. After nearly five decades as one of his generation's defining rock bassists, Flea opens up about his first musical love — jazz — and his debut solo album, Honora, that brought him back to it.

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.

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.

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.

Holistic & Humane. Zoe Weil emphasizes the significance of humane education in fostering a compassionate and sustainable world. She explores the concept’s definition, discusses the hurdles humane educators encounter, such as overwhelm, and shares some notable successes. ● Humane education is an approach that teaches compassion, empathy, and critical thinking to create a more compassionate and sustainable world. ● A holistic approach to education, which considers the interconnectedness of all issues, is more effective in creating positive change. ● Dealing with overwhelm is important in the face of complex global challenges, and focusing on one’s passions can help alleviate this feeling. ● Having hope in humanity is crucial for creating change, and individuals can contribute by taking small actions in their daily lives.