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)

Part 1. On Stanley Turrentine: Wahoo / Blue Note Rarities. Jazz and Soul Jazz Master Stanley Turrentine is in the stellar company of Blue Mitchell, Curtis Fuller, Herbie Hancock, Lee Morgan, McCoy Tyner, Elvin Jones, and more.

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.

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.