Jazz United

Carla Bley at 85: In Praise and Awe of an Unfettered Genius

Jazz United celebrates Carla Bley, the irrefutably original composer and pianist, as she rounds the corner on an 85th birthday.

Sorting through our mixed feelings about Oscar Peterson

On the final episode of Jazz United, Greg Bryant and Nate Chinen work out their mutual ambivalence about one of jazz's best-loved virtuosos.

We're in this together

Jazz United began with a literal conversation, as Greg Bryant and Nate Chinen met up for some music just over two years ago. We're proud of how far we've come, and now we

From cacophony to clarity: Cecil Taylor's 1973 return concert is a fresh revelation

Jazz United considers the vital challenge and rich reward of 'Cecil Taylor - The Complete, Legendary, Live Return Concert.'

Digging into 'Dilla Time,' and the legacy of a rhythm pioneer

Jazz United digs deep into the trailblazing rhythm legacy of hip-hop producer J Dilla — in conversation with Dan Charnas, author of an essential new book, 'Dilla Time.'

Our New Year's Resolutions

As 2022 gets underway, we're energized with a spirit of renewal. So we decided to devote this episode of Jazz United to some New Year’s resolutions.

The Year in Jazz: Our farewell to 2021, from the National Jazz Museum in Harlem

For a dynamic look back at 2021, Nate Chinen and Greg Bryant welcomed critic Jordannah Elizabeth to a panel discussion at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem.

A Tale of Two Kenny Gs

One is a chart-topping juggernaut who has sparked musical controversy for the last 35 years. The other is a master who’s spent that same span of time balancing improvisat

Ready or not, here come the yuletide grooves

Greg Bryant is a self-admitted Grinch when it comes to Christmas jazz, while Nate Chinen is a full-blown Elf. Hear them work out their differences on this holiday edition

A decade after his passing, Paul Motian is still with us

Jazz United remembers the incomparable drummer and composer Paul Motian, whose spirit lives on in the music, and in a new documentary film.

Kurt Elling and Charlie Hunter emerge from lockdown with the ultimate groove elixir: SuperBlue

On this episode of Jazz United, we peer under the hood of Superblue, with a special attention to the mechanics of groove; reminisce about our separate relationships with

A Holy Grail experience: listening to John Coltrane's 'A Love Supreme: Live in Seattle'

Just how major is 'A Love Supreme: Live in Seattle'? Nate Chinen and Greg Bryant discuss this historic release on Jazz United, moments after listening together to the alb

Terence Blanchard's opera 'Fire Shut Up in My Bones' is more than a historic first

Jazz United was in the house when Terence Blanchard became the first Black composer to have an opera presented at The Met. In this episode, Greg Bryant and Nate Chinen la

Reunited & Reconsidered: the Chick Corea Akoustic Band Deepens a Legacy with 'Live'

Jazz United goes deep on 'Live,' the first posthumous album by Chick Corea, and discusses the evolving legacy of Corea's Akoustic Band.

A Fall Preview Six-Pack: Jazz United Picks Some Winners

As a supplement to WBGO's 2021 Fall Preview, Jazz United picks a half-dozen new releases we're excited about.

Question and Answer: Jazz United Opens the Mailbag

In the first mailbag episode of Jazz United, Greg Bryant and Nate Chinen answer many of your burning questions.

Lee Morgan's Most Dynamic Band is Revealed in Full on a Staggering New Boxed Set

'The Complete Live at the Lighthouse' finds trumpeter Lee Morgan leading one of the greatest bands of the early 1970s. Jazz United considers its legacy anew, as illuminat

(Back) In The Club: Jazz United Considers the Return of Live Concerts

The big intermission is over, but how long will it last? Jazz United examines the return to in-person performances and checks in with Spike Wilner, owner of Smalls Jazz C

The New Wave in Jazz, at 60: Jazz United Considers the Legacy of Impulse Records

To kick off Season Two of Jazz United, we shine a light on Impulse Records, the self-proclaimed home for "The New Wave in Jazz" — describing its impact on us as listeners

A Space Within a Space: Jazz United Commemorates Asian Pacific American Heritage

For Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Jazz United considers the Asian-American experience in jazz — and welcomes a guest, violinist Tomoko Omura.