91.1FM WTJU Charlottesville, U.Va.

Classical Comfort: 19th c. Romantic Sonatas

Tune in to enjoy the timeless beauty of romantic sonatas from the 19th century by Schumann, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Brahms, Dvorak and Grieg.

Bumping into Broadway

Classical music has always brushed shoulders with other genres, and Broadway is no different - Paula will explore the fun, gravity, and pathos of Broadway.

Central Virginia Legal Aid Radio

Central Virginia Legal Aid Radio News is a program produced by Marty Wegbreit for WRIR - 97.3 FM - Richmond Independent Radio. Each week Marty produces a five minute version for WTJU. Host and legal aid attorney Marty Wegbreit explores the ins and outs of civil (non-criminal) law, with news about consumer, employment, family, housing, public benefits, and other civil law.

The Plucked String

The vast literature for plucked string instruments is much-loved, but remains largely unknown. Classical guitarist Jeremy Bass offers a varied selection from this rich and fascinating tradition.

Classical Asian Music

That's a lot of continent not to have it's own multi-faceted culture! Can two hours possibly cover it all? Probably not, but Paula will make it special!

Democracy Now!

Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and co-hosted by Juan Gonzalez, is a national, daily, independent, award-winning news program. Tune in as independent and international journalists, ordinary people from around the world who are directly affected by U.S. foreign policy, grassroots leaders and peace activists, artists, academics, and independent analysts discuss breaking news and timely issues.

Virginia News

Tune in every weekday at 5pm as news director Emma Potter and the WTJU News Staff bring you the latest from Charlottesville and around the region. You'll get all the good stuff from this student-run program---from UVA news to what's happening in Charlottesville and Albemarle as well as coverage of statewide issues from Virginia Public Radio. This combination of original reporting and important local stories is just what you need for the ride home! Wtjunews@virginia.edu

Choral Music

Great Music for A Cappella Choir

Women Composers

John and Ralph sample the music of mystics, suffragettes, romantics, and modernists.

The Spirituality of Morten Lauridsen

Hear the dulcet, inspiring music of this contemporary composer of both sacred and secular choral music.

Sunrise Magazine

A penetrating and irreverent look at events in pond, forest and cobweb: Our resident naturalist, the Crank of Dawn, focuses on all aspects of nature and the environment, with regard to understanding our surroundings and treating them more respectfully.

1685: A Very Good Year

In 1685 the stars aligned to favor the births of giants of baroque music: Johann Sebastian Bach, Georg Frideric Handel, and Domenico Scarlatti. What grounds for celebration! Tune in to WTJU during the Classical Marathon on Saturday morning, October 24, from 6:30-9:00 am when we will present music for soloists and small ensembles by this birth year trio.

Music of Spain

John Mitchell and Ralph Graves explore the vibrant music of Spain. Hear zarzuela and flamenco, guitars and castenets in the music of Albeniz, DeFalla, Granados, Rodrigo, and Balada.

Organ Music at Midday

A feast for the ear...a veritable smorgasbord of organ sorties, praeludiums, fugues, ricercars and passacaglias to delight your midday and early afternoon brunchtime. Toccatas with your frittatas, anyone?

Philippe Herreweghe: Musicmaker Extraordinaire

The Belgian conductor Philippe Herreweghe has been making music for more than 30 years. Founder of the esteemed ensembles Collegium Vocale Gent, La Chapelle Royale and the Ensemble Vocale Europeen, and guest conductor with many other groups, he brings to the world stage the finest in renaissance polyphony, baroque instrumental music, romantic compositions and even contemporary selections. We will share music of Bach, Josquin, Lassus, Lully, Schuetz, Mendelssohn and others, made possible through the artistry of Philippe Herreweghe and his collaborators.

Western Music 101 - Distilled

Can we distill a millennium of Western Music into a 3-hour radio show? Tune in Saturday afternoon at 4 and find out, as we attempt to survey the progression of western music from medieval chant to the present time; from Hildegard to Gorecki, from Russia to America, and as much in between as we can fit! Many of my non-classical listener friends have asked me to introduce them to Classical Music, so this is my attempt on their, and YOUR, behalf. I hope you'll join me, and will call in your pledge of support for WTJU.

Eastern European Tour

Central and East European composers were inspired by the patterns of folk music, dance and language. Join The Contessa for music of Bartók, Kodály, Janáček, Kurtág, and a little Chopin.

Hot Horns!

Powerful, smooth, rich, and full of flavor! Humans have long had a love affair with horns: sackbuts, cornets, saxophones...and the list goes on - two hours of Hot Horns!

Classical Sunrise: The Year of Purcell and Handel

Commemorating the 350th anniversary of Henry Purcell’s birth and the 250th anniversary of G. F. Handel’s death.  Revel in Purcell’s tavern songs, sacred works, and works for the stage.  Hear such Handelian icons as Music for the Royal Fireworks or his Water Music, along with lesser known gems as well.

Inspired by Spain

From the travels of Don Quixote and Sancho to the loves of Carmen, Ralph Graves and John Mitchell listen to familiar music, inspired by Spain, from Strauss, Rimsky-Korsakov, Bizet, Ravel, and Debussy.

War and Remembrance

Can music depict Armageddon? Composers and musicians wrestled with that problem in the aftermath of the First World War, as they attempted both to encompass profound anguish, and evoke the promise of healing. This show samples their efforts with contemporary recordings, and modern premiere performances of long-forgotten works.

Sunday Opera Matinee: Don Carlos

Verdi's great tragic masterpiece in its five-act French version.

Unaccompanied Bach

Tune into Just A Few Friends to hear some of Johann Sebastian Bach's Solo Cello Suites and Solo Violin Sonatas and Partitas.

1920s Paris

We’ll cover the music of expatriates like Gershwin and Copland, mentors like Satie and Fauré, and other denizens of postwar Paris during this time of intellectual and cultural ferment and beyond the contributions of “Les Six.”

Dawn's Early Light: Les Six

The early 20th century was a time of artistic ferment in Paris. Leave it to Eric Satie and Jean Cocteau to informally promote a set of avant-garde French composers as the group Les Six. Auric, Durey, Honeggar, Milhaud, Poulenc, and Tailleferre were friends but not collaborators with few musical similarities. As Les Six, the sum was greater than the parts in developing a new approach to music. Six it is, as 6:00 am on Monday, October 26, marks the start of our program during the WTJU Classical Marathon to explore this fascinating musical period.

From the Folk: Britain and Ireland

Music inspired by the folk music of England, Ireland, and Scotland by composers from Anonymous to William Byrd to James MacMillan, and of course the composers (and folksong collectors) of the early twentieth century, including Butterworth, Grainger, and Vaughan Williams.

Culture Currents

Culture Currents brings listeners a nugget of cultural insight each week - highlighting cutting-edge cultural events, projects, and developments occurring in and around the Charlottesville area. Stories are often situated within the larger national context and feature commentary from Charlottesville community members, providing an intriguing mixture of national and local news currents.

Russian String Quartets

It has been said that Tchaikovsky composed the very first Russian String Quartet. Tune in on Monday, October 26, from noon until 2 PM for an exploration of string quartets composed by that giant and by subsequent Russian composers.

Movie Music

The finest classical-themed film music from Hollywood and abroad, from the 1940s up to the present day.

Democracy Now!

Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and co-hosted by Juan Gonzalez, is a national, daily, independent, award-winning news program. Tune in as independent and international journalists, ordinary people from around the world who are directly affected by U.S. foreign policy, grassroots leaders and peace activists, artists, academics, and independent analysts discuss breaking news and timely issues.

Virginia News

Tune in every weekday at 5pm as news director Emma Potter and the WTJU News Staff bring you the latest from Charlottesville and around the region. You'll get all the good stuff from this student-run program---from UVA news to what's happening in Charlottesville and Albemarle as well as coverage of statewide issues from Virginia Public Radio. This combination of original reporting and important local stories is just what you need for the ride home! Wtjunews@virginia.edu

Monks, Knights, Priests and Princes

A special marathon edition of the Early Music Show featuring six centuries of the music of England: medieval and Renaissance, sacred and secular, vocal and instrumental.

Brandenburg Concertos

Your hosts of The Five-Star Edition join together to present a selection of recordings – from the Age of Enlightenment Orchestra to Wendy Carlos – for these well-loved works by J.S. Bach.

Sounds of Argentina from Guastavino to Piazzolla

Composers and Performers, including Guastavino, Ginastera, Golijov, and Piazzolla, and Montero, Gimenez and others

La Belle Musique: Heard in Old Cabell Hall

Were you aware that the Juilliard String Quartet has performed in Old Cabell Hall Auditorium 10 times in the last 60 years? And that the Guarneri Quartet played there 5 times? The 2009 Marathon version of La Belle Musique will present a sampling of performances by famous musicians who have been heard in Old Cabell Hall Auditorium over many years. Tune in Tuesday morning, October 27, from 6 AM until 9 AM, to hear a sampling of performances heard in that marvelous venue over the decades.

RCA Living Stereo: The Golden Years

Join Rob Nowicki as he highlights the catalog of one of the most storied recording company in history - RCA Living Stereo! Pledge your dollars for the mellifluous sounds of an erstwhile aural era!

18th c. Classical Sonatas

Enjoy the delightful sonatas from 18th century, starting with C.P.E. Bach, the Father of the Sonata, through Haydn and Mozart to Clementi and Beethoven.

Romantic 20th Century Music

Take out your earplugs and relax as Andrew brings you the kinder, gentler--okay, maybe not always so gentle, but at least the tonal and melodic--side of 20th century music, with works of Rachmaninov, Khachaturian, Fauré and many others.

Democracy Now!

Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and co-hosted by Juan Gonzalez, is a national, daily, independent, award-winning news program. Tune in as independent and international journalists, ordinary people from around the world who are directly affected by U.S. foreign policy, grassroots leaders and peace activists, artists, academics, and independent analysts discuss breaking news and timely issues.

Virginia News

Tune in every weekday at 5pm as news director Emma Potter and the WTJU News Staff bring you the latest from Charlottesville and around the region. You'll get all the good stuff from this student-run program---from UVA news to what's happening in Charlottesville and Albemarle as well as coverage of statewide issues from Virginia Public Radio. This combination of original reporting and important local stories is just what you need for the ride home! Wtjunews@virginia.edu

Eventide Special: Natural Wonders

Wander into the wilderness and pitch your tent to experience the tranquility and the majesty of nature, as Andrew dishes up a healthy serving of organic delights.

The Battle of the Divos!

Two of the great tenors of our era–Luciano Pavarotti and Placido Domingo–square off in this battle of the tenors. Express your favorite by calling in a pledge. We'll collect the votes and see who is the favorite of our listeners.

The Jazz Age

The Jazz Age: between the end of WWI and the Stock Market Crash of 1929, a new kind of music combined with a new technology to spread across America. This show explores the lesser-known recordings of early jazz from groups such as Phil Spitalny, Fry's Million Dollar Pier Orchestra, and the Congo Four. It's the cat's pajamas!

Medeski Martin & Wood

"It's a Jungle in Here" - acid jazz grooves featuring the best tracks from this funky organ-bass-drums collective including their recordings with others like guitarist John Scofield... hosted by Larry, Steve and Gary.

UVA Today

UVA Today Radio Show is a weekly five minute show that provides news and information about the University of Virginia of interest to the greater community. Look for new editions of the show every Wednesday at 11:55 a.m. on WTJU. The program is presented by staff of the University of Virginia's Office of Public Affairs.

Jazz of the Beat Generation

Experience the bohemian/ beatnik style of jazz played in basements and gothic-antiqued, candle-lit espresso joints before and after hours. Small-café and existential philosophies accompanied by their own brand of jazz that was squashed between the bop of the 1940's and the hippie invasion of the 1960's. This lasted just a few moments but would go on to influence jazz for decades to come, even into the 21th century! This show will touch upon the small niche of the authentic beat movement that really comprised more than the popularized “big four” we've all read about. The fans were the participants. Jazz was the tool. A few of the known players were Moondog, Gerry Mulligan, Gato, Bob McFadden, the Diz, LH&R, Mose, Jazzbo, and the cats that would sit in playing a stick on a beer bottle who might still be haunting Washington Square Park today! You'll learn about it here: the big cats, the obscure, lost or forgotten, from the inside. Society, corporate agents, and the media condemned the beat movement saying that it was “offbeat”. However, we keep the tradition alive here because somewhere it's somebody's beat.

Chestnuts Roasting in a Hot CD Player

Ahmad Jamal, Ramsey Lewis, Maynard Ferguson, Thad Jones-Mel Lewis, Jackie McLean, Grant Green and Woody Shaw to name a few.

Democracy Now!

Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and co-hosted by Juan Gonzalez, is a national, daily, independent, award-winning news program. Tune in as independent and international journalists, ordinary people from around the world who are directly affected by U.S. foreign policy, grassroots leaders and peace activists, artists, academics, and independent analysts discuss breaking news and timely issues.

Virginia News

Tune in every weekday at 5pm as news director Emma Potter and the WTJU News Staff bring you the latest from Charlottesville and around the region. You'll get all the good stuff from this student-run program---from UVA news to what's happening in Charlottesville and Albemarle as well as coverage of statewide issues from Virginia Public Radio. This combination of original reporting and important local stories is just what you need for the ride home! Wtjunews@virginia.edu

Fathers & Sons

Jazz & blues artists whose sons have carried on the family tradition such as Dewey & Joshua Redman, Bucky & John Pizzarelli, Gerald & Anthony Wilson, Bebo and Chucho Valdes, Chico and Arturo O'Farrill and many others.

LIVE in the Studio: Houston Ross Trio

Spanning three generations, The Houston Ross Trio (Houston Ross, 52 - bass; Charles Owens, 37 - tenor saxophone; Jeff Louderback, 23 - drums) are a funky, dynamic, and impactful group. They play mostly covers by classic artists like Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, Herbie Hancock, and The Beatles to name a few, along with some standards that they've arranged specially for them. The trio is led by Charlottesville music scene stalwart Houston Ross. When asked what he loves about his trio, Houston said, "It just feels right. It's so easy when musicians listen to each other the way we do." On saxophone is the fiery tenor Charles Owens, who before coming to Charlottesville in 2004 was a professional jazz musician in New York City. He has made three CDs as a leader and appeared on many recordings as a sideman. Charles gets an amazing tone on his horn and really plays with passion, virtuosity, lyricism, and truth. At a young age Jeff Louderback plays the drums with maturity, depth, and discipline. He keeps the energy and fire at a high level all night.

Electric Miles

Join Charlie Curtis and Kevin Kellam for a WTJU tradition, delving deep into the black beauty of Mr. Davis' electric grooves.

Eddie Bo

From the “Hook & Sling” to “Check Your Bucket,” Eddie Bo was the last of the New Orleans junker piano players before passing away last spring. His repertoire included jazz, blues, soul, R&B and rock, but at the center of it all was the funk... Eddie's funk. In addition to his vast solo catalog, his compositions were recorded by the likes of Etta James and Little Richard. As always in New Orleans, we won't mourn Eddie's loss, we'll celebrate his legacy.

Kurt Elling & Mark Murphy

Kurt Elling, 41, and Mark Murphy, 77, are two of the most interesting and eclectic singers around. Generally voted the best male jazz singer currently, Elling had to have absorbed some styling from Murphy. This show will present them singing conventional ballads, adaptations thereof, and some of their more esoteric work. Wait ‘til you hear the new “Body and Soul” by Elling!

As Good As It Getz

A retrospective of the luminous career of Stan Getz, one of the most creative improvisers and distinctive voices in the history of jazz. Works will be sampled from his 50-year recording career, starting with the Woody Herman band and ending with his posthumous releases. Sidemen on these recordings represent a virtual Who's Who of mainstream jazz. Tenor sax musicians who influenced Stan and those on today's scene influenced by him will be sampled as time allows.

Hillbilly Rhythm & Blues

Rhythm and Blues became popular during the post-World War II era. Country musicians had a form of it all their own. It was a fusion of R&B and traditional honky-tonk, and it remains popular today. Tune in to Pinetops Stephen and Lonesome George as they spin old and new, classic and obscure, hillbilly R&B tunes from noon to 2 PM on Thursday, October 29, during the 2009 Jazz Marathon on WTJU.

Rebirth of the Cool

A look back at those legendary performances from the early '50's by Miles Davis, Gil Evans and Gerry Mulligan that gave rise to the concept of “cool jazz.” Many other artists associated with the “cool” school will also be featured.

Democracy Now!

Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and co-hosted by Juan Gonzalez, is a national, daily, independent, award-winning news program. Tune in as independent and international journalists, ordinary people from around the world who are directly affected by U.S. foreign policy, grassroots leaders and peace activists, artists, academics, and independent analysts discuss breaking news and timely issues.

Virginia News

Tune in every weekday at 5pm as news director Emma Potter and the WTJU News Staff bring you the latest from Charlottesville and around the region. You'll get all the good stuff from this student-run program---from UVA news to what's happening in Charlottesville and Albemarle as well as coverage of statewide issues from Virginia Public Radio. This combination of original reporting and important local stories is just what you need for the ride home! Wtjunews@virginia.edu

Joe Lovano - State of the Art Jazz

One of the greatest tenor sax players and composers of the last 15 to 20 years, Joe Lovano has led countless collaborations seeking the effect that new ways of defining different instruments and different personalities will have on his music. Join Tim Beeghly as we explore Jazz that swings, bops, inspires and satisfies.

European Women in Jazz

European Women in Jazz will feature the finest contemporary female jazz musicians and singers. When you hear Italian singer Cristina Zavalloni you'll make sure all your radios are tuned to WTJU. Your host from Amsterdam will likely pay some extra attention to Dutch artists such as saxophonists Candy Dulfer and Tineke Postma as well as Saskia Laroo on trumpet. Give in to the European experience...

The Clifford Brown Odyssey

In four short years of recorded music, Clifford Brown had an enormous impact not only on the music of his day and well into the future, but also on the lives of everyone he touched. One could say that he made the most of his time. The size of his musicianship – equal to those with careers lasting much longer – made him a giant in the field while physically measuring less than six feet tall. He lived clean in a culture rife with drug use and abuse. Host MichaelShelton invites you to support community radio and check out this contrast of opposites in a tribute to the trumpeter lovingly known as ‘Brownie’.

Funk Getting' Ready To Roll

Preston Palisades is bringing back the funk. From the founding fathers to the newest funkateers, it'll be a party you wont want to miss.

Hollywood Heydey

From the moment movies first began talking, Hollywood was all about jazz. Beginning with 1927’s "The Jazz Singer" and continuing through the golden age of musicals in the 1930s and the Second World War, Hollywood sang and danced to a rhythm set by men and women like Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Louis Armstrong, George and Ira Gershwin, Maxine Sullivan, Sophie Tucker, Fred Astaire, and many others. The talent was dazzling—and the music unforgettable. Get ready to tap your toes as Ed Lengel samples the best in jazz and jazz-inspired movie music, in original soundtracks from 1927 to 1945.

The Year in Jazz: 1959

Some say "the greatest year in Jazz" - 1959. Brian explores how the times influenced the music, and vice versa. The passing of Buddy Holly, Billie Holiday, Lester Young... The hot releases of that year including Kind of Blue, Mingus Ah Um, Brubeck's Time Out, Ornette Coleman's The Shape of Jazz to Come, and many more.

Central Virginia Legal Aid Radio News

Central Virginia Legal Aid Radio News is a program produced by Marty Wegbreit for WRIR - 97.3 FM - Richmond Independent Radio. Each week Marty produces a five minute version for WTJU. Host and legal aid attorney Marty Wegbreit explores the ins and outs of civil (non-criminal) law, with news about consumer, employment, family, housing, public benefits, and other civil law.

The Jazz Clarinet

On this all-clarinet show you'll hear artists like Eddie Daniels, Ken Peplowski, Kenny Davern, and Paquito D'Rivera. This will be a high energy show that will give us a chance to compare some of the country's greatest clarinet artists. We might even throw in a little Artie Shaw, clearly one of the masters of the clarinet, and of course the "King of Swing", Benny Goodman.

Soul Jazz Groove

Take some be-bop, liven that up with hard bop, and add some funky rhythm groove - and you have Soul Jazz! Soul Jazz has that livin' juice that makes a dead man rise up and dance! Listen to Cannonball and Nat and Lee and Jimmy and all the soul jazz boys as they lay down a beat that will keep you going long after the show's over.

Democracy Now!

Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and co-hosted by Juan Gonzalez, is a national, daily, independent, award-winning news program. Tune in as independent and international journalists, ordinary people from around the world who are directly affected by U.S. foreign policy, grassroots leaders and peace activists, artists, academics, and independent analysts discuss breaking news and timely issues.

Virginia News

Tune in every weekday at 5pm as news director Emma Potter and the WTJU News Staff bring you the latest from Charlottesville and around the region. You'll get all the good stuff from this student-run program---from UVA news to what's happening in Charlottesville and Albemarle as well as coverage of statewide issues from Virginia Public Radio. This combination of original reporting and important local stories is just what you need for the ride home! Wtjunews@virginia.edu

Howlin' Haunted Halloween Hits

Marilyn Wright and Janet King will play your favorite scary sounds and kooky, jazzy, bluesy songs on Friday Halloween Eve. Put down your chainsaw and listen in.

Thelonious Monk

Join us as we share the works from one of the true musical geniuses of the twentieth century, Thelonious Sphere Monk. From his early solo work in the 1940s all the way to his group compilations in the late 1960s, we will showcase the wonder that is Monk... plus covers both new & old.

Scary Blues & Jazz

Wolf howling at the moon, Albert King born under a bad sign, Screamin' Jay puttin' a spell on you. Peter Welch and the Professor combine their evil tendencies to bring you 2 hours of jazz and blues that will make your liver quiver and put a drain on your brain. The only antidote to this goofer dust is a generous pledge to WTJU. Listen if you dare!!

Hammond B-3

Can’t get enough of that B3 sound? How about 2 hours of Jimmy, Brother and the Doctor? Join Gerald for some of the best B3 anywhere. You will hear all your favorites and maybe something new.

Nina Simone

Nina Simone sings jazz (and blues and gospel and classical and folk and maybe even pop) and makes it all her own.

Long Ago & Far Away: Music of Jerome Kern

George Gershwin said, "I paid him the tribute of frank imitation, and many things I wrote at this period sounded as though Kern had written them himself." Richard Rodgers said, "The influence of the hero on such a hero-worshipper is not easy to calculate. A large part of one winter most of my allowance was spent for a seat in the balcony listening to Love o' Mike," one of Kern's less successful shows. Please join Charles Peale as he explores the music of Jerome Kern for two hours of musical purity.

Soul Instrumentals

For this year's WTJU Jazz Marathon the Rum Cove takes us on a radical new journey. Regular listeners to Soulful Situation know the show features some of the great voices of the Rhythm & Blues era, but this time, no! On this show the Rum Cove brings us a frighteningly groovy set of instrumental soul, featuring the hard hitting funky tunes of Booker T & the MG's, Earl Van Dyke and the Funk Brothers, the JB's, King Curtis, the Young Holt Unlimited, and many outstanding soul instrumentals.

Gyspy Jazz Guitar

An overview of the Gypsy Jazz Guitar style started by Django Reinhardt. Running from the 1930's until present day we will explore the music of Django and his contemporaries as well those folks who are keeping the tradition alive. We'll have music from Romane, Frank Vignola, Oscar Aleman, Fapy Lafertin, Tchavolo Schmitt, Jimmy Rosenberg, and others. Join Ricky Olivarez and Terry Carpenter for the music of the Gypsy Jazz Guitar Tradition.

Blue Note Records' 70th Anniversary

Beginning in 1939 without money or connections and speaking little English, Francis Wolff and Alfred Lion began to record practically unknown musicians, following their own taste and judgement. Today this list of artists reads like the Who's Who of jazz. Join Sean & David as they sample the Blue Note catalog including such artists as Art Blakey, Horace Silver, Grant Green, Jackie McLean and many others.

The Boogie Man: John Lee Hooker

Join Ron Dominic with his sidekick on a special afternoon fundraising show featuring the music of legendary blues artist John Lee Hooker. It will be classic blues as only John Lee Hooker can deliver... for blues fans who are serious about his music!

Dr John

Join Dusty Garwood as he spins the music and the pageantry of the unofficial mayor of New Orleans.

Night Of The Living Time

Frightening jazz and blues for Halloween night from Costumed Crazies, Shape Shifters and Shamans, including Sun Ra, The Art Ensemble, Rahsaan, Zappa and more. Hosted by Scary Gary.

Paving the Way to Your Soul: Black Top Records

Black Top Records was a New Orleans, Louisiana-based independent record label founded in 1981 by brothers Nauman S. Scott, III and Hammond Scott. The label started out primarily as a blues label and soon stretched out to New Orleans R&B and American roots music. Join Eli for a two-hour exploration of the music of Anson Funderburgh & The Rockets, Earl King, Snooks Eaglin, Maria Muldaur, and many more.

Gospel Music of Thomas Dorsey

The prolific composer of gospel songs that have touched many hearts, he started as a blues man with very earthy themes. When his darling wife died suddenly he was inspired to write the beloved “Precious Lord Take My Hand.” He never turned back once he started down the Gospel Road. We'll hear recordings of his songs made by the likes of Marion Williams, The Soul Stirrers, the Dixie Hummingbirds and even Elvis Presley.

McCoy Tyner

McCoy Tyner - tracking his many changes of sound, from his role in the classic Coltrane Quartet to his solo work, and including his recent big band recordings.

Masters of the Ax

We will feature modern jazz guitarists to include Pat Metheny, Bill Frisell, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Marc Ribot, John Scofield, John McLaughlin, Pat Martino, Larry Coryell and others.

Cannonball Adderley

From epochal sessions with Miles Davis and John Coltrane in the late 1950's and onwards, Cannonball Adderly crafted a distinctive and persuasive blend of forward-thinking compositional perspectives, succinctly enlivened solos, and audience persuasive soul-based grooves that kept the jazz flame alive through the hard bop, soul jazz, rock and soul years and on into the fusion years (brokered in part by Joe Zawinul's long apprencticeship with Adderly). Join us as we celebrate the work of this distinctive altoist, composer, band leader and allaround presence.

Cab Calloway

One of the most charismatic band leaders ever, Cab Calloway married a joyful sense of humor with the tightest big band in Harlem to create a legendary catalog.

Ronnie Earl: Guitar Master

Professor Bebop's tribute to one of the gonest of gone cats! Earl's love of the passion and beauty of blues and jazz has led him to create a body of music that honors the masters and gives wings to the vision of his music.

LIVE in the Studio: Fritz Berry & Blues Farm

Lead man Fritz Berry brings his blues quartet, Blues Farm, into the station for a live performance. The vocalist and harmonica player is joined by guitarist Chavez; skins, tins, & backwoods saw-millin' by Larry S.; and bassist JD D'Errico. Koli Cutler will host the gig and ask for your pledge of support.

The Minstrel Show

Join Bill Adams and his special guest, banjoist Joe Ayers, for The Minstrel Show. They'll follow the transition of 19th century minstrel banjo into the Mississippi delta blues of the early 20th century through early recordings and live performance in the studio. The banjo has done it all, from medicine shows to vaudeville and country music to wrapping up the WTJU Jazz Marathon right here on The Sound Choice in Central Virgina.