We revisit Judy’s conversation with the late Skitch Henderson about his Hollywood years with Bing Crosby and Sinatra and his long career with the NBC Orchestra and the Tonight Show.
Billy Charlap
Pianist Bill Charlap discusses the influence his musician parents have had on his jazz and his continuing love for the Great American Standards.
Judith Schlesinger
In her new book “The Insanity Hoax” Schlesinger lays siege to the popular notion that to be truly creative, a person must be mentally unbalanced. A PhD psychologist and a jazz critic, Schlesinger discusses myths about Charlie Parker, Chet Baker and other jazz musicians presumed to have been insane to some degree. Judy and Judith discuss the psychology of genius and Judith’s fascinating and multi-faceted career.
Rachael Macfarlane
Voice actor/singer Rachael MacFarlane discusses her role as “Haley” on “American Dad” and other characters on “Family Guy”, working with her brother Seth, and her debut jazz CD “Haley Sings”, celebrating her character’s (and her own) love for jazz.
Dave Green
British bassist Dave Green discusses his long career playing with everyone from Ben Webster and Coleman Hawkins, to his band with Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts.
JP Lipa
Filmmaker talks about his upcoming PBS Christmas special “Heirloom Meals” and his use of jazz throughout (including Judy Carmichael’s appearance singing a swinging “Winter Wonderland”) and his backstage filming of Michael Jackson during preparation for Michael’s last tour.
John Musker
As a child, Oscar winning, Animation Director John Musker became fascinated with animation and the music that surrounds it, and still gets almost giddy talking about it. His work with partner Ron Clements on The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Princess and the Frog and their many other films, reflects his enthusiasm for classic musicals and early animation. To Ron, music is always an integral part of the action. John and other animators I know have convinced me that animators are definitely having more fun than the rest of us. You’ll see what I mean listening to this conversation!
Ron Jones
Ron was the longtime composer for Family Guy and American Dad, as well as Star Trek and many other film and TV shows. Here, Ron discusses the unusual artistic freedom he had with Family Guy and American Dad and his great working relationship with Seth MacFarlane. Ron and I recorded this conversation after I got to sit in on a scoring session for Family Guy with Ron conducting the orchestra.
Sandy Stewart
Singer Sandy Stewart discusses her most recent CD with her son, pianist Bill Charlap, and the special musical connection they share.
Curtis Stigers
Judy's conversation with vocalist/saxophonist Curtis Stigers, where they discuss his former life as a pop musician (appearing on the soundtrack of "The Bodyguard") and contrast that to his present life as a jazz musician.
Mike Renzi
Multi-Emmy and Grammy winner, composer/pianist Mike Renzi discusses his work as Music Director for Sesame Street, Mel Tormé, Peggy Lee, Liza and numerous others and reveals what continues to thrill and inspire him about jazz.
Billy Stritch
Billy Stritch returns to "Jazz Inspired," this time onstage at Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor, NY to talk, play and sing with Judy. Two Steinways and another great conversation.
Judy talks with pianist/vocalist Billy Stritch fresh from his participation in the 2013 Bobby Short tribute at Jazz at Lincoln Center and discussed how Bobby, Liza and other greats have informed and shaped his music and career.
Steve Ross
Cabaret star Steve Ross was one of Judy's early guests on Jazz Inspired and is not only a close pal of hers but a frequent musical collaborator. We revisit this hilarious conversation (Steve’s one of the funniest people Judy knows) about his long career and how the greats, Cole Porter, Noel Coward and others, continue to inspire him.
Roland Guerin
New Orleans bassist Roland Guerin and Judy met and recorded their conversation and played on stage at the 2013 Ascona Jazz Festival in Switzerland, where they discussed Roland's New Orleans roots and favorite jazz.
Gerald French
New Orleans drummer, Gerald French joined Judy onstage at the 2013 Ascona Jazz Festival to discuss his passion for the music of his hometown and his feelings about carrying on the tradition of jazz. Judy also talked him into her playing a few tunes with his band.
Larry King
Jazz pianist/vocalist Larry King discusses his many musical influences from Bill Evans to Ella Fitzgerald and how living and working in Paris has enhanced his creativity.
Duke Heitger
Trumpeter Duke Heitger isn’t a native New Orleanean, but has lived there many years and talked with Judy about the challenges and advantages of a career in this most musical of cities, when you aren’t a native. Recorded onstage at the Ascona Jazz Festival in Switzerland.
Maud Hixson
I talk with vocalist Maud Hixson about her CD Don’t Let A Good Thing Get Away and its focus on the compositions on Mickey Leonard.
Champian Fulton
Pianist/singer, Champian Fulton talks about the advantages of starting a music career outside of L.A. or NY and how her father’s taste in music has influenced her since before her birth. Hint: He held headphones up to her mama’s baby bump. Baby Bud Powell, anyone?
Jay Leonhart
Bassist Jay Leonhart starting playing multiple instruments as a child and by his early teens had his own TV show with his banjo-playing brother Bill. Leonhart eventually found his home on the bass, but kept the variety going with collaborations with everyone from Judy Garland and Carly Simon to Sinatra and Sting.