John O'Conor

Irish classical pianist John O’Conor is know for the passion and poetry of his music.  This focus on  emotional expression is also what fuels his love for jazz.  I met John when we were memorably paired, along with cabaret pianist/vocalist Steve Ross) for a piano celebration on the old QE2 crossing from England to NY. Black tie, caviar, champagne every night (I miss those days!), great music and a friendship that continues twenty-three years on.

John is a fellow Steinway Artist so it was appropriate that we meet at Steinway Hall in NYC where John played some of his favorite jazz inspired classical pieces and talked to me about how jazz has influenced his work.

Huey

Film maker “Huey” discusses his documentary about the late pianist Marian McPartland, which is part of his series of films about fascinating older artists. 

Ehud Asherie

Pianist Ehud Asherie was born in Isreal, spent his early years in Italy and now lives in the States. He brings an international perspective as well as wide musical knowledge to his jazz playing. Judy and Ehud discuss his broad range of influences including Orson Welles whom he considers a major source of inspiration!

Frank Gehry & F. Murray Abraham

Architect Frank Gehry, who died December 5, 2025, explores how architecture, like jazz, is a dynamic art that absorbs the times and culture it inhabits, constantly reinventing itself while retaining its historic connection.

In the second half of the show, Oscar-winning actor (Best Actor, Amadeus) F. Murray Abraham discusses improvisation, spontaneity and jazz as great theater.

Frank and Murray were two of my first guests on Jazz Inspired saying yes as a show of support and friendship. Both loved the thought of a conversation about inspiration with a fellow creative artist, something unusual in media in 1999 when these conversations were recorded.

Axel Zwingenberger and Lila Ammons

German boogie-woogie pianist Axel Zwingenberger and American vocalist Lila Ammons (opera singer and granddaughter of pianist Albert and niece of saxophonist Gene) talk about working together, in spite of their very different cultural and musical backgrounds.

Kristi Zea

Kristi Zea is a multifaceted filmmaker who has worked as costume designer, production designer and/or director for Silverado, Birdy, Philadelphia, As Good As It Gets, Broadcast News and many other films. I talked with Kristi while we were cruising around the Southern tip of South America aboard the Silver Spirit cruise ship, where we were both lecturing and I was performing.

Deanna Witkowski

Composer/pianist/vocalist, Deanna Witkowski, started as a classical pianist and now specializes in jazz, Brazilian, afro-cuban and sacred music.
 

Todd White

From "Tiny Toons" and "Sponge Bob Square Pants" to his own eccentric paintings, Todd White focuses on  his pictures telling a story. He discusses seeing that same aspect in his favorite jazz.
 

Aaron Weinstein

Twenty year old jazz violinist Aaron Weinstein talks about why there aren't more jazz musicians playing violin and how he was drawn to the music himself.
 

George Wein

My 2006 conversation with jazz impresario George Wein, who died in September 2021. George talks about creating the festival phenomenon, his own piano playing and his continuing love affair with jazz.
 

Jon Weber

Chicago pianist Jon Weber talks about his jingle writing years, his love for every kind of jazz from the early days to the present, and what his recent move to NYC has done for his playing.
 

George Washingmachine

Australian violinist with a name as unique as his musical approach, discusses continuing the jazz tradition on violin while still performing country western and classical music.
 

Mark Walter

Son of pianist Cy Walter, Mark Walter talks about bringing awareness of his father's great musical legacy.
 

Warren Vaché

Trumpeter Warren Vaché discusses the realization of his life-long dream to play with strings, what makes a perfect jazz festival, and how to accompany a singer. 
 

Allan Vache

Clarinetist Allan Vache grew up in a musical family and carried on that tradition by marrying a classical clarinetist! Allan is a longtime friend and occasional bandmate so this was a fun excuse to get together for a conversation about his inspirations and his own music.

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Astrophysicist and director of the Hayden Planetarium in NYC discusses his love of blues and the connection between science and music. I’m crazy about astrophysics, so this conversation was loads of fun for me. And showing what a lovely guy Neil is, after he listened to the show he took the time to send me this note:

Judy,

”I finally got around to hearing our entire interview on Jazz and Astrophysics.  I think it is one of my best ever - magnified and strengthened by our on-air chemistry.  Thank you again for your interest and your enthusiasm for what I do”

-Neil

Steve Turre

Saturday Night Live trombonist discusses the state of jazz today and how we can spread the jazz word to the next generation.

Dave Tull

Drummer Dave Tull has provided rhythm for everyone from Chuck Magione and Michael Buble, to Jack Sheldon and Family Guy creator Seth McFarlane. While Dave has also occasionally sung a tune or two with these groups and others, he has recently focused on performing his own beautiful melodies and often hilarious lyrics. Dave is a favorite among jazz musicians, who relish his spot on laments of the sometimes ridiculous challenges jazz musicians face. 
 

Allen Toussaint

Producer/pianist/vocalist (and recent collaborator with Elvis Costello) Allen Toussaint talks about the effect Hurricane Katrina has had on his life and music, and the inspiration he's gotten from his temporary home in NYC.

Jim Tomlinson

British saxophonist discusses his new CD "The Lyric" and how important lyrics are to his own instrumental playing.