Judy Carmichael's Jazz Inspired

British writer/TV producer/theater critic Ruth Leon discusses her position as program director for Londonâ??s elegant cabaret venue, Le Crazy Coqs at the Brasserie Zedel, and why this room is thriving, when similar venues are closing in NYC.

New Orleans drummers Shannon Powell and Herlin Riley discuss their music and perform onstage with guest pianist Mark Shane, at the Ascona Jazz Festival in Switzerland.

Bassist (played with Sinatra and Madonna) and Broadway musical coordinator, John Miller, discusses his first feature CD under his own name featuring his favorite Broadway tunes.

Nnenna Freelon discusses her transition from health care worker to jazz singer.

British jazz vocalist Jacqui Dankworth came to jazz after pursuing a theatre career, performing everywhere from the Royal Shakespeare Company to the West End. Jacqui talks about the advantages and challenges of having two well-known parents, Dame Cleo Lane and Sir John Dankworth.

New Orleans drummer Gerald French joins Judy onstage at the 2013 Ascona Jazz Festival in Switzerland to discuss his passion for the music of his hometown and desire to carry on the NOLA tradition in playing the music and having respect for its history.

Director Tim Johnson, of DreamWorks Animation, talks about his feature film, "Over the Hedge" and the importance of music in animation.

In celebration of the last season of â??Mad Men," we revisit Judyâ??s conversation with Bryan Batt who played the character of Sal Ramano, the closeted gay art director for the Sterling Cooper Agency on that great series.

Music writer/biographer James Gavin discusses his passion for jazz and his bios on Chet Baker, Lena Horne and the recently released Peggy Lee bio â??Is That All There Is?â??

Saxophonist Harry Allen discusses growing up playing accordian and how that much-ridiculed instrument helped him learn jazz.

Pianist/composer/activist Fred Hersch is one of the few musicians who feels equally comfortable with classical music and jazz, and discussed how he negotiates his way between these two worlds and uses each to inspire the other. Fred has also been living with HIV/AIDS for more than 25 years and talked about his work in raising awareness and funds throughout his own struggle with the virus.

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 Rolandâ??s New Orleans roots and favorite jazz.

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.

Pianist/singer Champian Fulton talks about the advantages of starting a music career outside of L.A. or NY and how her fatherâ??s taste in music has influenced her since before her birth. Hint: He held headphones up to her mamaâ??s baby bump. Baby Bud Powell, anyone?

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.

Judy talks with vocalist Maud Hixson about her new CD â??Donâ??t Let A Good Thing Get Awayâ?? and its focus on the compositions on Mickey Leonard.

Multi-Emmy and Grammy winner, composer/pianist Mike Renzi discusses his work as Music Director for Sesame Street, Mel Torm�©, Peggy Lee, Liza and numerous others and reveals what continues to thrill and inspire him about jazz.

Trumpeter Duke Heitger isnâ??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 arenâ??t a native. Recorded onstage at the Ascona Jazz Festival in Switzerland.

Tony Award winning director/lyricist Richard Maltby discusses his Fats Waller inspired play â??Ainâ??t Misbehavinâ??â??, his screenwriting, and how jazz influences everything he creates.

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.