In 2024, singer-songwriter Nicole Zuraitis took home the Grammy for Best Vocal Jazz Album with a record of entirely self-written songs, practically unheard of in the jazz world. Now she's back with her most ambitious project yet: THE DEVIL I KNEW, a 20-track five-part jazz epic. On this episode, Nicole walks us through the personal story behind the record through standards, originals, and spoken word, revealing a candid artist with something to say.

Nnenna Freelon is a nine-time GRAMMY-nominated jazz vocalist, an arts education advocate, producer, arranger, and Award-winning Podcaster who has achieved great heights in recording and live performance. Having faced many losses in the past few years, Nnenna has felt the need to find her "voice" once more. through the lens of grief and loss. Her new album "Beneath The Skin" is a reflection of this new territory. It’s an intimate expression of her love for her family, her late husband Phil, and a universal love letter to all who’ve lost someone dear. Nnenna Freelon will be performing at this year’s San Jose Jazz Summer Fest with the all-star group, Birds Of A Feather, on Saturday, August 8 @ 4pm on the main stage. Nnenna joins Jesse “Chuy” Varela for an intimate conversation of where she’s been and where she’s going on the occasion of her birthday.