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Bevan Manson Part Two. Pianist, composer Bevan Manson’s CD Talking to Trees, was inspired by his love of nature and his fears for it, as global warming continues to threaten our environment.Bevan grew up with a jazz musician father who played his great record collection for Bevan, as well as a healthy dose of classical music. Loving it all, Bevan ignored the pop music of his day, and instead, dove into piano lessons at seven, went on to study at Eastman School of Music, to teach at UC Berkeley, and eventually, to write for film and TV. Talking to Trees includes Bevan’s original compositions along with fresh takes on well-known classics, all honoring the importance of our natural environment. We had so much fun that I made this a two-part show! -
Spin Cycle. Since 2014, contemporary jazz band Spin Cycle has been bringing their original music to clubs and concert halls across the US and Canada. Co-lead by Scott Neumann and Tom Christensen, the band highlights their flexibility, reach and capacity to surprise their audiences. On any given song, you might encounter the modal influence of John Coltrane, the second-line funk of New Orleans, or the edgy experimentation of free jazz. For this performance, they’re working the kinks out of new material before going into the studio in late 2026. Featuring Tom Christensen on Saxophone, Pete McCann on Guitar, Matt Pavolka on Bass and Scott Neuman on Drums, and from an October 5th, 2025 performance, Daniel Peck is your host for Spin Cycle… Live at the Bop Stop.
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Known as the “Saxophone Colossus”, saxophonist Sonny Rollins left an indelible legacy as a jazz saxophonist for his tone, strength, and melodic invention. Join Jesse “Chuy” Varela as he honors Sonny Rollins with a 4-Hour special celebrating his birthday and legacy. -
Candice Hoyes and Kelly Green. Two rising talents chart their own path through jazz. Classical soprano turned genre-bending vocalist Candice Hoyes draws on influences from Minnie Riperton to Zora Neale Hurston. Then, pianist and singer Kelly Green brings sly nods to Louis Armstrong and Ahmad Jamal to her playful, hard-to-pin-down sound. -
Miles Davis 100th birthday was on May 26th but we continue celebrating his centennial throughout our programming during our Fall Fund Drive. Tune in as Jesse “Chuy” Varela we air select chapters from the acclaimed Miles Davis Radio Project produced by Steve Rowland and narrated by noted actor, Danny Glover. -
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British guitarists, Jamie Taylor and Sam Dunn have been musical collaborators since their university days. They each have their own bands and busy careers as teachers, Jamie at Leeds Conservatoire in the north of England, and Sam at Eton College and The Purcell School, and as sidemen they’ve been even busier. In fact, I’ve employed them both for concerts at London’s Ronnie Scotts and beyond. After years of musical merriment these two have finally recorded their first duo CD, Going Coastal. I thought I’d have a chat with Jamie about it all and discuss the challenges and delights of playing with another guitarist, especially one you know so well. -
The Stephen Phillip Harvey Jazz Orchestra is a seventeen-piece ensemble featuring a rotating roster of world-class musicians from across the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest. Known for their bold sound and adventurous programming, the group debuted in 2022 with Smash!, a studio album released on Next Level. With their most recent release Multiversal, Harvey channels the spirit of America's original large ensemble—the jazz orchestra—into a vivid, pseudo-cinematic soundscape filled with drama, intensity, and imaginative storytelling and the orchestra performs selections from that release here. From October 24th, 2025 Daniel Peck is your host for the Stephen Phillip Harvey Jazz Orchestra…Live at the Bop Stop. -
Elvis' R&B Influences. 49 years ago this week, we lost the "King Of Rock n' Roll." Much has been written about Elvis’ enormous impact and popularity over the years, but it’s almost impossible to overstate the cultural shift that took place as he rose to fame in 1956. Elvis was a musical sponge. He absorbed all the music that moved him and those around him, from Country and Hillbilly to Gospel, Pop, R&B and Blues. This week focuses solely on the rhythm & blues that motivated Elvis’ early career. During the end of his first session with Sam Phillips, Elvis cut into an inspired rendition of a semi-forgotten Arthur Crudup gem and rock n’ roll was literally born. From the New Orleans R&B of Smiley Lewis, to the jump blues of Wynonie Harris, Elvis dug it all and made each song uniquely his own. He wasn’t copying his R&B idols, he was merely using their material as a springboard for his own blend of the White and the Black. Sam Phillips was right when he said that it would take a White cat with an African-American feel to propel this exciting R&B music into the mainstream and lucky for us, he found that in Elvis Presley. -
How Jackie McLean's legacy shaped Hartford's jazz scene. Hartford, CT became a destination for jazz thanks to the arrival of alto saxophonist Jackie McLean over 50 years ago. We’ll hear from students who are carrying on his legacy in the city and beyond. -
Miles Davis 100th birthday was on May 26th but we continue celebrating his centennial throughout our programming during our Fall Fund Drive. Tune in as Jesse “Chuy” Varela we air select chapters from the acclaimed Miles Davis Radio Project produced by Steve Rowland and narrated by noted actor, Danny Glover. -
