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Dave Frank is one of the busiest solo jazz pianists and music educators on the scene today. He is the author of the best-selling Hal Leonard book and video series, Joy of Improv and Breakthrough to Improv, was an Associate Professor of piano at Berklee College of Music in Boston from 1987-2004, and was a co-founder of the New York School of Jazz. His involvement in the Dave Frank School of Jazz in New York is kind of self-evident, and his mastery of the piano will be evident very quickly. From September 26th, 2025 Daniel Peck is your host for a solo piano performance from the great Dave Frank…Live at the Bop Stop. -
Join Jayn Pettingill for a conversation with Mike Monford, a Detroit-based alto saxophonist, composer, and jazz historian. Rooted in 1960s spiritual and Afro-futurist jazz, his sound also blends hip-hop and soul influences. He studied under Jackie McLean and has released acclaimed albums like Perseverance and the live record The Cloth I'm Cut From.
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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. -
Tune in to Joe Romagna as he honors the 100th anniversary of the birth of Tony Bennett with a 4-Hour retrospective on his Jazz Oasis show from 6pm to 10pm. Joe will share classic recordings by this icon of Jazz and American pop as well as his personal remembrances. -
Join Jesse "Chuy" Varela as he celebrates the contribution of Arsenio Rodriguez, the blind Afro-Cuban Tres guitar player who revolutionized Cuban music by adding congas, piano, and multiple trumpets to the traditional Cuban Son (Sohn). He is considered the bedrock of what is now called Salsa. Special guest Bobby Sanabria, the noted trap drummer, percussionist, bandleader, and educator joins us to talk about Arsenio and his latest album, “Arsenio and Beyond” honoring this pioneer of modern Latin music. -
Aladdin Records, Part 3 - 1953-55. Part 3 in our series on Aladdin Records, focuses on one of the most important independent labels of the pre-rock era. Part 3 focuses on 1953-55, just as Rock n' Roll was beginning to enter the mainstream. Matt The Cat digs up a great variety of styles this week as vocal groups, raw Rhythm & Blues, jump instrumentals, drinking songs and ballads take center stage. We'll dig on some hits and misses from Amos Milburn, The Five Keys, Chuck Higgins, Gene & Eunice and Shirley & Lee. We'll also hear some great debut records from Bobby Marchan and Sonny Knight, who would go on to greater success on other labels. A few rare vocal group sides are also featured. Grab a handful of nickels, because this week is loaded with Aladdin Records sides out of Beverly Hills, CA. -
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. -
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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.
