Jon Weber and Tammy McCann seen while recording an episode of "Piano Jazz Rising Stars" in an ETV Radio studio. /Photo provided
On “Piano Jazz,” the longtime NPR radio show, Marian McPartland chatted and played with jazz music stars. On “Piano Jazz Rising Stars,” a new show that debuts Saturday on ETV Radio, the focus will be on performers who are about to become household names.
Including the host, Jon Weber, an accomplished pianist and composer who is about to be known for his conversational skills as well.
Like “Piano Jazz,” which began in 1978, “Piano Jazz Rising Stars” is being produced by ETV Radio. The Peabody Award-winning “Piano Jazz” was NPR’s longest-running cultural program.
In November, McPartland, a 92-year-old pianist, announced her departure from the program that melded the performance and talk formats. Guests would share stories with McPartland, play jazz tunes and standards and the pair would improvise songs. Weber, who filled in for McPartland, was a natural successor. McPartland is the creative director of the new program.
“I am so honored that Marian has asked me to continue what she started in 1978 for ‘Piano Jazz,’ ” he said. “I think a lot of people who didn’t know they were jazz fans discovered they liked the improvisational format.”
Jazz musicians have to be skilled linear and melodic improvisers. They need to be creative and understand theory. They also need to respect — and sometimes alter — tradition. Foremost for a musician regardless of genre is being an active listener.
“Every jazz musician has borrowed something from the pop music of their day,” Weber said. “Anybody you can name was doing music of their time.”
For instance, pianist Taylor Eigsti cites the English rock band Coldplay on the show before playing a jazzy rendition of a Coldplay song. Other guests include guitarist Julian Lange, vocalist Sachal Vasandani and saxophonist and vocalist Grace Kelly.
Weber, who has an encyclopedic knowledge of jazz, said jazz is not a museum piece.
“There’s always somewhere else to go,” he said. “Sixty years ago there was no Brazilian or Cuban jazz. Some of these rhythms and harmonies are starting to make their way into jazz. It’s one of the most versatile music forms. It’s certainly adaptable.”
Thirteen episodes of “Piano Jazz Rising Stars” are scheduled to air. If listener demand is there, Weber would like to continue.
“I’ve learned something valuable from every guest I’ve had,” he said. “It’s a treat. I get a concert every week.” - http://www.thestate.com/2012/01/05/2101155/etv-radio-finds-a-successor-to.html
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