Marty Ashby welcomes drummer and jazz historian Thomas Wendt to focus on a deep listen to two Pittsburgh-born masters, violinist Joe Kennedy Jr. and guitarist Ray Crawford, through some of their hard-to-find, rarely heard recordings.
From Kennedy’s elegant swing on Strings by Candlelight and Joe Kennedy and the Four Strings to Crawford’s soulful grooves from Smooth Groove, these performances showcase the depth, class, and quiet fire that defined Pittsburgh’s golden generation of jazz.
You’ll hear gems like “Desert Sands,” “Strings by Candlelight,” “Smooth Groove,” and “Sophisticated Gentleman”—tracks that capture both artists at their creative peak, in sessions too rarely heard on modern radio. Tom also unveils a surprise connection between both of these luminaries and another legendary Pittsburgh musician—pianist Mary Lou Williams—whose influence and artistry may have helped shape their recordings and careers.
Join us for this rare hour of rediscovery as we celebrate the enduring artistry of Joe Kennedy Jr. and Ray Crawford—only on The MCG Jazz Spotlight Show.
Friday and Sunday night at 6, Saturday afternoon at 1 on WZUM
