Marty Ashby is joined by drummer and jazz historian Thomas Wendt for a thoughtful conversation about The Timeless All Stars—who they were, how the band came together, and what continues to make their music feel relevant.
As the program unfolds, Marty and Thomas talk through the players behind the group, the composers that shaped the repertoire, and the shared hard-bop language that ties it all together. Marty recalls presenting The Timeless All Stars on the MCG Jazz stage in 1989, offering firsthand perspective, while Wendt adds historical insight and a working musician’s ear to the discussion.
The conversation moves naturally through tracks including “Hindsight,” “Song for Thaddeus,” “Messina,” “Christina,” “Alvin’s Smile,” “World Peace,” and “Firm Roots,” featuring compositions by Cedar Walton, Buster Williams, Bobby Hutcherson, and Harold Land. Rather than breaking things down track-by-track, Marty and Thomas focus on what you hear between the notes — the groove, the ensemble chemistry, and the balance between structure and freedom that defines the band’s sound.
Hear it on the MCG Jazz Spotlight - Friday and Sunday night at 6, Saturday afternoon at 1 on WZUM
Thomas Wendt
