The MCG Jazz Spotlight Show celebrates the artists we lost in 2025 by doing the one thing they’d all agree on: playing the music.
We open with the joy and virtuosity of the late bassist Anthony Jackson joined with Michel Camilo with “Why Not,” followed by Horace Silver’s “The Philanthropic Mood,” featuring the unmistakable voice of Andy Bey — a piece that sets the tone for the hour with optimism, purpose, and soul - and joined by bassist Ray Drummond, who also died in 2025.
From there, the set stretches across styles and generations, including the big-band swagger of Gordon Goodwin’s “On Green Dolphin Street” and George Freeman’s luminous “Stardust.”
At the heart of the program is “Where Do You Start?” from For All We Know — an MCG Jazz release featuring Gloria Reuben, with Marty Ashby on guitar — honoring Alan Bergman. That set continues with music captured exactly where it belongs — on the bandstand — including Hal Galper’s live performance of “End of a Love Affair.”
The hour rounds out with the groove of Jim Self’s “One for Nick,” the fire of Eddie Palmieri’s “La Voz Del Caribe,” and the unmistakable joy of Chuck Mangione live at the Hollywood Bowl.
It’s a celebration of artists whose work continues to live on through the recordings, performances, and music still doing what it does best.
Friday and Sunday night at 6, and 1pm, Saturday on WZUM.
