Looking back on 2022, Marty Ashby and Renee Govanucci review some notable jazz releases of the year on the MCG Jazz Spotlight Show.

There were hundreds of recordings released in the year - and many of the top ones on the JazzWeek list as aired on WZUM and other stations have a Pittsburgh connection, too!

Friday Night at 6 - and we’ll do to again, Sunday at 6 and Saturday at 1pm on WZUM, the Pittsburgh Jazz Channel.

As 2022 winds to a close, we are astounded at how quickly it passed by - and how resurgent the jazz scene proved to be. If you look at the monthly calendar for Jazz Central, the number of live events was astounding. Also, a number of performers and composers with Pittsburgh connections had new recordings and projects out that were quite notable.

WIth an average of 200 live jazz events each month, there’s clearly, too much in 2022 for one hour - glad we have a radio station so we can share a lot more in days and weeks to come!

The Scene - Thursday night at 6, Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday at 5 on WZUM

The Holidays and all that jazz - a Soundtrack for the holidays

This weekend, join us for a special musical exploration of Christmas and holiday sounds through jazz - drawing from thousands of recordings in the library of the Pittsburgh Jazz Channel - plus some special treats from the Scene, the MCG Jazz Spotlight Show, Rhythm-a-Ning, and specials shows like Tuba Christmas and more.

Also, in a brief diversion from jazz, at 10pm Christmas Eve, WZUM presents the Saint Vincent Camerata from the Saint Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe.

Bill Strickland and Marty Ashby pull out favorites and stories about legends, friends and appreciators of MCG Jazz. Friday and Sunday night at 6, Saturday at 1pm.

Also - an extra sprinkle of more Christmas jazz sounds with Renée Govanucci and Marty Ashby on Friday and Sunday nights at 7!

Holiday sounds and stories - Mel Tormé, Charlie Brown, the MJQ and more on the Scene

There is much holiday season music around with a jazz feel to it - and much of it with good stories behind the sounds, too.

Thursday night at 6, Friday and Saturday at noon and Sunday at 5 on WZUM.

This week on the MCG Jazz Spotlight Show - Marty Ashby and Renée Govanucci welcome this most wonderful time of the year – when they can play Christmas music!

Ease into the holiday season with a show of entirely contemporary jazz Christmas songs. Featured artists include Gerald Albright, Spyro Gyra, Cindy Bradley, Russ Freeman and more, including a fresh holiday release from Kirk Whalum.

The MCGJazz Spotlight on WZUM - Friday and Sunday nights at 6, and Saturday afternoon at 1.

If you look at your calendar - you may notice that December 25th is fast approaching - and the end of 2022 is nigh. Suffice it to say, with all of the challenges, 2022 has been also filled with many blessings for fans, performers and presenters of jazz.

We visit with Roger Humphries about his December 19th Big Band Holiday show at the O’Reilly Theater with vocalist Anita Levels - also hear sounds from the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra - playing the Pittsburgh Playhouse December 21 with guests Sean Jones and Kim Nazarian.

And more Pittsburgh Holiday cheer from Katie Simone, Mark Lucas, Tania Grubbs, the Colbys, Hendrik Meurkens, Reid Hoyson, Tony DePaolis, Steve Rudolph and John Shannon, Joe Negri, Johnny Costa and more!

The Scene - Thursday night at 6, Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday at 5 on WZUM

Hosts Marty Ashby and Renee Govanucci share music from the collection of Renée’s father in a very special program.

The MCGJazz Spotlight on WZUM - Friday and Sunday nights at 6, and Saturday afternoon at 1.