Over the past 30 years,
WGBH 89.7's own "Dean of Boston Jazz Radio" Eric Jackson has spoken with many of the giants of jazz music.
Jazz Conversations with Eric Jackson is a collection of these intimate conversations with some of yesterday's - and today's - most celebrated artists.
Betty Carter (7:23)
Singer Betty Carter took a break from a gig in Boston on May 30, 1991 to stop by WGBH's studios. She spoke with Eric Jackson about her album "It's Not About the Melody."
Geri Allen (11:43)
Pianist Geri Allen came by WGBH's studios on Feb. 18, 1993 to talk to Eric Jackson about her musical influences and her album "Maroons."
Ruth Brown (29:32)
On July 14, 2005, legendary Rhythm and Blues singer Ruth Brown visited WGBH Radio's studios for a conversation with Eric Jackson about her long and storied career. Ruth died on Nov. 17, 2006. Signed to Atlantic Records in the late 1940s, the label became known as "The House that Ruth Built," due to her string of hits.
Benny Carter (22:24)
Saxophonist Benny Carter spent some time with Eric Jackson on July 15, 1993, and talked about his early days as a musician, his composition Harlem Renaissance, and his dislike for "so-called jazz."
Ornette Coleman, Part 1 (26:39)
Saxophone great Ornette Coleman stopped by WGBH Radio's studios on Dec. 3, 1981, and had an intimate conversation with Eric Jackson about his long career, and the healing power of music.
Ornette Coleman, Part 2 (08:16)
Eric Jackson continues his conversation with Ornette Coleman in December of 1981 about his evolving musical theory called "Harmolodics."
Branford Marsalis (30:29)
Eric Jackson welcomed saxophonist Branford Marsalis to WGBH Radio's studios on Sept. 7, 2006. Branford talks about his creative processes and how he navigates the music business.
James Moody (21:00)
On Oct. 27, 1994, saxophonist James Moody stopped by WGBH Radio's studios to talk with Eric Jackson about the obstacles he overcame on the road to success.
Grover Washington Jr. (23:59)
On Oct. 19, 1994, Eric Jackson welcomed jazz saxophone great Grover Washington Jr. to WGBH Radio to discuss his album "All My Tomorrows," his all-night Coltrane listening sessions, and his passion for mentoring children about music. Grover died on Dec. 17, 1999, but his message and his music still lives on.
Randy Weston (19:32)
On Sept. 27, 1981, jazz pianist Randy Weston visited WGBH Radio's studios to talk with Eric Jackson about his African influenced music, and his search for inspiration.
Jazz Conversations with Eric Jackson is produced by Gary Mott.
