Tony Trischka has been called 'the father of modern bluegrass' though he claims here there are 'many fathers and a few mothers.'Either way he expanded the range of the banjo like few others.   Photo by Gregory Heisler

Billy Martin (a.k.a. illy B), is a genre-bending drummer, composer and visual artist known for his work with Medeski Martin & Wood, John Lurie’s Lounge Lizards, and others. We chat about his early days connecting with folks like Bob Moses, Jaco Pastorius and the percussion training that made him such an original drummer.

Today is Miles Davis' centenial and we celebrate by sharing interviews with Jack DeJohnette, John Scofield, and George Wein, all who worked closely with Miles. Jack DeJohnette joined Miles in 1968 and appeared on classic albums like Bitches Brew, On the Corner, A Tribute to Jack Johnson, Big Fun, and Live Evil. Our interview was recoreded in 2010.John Scofield worked with Miles for several years in the 1980's documented in albums like Star People, Decoy, and Your're Under Arrest. This conversation was recorded in 2026. George Wein, the founder of Newport Jazz  and Folk Festival, began working with Miles in the 1950's and later yanked him out of retirement in the 1980's . We recorded this at George's apartment sometime between 2005-2010. These 3 legends share their memories of Miles Davis.    Subscribe to the NYC Radio Live podcast for access to over 400 live performances and interviews! NYC Radio Live Home (https://nycradiolive.org/) Ragas Live Festival Home (https://ragaslive.com/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/nyc_radio_live?igsh=MXUyZDRpNHdtczd6NA%3D%3D)

Jeremiah Chiu is a synthesist and visual artist.  He brings his unique organic/electronic aesthetic to the experimental supergroup SML and a series of beautiful solo and collaborative albums on the International Anthem label.  We chat about his Chicago roots, his creative process, and saying something rather than everything.   Subscribe to the NYC Radio Live podcast for access to over 400 live performances and interviews! NYC Radio Live Home (https://nycradiolive.org/) Ragas Live Festival Home (https://ragaslive.com/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/nyc_radio_live?igsh=MXUyZDRpNHdtczd6NA%3D%3D)

In 1939, a group of children aged 10-16 would sneak out of an institute for the blind in Taledega, Alabama and sing for the Lord - and for donations.  These Blind Boys of Alabama would go on to become one of the most celebrated gospel groups of all time, winning 6 Grammy awards and working with the biggest names in music. Current lead singer Ricky McKinnie and author Preston Lauterbach, who co-wrote Spirit of the Century: Our Own Story with the Blind Boys of Alabama tell the incredible, unlikely, inside history of this ensemble that is still going strong more than 85 years later.    Subscribe to the NYC Radio Live podcast for access to over 400 live performances and interviews! NYC Radio Live Home (https://nycradiolive.org/) Ragas Live Festival Home (https://ragaslive.com/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/nyc_radio_live?igsh=MXUyZDRpNHdtczd6NA%3D%3D)

Two time Grammy Award winning bansuri maestro Rakesh Chaurasia and tabla pheonom Salar Nader, are two of the most outstanding musicians of their generation.Both child prodigies, Rakesh began his studies with his uncle, Hariprasad Chaurasia at 4 years and Salar began his studies with Zakir Hussain at the age 7.  Rakesh toured the world with Zakir Hussain, Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer and won those Grammys for their album "As We Speak."  We chat with two musicians about where their music came from and where it's going.    Subscribe to the NYC Radio Live podcast for access to over 400 live performances and interviews! NYC Radio Live Home (https://nycradiolive.org/) Ragas Live Festival Home (https://ragaslive.com/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/nyc_radio_live?igsh=MXUyZDRpNHdtczd6NA%3D%3D)

Judith Owen is a vocalist, bandleader, podcaster, and champion of jazz divas who have not yet been given their proper due, like her heroes Nellie Lutcher and Julia Lee. We caught up with Judith on her way to bring her J.O. Big Band to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (April 30) and a date with her Gentlemen Callers at the Cutting Room in New York City (May 7).   Photo: Steve Rapport photography    Subscribe to the NYC Radio Live podcast for access to over 400 live performances and interviews! NYC Radio Live Home (https://nycradiolive.org/) Ragas Live Festival Home (https://ragaslive.com/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/nyc_radio_live?igsh=MXUyZDRpNHdtczd6NA%3D%3D)

10:30AM set of the 24 hour Ragas Live Festival at Pioneer Works 10.19.24 Gamelan Dharma Swara is one of the leading Balinese gamelan and dance groups in the United States.   Catch them live at the next Second Sundays: May 2026 at Pioneer Works Sunday, May 10, 2026 4pm-5.30pm   Subscribe to the NYC Radio Live podcast for access to over 400 live performances and interviews! NYC Radio Live Home https://nycradiolive.org/ Ragas Live Festival Home https://ragaslive.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nyc_radio_live?igsh=MXUyZDRpNHdtczd6NA%3D%3D

Stanley Jordan is one of the most original and unique guitarists of our time.  In August of 2012 he swung by the WKCR-FM studio DJ'd, performed a solo set, talked music and philosophy, performed live and jammed with all of us including the great guitarist from Mali and Niger, Abdoulaye Alhassane. It was an amazing opportunity to spend time with a creative force who approaches music, science, and life in his own way.   Subscribe to the NYC Radio Live podcast for access to over 400 live performances and interviews! NYC Radio Live Home (https://nycradiolive.org/) Ragas Live Festival Home (https://ragaslive.com/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/nyc_radio_live?igsh=MXUyZDRpNHdtczd6NA%3D%3D)

George Wein was one of the most influential producers in the history of American music.  Founder of the Newport Jazz Festival, Newport Folk Festival, and New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, he lived a life amongst the greatest musicians of our time. He wasn't a bad pianist and singer either! We share a coversation I recorded sometime between 2005-2010 at his home in Manhattan, where he told stories of the Duke, Pops, Monk, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, LesterYoung, Billie Holiday and much more.