Classical

Stephen Sondheim, the Broadway legend, has died at 91

November 26, 2021

The celebrated composer-songwriter died on Friday. He had won several Tonys and Grammys, as well as an Oscar and Pulitzer, for musicals including West Side Story and Company.

Veronica Swift: Tradition in transition

November 16, 2021 | Gary G. Vercelli

At age 27, Veronica Swift has established herself as an elite jazz vocalist. She can swing and scat like nobody else. She’ll be performing at the Mondavi Center Nov. 21.

Jazz guitarist Pat Martino, a virtuoso twice over, dies at 77

November 2, 2021

The lauded guitarist's career spanned nearly six decades, beginning with an auspicious education in Pennsylvania from a teacher of John Coltrane.

Vocalist Samara Joy makes a striking debut

October 20, 2021 | Andrew Mills

Samara Joy sings like she's seen it all, but she just released her self-titled debut album. CapRadio’s Andrew Mills spoke with her on winning an international jazz vocal competition, having a fan in Oscar-winning actress Regina King and more.

Pianist Arturo O’Farrill breaks barriers and builds community

October 14, 2021 | Avery Jeffry

Jazz pianist and composer Arturo O’Farrill has a lot going on these days. He’s currently on tour with his Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, which stops in Davis on Thursday, Oct. 14 to perform at the Mondavi Center.

Interview: Saxophonist Mindi Abair In Her Own Words

August 30, 2021 | Gary G. Vercelli

Saxophonist Mindi Abair is a two-time Grammy nominee who has worked with artists as diverse as Duran Duran, Lalah Hathaway, the Backstreet Boys and Aerosmith.

Interview: Tower Of Power’s Roger Smith In His Own Words

August 25, 2021 | Gary G. Vercelli

Sacramento keyboard master Roger Smith has been a key member of Tower of Power’s rhythm section for over two decades. Nine years ago, Smith and his longtime friend Mike Smolich also founded Bump City Winery.

Re-Revising 'The History Of Jazz'

July 18, 2021

Ted Gioia first published his History of Jazz in 1997, updating it for the first time in 2011. This year he did so again, after a very important decade for the genre.

Classical

A Musical Celebration Of Juneteenth

June 18, 2021

This Juneteenth, join CapRadio Music in honoring the extensive contributions of Black composers and musicians to styles from classical and jazz to pop.

Saxophonist Alexa Tarantino Shines Bright with 'Firefly'

June 4, 2021 | Andrew Mills

Alexa Tarantino is a shining star saxophonist and composer at the forefront of today’s exciting jazz scene. She spoke with CapRadio’s Andrew Mills on recording an album through a pandemic, learning a new language, and more.