Hybrid Jazz From Trish Hennessey - with Jonathan Widran!

You most certainly know the name if you know anything about Contemporary Jazz - Jonathan Widran has spent over two decades writing, praising, reviewing and introducing Jazz and other genres of music to a hungry audience. 

Jonathan grew up listening and appreciating Elton John and the music of the 70's and 80's.  We think his sister forced his hand and made him listen to Philly and Motown, too!  However the circuits were working in his brain, passion grew for the R & B infused instrumentals that his friend liked.  Dan Margules was into the Rippingtons and David Benoit - this was the 80's - and Jonathan was sharpening his pencils to write about this new music - let's call it Smooth Jazz (if you make me).

At the Catalina Jazz Trax Fest in 1988, Art Good saw the growing interest in Jonathan - and invited him to write for his Jazz Trax.  When that folded, our UCLA graduate spread his wings and seriously flew!  Through the years, Jonathan has written for major publications - including Billboard, Downbeat, the Jazz and the Los Angeles Times.  He has been a publicist for top tier artists, and has become top tier himself.  You've seen dozens of bios for artists involved with Jazz Festivals - Jonathan has written them.  And that just covers Jazz.  You'll find his name attached to thoughtful reviews of Country and Soul projects, too. 

This Tuesday, May 15th, we'll pick the brain of our guest - and discover where his head is regarding The State of Jazz in 2012.  And we'll hear music that has inspired him.

Usually, you'll hear the artists who make the music on "Hybrid Jazz."  Jonathan Widran is the man who writes about the music - and persuades us to support it.  This is going to be one entertaining show!  Join us at the start of the show - we'll talk to Jonathan then - our Chat Room is waiting!