Episode 121 - Elegant People: A Journey Through the Jazz Scape

On this episode of Jazz Epicenter 6.7, Ralph Johnson guides listeners on another soulful voyage through the “Jazz Scape”—a place without landmarks, where the destination is found in the music. Broadcasting from Los Angeles, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and seven-time Grammy Award winner spins timeless classics from Freddie Hubbard’s First Light and Art Blakey’s Indestructible to Wes Montgomery’s Going Out of My Head and Quincy Jones’ Body Heat. Along the way, listeners are treated to emotional performances from Sergio Mendes & Brazil ’66, Regina Belle, and Donny Hathaway’s stirring live rendition of “What’s Going On.”

From the Afro-Brazilian rhythms of Antonio Adolfo to the cool sophistication of Keith Jarrett and Charlie Haden, Ralph curates a radiant mix that celebrates the finest in jazz from the 60s, 70s, and beyond. As always, he leaves listeners with his signature sign-off: Be kind, be cool, be safe—but most of all, be blessed.