J to Z

Original version

BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

BBC Radio 3

Radio 3

Music: Jazz & Blues: Jazz

The best in jazz past, present and future.

The best in jazz past, present and future. Your gateway to new sounds with classic recordings and exclusive sessions.

J to Z: Donald Harrison’s inspirations

Donald Harrison’s inspirations

BBC Radio 3 - J to Z, Donald Harrison’s inspirations

Donald Harrison’s inspirations, plus Matt Carmichael in concert with the WDR Big Band.

Donald Harrison shares his inspirations, plus concert highlights from Matt Carmichael performing with Germany’s WDR Big Band and saxophonist Bob Mintzer.

Julian Joseph presents an exclusive interview with one of the greats of New Orleans jazz, saxophonist Big Chief Donald Harrison. Over the course of his career, Donald has worked with everyone from Art Blakey and Herbie Hancock to Terence Blanchard and Joanne Brackeen. He is devoted to celebrating and preserving the cultural heritage of his home city, both as a founder of the Congo Square Nation Afro-New Orleans Cultural Group and through his music which blends jazz tradition with the musical lineages of New Orleans.

He is also an important mentor to younger musicians, including his nephew Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Jon Batiste, Trombone Shorty, Esperanza Spalding and hip-hop legend The Notorious B.I.G. 

Here Donald shares his musical inspirations and a whole lot of wisdom, including the lessons Art Blakey taught him and the secret messages embedded in the music of his father, Big Chief Donald Harrison Sr and his Mardi Gras troop The Guardians of the Flame. 

Also in the programme, Julian shares concert highlights from Scottish saxophonist Matt Carmichael performing as a special guest with Germany’s Grammy award-winning WDR Big Band led by US sax great Bob Mintzer. Matt's compositions are a fusion of lyrical jazz and Scottish folk music, beautifully arranged for the band by Bob. 

Produced by Thomas Rees for Somethin’ Else

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

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