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Improvisations To Go

Join host Todd Steed as he explores jazz, food and local culture in some of America's greatest cities, often by train. Locations featured include San Francisco, Memphis, New Orleans, Denver and fabulous Gibson County.

Original music performed in each episode by the likes of Daniel Kimbro, Hunter Deacon, Matt Richardson, Bruno Santos, Jeff Miguel and Todd.

Thanks to Aubrey's and Three Bears Coffeefor their steadfast support!

Latest Episodes
  • In the season closer, Todd gets off the Jazz Train and heads straight to the fabulous Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival. There he encounters Taber Gable, Jonathan Barber, Bob James, Ebban Dorsey and Christie Dasheill and a WUOT news host! Thanks to our amazing sponsor, Three Bears Coffee Company. Soundtrack music in this episode features Hunter Deacon, Jon Hamar, Matt Richardson and Hunter Deacon.
  • Join an amazing train run from Philly to Pittsburgh, complete with live music, unnamed competitive activities and spontaneous laughter. Todd jumps on board and finds that his key life interests all intersect somewhere near Harrisburg. Hang with artists Orrin Evans, Michelle Lordi, Tina Raymond, Caleb Wheeler Curtis and Jonathan Michel. Thanks to Three Bears Coffee for making this ride possible.
  • In the final episode of season three, San Francisco shines but also manages to challenge host Todd Steed. Expect some beautiful walks, amazing live music and a meal that tastes so good it could make one want to move to San Francisco. As always, the soundtrack is created and performed by actual human musicians. In this case, Daniel Kimbro, Hunter Deacon, Bruno Santos and Todd. Thanks to our fabulous sponsor, Aubrey's. Learn more about Keys Jazz Bistro here.
  • Improvisations To Go lands in San Francisco after a very long train journey. Join Todd as he explores the best beat bookstore imaginable and soak up the sounds of the superb SF Jazz listening room. Also, meet jazz legend Joe Lovano backstage. The title of the episode will make more sense once you listen to the special surprise guest!Thanks, as always, to Aubrey's.
  • Join Todd for an epic train ride from Denver to San Francisco on the California Zephyr. He loves it, though many are miserable. Find out why as you enjoy the original jazz soundtrack featuring Daniel Kimbro, Hunter Deacon, Bob Deck, Dave Nichols, Dug Meech, Bruno Santos and George Middlebrooks.
  • What makes someone go above and beyond normal reason just to create something special for the rest of us? In this episode we try and find out as we dig deeper into the Denver music scene and visit with former Improvisations host Ben Hall, bassist and composer Gonzalo Teppa, and Nicole Mattson of Nocturne. Todd scores a perfect meal at The Corner Beet after being advised by The Voice of Wisdom (Melony Dodson) .....and Michael Jordan? Thanks, as always, to Aubrey's!
  • Todd heads to Denver for an altitude adjustment. In the process, he meets local legend Purnell Steen and discovers great music around every corner. And food. Lots of food.