Improvisations on WUOT

Weekdays from 6:30-8 p.m.

Improvisations, heard weekdays 6:30 to 8 p.m., is produced and hosted locally by Ben Hall  (Mondays), Todd Steed (Tuesdays), Paul Parris (Wednesdays), Taber Gable (Thursdays) and Chris Woodhull (Fridays).

Improvisations is curated by a dedicated lineup of jazz fans with over 70 years of jazz radio experience.  Our playlists reflect every era of jazz from the earliest New Orleans swing to last week's best releases.  We strive to keep the show interesting, listenable, and enlightening and entertaining.  We love to hear from our listeners and our contact information is located below. 

Improvisations on Facebook

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Podcasts

Questions or comments? Email improv@utk.edu 

Petra Haden on Charlie Haden

By • Jul 26, 2021

Musician Petra Haden reflects on the music of her father, legendary bassist and composer Charlie Haden.  Petra hand selects several pieces that connect her to her father and speaks on his lasting influence on her work and life.  We also feature her beautiful recording of one Charlie Haden's best works. 

Joy Harjo Finds the Sound

By • Apr 7, 2021
Paul Abdoo

Joy Harjo talks with Todd Steed about her brilliant new recording, I Pray For My Enemies. 

  

  

Improvisations To Go: Ping Pong Madness

By • Oct 29, 2020
Todd Steed

In this episode, Todd finds out that ping pong and jazz are toally compatible.  Also, a side trip to Baltimore with former WUOT host Lee Gardner. 

The Bad Plus Live Again

By • Oct 5, 2020
Todd Steed

Did you know The Bad Plus just performed at the Bijou Theatre?  For no audience? Todd Steed sat down with pianist Orrin Evans to dicuss this unique concert that streams online this Friday as part of the Big Ears Festival. 

Gregory Tardy on Time

By • Oct 2, 2020

Gregory Tardy has released one of the best recordings of his career, If Time Could Stand Still.  He talks with Todd Steed about the personal nature of this new, vibrant work. 

Eric Reed Arrives

By • Sep 23, 2020

Musician and composer Eric Reed has landed in Knoxville and is ready to go.  He sat down with Todd Steed to discuss his new role as teacher. 

Los Leslies Find The Groove

By • Sep 21, 2020

Po Hannah chats with Todd Steed about the new release from Los Leslies. 

Maria Schneider Connects

By • Aug 24, 2020

Maria Schneider talks with Todd Steed about her most ambitious, boundless work yet and recalls her enjoyable time in Knoxville.   More info here. 

National Museum of African American Music Comes to Nashville

By • Jun 19, 2020

Tamar Smithers, the Director of Education and Public Programs, talks with Todd Steed about the opening of the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville.  (Interview conducted in June 2020.)

Keith Brown Holds Steady

By • Jun 17, 2020

Todd checks in with Keith Brown at his home in New Jersey.  They discuss his performance at Live at Lucilles, playing with Jazzmeia Horn, the retirment of his father Donald Brown and why he had to put his new record on hold. 

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