Improvisations on WUOT

Weekdays from 6:30-8 p.m.

Hosted by Todd Steed, Paul Parris, Chris Woodhull, Ben Hall , Ben Hall

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

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Podcasts

Questions or comments? Email improv@utk.edu

National Museum of African American Music Comes to Nashville

By Todd Steed • 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.

Keith Brown Holds Steady

By Todd Steed • 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.

Improvisations to Go: Next Stop Yazoo

By Todd Steed • Apr 21, 2020

In this episode, Todd sends a love letter to trains, tea and good company. How does blues fit into jazz? Why is there an entire episode based in Yazoo City? The Poseidon Adventure, really? Find out all the answers here.

Improvisations to Go: Find the Fringe

By Todd Steed • Apr 13, 2020

In this episode, Todd gets out there with Byron Asher, Aurora Nealand and more. This is the last New Orleans episode and it ends with a.... bang?

Improvisations to Go: Picnic Frame of Mind

By Todd Steed • Apr 6, 2020

In episode two, Todd meets with several local musicians to discuss the impact of hurricane Katrina on the New Orleans jazz scene and finds there are lessons from that disaster that could apply to today.

Improvisations To Go: It's A Gift

By Todd Steed • Mar 30, 2020

In episode one, Todd Steed takes a train to New Orleans to explore the very history of jazz. Along the way, he talks to local legends, eats too much fabulous food, and finds himself opening up just enough to dance on the street.

Each of the individual interviews will posted online at the completion of the series.

Original music performed by Daniel Kimbro, Hunter Deacon, John Harvey, David Dayoub and Todd Steed. Recorded at Top Hat Recording in Knoxville.