From timeless recordings and live performances to deep cuts and jazz standards, this show explores the roots and evolution of jazz with unmatched authenticity. Whether you're a longtime listener or discovering the genre for the first time, Jazz Epicenter delivers a rich blend of history, musicianship, and soul.

Broadcasting from Los Angeles and heard on 91.5 KUNV—the best smooth jazz station in America—this episode is your gateway to the finest in classic jazz and live music conversations.

From big band energy to smooth vocal stylings, this episode blends timeless recordings, deep cuts, and essential jazz history. Discover the sound of the Jazz scape—where the journey is guided by feel, memory, and pure musicality.

This episode delivers a deep dive into classic jazz from the 60s and 70s, blending legendary recordings, rich storytelling, and curated selections from some of the most influential artists in jazz history. From iconic performances like My Favorite Things to sophisticated arrangements and vocal stylings, this show captures the essence of classic jazz radio.

Hosted by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and seven-time Grammy Award winner Ralph Johnson, Jazz Epicenter 6.7 is a journey through the jazz landscape—where history, artistry, and musical excellence come together in a true jazz radio show experience.

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube
 📍 Broadcast on 91.5 Jazz & More KUNV Las Vegas

This episode features timeless performances from some of jazz’s most influential artists, including Wayne Shorter, Freddie Hubbard, Stanley Turrentine, Shirley Horn, Diane Reeves, and Minnie Riperton.

Along the way, Ralph Johnson highlights classic recordings like Eric Gale’s “Ginseng Woman,” Wayne Shorter’s “Speak No Evil,” Freddie Hubbard’s “First Light,” and modern interpretations from artists such as the San Francisco Jazz Collective. The program also explores vocal jazz highlights from Shirley Horn, Diane Reeves, and Billy Eckstine, along with contemporary jazz interpretations including Alexis Cole’s version of “Pure Imagination.”

Jazz Epicenter 6.7 celebrates the legacy of jazz’s golden era while connecting listeners to the timeless artistry that continues to influence modern music. Each episode offers a curated listening experience guided by one of the genre’s most respected musicians.

The program airs on 91.5 Jazz & More KUNV — the best smooth jazz station in America, bringing classic jazz discovery to listeners who appreciate the artistry, improvisation, and history behind the music.

Hosted by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and seven-time Grammy Award winner Ralph Johnson, this edition of Jazz Epicenter 6.7 explores the “jazz scape” through legendary recordings and iconic albums.

🎷 Featured Artists & Highlights:

• Cannonball Adderley – Jive Samba
• Charles Lloyd – Forest Flower (Live at Monterey)
• Mongo Santamaria – Cold Sweat
• Michael Franks – Antonio’s Song
• Christian McBride Trio – The Lady in My Life (Live at Village Vanguard)
• Shirley Horn – Return to Paradise
• Eddie Harris – Lovely Is Today
• Moserri Santos – April Child

🎹 Hour Two Jazz Classics:

• Herbie Hancock – Butterfly (from Thrust)
• Joe Henderson – Mode for Joe (Blue Note Records)
• Joe Wilson Orchestra – Lighthouse Blues
• George Benson – This Masquerade (from Breezin’)
• Will Downing – Stella by Starlight
• Denise Williams – Free
• Max Roach – Nommo (from Drums Unlimited)

From Blue Note hard bop to 70s jazz fusion and soul-jazz vocals, this episode delivers deep musicianship, improvisation, and timeless groove.

📡 Broadcast on 91.5 KUNV Las Vegas

 🎶 Streaming worldwide

Be kind. Be cool. Be safe. Be blessed.

Broadcasting on 91.5 KUNV, this hour celebrates the finest jazz from the 60s and 70s — and more — featuring legendary recordings and timeless performances from:

• Herbie Hancock Quintet (Tribute to Miles)
• Kenny Kirkland with Branford Marsalis
• Charles Earland
• Diane Schuur
• Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra
• Quincy Jones
• Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66
• Joe Sample
• Curtis Fuller
• Paul Desmond
• Lee Morgan – “The Sidewinder”
• Milt Jackson
• Nancy Wilson (arranged by Oliver Nelson)
• Gato Barbieri
• Dianne Reeves
• San Francisco Jazz Collective
• Gerald Clayton

From hard bop to Brazilian jazz, soul-jazz to orchestral big band arrangements, this episode captures the elegance, fire, and improvisational brilliance that define classic jazz radio.

As Ralph reminds us, the jazz scape has no signs — where you wind up is all in your mind.

Be kind. Be cool. Be safe. Be blessed.

Episode 129 features legendary performances from:

• Freddie Hubbard – Spirits of Trane
• Chick Corea – Humpty Dumpty
• Arturo Sandoval – Guarachando
• Esperanza Spalding – I Know You Know
• Donny Hathaway – Someday We’ll All Be Free
• Earth, Wind & Fire – Spend the Night
• Oliver Nelson – Stolen Moments
• Dave Brubeck – Take Five
• Chico Hamilton – Conquistadores
• Stanley Turrentine – Walk On By
• Stanley Clarke – East River Drive
• Count Basie Orchestra featuring Stevie Wonder
• Wes Montgomery – Wendy
• Pat Metheny Group
• Isaac Hayes – Café Regio’s

Broadcast on KUNV 91.5 Jazz & More, this two-hour journey captures the essence of the golden era of jazz — soulful horn lines, iconic rhythm sections, timeless arrangements, and the unmistakable voice of Ralph Johnson guiding the experience.

If you love classic jazz, jazz fusion, soul-jazz, and legendary musicians from the 60s and 70s, this episode is your passport into the Jazz Scape.

Be kind. Be cool. Be safe. And most of all — be blessed.

Throughout the episode, Ralph Johnson curates an expansive journey through the jazz “scape,” featuring legendary performances from Miles Davis, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Joe Henderson, George Benson, Ahmad Jamal, Roy Hargrove, Stanley Jordan, Mesa, Idris Muhammad, and Joe Sample, among many others.

The episode highlights iconic recordings such as Nefertiti, Poinciana, Red Clay, Footprints, and The Lady in My Life, weaving together hard bop, modal jazz, soul-jazz, and fusion. Ralph’s thoughtful commentary contextualizes each performance, illuminating the musicianship, history, and cultural impact behind the recordings while reinforcing jazz as a living art form.

Jazz Epicenter 6.7 airs on 91.5 FM KUNV and streams worldwide at kunv.org, offering listeners a space to slow down, listen deeply, and reconnect with the foundational voices that continue to shape modern jazz.

The episode features legendary artists including Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers, Herbie Hancock, Cannonball Adderley, Eliane Elias, Jeff Lorber, Chaka Khan, Freddie Hubbard, Pat Metheny Group, Donald Byrd, Shirley Horn, Jimmy Smith, Wes Montgomery, and the San Francisco Jazz Collective. With Ralph Johnson’s signature storytelling and musical insight, Jazz Epicenter 6.7 creates an immersive “jazz scape” — a place where history, groove, and emotion meet.

Designed for serious jazz lovers and curious listeners alike, this episode celebrates the innovation, soul, and lasting influence of classic jazz, fusion, and vocal jazz, reminding us why these recordings continue to inspire generations.

Broadcasting from Los Angeles, Ralph opens the hour by inviting listeners into the “jazz scape,” a place without landmarks or boundaries, where the music leads the way. The program features iconic recordings from Miles Davis, including the Marcus Miller-composed title track from Tutu, along with electric sax innovator Eddie Harris, trumpet legend Freddie Hubbard, and the unmistakable vocal stylings of Tamia, Deniece Williams, and Dee Dee Bridgewater 

As the journey continues, Ralph highlights landmark performances by Bob James, Bobby Hutcherson, Dexter Gordon, Wes Montgomery, Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, Keith Jarrett, Dionne Warwick, and Burt Bacharach, seamlessly blending instrumental brilliance with timeless vocal storytelling. The episode closes with reflective selections that underscore jazz’s enduring emotional depth and spiritual resonance.

Jazz Epicenter 6.7 remains a destination for lifelong jazz fans and new listeners alike — a place where classic recordings are not just remembered, but re-experienced with intention, context, and reverence.

This episode weaves together legendary performances and thoughtful storytelling, spotlighting iconic artists including Miles Davis, Gerald Wilson, The Jazz Crusaders, Chucho Valdés, Al Jarreau, Michael Brecker, Ahmad Jamal, Dianne Reeves, Stanley Turrentine, Cal Tjader, and more. From hard bop and modal jazz to Latin jazz, vocal jazz, and CTI-era classics, Ralph curates a timeless journey through the music that shaped modern jazz.

Listeners will hear celebrated recordings such as Seven Steps to Heaven, Eleanor Rigby, African Skies, Round Midnight, Poinciana, and other enduring jazz compositions—each placed in context with Ralph Johnson’s signature insight and reverence for the art form.

Jazz Epicenter 6.7 is more than a playlist—it’s a guided tour through jazz history, hosted by a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Kennedy Center honoree, and seven-time Grammy Award winner. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz fan or discovering classic jazz for the first time, this episode offers a deep, soulful listening experience that rewards close attention.

🎷 Be kind. Be cool. Be safe. Most of all—be blessed.

The journey continues with powerful selections such as Freddie Hubbard’s CTI classic First Light, Christian McBride Trio’s re-imagining of Michael Jackson’s Lady in My Life, Howard Hewett’s soaring version of O Come All Ye Faithful produced by George Duke, Vanessa Williams’ What Child Is This?, and holiday favorites from Luther Vandross, Brian Culbertson, Boney James, Bobby Caldwell, Foreplay with Eric Benet, and Donny Hathaway.

Ralph also shares personal milestones, including updates on his upcoming memoir Rhythm and Fire and the new Questlove-produced documentary debuting at Tribeca in 2026.

Warm, soulful, and full of holiday spirit, this episode is the perfect soundtrack to the season — blending jazz history, rare recordings, and classic Christmas magic.

Tune in and let Ralph Johnson guide you through an unforgettable holiday journey across the JazzScape.

This episode features unforgettable performances from Lee Morgan, Chick Corea, Ray Charles, Cannonball Adderley, Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Tanya Maria, Pat Metheny, Shirley Horn, Wes Montgomery, and many more. Ralph’s insider commentary brings historical context, personal insight, and musician-level perspective to each track, making this an essential listen for jazz lovers and music students alike.

Highlights include:

• Hank Mobley’s “No Room for Squares” — a hard-bop masterclass from Blue Note’s golden era
• Lee Morgan’s “The Sidewinder” — the hit that famously saved Blue Note Records
• Chick Corea’s “Fingerprints” — a modern trio gem with Abishai Cohen and Jeff Ballard
• Ray Charles’ 3/4 swing version of “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning” from Ray Sings, Basie Swings
• Cannonball Adderley’s “Jeannine” featuring Nat Adderley and Barry Harris
• Stanley Turrentine & Astrud Gilberto’s “Brazilian Tapestry”
• Gerald Wilson’s “Viva Tirado” — a signature orchestral powerhouse
• Shirley Horn’s “Here’s to Life” — a breathtaking vocal finale
• Herbie Hancock’s “Tell Me a Bedtime Story” from Fat Albert Rotunda
• Miles Davis’ “Nefertiti” — his final acoustic album before going electric
• Tania Maria’s “Come With Me” — Brazilian fusion energy at its finest
• Pat Metheny’s “So May It Secretly Begin” from Still Life (Talking)
• Dianne Reeves, Chaka Khan, and Dee Dee Bridgewater delivering vocal brilliance
• Wes Montgomery’s “Bumpin’” — timeless guitar artistry
• Antonio Adolfo’s “Footprints” honoring Wayne Shorter

Designed for serious jazz listeners and newcomers alike, Ralph Johnson’s Jazz Epicenter continues to celebrate the depth, innovation, and emotional power of America’s greatest musical art form. Whether you’re exploring iconic albums, discovering new favorites, or reliving the magic of jazz’s most influential decades, this episode delivers a rich, soulful experience from start to finish.

Ralph begins with a powerful reflection on November 22, 1963, honoring the legacy of President John F. Kennedy through selections from Oliver Nelson’s landmark jazz album “The Kennedy Dream.” Featuring pieces like “The Artist’s Rightful Place” and “Let the Word Go Forth,” this segment offers a rare blend of jazz history and cultural memory.

From there, the playlist moves across generations of legendary jazz musicians, including:

• Jack DeJohnette, Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, and Dave Holland performing “John McKee”
• Idris Muhammad’s soulful “Peace of Mind,” arranged by Bob James
• Vocal brilliance from George Benson and Al Jarreau — with a possible cameo from Stevie Wonder on harmonica
• Modern jazz fusion from Kneebody featuring GRAMMY-nominated pianist Gerald Clayton
• Hard bop classic “El Dorado” from Donald Byrd
• A timeless performance of “My Favorite Things” by John Coltrane with McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison, and Roy Haynes
• The psychedelic jazz-funk energy of Quincy Jones’ “Walking in Space,” inspired by the Broadway smash Hair

Listeners are also treated to the elegance of Dianne Reeves, the Brazilian brilliance of Moacir Santos, and the lyrical mastery of the Keith Jarrett Trio performing “The Meaning of the Blues.”

Ralph closes with his signature message: “Be kind, be cool, be safe, and most of all, be blessed.”
Another unforgettable journey across the Jazz Epicenter — the place where jazz heritage, storytelling, and timeless recordings meet.

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.

Blending classic cuts from the ’60s and ’70s with genre-defining performances, Ralph reminds us that jazz has no boundaries—it’s a journey of sound, spirit, and imagination

Blending classic cuts from the ’60s and ’70s with genre-defining performances, Ralph reminds us that jazz has no boundaries—it’s a journey of sound, spirit, and imagination

Listeners are treated to Minnie Riperton’s intimate “Inside My Love,” the Ramsey Lewis Trio’s take on “Julia,” Oliver Nelson’s “Fantastic,” and the San Francisco Jazz Collective’s rendition of “All Blues.” Later highlights include Nancy Wilson’s “The Grass Is Greener,” Miles Davis’s iconic “So What” from Four & More, and a closing return to Nancy Wilson with “You’d Better Go.”

Hour one opens with Lyle Mays’ “Feet First” and Joe Sample’s “Hippies on a Corner,” flows through Herbie Mann’s bossa nova mastery, Esther Phillips’ powerful “Home Is Where the Hatred Is,” and Cannonball Adderley’s classic “Unit Seven.” Contemporary touches from Maysa, Marilyn Scott, Quincy Jones’ “Killer Joe,” and Steve Khan’s “Shade of Jade” bridge the eras, creating a seamless musical landscape.

Ralph weaves it all together with insight, warmth, and deep respect for the artistry, closing with his signature reminder to be kind, be cool, be safe, and be blessed.

Also featured: Shirley Horn’s heartfelt Return to Paradise, Tanya Maria’s high-energy Brazilian groove, a vocal spotlight from Dee Dee Bridgewater, and electrifying tracks from Donald Byrd, Joe Henderson Big Band, and Freddie Hubbard.

Broadcasting from Los Angeles and streaming worldwide, this episode proves once again that the jazz epicenter isn’t a place—it’s a feeling.

You'll hear iconic cuts like “So What,” “Moanin’,” and “Equinox,” alongside poetic soul moments from Come to My Garden and Fancy Free. Plus, enjoy the spirit-lifting close from the SF Jazz Collective. As always, no landmarks, no signs—just pure jazz discovery.

Recorded live from Los Angeles, this special July 4th edition features Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On,” a dreamy moment with “Pretty World” by Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66, and ends with a cosmic reflection courtesy of James Vincent’s “Space Traveler.” Plus, Ralph shares reflections, birthday shoutouts, and that signature Jazz Epicenter vibe you love.

Whether you're watching fireworks or chilling at home, this episode is the perfect summer soundtrack.