(WTTW News)

Saxophone player Jim Gailloreto with the Metropolitan Jazz Octet arranged some of the songs on the group’s new album, saying their lyrical interpretation of Bowie’s music informed their musical “adjustments.”

Ramsey Lewis performing at Daley Plaza in 2015. (Provided)

Chicago is mourning the loss of one of its most celebrated native sons, as the family of Ramsey Lewis announced the award-winning musician died peacefully at his Chicago home Monday morning, at the age of 87.

Branford Marsalis performed at Orchestra Hall with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. (Courtesy of Eric Ryan Anderson)

The goal behind the concert at Orchestra Hall, which featured the notably “conductorless” New York-based Orpheus Chamber Orchestra along with saxophone master Branford Marsalis, was to explore the intriguing early intersection of classical and jazz music. 

Sam Trump performs Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020 at Back Alley Jazz. (Grace Del Vecchio / WTTW News)

Jazz musicians set up in driveways, front lawns and other outdoor spaces as part of this year’s Back Alley Jazz — a series of pop-up concerts inspired by performances that took place across the South Side in the 1960s and ‘70s.

Ramsey Lewis speaks with WTTW News via videoconference.

Birthday celebrations during the pandemic have gotten creative, but there haven’t been too many birthday concerts. Chicago jazz composer and pianist Ramsey Lewis is adding that to the list this weekend.

(WTTW News)

The city named 2020 the Year of Chicago Music, and this week was supposed to be Cabaret Week. We visited a few jazz and cabaret folks and found a vast music scene that’s singing the blues.

Isaiah Collier (WTTW News)

With a new record in the wings – and concerts around the world – one of Chicago’s hidden musical talents is increasingly becoming not so hidden. He recently turned 21 years old – but musically, Isaiah Collier is an old soul. 

When there’s a jazz band on stage, there’s often an artist in the crowd. We visit a Chicagoan who obsessively draws the area’s jazz scene.

Chicago Jazz Orchestra in concert. (Photo credit: Charles Osgood)

They started swinging back when Jimmy Carter was in the White House and Michael Bilandic was in City Hall. How the Chicago Jazz Orchestra brings a fresh approach to timeless music.

(Courtesy Neil Shapiro)

We learn the ABCs of jazz with Chicago author and illustrator Neil Shapiro, whose new book is a “work of love” – and an ode to the greats.

One of Chicago’s hottest singers is on the comeback trail following a severe health scare. We catch up with Paul Marinaro at the Green Mill.

Ramsey Lewis (Courtesy City of Chicago, DCASE)

The Chicago Jazz Fest is expanding its scope and reach. We discuss what’s new – and what to expect this weekend – with Mark Kelly, commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

At age 91, the jazz guitarist is a living legend from Chicago’s first family of music. We pay him a visit.

A local jazz singer joins us for her take on the musical compositions of Fred Rogers, the late host of the eponymous children’s show “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” 

Jazz can bring to mind a dark nightclub after hours with a lot of booze, but we recently met a group of Chicago jazz musicians on a sunny summer morning – and they were fueled only by coffee and cake.

The legendary owner of a storied Chicago record store is back in business after a very brief retirement.