Vocalist and bandleader Michael Mwenso's unique voice draws upon his roots in Sierra Leone, his tenure as an emcee at Ronnie Scott's in London, and many destinations (and record collections) in between. Bringing the charisma of James Brown and the theatricality of Broadway to his expression of jazz, Michael Mwenso and the Shakes join Simon Rentner for a live in-studio performance and interview. Produced by Cory Goldberg. Music mix: David Tallacksen.

Don't miss his new residency at Harlem's Ginny's Supper Club.

Watch his WBGO Studio Session here.  

Michael Mwenso: vocals
Vuyo Sotashe: vocals
Mathis Picard: piano
Kyle Poole: drums
Russell Hall: bass
 

A dream soul trio from LA present their auspicious debut We Are King. This all-woman group, as their name may not suggest, has already received royal accolades in the pop realm including from Erykah Badu, ?uestlove, Robert Glasper, and even the late Prince himself.

Ben Williams discovered Prince as a kid by way of the very adult film Purple Rain. The bassist tells that hilarious story plus shares one of his favorite songs by the late legendary rock star from the late 80s, a composition he arranged for his own large ensemble at Harlem Stage.  Photo by Jati Lindsey.

In 2015, Dave Douglas celebrated his 50th year by releasing four unique recordings, mostly on his own record label Greenleaf Music. We hear music from those albums plus the trumpeter talks about his father, brother, and the benefits of hosting his own jazz podcast A Noise From The Deep.  Recorded at 2016 Panama Jazz Festival.  Assistant Producer, Lydia Liebman.  Photo by Austin Nelson.