Jazz Break at Noon - May 2025

May 5 - 9

Ladies Sing the Blues: Women in Blues and Jazz since the turn of the 20th Century

This week on The Jazz Break, join host Bria Woods as she celebrates the powerful legacy of women in blues and jazz since the turn of the 20th Century. This week, she’ll honor the birthday of the groundbreaking blues singer Mamie Smith born May 26, 1891 and whose 1920 recording of "Crazy Blues" marked a pivotal moment, paving the way for Black female and male artists in the commercial recording industry.

Throughout the week, Bria will spotlight the enduring impact of Mamie Smith and the legendary singers who followed her, keeping the heart of the Blues alive within the world of Jazz. You'll hear iconic performances from Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Dinah Washington, alongside the powerful voices of Abbey Lincoln and contemporary giants like Dee Dee Bridgewater, Cassandra Wilson, Jazzmeia Horn, Samara Joy, and many more. 

May 12 - 16

The Immortal Fats Waller (May 21, 1904 – December 5, 1943)

This week on The Jazz Break at Noon, we celebrate the joyous energy and genius of pianist, composer, and singer, Fats Waller. Born Thomas Wright Waller in New York City on May 21, 1904, Waller, with his writing partner Andy Razaf, gifted us some of the most beloved jazz classics of all time. "Ain't Misbehavin'," "Honeysuckle Rose," and "The Jitterbug Waltz" remain timeless compositions, a testament to their enduring impact on jazz and popular music.

A pioneering master of stride piano, Waller was also a captivating vocalist and often favored the organ. In his productive but short 25-year career, he copyrighted over 400 historic compositions, primarily for Okeh and RCA Victor record labels, and with his famous Rhythm ensemble.

This week, our listening sessions will span Waller's early recordings from the 1920s, his classic RCA singles, live radio broadcasts, and select interpretations of his music by other jazz legends. Join us as we spotlight his timeless compositions, his extraordinary skill as a soloist, and his captivating persona as a preeminent entertainer.

May 19 - 23

Next Gen Jazz: San Antonio and Texas jazz students

Students take center stage this week on The Jazz Break at Noon. Jazz and music education is one of the pillars of our ethos as a nonprofit educational radio station. Jazz would not proliferate without the tireless work of music educators and mentors investing intentionally into the next generation.

This week host Bria Woods will highlight the longstanding work of San Antonio and Texas jazz music educators and the students who comprise the next generation of jazz performers, recording artists, and advocates.

Our listening sessions each day at noon will feature musicians in middle school, high school and at the collegiate level. Later in the week students and their instructors will be live in the studio talking about what they are learning, performing and the non-negotiable importance of sustained music education. Featured schools and groups include the Trinity University Jazz Band, the University of North Texas Lab Jazz Band, Thomas Jefferson High School Jazz Band, Jazz Nation students, and the St. Mary’s University Jazz Combo. Join us as we uplift and hear from the students who are the next generation of jazz musicians.

May 26 - 30

Beyond the Blue: Miles Davis's Second Great Quintet

Summary: This week on The Jazz Break at Noon, we journey "Beyond the Blue" to explore the groundbreaking and transformative music of Miles Davis's Second Great Quintet.This legendary ensemble, featuring Davis on trumpet, Wayne Shorter on tenor saxophone, Herbie Hancock on piano, Ron Carter on bass, and Tony Williams on drums, existed from 1964 to 1968 and represents a pivotal era in Miles's career, bridging the gap between post-bop and his later electric explorations. Our expansive listening sessions will spotlight select recordings including E.S.P., Miles Smiles, Nefertiti, and Miles in the Sky, plus special live recordings, highlighting the incredible interplay, harmonic freedom, and rhythmic innovation of the Quintet, pushing the boundaries of traditional jazz structures.

This year marks the 99th anniversary of trumpeter, composer, and bandleader, Miles Davis, born May 26, 1926. Noted not only as one of the great innovators of jazz music but a contributor to Western music in several areas of traditional and popular music, his lasting legacy continues to shape contemporary music today. This week, we’ll celebrate Miles Davis’s incredibly rich and exploratory period with the Second Great Quintet. Join us!