Today we have the pleasure of talking Detroit musician Ali Jackson. We sit down for a conversation reflecting on his work and musical journey. 

Throughout the show, we pair our conversation with iconic jazz selections from Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington and Lou Donaldson. You’ll also hear tracks from Michael Kiwanuka, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Sault, and Little Dragon, alongside songs from Nick Drake and Andy Shauf.  

Check the playlist below and listen to the episode for two weeks after it airs using the player above. 

In The Groove with Ryan Patrick Hooper playlist for May 14, 2026 

• “Things I Do” – Andy Shauf 

• “Yvonne” – Foxwarren 

• “Cold Little Heart” – Michael Kiwanuka 

• “What Is Life (2014 Remaster)” – George Harrison 

• “Give Me Back My Loving” – Leo Nocentelli 

• “One Of These Things First” – Nick Drake 

• “Glory” – Sault 

• “Let Go” – Sonic Interventions 

• “Down (feat. Dames Brown) [Extended Mix]” – The Vision 

• “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” – Ninapinta 

• “Nothing but a Heartache” – The Flirtations 

• “Bound” – The Ponderosa Twins Plus One 

• “Knock Knock (feat. MF Doom)” – MED, Blu & Madlib 

• “Break Me Down” – Yukimi 

• “Klapp Klapp” – Little Dragon 

• “Skipping Like A Stone (feat. Beck) [Single Edit]” – The Chemical Brothers 

• “The Darkness That You Fear (Harvest Mix)” – The Chemical Brothers 

• “World_Train” – Bullion & Charlotte Adigéry 

• “Radio Free Europe (Jacknife Lee Remix / 2025)” – R.E.M. 

• “POP POP POP” – IDLES 

• “Deep Harbour (feat. Alfa Mist)” – Commodo 

• “Mood Indigo” – Duke Ellington 

• “Ko Ko” – Charlie Parker 

• “Blues Walk” – Lou Donaldson 

• “Diana (feat. Wayne Shorter)” – Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra & Wynton Marsalis 

• “Breezin” – Boris Garbiner Happening 

• “Diane Charlemagne (Iman Houssein Remix)” – LEFTO EARLY BIRD 

Listen to In the Groove with host Ryan Patrick Hooper weekdays from noon-3 p.m. ET on 101.9 WDET or stream on-demand at wdet.org. 

This week on Visions, I play classics from from Idris Muhammad, Max Roach, Leroy Vinnegar, Betty Carter, Carla Bley, Gil Evans who interprets the music of Jimi Hendrix, 24-Carat Black, the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, Jackie McLean, Don Cherry and Ed Blackwell, and another cut from the recently released Oscar Peterson Trio live at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge.

I also play more recent selections from Jane Ira Bloom, my teacher, Andrew Bishop, and a brand new single from Mary Halvorson and Ambrose Akinmusire’s upcoming album.

This music comes from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 2000s and 2026, spanning fusion, hard bop, big band, avant-garde, funk, soul and more.

Check out the playlist below and listen to the episode on-demand for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

Visions Playlist for May 11, 2026

• “Jacknife” – Jackie McLean
• “Cleaver’s Loops” – Andrew Bishop
• “Don’t Git Sassy (Live)” – Thad Jones* And Mel Lewis
• “Voodoo Chile” – The Gil Evans Orchestra
• “Rounds” – Marilyn Crispell, Gary Peacock & Paul Motian
• “Tight” – Betty Carter*
• “Mother’s Day” – 24-Carat Black
• “Almost Like Me” – Max Roach
• “I Got Rhythm But No Melody” – Jane Ira Bloom, Fred Hersch, Charlie Haden & Ed Blackwell
• “My Romance” – Leroy Vinnegar
• “Blood & Sand” – Ambrose Akinmusire & Mary Halvorson
• “Short Stuff (Medley)” – Don Cherry & Ed Blackwell
• “Lawns” – Carla Bley
• “Wander” – Idris Muhammad
• “Let There Be Love (Live)” – Oscar Peterson Trio

* indicates Detroit artists

An insanely special guest stops by – the legend Ed Love! To celebrate his birthday, he joins Ryan Patrick Hooper for a discussion about his career and shares some stories from back in the day, like introducing Art Blakey at the Hotel Pontchartrain in 1984, and how the sound of jazz made up the soundtrack for the Civil Rights Movement.

The set features music from Curtis Fuller, Donald Byrd, Les McCann, Lonnie Liston Smith and more. You can listen starting at the 2:19 mark.

Plus, new music from Hollie Cook, Jordan Rakei & FKJ, alongside tracks from Kelela, Amber Mark, Tom Misch, and Yussef Dayes. 

There’s dance floor energy from Underworld, Hot Chip, and Flight Facilities, plus music from Panda Bear, Sonic Boom, and Adrian Sherwood, with classics from The Beach Boys, Blondie, Elvis Costello & The Attractions, The Damned, and New York Dolls. 

Check the playlist below and listen to the episode for two weeks after it airs using the player above. 

In The Groove with Ryan Patrick Hooper playlist for May 6, 2026 

• “Villain” – Annahstasia 

• “Problems” – Jordan Rakei & FKJ 

• “Know You Love Me (Flight Facilities Remix)” – Riva Starr, Flight Facilities & Soul Speech 

• “Different Places” – Amber Mark & John The Blind 

• “idea 1” – Kelela 

• “Days Of Us” – Tom Misch & Kaidi Akinnibi 

• “Marching Band (feat. Masego)” – Yussef Dayes 

• “Rockaway Dub” – Hollie Cook 

• “Slow Down” – Skip Marley & H.E.R. 

• “Whirlpool Dub (Adrian Sherwood Reset in Dub Version)” – Panda Bear, Sonic Boom & Adrian Sherwood 

• “Caroline, No” – The Beach Boys 

• “stupid prizes” – KeiyaA 

• “Bamboo” – Harvey Sutherland 

• “Didn’t Cha Know / Gone Baby Don’t Be Long (Medley)” – Cousin Kula 

• “Too Good (Unknown Mortal Orchestra Remix)” – Arlo Parks 

• “Color My Life” – Chicano Batman 

• “Break Me Down” – Yukimi 

• “Need to Run” – Matthew Herbert & Momoko Gill 

• “Jumbo (Remastered)” – Underworld 

• “Over and Over” – Hot Chip 

• “Pawa! (Boys’ Shorts Remix)” – Asha Puthli & Say She She 

• “Heart of Glass (12-Inch Version)” – Blondie 

• “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding” – Elvis Costello & The Attractions 

• “New Rose” – The Damned 

• “Trash” – New York Dolls 

• “Cult of Celebrity” – Lambrini Girls 

• “One Thing At A Time” – Courtney Barnett 

• “Goo Goo Muck” – The Cramps 

• “Chantized” – Curtis Fuller 

• “Bup A Loup” – Donald Byrd 

• “Astral Traveling” – Lonnie Liston Smith 

• “Price You Gotta Pay To Be Free” – Les McCann 

• “Mississippi God Damn” – Nina Simone 

Listen to In the Groove with host Ryan Patrick Hooper weekdays from noon-3 p.m. ET on 101.9 WDET or stream on-demand at wdet.org. 

This week on Visions I visit more classic cuts, this time spanning the early 1960s to the late 1980s. It’s a piano-heavy episode where you’ll hear Mary Lou Williams, Keith Jarrett, Elmo Hope, Kenny Barron, and Stanley Cowell.

I also play music from Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, Steps Ahead, Tania Maria, Wes Montgomery, Ron Carter, Miles Davis, and Toots Thielemans. I have three songs that break the mold of classics with new tracks from Flea and Elsa Nilsson’s Band of Pulses, plus a 2008 release from Dave Holland.

Check out the playlist below and listen to the episode on-demand for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

Visions Playlist for May 4, 2026

• “Fancy Free” – Donald Byrd*
• “Firm Roots” – Clifford Jordan
• “Come With Me” – Tania Maria
• “In a Sentimental Mood” – Steps Ahead
• “Morning Cry” – Flea
• “Nothing Like You (feat. Wayne Shorter, Frank Rehak, Paul Chambers & Jimmy Cobb)” – Miles Davis
• “Bluesette” – Toots Thielemans
• “Green Chimneys” – Kenny Barron Trio
• “Tourist Point of View” – Duke Ellington and His Famous Orchestra
• “A Night in Tunisia” – Elmo Hope
• “Lalene” – Keith Jarrett
• “Fast Track” – Dave Holland Sextet
• “Mourning For Two” – Elsa Nilsson
• “Equipoise” – Stanley Cowell
• “Holy Ghost” – Mary Lou Williams
• “Up and at It” – Wes Montgomery
• “Yes, Indeed (feat. Eric Dolphy & Mal Waldron)” – Ron Carter*

* indicates Detroit artists

On this week’s episode of Visions I play new music from Immanuel Wilkins, Fabiano de Nascimento, and Melissa Aldana. I play fairly recent releases from Sara Serpa, Micah Thomas, and Kalia Vandever. Music from Anna Webber’s Percussive Mechanics, María Grand, and Wynton Marsalis grace the airwaves. Plus classics from Charles Mingus, Les McCann and Joe Henderson.

I also play two previously unreleased live recordings from the Oscar Peterson Trio and Roy Hargrove which just came out over the weekend, the latter for Record Store Day. There’s a lot to unpack in this episode, so sit back and enjoy the ride!

Check out the playlist below and listen to the episode on-demand for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

Visions Playlist for April 20, 2026

• “Vittor e Fabi” – Fabiano do Nascimento & Vittor Santos e Orquestra
• “Gemini” – Cannonball Adderley Sextet
• “Better Git It In Your Soul” – Charles Mingus
• “Grounds” – Micah Thomas
• “Sometimes I Cry” – Les McCann
• “Caryisms” – Roy Hargrove
• “Ocaso” – Melissa Aldana
• “Chicago (Live)” – Oscar Peterson Trio
• “Tacos Wyoming (feat. James Wylie, Julius Heise, Elias Stemeseder, Igor Spallati, Max Andrzejewski & Martin Kruemmling)” – Anna Webber’s Percussive Mechanics
• “Harriet Tubman” – Wynton Marsalis
• “Pick It Up (and Drop It Again)” – Kalia Vandever
• “TI: Isis” – María Grand
• “Language (feat. Ingrid Laubrock, Angelica Sanchez & Erik Friedlander)” – Sara Serpa
• “CITRINE (Live)” – Immanuel Wilkins

We’ve got everything from live Looney Tunes scores to 7 a.m. DJ sets this week, so be ready to brace for that falling anvil and make sure you’ve got your daily intake of coffee because it’s gonna be a wild ride.

Upcoming events (April 16 – 23)

Paradise Lost 

Hilberry Gateway

April 17 – 26

$15 – 25

Take a journey down to the Hilberry Gateway in Midtown to witness Wayne State’s biblically epic rendition of Erin Shields’ “Paradise Lost.” This performance reimagines one of history’s most tantalizing tales by challenging our general idea of what good and evil are while delving into aspects of oppression, rebellion and knowledge. There are weekday shows ranging from 2 p.m. or 7 p.m., as well as weekend shows which begin at either 3 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. 

Detroit Artists Market 

4719 Woodward Ave, Detroit, Michigan 48201

April 17 – May 16

Free

Come down to the Detroit Artists Market to see the student finalists from Cranbrook Art Academy face off for the opportunity to be awarded the John F. Korachis Scholarship. This is the 60th Annual Scholarship and Awards Exhibition put on by the academy and this year, there are 10 finalists—3 of whom will receive this esteemed scholarship—showcasing paintings as well as sculptures. This event is a month-long and is available to the public between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day.   

World Music Concert 

Varner Recital Hall

April 17

$7 – 10

Take a ride out to Rochester this Friday to immerse yourself in African and Caribbean culture with performances by Oakland University’s African Ensemble and Steel Band, featuring Haruna Walusimbi, royal musician of the Busoga and Buganda kingdoms in Uganda. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. and runs until 9:30 p.m. 

Bugs Bunny at the Symphony 

Detroit Opera House

April 18 – 19

$48+

It may be a few weeks past the end of rabbit season here in Michigan, but fortunately, it’s opened up once again for this weekend only. Grab your Stormy Kromer hat, your hunter’s orange and book it down to the Detroit Opera House on the back of a roadrunner because you’re not gonna want to miss this cartoonishly nostalgic performance.

This Saturday and Sunday, 17 episodes of classic Looney Tunes will be played on the big screen while a symphony plays the iconic scores live for your enjoyment. This performance will also feature the world premiere of a new animated short celebrating Bugs Bunny’s 85th birthday. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. 

The Magical Music of Harry Potter 

Music Hall Center

April 16

$50+

Hop on your broom or your griffin and whisk yourself down to the Music Hall Center in downtown Detroit to be enchanted with the sorcerous sounds of the wizarding world. This Thursday, “The Magical Music of Harry Potter” is coming to spellbind you to the edge of your seat as you’re carried through an expedition of your childhood. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. 

DJANGOPHONIQUE 

Cliff Bell’s

April 16 – 18

$25

If you’re looking for something a bit smoother, well, you’ve stumbled upon silk, my friend. DJANGOPHONIQUE is an award-winning project that is nurturing the Hot Club revival right now. The sounds present transport you to another time, one where you’re a bit more centered and perhaps even Parisian. Think of it like Midnight in Detroit and you get to be Owen Wilson. Local Spins even deemed it the “Most genuine manouche jazz that can be heard in Michigan.” Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. as well as 9:30 p.m. 

New Dawn 

Big Pink

April 18

$23

You know the deal. Lace up those Chucks and bolt over to the Eastside’s neon warehouse once again for some of the greatest Afrobeat, Afrohouse and Ampiano this city has to offer. Get ready to grab a drink and shift continents as DJs Yung D, Blakito, Marine and Getboxed spin tracks deep into the night. The event begins at 10 p.m. and ends at 2 a.m. 

fcukers 

Lincoln Factory

April 17

$29+

Hop, skip and jump over to Lincoln Factory this Friday for a legendary performance by New York-based electronic band fcukers as they combine forces with indie rock band Sex Week. This event begins at 8 p.m. and ends at 2 a.m.  

Orbit 

TBA

April 18

$22+

Get your caffeine in order and blast off to a currently undisclosed location this weekend as the co-founder of Swedish label Studio Barnhus Axel Boman is set to deliver his solo debut with a three-hour performance that’s sure to leave you floating out of your body by the end, from sleep deprivation, of course... The show will be opened by DJs clairvoyant, Mister Joshooa and Secrets. This event goes from 11 p.m. until 7 a.m., so pack a set of pajamas and a toothbrush. 

We’ve got everything from jazz vocalists to Memphis rappers this week, so be ready to put on your cufflinks, but don’t forget the Three 6 Mafia-themed pocket square

Upcoming events (April 9 – 16)

The Saunderson Brothers 

Big Pink

April 10

$23

We know that last week we let down you house heads and now we’re here to repay our debt. This weekend, electronic music is practically flooding the Eastside and we’ve got your snorkel and flippers. The Saunderson brothers are slinging out house tracks like Waffle House slapjacks in a B2B set with Slimey so lace up those non-slip shoes and get ready to step into the kitchen. This event starts at 10 p.m. and goes until 2 a.m. 

SHIFT 

Spot Lite

April 11

$23+

Urban Pulse reacquaints with Spot Lite this weekend, bringing the heart of Berlin to Detroit. Headliner Lars Huismann is delivering atmospheric German techno that’s reminiscent of the old days but continues to carve a clear path in today’s scene. He’s also joined by DJs Redax, JANSØ, Austin Buck and KHONSHU. Whether you’re sporting a pair of lederhosen or dressing like you’re ready for Berghain, embrace the sounds of the Fatherland and get grooving. This event begins at 10 p.m. and goes until 3 a.m. 

Siren: Girls on Wax 

Paris Bar

April 11

$17

Slide down Six Mile over to Hamtramck’s Paris Bar to catch Chicago native Inés spin deep–cut disco vinyl until you can’t remember whether you’re in Michigan or France. She’s also joined by an all-femme roster of DJs, including angel baskets, Savannah G and Auntie Chanel. This event goes from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. 

Golden Grizzly and Blue Grizzly Jazz Singers 

Varner Recital Hall

April 12

$7-10

Perhaps last week’s hiatus from house and techno was a breath of fresh air for some folks and don’t worry, because we’ve still got you stuck on our minds like spaghetti sauce on a Tupperware container. This Sunday, Oakland University’s Golden Grizzly and Blue Grizzly vocal groups are coming together for an energetic jazz ensemble set to leave your ears as soothed as a massage. This event begins at 7 p.m. and goes until 9 p.m. 

Northern Lights Festival 

Orchestra Hall

April 9-11

$21

Oh and we’re not done with the classics just yet. This weekend, take a rickshaw ride downtown to Orchestra Hall to hear the beauty emanate from the Northern Lights Festival. The performance will be led by Principal Guest Conductor Tabita Berglund as you dive into a Nordic soundscape. The hall will be filled with birdsongs as the violinist Johan Dalene puts his bow to the grindstone in Sibelius’s violin concerto. The event begins at 8 p.m. 

Project Pat 

Diamondback Music Hall

April 10

$38+

This weekend, the mane who’s down for his crown returns to bring that Memphis heat to Southeast Michigan. Project Pat is making a stop in Van Buren Charter Township as part two of his Redemption Tour, so get out there and bring your iced tea… but leave the nine’s and TEC’s at home. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. 

Visceral Soup 

22North

April 11-12

Free

If the music isn’t appealing to you this week, sneak out to Ypsilanti for a calm yet vibrant vibe supporting Michigan artists. 22North art gallery is teaming up with Eastern Michigan University to put on their 10th exhibition, “Visceral Soup.” The show will feature work from 11 of EMU’s Master of Fine Arts students exploring the world of ceramics, painting and mixed media. The gallery is open Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. 

Microwave 

Majestic Theatre

April 10

$42+

Atlanta-based rock band Microwave is making their way to Detroit as they tour with Anthony Green, Hunny and Into It. Over It. They’ve recently released a 10th anniversary version of their 2016 album Much Love, and it’s time to show them how much love our city has to offer. The show begins at 7 p.m. If you’re not there, we’re going to assume you went to see Air Fryer instead and while we don’t entirely condemn that move, we will be judging semi-silently. 

Concrete Boys 

Saint Andrews Hall

April 11

$35

The Concrete Boys are back in Detroit this weekend for their This Is Us Vol. 2 tour at Saint Andrews Hall downtown. The group, made up of Lil Yachty, Draft Day, Camo!, Honest and more recently dropped their second album, a sequel to their first project and now it’s time to break out those hard hats and prepare for the mosh pit. The concert begins at 8 p.m. 

This week on Visions, I have no theme, just good music. I play artists spanning from the 1960’s through 2026 with classics and new music discovery all in one episode.

You’ll hear classic cuts from Freddie Hubbard, Robert Glasper, Charlie Rouse, and Steps Ahead. I have new music discovery from Nicole McCabe, and Ralph MacDonald. New records from Caroline Davis, Irreversible Entanglements and Immanuel Wilkins. Plus Samara Joy, Walter Smith III, Joel Ross, Walter Bishop, Jr., and more.

Check out the playlist below and listen to the episode on-demand for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

Visions Playlist for April 6, 2026

• “Sometimes I’m Happy (Take 1)” – Walter Bishop, Jr.
• “Swingin’ at the Haven” – Walter Smith III
• “Hope” – Nicole McCabe
• “Pools” – Steps Ahead
• “Smoke Rings and Wine” – Ralph MacDonald
• “COMPOSITION II (Live)” – Immanuel Wilkins
• “Reincarnation Of A Lovebird” – Samara Joy
• “Alone Together” – Robert Glasper Trio
• “Hostile” – Joel Ross
• “The Intrepid Fox” – Freddie Hubbard, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter*, Joe Henderson* & Lenny White
• “Bitchin'” – Charlie Rouse
• “Panamanian Fight Song” – Irreversible Entanglements
• “Barbara Allen (for Geri)” – Caroline Davis
• “All Blues” – Ethnic Heritage Ensemble & Kahil El’Zabar

* indicates Detroit artists