I got an email from a listener today. They wrote: “way to get a grown man to cry at work with this drake tune lol.”

What an honor! And no, it wasn’t Drake the Canadian rapper — it was Nick Drake, the reclusive, mysterious English musician who sadly died at the age of 26 but left behind some insanely good music, like “Northern Sky.”

There’s also a new Boy Harsher remix of Pet Shop Boys, Eddie Chacon’s killer collab with John Carroll Kirby and a spiritual jazz epic courtesy of Work Money Death. Then, we make a brief but important pit stop exploring the new Dark Entries Records release of Patrick Cowley’s From Behind on the anniversary of the pioneering musician’s death (another talent gone far too soon). Lots of reasons to cry today on In The Groove.

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 Nov. 12, 2024

• “ASR (feat. Jeff Parker)” – Meshell Ndegeocello
• “New London boy (Boy Harsher remix)” – Pet Shop Boys
• “Breathe” – Brighter Days Family
• “Lady Day and John Coltrane” – Gil Scott Heron
• “Impossible” – Andre Williams & Velvet Hammer
• “Empire (feat. John Carroll Kirby)” – Eddie Chacon
• “Respect Yourself” – Staple Singers
• “Home Is Where The Hatred Is” – Gil Scott Heron
• “Dreamin’” – Common & Pete Rock
• “In a Moment Divine” – Freak Heat Waves & Cindy Lee
• “Soldissimo – EDC Remix (with Air)” – Etienne de Crécy
• “New Star in the Sky (Demo 1)” – Air
• “Iko Iko” – Patrick Cowley
• “Gentle Persuasion” – Doug Hream Blunt
• “Green Fuzz” – Naked Giants
• “What Are You” – Pete Brandt’s Method
• “No Go (For Louis Macneice)” – The Cleaners From Venus
• “High Pressure Days (Todd Terje Remix)” – The Units
• “You Make No Sense” – ESG
• “The World and The Sun” – Moon Duo
• “Freedom as a Heartfelt Song” – Work Money Death
• “Count The Days (feat. Jenny Lewis)” – Swamp Dogg
• “Northern Shuffle” – Julian Lage
• “Meet Me In The City” – Junior Kimbrough
• “28-50” – Joe Webb
• “100 years of Bill & Lil” – Joe Webb
• “C + F” – Sam Prekop
• “Northern Sky” – Nick Drake
• “Blue Moon” – Beck
• “Sunrise Fool” – SHOLTO
• “Where’s My Brain???” – The Lazy Eyes

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.

On this episode of Visions, I explore rhythm with just a small slice of music that makes me want to get up and dance. This is by no means a comprehensive study on rhythm! But it’s a good variety of feel-good music.

I play a mix of classics from Miles Davis, Stanley Cowell, Sun Ra and Elvin Jones. I head to Detroit’s Club Mozambique for selections from Dr. Lonnie Smith and Grant Green. I also check out some of Brownswood Recordings’ new-ish releases from Kokoroko and Yussef Dayes. I’ve got a few other selections in there which tie this whole rhythm-based episode together.

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 Nov. 11, 2024

• “Black Classical Music (feat. Venna & Charlie Stacey)” – Yussef Dayes
• “Ewà Inú” – Kokoroko
• “Dream Traveler” – Roy Hargrove
• “Blue Mist” – Joe Lovano
• “I Can’t Stand It (Live)” – Dr. Lonnie Smith
• “One More Chance (Live)” – Grant Green
• “Travellin’ Man” – Stanley Cowell
• “On Jupiter” – Sun Ra
• “Nem Um Talvez” – Miles Davis
• “Coalhada” – Hermeto Pascoal
• “Juicy (feat. Renee Neufville & Karl Denson)” – Roy Hargrove
• “Optimism” – Robert Hurst
• “Flight” – Ahmad Jamal
• “La Fiesta” – Elvin Jones
• “Jean Marie” – Woody Shaw
• “Samba del Sol” – Roy Brooks
• “Waltz for Zweetie” – Walter Bishop, Jr.
• “Conjuration” – Pepper Adams

I don’t know what it was about this episode, but it truly energized me! On this episode of Visions I play mostly new music that came out literally in the last few days, and releases that came out in just the last couple years.

I built this episode around a brand new record by pianist Kris Davis. Her newest trio with Robert Hurst and Johnathan Blake came out last Friday on her label, Pyroclastic Records. The album is called Run the Gauntlet and is dedicated to Geri Allen, Marilyn Crispell, Angelica Sanchez, Carla Bley, Renee Rosnes and Sylvie Courvoisier.

Davis asked me to share this record and spread the word about a free album release show happening on Saturday in Ann Arbor.

For the other brand new releases, I played music from a few upcoming Blue Note releases, including Immanuel Wilkins and Walter Smith III. You’ll also hear new tracks from Patricia Brennan via Pyroclastic Records release (yes, the same Pyroclastic as Kris Davis’ label), and Jason Stein’s Tao Forms release from last month.

I also had an accidental new music discovery when I looked up some music to play by Dave Holland. Hear his new single “Tranxit” with Lionel Loueke. So much brand new music hit the airwaves this episode!

I have a few selections that came out in the 2020s and 2010s, including Johnathan Blake, Kendrick Scott, Jesús Molina with this insane version of “A Night in Tunisia,” Nicholas Payton and Robert Hurst. I threw in some older releases for good measure featuring music from Dave Liebman, Detroit’s Wendell Harrison and Sam Rivers. I hope you enjoy this episode half as much as I enjoyed putting it together for you!

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 Sept. 30, 2024

• “Tranxit” – Lionel Loueke & Dave Holland
• “A Brief Madness” – Walter Smith III
• “Bob’s Blues” – Robert Hurst
• “Helix” – Sam Rivers
• “Fall” – Nicholas Payton
• “Heavy-footed (feat. Johnathan Blake & Robert Hurst)” – Kris Davis Trio
• “Merciful”- Wendell Harrison
• “Holding Breath” – Jason Stein
• “Night in Tunisia” – Jesús Molina
• “Nutty” – Dave Liebman
• “DARK EYES SMILE (feat. Cécile McLorin Salvant)” – Immanuel Wilkins
• “What Day Is It? (feat. Reuben Rogers & Walter Smith III)” – Kendrick Scott
• “Five Suns” – Patricia Brennan
• “A Slight Taste” – Johnathan Blake
• “Congratulations and Condolences” – Myra Melford, Allison Miller & Lux Quartet

I return to my usual programming this week to bring a special Visions episode all about John Coltrane. It was Trane’s would-be 98th birthday on Monday, so I would be remiss if I didn’t do an entire episode dedicated to the visionary bandleader, composer and improviser.

Throughout this episode I play quintessential John Coltrane selections, but I also play songs where Coltrane is a band member. This includes selections from Thelonious Monk, Pepper Adams, Miles Davis, Gene Ammons (where Coltrane is on ALTO!), and Cannonball Adderley. I do a few selections where the song is about Trane: Alice Coltrane, Clifford Jordan and Elvin Jones’ tracks all fit that category. And finally, there’s a record that Trane produced which is the selection from Archie Shepp.

The last thing I want to highlight about this episode is the one song that doesn’t fit the Coltrane theme: Stablemates by Benny Golson. Golson — saxophonist, bandleader, composer and arranger — died on Sept. 21. He was 95 years old. He influenced many artists and left a legacy beyond just recordings of him: he composed many songs that are now standard jazz tunes. Rest in Power to Benny Golson!

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 Sept. 9, 2024

• “Giant Steps” – John Coltrane
• “Dear John C.” – Elvin Jones*
• “Stablemates” – Benny Golson
• “Ruby My Dear” – Thelonious Monk & John Coltrane
• “Equinox” – John Coltrane
• “Mary’s Blues” – Pepper Adams*
• “Freddie Freeloader” – Miles Davis
• “Groove Blues” – Gene Ammons All Stars
• “My Favorite Things” – John Coltrane
• “John Coltrane” – Clifford Jordan Quartet
• “You’re a Weaver of Dreams” – Cannonball Adderley Quintet
• “Mr. Syms” – Archie Shepp
• “Chim Chim Cheree” – John Coltrane Quartet
• “Something About John Coltrane” – Alice Coltrane*

On this episode of Visions, I unintentionally do a blast from the ’70s past. When I started crafting this playlist, I had only a few things from the 1970s that I wanted to play, including Gene Harris, Charlie Rouse and Donald Byrd. But as I kept adding music to my list, I realized this theme was emerging — so I decided to run with it.

This isn’t the first time I’ve done an episode centered around jazz from the ’70s, and that episode garnered a lot of positive feedback. I think the ’70s is a time of great musical exploration, and clearly an era in people’s hearts and minds that reigns supreme to this day. So, why not provide a taste of what people want to hear?

I also play Elvin Jones (featuring my favorite baritone saxophonist of all time, and Detroiter, Pepper Adams), Lonnie Liston Smith, Mary Lou Williams, and Groove Holmes. I play some almost ’70s music with selections from Wes Montgomery, Detroit’s Yusef Lateef and Roy Ayers.

I also break up this episode with a new single from Walter Smith III, and more modern music from Grace Kelly, Dave Holland, and Diana Krall.

But, maybe my favorite selections on this episode are even older than my ’70s theme.

I’ve been wanting to play these influential women for awhile and this episode I finally worked them in — Jutta Hipp (with Zoot Sims), the incredible Detroit pianist and vibraphonist Terry Pollard, and a group of all women before that was even the norm — Vi Redd, Marian McPartland, Mary Osborne, Lynn Milano, and Dottie Dodgion. These selections go all the way back to the mid-1950s, but their sounds and playing styles are so forward-thinking so they fit seamlessly into this playlist.

I hope you enjoy what I selected for you this week!

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 Sept. 9, 2024

• “Mr. Jones” – Elvin Jones
• “Losalamitoslatinfunklovesong” – Gene Harris
• “Cézanne” – Walter Smith III
• “Filosophical Flying Fish” – Grace Kelly
• “Hopscotch” – Charlie Rouse
• “Last Minute Man” – Dave Holland Big Band
• “Almost Blue” – Diana Krall
• “Scrapple from the Apple” – Terry Pollard
• “Soft Winds” – Dorothy Ashby
• “Woodward Avenue” – Yusef Lateef
• “Goin on to Detroit” – Wes Montgomery
• “Places & Spaces” – Donald Byrd
• “Devika (Goddess)” – Lonnie Liston Smith & The Cosmic Echoes
• “Wee Dot” – Jutta Hipp & Zoot Sims
• “Now’s the Time” – Vi Redd, Marian McPartland, Mary Osborne, Lynn Milano, Dottie Dodgion
• “Praise the Lord” – Mary Lou Williams
• “The Ringer” – Roy Ayers
• “Red Onion” – Richard “Groove” Holmes

Following in the footsteps of legends like Alice Coltrane and Dorothy Ashby, harpist Brandee Younger has transformed one of the world’s oldest instruments, bringing it into the modern era. By blending innovative techniques with jazz and beyond, Younger continues to push musical boundaries.

Listen: A conversation with harpist Brandee Younger

The following interview has been edited for clarity and length.

On how her music journey started long before she began playing the harp:

I’ve always been deeply involved in music. In high school, I was voted most musical—not for the harp, but for playing the trombone in the marching band. My first instrument was the flute, but we had too many flute players, so my teacher asked if I’d switch to trombone.

The harp came into my life through a woman at my dad’s job who played it as a hobby. My parents, knowing my musical interests, introduced me to her. We played some flute and harp duets, and she suggested I take lessons. She mentioned that with the right skills, I could even get a scholarship—and that’s how my journey with the harp began.

On how she got her start releasing music by acting on the advice of her mentor, saxophonist Ravi Coltrane, and recording her debut project, the analog-driven “The Prelude” EP:

I wanted to record music but wasn’t sure where to start. I told Ravi Coltrane that I didn’t feel ready to make an album. He reminded me that recordings capture where you are at that moment, and that helped me shift my perspective.

So, I went into the studio, wrote a song called “So Alive,” and recorded a few standards. I sent the demo to Casey Benjamin, who told me, “Don’t make demos, just make albums.” That advice stuck with me, so I decided to put the project on Bandcamp. Music blogs picked it up quickly, and I made my money back fast. That’s how “The Prelude” EP came to life.

On how blending contemporary styles with the timeless sound of the harp has made her an in-demand session musician:

I’ve always loved recording more than performing, so I focused on becoming a session musician. I wanted the harp to be part of the music I was listening to, which wasn’t the classical music I was studying. By recording with artists who were making the kind of music I loved, I created a space for the harp in contemporary genres. This approach laid the foundation for the music I create today.

On how Detroit artists like Alice Coltrane and Dorothy Ashby have influenced her approach to the harp and why she celebrates their legacies:

This has always been intentional for me. The harp is often seen as a classical instrument, and I felt it wasn’t getting the respect it deserved outside of the orchestra. Dorothy Ashby’s discography is incredible, and her level of playing was unmatched, yet she wasn’t recognized the way she should have been. The same goes for Alice Coltrane. Early on, I decided to honor their legacies by including their influence in everything I do — whether through playing their compositions or creating new works inspired by them.

On how she continues to honor the legacies of Alice Coltrane and Dorothy Ashby on her latest album, “Brand New Life”:

With “Brand New Life,” I wanted to pay homage to Alice and Dorothy, but without making it a straightforward tribute album. We recorded some of Dorothy’s compositions that had never been recorded before, literally giving them a “brand new life” (no pun intended as she laughs). It’s a way of continuing their legacy through my own lens.

On how she wants audiences to experience her music through her ongoing tour, newly reformatted trio, and meaningful connections with artists and fans:

I want the music community to feel the sincerity in my work, especially now with my trio. Downsizing from a larger group to just three of us has been incredible. We have such a strong dynamic, both on and off the stage. It’s been a rewarding experience, and I hope that connection comes through in our performances.

To stay updated on Brandee Younger’s tours, events and releases, visit brandeeyounger.com.

On this episode of Visions, I do my fifth and final preview of artists coming to the 45th annual Detroit Jazz Festival. I play three selections from Artist-in-Residence Brian Blade, plus music from Carmen Lundy, The Bad Plus and Nate Smith.

I piece things together with music from John Lee Hooker, Alice Coltrane (both of which have birthdays right around the time of this episode), Nadje Noordhuis, Helen Sung, Lionel Loueke, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Joni Mitchell, and Brandford Marsalis. I also play the late, great Wayne Shorter — who would have turned 91 last Sunday.

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 Aug. 26, 2024

• “Ghana Nila” – Alice Coltrane
• “Bumble Bee Blues” – John Lee Hooker
• “The Robots” – The Bad Plus
• “Le Fin” – Nadje Noordhuis
• “Duality” – Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band
• “The Island, The Sea and You (feat. Patrice Rushen, Ben Williams, Kendrick Scott & Jeff Parker)” – Carmen Lundy
• “Feed the Fire (with Harlem Quartet)” – Helen Sung
• “Moon Song” – Cécile McLorin Salvant
• “Evinrude-Fifty (Trembling)” – Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band
• “Hejira” – Joni Mitchell
• “Footprints” – Lionel Loueke, Reuben Rogers & Eric Harland
• “Return of the Prodigal Son” – Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band
• “Spinning Down” – Nate Smith
• “Wild Flower” – Wayne Shorter
• “Friday the 13Th” – Branford Marsalis