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

On this episode of Visions, I play a ton of local artists you can hear at the upcoming Detroit Jazz Festival, including Wendell Harrison, Sean Dobbins, Anthony Stanco, Kasan Belgrave and Russ Macklem. I also highlight a couple of local bands making their Detroit Jazz Fest debuts — HAKi! and Harmolodics.

The episode is pieced together with songs from artists past and present. I play selections from Eddie Gale, Lakecia Benjamin, Kenny Cox, Allison Miller, Clark Terry, Bobbi Humphrey, Nicole Glover and Jeff Parker.

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. 19, 2024

• “Step Back” – Kasan Belgrave
• “Mandela’s Muse” – Francisco Mora Catlett
• “Lost My Love” – Kenny Cox
• “Electric Mumbles” – Clark Terry
• “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face” – Nicole Glover
• “Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me (feat. Walter Blanding & Rodney Whitaker)” – Anthony Stanco
• “Ginseng Love” – Wendell Harrison
• “Jasper Country Man” – Bobbi Humphrey
• “LA TYPE BEAT” – Harmolodics
• “Putindoinjudo” – HAKi!
• “Mr. Fantastic” – Russ Macklem
• “Fly By Night” – Wendell Harrison
• “Black Rhythm Happening” – Eddie Gale
• “Ping Pong” – Sean Dobbins & The Modern Jazz Messengers
• “Trane” – Lakecia Benjamin
• “Of Two Rivers” – Allison Miller
• “Max Brown” – Jeff Parker

On this episode of Visions, I have another preview of artists you can soon see at the Detroit Jazz Festival, happening Aug. 30 – Sept. 2 in downtown Detroit.

You’ll hear music from Ravi Coltrane, Joshua Redman and Detroit Jazz Fest Artist-in-Residence Brian Blade. I tie it all together with selections from Angelica Sanchez, Lux Quartet (led by Myra Melford and Allison Miller), Mulgrew Miller, Pat Metheny and Immanuel Wilkins. Plus, you’ll hear from local legends Gayelynn McKinney, Marion Hayden and the late, great Alice Coltrane.

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. 12, 2024

• “Intricate Drift” – Myra Melford, Allison Miller & Lux Quartet
• “Klepto” – Ravi Coltrane
• “Closing the Chapter” – Peter Gall
• “Don Knotts” – Myra Melford & TrioM
• “Manhattan” – Joshua Redman
• “In Spite of Everything” – Brian Blade Fellowship
• “Blues Again” – Mulgrew Miller
• “Gwendolyn” – Gayelynn McKinney & The McKinney Zone
• “Have You Heard” – Pat Metheny Group
• “Face Value” – Alexa Tarantino
• “Nobody Else But Me” – Bill Evans
• “A Fungus Amungus” – Angelica Sanchez
• “Omega” – Immanuel Wilkins
• “Crescent” – Alice Coltrane
• “The Uncrowned King” – Marion Hayden

On this episode of Visions, I play a little bit of a lot of things across all the decades, including new to Visions from Rafael Luna, Janel Leppin, Space, Jyoti — aka the alias for Georgia Anne Muldrow — and more. I also play some classics from Weather Report, Charles Mingus, Lonnie Liston Smith, Kenny Burrell & John Coltrane, and Hank Jones.

But a common thread during this episode, and one I plan to continue over the next month, is to play some of the artists who will be at the Detroit Jazz Festival this Labor Day weekend. Mimi Fox Organ Trio, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Christian McBride, and Melanie Charles are all artists I played on this episode, but they’ll also perform in Detroit in the next month! If you want a sneak peak into what to expect during the Jazz Fest, Listen to Visions every Monday from 8-10 p.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET, and on-demand at wdet.org and the free WDET mobile app.

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 July 29, 2024

• “Wingspan (feat. Sharel Cassity & Colleen Clark)” – Alliance
• “Suddenly” – Rafael Luna
• “Tennessee’s a Drag (feat. Luke Stewart, Anthony Pirog & Brian Settles)” – Janel Leppin
• “Changed in Mid Air” – Elsa Nilsson
• “Freight Trane” – Kenny Burrell & John Coltrane
• “If I Were a Bell” – Hank Jones, Christian McBride & Jimmy Cobb
• “Seventh String” – Makaya McCraven
• “Guinnevere” – Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah
• “Teen Town” – Weather Report
• “Blues for Us (feat. Brian Ho)” – Mimi Fox Organ Trio
• “Green Chimneys” – Kenny Barron Trio
• “Sup” – Jyoti & Georgia Anne Muldrow
• “Drifting (Tomo)” – Melanie Charles
• “The immeasurable” – Space
• “Phoenix Reimagined (feat. Randy Brecker, Jef ‘Tain’ Watts & John Scofield)” – Lakecia Benjamin
• “Desert Nights” – Lonnie Liston Smith
• “Flowers for a Lady” – Charles Mingus

A weird one in all the right ways.

Crashing into Monday with so many first spins on In The Groove, including a truly lovely house remix of Black Sabbath (just give it a chance!), Zara McFarlane, maya ongaku, Wand, Sven Wunder, Lazy Eyes and more. Let’s keep it simple and get to the mix!

Also, if you’re digging the show, please take a moment and do the WDET listener survey and let the powers that be know! It’s the best way to keep original music programming like this on Detroit public radio.

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 July 29, 2024

• “Saturday Night Special” – Jazzanova
• “Ozan Koukle” – Lafayette Afro Rock Band & Ice
• “Planet Caravan (X & Ivy + Jojo Lorenzo Remix)” – Black Sabbath
• “Do Ya” – Jazz-N-Groove
• “Mystery of Man” – Zara McFarlane
• “Time: The Donut Of The Heart” – Jaubi
• “Free Time” – Sven Wunder & Drumetrics
• “Fuzz Jam” – Lazy Eyes
• “Dripping Sun” – Kikagaku Moyo
• “Iyo No Hito” – maya ongaku
• “Grow” – Kyoko Takenaka & Tomoki Sanders
• “Unsquare Dance” – Dave Brubeck
• “Smile” – Wand
• “Pink Frost” – The Chills
• “Strange” – Galaxie 500
• “Unsatisfied” – The Replacements
• “EVERYTHING AND NOTHING” – Soft Play
• “Outdoor Miner” – Wire
• “Are You Looking Up” – Mk.gee
• “Still Point (feat. L’Rain)” – Clothing
• “Naughty Boy” – V-Mash
• “Bang (Peanut Butter Wolf Remix)” – Melenas
• “Water Fountain” – Tune-Yards
• “Disparate Youth” – Santigold
• “Love Heart Cheat Code” – Hiatus Kaiyote
• “Gideon’s Way” – Ruby Rushton
• “Three” – Hello Mary
• “My Room” – Divorce
• “Floating Parade” – Michael Kiwanuka
• “Patterns” – Laura Marling
• “Not Your Man (feat. Annahstasia)” – A Song For You
• “False Start Dub” – Kings Of High Speed & JKriv
• “Rain Can’t Reach Us (feat. Tony Allen)” – Yannis & the Yaw
• “Run (feat. Andreya Triana)” [Sofia Kourtesis Remix] – Quantic
• “Hello? (feat. aden)” [Maurice Fulton Remix] – musclecars

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