Videos Recommended by Michael Ricci

Funky Fête (Iko Iko/Tootie Ma Is A Big Fine Thing)

Julie Benko
Duration: 90:00
496 views

During rehearsals for Funny Girl on Broadway, a moment of sheer panic unexpectedly led to a meaningful musical collaboration for Julie Benko. Faced with the daunting realization that tap dancing was part of the role, a breakdown in rehearsal turned into a breakthrough thanks to tap dance great John Manzari, whose generosity, encouragement, and impromptu coaching made all the difference. Now, the spotlight turns back to Manzari as a very special guest soloist on the first single from the forthcoming New Orleans–inspired jazz album Julie Benko 'Euphonic Gumbo'. Released on Twelfth Night to kick off the Mardi Gras season, “Funky Fête” is a joyous medley of "Iko Iko" and "Tootie Ma Is A Big Fine Thing", capturing the spirit, rhythm, and communal energy of New Orleans. 'Euphonic Gumbo', which features pianist Jason Yeager, will be released on February 13 via Club44. Consider this your invitation to move: it’s impossible not to dance along. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

The Poet Who Makes Jazz Sing and Words Swing

Charles Mingus
Duration: 92:09
1,130 views

This episode is the second installment of Timeless Classics, a series that has been painstakingly put together to bring you the most memorable discussions from the Quintessential Poetry podcast archives. This episode revisits Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram's interview with celebrated poet, author, spoken word artist, and All About Jazz staffer Mike Jurkovic.

Seabirds

Lisa Hilton
Duration: 5:06
225 views

“Seabirds” was composed by award-winning composer and pianist, Lisa Hilton, and filmed by director Keith Rivers at EastWest Studios in Hollywood, California. The track appears on Hilton’s upcoming album Extended Daydream with JD Allen, Igmar Thomas, Luques Curtis and Rudy Royston. Available November 28, 2025. "Seabirds" expresses the freedom, beauty and hope that we see in nature.

Bob Holz Honoring Larry Coryell

Bob Holz
Duration: 11:21
2,105 views

A tribute album featuring Larry Coryell on guitar. Bob Holz will release Honoring Larry Coryell on MVD Audio on November 7, 2025. The record features 80 minutes of incredible playing by Larry Coryell and renowned drummer Bob Holz.

A $10,000 Jazz Album Treasure Hunt

Charlie Porter
Duration: 1:43
1,507 views

This isn’t just great music. It’s a challenge! Hidden inside the 8 tracks of this album are 9 cryptic clues leading to a real-world treasure worth $10,000. Anyone can enter. Anyone can solve it. The first person to crack the code and uncover the treasure wins.

DOCTONE: The Genius of Kenny Kirkland

Noah Haidu
Duration: 38:00
532 views

Doctone: The Genius of Kenny Kirkland is a moving and powerful 39-minute documentary film honoring the life, music, and legacy of modern jazz piano legend Kenny Kirkland. Known as “Doctone” to his peers, Kirkland was one of the most influential pianists and composers of his generation, shaping the sound of modern jazz, fusion, and contemporary music through his work with Sting, Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Kenny Garrett and Jeff “Tain” Watts.

Directed by Jeffrey Chuang and produced by Noah Haidu, this film features interviews, stories, and performances with world-class artists including Jeff Watts, Jason Moran, and members of the Marsalis family. Together they reveal Kenny Kirkland’s genius: his deep harmonic imagination, fearless improvisation, and powerful contributions to the evolution of modern jazz.

Starlight Starbright

Eugenie Jones
Duration: 3:58
854 views

For Your GRAMMY® Consideration | Best Jazz Vocal Album - Eugenie | Best Jazz Performance - "Starlight Starbright"

"Starlight Starbright" is a believe-in-love again ballad. Produced by Lonnie Plaxico, the miracle of second chances is brought to life in this impassionately beautiful original ballad, with stirring cello and violin play emphatically supported by piano (Mamiko Wantanabe), bass (Lonnie Plaxico), & drums (Russell Carter).