Videos Recommended by Michael Ricci

Just the Two of Us

Joel August
Duration: 4:08
836 views

A smooth jazz version of the classic Bill Wither's "Just the Two of Us." The feel and tempo of this song really inspired me and capturing the feel of a marimba live on a guitar was a highlight.

Fahey

Aaron Irwin
Duration: 6:03
1,213 views

"Fahey" is Track 4 on the latest Aaron Irwin Trio album SPARK On SPARK, saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer Aaron Irwin presents a meaningful statement by his long-running trio, featuring guitarist Mike Baggetta and drummer Bill Campbell. Released on Adhyâropa Records, the album draws from blues and folk-rooted language while resisting the pull of genre, offering music that feels grounded, melodic, and quietly expansive.

Full Moon (featuring New York Voices, Mark Egan & Danny Gottlieb)

Luiz Millan
Duration: 04:17
1,990 views

The new single by Brazil's foremost contemporary composer, Luiz Millan, featuring the fabulous vocal quartet New York Voices plus two legendary musicians who were founding members of the Pat Metheny Group: fretless bass master Mark Egan (who also recorded with Gil Evans, Sting, David Sanborn, Michael Franks, Mark Murphy, Stan Getz, Mike Stern) and visionary drummer Danny Gottlieb (Al DiMeola, John McLaughlin's Mahavishnu Orchestra, Hubert Laws, Sting etc). "Full Moon" is produced by Arnaldo DeSouteiro for the JSR label, and arranged by Michel Freidenson & Darmon Meader. "Full Moon" written by Jorge Pinheiro, Luiz Millan & Peter Eldridge.

Sonny Bird's Cage

Pierre Veniot
Duration: 2:37
2,834 views

With my albums Storias and Storias Too, I’ve been exploring music as storytelling. Too often, jazz risks becoming a showcase of technical prowess, where musicians compete to impress with complexity rather than connect with listeners. My work resists that trap. These albums are concept-driven, blending the sophistication of jazz with the clarity of pop structures. Improvisation appears not as ego-driven display, but as sparks of spontaneity within carefully composed narratives. Each track is crafted to balance accessibility with depth, inviting audiences into stories that value communication over exhibition. ~Pierre Veniot

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

Julie Benko
Duration: 90:00
3,438 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
2,911 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
312 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.