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

This week on Visions is my last Women’s History Month episode. It’s been really fun to listen to, do research about, and uncover artists that were new to me as I put these episodes together. This hasn’t been a comprehensive list of all women in jazz, but what better way to celebrate the month than to hear from women all month long.

Tonight’s episode features vocalists Shirley Horn, Billie Holiday, Ruth Price and Rosa Passos. I include poet aja monet as well as two instrumentalists heard as vocalists on the episode, trumpeter Clora Bryant and saxophonist Tia Fuller. 

I feature instrumentalists Geri Allen, Brandee Younger, the Ellen Rowe Octet, Cindy Blackman Santana, Shamie Royston, Nubya Garcia, Marilyn Crispell, Dorothy Ashby, Bobbi Humphrey, Carla Bley, and ARTEMIS. 

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 March 30, 2026

• “No. 3” – Geri Allen*
• “They Say It’s Spring” – Ruth Price
• “What the World Needs Now is Love” – ARTEMIS
• “This Can’t Be Love” – Clora Bryant
• “Spirit U Will” – Brandee Younger
• “Feitio de Oração” – Rosa Passos & Ron Carter
• “yemaya” – aja monet
• “Dear Lord” – The Marilyn Crispell Trio
• “The Soul Keepers” – Ellen Rowe Octet
• “Loads of Love” – Shirley Horn
• “Momma Said” – Tia Fuller, Shamie Royston & Fuller Sound
• “Let Love Rule (feat. Ravi Coltrane, Jacky Terrasson & Ron Carter)” – Cindy Blackman Santana
• “Life Has Its Trials” – Dorothy Ashby*
• “But Beautiful” – Billie Holiday
• “Strange Arrangement” – The Very Big Carla Bley Band
• “The Seer” – Nubya Garcia
• “Fancy Dancer” – Bobbi Humphrey

* indicates Detroit artists

Tonight on Visions, I continue exploring women in jazz. This episode travels around the world more than usual, featuring artists from Australia, Chile, Japan, Brazil, and Britain, spanning six decades.

You hear classics from Joanne Brackeen (the first and only woman to be hired for Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers), Astrud Gilberto, and Kathy Stobart. I play more recent releases from Luciana García, Jenny Scheinman, Noriko Ueda, Melissa Aldana, The DIVA Jazz Orchestra (an all-female big band), Mary Halvorson, and many more.

There’s been some great new music discovery for me this week, and I hope you find new artists too! Happy listening.

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 March 23, 2026

• ” ボヘミア・アフター・ダーク ” – Noriko Ueda
• “Resilience” – Nicole Glover
• “Night Shift” – Mary Halvorson
• “Inka Dinka Doo (Live)” – The DIVA Jazz Orchestra
• “Blues in the Closet” – Kathy Stobart & Joe Temperley
• “Photograph” – Astrud Gilberto
• “Invocaciones (feat. Charlotte Lang, Jonathan Shillingford, David Macchione, & Julian Miltenberger)” – Luciana García
• “Never Late, Not Ever” – Flora Carbo, MAGNIFY
• “Utopia” – Chihiro Yamanaka
• “Bamako Chicago” – Nicole Mitchell & Ballaké Sissoko
• “I Adore You” – Esperanza Spalding & Leo Genovese
• “Aries” – Geri Allen* & The Mary Lou Williams Collective
• “Ornette Goes Home (feat. Bill Frisell & Carmen Staaf)” – Jenny Scheinman
• “Never Will I Marry” – Renee Rosnes & Bill Charlap
• “Little Church” – Melissa Aldana
• “Old Devil Moon (feat. Cecil McBee & Billy Hart)” – Joanne Brackeen

* indicates a Detroit artist

This week on Visions, I continue showcasing women in jazz and improvised music for Women’s History Month. All but two selections are led by women and while a majority of the episode focuses on newer releases, I still get a few classics in the mix.

I play quintessential cuts from Shirley Scott, Jessica Williams, Marian McPartland, Carmen McRae, and Amina Claudine Myers. I play brand new music from Caroline Davis, Ella Grace, Irreversible Entanglements, and Sylvie Courvoisier. I fill it all out with music from Sasha Berliner, Milena Casado, Linda May Han Oh, Patricia Brennan, Allison Miller, Esthesis Quartet, 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 March 16, 2026

• “UMMG (feat. Taylor Eigsti)” – Sasha Berliner
• “Yet I Can See” – Milena Casado
• “Éclats – for Ornette (Live in Europe)” – Sylvie Courvoisier Trio
• “Elbow Room (Live)” – Jessica Williams
• “Lawns” – Walter Smith III
• “Vibrate Higher (feat. Motherboard)” – Irreversible Entanglements
• “Make Someone Happy” – Shirley Scott Trio
• “Cherry Blossoms in the Rain // Sailing Through a Cloud (feat. Julia Danielle, Garrett Munz, Aval Stanley, Marion Mallard & Jayden Richardson)” – Ella Grace
• “It’s Over Now” – Carmen McRae
• “The 23”- Nels Cline
• “Portal (feat. Ambrose Akinmusire & Tyshawn Sorey)” – Linda May Han Oh
• “Aquarius” – Patricia Brennan
• “Doozy” – Marian McPartland
• “Of Two Rivers (Part 2)” – Allison Miller
• “3/4 of 4/4” – Amina Claudine Myers
• “Springtails” – Caroline Davis
• “Character” – Yuhan Su
• “Hollywood” – Esthesis Quartet

Producer Martin Iveson, known to the world as Atjazz, has returned with an ambitious new project, a 27-track set titled “Starbase 17.”

The album gathers the musical ideas he has refined across his career and pushes them forward into a deeply textured future. It is immersive, layered and beautifully constructed.

The track we are about to hear features the voice of Sio, and she brings a haunting elegance that sits right in the pocket of Atjazz’s production. Here’s “Tentative.” My Pick of the Week. 

Atjazz featuring Sio with “Tentative,” from the album “Starbase 17.”

If deep, soulful electronic music is where you live, join us every Saturday evening at 6 on 101.9 WDET and wdet.org.

For The Progressive Underground, I’m Chris Campbell. Peace. 

Performer and pianist Steve Okonski joined In The Groove to talk about the improvisation, groove, and approachability that define his trio’s music. 

Okonski first gained attention as the pianist for Durand Jones & the Indications before launching his own project, “Entrance Music” last year on Colemine Records. The album was recorded spontaneously with Aaron Frazer on drums, Michael “Ish” Montgomery on bass, and Terry Cole producing. “We’d come in with no ideas and just play… Out of that half-hour of music that became the album, I sifted through hours of recordings to make it,” Okonski explains. 

His newest track, “Easy,” mixes that same improvisation with modern sound. “You can hear the flow and motifs from 90s hip hop and instrumental music,” Okonski says, “but it also has this jazz sensibility—it’s accessible and something anyone can get into.” 

Okonski sees his music as a gentle introduction to jazz for listeners new and old. “People tell me they don’t like jazz, but when they hear our albums or “Easy,” they really connect. It’s a way for people to start exploring jazz on their own,” he says. Tracks like “October,” the opener from “Entrance Music,” capture the trio’s sound, emotional without being heavy. In Okonski’s words, “Music can be gentle without being weak. The music speaks for itself.” 

This is my final installment of Black History Month celebrations and selections on Visions. I couldn’t possibly cover the pantheon of the greatest Black jazz musicians in a month, the shortest month of the year no less, but I hope you’ve enjoyed listening as much as I’ve enjoyed putting these episodes together.

Visions typically covers the period of jazz from the late 1960s to the present, but I couldn’t celebrate Black History Month through jazz, aka black music, without taking it back a little further to the 1950s and even 1940s. And I still haven’t even covered the half of it! But I’ll keep celebrating black music each week, each month, each year of Visions.

During this episode, I feature music from 1956 to 2026. You hear Joe Henderson, Elvin Jones, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Lee Morgan, Art Ensemble of Chicago, Mulgrew Miller, Immanuel Wilkins, Tomeka Reid, Herbie Hancock, Marcus Belgrave, Duke Ellington, and many 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 Feb. 23, 2026

• “Punjab” – Joe Henderson*
• “Angela” – Lee Morgan
• “New Breed” – Billy Harper
• “Waltz for Monk [Live]” – The Mulgrew Miller Trio
• “A Night In Tunisia” – Dizzy Gillespie Big Band
• “Len Sirrah” – Elvin Jones*
• “Wild Women Don’t Have the Blues” – Cécile McLorin Salvant
• “BLUES BLOOD” – Immanuel Wilkins
• “Thème de Yoyo” – The Art Ensemble of Chicago
• “a(ways) For CC and CeCe [feat. Jason Roebke, Mary Halvorson & Tomas Fujiwara]” – Tomeka Reid
• “Firewater” – Herbie Hancock
• “Odoms Cave” – Marcus Belgrave*
• “Fleurette Africaine” – Duke Ellington
• “Darn That Dream” – Dexter Gordon
• “Kahlil the Prophet” – Jackie McLean

* indicates Detroit artists

Detroit’s own Zo! and Tall Black Guy are getting ready to release a brand new album titled “Expansions.” It follows the acclaim of their 2021 project “Abstractions,” a record that fused soul, jazz, hip hop and electronic textures and had the industry buzzing. Now they are back with the lead single, and once again they call on frequent collaborator Sy Smith, who recently released her album “Until We Meet Again,” also shaped by this production team. 

If this new track is any sign of what is ahead, expect a love letter to classic soul and dance culture. You can hear flashes of the Mary Jane Girls, Parliament-Funkadelic, Slave, those joints that used to light up the roller rink and keep the floor packed all night. Let’s get into “Keep Him Satisfied.” My Pick of the Week. 

Zo! and Tall Black Guy featuring Sy Smith with “Keep Him Satisfied,” the first single from the forthcoming album “Expansions.”

If grooves like that are your thing, join us every Saturday evening at 6 p.m. on 101.9 WDET and wdet.org, where we live in future soul, deep house, nu-jazz, b-sides and rare grooves.

For The Progressive Underground, I’m Chris Campbell. See you next time. 

This episode of Visions is my third installment of Black History Month celebrations. This time I play a limited selection of classics from the 1950’s-1980’s.

You hear from Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Grant Green, Nancy Wilson, John Lee Hooker, The Quintet (Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Bud Powell, Charles Mingus, Max Roach), Steve Lacy, Vi Redd, Henry Threadgill, Clifford Jordan, Walter Bishop, Jr., plus Detroit’s Yusef Lateef, Dorothy Ashby, and Barry Harris.

This episode celebrates blues, big band, vocalists, ballads, and jazz standards, all by black jazz musicians. Enjoy the episode!

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 Feb. 16, 2026

• “Speak Low” – Grant Green
• “Bouncing with Bud” – Bud Powell
• “Since I Fell For You” – Nancy Wilson
• “Bermuda Blues” – Henry Threadgill
• “Born in Mississippi, Raised Up in Tennessee” – John Lee Hooker
• “John Coltrane” – Clifford Jordan
• “Salty Papa Blues” – Vi Redd
• “Evidence” – Steve Lacy with Don Cherry
• “Airmail Special (Live At The Newport Jazz Festival, 1957)” – Ella Fitzgerald
• “Corner Pocket (Live)” – Count Basie
• “Freedom Suite” – Walter Bishop, Jr.
• “Attica” – The Descendants of Mike and Phoebe & Bill Lee
• “Hot House (Live)” – The Quintet (Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Bud Powell, Charles Mingus, Max Roach)
• “The Dreamer” – Yusef Lateef*
• “Round Midnight” – Dorothy Ashby*
• “Body and Soul” – Barry Harris*
• “You Don’t Know What Love Is” – John Coltrane

* indicates Detroit artists

This episode of Visions features more celebrations of Black History Month. I span six decades and many subgenres within the broader lens of jazz.

You hear from Mary Lou Williams, McCoy Tyner, Aretha Franklin, Miles Davis, esperanza spalding, Joel Ross, Sun Ra, Gil Scott-Heron, Archie Shepp, Max Roach, Christian McBride, Roy Hargrove, and Lonnie Liston Smith.

This episode highlights rhythm, revolution, resistance, spirituality, the African diaspora, and so much more. Happy listening!

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 Feb. 9, 2026

• “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” – Gil Scott-Heron
• “Attica Blues” – Archie Shepp
• “All Africa” – Max Roach
• “Solea” – Miles Davis
• “Sister Rosa” – Christian McBride
• “Survival Blues” – McCoy Tyner
• “There Is No Greater Love” – Aretha Franklin*
• “I’m Not So Sure” – Roy Hargrove
• “Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)” – Joel Ross
• “Baby Man” – Mary Lou Williams
• “Sais (Egypt)” – Lonnie Liston Smith & The Cosmic Echoes
• “On Jupiter” – Sun Ra
• “The Peacocks” – esperanza spalding
• “The Ankh of Amen-Ra” – Alice Coltrane*

* indicates Detroit artists

Dearborn will soon use drones to serve as the very first responders in a variety of incidents where police assistance is requested. The Drones as First Responder program is the first in Michigan. It will deploy aerial drones to any part of the city within 5 minutes to provide real-time video information about situations including traffic accidents, vehicle and property break-ins and violent crimes.

The city says the footage will allow officers to respond more safely to emergencies and complex situations and improve decision-making. They say officers will be able to better assess situations before they arrive on scene.

The police department says it will make flight data available to the public on a transparency dashboard.   

Additional headlines for Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026

Dearborn Public Schools continues search for superintendent

The search continues to find a superintendent for Dearborn Public Schools. Former superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko, stepped down from his position to serve as the State Superintendent. Lamis Srour is serving as the interim super until the position is filled. 

The district is collecting public input about the search until Feb. 16. People can fill out an online survey available in English, Arabic and Spanish. The Michigan Leadership Institute will also host stakeholder meetings Feb. 5 at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The district hopes to have a new leader ready to start on July 1, 2026.  

EPA removes hazardous materials

The Environmental Protection Agency is removing hazardous materials from a former industrial chemical plant in Detroit.

The EMCO facility on Lawton Street closed in 2023. Nine months later, someone vandalized the property and set a car on fire, which spread to a storage site containing more than 400 drums of chemicals. The Detroit Fire Department put the flames out before the drums could ignite.

The EPA says it should finish cleaning up the site this summer. 

Hollier announces state senate run

Adam Hollier announced he is no longer running for Secretary of State. Instead he will run for the state senate seat for District 3. District 3 includes Hamtramck, Highland Park and the east side of Detroit. Stephanie Chang currently represents the district. Hollier served in the state senate representing District 2 from 2018-2023. 

Detroit Red program honors Malcolm X, jazz, and Detroit

A new musical performance honoring the legacy of Malcolm X, the history of jazz, and Detroit is coming to Wayne State University. Detroit Red has a 10-piece multidisciplinary ensemble composed of artists LuFuki and Destiny Muhammad. The program will include panel discussions, workshops, and performances. 

Detroit Red will be held Feb. 8th at the Valade Jazz Center at Wayne State University.  Malcolm X gave his last speech at the university’s State Hall on February 14th in 1965. The program is hosted by DREAM of Detroit and is free to the public. To reserve your spot, visit detroitred.org. 

Konjo Me has a new location

Ethiopian food pop-up Konjo Me has found a home at the Detroit Shipping Company. The space is currently under construction, but owner Helina Melaku says it will open soon, offering fresh Ethiopian food, coffee and culture to diners in Midtown. 

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

This week on Visions, I celebrate Black History Month with the creators, innovators, and current shapers of jazz. Since jazz music is Black music, what better way to start this month than with jazz through the decades? This episode features bebop, spiritual jazz, the avant-garde, modern jazz and hard bop. It touches on themes of slavery, freedom, resistance, political issues of the time, and forward-thinking, afro-futurist art.

I start out in 1947 with one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time, Charlie Parker. I move through almost each decade with selections from Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, John Coltrane, Dorothy Ashby, Andrew Hill, Sonny Stitt, Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers, and Ornette Coleman.

I play more contemporary selections from Cassandra Wilson, Wynton Marsalis, Trio 3 & Geri Allen, Terri Lyne Carrington & Christie Dashiell, and Kamasi Washington. I’ll continue featuring Black artists this month, so stay tuned!

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 Feb. 2, 2026

• “Donna Lee” – Charlie Parker
• “Bright Mississippi (Take 1)” – Thelonious Monk
• “What’s Your Story, Morning Glory” – Trio 3 & Geri Allen*
• “Driva’man (feat. Weedie Braimah, Milena Casado, Morgan Guerin, Simon Moullier & Matthew Stevens)” – Terri Lyne Carrington & Christie Dashiell
• “Strange Fruit” – Cassandra Wilson
• “Original Faubus Fables” – Charles Mingus
• “The Chocolate Nuisance (Live)” – Cannonball Adderley
• “Lift Every Voice and Sing” – Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers
• “There Is No Greater Love” – Gene Ammons & Sonny Stitt
• “Land of Nod” – Andrew Hill
• “Broad Way Blues” – Ornette Coleman
• “The Windmills of Your Mind” – Dorothy Ashby*
• “A Love Supreme, Pt. 2: Resolution” – John Coltrane
• “Chambers Of Tain” – Wynton Marsalis
• “Final Thought” – Kamasi Washington

* indicates Detroit artists

This week on Visions, I decide to take us all over the musical map. I celebrate classics and brand new music.

You hear from Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers, Bobby Hutcherson, Buddy Rich, Nancy Wilson & Cannonball Adderley, and Antônio Carlos Jobim & Frank Sinatra. There’s also a 50th album anniversary from Earl Klugh and Alice Coltrane.

I also play new music from Joel Ross, Tomeka Reid, Craig Taborn, Melissa Aldana, and Walter Smith III, recent releases from Joshua Redman and Sessa, and a new release I’m really excited about by Flea.

Finally, I play a track by Detroit’s Ian Fink to promote a brand new concert series starting here in Detroit. You can hear Ian this Sunday, Feb. 1 at 2:00 p.m., at Fort Street Presbyterian Church.

The series was started by Detroit composer, pianist, and bandleader, Michael Malis and features five of Detroit and southeast Michigan’s most exciting pianists: Ian Fink, Andy Milne, Lisa Sung, Alvin Waddles, and Brendon Davis. Learn more here.

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 Jan. 26, 2026

• “Vonetta” – Earl Klugh*
• “Be Patient” – Joel Ross
• “Pensativa” – Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers
• “Oo long! (feat. Jason Roebke, Mary Halvorson & Tomas Fujiwara)” – Tomeka Reid
• “Before the Lights Go On” – Marcello Melis
• “Montara” – Bobby Hutcherson
• “After Minneapolis (face toward mo[u]rning) [feat. Gabrielle Cavassa]” – Joshua Redman
• “I Love Music” – Ian Fink*
• “Nutville” – Buddy Rich
• “My Ideal” – Walter Smith III
• “La Sentencia” – Melissa Aldana
• “Dindi” – Frank Sinatra & Antônio Carlos Jobim
• “Bicho Lento” – Sessa
• “When Kabuya Dances” – Craig Taborn, Tomeka Reid & Ches Smith
• “Blue Nile” – Alice Coltrane*
• “Never Will I Marry” – Cannonball Adderley & Nancy Wilson
• “Traffic Lights (feat. Thom Yorke)” – Flea
• “Blues Again” – Mulgrew Miller

* Indicates Detroit artists

This episode of Visions celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a collection of liberation music: sounds of grief, struggle, freedom, loss, and joy.

I chose a couple tracks off of Max Roach’s “Freedom Now Suite” to anchor the episode. I also played Terri Lyne Carrington’s rendition of Roach’s suite, “We Insist 2025!” I play music from John Coltrane, Blue Mitchell, Cecil Payne, Nina Simone, Harold McKinney, Irreversible Entanglements, and many more.

I also promote a show coming to the Detroit Institute of Arts Diego Rivera Court this Friday, Jan. 23: George Lewis and the 45th Anniversary of the Creative Arts Collective with PUBLIQuartet. Check out information about the show and purchase tickets here.

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 Jan. 19, 2026

• “Soldiers (I Have a Dream)” – Christian McBride
• “Tears For Johannesburg” – Max Roach
• “Mannenberg Revisited” – Abdullah Ibrahim
• “Tears For Johannesburg (feat. Julian Preister, Weedie Braimah, Milena Casado, Morgan Guerin & Matthew Stevens)” – Terri Lyne Carrington & Christie Dashiell
• “March On Selma” – Blue Mitchell
• “Freedom Jazz Dance” – Harold McKinney*
• “Someday I’ll Find You” – Sonny Rollins
• “Martin Was a Man, A Real Man” – Oliver Nelson
• “Freedom Day” – Max Roach
• “Wild Women Don’t Get the Blues (Arr. by PUBLIQuartet for String Quartet)” – PUBLIQuartet
• “Ghost Dancers” – A. Spencer Barefield*
• “Martin Luther King, Jr. I Know Love” – Cecil Payne
• “Why? (The King of Love Is Dead)” – Nina Simone
• “Fireworks” – Irreversible Entanglements
• “Alabama (Live At Birdland Jazzclub, New York City, NY, 10/18/1963)” – John Coltrane
• “I Have a Dream” – Herbie Hancock

* indicates Detroit artists