December 2011 | KJZZ.org

Mexican gray wolf numbers coming up short

The federal government doesn’t know if they have enough Mexican gray wolves to successfully save the species in the southwest.

Best Pianists & B-3 Players on Tuesday 9 O'clock Special

This week hear highlights from the best new jazz of 2011 on the 9 o'clock special with Michele Robins. Piano players and B-3 groovers are showcased tonight! Brad Mehldau brought lyrical beauty to his solo release "Live in Marciac" while Monty Alexander's playful notes were the stars of two new releases. You'll also have a chance to win Brad Mehdlau Trio's complete "Art of the Trio" 5-CD series from 1996-2001 plus a bonus CD of unreleased performances during the 9 o'clock hour. We'll also get into the B-3 grooves of Mike LeDonne, Reuben Wilson and Joey DeFrancesco's celebration of turning "40." Jazz awakes tonight at 8!

Best Vocalists of 2011 Tonight!

This week hear highlights from the best new jazz of 2011 on the 9 o'clock special. Vocalists take center stage tonight. Grammy winner Kurt Elling is back with "The Gate," and Tierney Sutton gets her long awaited shot at a Grammy with "American Road." Newcomers Tianna Hall and Gretchen Parlato stepped into the spotlight but Tony Bennett's "Duets II" earned the 85 year old crooner his first number one on the Billboard 200 chart. Jazz awakes tonight at 8!

Best Bass & Drums of 2011 on Wednesday 9 O'Clock Special

This week hear highlights from the best new jazz of 2011 on the 9 o'clock special with Michele Robins. Tonight features bass and drums! The rhythm section provides the back beat but this year took front and center with bassist Ron Carter's exploration into big band territory. Kyle Eastwood's elegant bass lines contributed to "Marciac," while drummer Alphonse Mouzon hosted a who's who on "Angel Face" and Roy Haynes presided over "Roy-alty." Jazz awakes tonight at 8!

Best Horns of 2011 on Friday 9 O'Clock Special

This week hear highlights from the best new jazz of 2011 on the 9 o'clock special with Michele Robins. Tonght is devoted to horns aplenty! Listen to cuts from Houston Person's "So Nice," Kennedy Center honoree Sonny Rollin's Grammy nominated "Road Shows Vol. 2," Terrell Stafford's tribute to Billy Strayhorn, and Randy Brecker's Grammy nominated release with the Danish Radio Big Band! Jazz awakes tonight at 8!

Best Guitars of 2011 on Monday 9 O'Clock Special

This week hear highlights from the best new jazz of 2011 on the 9 o'clock special with Michele Robins. Tonight is guitar night! George Benson's "Guitar Man" leads the fret pack that includes, Pat Metheny, Stanley Jordan, Pat Martino, Kenny Burrell, John Stein and Sheryl Bailey. Jazz awakes tonight at 8!

Anti-Government Protestor Arrested

A member of an Arizona anti-government group known as the "Sovereign Movement" has been arrested - from Phoenix, KJZZ's Lynn Kelly reports.

Arpaio says his office will cooperate with DOJ

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio says he wants to avoid a court battle with the Department of Justice.

County attorney: Confusing laws to blame in Fiesta Bowl filings

No lawmakers or lobbyists will be charged with breaking any laws after an eight-month investigation by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

Holiday Jazz for 12/23

One way to keep the grinch away is hearing your favorite holiday tunes! After a long day of shopping, munching and wrapping, cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate and unwind with some of this season's best Christmas melodies. From Doug Munro's "A Very Gypsy Christmas" and Kurt Elling's "Cool Yule" to Michael Buble's "Christmas" and classics from Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra, holiday jazz awakes tonight at 8 and continues until 1am.