Tonight on the 9 O'Clock Special, the trombone is an underrated instrument until you put it in the hands of someone like JJ Johnson, Wycliffe Gordon, Curtis Fuller or Al Grey. Then it's magic time. Find out about the trombone and its place in jazz history. Jazz awakes at 8.

Check out what's hot and who's cool tonight as we preview the latest jazz releases! B-3 superstars Joey DeFrancesco and Pat Bianchi team up on drummer Carmen Intorre Jr's new release "For the Soul." A tribute to singer Carmen McRae, Vancouver guitarist Roger Chong sends a little love on his sophmore sendup, and trumpeter Wayne Bergergon solos on Kris Berg's big band offering. Jazz awakes at 8 on KJZZ!

He's been called the best male jazz singer of the last 15 years and a true gentleman of song. Freddy Cole, Nat's younger brother, is a living link to the Great American Songbook. His suave and sophisticated singing and uptown swagger on the piano guarantee an evening of toe tapping enjoyment. Tonight on the 9 O'Clock Special, hear some of the tunes Freddy Cole will be performing with his quartet featuring guitarist Randy Napolean, Thursday, May 31st  at The Nash. Freddy Cole tonight at 9 on KJZZ.

Memorial Day weekend gets off to a great start as we celebrate the birthday anniversary of jazz legend Miles Davis. From "Kind of Blue," one of the greatest jazz albums of all time, to "Bitches Brew," Miles Davis was a visionary who led the evolution of jazz from haunting melodies and bop to the birth of the cool and electric fusion.  His ability to refashion himself and his music gave him superstar status that still makes him a fan favorite 21 years after his death. Jazz Genius Miles Davis tonight at 9.

Tonight enjoy a preview of singer and pianist John Proulx who takes the stage 7:30 pm Friday, May 25th at the Tempe Center for the Arts as part of the Lakeshore Music Series. John has performed with Anita O'Day, Natalie Cole, Marian McPartland and Michael Feinstein. One of his compositions was featured on Nancy Wilson's Grammy-winning release "Turned to Blue." Find out more about the man whose piano playing swings and whose smooth voice recalls the cool sounds of a young Chet Baker. John Proulx tonight at 9.

Enjoy a musical preview of the 35th Annual Paradise Valley Jazz Party honoring pianist Shelly Berg, the longest running jazz event in the United States! Kick back and groove to an hour of jazz from a who's who of legends who will be performing this weekend at the Musical Instrument Museum. Lew Tabackin, Claudio Roditi, Houston Person, Lewis Nash, Dave Frishberg, Marty Ashby, Bill Watrous, Roger Humphries and many more tonight at 9! Jazz awakes at 8 on KJZZ.

No baritone saxophonist even achieved such a high degree of visibility or played that big horn with as much grace as Gerry Mulligan. His light and airy style exemplified the era of cool jazz. From his arrangements on Miles Davis' "Birth of the Cool" album to his pianoless quartet with Chet Baker and his Concert Big Band, find out more about this quiet legend tonight. Jazz awakes at 8 on KJZZ.

Dr. Billy Taylor was truly a legend to anyone who cared about jazz. An incredible pianist who became the most important jazz educator of all time. Larry Coryell is one of the top 100 greatest guitarists alive today. Tonight on the 9 oclock special, celebrate the start of Jazz Appreciation Month and the birthdays of two jazz giants. Jazz awakes at 8 on KJZZ.

The Valley's great weather means lots of great live jazz! John Fedchock and Joe Lovano headline the Annual Highland Jazz Festival. Dominick Farinacci and Papa John DeFrancesco take center stage at the Chandler Jazz Festival. Also, a rare chance to see Wynton Marsalis and Lewis Nash at the MIM. Hear the music of who's coming and find out what's happening tonight at 9 on KJZZ.

Nat King Cole was cool before it was cool to be cool. While he started out as a piano man, he will always be remembered for his velvet voice and smooth phrasing. Everyone loved to listen to Nat King Cole sing jazz, croon ballads, interpret pop songs, and swing with the big bands. He will also be remembered for being one of the first African Americans to host his own television variety show. Explore the world and musical legacy of Nat King Cole tonight at 9. Jazz awakes Monday through Friday at 8 p.m. on KJZZ.