Jim Merritt

Jazz and America concludes as UCF's Director of Jazz Studies, saxophonist Jeff Rupert, gives us an even deeper dive into the world of jazz. 

As a music arranger and musician, Nat Adderley Jr. has certainly carried on the family legacy left by his father and uncle. Nat joins us today to tell us all about his life and career. 

Although he grew up in a musical family, John Tomorowitz doesn't need to play an instrument to know all about jazz. John shows us how important music is to him through his own personal stories. 

Champian Fulton is very familiar with WUCF's studio, having performed in our program Live From Studio A. In this episode, she tells us what it was like to grow up surrounded by jazz and how music still fuels her life today. 

Patrick McDonald, jazz fan and trumpet player, sits down with us to share his favorite musical moments and memories. 

Bassman Nelson Placa may be young- but that hasn't stopped him from learning all about the history of jazz. This UCF Jazz Studies student knows as much about jazz culture as he does about playing. 

Long-time professional musician Dan Jordan has a lot to say about jazz, and he's certainly qualified- having toured with musicians like Natalie Cole, Maynard Ferguson, and Paul Anka, he's played with some of the best of the best. 

Richard Sloane doesn't just listen to jazz... he's lived it! As a young man, Richard "took the A train" to work every morning. Duke Ellington would be proud! 

This week's guest has quite the connection to jazz... she's the daughter of world-famous trumpet player Nat Adderley! Alison Adderley shares how her relationship with jazz has changed from her childhood to now. 

Doctor of Ministry Jim Merritt is a master of more than just divinity. Having spent time as a choir director, organist, and minister of music, this jazz fan knows his way around the music world.