Kenny Rampton, a world-renowned jazz musician and co-founder of Las Vegas Jazz Outreach Initiative, discussed his musical journey, starting with piano and percussion before settling on the trumpet. He shared his experiences touring with Ray Charles and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. Rampton highlighted the global appreciation for jazz, noting its deeper understanding outside the U.S. He emphasized the importance of jazz education in Las Vegas, drawing from his own experie...
Jun 15, 2025•30 min•Ep. 12
Jonathan Karrant, a renowned jazz singer, discussed his journey and influences on Donny Thompson's "JOI of Jazz." Karrant, who grew up in Fort Smith, Arkansas, began singing in church and took piano, guitar, and saxophone lessons. His debut album "On and On" reached No. 4 on the Billboard Jazz charts in 2012, and "Live from 2018" hit No. 2 on iTunes. Karrant emphasized the evolving process of promoting music through social media and advertising. He highlighted his 2023 album "Eclectic," featurin...
May 18, 2025•28 min•Ep. 11
Patty Ascher, a Brazilian singer with 35 million streams on Spotify, discussed her musical journey on the Joy of Jazz. She moved to Las Vegas in 2013 and performed at the MDA Telethon in 2011, where she met her husband, Jerry Lewis's son. Ascher toured with Michelle Legrand, performing at prestigious venues like the Kennedy Center and the Barbican. She shared her original composition "Springtime," a Grammy nominee, and her collaboration with Tom Lyons on 80s hits. Ascher emphasized the importanc...
Apr 20, 2025•27 min•Ep. 10
Adam Schroeder, a baritone saxophonist and educator at UNLV, discussed his musical journey, starting with his first instrument, the alto saxophone, and transitioning to baritone after being outplayed for the lead alto spot. He shared his experiences at Clark Terry's International Institute of Jazz and his career highlights, including being hired by Ray Charles. Schroeder's album "CT: Adam Schroeder and Mark Masters Celebrate Clark Terry" features 13 Clark Terry originals. He also mentioned his i...
Feb 16, 2025•29 min•Ep. 9
The Las Vegas Jazz Society, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, aims to support jazz in all its forms. Founded in 1975 by Monk Montgomery, the society has hosted concerts with legends like Count Basie, Herbie Hancock, and Ella Fitzgerald. To commemorate this milestone, a three-day festival is planned, starting with an exhibit at the Nevada State Museum on April 25, followed by music workshops and performances at the Winchester Cultural Center. The festival will feature after-parties at Vic...
Jan 19, 2025•30 min•Ep. 8
Dale Thompson, a trumpeter and producer, discussed his career, including his time with the Glenn Miller Orchestra and his role in producing the multi-platinum albums "In the Christmas Mood." He shared his early musical journey, starting with playing trumpet at age 11 and joining the American Federation of Musicians at 13. Thompson highlighted his work with the Escovido Latin Jazz Band and the Glenn Miller Orchestra, where he played from 1967 to 1973. He also mentioned his subsequent roles with Y...
Dec 15, 2024•30 min•Ep. 7
Donny Thompson hosts Uli Geissendorfer, a pianist, composer, and producer, on the show "Jazz Outreach Initiatives: The Joy of Jazz." Uli discusses his musical journey, starting from his early influences in Munich, Germany, to his studies at North Texas and his move to New York City. He recounts his experiences with various jazz musicians, including Oscar Peterson, and his involvement with Cirque du Soleil's Viva Elvis production in Las Vegas. Uli also talks about his record label, Vegas Records,...
Nov 17, 2024•29 min•Ep. 6
Donny Thompson hosts the JOI of Jazz, featuring UNLV Division of Jazz and Commercial Music Director Dave Loeb. Loeb shares his musical journey, from early piano lessons to performing with the Glenn Miller Band and Eastman School of Music. The program highlights the UNLV Jazz Ensemble's new album "Let the Good Times Roll," featuring tracks like "Let the Good Times Roll", "Chinoiserie", and "Emily". Loeb discusses the success of the UNLV Jazz Program, with 50 Downbeat awards, and the support from ...
Oct 20, 2024•30 min•Ep. 5
Linda Woodson, a singer-songwriter with a background in electrical engineering and medicine, discussed her album "Come a Little Closer" on the Joy of Jazz. She shared her songwriting process, inspired by personal experiences and emotions, and highlighted her dedication to community service through her role as Vice President of Jazz Outreach Initiative. Woodson performed "Feeling Coy," a tribute to her mother, and "Stolen Moments," a reinterpretation of an Oliver Nelson tune. She also mentioned h...
Sep 15, 2024•30 min•Ep. 4
In this episode of "The JOI of Jazz," host Donny Thompson dives into the rich history of The Boneheads, a legendary Las Vegas trombone ensemble formed in 1962. Joined by band members Curt Miller and Ralph Pressler, the discussion explores the band's origins, its hiatus and resurgence, and the influence of jazz greats who shaped its sound. The episode features selections from The Boneheads' album "60 and Still Cookin'," showcasing their timeless music and contributions to the Las Vegas jazz scene...
Aug 18, 2024•30 min•Ep. 3
In this episode of "The JOI of Jazz" on 91.5 FM, host Donny Thompson sits down with Gary Cordell, co-founder and VP of Education and Programming at Jazz Outreach Initiative (JOI), alongside mentor Eddie Rich and talented young musician Noah Kocinski. They delve into the mission and impact of JOI, highlighting its role in nurturing young jazz talents through the Las Vegas Youth Jazz Orchestra. The conversation explores the origins of JOI, the significance of mentorship, and the unique opportuniti...
Jul 21, 2024•28 min•Ep. 2
Join host Donny Thompson on The JOI of Jazz as he delves into the vibrant world of jazz with Dr. Isrea Butler, Chair of the UNLV School of Music and Grammy-winning trombonist for the iconic Count Basie Orchestra. In this episode, Dr. Butler discusses his latest album "Congo Lament," showcasing influences from jazz legends Benny Green and JJ Johnson. From his musical journey starting with the piano to touring with the Count Basie Orchestra, Dr. Butler shares insights into the making of the album ...
Jun 16, 2024•28 min•Ep. 1
