AZZ

The Charlotte Area Transit System has teamed up with JazzArts to launch the Ride with the Music Concert Series. The partnership brings live jazz performances to transit spaces in Charlotte, combining public transportation with cultural programming. The city announced the collaboration through its official channels, drawing attention as part of ongoing efforts to make transit more attractive and community-focused for riders.

The University of Toronto is hiring an assistant professor of jazz, with the opening listed on Inside Higher Education's job board. The position has been shared among musicians and educators, with an upbeat call for interested candidates to apply. The posting highlights ongoing academic investment in jazz studies at the Canadian university.

A new television project titled '215' is in the works to tell the hip-hop origin story of Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff. The pair rose from West Philadelphia in the 1980s to become one of rap's most popular duos before Smith's move into acting. Fans of the duo are welcoming news of a show revisiting their early days and Philadelphia roots.

Episode 17 of the German-language jazz programme "Jazzklub" is now available after a long wait, featuring tenor saxophonist Gebhard Ullmann, recorded at the Pierre Grasse venue. Listeners are being invited to tune in, with the release marking the return of the series after its hiatus.

A DJ known as inpc has resumed broadcasting a live music stream on the internet, greeting listeners with 'Kalimera'. The set spans a wide range of genres including dub, hip hop, reggae, jazz, prog, trip hop, jungle, electronica, folk and music from African and Middle Eastern artists. The stream is self-hosted and the DJ describes the session as one man and his turntable.

Voyage Michigan Magazine has featured Ali Bazzi, founder of Wandernova Travel Co, in its 'Exploring Life & Business' interview series. The piece profiles Bazzi's journey in the travel industry, covering how he built his company and the personal story behind it. The series regularly highlights local entrepreneurs and their work in Michigan communities.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered a dominant postseason start for the Los Angeles Dodgers, striking out 10 batters in a playoff win that leaves the club one victory away from returning to the National League Championship Series. Baseball fans and analysts are praising the Japanese right-hander's command and poise, with discussion centering on whether he has become the ace Los Angeles needed for another deep October run.

Musician Luiz Santos is promoting his new album "Sapphire Fire", blending jazz, classical and art music influences. The release is available directly through his website, and the artist has been sharing the album with listeners across social platforms. Early response so far appears modest, with the promotion still building its audience among jazz and classical music fans.

JazzFM is currently airing Nat King Cole's classic recording of Besame Mucho, sharing the track with listeners under its now-playing updates. The Mexican bolero standard, famously recorded by the American jazz singer and pianist, remains one of the most beloved cross-language hits of the mid-20th century and continues to draw warm responses from jazz audiences.

Jazz drummer Buddy Rich, widely regarded as one of the greatest big band drummers of all time, performed what is remembered as his final solo during a live date in 1986, shortly before his death in April 1987. The footage is being shared again among jazz and drumming enthusiasts, with fans pointing to the power and precision he still displayed near the end of his six-decade career.

Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has climbed three spots in a new set of NBA head coach rankings reported by Yahoo Sports. The rise reflects continued recognition of his work leading a Celtics team that has remained among the league's top sides under his guidance. No further details about the full ranking list were given, but the move has drawn attention from basketball fans tracking how coaches are valued across the league.

UK jazz and soul station Jazz FM is playing The Gap Band's 1982 funk hit 'Outstanding' on air, prompting listeners to share the now-playing moment online. The track, a staple of the band's catalogue, remains a popular wedding and party classic more than four decades after its release.

JazzFM is airing Duke Ellington's "Rem Blues," highlighting the enduring appeal of the legendary bandleader and composer. Listeners following the station's programming are sharing the track under now-playing tags, keeping classic jazz in rotation alongside contemporary coverage.

Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff are developing a scripted series titled '215' that will retell the origin story of their partnership and rise from Philadelphia to hip-hop stardom. The project revisits the friendship that launched Smith's music career and later inspired 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air', drawing attention for its nostalgic look back at their early years together.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered a dominant playoff outing, recording 10 strikeouts in his first postseason appearance since his Game 7 heroics in last year's World Series. The right-hander looked sharp, overpowering opposing hitters and giving his team a strong start as it chases another deep October run. Fans and commentators highlighted the performance as proof the ace has picked up right where he left off.

Kermit Ruffins' recording of 'Skokiaan' is being played on JazzFM, drawing attention from jazz listeners. Ruffins, a New Orleans trumpeter known for his party-style trad jazz, covers the classic Zimbabwean tune written by August Musarurwa and made famous worldwide in the 1950s. Listeners are sharing the now-playing track as the station features it.

The historic Kress building in El Paso has undergone a dazzling renovation ahead of its role in the city's Winterfest 2026 celebrations. Local coverage highlights the restored landmark's new look as it prepares to feature in the annual holiday festival, drawing attention to preservation efforts and renewed interest in downtown El Paso's historic architecture.

Jazz composer and bandleader Zahili Zamora is the subject of a new profile exploring how her life journey shapes her music. The Cuban-born pianist, known for leading the ensemble Zamora Funque, draws on migration, memory and cultural identity in her compositions. The feature highlights her path from Havana to the Boston music scene and the personal stories embedded in her work.

JazzFM is playing Brenda Russell's 1993 soul ballad In The Thick Of It, flagging the track under its jazz and now-playing tags. Brenda Russell is an American singer-songwriter best known for Piano in the Dark and for composing songs for The Color Purple musical. The station's broadcast has drawn attention to the classic track among listeners.

Jazz FM is playing 'Burning Temptation' by Jalen Ngonda, the Montreal-born soul singer known for his rich, retro-styled vocals. The track's rotation on the UK jazz station is drawing attention from listeners sharing what is playing. Ngonda has built a growing reputation with his classic soul sound, and radio support continues to raise his profile among jazz and soul audiences.