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Articles by Rich Rector
KPCW Keeps Jazz Alive for International Jazz Day
We welcome back Rich Rector, host of Rich Tones Curated Jazz, for a conversation rooted in rhythm, history and a deep love of the genre. Rector shares how he curated each show during his four years on KPCW, the inspiration behind his themes and what continues to draw him to jazz. The conversation also highlights International Jazz Day and why it matters—both globally and here in the Wasatch Back.
No more leaf blowers in Paradise Valley
OPINION — A few weeks ago I made some comments at a town council meeting urging the council to ban leaf blowers. The noise pollution and air pollution from these devices is disrupting our peace. Plus, our neighbors' landscapers blow stuff into our yard. We have asked our landscapers to stop blowing, and start using rakes and brooms instead. There are three cities that I know of that have banned all types of leaf blowers on public property as well as gas-powered ones on private property.
Women Jazz Players 5.0 | September 12, 2025
Rich has been around music all his life. His dad had a swing band in the 1940’s and played saxophones and clarinets. Rich played one of those clarinets in grade school band, and also took up the guitar in high school. But never was a jazz player. Instead, he listened! RichTones Curated Jazz on KPCW gives our listeners a new perspective on jazz. While attending Stanford University Rich's roommate, Ian McIlraith, was a jazz saxophone player who was familiar with many jazz players and songs.
Virgo Jazz | August 22, 2025
Rich has been around music all his life. His dad had a swing band in the 1940’s and played saxophones and clarinets. Rich played one of those clarinets in grade school band, and also took up the guitar in high school. But never was a jazz player. Instead, he listened! RichTones Curated Jazz on KPCW gives our listeners a new perspective on jazz. While attending Stanford University Rich's roommate, Ian McIlraith, was a jazz saxophone player who was familiar with many jazz players and songs.
San Francisco Jazz | July 25, 2025
I recently returned from San Francisco where my wife and I explored some of the historical "jazz hotels" like the St. Francis and the Fairmont. The early 1900s were alive with dance bands. As time went on from WWII and into the 1960s the jazz scene flourished. When I was a student in the 70s at Stanford, I attended many jazz concerts as well. I'll walk you through some of the artists and songs from this dynamic city! Here's the playlist:
Bosch's Jazz 2.0 | July 18, 2025
If you are familiar with Michael Connelly's books and TV shows about Detective Bosch, you know that jazz plays and important role in them. I have selected a few tunes that have been part of the tv series for you. If you're interested in more, there are a number of different Bosch playlists on Spotify. Here's the playlist for this show:
Russell Malone Tribute | September 27, 2024
I did not know much about Russell Malone, but read that he died suddenly of a heart attack on August 23 while on tour in Tokyo with Ron Carter and Donald Vega. He was 60 years old. After doing a little research, I discovered that he was quite the player. He toured with Jimmy Smith, Harry Connick, Jr, Diana Krall, and others. To get a feeling for what a talent he was, check out this video of him with Diana Krall: He said he was influenced by B.B. King, Wes Montgomery and Pat Martino.
Jazz From Paris to Celebrate the Olympics | July 26, 2024
Rich has been around music all his life. His dad had a swing band in the 1940’s and played saxophones and clarinets. Rich played one of those clarinets in grade school band, and also took up the guitar in high school. But never was a jazz player. Instead, he listened! RichTones Curated Jazz on KPCW gives our listeners a new perspective on jazz. While attending Stanford University Rich's roommate, Ian McIlraith, was a jazz saxophone player who was familiar with many jazz players and songs.
Trombones | July 19, 2024
Rich has been around music all his life. His dad had a swing band in the 1940’s and played saxophones and clarinets. Rich played one of those clarinets in grade school band, and also took up the guitar in high school. But never was a jazz player. Instead, he listened! RichTones Curated Jazz on KPCW gives our listeners a new perspective on jazz. While attending Stanford University Rich's roommate, Ian McIlraith, was a jazz saxophone player who was familiar with many jazz players and songs.
Jazzy Violins | July 12, 2024
Rich has been around music all his life. His dad had a swing band in the 1940’s and played saxophones and clarinets. Rich played one of those clarinets in grade school band, and also took up the guitar in high school. But never was a jazz player. Instead, he listened! RichTones Curated Jazz on KPCW gives our listeners a new perspective on jazz. While attending Stanford University Rich's roommate, Ian McIlraith, was a jazz saxophone player who was familiar with many jazz players and songs.
Miles Davis by the Decade | July 5, 2024
Rich has been around music all his life. His dad had a swing band in the 1940’s and played saxophones and clarinets. Rich played one of those clarinets in grade school band, and also took up the guitar in high school. But never was a jazz player. Instead, he listened! RichTones Curated Jazz on KPCW gives our listeners a new perspective on jazz. While attending Stanford University Rich's roommate, Ian McIlraith, was a jazz saxophone player who was familiar with many jazz players and songs.
Jazz From Europe | June 28, 2024
Rich has been around music all his life. His dad had a swing band in the 1940’s and played saxophones and clarinets. Rich played one of those clarinets in grade school band, and also took up the guitar in high school. But never was a jazz player. Instead, he listened! RichTones Curated Jazz on KPCW gives our listeners a new perspective on jazz. While attending Stanford University Rich's roommate, Ian McIlraith, was a jazz saxophone player who was familiar with many jazz players and songs.
Welcome To This Week's JAZZ CLUB | June 14, 2024
One of the perks of my job is that recording companies sometimes send me copies of their new albums, hoping to get some airtime on my show. This week I am featuring some of the new tunes that caught my ear. I hope they catch yours, too. One unique album is called "HarmoniMonk" on which all the songs are Thelonius Monk tunes played on funky harmonicas and I think there might even be a tuba on some of them as well. Here's the playlist:
Jazz Jukebox | June 7, 2024
Rich has been around music all his life. His dad had a swing band in the 1940’s and played saxophones and clarinets. Rich played one of those clarinets in grade school band, and also took up the guitar in high school. But never was a jazz player. Instead, he listened! RichTones Curated Jazz on KPCW gives our listeners a new perspective on jazz. While attending Stanford University Rich's roommate, Ian McIlraith, was a jazz saxophone player who was familiar with many jazz players and songs.
Profile: David Sanborn | May 31, 2024
Sanborn was truly prolific playing with so many artists. Click here to read his New York Times Obituary that mentions many of those with whom he played. His life took a fateful turn at age 3 when he contracted polio, which ravaged his left arm, right leg and lungs. He was in an iron lung for a year, and he took up saxophone at 11 on the advice of a doctor, who thought learning a woodwind instrument would help him build respiratory strength.
Jazzy Bob Dylan | May 24, 2024
Not only is a Nobel Prize Winner, he also has his Heaven's Door Whiskey line, is a painter, and also welds found metal parts into fancy gates! Quite the well-rounded artist! Here's a link to check out his artwork at Halcyon Gallery Let's listen to some jazz artists covering some of his iconic tunes. Here's the playlist:
Jazzy Beatles 3.0 | May 10, 2024
Rich has been around music all his life. His dad had a swing band in the 1940’s and played saxophones and clarinets. Rich played one of those clarinets in grade school band, and also took up the guitar in high school. But never was a jazz player. Instead, he listened! RichTones Curated Jazz on KPCW gives our listeners a new perspective on jazz. While attending Stanford University Rich's roommate, Ian McIlraith, was a jazz saxophone player who was familiar with many jazz players and songs.
Some Listener Requests and Feedback | May 3, 2024
A couple of my listeners say that The Grateful Dead was a jazz band...do you agree? Plus some really cool duos by Joe Pass and Oscar Peterson... Not to mention Al DiMeola and Chick Corea! Plus sax player Mindi Abair. Thanks to listeners Bill Barr, Jeff Shaw and Marty Morrison for weighing in! Here's the playlist:
Profile: Charles Lloyd | April 12, 2024
Downbeat Magazine's critics just gave his new album 4 1/2 Stars out of 5. It's called: "The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow." I'll play one cut from it on this show, plus a bunch of his other music, even from the 60's. He's known mostly for his saxophone, but also plays the flute. Here's the Playlist for the show:
Profile: Jan Garbarek | April 5, 2024
Rich has been around music all his life. His dad had a swing band in the 1940’s and played saxophones and clarinets. Rich played one of those clarinets in grade school band, and also took up the guitar in high school. But never was a jazz player. Instead, he listened! RichTones Curated Jazz on KPCW gives our listeners a new perspective on jazz. While attending Stanford University Rich's roommate, Ian McIlraith, was a jazz saxophone player who was familiar with many jazz players and songs.
Guitar & Piano Duets | March 29, 2024
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Guitar & Piano Duets | March 29, 2024
Rich has been around music all his life. His dad had a swing band in the 1940’s and played saxophones and clarinets. Rich played one of those clarinets in grade school band, and also took up the guitar in high school. But never was a jazz player. Instead, he listened! RichTones Curated Jazz on KPCW gives our listeners a new perspective on jazz. While attending Stanford University Rich's roommate, Ian McIlraith, was a jazz saxophone player who was familiar with many jazz players and songs.
The Brecker Brothers | March 22, 2024
Randy and Michael Brecker started out playing solo, but then came together, thanks to Arista Records. They made 5 albums together from 1975 to 1981, and then did two more albums together later after going on their own. Randy is the older by 4 years and plays the trumpet and flugelhorn. Michael played the saxophone and flute. Michael died of a rare form of leukemia in 2007, cutting short an incredible jazz legacy. Randy is still going strong, and has just finished playing on his wife's new album.
Profile: Les McCann | March 15, 2024
Les McCann died on December 29, 2023 at the age of 88, after a prolific jazz career. He recorded 25 albums from 1960 to 1968 when he then recorded Swiss Movement for Atlantic Records at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1969, which included the Viet Nam war protest song - "Compared To What." Here are the Lyrics. Also, I'll play some newer releases from 2024 for you, including two from Posi-Tone records.
The Tonight Show Band Leaders | March 8, 2024
Remember Skitch Henderson, Tommy Newsom, and Milton DeLugg? How about Max Weinberg, Branford Marsalis and Kevin Eubanks? I'm sure you remember Doc Severinsen! What great music they all created on the Tonight Show. I'll give you a little history of the bands and their leaders and sample some tunes. Plus I'll play some songs from some other late night TV bands as well. Here's the playlist:
Jazzy Joni Mitchell | March 1, 2024
Rich has been around music all his life. His dad had a swing band in the 1940’s and played saxophones and clarinets. Rich played one of those clarinets in grade school band, and also took up the guitar in high school. But never was a jazz player. Instead, he listened! RichTones Curated Jazz on KPCW gives our listeners a new perspective on jazz. While attending Stanford University Rich's roommate, Ian McIlraith, was a jazz saxophone player who was familiar with many jazz players and songs.
CTI Records Sampler | February 9, 2024
Rich has been around music all his life. His dad had a swing band in the 1940’s and played saxophones and clarinets. Rich played one of those clarinets in grade school band, and also took up the guitar in high school. But never was a jazz player. Instead, he listened! RichTones Curated Jazz on KPCW gives our listeners a new perspective on jazz. While attending Stanford University Rich's roommate, Ian McIlraith, was a jazz saxophone player who was familiar with many jazz players and songs.
Profile:Chet Baker + Someday My Prince Will Come | February 2, 2024
Snow White & The 7 Dwarfs - the 1937 Disney movie debuted the song "Someday My Prince Will Come" and for some reason, it also has become a jazz classic standard. Let's listen to 4 covers of the song, all instrumentals. And then I'll tell you about trumpeter Chet Baker and play 6 songs with him. You'll also hear a little about Belgian bass player, Benoit Quersin, who played with Baker for a while. Here is the playlist:
Jazzy Blues | January 26, 2024
There's the low-down blues, there's Kansas City blues, Chicago blues, Delta blues and probably a whole bunch of other styles... Tonight's show is more about blues by jazz performers... Check out this photo of my car..."Jazz", parked next to "Blues"! Here's the playlist:
New Jazz From Europe
Rich has been around music all his life. His dad had a swing band in the 1940’s and played saxophones and clarinets. Rich played one of those clarinets in grade school band, and also took up the guitar in high school. But never was a jazz player. Instead, he listened! RichTones Curated Jazz on KPCW gives our listeners a new perspective on jazz. While attending Stanford University Rich's roommate, Ian McIlraith, was a jazz saxophone player who was familiar with many jazz players and songs.
Some Favorites From 2023
You've heard these before on my show, but are worthy of hearing again! You'll hear the late Carla Bley, who we lost in October, with a piece that is so "Carla." And you'll hear Pat Metheny, who played at the Egyptian this fall, on the song "Jack In." And don't miss a fun version of the Grateful Dead song "Uncle John's Band" by super guitarist, John Scofield. Here's the playlist:
Holiday Jazz | December 22, 2023
Rich has been around music all his life. His dad had a swing band in the 1940’s and played saxophones and clarinets. Rich played one of those clarinets in grade school band, and also took up the guitar in high school. But never was a jazz player. Instead, he listened! RichTones Curated Jazz on KPCW gives our listeners a new perspective on jazz. While attending Stanford University Rich's roommate, Ian McIlraith, was a jazz saxophone player who was familiar with many jazz players and songs.
88th Annual Downbeat Readers Poll Results | December 15, 2023
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Women Trombonists (Mostly) | December 8, 2023
Here are some very talented trombone players who happen to be women. Somewhat unusual, but getting more common. I think you'll love that incredible deep tone the instrument makes. I do feature one male as well, but my focus is on the women for this show. And I am dedicating this show to 2 trombone players that I know: Rudy Tessnow (Rudy on the Radio), one of our own KPCW Volunteer DJs and Roger Cody, my uncle, who spent his musical career playing, teaching, writing and arranging for brass groups.
2024 Jazz Grammy Nominees | December 1, 2023
Rich has been around music all his life. His dad had a swing band in the 1940’s and played saxophones and clarinets. Rich played one of those clarinets in grade school band, and also took up the guitar in high school. But never was a jazz player. Instead, he listened! RichTones Curated Jazz on KPCW gives our listeners a new perspective on jazz. While attending Stanford University Rich's roommate, Ian McIlraith, was a jazz saxophone player who was familiar with many jazz players and songs.
High School Jazz | November 24, 2023
My son-in-law was curious and asked me if young kids were interested in jazz. So it just so happens that many high schools have very accomplished jazz bands. And a large number of colleges offer extensive jazz curriculum.
SCORPIO JAZZ | November 17, 2023
Rich has been around music all his life. His dad had a swing band in the 1940’s and played saxophones and clarinets. Rich played one of those clarinets in grade school band, and also took up the guitar in high school. But never was a jazz player. Instead, he listened! RichTones Curated Jazz on KPCW gives our listeners a new perspective on jazz. While attending Stanford University Rich's roommate, Ian McIlraith, was a jazz saxophone player who was familiar with many jazz players and songs.
Military Jazz | November 10, 2023
Did you know that the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines all have jazz bands??? Well it's time to hear them to celebrate Veterans' Day on Rich Tones Jazz! You'll also hear some familiar tunes by John Williams, the acclaimed composer and arranger who has Academy Awards for his scores. On this show he is actually directing one of the military groups, but is not the branch of the military that he was a member of... listen to the show and you'll find out which branch he was in back in 1952.
Lady Gaga Piano Jazz | November 3, 2023
Rich has been around music all his life. His dad had a swing band in the 1940’s and played saxophones and clarinets. Rich played one of those clarinets in grade school band, and also took up the guitar in high school. But never was a jazz player. Instead, he listened! RichTones Curated Jazz on KPCW gives our listeners a new perspective on jazz. While attending Stanford University Rich's roommate, Ian McIlraith, was a jazz saxophone player who was familiar with many jazz players and songs.
Downbeat Critics' Poll Winners | October 20, 2023
Here's nine songs from winners of the 71st Annual Downbeat Critics Poll. 4 of the 9 winners featured on this show are women. Click here to see the results. Also, here is the playlist for the show:
Pat Metheny Interview | October 13, 2023
What a talent! 20 Grammy Awards, 53 Albums! Don't miss his "Dream Box" tour going on right now. He'll perform at the Egyptian Theatre in Park City October 18-21. Here is a link to his website with the tour schedule. I am also including this YouTube video of an interview he did with Rick Beato. It is almost 2 hours long and is quite technical musically, but it will give you great insight about how intelligent and well-spoken Pat Metheny is. Here is the playlist for the show:
New Releases | September 29, 2023
Rich has been around music all his life. His dad had a swing band in the 1940’s and played saxophones and clarinets. Rich played one of those clarinets in grade school band, and also took up the guitar in high school. But never was a jazz player. Instead, he listened! RichTones Curated Jazz on KPCW gives our listeners a new perspective on jazz. While attending Stanford University Rich's roommate, Ian McIlraith, was a jazz saxophone player who was familiar with many jazz players and songs.
Jazzy Beatles | September 15, 2023
Rich has been around music all his life. His dad had a swing band in the 1940’s and played saxophones and clarinets. Rich played one of those clarinets in grade school band, and also took up the guitar in high school. But never was a jazz player. Instead, he listened! RichTones Curated Jazz on KPCW gives our listeners a new perspective on jazz. While attending Stanford University Rich's roommate, Ian McIlraith, was a jazz saxophone player who was familiar with many jazz players and songs.
Jazz and Wine | September 8, 2023
Rich has been around music all his life. His dad had a swing band in the 1940’s and played saxophones and clarinets. Rich played one of those clarinets in grade school band, and also took up the guitar in high school. But never was a jazz player. Instead, he listened! RichTones Curated Jazz on KPCW gives our listeners a new perspective on jazz. While attending Stanford University Rich's roommate, Ian McIlraith, was a jazz saxophone player who was familiar with many jazz players and songs.
International Jazz Day | April 28, 2023
In November 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially designated April 30 as International Jazz Day in order to highlight jazz...
New Releases | January 6, 2023
Netflix’s ‘Kaleidoscope’ Unlocks a Watch-In-Any-Order Format for an Intriguing Heist Show It seems like a lifetime ago, but in the early weeks of 2020, the then-named CBS All Access launched a show called “Interrogation.” The ten-episode season starred Peter Sarsgaard as a detective investigating a brutal murder where the accused killer was the woman’s son (Kyle Gallner).
Kansas City, Here We Come! 10/8/2021
As a jazz fan, when visiting Kansas City, you must go to the historic 18th Street & Vine Jazz District! Click HERE for the link to The Kansas City Visitors Information.
Rich Tones Curated Jazz
Rich Tones Curated Jazz is a one hour journey into the wonderful world of jazz music with host Rich Rector. The program features music from jazz legends and emerging new artists. It shares information about the motivation behind the music as well as interesting facts about the various artists. Whether you're a long time lover of jazz or a new listener, this show is not to be missed! Rich has been around music all his life. His dad had a swing band in the 1940’s and played saxophones and clarinets.
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