The SpokFrevo Orquestra is led by the saxophonist known as Maestro Spok. Frank Stewart/Jazz at Lincoln Center hide caption
Igmar Thomas leads the Revive Big Band in concert. Denika Peniston/Courtesy of Revive Music Group hide caption
"There was a lot of tears. There was a lot of anguish," Jimmy Greene says of writing Beautiful Life. Jimmy & Dena Katz/Courtesy of the artist hide caption
Jazz vocalist Sheila Jordan doesn't mind that, despite her critical acclaim, she's not a household name. "The people that respect what I do and hire me, that's all I need, you know?" she says. "I just need to keep doing this music as long as I live. " Richard Laird/Courtesy of the artist hide caption
Henry Threadgill conducts the Society Situation Dance Band at the Very Very Threadgill festival. Shahar Azran/Courtesy of Harlem Stage hide caption
Herbie Hancock and Pharrell Williams performed Williams' hit "Happy" at the 2014 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Trumpet Competition. Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images for Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz hide caption
Miguel Zenón performs from Identities Are Changeable at the Newport Jazz Festival. Adam Kissick for NPR hide caption
Lou Donaldson and Dr. Lonnie Smith perform at Blue Note At 75, The Concert. NPR hide caption