Lonnie Listen Smith has played with many of the iconic jazz pioneers throughout his career.  Launching his own band, The Cosmic Echoes, he recorded a number of albums regarded as classics in the fusion, smooth jazz and acid jazz genres.  Lonnie's talents on keyboards and piano can be found on several dozen albums throughout his illustrious career.  Award-winning program director Ray White sat down with Lonnie in October of 2014 reliving many of his career highlights.  Our Coool CAT hostess, Lisa Davis, hooks you up with Jeff Lorber Fusion - whose latest album is Space-Time and also The Jazz Holdouts, who have that contemporary "chill" jazz groove in their music.  Uncovering the wide spectrum of jazz, right here on the Coool CAT!

Mark Wenner has led The Nighthawks since they launched in 1972.  An outstanding harmonica player and vocalist, Mark has had some super talented musicians in the band throughout the years including Warren Haynes, Jimmy Hall, Jimmy Thackery and Jimmy Nails.  The blues and roots music played by The Nighthawks withstands the test of time.  Award-winning program director Ray White caught up with Mark backstage in July 2019 to talk about the bands' All You Gotta Do release, how he chooses blues standards for his albums and shows, and about the current band lineup - and much more!  Coool CAT's hostess, Lisa Davis, features the legendary guitarist Steve Cropper in our showcase segment.  You'll remember Steve as a member of Booker T. and the MG's and The Blues Brothers.  His brand new album is Fire It Up.  Lisa also highlights Shemekia Copeland - the daughter of the great blues guitarist/singer Johnny Copeland.  She just received the prestigious UK Blues Award for International Blues Artist of the Year.  Shemekia's latest project is titled, Uncivil War.  The Blues thrive on the Coool CAT!!