Abe Beeson
Jazz HostAbe grew up in Western Washington, a third generation Seattle/Tacoma kid. It was as a student at Pacific Lutheran University that Abe landed his first job at KNKX, editing and producing audio for news stories. It was a Christmas Day shift no one else wanted that gave Abe his first on-air experience which led to overnights, then Saturday afternoons, and started hosting Evening Jazz in 1998.
At the end of 2015, just as the campaign to save 88.5 began, Abe debuted his modern jazz show The New Cool. Saturday afternoons from 3 to 5 p.m., you can hear 21st-century jazz inspired and informed by the sounds of today: hip-hop, & funk, Electronic music and punk rock — the future of jazz has arrived.
His most memorable KNKX radio moments include introducing Dave Brubeck, Ray Charles, Oscar Peterson, and other greats; attending jazz festivals in Spain and Argentina with groups of KNKX jazz fans; and locking himself out of the station on a particularly cold winter night.
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Recent graduates of the Seattle Academy, guitarist Zach Fringer and drummer Jack Matson, share their favorite jazz with KNKX. -
Saxophonist Donny McCaslin shares his experience collaborating with David Bowie on his final album, detailing their initial meeting and covert recording process. -
Seattle JazzED students light up the KNKX School of Jazz, with mentor Nate Omdal on bass and intern Devon Rafanelli on drums. -
Jazz trumpeter Marquis Hill explores his connection to the jazz greats, his passion for education, and how his band Blacktet blends tradition with modern influences. -
On June 23, Ibrahim Maalouf and his band hit the stage at Seattle's Crocodile in celebration of his father's groundbreaking invention — the quarter-tone trumpet. -
A talented "homebody" who spent years flying under the radar, vocalist Kenny Washington steps into the spotlight in his sixties. -
Four seniors from Seattle Academy showcase original music and jazz fusion, highlighting guitarist Andy Coe's mentorship and a thriving Northwest jazz scene. -
Grammy-winning vocalist Kurt Elling and veteran pianist Joey Calderazzo have a knack for groundbreaking creativity, born from their palpable musical connection. -
Members of the Juanita High School jazz band saxophonist Grant Segesser and drummer Christian Klein share an hour of their favorite jazz with KNKX. -
Seattle instrumental group Polyrhythmics discuss how their distinct jazz-funk and Afrobeat sound is shaped by a 'two-way street' with their fans.
