KNKX records and produces exclusive Studio Sessions every month with world-class jazz and blues musicians from around the world and the Northwest. We also like to use Studio Sessions as an opportunity to showcase the talented local students participating in our award-winning School of Jazz program.
Studio Sessions typically last around an hour, but the exact program will depend on the artist. You can usually expect about 15-45 minutes of sound check and mingling, followed by 20-30 minutes of recorded studio session time. This consists of 2 to 3 songs followed by an interview from one of our hosts.
We'd love for you to join us for a session in our new Seattle studios next to Pike Place Market. Below you will find more information about each upcoming Studio Session along with a link to register.
Studio Sessions are very popular and are free to attend.
Please register for only one per three months so others can enjoy the show!
Amani Burnham
Thursday, July 23 at 2 p.m.
Hosted by John Kessler
Nineteen-year-old Amani Burnham posted a video of himself playing Muddy Waters' "Hoochie Coochie Man" in which he's playing a white Fender Stratocaster with dexterous ferocity and sensual charisma. The post was simply a natural extension of his love for blues-rock. Yet his fluid soloing and electrifying showmanship captured the imagination of blues fans and seasoned professional musicians alike, inadvertently heralding the arrival of a new blues dynamo. Now 20 years old, Amani is stepping out from behind the screen with his debut album, Roots & Wings, a 12-track collection showcasing his remarkable guitar work, playing uniquely with his right-hand thumb rather than a pick, alongside soulful vocals and introspective songwriting. KNKX is excited to bring Amani into our studios with his trio. They'll take the stage that evening at the Triple Door.
John Primer
Wednesday, August 5 at 3 p.m.
Hosted by John Kessler
Legendary blues icon, three-time Grammy nominee, and Blues Hall of Fame Living Legend John Primer has undisputedly helped build the sound and style of Chicago blues as we know it today. He grew up on Mississippi sharecropper land in 1945, was inspired by his family’s hard work and field songs, and had a deep devotion to spirituals on Sundays, and blues on Saturdays. Primer moved to Chicago in 1963 and after hard work, his dream finally came true in late 1979 when he got to play with his idol, Muddy Waters, which changed his life forever. He began leading his own band, The Real Deal Blues Band, in 1995. Primer has played on more than 100 albums and has released 17 albums in his own name. He was awarded the "Muddy Award" for being a traditional blues icon. Primer takes pride in mentoring so many incredible musicians. KNKX is thrilled to have Primer and his band in our studios, and present their show at the Triple Door on August 5.
SOLD OUT
John Pizzarelli solo
Friday, August 14 at 1:30 p.m.
Hosted by Terae Stefon
Our good friend, Grammy-winning producer, guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli returns to KNKX's studios as he celebrates the centennial of iconic singer Tony Bennett. John's latest release is Dear Mr. Bennett, featuring a trio that includes bassist Mike Karn and pianist Isaiah J. Thompson performing timeless songs made famous by Bennett. It's a loving farewell to a profoundly influential musician who meant so much to so many. (The trio performs at Dimitriou's Jazz Alley August 13 through 16.) For John, Tony Bennett was more than simply an influence. Pizzarelli's late father, the revered guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, was a frequent sideman for the legendary singer, appearing on albums including 1960's To My Wonderful One and 1969's I've Gotta Be Me. John got his own opportunity to accompany Bennett for a radio broadcast that also featured pianist Ralph Sharon and bassist Jay Leonhart. He had long wanted to record an album dedicated to Bennett, adding the tribute to the list of great songwriters and musicians that he's honored in the past: Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Sir Paul McCartney, Richard Rodgers, and Duke Ellington among them. John will be performing solo in the KNKX studios and it's always a fun time when he's in the house!
