The Checkout

Feb 18 2022 4.6k
The Checkout Podcast artwork

Voted "Best Jazz Podcast" in the JazzTimes Critics' Poll for four consecutive years, The Checkout championed the music we call jazz — along the trend lines and on its outer edges. Hosted, produced and curated by Simon Rentner, the show focused on the compelling personal narratives behind today's most exciting artists.Check out the rest of our line up at WBGO Studios.

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The Checkout x Jazz Night in America: Top 5 Collabs

Feb 18 2022 69 mins  
Mark Guiliana, Randy Weston, Herbie Hancock, Robert Glasper, Abdullah Ibrahim, and Kamasi Washington are the artists featured in this retrospective podcast celebrating the top Jazz Night In America and The Checkout productions over the years.

Angel Bat Dawid leads a fearless expedition to 'Afro Town' at Winter Jazzfest

Feb 03 2022 50 mins  
Winter Jazzfest artist-in-residence Angel Bat Dawid premieres 'Afro-Town Topics: A Mythological Afrofuturist Revue,' and talks about it on The Checkout with Simon Rentner.

Vijay Iyer shares lessons in stillness for our turbulent time

Jan 26 2022 40 mins  
As his trio settles in for a week at The Village Vanguard, pianist and composer Vijay Iyer stops by The Checkout to share insights, and a glimmer of hope.

Cory Henry walks back the timeline to his 'First Steps,' with a new concert recording

Jan 21 2022 64 mins  
On The Checkout, keyboardist Cory Henry pinpoints the album that marks his rite of passage as an artist.

Michael Bourne in his element at the Montreal Jazz Festival, with Diana Krall and more

Jan 05 2022 26 mins  
Michael Bourne interviews Diana Krall and tells stories of Charlie Haden, Dave Brubeck, and Tony Bennett at the Montreal International Jazz Festival.

When Booker T. Jones met Robert Randolph, at a session hosted by Michael Bourne

Dec 22 2021 36 mins  
In 2003, legendary organist Booker T. Jones and pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph met for the first time at WBGO. That studio performance comes to light again as we celebrate the retirement of our own legendary jazz jock, Michael Bourne.

From Rat Pack to J Dilla: José James Serves a Holiday Vibe

Dec 16 2021 48 mins  
On The Checkout, José James explains why it's finally time for him to release a holiday recording, featuring his takes on Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Donny Hathaway.

Dave Douglas and Joe Lovano aim for the stratosphere on Sound Prints' 'Other Worlds'

Nov 30 2021 44 mins  
Jazz United host Nate Chinen talks with the members of Sound Prints, including its co-leaders trumpeter Dave Douglas and saxophonist Joe Lovano, for a lively conversation about their latest recording, Other Worlds.

Rachel Eckroth, a most mysterious pianist and singer

Nov 18 2021 40 mins  
Pianist and singer/songwriter Rachel Eckroth is a musical shapeshifter of the highest order. She speaks with The Checkout's Simon Rentner about her latest recording, 'The Garden.'

Everybody Should 'Really Care' About Melanie Charles

Nov 09 2021 42 mins  
Vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Melanie Charles joins The Checkout to talk about 'Y'all Don't Really Care About Black Women,' her major-label debut.