Rock 'n' roll and jazz have always had a complicated relationship. Rock is often built on simplicity, energy, and attitude. Jazz thrives on improvisation, reinterpretation, and surprise. But when jazz musicians get their hands on rock songs, something magical can happen.
Whether you're a jazz fan curious about rock, a rock fan curious about jazz, or simply someone who enjoys hearing great musicians take creative chances, I think you'll find plenty to enjoy.
So settle in, keep your ears open, and see if you can recognize these classics as they're transformed by some of the world's most inventive jazz artists.
I'm Pieter Pastoor, and this is Listening Lyrics on KDRT 95.7 FM, Davis. Listen in now.
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When it comes to guests, Karl Rasmussen is definitely on the “A” list. He’s articulate, thoughtful, full of energy, and brings the kind of warmth and enthusiasm that leaves an impression on everyone he meets.
Karl is a true multi-instrumentalist—equally at home on guitar, keyboards, trombone, percussion, and vocals. He’s a driving force in Davis/Sacramento’s own Big Sticky Mess, a band with deep local roots and a sound often described as a joyful blend of early-’70s funk, soul, and rock—full of groove, humor, and heart.
Beyond Big Sticky Mess, Karl has lent his talents to a wide range of Northern California bands and projects, including Boca do Rio, ideateam, and several jazz and funk collaborations. No matter the setting or style, one thing always comes through: Karl loves making music and loves sharing it with others. |
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Sat, 05/09/2026 - 10:19am | Cyclrn
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Listen in to Listening Lyrics as I play the top 11 songs from February 1953 … in Toronto, Canada. Not randomly. Those songs will carry a story—my story—of immigrating with my family from the Netherlands to Toronto. We’ll move through it in 11 acts, each one introduced, summarized, and—ideally—kept on track by my friend and fellow DJ Gil Medovoy, who will connect the moment to the music.
This hour was inspired by my brother Art and my trip down memory lane in Toronto last month. We flew to New York and took the train from there to Toronto using the same route as we did in 1953.
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Tonight on Listening Lyrics, we head to Sweden – a land better known for forests, Volvos, ABBA, winter nights, and great design, but also home to a remarkable jazz and blues tradition. Swedish jazz often blends cool elegance, folk melodies, and deep atmosphere, while Swedish blues brings heartfelt grit with a Scandinavian twist.
From smoky clubs in Stockholm to late-night festivals across the country, Sweden has long proven that soul and swing need no passport. So settle in – this is Swedish jazz and blues.
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Fri, 04/17/2026 - 4:00pm | Ned
Tonight on Listening Lyrics we salute James Brown—the Godfather of Soul, a man whose grooves, screams, rhythms, and swagger became a musical blueprint.
His songs didn’t just become hits—they became assignments. Generations of artists from jazz, rock, reggae, funk, blues, and pop have all taken their turn covering him. When musicians need fire, rhythm, and attitude, they often start with James Brown.
For the next hour, we’ll hear what happens when other artists borrow from the master.
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This week on Listening Lyrics, it's the Alex Jenkins Trio! These Sacramento musicians are among the most talented in the region, truly creative, and promise music full of beautiful surprises. The trio's latest record, Black Bird, received a four-star review in All About Jazz and is being played on radio stations across the country. Due to his in-depth study of the music of different cultures, Alex’s playing transcends musical traditions and boundaries. His expression of rhythm is heavily influenced by his study of Tabla (a North Indian classical percussion instrument). As a result, he has become known for his creative approach to music and his unique ability to fuse rhythmic ideas from various disciplines into one cohesive sound. Hear Listening Lyrics Fridays on KDRT 95.7fm + KDRT.org! Listen anytime via the web and the podcasts.
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Sat, 04/04/2026 - 8:45am | Ned
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