Legendary Jamaican pianist Monty Alexander reflects on his extraordinary journey from the early days of ska in Kingston to the New York jazz scene, where he befriended Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis and countless other musical icons. He discusses his new album A Jamarican in Paris, his self-taught approach to music, and the positivity that has sustained him through more than seven decades at the piano. As Monty puts it, "I'm a student of joy."

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Richard Marx was one of the defining voices of late-'80s pop, with hits like "Right Here Waiting," "Endless Summer Nights" and "Hold On to the Nights." But his career as a songwriter began long before his rise to stardom. In this conversation, Marx reflects on growing up in a musical family, the influence of his father, jazz pianist Dick Marx, his early mentorship by Lionel Richie, and a lifetime of writing and producing music. He also discusses his new album, After Hours, a collection of jazz standards and original songs inspired by the Great American Songbook, and why it represents one of the most satisfying songwriting experiences of his career.

The Third Story is nominated for several Signal Awards this year, including the Listener's Choice Award. You can support the podcast by voting here, or simply by subscribing on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

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Harry Connick Jr. has spent four decades as one of the most recognizable and versatile figures in American music — a pianist, singer, composer, arranger, actor and entertainer whose career has moved freely between jazz, pop, Broadway, film and television. His new project, Babe: Elaboratio — A Tribute to My Mother, may also be his most personal and ambitious: an orchestral work and accompanying book devoted to his mother, Anita Livingston, who died when Harry was 13.

Here Harry talks about constructing Babe from the fragments and misrememberings of childhood memory; growing up as a musical prodigy in New Orleans under the guidance of Ellis Marsalis and James Booker; recording with Ron Carter, Dr. John and Carmen McRae while still barely out of his teens; and experiencing his early success in what he now describes as a kind of "dream state." He also talks about composition and improvisation, his father Harry Connick Sr., the unusual confidence his mother gave him, and the challenge of spending a lifetime balancing serious musicianship with a desire to entertain.

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