90.9 WRCJ

08/21/2026

This week on "The Soundtrack" Haley Taylor celebrates the birthday of Academy Award-winning composer Alexandre Desplat by exploring three scores that reveal the remarkable range of his musical voice. From the intimate romance of "The Painted Veil," to the time-bending elegance of "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," to the quiet brilliance of "The Imitation Game," discover how Desplat combines classical craftsmanship with modern storytelling. Whether writing for epic historical dramas or deeply personal character studies, his music never loses sight of the human heart—proving that sometimes the grandest emotions are expressed through the smallest musical gestures. Sunday at 6 p.m.

08/20/2026

08/19/2026

The flute has become a significant jazz instrument. Wayman Carver heralded it in the 1930s. Herbie Mann, Bobby Jaspar, Yusef Lateef and Frank Wess popularized it in the 1950 and '60s. The flute continues to swing in the hands of Alexa Tarantino, Haruna Fukazawa and others. This Sunday's "Swing Set" with Linda Yohn will feature jazz flute and artists appearing at the Detroit Jazz Festival. Swing at 7 p.m. Sunday on 90.9 WRCJ.

08/18/2026

Renowned saxophonist Joe Lovano is the Artist in Residence for the 47th annual Detroit Jazz Festival Labor Day weekend in Hart Plaza. John Penney talked with Joe about his journey as a musician, what inspires his music, his deep ties to Detroit and his plans for performances at the Fest. You can hear the conversation and the music of Joe Lovano on Jazzfest Detroit Saturday night at 8pm and Tuesday night at 7pm.

08/17/2026

Two With The Works - now follow us on Instagram. Hear Dave and Peter weekends at 10am, or any time at wrcjfm.org.

Link: https://www.instagram.com/twowiththeworks?utm_source=qr

0 Followers, 4 Following, 1 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Dave Wagner and Peter Whorf ()

08/17/2026

Look how much excitement a little classical music can add to your life!

08/14/2026

Postcards from Italy

Pack your bags, "The Soundtrack" is heading to Italy. Join Haley Taylor for a musical journey through four unforgettable Italian films: "La Dolce Vita," "Life Is Beautiful," "Malèna" and "Il Postino". Discover how composers Nino Rota, Nicola Piovani, Ennio Morricone, and Luis Bacalov captured the romance, beauty, humor, heartbreak, and poetry of Italy through some of cinema's most beloved scores. From the bustling streets of Rome to quiet Mediterranean villages, these timeless soundtracks prove that long after a film ends, it's often the music that brings us back. Sunday at 6pm.

08/13/2026

John Penney talks with renowned saxophonist Joe Lovano who takes center stage as this year’s Artist-in-Residence for the 47th annual Detroit Jazz Festival. They discuss his journey as a musician, his connection to the city and what inspires his music. Lovano also talked about what he plans to bring to this year’s Jazz Fest.

Watch here: www.detroitpbs.org/news-media/one-detroit/2026-jazz-fest-artist-in-residence-joe-lovano-visits-wayne-state-offers-a-preview-of-the-labor-day-weekend-event/

08/11/2026

Just saw this guy’s piano at the Library of Congress. That’s his portrait, upper left. -Peter