Swinging Holiday Music from BED and Friends

Fresh Air | By Terry Gross

Published December 19, 2005 at 12:00 AM EST

In time for the holidays, Fresh Air presents an in-studio concert. Singer Rebecca Kilgore, trombonist Dan Barrett and pianist Rossano Sportiello played at the NOLA studios in Manhattan.

Kilgore is one of the leading interpreters of American songs. She became known for her work with pianist and composer Dave Frishberg.

In 2002, Kilgore formed her own band, BED; Barrett also plays trombone in the band. Their latest CD is BEDlam.

Sportiello, a stride pianist from Italy, has played to crowds the world over, winning fans with his brilliant technique and a deep knowledge of stride piano. He records on Barrett's Blue Swing record label.

Terry Gross

Combine an intelligent interviewer with a roster of guests that, according to the Chicago Tribune, would be prized by any talk-show host, and you're bound to get an interesting conversation. Fresh Air interviews, though, are in a category by themselves, distinguished by the unique approach of host and executive producer Terry Gross. "A remarkable blend of empathy and warmth, genuine curiosity and sharp intelligence," says the San Francisco Chronicle.

See stories by Terry Gross

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