The Last: Final Recordings of Jazz Greats

This week's Night Lights program, “The Last: Final Recordings of Jazz Greats" features both studio and live performances made by musicians who passed away shortly thereafter. Many---but not all--of these artists had struggled with substance abuse or other issues that took a toll on their health. Some knew on some level that their lives were ending; others died quite suddenly and unexpectedly. Whether they were aware or not that they might not live much longer, their final recordings often have a special poignancy to then-sometimes from being steeped in the experience of a lifetime, sometimes because of the way we, the listeners, hear them as well, knowing that these musical voices would soon be stilled forever. Artists featured on the program include Stan Getz, Bill Evans, Miles Davis, Billie Holiday and more.