Producer Shari Hutchinson worked with Marian McPartland for more than three decades, overseeing the run of the series from the early years. When asked about her time spent with the legendary pianist, she said: “I learned so much from her about life and music.” For the 15th season of Piano Jazz, the program traveled to London to record at the BBC. Hutchinson shared how Marian showed her around the city, making stops for such experiences as traditional high tea, and the pair paid a visit to the London Bridge. In this interview by Alissa Gustafson, Hutchinson talks about the first musical portrait improvised on the show, when pianist Chick Corea was the guest in 1979.
Hear more from Shari Hutchinson on the March 18, 2018 edition of Jazz Night in America honoring Marian McPartland’s Centennial.
Chick Corea on Piano Jazz (2002): https://www.npr.org/2010/11/12/131267974/chick-corea-on-piano-jazz