Banished to the orchestra’s back row, the tuba is rarely highlighted on its own. Playing one is an exercise in breath control ...

The CJO welcomes tubist Velvet Brown and composer/pianist Ellen Rowe to share an evening of music and memories. A new commission from Ellen Rowe will be premiered. Velvet Brown enjoys a career as ...

Theon Cross can still vividly remember when the instrument that’s taken him around the world was more of a liability than an asset. “Playing the tuba didn’t make me cool when I was at school,” the ...

On a hot, humid afternoon, Bob Stewart has called a rehearsal at his Harlem apartment. Six musicians are in a circle in the living room — on one side, trumpet and trombone; on the other, cello, viola ...

Traditional jazz band Tuba Skinny was set to go into the studio in April — until, you know, all this stuff happened. The band decided to postpone recording its new album, which would have been its ...

In the 1960s and '70s, Johnson, who died Jan. 11, played on recordings by Charles Mingus, McCoy Tyner and Carla Bley. He also led his own ensembles, including Gravity. Originally broadcast in 1984.

The tuba, like the banjo and the accordion, has sometimes had an image problem during the past century. While it has had an important role in classical music and early New Orleans jazz, the tuba has ...

NEW ORLEANS — The iconic Preservation Hall Jazz Band tuba that was stolen from creative director Ben Jaffe’s car is home. Photo courtesy Preservation Hall Jazz Band Jaffe announced the return of the ...

Howard Johnson, an American jazz musician known for his mastery of tuba and baritone saxophone, has died at age 79. NPR remembers his life and legacy. Johnson played a range of instruments from the ...

NEW ORLEANS, La. - The tuba used by Preservation Hall Jazz Band creative director Ben Jaffe has been stolen. The distinctive tuba, which has the band’s name and “New Orleans” emblazoned across the ...

This is FRESH AIR. I'm David Bianculli, in for Terry Gross. Today, we're going to remember tuba player Howard Johnson, who, through his own skill and determination, carved a place for tuba in ...