88.5 KNKX hosted studio session recordings with legendary trumpeter Roy Hargrove in their Seattle studios including 2017, one year before his death at age 49. Roy Hargrove: Live at KNKX is a four-song EP of previously unreleased live recordings from the KNKX sessions on the Roy Hargrove Legacy label. Each performance reveals the emotional depth and spontaneity that made Roy one of the defining jazz voices of his generation--bridging bebop, soul, and groove with effortless authenticity. The collection honors his legacy by showcasing his original material never before featured on any of his albums.

Join KNKX at a release party for Roy Hargrove Live at KNKX on January 7 at 7:30 p.m., hosted by Abe Beeson, which is a benefit for KNKX. It's an audio-visual experience featuring recordings from the sessions with Hargrove highlighting the life of a touring musician, stories of the trumpeter’s studio sessions dates from Beeson, along with video shout-outs from his bandmates. The event also features a conversation with Hargrove’s widow, Aida Brandes-Hargrove. The evening caps off with a performance by the D’Vonne Lewis Trio (with trumpeter Owuor Arunga and bassist Evan Flory-Barnes) performing some of Hargrove’s music. A t-shirt with the album cover art will be available for sale at the event.

On November 21, “Top of My Head” will be the first single released. It captures the unmistakable groove, lyricism, and charisma that defined Roy’s later live performances. This song became a fan favorite in his concert sets--a blend of swing, funk, and warmth that embodies his quintet’s telepathic interplay. This newly-mastered recording comes from the 2017 session at KNKX, offering a rare, unfiltered glimpse of Hargrove’s artistry and voice at its most open and personal. The other tracks on the EP are "The Seattle Vibe," "Angels," and "Soulful."