WZRD Interview - Ali Ryerson, jazz flutist, The Ali Ryerson Quartet

WZRD interview: Ali Ryerson, jazz flutist, The Ali Ryerson Quartet, 9/21/2026, 9pm. Jazz flutist Ali Ryerson, of The Ali Ryerson Quartet, discusses her musical upbringing, her father’s career as a jazz guitarist and studio musician, and how she discovered her lifelong passion for the flute. Ryerson talks about her journey from classical flute into jazz, her exploration of international musical traditions, creating a jazz flute big band, and mentoring aspiring flutists. She explains how challenges, teaching, and the COVID-19 pandemic inspired her new compositions, including “Cold Snap,” as well as more than 60 jazz solos that combine familiar standards with new melodies and arrangements. Ryerson discusses The Ali Ryerson Quartet, her continuing work as a teacher and composer, the renewed creative opportunities that have emerged through her recent music and radio support, and more. https://www.aliryerson.com Wizard: Trudy Leong Please stream WZRD Chicago 88.3 FM live here: www.wzrdchicago.org #wzrdchicago #neiu #chicago #TrudyLeong #jazzinterview #AliRyerson #jazz #thealiryersonquartet #jazzflute