In 2007, trumpeter Jon-Erik Kellso and guitarist Matt Munisteri founded the band The EarRegulars, who play Sunday nights at a very old bar in Greenwich Village called the Ear Inn. But don't let the word "traditional" fool you. Although some of the songs they play are a hundred years old, the way they play is vibrant and exciting. They brought their instruments to the studio to play us some tunes. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
On the Ted Radio hour, linguist Ann Curzan says she gets a lot of complaints about people using the pronoun they to refer to one person.
I sometimes get into arguments with people where they will say to me, but it can't be singular.
And I will say, but it is.
The history behind words causing a lot of debate.
That's on the Ted radio hour from NPR.
This is FRESH AIR.
I'm Terry Gross.
We have a great entertaining show for you as you head into the holiday weekend.
Trumpeter John Eric Kelso and guitarist Matt Munisteri are going to play and talk about the music they make in their band, the ear regulars.
That's e a r regulars.
They performed jazz mostly from the twenties through the forties, and they have a new live album.
They spoke with fresh air producer Sam Brigger.
Here's Sam.
Sunday nights, I find myself feeling jealous of New Yorkers.
That's because every Sunday night at a small old bar in the West Village called the Ear Inn, you can hear some really amazing music, vibrant and vital jazz, even though some of the repertoire is 100 years old.
The band the Irregulars was founded by our guests John Eric Kelso and Matt Munesteri and is led by Kelso.
The band is usually a four piece combo with friends sitting in.
They set up in the corner of the Ear Inn and pass the hat at the set break, which is kind of remarkable considering that these are some of the best jazz musicians around.
I first heard the irregulars on YouTube, where their weekly concerts have been pretty well documented.
And I used to visit those videos during the pandemic when I needed a pick me up because when you listen to this band, you can't help but smile.