Mr. Rogers has always been one of my favorite people. I grew up watching his show, and still throw an episode on now and again. He’s perhaps one of the warmest people to ever live. Also, his band. Johnny Costa on piano, Joe Negri on guitar, these guys would just kill on every episode.

I recently found a fantastic jazz album by a great tenor saxophone player named John Ellis. This album from 2012 features an incredible host of players. Mike Morano, Aaron Goldberg, and Matt Penman to name a few. Standout tracks are “It’s You I Like”, and “You Are Special”.

Beautiful interpretations of the music of Mr. Rogers, with a great modern jazz approach. Odd meters, and syncopation, all while maintaining the joyful and playful nature of it’s originator.

A must listen if you’re a jazz person.