Pianist Marian McPartland has combined playing, broadcasting, recording and teaching in a distinguished manner. Her playing style fuses swing and bebop elements, and is both sophisticated and earthy. I first worked with Marian McPartland when she was a guest on the NPR program, "The American Popular Singer" hosted by Eileen Farrell. Iâve been fortunate to work several duo and trio dates with her. This shot was taken at a gig at The University of the South in 1986. Marian possesses a youthful energy in her playing and composing. I also admire her ability to keep NPRâs "Piano Jazz" alive and well in an age of short lived programming.