Interview: Caili O'Doherty

In this KGNU interview, pianist and composer Caili O’Doherty discussed her new album Bluer Than Blue: A Tribute to Lil Harden Armstrong. She shared how her discovery of Lil’s music during graduate school at Queens College inspired the project and led her to highlight Harden’s overlooked contributions as a pianist, composer, and bandleader. O’Doherty reflected on Lil’s role alongside Louis Armstrong, her groundbreaking compositions like Struttin’ with Some Barbecue and Just for a Thrill, and her influence on later genres and artists. She also spoke about her own jazz journey, musical influences, and passion for giving voice to women in jazz history. (Interview: 8/26/25)