The show provides an inside look at the relationships of jazz musicians, since McPartland often had long friendships with many of her guests.

The show is an exclusive production of South Carolina public radio on WLTR and is offered nationally by NPR.

A number of shows have been released commercially on CD or LP, including shows with Dizzy Gillespie, Bill Evans, Bruce Hornsby, Mary Lou Williams, Shirley Horn, Steely Dan[1] Milt Hinton,[2] Kenny Burrell,[3] Lionel Hampton[4] and Les McCann.

Jon Weber stepped into McPartland's shoes, recording 13 episodes for the renamed Piano Jazz Rising Stars, broadcast in early 2012 and 2013.

It features mainly young musicians such as Whitney James, Jason Moran, Taylor Eigsti and Grace Kelly.