http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_61_-_Peter_Bernstein.mp3 Guitarist and composer Peter Bernstein is one of the most identifiable voices in jazz guitar in the last 20 years. Noted for his work with stellar musicians such as Sonny Rollins, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Lou Donaldson, Jimmy Cobb, Larry Goldings and Brad Mehldau, Peter’s melodic improvisations and distinct harmonic sense are now influencing many budding guitarists on the scene today. While maintaining a full schedule as a t...
Jul 12, 2016
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_57_-_Alan_Ferber.mp3 Grammy nominated trombonist, composer and educator, Alan Ferber’s new project, “Roots and Transitions” (Sunnyside) breaks new ground on a few levels. First, the songs on the CD examine his continued commitment to music through the lens of his role as a father. Secondly, it showcases a new process that involves composing the music first from the trombone, his primary instrument, as opposed to the piano. The results are not...
May 10, 2016
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_58_-_Kenny_Barron.mp3 We are proud to welcome pianist, arranger and educator Kenny Barron on Jazzwatch. Since his emergence on the national music scene in the early 1960’s, he has been the pianist of choice for such luminaries as Dizzy Gillespie, Philly Joe Jones, Roy Haynes, Stan Getz, Freddie Hubbard and many more. Honored as an NEA Jazz Master, Mr. Barron has continued to inspire global audiences with his melodically inventive and incredib...
May 02, 2016
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_57_-_Billy_Hart.mp3 Since the 1960’s, Billy Hart has been acknowledged as a truly brilliant force in the world of improvisational music. Through his experiences with master musicians such as Shirley Horn, Jimmy Smith, Eddie Harris, Miles Davis, and as a member of Herbie Hancock’s ground breaking Mwandishi band, Hart developed a distinct rhythmic, melodic and atmospheric perspective on the drums. Most recently, Mr. Hart has joined together wit...
Apr 26, 2016
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_56_-_Peter_Erskine.mp3 Peter Erskine is one of the great drummers of our time. Most recently, he has shared his amazing personal collection of live and unreleased material from his tenure with one of music’s greatest groups, Weather Report. Released at the end of 2015, “The Legendary Live Tapes 1978-1981” features four discs of pure excellence. Not only do we further experience the brilliance of Joe Zawinul, Wayne Shorter, Jaco Pastorius and ...
Feb 23, 2016
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_55_-_Dr_Lonnie_Smith.mp3 As one of the most exciting Hammond B3 organists of all time, Dr. Lonnie Smith continues to take his combination of swing, groove and sound into new directions. His new CD, “Evolution,” documents just that – the Good Doctor’s blend of soulfulness and spontaneity with a special cast of musicians. There are new originals such as, “For Heaven’s Sake,” “African Suite,” and “Talk About This,” as well as re-imagined standar...
Feb 03, 2016
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_54_-_Ed_Cherry.mp3 Guitarist Ed Cherry’s lyricism and commitment to the groove makes him. He has a direct approach to music that is refreshing as well as distinguishing. As a veteran on the international music scene since the late 70’s, he has amassed important credits with icons such as trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie and organist Big John Patton. And when he steps out to lead his own bands, the results are just as great—there’s even more to appre...
Jan 21, 2016
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_53_-_Tommy_Crane.mp3 Known for his tenure in the early 2000’s with noted saxophonist and composer Greg Osby, pianist Aaron Parks and his ongoing association with rising star saxophonist Logan Richardson, drummer and composer Tommy Crane’s approach is quick-witted and adaptable but singularly unique. Watching him in action reveals a player committed (mind, body and spirit) to the expression of a given moment. Tommy Crane borrows from the best ...
Nov 16, 2015
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_52_-_Ulysses_Owens.mp3 Ulysses Owens Jr.’s multifaceted approach to music ensures that he’ll be with us in excellence for a long while. He’s an accomplished sideman, (Kurt Elling, Christian McBride, Nicholas Payton), a bandleader featured on his own projects (Unanimous , Onward and Upward) and also features and presents live talent in concert (Minton’s). He’s a thoughtful young man with an ever-growing wisdom as a global citizen and ambassado...
Nov 10, 2015
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_51_-_Orrin_Evans.mp3 As one of the most prolific pianists today, Orrin Evans remains constant in his documentation of his growth and musical wisdom. His latest CD, “The Evolution of Oneself” places him in a premier trio context with drummer Kareem Riggins and bassist Christian McBride. The music swings, grooves and floats but always with a pulse. This album further captivates with a few surprises. Evans’ youngest son produces a very captivati...
Oct 29, 2015
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_50_-_Jaco_Pastorious_Remembered.mp3 Thanks for joining us for the 50th episode of Jazzwatch! We celebrate the legacy of legendary composer and bassist, Jaco Pastorius, who is the subject of the new documentary, “Jaco: The Film”. Producer and Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo spoke with us about Jaco’s impact on him and the nearly six year journey to complete the first-ever documentary on Pastorius. More information on theater screenings and t...
Oct 02, 2015
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_49_-_Mark_Whitfield.mp3 Guitarist, composer and bandleader Mark Whitfield’s guitar is a joyful sound. His clarity has long shone through in ballads and burners. Whitfield takes the language of guitarists George Benson, Grant Green and Kenny Burrell and has emerged with something of his own – a sound that is unique, powerful and far reaching. He has been featured with a diverse group of players and singers including Chris Botti, Gladys Knight,...
Sep 22, 2015
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_48_-_Benny_Golson.mp3 Composer, bandleader, saxophonist and NEA Jazz Master Benny Golson has established a legacy built on the pursuit of excellence. That excellence has also contributed to the legacy and careers of peers such as Art Farmer, Art Blakey & Lee Morgan while raising the bar among improvisers and composers for all generations that followed. His reputation as a true gentleman is equally renowned. Mr. Golson is a leading clinici...
Sep 02, 2015
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_47_-_Rene_Marie.mp3 Over the last fifteen years, vocalist and songwriter Rene Marie has risen to international and popular acclaim by sticking to her guns. As you’ll hear, Rene has fought hard to be where she is and it’s paying off. She was nominated for the 2014 “Best Jazz Vocal Album” Grammy award for “I Wanna Be Evil” – her trbute to the late Eartha Kitt. These days Rene is traveling the world with her group and is preparing to record a br...
Aug 21, 2015
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_46_-_JD_Allen.mp3 Born in Detroit, saxophonist and composer JD Allen has risen to prominence through a string of critically acclaimed recordings featuring various ensembles. He’s also been featured as a dynamic sideman with acclaimed bandleaders such as George Cables, Cindy Blackman, Winard Harper, Lester Bowie and Betty Carter among others. His current trio with drummer Rudy Royston and bassist Gregg August displays their unique concept of s...
Aug 16, 2015
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/Episode_45_-_Dayna_Stephens.mp3 As an improviser and composer saxophonist Dayna Stephens has risen to prominence due to his unique sound and conception. His collaborations with stellar musicians such as Ambrose Akinmusire, Brad Mehldau, Taylor Eigsti, Kenny Barron and Walter Smith III reveal a patient player comfortable among a wide variety of expressions. It was great to talk with Dayna about his life in and outside of the music. He also happened to be weeks ...
Aug 11, 2015
[audio http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_44_-_George_Cables.mp3] Pianist George Cables is an amazing giant of the music. After decades of incredible on-the-bandstand experiences with legends such as Dexter Gordon, Freddie Hubbard, Art Blakey and Roy Haynes, Cables is now sought by fellow pianists and music lovers through his classic recordings, “Cables’ Vision” and “Phantom of the City.” His newest effort, “In Good Company” features longstanding trio collaborators, Essiet Ess...
Jul 21, 2015
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_43_-_Terence_Blanchard.mp3 Terence Blanchard is a jazz trumpeter, bandleader, composer, arranger, and film score composer. Since Blanchard emerged on the scene in 1980 with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra and then shortly thereafter with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers , he has been a leading artist in jazz. He was an integral figure in the 1980’s jazz resurgence, having recorded several award-winning albums and having performed with the jazz...
Jul 11, 2015
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_42_-_Nicholas_Payton_-_REVISED.mp3 Multi-instrumentalist and trumpet master Nicholas Payton continues to spread the Black American Music tradition to audiences across the globe. His forthcoming double CD, “Letters” is a diverse representation of this tradition and he plans to have the project out this summer. As has become customary in concert, the forthcoming release features Payton on trumpet, piano and Rhodes piano, along with Vicente Arch...
May 11, 2015
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_41_-_Cassandra_Wilson.mp3 Grammy Award Winning vocalist Cassandra Wilson continues to inspire audiences in live performance and on her latest CD, “Coming Forth By Day.” Wilson’s distinctive aura, the synergy of her band and producer Nick Launay guide listeners through a moving devotion to the great Billie Holiday. The genre-less approach to noted Great American Songbook (GAS) classics that Holiday favored is firmly in the tradition of Wilson’...
May 05, 2015
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_40_-_Ron_Carter.mp3 Ron Carter is a national treasure. His musical excellence has been a source of inspiration for many musicians and listeners throughout his 50 plus year career. As the most recorded bassist in jazz history, he has been featured alongside such masters as Miles Davis, Cannonball Adderley, Bobby Timmons, Aretha Franklin, Carmen McRae, B.B. King, A Tribe Called Quest, Jim Hall and Bill Frissel. He is a National Endowment of the...
Apr 21, 2015
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_39_-_Bob_Cranshaw.mp3 For well over 50 years, Bob Cranshaw’s blend of groove and swing have been part of the public consciousness. He’s recorded alongside such master musicians such as Sonny Rollins, Lee Morgan, Wes Montgomery, Stanley Turrentine, Bobby Hutcherson and Grant Green, and he’s been the house bassist for Sesame Street for over 40 years. In this interview, Mr. Cranshaw reflects on his career and his main idea/motivation for playing...
Apr 14, 2015
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_38_-_Harold_Maybern2.mp3 Pianist Harold Mabern is one of the true treasures of improvisational music. Born in Memphis, Tennessee and self taught as a pianist, he and his peers (George Coleman, Frank Strozier, Booker Little) developed rapidly. As he discusses in our chat, Mr. Mabern’s move to the city of Chicago after high school graduation further enhanced his pedigree. As the pianist for the MJT +3, his harmonic and rhythmic ideas were the i...
Apr 10, 2015
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_37_-_Les_McCann.mp3 Since his initial rise to prominence on the national music scene, Les McCann has been a vessel overflowing with creative expression. First recognized for his soulful and dynamic piano playing in the early 60s, Les grew his audience with two hit tunes (“With These Hands”, “Compared to What”) in the latter part of the decade featuring his distinctive vocals. All along the way, he always kept a high quality camera nearby. Whe...
Apr 01, 2015
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_36_-_Gerald_Clayton.mp3 Gerald Clayton has earned a unique place among the current generation of pianists and composers. He’s equally versed in the rich tradition of jazz as well as its modern sounds and explorations. Not only has Clayton been called upon to perform with father John and uncle Jeff Clayton in their award-winning ensembles, he’s also been featured with a diverse array of A-list bandleaders such as vocalist Gretchen Parlato, drummer Gre...
Mar 26, 2015
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_35_-_Matthew_Shipp.mp3 Pianist and composer Matthew Shipp is an original voice on the modern improvisational music scene. Having been in the ensembles of noted improvisers such as Roscoe Mitchell, William Parker and David S. Ware, Shipp has enhanced his musical legacy primarily through assembling a string of his own intense and diverse musical ensembles. Recent recordings, “One”, “Un Piano,” 4D,” “Piano Sutras,” “Root of Things,” and, “To Duk...
Mar 23, 2015
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_34_-_Rudresh_Mahanthappa.mp3 Alto saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa’s recording “Bird Calls” isn’t a tribute, but rather a “devotion” to the energy and spirit of Charlie Parker. His incredibly energetic quintet featuring pianist Matt Mitchell, bassist François Moutin, drummer Rudy Royston, and 20-year old trumpet prodigy Adam O’Farrill executes the project’s vision expertly— to play distinct, original compositions directly based on a Parker sol...
Mar 17, 2015
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_33_-_Jack_DeJohnette.mp3 Acclaimed drummer and composer Jack DeJohnette is a true master of rhythm. As one of the last distinct voices to emerge from the golden era of improvisational music, DeJohnette is perhaps at the peak of his powers in 2015. His career has spanned through the ensembles of Miles Davis, Charles Lloyd, Bill Evans, Jackie McLean, Jon Patton and Keith Jarrett in addition to his unique ensembles as a leader. Following his 201...
Mar 09, 2015
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_32_-_Damion_Reid.mp3 Jazzwatch is happy to present our extended conversation with drummer Damion Reid. His unique blend of traditional and contemporary elements of rhythm has been well-represented on recordings and in live performances around the world with an amazing cast of artists such as Robert Hurst, Steve Coleman, Rudresh Mahanthapa, Greg Osby and Robert Glasper. In this conversation, Reid shares wisdom from the late drum master Billy H...
Mar 09, 2015
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_31_-_Eric_Krasno.mp3 Most noted for his work with the groups Lettuce and Soulive, guitarist Eric Krasno has been touring the world since 1999 with his grooving blend of agility, grit and spirit. With Soulive, Krasno has released over fifteen CDs and collaborated with an extensive variety of artists including Dave Matthews, Chaka Khan, George Porter, John Scofield, Melvin Sparks, Charlie Hunter and Derek Trucks. Krasno just formed a new label,...
Mar 04, 2015
