http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_30_-_Matt_Stevens.mp3 Guitarist Matthew Stevens is one of the most impressive voices on guitar to emerge on the international music scene in the last decade. As a player and composer , Stevens blends the visceral and cerebral elements of modern music in a distinctive blend that has been sought by such players as drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, bassist Esperanza Spaulding, drummer Jamire Williams and trumpeter Christian Scott. On “Woodwork,” St...
Mar 04, 2015
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_29_-_Jaleel_Shaw.mp3 Alto and soprano saxophonist Jaleel Shaw is a gifted band leader, educator and all-star sideman. Hearing Jaleel with the legendary Roy Haynes, the Mingus Big Band or as the front man in his critically acclaimed groups will reveal a player well-versed in tradition with a commitment and dedication to the present. In our conversation, Shaw shares with us his musical roots in Philadelphia, his evolution as a independent music...
Feb 26, 2015
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_28_-_Russell_Malone.mp3 Guitarist Russell Malone’s commitment to melody, rhythm and harmony have earned him a unique place in improvisational music. Not only has he assisted fellow musicians such as Sonny Rollins, Jimmy Smith and Dianne Reeves in their groups, but Malone has won several fans of the music through his highly acclaimed solo albums and gigs as a leader. His new High Note recording, “Love Looks Good On You,” is a fantastic example...
Feb 16, 2015
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_27_-_Lou_Donaldson.mp3 NEA Jazz Master Lou Donaldson remains one of the foremost practitioners of swinging, feel-good groove music. He cut his teeth playing for original bebop jazz audiences as a sideman and bandleader appearing on the now classic, “A Night At Birdland” recording from 1954. For the next 20 plus years, Poppa Lou set out on his own to develop a touring route that would reach urban jazz audiences from New York to California. The crowd t...
Feb 08, 2015
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_26_-_Justin_Kauflin.mp3 As the newest protégé of acclaimed producer and composer Quincy Jones, pianist Justin Kauflin has traveled the world wowing audiences over the last two years. Justin’s new recording “Dedication” honors many of the influential and essential persons in his life including musical mentor and trumpet icon Clark Terry. Kauflin and Terry’s friendship is also the subject of the superb documentary “Keep on Keeping on.” http://w...
Jan 30, 2015
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_25_-_Terri_Lynn_Carrington.mp3 Drummer, producer and educator Terri Lyne Carrington stays on the go. She tours the world with both her, “Mosaic Project” and “Money Jungle” projects, with the former project as the recipient of the 2011 Grammy for Best Vocal Jazz Album. As she’s collaborated with fellow giants as Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Nancy Wilson, Liz Wright, Dianne Reeves and Christian McBride, Terri strives to make music that is art...
Jan 28, 2015
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_24_-_Dara_Tucker.mp3 Dara Tucker has a voice that is equally memorable and refreshing. As she draws from gospel, singer-songwriter, soul and jazz artists both past and present, she’s been able to catch the ear and attention of noted artists such as Cassandra Wilson, Dr. Lonnie Smith and Charlie Hunter. Her original compositions found on “The Sun Season” uplift and celebrate the human spirit with an energy that is accessible to fans of jazz an...
Jan 28, 2015
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_23_-_Christian_McBride.mp3 It was a treat to catch the amazing and ever-evolving bassist and bandleader Christian McBride. As he continues to win listeners with his infectious sense of groove and swing, Christian has become one of the more frequent ambassadors and representatives for our music. In this conversation, Christian gives us a window into new recording projects being prepared for release, a special duo touring project with another m...
Jan 23, 2015
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_22_-_Sullivan_Fortner.mp3 Sullivan Joseph Fortner Jr. is a native New Orleanian who has already made a significant foray into the jazz world that belies his young age. While touring with Stefon Harris & Blackout, Christian Scott Quintet, and the Roy Hargrove Quintet, Sullivan completed his Master’s degree in Jazz Performance at Manhattan School of Music under the tutelage of Jason Moran, and Phil Markowitz. He has studied and performed wi...
Jan 23, 2015
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_21_-_John_Coltrane.mp3 In perhaps his most prolific period, John Coltrane was documented several times at his probing best in 1965. The master saxophonist recorded no less than ten albums’ worth of material in that year alone. In this special edition of JazzWatch, Greg spotlights rare Coltrane Quartet performances from The Half Note in NYC (March 19, 1965) and at Seattle, Washington’s Penthouse (September 30, 1965). As the Half Note served as...
Jan 05, 2015
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_20_-_Chip_Crawford.mp3 Pianist Chip Crawford’s rhythmic precision and harmonic invention distinguishes him as a unique improviser. After moving to NYC 15 years ago, Crawford met singer Gregory Porter and a unique musical fellowship was born. For the last three years, the group has traveled the world, earned Grammys and won new listeners. Chip tells us all about the journey, gives us insight into several of the band’s tunes and his approach to...
Dec 23, 2014
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_19_-_Roy_McCurdy.mp3 Drummer Roy McCurdy has proven to be the man for the job for a who’s who of music legends such as Cannonball Adderley, Nancy Wilson, Sonny Rollins, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and others. He’s been a part of the changing musical landscape since his emergence on the scene in the early 60’s. He continues to train a new generation of instrumentalists. He discusses his tenure in the Adderley group, how Sonny Rollins helped...
Dec 23, 2014
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_18_-_Adam_Dorn_aka_Mocean_Worker.mp3 Mocean Worker combines his knowledge of real instruments with cutting edge technology to produce music that is catchy, groovy and points the way to the masters and legends that came before. He’s a bassist, he’s a producer, and as the son of producer Joel Dorn, he had first hand encounters with music legends such as Marcus Miller, Miles Davis, Les McCann, Eddie Harris, Luther Vandross and Art Neville. http:...
Dec 18, 2014
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_17_-_Terreon_Gulley.mp3 Terreon Gully is one of the premiere drummers of our time. His comprehensive approach to music has mad him the drummer of choice for Dianne Reeves, Christian McBride, David Sanborn, Joe Locke and Stefon Harris. Drawing his influences equally from gospel, R&B, straight ahead jazz and Hip-Hop has given him a unique sound that influences today’s percussionists across genre. http://www.facebook.com/jazzwatch https://tw...
Dec 18, 2014
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_16_-_Tivon_Pennicott.mp3 If you haven’t heard of Tivon Pennicott yet, don’t worry. You will soon. Having amassed two Grammy wins for his work as a soloist on Gregory Porter’s “Be Good” and “Liquid Spirit,” and for performing with star musicians such as Kenny Burrell, Roy Hargrove, and Johnny O’Neal, Pennicott’s new record, “Lover of Nature” is poised to be one of the best new releases in jazz in quite some time. The young tenor discusses his ...
Dec 11, 2014
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_15_-_Duane_Eubanks.mp3 Family friends and mentors are the common thread in Duane Eubanks’ forthcoming CD release, “Things of That Particular Nature” available 1/2015 on Sunnyside Records. Since his arrival on the New York scene in the mid-90’s, Duane has absorbed the information of the masters, built lasting friendships (many of whom are heard on his new CD) and continues to pass knowledge and wisdom on to the rising generation of new improvi...
Dec 09, 2014
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_14_-_Cyrus_Chestnut.mp3 Pianist Cyrus Chestnut has played with everyone from Aretha Franklin to Kathleen Battle to Betty Carter to James Moody. His blend of soul and swing has elevated him to become one of the most reliable pianists of his generation. His recent CD, Midnight Melodies from the newly-formed label, The Smoke Sessions, spent a month at the top of the JazzWeek chart. On this week’s episode, we talk about his new professorship at H...
Nov 26, 2014
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_13_-_Mike_Clark.mp3 On today’s JazzWatch, Greg interviews legendary drummer Mike Clark. You may know him from his tenure with Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters, but he’s also put in time with Joe Henderson, Woody Shaw, Vince Guaraldi, Albert Collins and Jimmy Reed. Mike discusses learning to play traditional jazz, blues, post-Bop in addition to being on of the innovators of linear funk drumming. Be on the lookout for his forthcoming CD with ...
Nov 26, 2014
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JazzWatch_Episode_13_-_Mike_LeDonne.mp3 Mike LeDonne has never been one to hold his tongue, and today’s interview is no exception. The pianist/Hammond organist discusses how he was first drawn to his instruments, and how he ascended to become one of the most in-demand jazz musicians working today. If you haven’t had the chance to hear his Groover quartet on Tuesday nights at Smoke Jazz Club in Harlem, NY, make that a priority. He’s putting together a special c...
Nov 18, 2014
http://traffic.libsyn.com/jazzwatch/JIMMY_HEATH_JAZZWATCH_12.mp3 Today, we talk to legendary tenor and soprano saxophonist, Jimmy Heath. Jimmy is a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master who recently turned 88, and is in better form than ever. He recently released a brand new big band recording called, “Togetherness,” his first live big band CD, recorded at the Blue Note. For this interview, Jimmy preferred to focus on his newer material, but he eventually discussed a few memories from his ...
Nov 14, 2014
