Tyshawn Sorey is a forward-looking, broad-thinking player and composer who refuses to be categorized. In this interview, he talks about his use of silence; interesting ways to set up the drums; and perceptions of African-American composers. Learn more at http://www.tyshawnsorey.net/ . Tracks used in this episode: (from Koan ) Awakening; (from Paradoxical Frog ) Homograph; (from Koan ) Only One Sky; (from That/Not ) That’s Blues, Right; Permutations For Solo Piano; (from Koan ) Embed....
Aug 08, 2011
Saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock’s most recent album is The Madness Of Crowds (Intakt, 2011) with the band Sleepthief. She’s also part of the trio Paradoxical Frog with Kris Davis and Tyshawn Sorey. In this interview, Laubrock talks about her self-taught entry into improvised music; her collaborations with a variety of musicians; and why she went back to study standards even though she doesn’t often play them. Learn more at www.ingridlaubrock.com/pages/home.htm . Programming note: Due to a technical ...
Aug 04, 2011
An interview and performance with vocalist Kyoko Kitamura and trombonist Jen Baker, recorded live at Downtown Music Gallery in Manhattan. In this interview, Kitamura and Baker talk about collective improvisation; building a new vocabulary; and the structures of their compositions. Learn more at kyokokitamura.com and baker7jenz.com/home.html ....
Aug 01, 2011
Trombonist Joe Fiedler’s new CD is Sacred Chrome Orb (Yellow Sound, 2011). In this interview, Fiedler talks about the evolution of his trio with John Hebert and Michael Sarin; his use of multiphonics; and why he needs his music to contain fun and humor. Learn more at www.joefiedler.com . Tracks used in this episode: Occult; Next Phase; Sacred Chrome Orb; Ging Gong; Two Kooks.
Jul 28, 2011
Bassist Ken Filiano’s new album is Dreams From A Clown Car (Clean Feed, 2011). In this interview, Filiano talks about remaining present and free of preconceptions; how he switched from trumpet to bass a few weeks before graduating college; and what inspires him to read and listen eclectically. Learn more at myspace.com/kenfiliano . Tracks used in this episode: (from Dreams From A Clown Car ) Silhouette; Dog Days; Beguiled; (from Subvenire ) water down stone; breathingdreaming; relay; (from Dream...
Jul 25, 2011
Drummer Ches Smith is a versatile and daring player who finds himself in a variety of musical situations as a leader and sideman. In this interview, Smith talks about solo drum playing; his many projects; and how his early years influenced his current approach to music without boundaries. Learn more at chessmith.com . Tracks used in this episode: (from Noise To Men ) Noise To Men; (from Congs For Brums ) Metal Vacation; (from Finally Out Of My Hands ) Anxiety Disorder; Finally Out Of My Hands; (...
Jul 21, 2011
Percussionist and composer Adam Rudolph’s latest album is Both/And (Meta Records, 2011). In this interview, Rudolph talks about making music that “sounds like itself”; how he uses harmonic and rhythmic challenges to find new musical directions; and the influence of mentors such as Yusef Lateef on his approach to making and thinking about music. Learn more at www.metarecords.com/adam.html . Tracks used in this episode: Return of the Magnificent Spirits; Love’s Light; Tree Line; Blues In Orbit; Da...
Jul 18, 2011
Vocalist Jay Clayton has long been known as both an accomplished singer of standards and a fearless adventurer in the world of electronics. In this interview, Clayton talks about those dual personas and how she brings them together; discusses her work with Sheila Jordan, Theo Bleckmann and others; and talks about her early days in the New York loft scene. Learn more at jayclayton.com . Tracks used in this episode: (from In And Out Of Love ) Falling In Love With Love; Freedom Jazz Dance; (from Ci...
Jul 14, 2011
Pianist Satoko Fujii and trumpeter Natsuki Tamura have been making adventurous music together for years. In this interview, they talk about the influences of Japanese folk music; the need for risk and fun in music; and why they’re involved in so many diverse projects. Learn more at satokofujii.com and natsukitamura.com . Tracks used in this episode: (from Watershed by Satoko Fujii’s Min-Yoh Ensemble) The Thaw; Whitewater; Soranbushi; (From Rafale by the band Kaze with Fujii and Tamura) Noise Cho...
Jul 11, 2011
Pianist Kris Davis is part of several ensembles, including her trio with John Hebert and Tom Rainey on Good Citizen (Fresh Sound New Talent, 2010) and a trio with Ingrid Laubrock and Tyshawn Sorey on the eponymous Paradoxical Frog (Clean Feed, 2010). In this interview, Davis talks about learning to leave space in the music; her studies of classical composition; and the many projects and recordings in which she’s involved. Learn more at krisdavis.net . Tracks used in this episode: (from Paradoxic...
Jul 07, 2011
Saxophonist Jim Snidero’s new CD is Interface (Savant, 2011). In this interview, Snidero talks about the use of acoustic guitar on this record; his concept of “warm jazz”; and what makes music appealing to him both intellectually and emotionally. Learn more at jimsnidero.com . Tracks used in this episode: Interface; Fallout; Silhouette; Viper; One By One; Expectations.
Jul 04, 2011
Cuban Rhapsody (Alma Records, 2011) is a duet CD by saxophonist and flautist Jane Bunnett and pianist Hilario Duran. In this interview, Bunnett and Duran talk about the joys and challenges of duet playing; the deep history of the album’s repertoire; and the idea of music without boundaries. Learn more at www.janebunnett.com and www.hilarioduran.com . Tracks used in this episode: Lagrimas Negras; Almendra; Sherezad; Contradanzas; Longina; Son de la Loma....
Jul 01, 2011
Guitarist Nadav Remez’s debut CD is So Far (Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records, 2011). In this interview, Remez talks about his musical upbringing in Israel; his willingness to let his music be beautiful; and the way he approached the recording session with a view to allowing openness and individual expression. Learn more at nadavremez.com. Tracks used in this episode: So Far; Pinchas; The Last Exile; Susu....
Jun 29, 2011
Matana Roberts has released two albums recently: Live In London (Central Control, 2011) and Coin Coin Chapter One: Gens De Couleurs Libre (Constellation, 2011). In this interview, Roberts talks about her Chicago roots and the mentorship of Fred Anderson; how she combined her musical practice with her passion for genealogy; and why working on your sound means being willing to take the slow road. Learn more at matanaroberts.com . Tracks used in this episode: (from Coin Coin Chapter One: Gens De Co...
Jun 27, 2011
Bassist Ike Sturm has composed an ambitious piece for his album Jazzmass . In this interview, Sturm talks about learning the craft of large-ensemble writing (with a bit of family help); the role his faith plays in his music; and the idea of writing programmatic music that stands on its own. Learn more at ikesturm.com .
Jun 24, 2011
Mad Heaven (Palmetto, 2011) is the new album by pianist and vocalist Peter Eldridge. In this interview, Eldridge talks about making a thematic album; the influence of his parents and siblings on his musical taste and career choice; and the many projects he’s working on, including a film score, a musical and a duo project with bassist Matt Aronoff. Learn more at petereldridge.com . Tracks used in this episode: Charmer; Voce e Eu; Buffet Philosophy; Mad Heaven; No Tomorrow; Pra Machucar Meu Coraca...
Jun 22, 2011
Trumpeter Taylor Haskins’ most recent CD is Recombination (Nineteen-Eight Records, 2011), a companion piece to American Dream (Sunnyside, 2010). In this interview, Haskins talks about the complex vision of American that led to both records; why his website features a quote from Krishnamurti on the homepage; and how his work in the world of commercial music influences his approach to song form and his sonic palette. Learn more at www.taylorhaskins.com . Tracks used in this episode: (from Recombin...
Jun 20, 2011
Drummer Lukas Ligeti’s most recent recording is Pattern Time (Innova Records, 2011). In this interview, Ligeti talks about his travels in Africa and how they’ve influenced his writing, particularly his approach to rhythm; how he crosses musical and cultural boundaries; and a fascinating analysis of swing. Learn more at www.lukasligeti.com . Tracks used in this episode: Without Prior Warning; On Patterned Time; Timelessnesses; From The Ground Up; Tunnels Alight....
Jun 17, 2011
Sundial Lotus (Innova, 2010) is the debut album by bassist Ben Gallina’s band Salo. In this interview, Gallina talks about composing the music for this record; how the band grew organically beyond his initial conception; and how science fiction and the works of David Foster Wallace have inspired his music. Learn more at www.bengallina.com . Tracks used in this episode: The Sky Is An Eye; Worm Emperor; Metamorphistopheles; Obitron Revoluto; Trans-Galactic Sleep Chamber....
Jun 15, 2011
Saxophonist Craig Handy is a member of The Cookers, whose latest CD is Cast The First Stone (Plus Loin, 2011). In this interview, Handy talks about playing with Dee Dee Bridgewater, Roy Haynes and other jazz luminaries; about his youthful experiences learning the craft of section playing and how to perform in service to the music; and about how he’s matured as a player over his decades on the professional scene. Learn more at www.craighandy.com ....
Jun 13, 2011
The 2011 Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival takes place Saturday and Sunday, June 25 and 26, in Saratoga Springs, NY. In this interview, festival producer and artistic director Danny Melnick takes us on a tour through the festival’s two days of music. Melnick also tells stories from his years producing festivals with Newport Jazz Festival founder George Wein. Learn more at www.spac.org/jazzfest/ . Tracks used in this episode: We’ve Only Just Begun (Ben Allison, from Action-Refraction ); All Of T...
Jun 10, 2011
Saxophonist James Carter is back with an ambitious new album, Caribbean Rhapsody (Emarcy, 2011), featuring the compositions of Roberto Sierra. In this interview, Carter talks about finding ways to connect with an audience; his collaboration with Sierra on the new compositions; and his view of an artist’s responsibility to the listener and vice versa. Learn more at jamescarterlive.com .
Jun 08, 2011
Trumpeter David Weiss is responsible for the formation of The Cookers, whose latest album is Cast The First Stone (Plus Loin, 2010). In this interview, Weiss talks about the tribute show that led to the creation of the band; why it’s important for him to create working bands rather than one-off shows; and his views on the current jazz scene and why the music’s past was an untouchable zenith. Learn more at www.davidweissmusic.com . Tracks used in this episode: Cast The First Stone; Peacemaker; Lo...
Jun 06, 2011
Guitarist Julian Lage’s new album is Gladwell (Emarcy, 2011). In this interview, Lage talks about the creation of the fictional town for which the album is named; the special technique he used to record several of the tracks on the record; and why every guitar has its own distinct sound and aptitude. Learn more at www.julianlage.com . Tracks used in this episode: 233 Butler; Margaret; Point The Way; However; Cathedral; Telegram....
Jun 03, 2011
Saxophonist Virginia Genta and drummer David Vanzan make up Italy’s Jooklo Duo. Their latest release is a 7″ vinyl single called The Warrior (Northern Spy Records, 2011). In this interview, Genta and Vanzan talk about how they met and why they jumped right into the world of free improvisation; the varied experiences they’ve had touring the world; and their DIY, vinyl-only aesthetic. Learn more at jooklo.altervista.org . TOUR NOTE: Jooklo Duo is now touring the United States. Tour dates are here:...
Jun 01, 2011
Trumpeter Eddie Henderson is a member of The Cookers and appears on their latest CD, Cast The First Stone (Plus Loin, 2010). In this interview, Henderson talks about his childhood encounters with Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis; the discipline that allowed him to become both a medical doctor and a professional musician; and the lessons learned in a career that spans from bebop to the present day. Learn more at www.myspace.com/eddiehendersonjazz . Tracks used in this episode: Cast The First Stone...
May 30, 2011
Dave Douglas United Front: Brass Ecstasy At Newport (Greenleaf Music, 2011) is Douglas’s new CD with his brass quintet. In this interview, Douglas talks about the musical world he’s worked hard to create; his various ensembles and the compositional and performance outlets they provide; and his work scoring music for a film. Learn more at www.davedouglas.com . Tracks used in this episode: (from United Front: Live At Newport) Spirit Moves; Rava; Fats; (from Spark Of Being: Expand) Spark of Being; ...
May 27, 2011
Rob Garcia, Michel Gentile and Daniel Kelly talk about their nonprofit jazz advocacy organization, Connection Works. Based in Brooklyn, Connection Works presents concerts and educational opportunities featuring A-list musicians and aimed at the broader community. In this interview, Garcia, Gentile and Kelly talk about how the organization started; the benefits it brings to the community; and their own individual careers. Learn more at www.connectionworks.org . Tracks used in this episode: Initia...
May 25, 2011
Bassist Cecil McBee’s latest recording is as a member of The Cookers on their CD Cast The First Stone (Plus Loin, 2010). In this interview, McBee talks about The Cookers; his study of various languages and their relationship to music; and his evolution as a composer. Learn more at www.cecilmcbeejazz.com . Tracks used in this episode: (from the CD Cast The First Stone ) Cast The First Stone; Peacemaker; (from the CD Warriors ) Ladybugg; U Phoria....
May 23, 2011
Accordionist Victor Prieto’s most recent album is a duet record with saxophonist Chris Cheek called Rollo-Coaster (Cheekus Music, 2009). In this interview, Prieto talks about the deep history of his instrument; the new technique he developed for jazz accordion; and the unique sound of his trio. Learn more at www.victorprieto.net . Tracks used in this episode: Bebe; Coo; Rolocoaster; Six Note Samba; Shelter; Papa Pin. PLUS: Three exclusive solo performances recorded during the interview!...
May 20, 2011
