Episodes

Drummer Reggie Quinerly’s new album is Invictus (Redefinition Music, 2015). In this interview, he talks about how a poem from the 19th century informs his career and writing; why he wanted to make an album that doesn’t sound like a “drummer’s record;” his relationship with one of his mentors, Lester Grant; and the need for musicians to control their own destinies. Learn more at reggiequinerly.com. BUY THIS ALBUM AND SUPPORT THE JAZZ SESSION AT THE SAME TIME.

Cellist Akua Dixon has just released a self-titled solo album that features arrangements she’s written for a variety of ensembles and occasions, but never had the chance to record. In this interview, Dixon talks about her career as a performer and arranger, going all the way back to the band at the Apollo; the traditional and innovative ways she arranges for string quartet; the shameful lack of African-American musicians in American orchestras today; and her time playing with many musical giants...

The Jazz Session turns eight today! To celebrate, I’ve put together a look back at eight years of the show, featuring interviews and music by many past guests, including: John Abercrombie, Carl Allen, Jen Baker & Kyoko Kitamura, Gene Bertoncini, Terence Blanchard, Don Byron, Ron Carter, Jimmy Heath, Janel & Anthony, Darius Jones & Matthew Shipp, Steve Kuhn, Jo Lawry, Gene Ludwig, Marian McPartland, Nadje Noordhuis, Laurie Pepper, Sonny Rollins, Gerald Wilson, and more.

Peter Apfelbaum’s latest release is an EP by his new band Sparkler called I Colored It In For You. In this interview, Apfelbaum talks about bringing the groove back to jazz; his upbringing in Berkeley; playing with Don Cherry; and his approach to composition and to leading bands. This interview features music by Sparkler, plus a tune from Apfelbaum’s upcoming solo album on Loove Arts and music by his New York Hieroglyphics band. Learn more at peterapfelbaum.com.

Saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa’s new album is Bird Calls (ACT, 2015). The album was inspired by the music of Charlie Parker, although Mahanthappa composed original music rather than play Parker’s tunes. In this interview, he talks about the reasoning behind that choice; how hearing Charlie Parker affected him as a teenager; and why the best tribute to Bird is to not play his music. Learn more about Rudresh Mahanthappa at rudreshm.com. BUY THE ALBUM AND SUPPORT THE JAZZ SESSION AT THE SAME TIME...

Originally from Boston, guitarist Bob Sneider has called Rochester, NY, home for years. He’s built an impressive career, beginning in Chuck Mangione’s band and then through his work at the Eastman School of Music and as the leader of his own ensembles. In this interview, Sneider talks about why he didn’t go to a conservatory and how he ended up as a professional musician anyway; many of the A-list musicians he’s played with over the years; his work at the Rochester International Jazz Festival; h...

Pianist Kevin Hays has been part of the jazz scene for decades now, playing as a leader and also as a sideman with folks like Sonny Rollins, Benny Golson, Chris Potter and many others. In this interview, Kevin talks about his career; his time off the scene in Santa Fe and how it changed his life and his playing; and his current crowdfunding project to record an album with his New Day Trio. SUPPORT Kevin’s new album! Please visit pledgemusic.com/projects/kevinhays to donate toward the recording ...

Bassist Max Johnson is a busy man. In demand on New York City’s bluegrass scene, he’s also part of several bands focusing on improvised music. In this interview, Johnson discusses three recent albums: Big Eyed Rabbit (Not Two, 2014), The Prisoner (NoBusiness, 2014), and The Invisible Trio (Fresh Sound New Talent, 2014). He also talks about the influence of his drummer father; how he became involved in bluegrass; and why he nearly quit school because of one person but decided to finish because of...

Electric bassist Giacomo Merega‘s two newest projects are both trio recordings: The Surface Of An Object (Rudi Records, 2014) and Crows And Motives (Underwolf, 2014). In this interview, Merega talks about expressing the concept of “surface” in music; why he chose the electric bass and how he is crafting his own sound; free improvisation versus composition; graphic scores and whether seeing them changes one’s appreciation of a piece of music; and his concert series. Learn more about the series on...

Baritone saxophonist Adison Evans‘ life took an unexpected turn when she was called to audition for Beyonce’s band. She got the gig, and left almost immediately for the Super Bowl and a world tour. Home between tours, Evans is still committed to the jazz she studied at Juilliard. In this interview, she talks about both sides of her life — traveling with a superstar and playing improvised music. Learn more at adisjazzkitchen.com and follow her on Twitter at @adison_evans. LIVE SHOW! You can hear...

Primavera (2014, Inner Circle Music) is the new album by vocalist Sara Serpa and guitarist Andre Matos. In this interview, Serpa and Matos talk about using the studio as an instrument; the long process that led to this album; how the impending birth of their first child impacted the recording; and the use of others’ poetry in their music. Learn more at www.saraserpa.com and www.andrematosmusic.com, and follow Sara on Twitter at @serpasara. BUY Sara’s and Andre’s music in The Jazz Session store ...

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Vocalist Hilary Gardner‘s latest recording is The Great City. In this interview, we talk about New York City and how it inspired the album; her long, strange trip from Wasilla, Alaska to Brooklyn; and how she finds and interprets songs. Learn more at hilarygardner.com and follow her on Twitter at @hilarygardner. JOIN The Jazz Session and get two free mp3s with each show plus exclusive content. Membership costs just $5/month. The money funds trips to NYC to record new episodes. Join here.

Reuben Radding is a bassist and photographer. In this interview, he talks about his long road to photography; why he gravitates toward risk in his art; the battles over music terminology; and his own personal path away from music and back again. Learn more at www.reubenradding.com and follow him on Twitter at @ReubenRadding. JOIN The Jazz Session and get two free mp3s with each show plus exclusive content. Membership costs just $5/month. The money funds trips to NYC to record new episodes. Join...

Trombonist and vocalist Emily Asher’s latest recording with her band Garden Party is Carnival Of Joy!, released in 2013. In this interview, Asher talks about her journey from playing trad jazz in the Pacific Northwest to her current life as part of the same scene in New York; her new project with bass sax, accordion and trombone; the difference between recreating music and re-imagining it; and her plans for her next album. Learn more at www.emilyasher.com and follow her on Twitter at @emasherbon...

Guitarist Eric DiVito‘s new album is The Second Time Around (PJC, 2013), featuring Corcoran Holt on bass and Alyssa Falk Verheyn on drums, with guest appearances by Mavis Swan Poole and Steve Wilson. In this interview, DiVito talks about his approach to standards; the recording session and what made it work so well; finding originality in arranging; and his take on a being a jazz guitarist. Learn more at ericdivito.com and follow him on Twitter at @ericdivitomusic. BUY this album in The Jazz Se...

Saxophonist Ed Rosenberg’s latest record is The Warming with his band Glue Gun Optimism. In this interview, Rosenberg talks about the very technical idea that led to his very accessible new project; his work in theatre, film and dance; Jerseyband, with whom he’s performed for more than a decade; and writing music for kids. Learn more at eddie3.com and follow him on Twitter at eddiethepancake. BUY this album in The Jazz Session store and a portion of your purchase price will benefit the show. No...

Pianist Danny Fox‘s new album is Wide Eyed (Hot Cup Records, 2014). In this interview, Fox talks about growing up in Manhattan surrounded by jazz greats; why he chose Harvard rather than a conservatory; and writing for this trio, who’ve been playing and touring together for five years. Learn more at dannyfoxmusic.com. BUY this album in The Jazz Session store and a portion of your purchase price will benefit the show. Note that you can click on a link in the story and then buy anything you want,...

Vocalist Alison Wedding‘s most recent album is This Dance (Ground Up Records, 2012). In this interview, Wedding talks about writing songs and how much a writer reveals; her years singing in Australia; improvisation versus interpretation; and her recent experience singing with Bobby McFerrin. Learn more at alisonwedding.com and follow her on Twitter at @alisonwedding. BUY this album in The Jazz Session store and a portion of your purchase price will benefit the show. Note that you can click on a...

Saxophonist Brian Landrus is a bandleader and the creative force behind the upcoming 92Y Soul Jazz Festival. His most recent album with his band Kaleidoscope is Mirage (BlueLand Records, 2013). In this interview, Landrus talks about the festival, which features Esperanza Spalding, DJ Logic and Joey Defrancesco, along with Kaleidoscope. He also discusses his career, from his early years in Las Vegas playing with Motown giants to his move to the East Coast to explore both experimental and groove-b...

Baritone saxophonist Shirantha Beddage’s latest album is Identity (Addo Records, 2012). In this interview, Beddage talks about searching for his identity as a musician and as an educator; his years in New York and Georgia and how they shaped his current sound; the institutionalization of jazz in the university system; and the Toronto jazz scene. Learn more at shiranthabeddage.com and follow him on Twitter at @beddagemusic. BUY THIS ALBUM in The Jazz Session store and a portion of your purchase ...

Saxophonist Jeff Lederer’s latest recording is Swing ‘N Dix (Little i music, 2013), an album that looks back at his early days playing music inspired by trad jazz. The album features Kirk Knuffke on cornet, Bob Stewart on tuba and Matt Wilson on drums. In this interview, Lederer talks about that early band and how it introduced him to collective improvisation; how a shared love of Albert Ayler brought he and Matt Wilson together; and his fascination with the Shakers, both musically and anthropol...

Michael Weiss is a pianist and composer. His most recent album is Soul Journey. In this interview, Weiss talks about his often challenging music and how he revisits compositions for each performance; his years with jazz masters such as Jon Hendricks, Junior Cook and Johnny Griffin; and how listening to Wayne Shorter gave him the green light to try more adventurous writing. Learn more at michaelweiss.info. Sean H. Doyle is a writer and recovering musician from Brooklyn. Following up on a convers...

Saxophonist Angela Davis’s debut album is The Art of The Melody (2013). In this interview, Davis talks about her Australian roots; why she’s most interested in the lineage of players such as Lee Konitz, with whom she’s studied; melodic improvisation; and how to approach songs from outside the jazz canon. Learn more at angeladavismusic.com and follow her on Twitter at @musicaldavis. Members can download a free track from The Art Of The Melody. Become a member for $5/month at thejazzsession.com/j...