Episodes

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...

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...

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.

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.

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.

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 Ti...

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.

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...

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.

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:...

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...

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; ...

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...

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.

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!

Saxophonist TK Blue’s new CD is Latinbird (Motema Music, 2011). In this interview, Blue talks about his decision to record an album of Parker’s music; his years in Paris and his early days in New York; and how his relationships with Randy Weston, Abdullah Ibrahim and Benny Powell have shaped his life and music. Learn more at www.tkblue.com. Tracks used in this episode: Chi Chi; Si Si; He Flew Away too Soon; Visa; Bluebird; Barbados; Steeplechase; Buzzy.

Pianist George Cables’ most recent recording is with The Cookers on their new album, Cast The First Stone (Plus Loin Music, 2010). In this interview, Cables talks about the importance of a unified concept; why he feels he’s had success as a sideman with everyone from Dexter Gordon to Art Pepper; and how he makes each composition his own. Learn more at georgecables.com. NOTE: This interview contains an exclusive solo performance of “You Don’t Know What Love Is.” To hear an additional solo perfor...

Slumgum’s new album is Quardboard Flavored Fiber (Accretions, 2011). In this interview, the band’s Jon Armstrong talks about how the diverse backgrounds of the members lead to a fascinating array of compositional ideas; why the band chose its unique name; and how the use of humor and improvisational games leads the music down interesting paths. Oh, and we get kicked out of a place. Learn more at slumgum.com. Tracks used in this episode: Hancho Pancho; Eshu’s Trick; Big Fun (Running In A Dream);...

Guitarist Anthony Wilson’s new CD is Campo Belo (Goat Hill Recordings, 2011). In this interview, Wilson talks about his ongoing travels to Brazil; his new music for a quartet of custom-built guitars; and why rhythm changes can be beautiful. Learn more at www.anthonywilsonmusic.com. Tracks used in this episode: Campo Belo; March to March; Edu; After The Flood; Patrimonio; Valsacatu.

Saxophonist Billy Harper appears on Cast The First Stone, the latest CD from The Cookers. In this interview, part of The Jazz Session’s “Cookers Mondays” series, Harper talks about his involvement with the band; recounts the story of his first night in NYC in the late 1960s; and tells about how persistence paid off when it came to sitting in with one of the most famous drummers of all time. Learn more at www.billyharper.com. Tracks used in this episode: Cast The First Stone; Peacemaker; Looking...

Chris Washburne and the SYOTOS Band’s most recent album is Fields of Moons (Jazzheads, 2010). In this interview, Washburne talks about his introduction to the New York salsa scene; why SYOTOS chose to record softer music on the new album; and an amazing story about Tito Puente. Learn more at www.chriswashburne.com. Tracks used in this episode: Fields Of Moons; Seas Of Slumber; Obsesion; Poinciana; Duke Ellington’s Sound Of Love; When Lights Are Low; Non Spoken.

Sean Smith’s new CD is called Trust. In this interview, Smith talks about the idea of trust among musicians; recalls Bill Finnegan’s teachings; and talks about the potentially career-ending injury that gave him a new lease on life and music. Learn more at www.seansmithjazz.com. Tracks used in this episoed: Betting Blind; Homemade Japanese Folk Song; Wayne’s World; Lawn Ornaments; Occam’s Razor; Voices; Margin Of Error.

Composer Maria Schneider’s most recent CD is Sky Blue (ArtistShare). Now Schneider has turned her attention to the classical world, composing music for soprano and orchestra. In this interview, Schneider talks about how a meeting with soprano Dawn Upshaw led to this new direction in her music; how she waded through oceans of poetry to find the text she wanted for her new pieces; and how a chance comment from a college professor led her to the world of jazz. Learn more at mariaschneider.com. Tra...

Drummer Adam Cruz has released his first CD as a leader, Milestone (Sunnyside, 2011), featuring his own compositions. In this interview, Cruz talks about finding his own voice as a composer; the challenges associated with leading a band; and the impact of his father on his life as a musician. Learn more at www.adamcruz.net. Tracks used in this episode: Secret Life; Emje; Crepuscular; The Gadfly; Bird of Paradise.