Episodes

Saxophonist David Binney is one of the most prolific composers on the jazz scene today. His most recent album is Graylen Epicenter (Mythology, 2011). In this interview, Binney talks about the origin of the band on this record; the interesting story behind the CD’s unusual title; and his opinion on the grant process for jazz composers. Learn more at www.davidbinney.com. Tracks used in this episode: All Of Time; Graylen Epicenter; Home; Equality At Low Levels; Everglow; Waking To Waves.

Bassist Robert Hurst has been a first-call musician since his early days with Wynton and Branford Marsalis. He’s just released two new albums, Bob Ya Head (Bebob Records, 2011) and Unrehurst, Vol. 2 (Bebob Records, 2011). In this interview, recorded at Jazz Standard in New York, Hurst talks about the politics and rhythms underlying Bob Ya Head; how his Detroit upbringing impacted his musical life; and why school is great but it’s no substitute for putting in time on the bandstand. Learn more at ...

Pianist Lynne Arriale’s new CD, Convergence (Motema, 2011), is her second album to feature a horn player, this time saxophonist Bill McHenry. In this interview, Arriale talks about her decision to expand her band; how she searches within herself as part of her compositional process; and why she enjoys teaching as a means of human connection. Learn more at lynnearriale.com. NOTE: Convergence will be available on Feb. 8, 2011. Tracks used in this episode: Elements; Here and Now; Paint It Black; T...

Gerald Cleaver’s new album, Be It As I See It (Fresh Sound New Talent, 2011), is a musical exploration of the Great Migration and its relation to his own family’s history. In this interview, Cleaver discusses the musical and historical mission behind the formation of his band Uncle June; his use of spoken word and sound collages as additional layers in his compositions; and how he made careful decisions to arrive at his current place as a musician. Learn more at myspace.com/geraldcleavermusic. ...

Soprano saxophonist Jane Ira Bloom delivers yet another excellent record with Wingwalker (Outline, 2011). In this interview, Bloom talks about her use of movement in performance; why she doesn’t feel the need to “script” much of the recording process; and how some solos can only be played amidst great silence. Learn more at http://janeirabloom.com. Tracks used in this interview: Her Exacting Light; Life on Cloud 8; Ending Red Songs; I Could Have Danced All Night; Freud’s Convertible.

Bass clarinetist Jason Stein and his trio Locksmith Isadore have just released their third album, Three Kinds Of Happiness (NotTwo, 2010). In this interview, Stein talks about why he started playing bass clarinet; how this album marks a new beginning for the trio; and how he approaches solo performances on the bass clarinet. Learn more at http://jasonsteinmusic.com. Tracks used on this program: Crayons for Sammy; Cash, Couch and Camper; Little Bird; Ground Floor South.

Mina Cho grew up in Korea playing classical music and American gospel. A chance meeting with a Berklee grad sent her to Boston where she studied South American folk music. Her new album, Originality (Mina Cho Music, 2010), combines all those influences and more. In this interview, Cho discusses her uncommon background; her studies with composer Leo Blanco; and why gospel music is so important to her. Learn more at www.minachomusic.com/.

Herbie Nichols would have been 92 years old today. The pianist is the subject of a new biography — Herbie Nichols: A Jazzist’s Life by Mark Miller. In this interview, Miller talks about why Nichols failed to become known during his lifetime; why Nichols is often labeled an acolyte of Thelonious Monk; and how Miller came to write the book in the first place. Learn more at the Web site of The Mercury Press. ADDITIONAL LISTENING: Check out the “Herbie Nichols’ Third World” episode of David Brent J...

Saxophonist Christine Jensen is at the helm of a big band for her new album, Treelines (Justin Time, 2010). In this interview, Jensen talks about why she formed a big band; her special musical rapport with her sister, trumpeter Ingrid Jensen; and how she takes her compositional inspiration on this album from the natural world. Learn more at www.christinejensenmusic.com. NOTE: This is Christine Jensen’s second appearance on The Jazz Session. Click here to listen to her May 2007 episode.

Singer and songwriter Rebecca Martin turns her attention to the Great American Songbook on When I Was Long Ago (Sunnyside, 2010). In this interview, Martin talks about how a recording with Paul Motian led to her own album with no chordal instrument; why she chose to interpret standards for this recording; and her ideas about the primacy of melody. Learn more at www.rebeccamartin.com.

Multi-instrumentalist Kali Z. Fasteau continues to experiment with the nature of sound on her new album, Animal Grace (Flying Note, 2010). In this interview, Fasteau talks about how she pushes past the perceived limits of the instruments she plays; how her experiences traveling the world inform her music; and the system of balance she finds in music and in life. Learn more at www.kalimuse.com.

Woodwind player Jason Robinson released three albums this fall — solo (Cerberus Reigning), duo (Cerulean Landscape) and full band (The Two Faces of Janus). In this interview, Robinson discusses his use of electronics and computer manipulation in his solo saxophone playing; how the music of Duke Ellington and Cecil Taylor inform his duets with pianist Anthony Davis; and how he very carefully selected the members of his Janus Ensemble. Learn more at www.jasonrobinson.com.

Drummer Gabriel Gloege’s Dymaxion Quartet takes inspiration from Buckminster Fuller and photographer Asca S.R. Aull on the album Sympathetic Vibrations. In this interview, Gloege talks about those two sources of inspiration; how Fuller’s ideas and Aull’s photos inform the music on this album; and how he structures his compositions in the absence of a chordal instrument. Learn more at dymaxion4.com.

Pianist Dan Tepfer creates fresh and dynamic music on his new trio album, Five Pedals Deep (Sunnyside, 2010). In this interview, Tepfer talks about forming his new trio with Thomas Morgan and Ted Poor; some differences between European and American approaches to jazz performance; and his extended musical partnership with Lee Konitz. Learn more at www.dantepfer.com.

Saxophonist Patrick Cornelius has put together a “chordless” ensemble for his new album, Fierce (Whirlwind Recordings, 2010). In this interview, Cornelius talks about his particular approach to composing for a band with no chordal instrument; his various musical projects at home and abroad; and his travels in the music from his home in Texas to Boston to New York. Learn more at www.patrickcornelius.com.

Saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa teams up with fellow saxophonist Bunky Green for Apex (Pi Recordings, 2010), an album of original compositions featuring Jason Moran, Francois Moutin, Jack DeJohnette and Damion Reed. In this interview, Mahanthappa talks about his first exposure to Bunky Green’s playing; why this all-star cast feels like a working band; and the thought process behind the compositions on the album. Learn more at rudreshm.com.

The Either/Orchestra is celebrating 25 years of making music with their new CD, Mood Music For Time Travellers (Accurate Records, 2010). In this interview, founder and leader Russ Gershon talks about how the band got started; how it has survived for 25 years; and the music on the new album, which returns to the “classic” E/O sound after several years working with Ethiopian musicians. Learn more at either-orchestra.org.

A collection of short interviews recorded at the 2009 Tanglewood Jazz Festival in Lenox, MA. Featuring Regina Carter, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Nnenna Freelon and more. Learn more at www.tanglewoodjazzfestival.org.

Matt Jorgensen pays tribute to his father-in-law, artist Dale Chisman, on his new CD, Tattooed By Passion (Origin Records, 2010). In this interview, Jorgensen talks about Chisman’s art and the genesis of this album; how Chisman’s approach to painting mirrors Jorgensen’s approach to composing; and how Jorgensen and Thomas Marriott worked together to write several of the tunes on the album. Learn more at www.mattjorgensen.com.

The Jazz Session is launching a new membership campaign — “100 By 300” — with the goal of reaching 100 members by the 300th show. For the cost of a couple cups of (admittedly expensive) coffee each month, you can keep The Jazz Session going for years to come. Visit the Join page and become a member for as little as $10 a month or $110 a year. Thank you for your support! And thanks especially to the people who have already joined.

David S. Ware’s new album is Onecept (Aum Fidelity, 2010). In this interview, he talks about the decision to make a completely improvised trio recording; and the ideas of yoga and philosophy that underlie his music. Learn more at www.davidsware.com.

Bassist William Parker is one of the most prolific players on the jazz scene today. His two most recent albums are I Plan To Stay A Believer: The Inside Songs Of Curtis Mayfield (Aum Fidelity, 2010) and Uncle Joe’s Spirit House (Aum Fidelity, 2010). In this interview, Parker talks about the origin of both projects; what he means by “inside songs”; and his unique take on the organ quartet. Learn more at www.williamparker.net. If you’d like to buy these albums, you can support The Jazz Session by...

Guitarist Garrison Fewell’s Variable Density Sound Orchestra returns with Sound Particle 47 (Creative Nation Music, 2010). In this interview, Fewell talks about the expanded band; his move from mainstream jazz to the experimental side; and his relationship with composer John Tchicai. Learn more at www.garrisonfewell.com.

Clarinetist James Falzone combines his love of Arabic classical music with an acknowledgement of the current East-West cultural divide on Lamentations (Allos Documents, 2010). In this interview, Falzone talks about his interest in Arabic music; how making beauty is a form of protest; and the blend of composition and improvisation on this album. Learn more at www.allosmusica.org.