For this bonus episode, the Shakespeare and Company podcast welcomes Jeremy Pelt, renowned jazz trumpeter and author of Griot: Examining the Lives of Jazz Great Storytellers. In conversation with Alex Freiman, Pelt discusses the evolution of jazz, the influence of oral traditions, and the importance of documenting firsthand accounts from legendary musicians. Reflecting on his early days at Berklee, his experiences touring worldwide, and his deep reverence for jazz elders like Roy Haynes and Wayne Shorter, Pelt shares insights into both the triumphs and struggles of jazz musicians. He also addresses the debate over the term “jazz,” the intersection of jazz and hip-hop, and the ongoing challenge of preserving the music’s integrity in an industry that often sidelines its true practitioners. Listen in for a compelling exploration of jazz history, culture, and the passion that fuels one of its modern torchbearers.

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Jeremy Pelt has become one of the preeminent young trumpeters within the world of jazz. Forging a bond with the Mingus Big Band very early on, as his career progressed, Pelt built upon these relationships and many others which eventually lead to collaborations with some of the genre's greatest masters. These projects include performances and recordings with Cliff Barbaro, Keter Betts, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Ravi Coltrane, Frank Foster, Winard Harper, Jimmy Heath, Vincent Herring, John Hicks, Charli Persip, Ralph Peterson, Lonnie Plaxico, Bobby Short, Cedar Walton, Frank Wess, Nancy Wilson and The Skatalites, to name a few.

Pelt frequently performs alongside such notable ensembles as the Roy Hargrove Big Band, The Village Vanguard Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Big Band, and is a member of the Lewis Nash Septet and The Cannonball Adderley Legacy Band featuring Louis Hayes. As a leader, Pelt has recorded ten albums and has toured globally with his various ensembles, appearing at many major jazz festivals and concert venues.

Pelt's recordings and performances have earned him critical acclaim, both nationally and internationally. He has been featured in the Wall Street Journal by legendary jazz writer and producer, Nat Hentoff, and was voted Rising Star on the trumpet, five years in a row by Downbeat Magazine and the Jazz Journalist Association. Pelt is currently touring throughout the United States and Europe in support of his latest release, "Soundtrack".

Alex Freiman is a guitarist, composer, and singer trained at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Drawing from jazz, blues, soul, and funk, he masterfully blends these influences with energy and virtuosity, creating music that is both groovy and sophisticated. After collaborating with major figures on the French and international scenes, including Stéphane Belmondo, he released his debut album as a leader, Play It Gentle, in 2017. Recorded with Léon Parker (drums), Fred Nardin (organ), and special guest Stéphane Belmondo, this album reflects his passion for improvisation and sonic elegance. Constantly seeking innovation, he launched Alex Freiman & The Hot Sauce, an explosive project where jazz, funk, soul, and hip-hop intertwine. His EP In The Beginning (September 2024) marks the start of a new musical era, followed by the singles We Are One (January 2025), featuring rapper Tiemoko, and This Is The Hot Sauce (March 2025), affirming his vibrant and innovative musical identity. In 2025, Alex Freiman continues his groove exploration with a new album and fresh collaborations. Alex Freiman & The Hot Sauce will also be performing in Paris and across France, delivering electrifying shows where improvisation and energy collide.

Listen to Alex Freiman’s latest EP, In The Beginning: https://open.spotify.com/album/5iZYPMCUnG7xiCtsFCBlVa?si=h5x3FK1URq6SwH9Kb_SO3w

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