Jazz Lab

Great composers like Bach were often incredible improvisers as well. If Bach were alive today, he might sound closer to modern jazz than you think. On this episode of the Jazz Lab podcast, we feature Zsigmond Gerlóczy, a young pianist becoming renowned for his two-hand counterpoint improvisations and genius Bagatelles. We dive into his creative jazz approach to voice leading, and how he achieves such a unique sound in his live performances and improvisations. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in improvised piano music and jazz improvisation, offering insights into his classical influences and playing style. This is not about stylistic imitation, it’s about structure, counterpoint, voice leading, and musical architecture at the highest level.

Jesus Molina is here with an unforgettable deep dive into his approach to harmony, rhythm, improvisation, and more on this episode of the Jazz Lab Podcast. From jaw-dropping performances to chord voicing secrets and how he structures practice, this is a must-watch for every musician, and particularly jazz pianists, of course.

👉 Check out Jesus’ full Pianote course here:
https://www.pianote.com/shop/master-harmony?oid=172&affid=184

In this deep-dive conversation, I sit down with the incredible J3PO (Julian Pollack) to explore the many sides of being a modern musician in 2025. From successful release strategies to the art of synthesis and reharmonization, we cover both the creative and business aspects of music today.

What we cover in this episode:
-The keys to a successful music release in 2025
-Release strategies and how the landscape is changing
-A music synthesis lesson with J3PO on a Prophet Rev 2
-J3PO's favorite chord voicings and how to use them in your playing
-Reharmonization techniques that unlock fresh musical ideas
-Balancing artistry, technology, and community as a modern musician

🎹 Step into the mind of Elijah Fox — one of the most original pianists of this generation. In this full episode, we dive deep into Elijah’s world: from his jaw-dropping arpeggios and improvisational genius, to his creative process, music business insights, and what it really means to stay authentic in today’s industry. If you’re a jazz musician, a modern producer, or just love watching brilliance unfold, this is a must-watch journey through artistry and innovation.

From Injury to Innovation — Telmakus’ Journey Is Unlike Anything You’ve Heard. In this inspiring episode of Jazz Lab, I sit down with pianist, producer, and sonic visionary Telmakus to explore a creative journey shaped by both genius and adversity.

After losing the ability to use his hands due to a rare genetic disorder (EDS), Telmakus did something few artists would even attempt — he began composing with his toes. What followed is a body of work that’s both emotionally raw and musically extraordinary.

We talk about:

-Why creative limitations are Telmakus’ greatest strength
-His system for developing a true musical voice
-Composing without hands — and the album that came from it
-Turning pain into power: How he found resilience through music
-Exclusive preview of his upcoming record "Eight Ring Revival"
-Voicing tricks, form-building methods, and beat-first songwriting
-A powerful live exercise: improvising full stories at the piano

In this episode of the Jazz Lab podcast, host Noah Kellman sits down with the great singer, songwriter, educator, composer and YouTuber Aimee Nolte.

👉 Aimee's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AimeeNolte
👉 Follow Aimee on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aimeenoltemusic/
👉 Aimee's Website: http://www.aimeenolte.com

🎹🎹 Check out the Casio Privia Line here (this is my affiliate link so I get a small commision if you decide to purchase one: https://alnk.to/5jiT1Yy

In this episode of the Jazz Lab podcast, host Noah Kellman sits down with pianist / hammond organist Holger Marjamaa to discuss masterful approaches to gospel and jazz harmony, inner motion & voice leading techniques, beautiful and surprising voicings, reharmonization, moving to a new city, and much more!

In this episode of Jazz Lab, host Noah Kellman sits down with pianist / producer Kiefer Shackelford to discuss his approach to harmony, production, and much more.

In this episode of Jazz Lab, host Noah Kellman sits down with modern jazz piano master & GRAMMY® Award-winning pianist / composer Taylor Eigsti. Noah and Taylor discuss everything from the best improvisation exercises, how to achieve a "clean" playing style and sound, voicing exercises, Taylor's 49 Chords exercise for building good hand shapes, all the way to travel and packing tips for gigging and touring. 

Visit tayjazz.com to learn more about Taylor.
Photo credit: Lauren Desberg

Steven Feifke is a GRAMMY Award winning bandleader, composer, and arranger. He is one of the most in-demand jazz artists in the world today. He has been interviewed on TV shows like FOX, NBC, and CBS, and is heralded a "masterful pianist" by JAZZIZ Magazine. DownBeat Magazine calls his music is "an air of infectious joy."

Special thanks to Casio for sponsoring this episode. Check out the Casio Privia Line here: https://alnk.to/5jiT1Yy

Follow Steven on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenfeifke
Steven's Website: https://stevenfeifkemusic.com/