Jazz88

Sam Keenan of MN Jazz Tracks interviewed Tim Sparks before his January show at the Dakota. He talks about his new album, "Lost and Found" and the state of being a musician in this new digital age. Sparks' new album comes out the life of a touring musician. Currently touring with a group of guitarists this album comes from getting ready for this tour.  Ben Abrahamson plays on this new album and as Sparks says, "really shines."  Ted Olsen compliments the guitar with his bass. Listen to hear more about Sparks' latest release.

After a decade as one of the most celebrated instrumental groups in the Twin Cities, Purple Funk Metropolis is back in action for 2023. Fresh off a band vacation to Puerto Rico, the group is preparing to head back into the studio and get a couple shows on their calendar. Purple Funk Metropolis is getting ready for a show at The Dakota on February 26 and keyboardist Sam Rosenstone and saxophonist Andrew Tomten popped in to talk about a show and their plans for the year.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon spoke with Brittany Tweed, Director of Financial Aid at Metro State University about what's happened recently with FAFSA, some opportunities for financial aid, and details on an open house event at Metro State Monday, February 26th. Metro State University is an underwriter of Jazz88.

The February 17th – 18th weekend brings the annual battle of Jug Bands to 2 Minneapolis venues. Saturday February 17 from 3 till 7 at Palmer’s Bar there’s the pre-party and Jug Band Jam. Then, Sun February 18 from 12:30 till 7 is the actual competition. The Minneapolis Battle of Jug Bands is run by volunteers, and one of them is Kristin Garwick. When Kristin and Phil Nusbaum talked, Kristin first told a bit about the history of jug bands in general.

Wil B, one half of the hip-hop meets classical string duo Black Violin connected with Jazz88 in anticipation of their show on Saturday, February 10 at the State Theatre.

Minneapolis Public Schools has a new Superintendent, and her name is Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams. MPS Voices Executive Producer Manny Hill chats with Dr. Sayles-Adams about her background, the process of becoming the new Superintendent, and what her vision is for the future of the district.

More than any other hip-hop producer, J. Dilla, born James Yancey February 7, 1974, has impacted how jazz musicians write and play today. His famously "drunken" drum programming, his singular approach to harmonization and his bass programming have all become part of the lexicon of modern jazz. To mark what would be Dilla's 50th birthday (he passed away from complications of a rare blood disease and Lupus in 2006) Sean McPherson connected with Jedidiah Jones and Kevin Gamble. In addition to being a broadcaster here on Jazz88 Jones is a music producer. Kevin Gamble is a popular keyboardist in the Twin Cities music scene as well as a producer. Listen to this episode to hear reflections on Dilla's impact, snippets of his productions and enthusiasm on where music is heading next!

Jazz88's Peter Solomon spoke with Loren Schoenberg, senior scholar at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, about a new documentary airing this week on PBS about pioneering trombonist, electric guitarist, composer, and arranger, Eddie Durham.

The annual Cedar Commissions show, funded by the Jerome Foundation, and staged next Friday and Saturday at the Cedar Cultural Center, presents bold musical statements. Each of the 6 artists is funded to create new work; Outcomes are often surprising. Phil Nusbaum talked with Robert Lehmann of the Cedar. Robert is one of those who helped curate the show. We’ll listen to music first by Ukrainian American singer songwriter Yev, and then by hip hop artist RZ and alt country artist McCain.

Adam Levy is a career guitar player who has shared stages and recording studios with Norah Jones, Tracy Chapman, Meshell Ndegeocello and more. Listen to find out more about Levy's new album "Spry" and his approach to writing and playing.