JAZZIZ Not What You Think

On our latest episode of the JAZZIZ Podcast, we're thrilled to introduce you to BPM, a new trio featuring contemporary jazz heavyweights, bassist Brian Bromberg, guitarist Paul Brown and saxophonist Michael Paulo. They're joining for the first time as a unit on their captivating new album, Seriously, available through Shanachie Entertainment. The vision behind this trio is both ingenious and straightforward, leveraging individual strengths and collective chemistry while maintaining a creative process that balances professional musicianship with a light, drama-free atmosphere. In this podcast conversation, we'll dive into their process and discover the joy of BPM and what makes this collaboration so special.

Today, saxophonist and contemporary jazz pioneer Richard Elliot joins us to talk about his 21st album as a bandleader, Straight Up Down, featuring eight originals and one cover, as well as great collaborators, including Euge Groove and Paul Brown. In our conversation, Elliot also talks of this album as a celebration of his journey in music and his experience of working with legendary artists across various contexts and genres. We delve into some of that journey, including his formative stint with Tower of Power in the 1980s and the significant impact that his sister's record collection had in forging his musical path.

In the latest episode of the JAZZIZ Podcast, we chat with Canadian singer/songwriter Andrea Superstein about her new album, Oh Mother. This deeply personal and universal project explores the theme of motherhood, touching on aspects often left unspoken. The album is the culmination of Superstein's conversations with nearly 100 mothers, blending lived experiences with extensive research. We discuss how she transformed these insights into music, including her collaboration with producer Elizabeth Shepherd. Plus, Andrea shares her musical journey, from early memories to her development as an artist and finding her own voice.

In this episode of the JAZZIZ Podcast, we're thrilled to be joined by the talented trumpeter and vocalist Jumaane Smith. With a career that includes collaborations with legends like Quincy Jones and Stevie Wonder, a long-running gig with Michael Bublé, and mentorship under the great Wynton Marsalis, Smith's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Now, he's preparing to release his third album as a bandleader, Come On Home, a special project that marks his first collection of primarily original compositions. Join us as we dive into Smith's story, exploring how music has been a guiding force through life's challenges, the influences that have shaped his unique sound and the path that has led him to this exciting milestone. (Photo: Sandrine Lee)

In this episode of the JAZZIZ Podcast, we speak with Vincent Ingala, a leading figure on the contemporary jazz scene, about his new album, Escape With Me, available now on Shanachie Entertainment. Ingala, a talented multi-instrumentalist known primarily for his saxophone skills, plays every instrument heard on the new album, which he also produced and engineered. He composed most of the tracks on its program, except two carefully chosen covers. During our conversation, we delve into the entirety of his creative process and explore the live performance aspect of his art that, as it turns out, was his initial inspiration to pursue a music career.

In this episode of the JAZZIZ Podcast, we are joined by alto saxophonist Jon De Lucia, who shares insights about his latest album, The Brubeck Octet Project. This new chapter in his career sees him rediscovering and reinterpreting the arrangements played by the Dave Brubeck Octet, the pioneering group from the late 1940s to the early 1950s that marked the beginning of the iconic West Coast pianist's career.

During our conversation, De Lucia discusses his earliest memories of Dave Brubeck and the origins of this particular project. He delves into what makes this often overlooked period in Brubeck's career so special and worthy of rediscovery, and how it aligns with some of his musical tastes and ambitions. De Lucia also discusses finding the source material and adding his personal touch. Additionally, he shares insights about the birth of his passion for music and some of his earliest musical memories. (Photo: Jacob Blickenstaff)

In the latest episode of JAZZIZ Travel, we spotlight the highly anticipated 41st edition of the Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival, set to take place at the picturesque Town Point Park along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront in Virginia on August 16-17. Joining us to discuss the event is festival spokesperson and esteemed broadcaster, Jay Lang, who, with his wealth of knowledge and passion for jazz, provides an inside look into this iconic festival and its integration within the local music scene. He also shares details about this year's program, featuring celebrated artists such as Norman Brown and Kirk Whalum, and emphasizes that the Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival remains a true celebration of jazz.

In this episode of the JAZZIZ Podcast, we’re speaking with trumpeter, multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer Gabriel Mark Hasselbach, a top star of both contemporary and straight-ahead jazz with several excellent, award-winning recordings under his belt. He’s here to share insights about his latest album, Count Your Lucky Stars, which will be released on July 8. In our conversation, Hasselbach talks about his earliest formative musical memories and the process of crafting his distinctive sound. Turning our attention to his latest album, Hasselbach discusses the inspiration behind Count Your Lucky Stars and the aura that he sought to achieve for it. We also discuss a recent compilation of his, The Vocalists, highlighting some of his collaborations with top vocalists over the years, and much more.

In this episode of the JAZZIZ Podcast, we speak with singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and dancer Gunhild Carling. She shares with us news and insights about her upcoming album, aptly titled Jazz Is My Lifestyle. The record is a large ensemble project compiling a program of original compositions. Beyond the new album, we find out more about Carling's journey, her love of vintage jazz and how it is integrated into her unique sound. We also discuss her prolific composing habits, her experience of traveling and taking her music all over the world, and much more.

Award-winning saxophonist and composer Kirk Whalum has been a major force in contemporary jazz for nearly two decades. In this episode of the JAZZIZ Podcast, he discusses his latest album, Epic Cool, his first studio full-length release in five years, available via Mack Avenue. The album explores a variety of moods, styles, and genres, showcasing Whalum's talent for blending diverse musical elements. During the conversation, we talked about the genesis of Epic Cool, the influences that helped shape it, as well as his collaboration with Greg Manning on this project. We also explored his musical journey, including his historic collaborations, the lessons he's learned along the way, the importance of "appreciating the moment," and his profound connection with his audience. (Photo: Evelyn Freja)