JAZZIZ Not What You Think

Today, we're joined by saxophonist and composer Marion Meadows, a leading figure in the contemporary jazz world. He's here to discuss his latest release, Just Doing Me, his 17th studio album, which showcases original music and collaborations with artists like Chris "Big Dog" Davis and Paul Brown. In this episode, Meadows also shares stories from his musical journey, explores topics ranging from the transformative power of the arts to his lifelong fascination with science, and reflects on how his music has evolved.

This week's episode features a conversation with Jimbo Ross, once described by the great Don Ellis as the only jazz violist in captivity. Known for his collaboration with many of the greats and for leading his Bodacious fusion band, Ross recently released a new album as a bandleader under his own name. "Jazz Passion & Satin Latin" finds him harkening back to his jazz roots with an accessible playlist of standards, classics, hidden gems and originals. Aside from sharing memories from his musical journey and speaking about the new album, he also talks about the instrument he plays on the new LP -- a modified copy of a classic viola, reproduced on a 3D printer and upgraded with a 5th string to extend the upper range of the instrument.

In this episode, we explore the music of the new Boston-based collective Ize Trio, featuring San Diego pianist Chase Morrin, Palestinian cellist Naseem Alatrash and Cyprus-born George Lernis. The group masterfully blends jazz with Middle Eastern musical traditions while championing a socially conscious mission. Their debut album, The Global Suites, features four expansive pieces, each inspired by a core social issue. Joining the conversation are Morris and Alatrash, diving into the trio's origins, how their diverse cultural backgrounds influenced their music and how they plan to evolve their sound with future projects.

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.