Shortly after the release of their 2024 album, Mid Spiral, which multi-faceted Canadian group BADBADNOTGOOD initially rolled out as a series of three EPs, Anthony Dean-Harris sat down with the group while they were in Portland for the Best Day Ever Festival at McMenamins Edgefield to talk about their latest release and the evolution & latest expanded iteration of this ever evolving, constantly fascinating sextet that epitomizes Jazz Without Boundaries.

SML is a Los Angeles based, improvisation fueled band consisting of Jeremiah Chiu (electronics), Gregory Uhlman (guitar), Booker Stardrum (drums), Anna Butterss (bass), and Josh Johnson (sax). Ahead of the performance of SML at Pickathon, Anna and Josh share their experiences playing with Jeff Parker’s ETA 4tet, collaborating with Makaya McCraven, and the origins and process of SML.

Alex Newman sat down with the accomplished saxophone player to talk about his journey from his musical upbringing to his winding path from Chicago to Los Angeles and all the collaborators he found along the way– particularly his solo excursions and what to expect from his upcoming performances at the Pickathon festival on his own as well as with the group SML.

Jimetta Rose first made a name for herself by lending her vocal talents to artists like Shafiq Husayn, Blu, and Sly5thAve—helping bring their musical visions to life. Today, that same spirit of collaboration takes a new form as she leads a group of vocalists known as The Voices of Creation. Ahead of her appearance at Pickathon with the choir, Jimetta welcomes us into her home to share how her upbringing in Los Angeles—singing in church and school choirs—has come full circle in this expansive new musical chapter.

Los Angeles-based Anna Butterss is a bassist who has made a winding path from Adelaide, South Australia to working as one of the most captivating bassists around the world– known for their solo work, collaborations with guitarist Jeff Parker, backing folk artist Phoebe Bridgers, and the group SML who will be performing this upcoming Pickathon festival. Before their performance at the festival of the work of their latest album from International Anthem Record Co., Mighty Vertebrate, Alex Newman made the sojourn from Portland to Butterss’ Los Angeles living room to have a conversation with the young artist about their fascinating career.

Gary Bartz stands as a pivotal jazz figure in jazz due to his innovative compositions, versatile genre fusion, the social messages in his music, and iconic collaborations withother artists. On this episode, we’ll hear about Charles Mingus’ jazz workshop in NYC, his stint with Miles Davis’ band in the early 70’s, and the formation of Gary’s project NTU Troop.

Walter Theodore "Sonny" Rollins, born on September 7, 1930, is an esteemed American jazz tenor saxophonist renowned for his significant contributions to the jazz genre. Over his illustrious seven-decade career, Rollins has served as a leader on more than sixty albums. Widely hailed as "the greatest living improviser," Rollins continues to be a pivotal and influential figure in the world of jazz.

Samm Culley is/was the bassist and vocalist for the mythical funk band SKULL SNAPS. The group only released one self-titled album in 1973, but one of the tunes from that record -- "It’s A New Day" -- features one of the most widely sampled drum breaks in history, credited with laying the foundation for countless hip-hop classics.

Joe Bataan pioneered the sound of New York Latin soul, and his ability to bridge diverse musical genres have made him a vital figure in the history of American music. This episode explores his journey after a stint in prison, his group signing with the legendary Latin label Fania, recollections recording two of his LPs, and the enduring popularity of his song “Young Gifted and Black.”