German pianist Johanna Summer has released several albums in recent years: Upright (ACT, 2025); Cameo (ACT, 2025 with Jakob Manz); and Resonanzen (ACT, 2023). In this interview, Summer discusses all three albums; her musical partnership with Manz; improvising on classical themes; finding freedom through limitation; and much more. NOTE: Members get an extra segment from the interview in which Johanna talks about language fluency.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that’s bringing them joy. Johanna talks about her love of football/soccer. You’ll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)

The post The Jazz Session #640: Johanna Summer appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Jason Crane talks with saxophonist Muriel Grossmann about her new album, Light Of The Mind. They also talk about Buddhism and its relationship to improvisation; the music scene on the Spanish island where Muriel lives; finding players and sticking with them; and more. Learn more about Muriel at http://www.murielgrossmann.com.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that’s bringing them joy. Muriel talks about gardening. You’ll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)

The post The Jazz Session #639: Muriel Grossmann appeared first on The Jazz Session.

The Jazz Session turns 17 today! I’m celebrating with an archival episode from back in my jazz radio days. I interviewed Les McCann in 2004 about his classic album Swiss Movement. Les passed away on December 29, 2023. I thought I’d commemorate his passing and celebrate his life and the birthday of this show by sharing that interview with you. Thanks for listening and for supporting The Jazz Session at https://thejazzsession.com/join.

The post The Jazz Session #636: 17th Anniversary Episode with Les McCann appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Danish saxophonist Benjamin Koppel’s new trio recording with Scott Colley and Brian Blade is called Perspective. In this interview, Benjamin talks about the special relationship between the band members; the band as a collective; his family’s long history in music in Denmark; why he chooses to play in so many different genres; and more.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that’s bringing them joy. Benjamin talks about what he’s learned from his dogs. You’ll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)

The post The Jazz Session #634: Benjamin Koppel appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Allison Miller’s latest album is called Rivers In Our Veins. In this interview, Allison talks about the inspiration for the project and the research into American waterways that went into it; the care she took in assembling the band; the multimedia nature of the project, which includes both visuals and dancers; and much more.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that’s bringing them joy. Allison talks about drone photography. You’ll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

EXTRA BONUS EPISODE: Patreon supporters are also getting an episode of Jazz90.1 50th anniversary podcast on which they interviewed me about my time as station manager of that fabulous community jazz station in Rochester, NY.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)

The post The Jazz Session #633: Allison Miller appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Saxophonist Benjamin Boone’s new album is Caught In The Rhythm (Origin Records, 2023). In this interview, Ben talks about his ongoing project to combine poetry with improvised music; how he approaches the selection and setting of the poems; his study of the music of speech; using his music for social commentary; and more.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that’s bringing them joy. Ben talks about talking with his wife. You’ll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)

The post The Jazz Session #632: Benjamin Boone appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Marc Copland’s latest album is Someday (InnerVoiceJazz, 2023). In this interview, Marc talks about his bandmates; why he seeks out opportunities to play with younger musicians; his years with John Abercrombie and Gary Peacock; going into the studio without a detailed plan; and much more.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that’s bringing them joy. Marc talks about finding hope in science fiction. You’ll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)

The post The Jazz Session #631: Marc Copland appeared first on The Jazz Session.

This episode of The Jazz Session is sponsored by the TD James Moody Jazz Festival at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. The festival runs from November 3 through 19 and features a who’s who of talent from the jazz world and beyond. Performers include Dee Dee Bridgewater with Bill Charlap; Take 6; Abdullah Ibrahim; Gladys Knight; Dave Grusin; Cyrus Chestnut; Steve Turre; Christian McBride with Savion Glover; and many more. Tickets and a full schedule of performances are available at https://njpac.org. This episode features interviews with Abdullah Ibrahim, Bill Charlap, Claude McKnight from Take 6, and Dave Grusin.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that’s bringing them joy. Please note that there is no bonus show for this sponsored episode. You’ll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)

The post The Jazz Session #630: 2023 TD James Moody Jazz Fest Preview appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Violinist Aline Homzy’s new album with her band Etoile Magique is called Eclipse (Elastic Recordings, 2023). In this interview, Aline talks about imagining a world for the album to inhabit; how that world took shape in the arranging and titling process; writing for these particular musicians; a surprise theremin; how her dad influenced her music; what it’s like to play an uncommon jazz instrument; the importance of open-mindedness as a musician; and more.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that’s bringing them joy. Aline talks about wildlife videography. You’ll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)

The post The Jazz Session #629: Aline Homzy appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Bassist Todd Sickafoose’s new album is called Bear Proof (Secret Hatch Records, 2023). On this episode, Todd talks about assembling a cast of strong musical personalities; the challenges of recording an hour-long piece with no breaks; his work with Anaïs Mitchell on Hadestown; his long tenure in Ani DiFranco’s band; music as social commentary; composing for podcasts; and more.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that’s bringing them joy. Todd talks about living in Oaxaca. You’ll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)

The post The Jazz Session #628: Todd Sickafoose appeared first on The Jazz Session.