Podcast Archives - The Jazz Session

Drummer Devin Gray’s new CD is Dirigo Rataplan (Skirl Records, 2012). In this interview, Gray talks about finding space for surprise; his early years at the Maine Jazz Camp with the likes of Tony Malaby and Ethan Iverson; finding time and discipline for practice during a busy musical life; and his various projects as a leader and sideman. Learn more at devingraymusic.com and follow him on Twitter at @DevinGrayMusic.

CONCERT NOTE: Devin Gray’s quartet is playing tonight (April 12, 2012) at 8:30 p.m. at Cornelia Street Cafe in New York City.

The post The Jazz Session #363: Devin Gray appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Saxophonist Patrick Cornelius’s latest CD is Maybe Steps (Posi-Tone, 2011). In this interview, Cornelius talks about the new record as a continuation of his previous full-band writing, after a break for his trio record; why it’s important to him to tell stories during his live performances; his time in the artist diploma program at Juilliard; and the economics of jazz records. Learn more at patrickcornelius.com and follow him on Twitter at @PCorneliusMusic.

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Pianist Myra Melford’s most recent recording is The Guest House (Yellowbird Records, 2012) with her collective band Trio M, featuring Matt Wilson and Mark Dresser. In this interview, Melford talks about the recent premiere of her multimedia work “Snowy Egret” in New York; the formation and continued success of Trio M; and how she balances a busy life as a performer with a full schedule as a professor. Learn more at www.myramelford.com.

Concert Note: Trio M is playing two East Coast CD release shows this week. On Friday, April 6, they’re at Firehouse 12 in New Haven, CT and on Saturday, April 7, they’re at the Kitano Hotel in New York City.

Previous Appearance: This is Myra’s second time on The Jazz Session. Listen to her 2009 episode.

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Vocalist Melissa Stylianou’s new CD is Silent Movie (Anzic Records, 2012). In this interview, Stylianou talks about her accidental entrance into the world of jazz; the importance of storytelling; and how her training as an actor has impacted her musical career. Learn more at melissastylianou.com and follow her on Twitter at @sleepinbee.

CONCERT NOTE: Melissa Stylianou is performing two CD release shows in honor of her new album — at Jazz Standard in New York City on April 3 and at The Rex in Toronto on April 7. More details at melissastylianou.com.

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Raya Brass Band’s new CD is Dancing On Roses, Dancing On Cinders (2012). In this interview, four of the five members of the band discuss its origins; the rhythmic underpinnings of Balkan music; the uses of improvisation in their performances; and how a movie caused one of the members of the band to quit his job and take up the accordion. Learn more at rayabrassband.com and follow them on Twitter at @RayaBrassBand.

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Drummer Billy Hart’s new CD is All Our Reasons (ECM, 2012). In this interview, Hart talks about the “European sound” of this band; what he looks for in bandmates and why this band fits his needs so well; and what he believes powered Coltrane’s musical explorations. Learn more at billyhartmusic.com.

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Trumpeter Nate Wooley’s recent albums include the solo records The Almond and 8 Syllables and the quintet recording (Put Your) Hands Together. In this interview, Wooley talks about putting 100 trumpets on one solo (!) recording; why he was surprised when one of his albums made him feel good at the end; how he started playing solo trumpet; and how the death of his grandmother led to his recent quintet album. Learn more at natewooley.com and follow him on Twitter at @nate_wooley.

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Pianist and vocalist Champian Fulton’s latest CD is The Breeze And I. In this interview, Fulton talks about the bebop record she listened to exclusively for months (starting the day she was born); her father’s influence and how his friendship with Clark Terry shaped her life; and her transition from student to working musician. Learn more at champian.net and follow her on Twitter at @ChampianFulton.

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The Tierney Sutton Band’s latest CD is American Road (BFM Jazz, 2011). In this interview, Sutton talks about why the band chose to focus on Americana for this record; how the band functions as a collective in everything from song arranging to business; and how her Baha’i faith has influenced the way she approaches making music. Learn more at tierneysutton.com and follow her on Twitter at @TierneySutton.

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Ottawa trumpeter Craig Pedersen’s new album is Days Like Today (2011). In this interview, Pedersen talks about how literature influences his musical compositions; why he gravitates toward the avant garde; and the nature of the improvised music scene in Ottawa. Learn more at craigpedersen.com and follow him on Twitter at @pedersencraig.

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