Podcast Archives - The Jazz Session

Drummer Lukas Ligeti’s most recent recording is Pattern Time (Innova Records, 2011). In this interview, Ligeti talks about his travels in Africa and how they’ve influenced his writing, particularly his approach to rhythm; how he crosses musical and cultural boundaries; and a fascinating analysis of swing. Learn more at www.lukasligeti.com.

Tracks used in this episode: Without Prior Warning; On Patterned Time; Timelessnesses; From The Ground Up; Tunnels Alight.

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Sundial Lotus (Innova, 2010) is the debut album by bassist Ben Gallina’s band Salo. In this interview, Gallina talks about composing the music for this record; how the band grew organically beyond his initial conception; and how science fiction and the works of David Foster Wallace have inspired his music. Learn more at www.bengallina.com.

Tracks used in this episode: The Sky Is An Eye; Worm Emperor; Metamorphistopheles; Obitron Revoluto; Trans-Galactic Sleep Chamber.

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Saxophonist Craig Handy is a member of The Cookers, whose latest CD is Cast The First Stone (Plus Loin, 2011). In this interview, Handy talks about playing with Dee Dee Bridgewater, Roy Haynes and other jazz luminaries; about his youthful experiences learning the craft of section playing and how to perform in service to the music; and about how he’s matured as a player over his decades on the professional scene. Learn more at www.craighandy.com.

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The 2011 Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival takes place Saturday and Sunday, June 25 and 26, in Saratoga Springs, NY. In this interview, festival producer and artistic director Danny Melnick takes us on a tour through the festival’s two days of music. Melnick also tells stories from his years producing festivals with Newport Jazz Festival founder George Wein. Learn more at www.spac.org/jazzfest/.

Tracks used in this episode: We’ve Only Just Begun (Ben Allison, from Action-Refraction); All Of Time (David Binney, from Graylen Epicenter); Good Morning Heartache (Dee Dee Bridgewater, from Eleanora Fagan (1915-1959): To Billie With Love From Dee Dee); Blue Boy (George Wein, from George Wein’s Newport All-Stars); Third Occasion (David Binney; from Third Occasion) Jackie-ing (Ben Allison, from Action-Refraction).

Several of the musicians appearing at the festival have been on The Jazz Session. Click on a link below to listen to an interview.

The post The Jazz Session #279: 2011 Saratoga Jazz Fest Preview appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Saxophonist James Carter is back with an ambitious new album, Caribbean Rhapsody (Emarcy, 2011), featuring the compositions of Roberto Sierra. In this interview, Carter talks about finding ways to connect with an audience; his collaboration with Sierra on the new compositions; and his view of an artist’s responsibility to the listener and vice versa. Learn more at jamescarterlive.com.

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Trumpeter David Weiss is responsible for the formation of The Cookers, whose latest album is Cast The First Stone (Plus Loin, 2010). In this interview, Weiss talks about the tribute show that led to the creation of the band; why it’s important for him to create working bands rather than one-off shows; and his views on the current jazz scene and why the music’s past was an untouchable zenith. Learn more at www.davidweissmusic.com.

Tracks used in this episode: Cast The First Stone; Peacemaker; Looking For The Light; The Seventh Day; The Chief.

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Guitarist Julian Lage’s new album is Gladwell (Emarcy, 2011). In this interview, Lage talks about the creation of the fictional town for which the album is named; the special technique he used to record several of the tracks on the record; and why every guitar has its own distinct sound and aptitude. Learn more at www.julianlage.com.

Tracks used in this episode: 233 Butler; Margaret; Point The Way; However; Cathedral; Telegram.

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Saxophonist Virginia Genta and drummer David Vanzan make up Italy’s Jooklo Duo. Their latest release is a 7″ vinyl single called The Warrior (Northern Spy Records, 2011). In this interview, Genta and Vanzan talk about how they met and why they jumped right into the world of free improvisation; the varied experiences they’ve had touring the world; and their DIY, vinyl-only aesthetic. Learn more at jooklo.altervista.org.

TOUR NOTE: Jooklo Duo is now touring the United States. Tour dates are here: http://jooklo.altervista.org/CONCERTI.htm.

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Trumpeter Eddie Henderson is a member of The Cookers and appears on their latest CD, Cast The First Stone (Plus Loin, 2010). In this interview, Henderson talks about his childhood encounters with Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis; the discipline that allowed him to become both a medical doctor and a professional musician; and the lessons learned in a career that spans from bebop to the present day. Learn more at www.myspace.com/eddiehendersonjazz.

Tracks used in this episode: Cast The First Stone; Peacemaker; Looking For The Light; The Seventh Day; The Chief.

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Dave Douglas United Front: Brass Ecstasy At Newport (Greenleaf Music, 2011) is Douglas’s new CD with his brass quintet. In this interview, Douglas talks about the musical world he’s worked hard to create; his various ensembles and the compositional and performance outlets they provide; and his work scoring music for a film. Learn more at www.davedouglas.com.

Tracks used in this episode: (from United Front: Live At Newport) Spirit Moves; Rava; Fats; (from Spark Of Being: Expand) Spark of Being; Creature; (from United Front: Live At Newport) Bowie.

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