Podcast Archives - The Jazz Session

Rob Garcia, Michel Gentile and Daniel Kelly talk about their nonprofit jazz advocacy organization, Connection Works. Based in Brooklyn, Connection Works presents concerts and educational opportunities featuring A-list musicians and aimed at the broader community. In this interview, Garcia, Gentile and Kelly talk about how the organization started; the benefits it brings to the community; and their own individual careers. Learn more at www.connectionworks.org.

Tracks used in this episode: Initiate (Daniel Kelly); Joe-Pye Weed (Rob Garcia); Ronde Pour Rota (Michel Gentile); The Huge Stones Come Alive (Daniel Kelly); Perennial (Rob Garcia).

The post The Jazz Session #272: Connection Works appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Bassist Cecil McBee’s latest recording is as a member of The Cookers on their CD Cast The First Stone (Plus Loin, 2010). In this interview, McBee talks about The Cookers; his study of various languages and their relationship to music; and his evolution as a composer. Learn more at www.cecilmcbeejazz.com.

Tracks used in this episode: (from the CD Cast The First Stone) Cast The First Stone; Peacemaker; (from the CD Warriors) Ladybugg; U Phoria.

The post The Jazz Session #271: Cecil McBee appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Accordionist Victor Prieto’s most recent album is a duet record with saxophonist Chris Cheek called Rollo-Coaster (Cheekus Music, 2009). In this interview, Prieto talks about the deep history of his instrument; the new technique he developed for jazz accordion; and the unique sound of his trio. Learn more at www.victorprieto.net.

Tracks used in this episode: Bebe; Coo; Rolocoaster; Six Note Samba; Shelter; Papa Pin. PLUS: Three exclusive solo performances recorded during the interview!

The post The Jazz Session #270: Victor Prieto appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Saxophonist TK Blue’s new CD is Latinbird (Motema Music, 2011). In this interview, Blue talks about his decision to record an album of Parker’s music; his years in Paris and his early days in New York; and how his relationships with Randy Weston, Abdullah Ibrahim and Benny Powell have shaped his life and music. Learn more at www.tkblue.com.

Tracks used in this episode: Chi Chi; Si Si; He Flew Away too Soon; Visa; Bluebird; Barbados; Steeplechase; Buzzy.

The post The Jazz Session #269: TK Blue appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Pianist George Cables’ most recent recording is with The Cookers on their new album, Cast The First Stone (Plus Loin Music, 2010). In this interview, Cables talks about the importance of a unified concept; why he feels he’s had success as a sideman with everyone from Dexter Gordon to Art Pepper; and how he makes each composition his own. Learn more at georgecables.com.

NOTE: This interview contains an exclusive solo performance of “You Don’t Know What Love Is.” To hear an additional solo performance of “Helen’s Song,” please become a member of The Jazz Session.

Tracks used in this episode: The Chief; Think On Me; Croquet Ballet; The Seventh Day; You Don’t Know What Love Is (exclusive live performance for The Jazz Session); Looking For The Light.

The post The Jazz Session #268: George Cables appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Slumgum’s new album is Quardboard Flavored Fiber (Accretions, 2011). In this interview, the band’s Jon Armstrong talks about how the diverse backgrounds of the members lead to a fascinating array of compositional ideas; why the band chose its unique name; and how the use of humor and improvisational games leads the music down interesting paths. Oh, and we get kicked out of a place. Learn more at slumgum.com.

Tracks used in this episode: Hancho Pancho; Eshu’s Trick; Big Fun (Running In A Dream); Afternoon; Big Fun (Natural Liberation); Quardboard Flavored Fiber.

The post The Jazz Session #267: Slumgum appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Guitarist Anthony Wilson’s new CD is Campo Belo (Goat Hill Recordings, 2011). In this interview, Wilson talks about his ongoing travels to Brazil; his new music for a quartet of custom-built guitars; and why rhythm changes can be beautiful. Learn more at www.anthonywilsonmusic.com.

Tracks used in this episode: Campo Belo; March to March; Edu; After The Flood; Patrimonio; Valsacatu.

The post The Jazz Session #266: Anthony Wilson appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Saxophonist Billy Harper appears on Cast The First Stone, the latest CD from The Cookers. In this interview, part of The Jazz Session’s “Cookers Mondays” series, Harper talks about his involvement with the band; recounts the story of his first night in NYC in the late 1960s; and tells about how persistence paid off when it came to sitting in with one of the most famous drummers of all time. Learn more at www.billyharper.com.

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

The post The Jazz Session #265: Billy Harper appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Chris Washburne and the SYOTOS Band’s most recent album is Fields of Moons (Jazzheads, 2010). In this interview, Washburne talks about his introduction to the New York salsa scene; why SYOTOS chose to record softer music on the new album; and an amazing story about Tito Puente. Learn more at www.chriswashburne.com.

Tracks used in this episode: Fields Of Moons; Seas Of Slumber; Obsesion; Poinciana; Duke Ellington’s Sound Of Love; When Lights Are Low; Non Spoken.

The post The Jazz Session #264: Chris Washburne appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Sean Smith’s new CD is called Trust. In this interview, Smith talks about the idea of trust among musicians; recalls Bill Finnegan’s teachings; and talks about the potentially career-ending injury that gave him a new lease on life and music. Learn more at www.seansmithjazz.com.

Tracks used in this episoed: Betting Blind; Homemade Japanese Folk Song; Wayne’s World; Lawn Ornaments; Occam’s Razor; Voices; Margin Of Error.

The post The Jazz Session #263: Sean Smith appeared first on The Jazz Session.