Podcast Archives - The Jazz Session

Composer Maria Schneider’s most recent CD is Sky Blue (ArtistShare). Now Schneider has turned her attention to the classical world, composing music for soprano and orchestra. In this interview, Schneider talks about how a meeting with soprano Dawn Upshaw led to this new direction in her music; how she waded through oceans of poetry to find the text she wanted for her new pieces; and how a chance comment from a college professor led her to the world of jazz. Learn more at mariaschneider.com.

Tracks used in this episode: The Pretty Road; Aires de Lando; Rich’s Piece; How Are Things In Glocca Morra? (Bing Crosby); Sky Blue.

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Drummer Adam Cruz has released his first CD as a leader, Milestone (Sunnyside, 2011), featuring his own compositions. In this interview, Cruz talks about finding his own voice as a composer; the challenges associated with leading a band; and the impact of his father on his life as a musician. Learn more at www.adamcruz.net.

Tracks used in this episode: Secret Life; Emje; Crepuscular; The Gadfly; Bird of Paradise.

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Pianist Matthew Shipp and saxophonist Darius Jones have a new duo CD called Cosmic Lieder (AUM Fidelity, 2011). In this wide-ranging interview, Shipp and Jones discuss intergenerational collaboration; the “x factor” that caused Shipp to ask Jones to work together; and how Jones views Shipp’s musical language and career. Learn more at www.matthewshipp.com and www.myspace.com/blackdajones.

Tracks used in this episode: Bleed; Ultima Thule; Zillo Valla; Multiverse; Mandrakk; Ged-Jedollah.

CONCERT NOTE: Matthew Shipp and Darius Jones are playing two sets at Jazz Standard in NYC on April 27.

The post The Jazz Session #259: Matthew Shipp & Darius Jones appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Saxophonist Noah Preminger’s new CD is Before The Rain (Palmetto, 2011). In this interview, Preminger talks about his musical upbringing; why he spend a lot of time planning the order of the songs in a performance; and the important of being respectful. Learn more at www.noahpreminger.com.

Tracks used in this episode: Where or When; Quickening; Before The Rain; Abreaction; Until The Real Thing Comes Along; Jamie.

The post The Jazz Session #258: Noah Preminger appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Guitarist Adam Rogers’ most recent album is Sight (Criss Cross, 2009). In this interview, Rogers talks about the band he put together for his recent run at the Village Vanguard; why he enjoys using a broad range of guitar sounds — and guitars; and how he melds the music he writes with the need for improvisational space. Learn more at www.adamrogersmusic.com.

Tracks used in this episode: Sight; Kaleidoscope; Yesterdays; Memory’s Translucence; Let’s Cool One.

The post The Jazz Session #257: Adam Rogers appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Vocalist Fay Victor explores her Trinidadian roots in the company of Other Dimensions In Music on Kaiso Stories (Silkheart, 2011). In this interview, Victor talks about the chance meeting that led to the new CD; how she melded the calypso music of Trinidad with the experimental jazz she’s known for; and the many projects with which she’s currently involved. Learn more at www.fayvictor.com.

Tracks used in this episode: Maryanne; John Gilman Wants Tobacco; Three Friends’ Advice; Nora; Saltfish; We Is We.

NOTE: Fay is performing tonight (April 11, 2011) at 7 p.m. with Dominic Lash at Clemente Soto Velez Cultural Center, 107 Suffolk Street, NYC, as part of the Evolving Music Series. Please note that this is a new location for the series. Also on the bill: Theo Bleckmann & Jay Clayton (8 p.m.); Charles Gayle’s Forgiveness (9 p.m.); Arts for Artestra (10 p.m.).

The post The Jazz Session #256: Fay Victor appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Drummer Marc Miralta’s most recent CD is Dreams (Fresh Sound, 2007). In this interview, recorded while Miralta was in New York to play with Alexis Cuadrado, Miralta talks about his lifelong love of jazz; how he became known for his flamenco/jazz hybrid music; and why a life as an artist was a natural choice in his family. Learn more at www.marcmiralta.com.

Tracks used in this episode: Dreams; Way Out Willy; Cami del Bosc; Epistrophy and Segment (both from the New York Flamenco Reunion album); Eastern.

The post The Jazz Session #255: Marc Miralta appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Pianist Bruce Barth’s latest record is Live At Smalls (Smalls Live, 2011) with Vicente Archer and Rudy Royston. In this interview, Barth talks about the equal partnership and openness he looks for in his bandmates; what he learned from his early work with Stanley Turrentine and Terence Blanchard; and the difficulties of studying at a jazz school in a place where there isn’t a jazz scene. Learn more at brucebarth.com.

Tracks used in this episode: Oh Yes I Will; Sunday; Yama; Almost Blues; Peaceful Place; Looking Up.

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Brian Lynch celebrates some of his fellow trumpeters whom he feels deserve more notice on Unsung Heroes (Hollistic MusicWorks, 2010). In this interview, Lynch talks about his very real connection to the generations before him; why he feels a grounding in the tradition of jazz is important; and the idea that “bebop is the music of the future.” Learn more at brianlynchjazz.com.

Tracks used in this episode: Terra Firma Irma; I Could Never Forget You; Further Arrivals; Saturday Afternoon At Four; Wetu.

NOTE: In addition to the CD, there are two extra volumes of Unsung Heroes available for download. Visit Brian’s web site for more information.

The post The Jazz Session #253: Brian Lynch appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Guitarist Nico Soffiato’s new album is Just Add Water (nBn Records, 2011). In this interview, Soffiato talks about his decision to become a guitarist rather than a philosopher; his thoughts on improvisation and structure in his music; and why he enjoys playing with new people. Learn more at www.reverbnation.com/nicosoffiato.

Tracks used in this episode: Alexander; Tens Of Us; Just Add Water; Fanfare; View Askew; Oh, What A Beautiful Morning.

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