Podcast Archives - The Jazz Session

Saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa teams up with fellow saxophonist Bunky Green for Apex (Pi Recordings, 2010), an album of original compositions featuring Jason Moran, Francois Moutin, Jack DeJohnette and Damion Reed. In this interview, Mahanthappa talks about his first exposure to Bunky Green’s playing; why this all-star cast feels like a working band; and the thought process behind the compositions on the album. Learn more at rudreshm.com.

The post The Jazz Session #220: Rudresh Mahanthappa appeared first on The Jazz Session.

The Either/Orchestra is celebrating 25 years of making music with their new CD, Mood Music For Time Travellers (Accurate Records, 2010). In this interview, founder and leader Russ Gershon talks about how the band got started; how it has survived for 25 years; and the music on the new album, which returns to the “classic” E/O sound after several years working with Ethiopian musicians. Learn more at either-orchestra.org.

The post The Jazz Session #219: Either/Orchestra’s Russ Gershon appeared first on The Jazz Session.

A collection of short interviews recorded at the 2009 Tanglewood Jazz Festival in Lenox, MA. Featuring Regina Carter, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Nnenna Freelon and more. Learn more at www.tanglewoodjazzfestival.org.

The post The Jazz Session #218: Tanglewood Jazz Festival Sampler appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Matt Jorgensen pays tribute to his father-in-law, artist Dale Chisman, on his new CD, Tattooed By Passion (Origin Records, 2010). In this interview, Jorgensen talks about Chisman’s art and the genesis of this album; how Chisman’s approach to painting mirrors Jorgensen’s approach to composing; and how Jorgensen and Thomas Marriott worked together to write several of the tunes on the album. Learn more at www.mattjorgensen.com.

The post The Jazz Session #217: Matt Jorgensen appeared first on The Jazz Session.

The Jazz Session is launching a new membership campaign — “100 By 300” — with the goal of reaching 100 members by the 300th show. For the cost of a couple cups of (admittedly expensive) coffee each month, you can keep The Jazz Session going for years to come. Visit the Join page and become a member for as little as $10 a month or $110 a year. Thank you for your support! And thanks especially to the people who have already joined.

The post The Jazz Session’s “100 By 300” campaign appeared first on The Jazz Session.

David S. Ware’s new album is Onecept (Aum Fidelity, 2010). In this interview, he talks about the decision to make a completely improvised trio recording; and the ideas of yoga and philosophy that underlie his music. Learn more at www.davidsware.com.

The post The Jazz Session #216: David S. Ware appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Bassist William Parker is one of the most prolific players on the jazz scene today. His two most recent albums are I Plan To Stay A Believer: The Inside Songs Of Curtis Mayfield (Aum Fidelity, 2010) and Uncle Joe’s Spirit House (Aum Fidelity, 2010). In this interview, Parker talks about the origin of both projects; what he means by “inside songs”; and his unique take on the organ quartet. Learn more at www.williamparker.net.

If you’d like to buy these albums, you can support The Jazz Session by purchasing them via the links below:

The post The Jazz Session #215: William Parker appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Guitarist Garrison Fewell’s Variable Density Sound Orchestra returns with Sound Particle 47 (Creative Nation Music, 2010). In this interview, Fewell talks about the expanded band; his move from mainstream jazz to the experimental side; and his relationship with composer John Tchicai. Learn more at www.garrisonfewell.com.

The post The Jazz Session #214: Garrison Fewell appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Clarinetist James Falzone combines his love of Arabic classical music with an acknowledgement of the current East-West cultural divide on Lamentations (Allos Documents, 2010). In this interview, Falzone talks about his interest in Arabic music; how making beauty is a form of protest; and the blend of composition and improvisation on this album. Learn more at www.allosmusica.org.

The post The Jazz Session #213: James Falzone appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Vocalist Sara Serpa teams with her former teacher, pianist Ran Blake, on Camera Obscura (Inner Circle Music, 2010). In this interview, Serpa (who is Portuguese) talks about interpreting English lyrics; the high-wire act of singing with Ran Blake’s unique accompaniment; and the story of her journey from Lisbon to Boston to New York. Learn more at www.saraserpa.com.

The post The Jazz Session #212: Sara Serpa appeared first on The Jazz Session.