Podcast Archives - The Jazz Session

Drummer Tomas Fujiwara has assembled some of the most in-demand improvisers on the creative music scene today for his debut album, Actionspeak (482 Music). In this interview, Fujiwara talks about how he met the members of his band, The Hook Up; his first experience as a band leader in a recording session; and his early years in Boston and how he ended up studying with drummer Alan Dawson. Learn more at tomasfujiwara.com.

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Bassist Mario Pavone is looking back on his life in music with his new album, arc suite t/pi t/po (Playscape Recordings, 2010). In this interview, Pavone talks about the changing role of rhythm sections in modern improvised music; his work in the visual arts, particularly painting and photography; and his “upside-down” approach to arranging. Learn more at www.mariopavone.com.

The post The Jazz Session #210: Mario Pavone appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Several years ago, Danilo Perez became a father. On his new album, Providencia (Mack Avenue, 2010), Perez explores the lives of his daughters and commits himself, musically and socially, to leaving them a better world. In this interview, Perez talks about fatherhood; the diverse array of musicians in his band; and the many musical and other projects he’s involved with in Panama and at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Learn more at www.daniloperez.com.

The post The Jazz Session #209: Danilo Perez appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Portland, Oregon-based band Blue Cranes have a new record called Observatories that continues their exploration of a wide variety of musical styles. In this interview, two members of Blue Crane discuss the band’s origin; its expansion from a quartet to a quintet; the use of the studio as an instrument; and their fan-funded upcoming national tour by train. Learn more at www.bluecranesmusic.com.

The post The Jazz Session #208: Blue Cranes appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Grammy and Tony award winner Don Sebesky wrote and arranged music for many of the classic CTI recordings. You can hear his work on a new boxed set, CTI: The Cool Revolution (Sony Masterworks, 2010). In this interview, Sebesky talks about how CTI got started and how it developed its signature sound; his experience working with Wes Montgomery, Jim Hall, Paul Desmond, Grover Washington, Jr. and many others; and why he still considers his time at CTI one of the best periods of his musical career. Learn more at www.donsebeskymusic.com.

CONTEST: Listen to the show to learn how to win a copy of the boxed set!

The post The Jazz Session #207: Don Sebesky (CTI Records) appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Saxophonist Jon Irabagon continues his exploration of extended improvisation on Foxy (Hot Cup, 2010). In this interview, Irabagon talks about his study of the tenor saxophone lineage; the physical and mental challenges of the continuous 87-minute improvisation on this album; and why he felt Barry Altschul was the perfect drummer for this project. Learn more at www.jonirabagon.com.

The post The Jazz Session #206: Jon Irabagon appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Trumpeter Stephen Haynes is joined by Warren Smith and Joe Morris on his new trio CD Parrhesia (Engine, 2010). In this interview, Haynes talks about “relational” arranging; how the album captured a special day in the recording studio; and why he tries to focus on making music in his local area. Learn more at stephenhaynes.blogspot.com.

The post The Jazz Session #205: Stephen Haynes appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Composer Darrell Katz leads an all-star ensemble of Boston’s finest through a program of his own compositions on A Wallflower In The Amazon (Accurate Records, 2010). In this interview, Katz talks about the album’s musical diversity; his use of poetry as text for some of his compositions; and his particular method of placing his own stamp on the works of others. Learn more at www.jazzcomposersalliance.org.

The post The Jazz Session #204: Darrell Katz appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Saxophonist Howard Wiley explores the music and conditions at Angola prison in Louisiana on 12 Gates to the City. This CD is the follow up to The Angola Project, which was based on Wiley’s research on the prison. The new album was inspired by Wiley’s visit to Angola. In this interview, Wiley talks about conditions at the prison; modern-day slavery; and why he felt compelled to document his experiences musically. Learn more at www.howardwiley.com.

The post The Jazz Session #203: Howard Wiley appeared first on The Jazz Session.

Saxophonist Geof Bradfield traveled to several African countries in 2008. His new album, African Flowers (Origin Records, 2010), is a musical chronicle of that journey. In this interview, Bradfield talks about the places he visited on his trip; how he chose to musically interpret his experiences; and the varied projects with which he’s currently involved. Learn more at http://geofbradfield.com.

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