Songs & Stories

In this episode of Backstage Jazz, host Steve Roby interviews trumpeter Jason Klobnak, the leader of J's Ruckus. They delve into Jason's impressive music background, discussing his early days playing in church and community jazz organizations. 

Jason shares that he originally hails from Des Moines, Iowa. He moved to Denver in 2004 to pursue his master's degree at the University of Denver, where he studied with renowned trumpeter Al Hood. 

Jason has accomplished much in the music industry throughout his career, including writing and publishing two jazz improv books and establishing an online school to teach improvisation. He's also taken on clinical work, conducting clinics at colleges and high schools and performing and composing with various groups. Jason's diverse experiences have ultimately led him to his current position as the music program chair at Arapahoe Community College.

The conversation shifts to J's Ruckus, Jason's innovative jazz fusion group. Steve explores the origins of the band and its unique approach to music. The band incorporates various styles, such as hip-hop, jazz fusion, and R&B, along with the use of effects pedals on the horns. 

The incredible rapping skills of R. Allen Brooks also accompany the music. Jason introduces each band member, highlighting their talents and the chemistry they have developed over the years. He emphasizes the fun nature of their music, both for the audience and the band members.

You can catch J's Ruckus at Dazzle on February 22 for a 6:30 p.m. show - tickets and info here.

This episode, Backstage Jazz, features an engaging conversation between host Steve Roby, Grammy-nominated singer Tierney Sutton, and jazz pianist Tamir Hendelman.

The duo delves into their musical journeys, from Tierney's discovery of jazz in college to Tamir's camaraderie and love for performing together. 

The episode also highlights their collaborative efforts during the pandemic, connecting with audiences through online concerts.

They discuss remarkable performances, including a special remote recording that solidified their musical bond. Tierney and Tamir share stories of their themed shows, featuring the songs of Johnny Mercer and the challenges and adventures of touring. 

Sutton and Hendelman express excitement about reconnecting with Denver audiences at Dazzle, discussing their upcoming Valentine's Month show, "L.O.V.E." 

Throughout, the duo showcases their passion for the Great American Songbook and their unique interpretations of beloved classics alongside lesser-known gems. 

Listeners can find their music on various streaming platforms, and details about their shows at Dazzle are included. 

Overall, this episode offers an intimate glimpse into the musical careers and artistry of Tierney Sutton and Tamir Hendelman

In this episode of Backstage Jazz, host Steve Roby interviews Aldo Pantoja, the lead singer of Don Chicharrón, Denver's only chicha band. Aldo explains the origins and influences of chicha music, a style of cumbia from Peru that blends elements of punk, surf, jazz, and salsa. He also discusses the band's formation and introduces two of their songs, “Sábado Gigante” and “Valle.” 

The podcast concludes with details about Don Chicharron’s upcoming show at Dazzle on February 16. 

Follow them on social media for more information and to get their music. Join Aldo and the band for a night of groovy cumbia rhythms and dancing at Dazzle.

When a jazz musician rolls into Denver for a performance, it's not often that a documentary film and immersive art exhibition await them. But jazz-great Eddie Henderson is no ordinary musician, nor has he led an ordinary life.

A few hours before Henderson played a two-show set at Denver’s premier jazz venue, Dazzle, an exhibit called Time and Spaces: The Life of Eddie Henderson opened to the public at the CU Denver Experience Gallery in the Denver Performing Arts Complex. It features archival photos, one of Henderson’s trumpets, and memorabilia, including a pair of skates he wore as a professional figure skater.

There was also a room to view a twenty-minute clip of the documentary Dr. Eddie Henderson: Uncommon Genius. The film examines the 83-year-old musician’s life, including how he overcame racial barriers and broke into fields that underrepresented Black men. In the 1960s, he became a professional figure skater and a practicing medical doctor. The documentary by Michelle Carpenter will screen at film festivals nationwide and air on PBS in February.

In this episode, we’ll hear from Andrew Palamara, the Gallery Coordinator for the exhibit Time and Spaces, Michelle Carpenter, documentarian for the film Dr. Eddie Henderson: Uncommon Genius, but up first is Mark Rabideau, a tenured professor of music at Colorado University and a good friend to Eddie Henderson. 

Be sure to stick around for an exclusive interview with Dr. Henderson towards the end of this podcast.

Today, we're diving deep into the vibrant jazz scene keeping Denver swinging. So, sit back, relax, or swing along as we unravel the best of Denver's live music spots and events jazzing up the city.

In this episode of the Backstage Jazz Show, host Steve Roby interviews arranger, composer, and pianist Dave Hansen. The discussion delves deep into Dave's musical journey, from his beginnings in saxophone performance to his vast experience composing for various artists and ensembles, including the Boston Pops.

It also highlights his fascinating career as a music educator that spanned 36 years at the University of Denver. The conversation further pivots to Dave's upcoming residency at DAZZLE starting February 18, along with a preview of some of his songs. The three-night residency promises a diverse range of performances, starting with a duo concert with violinist Claude Sim, followed by a tribute to his friend Al Hood, and concludes with a live recording of original compositions for piano, bass, and drums.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation

00:33 Dave Hansen's Musical Journey

04:47 Exploring Dave's Music

21:47 Dave's Upcoming Shows at DAZZLE

21:55 In-depth Look at Each Show

28:34 Recording Live at DAZZLE

31:46 Where to Find Dave's Music

32:44 Conclusion and Farewell

Jazziz magazine writes that Nelson Rangell is “an artist of depth, a master of song, and an improviser non pareil.” The Times of London notes “his extraordinary facility on a range of instruments” and Rangell’s “considerable crowd-pleasing power.” Saxophone Journal writes, “He commands the alto saxophone with such authority there can be no denying that Rangell is a true artist.” Flute Talk Magazine states, “Nelson Rangell creates the impression that anything is possible when improvising.” Such praise is a confirmation of what contemporary jazz fans have known since the Denver-based saxophonist emerged in the late 80s: that Rangell is one of the most exciting and diverse performers in the genre, equally adept at soprano, alto, and tenor saxophone, as well as being a genuine virtuoso on flute and piccolo.

Nelson Rangell and his band will perform two shows at Dazzle on Saturday, February 3. The early show is at 6:30, and the later starts at 9 p.m. For tickets and more info, visit https://www.dazzledenver.com/

After playing the blues for the first time in his Middle School Jazz band, Sean Applebee was in awe at the sensation of spiritual healing he had never experienced before. From this moment forward, Sean sought to learn everything he could about what he had experienced, however he still struggled to find an answer. 

Eventually, Sean met world-renowned trumpeter Brad Goode at the University of Colorado Boulder’s Summer Jazz Camp when he was seventeen. The sheer amount of intention and spirituality that each musician put into their playing brought Sean so much joy that he could not stop singing every song after each performance. The music brought a whole new dimension of color and wonder to his life beyond anything experiments and calculations could quantify.

Sean is now dedicated to learning as much as he can in order to play music that touches people’s souls so that he can heal the world one person at a time. 

To lean more about his music, visit: https://www.seanapplebeeandbeyond.com/

Show notes: One of the most highly regarded jazz drummers today, Joe is known for his blazing speed, precision, musical, and melodic playing.

Born in South Hadley, Massachusetts, in 1968, Joe grew up in a musical family; his father was a music educator, and he has four older brothers, two of whom became professional musicians.

He studied with Alan Dawson and Arthur Taylor prior to attending and graduating from William Patterson College in New Jersey in 1994, where he began playing with saxophonist Eric Alexander and guitarist Peter Bernstein.

Upon moving to New York City, he led the weekend jazz combos at Augie’s (now Smoke Jazz & Supper Club). He performed with Junior Cook, Cecil Payne, John Ore, Big John Patton, Harold Mabern, Eddie Henderson, John Jenkins, and his brothers, John and James.

Joseph’s career includes recording over 100 CDs as leader and side-man, jazz festivals, and world tours with Pharaoh Sanders, Horace Silver, Harold Mabern, McCoy Tyner, Cedar Walton, Diana Krall, Benny Golson, George Coleman, Johnny Griffin, Lou Donaldson, Benny Green, Barry Harris, Curtis Fuller to name a few.

He was the drummer for the late McCoy Tyner, a member of the late Pharaoh Sanders Quartet, and the late Harold Mabern Trio, and is a founding member of the renowned One for All Quintet.

My recordings as a leader include Drumspeak and Beautiful Friendship feats. Cedar Walton and Curtis Fuller, Prime Time, Super Prime Time, and Make Someone Happy.

Sarah Hanahan is an up-and-coming jazz saxophonist in New York City. Sarah is a graduate of the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the Hartt School of Music, where she received her Bachelor's degree in 2019, as well as The Juilliard School, where she received her master's degree in 2022. She has had the privilege of studying with some of the greats of our time, including Abraham Burton, Nat Reeves, Steve Davis, Billy Drummond, and Marc Cary.

This episode features an interview with award-winning jazz pianist and composer Emmet Cohen. 

We discussed his current release, Master Legacy Series Vol. 5, and his upcoming concert at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, February 3.

Jazz pianist and composer Emmet Cohen is one of his generation's pivotal figures in music and the related arts. Leader of the Emmet Cohen Trio and creator of the Masters Legacy Series, he’s an internationally acclaimed jazz artist, a dedicated educator, and a finalist in the 2011 Thelonious Monk International Piano  Competition.