Songs & Stories

Show Notes

Backstage Bay Area welcomes the vibrant Afro-Cuban duo, OKAN—Elizabeth Rodriguez and Magdelys Savigne—for an inspiring discussion about music, identity, and resilience.

In this episode, host Steve Roby dives deep with OKAN as they share:

Their humble start at making music in a Toronto basement and finding their creative voices.

The meaning behind the name "OKAN" and how honoring their roots and heart shapes their sound.

Balancing life as musicians, partners, and parents on the road—including stories of their young son joining them on stage.

Collaborating with Brazilian multi-instrumentalist Munir Hossn on their new single "PomPom" and exploring the unique process of blending Afro-Cuban and Afro-Brazilian influences.

Their songwriting process, the importance of supporting women composers, and how spiritual well-being and self-love fuel their art.

The making of their Juno-winning album "OKAN Tumi," and a sneak peek at their upcoming, more digitally influenced fourth album.

What to expect at their upcoming SF Jazz shows—featuring new music, dance floor energy, and a family affair on stage.

Tune in for exclusive tracks, behind-the-scenes stories, and a celebration of music that unites cultures and generations.

Featured Music:

"Pompom" (with Munir Hossn)

"OKAN Tumi"

“Me Merezco” – Exclusive preview

Upcoming Shows:

Catch OKAN at SF Jazz’s Joe Henderson Lab for four shows over two nights—details and tickets are available at sfjazz.org. For more music and tour dates, visit okanmusica.com.

Listen now for a journey of heart, rhythm, and the power of believing in your own voice.

Show Notes

Backstage Bay Area welcomes Montreal-based, award-winning singer-songwriter Dominique Fils-Aimé. In this episode, Dominique shares her creative journey, the healing power of music, and the inspiration behind her latest works, including her new single "Keep On Shining" and her first live album, Live at the Montreal International Jazz Festival.

Host Steve Roby and Dominique discuss:

Her unique approach to jazz and improvisation

The influence of artists like Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, and Lauryn Hill

The meditative process of songwriting and the importance of freedom in music

The story behind "Keep On Shining" and its collaboration with Jaron Marshall

Insights from recording a live album and the magic of performing for an audience

The meaning behind her album Our Roots Run Deep and its connection to nature and community

What to expect at her upcoming shows at SFJAZZ’s Joe Henderson Lab, including her dynamic band and the improvisational spirit of her performances

Upcoming Shows:

Dominique Fils-Aimé performs at SFJAZZ’s Joe Henderson Lab, September 18th & 19th, with two shows nightly at 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM.

🎟️ Tickets: sfjazz.org

Connect with Dominique:

Official Website: domiofficial.com

Listen to Live at the Montreal International Jazz Festival and "Keep On Shining" on your favorite streaming platforms.

Follow Backstage Bay Area for more conversations with today’s most inspiring artists!

Show Notes
On this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steve Roby chats with Jacob Swedlow, drummer and band leader of Sacramento’s jazz fusion group, LabRats.

Jacob shares the story of how the band formed, their improvisational origins, and how the Sacramento music scene has influenced their sound. The conversation explores the creative process behind tracks like “Jeff Costello Shot a Man” and “Loading Screen,” and discusses how the band combines hip-hop, jazz, and experimental styles.

Jacob also discusses the group’s upcoming performances at the SF Jazz Center’s Joe Henderson Lab, where Lab Rats will pay tribute to Herbie Hancock’s legendary Mwandishi era, blending in their own unique style and improvisational energy. Learn how the intimate setting of the Joe Henderson Lab influences the band’s dynamics, and why every show promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience.

Get Your Tickets:
LabRats perform at the SF Jazz Center, Joe Henderson Lab, on Friday, September 12th, with shows at 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM.
🎟️ Buy Tickets at sfjazz.org

Learn More:
For music, tour dates, and more about LabRats, visit their official website:
🌐 labratsband.com

Don’t forget to subscribe for more artist interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the Bay Area music scene!

Episode Summary:
In this episode, host Steve Roby welcomes singer Stella Heath for an intimate look at the Billie Holiday Project—a heartfelt tribute to Lady Day’s music and legacy. Ahead of her performances at SF Jazz, Stella shares her journey from a musically rich upbringing in Petaluma, California, to her deep dive into jazz and acting, and how these experiences shape her storytelling on stage.

Key Topics & Highlights:

• Stella’s early musical influences included Louis Armstrong, Edith Piaf, and her mother’s eclectic taste.
• The impact of classical training and acting (including Shakespeare) on her jazz phrasing and storytelling.
• The origins and inspiration behind the Billie Holiday Project, focusing on Billie’s emotional depth and social impact, especially through songs like “Strange Fruit.”
• Live performances from the Billie Holiday Project, including “No Regrets” and “I’ll Be Seeing You.”
• Stella’s approach to interpreting Billie Holiday’s phrasing—balancing homage with her own voice.
• Insights into “back phrasing” and how Billie Holiday reshaped melodies.
• The band lineup for the SF Jazz shows, featuring musicians like Neil Angelo Fontano (piano), Robbie Elman (reeds), Daniel Fabricant (bass), Spike Klein (drums), Ian Sheer (guitar), and guest trumpeter Justin.
• What audiences can expect at the live shows: a mix of classic and lesser-known 1930s tunes, narrative arcs, and a unique setlist for each performance.

Show Details:
The Billie Holiday Project with the Stella Heath Sextet comes to SF Jazz’s Joe Henderson Lab:

• Saturday, September 6th: 7:00 PM & 8:30 PM
• Sunday, September 7th: 6:00 PM & 7:30 PM
  For tickets and more information, visit sfjazz.org.

Connect with Stella Heath:
Website: stellaheathmusic.com

Listen & Subscribe:
Find this episode, past conversations, and show notes (including ticket links) wherever you get your podcasts.

Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you at the show!

Episode Summary

Pianist Eric Lewis (ELEW) joins Backstage Bay Area to trace a path from a five-piano childhood in Camden, New Jersey, to the creation of Rockjazz, a career-shaping stint with {{Elvin Jones}}, and his latest project, ELEW Plays Sting. We explore how he translates songs like “Message in a Bottle” and “Walking on the Moon” for solo piano, why Sting’s writing resonates with him, and what to expect from his upcoming shows at the Joe Henderson Lab at SFJAZZ.

• Origin story: a four-generation musical family, conservatory training, and early mentors

• Lessons from the bandstand with Elvin Jones, plus touring with jazz greats

• Rockjazz: shaping a solo-piano language with rock energy and jazz rigor

• Why Sting: the harmonic/melodic DNA of the Police songbook and beyond

• Inside the album: “piano portraiture,” left-hand counterpoint, and arranging approaches

• Previewing ELEW Plays Sting live at SFJAZZ (dates below)

• “I am the fourth generation of classical musicians in my family.”

• “After winning the Monk Competition, I was not considered record label material—then Elvin called.”

• “It was like father and son with Elvin—absolute nectar.”

• “Rockjazz is mostly rock and some jazz. It is about energy—and precision.”

• “I think of these as piano portraits—keeping the contour and harmony while changing the canvas.”

• “Message in a Bottle” (The Police) — ELEW solo piano arrangement

• “Walking on the Moon” (The Police) — with guest alto saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins on the album

Eric Lewis (ELEW) is a pianist and composer whose career spans touring with {{Wynton Marsalis}} and performing with Elvin Jones to developing Rockjazz, a high-voltage solo-piano approach that bridges rock and jazz. His new project, ELEW Plays Sting, reimagines Sting’s catalog for solo piano (with select guests).

ELEW — ELEW Plays Sting
Joe Henderson Lab (SFJAZZ), San Francisco
Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025 — 7:00 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025 — 6:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Visit SFJAZZ.org and search “ELEW Plays Sting.”

Host/Producer: Steven Roby — Backstage Bay Area
Editing & Post: Backstage Bay Area team

• Backstage Bay Area: www.backstagebayarea.com

• SFJAZZ: www.sfjazz.org

• Follow ELEW on social media and streaming platforms

Guest: Anthony Wilson — guitarist, composer, bandleader
Episode focus: Anthony’s new live double LP House of the Singing Blossoms (recorded at Sam First), the return of his nonet, and his upcoming SFJAZZ shows (Sept. 4–5; two shows nightly) in the Joe Henderson Lab.

Episode Summary

Guitarist–composer Anthony Wilson joins host Steve Roby to talk about reviving the nine-piece band that shaped his early voice and powers his new live album, House of the Singing Blossoms. Wilson digs into arranging for nonet, capturing the energy of a listening room on record, and why the album was designed for the deep, side-by-side experience of vinyl. He also previews the SFJAZZ dates, the evolving lineup, and how this music balances songful melody with fearless improvisation.

Why Listen

• Hear why the nonet remains the ideal canvas for Wilson’s writing and guitar voice.
• Get an inside look at recording live at Sam First and mastering with Bernie Grundman.
• Learn how sequencing for vinyl shaped the album’s narrative flow.
• Preview the SFJAZZ shows and how the book will evolve on stage.
• Enjoy featured tracks that frame the conversation: “House of the Singing Blossoms,” “Triple Chase,” and “Bordertown.”

Key Quotes (from Anthony Wilson)

• “The first band that I recorded with was a nine-piece band… I found that configuration compelling.”
• “I have always loved just how rich a palette, sonically, it can be to have those horns.”
• “In a club with an audience, you’re feeding off each other’s energy… You can just concentrate on the good feeling of being together.”
• “You pick that album up, put it on your turntable… side after side you have these 20-minute periods where you can become engrossed in the music.”
• “Out of the gate, it shows that what this band is about… is a commitment to serious improvising and serious playing.”

Conversation Highlights

• The nonet returns: How the ensemble’s color and agility unlock his arranging ideas—and where the guitar fits inside nine voices.
• Recording the room: Capturing two nights at Sam First to preserve interplay, momentum, and audience energy.
• Vinyl by design: Double 180-gram LPs, gatefold artwork, and a sequence that feels like stepping into the club.
• Legacy & lineage: Opening with “Triple Chase” by Gerald Wilson, nods to Joe Zawinul and Keith Jarrett, and a fresh take on Bennie Wallace’s “Bordertown.”
• SFJAZZ preview: A hybrid roster of veterans and rising players, new pieces in progress, and early nonet charts revisited with fresh ears.

Music Featured in This Episode

• “House of the Singing Blossoms” (excerpt) — from House of the Singing Blossoms
• “Triple Chase” (Gerald Wilson) — from House of the Singing Blossoms
• “Bordertown” (Bennie Wallace) — from House of the Singing Blossoms

Personnel — Sam First Recording

Anthony Wilson (guitar), CJ Camerieri (trumpet/French horn), Alan Ferber (trombone), Nicole McCabe (alto sax), Bob Reynolds (tenor sax), Henry Solomon (baritone sax), Gerald Clayton (piano), Anna Butterss (bass), Mark Ferber (drums).

Upcoming Shows

SFJAZZ — Joe Henderson Lab
Dates: September 4–5 (two shows nightly)
What to expect: Song-forward writing, expansive solos, and the punch and glow of a nine-piece band in an intimate room.

Credits

• Host/Producer: Steve Roby, Backstage Bay Area
• Guest: Anthony Wilson
• Editing/Mix: Backstage Bay Area
• Music: Excerpts courtesy of Anthony Wilson

Connect

• Follow Backstage Bay Area on your favorite podcast app.
• Share the episode with a friend and leave a rating/review to help others discover the show.
• For more on Anthony Wilson and House of the Singing Blossoms, visit the artist’s official channels and SFJAZZ’s calendar for tickets and details.

This week on Backstage Bay Area, Steve Roby sits down with Nikki Fruth and Jon Stenz from Silverset, a rising San Francisco indie rock trio making waves with their dreamy, energetic sound. The band, rounded out by guitarist Grant Hespeler, has quickly gained attention with their debut single “Wherever You Are, Wherever You Go,” which has already surpassed 10,000 Spotify streams.

In this episode:

• The origin story of Silverset: how Nikki, Jon, and Grant came together and found instant musical chemistry.
• The meaning behind the band’s name and the metaphor of “finding beauty beneath the rubble.”
• Nikki’s unique musical influences, from Gregorian chants to modern indie icons.
• Insights into the band’s collaborative songwriting and self-produced debut EP.
• The role of Jon’s brother, Jared, in the band’s recording and live performances.
• A deep dive into their debut single and the creative process behind it.
• A sneak peek at their upcoming single “Akamea” (dropping August 8th), inspired by Nikki’s adopted cat and themes of unexpected love.
• What to expect at their high-energy release party at Kilowatt in San Francisco on August 15th—including spontaneous jams, dancing, and plenty of good vibes.
• Silverset’s future plans: a fall EP release, a short tour (NYC and LA dates TBA), and work on a full-length LP.

Upcoming Dates:

• New single “Akamea” out August 8th
• Release party: August 15th at Kilowatt, San Francisco (Doors 6 pm, Show 7 pm) – kilowattbar.com

Connect with Silverset:

• Stream on Spotify
• Follow on Instagram for updates on new music and shows

Stay tuned to Backstage Bay Area for more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the Bay’s vibrant music scene!

Show Notes:
In this special episode of Backstage Bay Area, we head to Lincoln, Nebraska—home of the heartfelt folk-Americana trio The Wildwoods. Host Steve Roby sits down with Noah and Chloe Gose to discuss their upcoming album Dear Meadowlark, a project steeped in imagery of open roads, hometown nostalgia, and the poetic quietude of rural life.

The conversation explores how the couple met through music in their school days, their evolution from young musicians into seasoned touring artists, and the beauty they find in their Nebraska roots. You’ll hear stories behind their songs like “Sweet Niobrara” and “I Will Follow You to Willow,” learn about their single-mic recording technique, and get a taste of what’s in store for their upcoming performance at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley. From John Prine to Joni Mitchell, the duo shares how their influences shaped them—without ever losing their own distinct voice.

Guest Information:
The Wildwoods are a folk-Americana trio based in Lincoln, Nebraska. Featuring Noah Gose (vocals, acoustic/electric guitar), Chloe Gose (vocals, violin), and Andrew Vaggalis (vocals, upright bass), the band is known for its rich harmonies, acoustic instrumentation, and honest storytelling. Their fourth full-length album, Dear Meadowlark, is set for release on April 11, 2025.
Website: www.thewildwoodsband.com

Upcoming Show:
Catch The Wildwoods live at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley:
Sunday, August 17
Doors at 7:00 PM | Show at 8:00 PM
Tickets: sweetwatermusichall.org

Essential Takeaways:
- Dear Meadowlark is a love letter to Nebraska and a reflection on life on the road.
- The single “Sweet Niobrara” was inspired by quiet drives through sunflower-lined highways near Valentine, NE.
- The band’s sound blends folk traditions with indie nuance, drawing comparisons to Nickel Creek and Gillian Welch.
- Noah and Chloe stress the importance of staying true to your artistic voice in the age of trends.
- Their performances are as much about storytelling and connection as they are about musicianship.

Call to Action:
Like what you heard? Subscribe to Backstage Bay Area on YouTube (youtube.com/@Backstagebayarea) and Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/songs-stories/id1522911650). Don’t forget to leave a review and share the episode with fellow music lovers.

Podcast Playlist – Songs Featured in the Episode:
“Sweet Niobrara”
“I Will Follow You to Willow”

Hashtags:
#TheWildwoods #DearMeadowlark #FolkAmericana #BackstageBayArea #SweetwaterMusicHall #IndieFolk #NebraskaMusic #LiveFolkMusic #PodcastInterview #RootsRevival #SupportLocalMusic

This year’s revamped San Francisco Jazz Festival, curated by SFJAZZ Executive Artistic Director Terence Blanchard, takes place on June 13-15, 2025. It features 35 concerts over 3 days in various venues in San Francisco's Hayes Valley art district. Performances include Stanley Clarke, Charles Lloyd, Patrice Rushen, Cimafunk, The Soul Rebels, Lakecia Benjamin, Ambrose Akinmusire, Dave Holland, Lisa Fischer, Theo Croker, Brandon Woody's Upendo, Tyreek McDole, Idris Ackamoor, and many more. This three-day bash will also include DJs, food trucks, a beer garden, local wine vendors, art, and a vinyl record swap. 3-Day and Daily Ticket Passes are now available.

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby interviews award-winning singer-songwriter Kat Edmonson. Known for her enchanting blend of jazz, pop, and vintage charm, Kat shares the deeply personal stories behind her music, including her latest single, “Keep Movin’,” inspired by her late mother. From her Houston roots to standout performances at Carnegie Hall and the Montreux Jazz Festival, Kat’s career is a fascinating journey of artistic exploration and heartfelt connection.

We dive into her songwriting process, the inspiration behind her hits like “Lucky,” and what fans can expect from her upcoming shows at Blue Note Napa. Kat also reflects on her collaborations with legends like Willie Nelson and Lyle Lovett, and how these experiences have shaped her artistry.

What to Expect:

Featured Songs:

Show Info:

Where to Find Kat Edmonson:

Hashtags:
#KatEdmonson #BackstageBayArea #BlueNoteNapa #KeepMovin #JazzMusic #SingerSongwriter #LiveMusic #MusicPodcast

Photo credit: Glynis Carpenter