MPS Voices and Jazz88 host Olive Norvell recently connected over ZOOM with Kamasi Washington in anticipation of Washington's new album, Fearless Movement, and his upcoming show at the Fitzgerald Theater on May 11. They discussed his new record, his passion for music, his experience in scoring films and his feelings about pasta in general and spaghetti in particular.

On April 23, 2024 Cornbread Harris celebrated his 97th birthday. Ahead of his birthday festivities at Hook and Ladder on Thursday Harris took the time to chat with Sean McPherson from Jazz88 to talk about his life. Special thanks to Andrea Swensson for facilitating the interview.

On April 23, 2024 Cornbread Harris celebrated his 97th birthday. Ahead of his birthday festivities at Hook and Ladder on Thursday Harris took the time to chat with Sean McPherson from Jazz88 to talk about his life. Special thanks to Andrea Swensson for facilitating the interview.

On April 23, 2024 Cornbread Harris celebrated his 97th birthday. Ahead of his birthday festivities at Hook and Ladder on Thursday Harris took the time to chat with Sean McPherson from Jazz88 to talk about his life. Special thanks to Andrea Swensson for facilitating the interview.

Steve Cole is a big name in the world of smooth jazz and he has been based in the the Twin Cities for over fifteen years now. He's bringing his saxophone and his Super Band onto the stage of the Dakota for two shows on Friday, April 26. Cole dropped by the Jazz88 studio to talk about his recent Mack Avenue release "Without a Doubt" and what goes into getting ready for a run of shows with his band.

Bassist Anthony Cox joined Jazz88's Sean McPherson to discuss Charles Mingus and Paul Chambers on their birthday (April 22). As a fellow bass player Cox shared the influence these icons of the instrument had on his development as a bass player, including how catching a live performance from Charles Mingus shaped Cox's decision to pursue music as a career.

Twin Cities mainstay Jeremy Yvilsaker is curating Monday nights at Icehouse for the month of April and he's doing it with a simple philosophy: get really creative people to try out new ideas. The results have been a success for Jeremy so far, and he took a break from a van ride to Kansas City with Annie Humphrey for a gig opening for the Indigo Girls to chat about the series and what is in the works for the remaining Mondays.

March 28 is the 88th day of the year and Jazz88 is celebrating the piano! World Piano Day on Jazz88 is supported by Schmitt Music. Sean McPherson headed out to Schmitt Music today to learn a little bit more about the piano and it's staying power in the music world with Dr. Andy Fleser, the keyboard manager at Schmitt.

The trio Trigonal composed of Anthony Cox (Bass, Cello and Percussion), Davu Seru (Drums and Percussion) and Douglas R. Ewart (Winds, Percussion, Poetry and Invented Instruments) are preparing for a show on Saturday March 28 at the Cedar Cultural Center. For this event they will be joined by Sarah M. Greer on vocals. Sean McPherson from Jazz88 recently caught up Seru and Ewart from the group to discuss their history and their philosophy for creating music. During the interview you will also hear from Janis Ewart, a distinguished member of the music and radio community in the Twin Cities and a beloved former staff member at Jazz88.

Katia Cardenas is at the helm for Walker-West's "Women in Jazz Initiative". This Saturday the team is hosting a jazz workshop and jazz jam sessions with players like Mary Louise Knutson, Tasha Baron, BEth Varela and Sophia Kaufmann and more. Cardenas spoke about the importance of creating places to play and learn jazz that are focused around women.