Examining the Upful Life with a decorated music journalist.

Legendary drummer and percussionist talks about the rhythms of diaspora brought to the west by his ancestors and how he has continued to ingrain those patterns in his own musical communities.

Stellar alto saxophonist talks about how he learned to hear music and what his Tucson jazz experience has been like. Safe travels in your next journey.

Frontman Fritz Fayman talks about his band and how they are evolving in an ever-changing musical landscape.

Astounding rapper and instrumentalist talks about his early introduction to the blues from his grandma and how his time in solitary confinement helped bring him closer to God.

Iconic taper of the Grateful Dead talks about his experiences at Frost Ampitheatre '82, Greek Theatre (Berkeley) '83 and Marin Vets '84. Long strange trip....

Venerable musician who plays a myriad of keyboards and synths talks about his early leanings towards Julius Watkins and Oscar Pettiford, moving to New York playing banjo in Dixieland Bands and finding his groove with the Gil Evans Orchestra. Older brother of Tony.

Professor of philosophy and musician talks about the galvanizing forces that propelled him to access indigenous wisdom and make it relatable for his peers and students.

Cosmic singer from mainland China talks about bucking traditional singing technique and using unique individual stylings to express her own story of vulnerability, betrayal and perseverance.

Legendary guitarist from Patterson, NJ talks about his working relationships with Trudy Pitts and taking over for Pat Martino in her working band.