The Jazz Session

An interview from The Jazz Session archives with sax giant Jimmy Heath.

Fievel's partner Stephanie interviews them about The Jazz Session, their life as a musician, their high school band director, and a lot more. 

Sonny Rollins died this week at the age of 95. He was on The Jazz Session in 2008, 2010, and 2012. Here are all three episodes.

Fievel chats with saxophonist Steve Wilson about his new album, Enduring Sonance. They discuss the band, the song selection, the approach to arranging the album, and the upcoming series of shows at Smoke. Steve and the band will be performing songs from the album at Smoke Jazz Club in NYC from April 29 to May 3, 2026.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that’s bringing them joy. You’ll also get early access to every episode, and more. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)

Fievel chats with saxophonist Caroline Davis about her new album, Fallows (Ropeadope, 2026). The album was recorded at a retreat in Wyoming. It’s a solo project made with saxophone and an electronic instrument called the Organelle.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that’s bringing them joy. Caroline talks about how running connects her with her late father. You’ll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)

Jon Irabagon is releasing two albums on March 13, 2026. Focus Out is a full-band record with his quartet and guests. Saturday’s Child is a bass saxophone duet improv with Dan Oestreicher. In this interview, we talk about everything from meditation to improvisation to raising kids to the joy of a working band.

Jon was previously on the show back in 2010.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that’s bringing them joy. Jon talks about the work of writer William Gaddis. You’ll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)

Pianist Benjamin Lackner’s latest album is called Spindrift (ECM Records, 2025). In this interview, Benjamin talks about the intense compositional process that led to the album; the selection of his bandmates; the ECM sound; life in Berlin; and a lot more.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that’s bringing them joy. Benjamin talks about cargo bike camping near Berlin. You’ll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)

Voya (2025, Clap Your Hands) is the new album by saxophonist Tineke Postma and her band, featuring Theo Bleckmann on vocals. In this interview, they talk about working Theo into the existing quartet; the difference between identity and ego; the tears that were shed at their first live performance together; and much more.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that’s bringing them joy. You’ll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)

Saxophonist Alison Shearer’s new album is called In The Garden (Pinch Records, 2025). In this interview, Alison talks about the creation of the album with her working band; the way she works her own life story into instrumental compositions; her upcoming entry into the classical world; and more. Learn more at https://www.alisonshearermusic.com.

Content warning: This episode also has a conversation about sexual trauma in jazz school. That part of the interview runs from 14:30 to 23:00, if you need to skip it.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that’s bringing them joy. Alison talks about cooking. You’ll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)

Jack DeJohnette passed away. In his honor, I’ll hope you’ll enjoy this 2012 interview I recorded with Jack at the Blue Note in NYC at the time of the release of his album Sound Travels.

[Photo: Mitchell Garrison]