The Jazz Session turns eight today! To celebrate, I’ve put together a look back at eight years of the show, featuring interviews and music by many past guests, including: John Abercrombie, Carl Allen, Jen Baker & Kyoko Kitamura, Gene Bertoncini, Terence Blanchard, Don Byron, Ron Carter, Jimmy Heath, Janel & Anthony, Darius Jones & Matthew Shipp, Steve Kuhn, Jo Lawry, Gene Ludwig, Marian McPartland, Nadje Noordhuis, Laurie Pepper, Sonny Rollins, Gerald Wilson, and more.

Peter Apfelbaum’s latest release is an EP by his new band Sparkler called I Colored It In For You. In this interview, Apfelbaum talks about bringing the groove back to jazz; his upbringing in Berkeley; playing with Don Cherry; and his approach to composition and to leading bands. This interview features music by Sparkler, plus a tune from Apfelbaum’s upcoming solo album on Loove Arts and music by his New York Hieroglyphics band. Learn more at peterapfelbaum.com.

Saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa’s new album is Bird Calls (ACT, 2015). The album was inspired by the music of Charlie Parker, although Mahanthappa composed original music rather than play Parker’s tunes. In this interview, he talks about the reasoning behind that choice; how hearing Charlie Parker affected him as a teenager; and why the best tribute to Bird is to not play his music. Learn more about Rudresh Mahanthappa at rudreshm.com.

BUY THE ALBUM AND SUPPORT THE JAZZ SESSION AT THE SAME TIME.

Originally from Boston, guitarist Bob Sneider has called Rochester, NY, home for years. He’s built an impressive career, beginning in Chuck Mangione’s band and then through his work at the Eastman School of Music and as the leader of his own ensembles. In this interview, Sneider talks about why he didn’t go to a conservatory and how he ended up as a professional musician anyway; many of the A-list musicians he’s played with over the years; his work at the Rochester International Jazz Festival; how teaching new guitarists helps him stay at the top of his game; and the rhythm section with whom he’s played for years. Learn more at bobsneider.net.

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Pianist Kevin Hays has been part of the jazz scene for decades now, playing as a leader and also as a sideman with folks like Sonny Rollins, Benny Golson, Chris Potter and many others. In this interview, Kevin talks about his career; his time off the scene in Santa Fe and how it changed his life and his playing; and his current crowdfunding project to record an album with his New Day Trio.

SUPPORT Kevin’s new album! Please visit pledgemusic.com/projects/kevinhays to donate toward the recording of Kevin’s new record. Thank you.

JOIN The Jazz Session and support the creation of more episodes. Just $5/month! Visit thejazzsession.com/join.