Drummer Barry Altschul’s latest CD is History Of Jazz In Reverse (TUM, 2011) with the FAB Trio featuring Joe Fonda and Billy Bang. In this interview, Altschul talks about growing up in the South Bronx; his roots in the tradition and how he uses them even when playing “free”; and how he achieves a personal sound on the drums. Learn more at myspace.com/barryaltschul.

Drummer Deric Dickens’ debut CD is Speed Date, a series of duets with Matt Wilson, Ben Cohen, Jon Crowley, Kirk Knuffke, Jeff Lederer and Jeremy Udden. In this interview, Dickens talks about the DIY philosophy underlying the album; the sound of the drums (including a demonstration on the ride cymbal); and why he left a comfortable position as a band director to pursue a life as a professional jazz musician. Learn more at dericdickens.com and follow him on Twitter at @dericdickens.

Jack DeJohnette’s new album is Sound Travels (Golden Beams/eOne, 2012). In this interview, DeJohnette talks about the next phase of his storied career; his induction as a 2012 NEA Jazz Master; and the multiple projects he’s taking to the Newport Jazz Festival this summer. Learn more at jackdejohnette.com.

I spoke today at the JazzTimes DIY Crash Course in Manhattan, an event held in tandem with the Association of Performing Arts Presenters conference. This is the audio of my presentation, which was about podcasting and telling a story as an artist. There were graphics, too. As soon as I get the video, I’ll pass it along. Thanks to Lee Mergner of JazzTimes for inviting me and thanks to David Lee Joy from All Star Media for providing the audio. Lee Mergner is the first person you’ll hear in this audio clip. Thanks also to the wonderful Amy Cervini for assisting with my presentation.

UPDATE: Here’s video of the first half of my talk. Then my camera battery died. Thanks to Derrick Lucas for filming this. More video may be available later.

Saxophonist Pete Robbins’ new CD is Live In Basel (Hate Laugh Music, 2011) with his Transatlantic Quartet. In this interview, Robbins talks about the benefits of a working band; why his last three recordings have been live albums; and why his next project will find him traveling down yet another new musical road. Learn more at peterobbins.com and follow him on Twitter at @peterobbins.

Saxophonist Michael Pedicin’s new album is Ballads …searching for peace (Jazz Hut, 2011). In this interview, Pedicin talks about this influence of his father on his career; why he feels he had to work his way up to a ballads album; and how he came to terms with his place in the worlds of both jazz and medicine. Learn more at michaelpedicin.com and follow him on Twitter at @mpedicin.

NOTE: I’m reposting this 2009 interview with Sam Rivers to commemorate his passing on Dec. 26, 2011. Nate Chinen has collected many of the remembrances of Rivers on his blog.

Sam Rivers is a musical renaissance man. He’s performed in big bands, bop bands, R&B groups, blues bands and free-jazz ensembles. Rivers is currently composing adventurous large-ensemble music (such as is found on his 2006 CD Aurora) in an unlikely location: Orlando, Florida. In this interview, Rivers talks about his early days in Boston; how he was recruited by Jimi Hendrix while playing with Cecil Taylor; and how a tour with Dizzy Gillespie led to his relocation to Florida. Learn more at rivbea.com.

Pianist Enoch Smith, Jr.’s new album is Misfits (Music4mypeople, 2011). In this interview, Smith talks about growing up in the church in Rochester, NY; how he’s always felt like an outsider in the jazz world; and why he wanted his new record to get back to basics — groove and the voice. Learn more at enochsmithjr.com.

Trombonist James Hirschfeld has just released his first album, Two Medicine. In this interview, Hirschfeld talks about his life in music; the song-like quality of his compositions; and how a trip to Germany solidified his desire to pursue an artistic life. Learn more at jameshirschfeld.com and buy the record via jameshirschfeld.bandcamp.com. Follow him on Twitter at @jameshirschfeld.

Andrew Cyrille’s new CD is Route De Freres (TUM, 2011) with his band Haitian Fascination. In this interview, Cyrille talks about his own Haitian roots and his early childhood in Brooklyn; Haitian rhythms and how they’re expressed on this new record; and the sound paintings that form the main suite, “Route De Freres.”

NOTE: I wrote a poem inspired by Andrew Cyrille’s story. You can read it here.