Vocalist and guitarist Camila Meza’s most recent CD is Retrato (Vertice Records, 2009). In this interview, Meza talks about her early days learning guitar in her native Chile; how a teacher discovered she could sing and the effect it had on her life; and how she sometimes feels like two people at once when she plays and sings at the same time. Learn more at camilameza.com.

CONCERT NOTE: Camila Meza performs on 11/1/11 at 8:30 p.m. at Cornelia Street Cafe in New York.

Composer and bandleader Gerald Wilson’s new CD is Legacy (Mack Avenue Records, 2011). This is part two of a two-part conversation. (Listen to Part 1.) In this part, Wilson talks about his time in the Navy during World War II; his subsequent work as an arranger for record labels and Hollywood studios; the development of his own band; and his new CD.

Composer and bandleader Gerald Wilson’s new CD is Legacy (Mack Avenue Records, 2011). This is part one of a two-part conversation. In this episode, Gerald Wilson talks about growing up in the South and listening to music with his brother; his move to Detroit to attend an arts high school; his early days as a professional musician; his time with Jimmie Lunceford and his first arrangements; and the beginning of his time in the Navy. Learn more at mackavenue.com/artists/detail/gerald_wilson/.

Larry Goldings has two new CDs out: In My Room (BFM Jazz, 2011), a solo piano CD, and Live At Smalls (SmallsLive, 2011) with his organ trio featuring Peter Bernstein and Bill Stewart. In this interview, Goldings talks about approaching each piano on its own terms; how he first met Bernstein and Stewart; and his unplanned entry into the bands of Maceo Parker and James Taylor. Learn more at larrygoldings.com and follow him on Twitter at @LarryGoldings.

Andrea Wolper hosts the show and interviews me. Trust me, it was her idea. In this interview, I talk about how I make each episode; why I interview musicians and what about them interests me; and how poetry has become a major part of my life. Learn more at thejazzsession.com and jasoncrane.org.

Pianist Dalton Ridenhour is making his mark on the New York scene by playing ragtime, stride and New-Orleans-style piano. In this interview, Ridenhour talks about his childhood introduction to ragtime; how going to school for jazz changed his approach to the piano; and why, after a three-year hiatus, he’s returned to the styles he loves. Learn more at daltonridenhour.com.

Saxophonist Marcus Strickland’s latest recording is Triumph of the Heavy (Strick Muzik, 2011), a 2-CD set that features a live trio performance and a studio session by his new quartet. In this interview, Strickland talks about why he added piano to his band; his awareness that he’s playing for other people; and the difference between the tunes he writes in the fall and the tunes he writes in the spring. Learn more at marcusstrickland.com and follow him on Twitter at @marcustrickland.

Trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith’s newest album is Heart’s Reflections (Cuneiform Records, 2011). In this interview, he talks about his Ten Freedom Summers project, inspired by the Civil Rights Movement; how each ensemble is a model for a universe; and how meaning is communicated even without words. Learn more at wadadaleosmith.com.

Drummer Ernesto Cervini’s new CD is There (Anzic Records, 2011), recorded on tour in 2010. In this interview, Cervini talks about the benefits of recording music on tour; his band and why it functions so well as a unit; and why he chose Toronto over New York City several years ago. Learn more at www.ernestocervini.com.

Saxophonist Avram Fefer’s new album is Eliyahu (Not Two, 2011). In this interview, Fefer talks about why this is his happiest sounding album yet; how the loss of his father changed the way he views the music on the album; and the influences of the music of a variety of cultures on his compositions. Learn more at www.avramfefer.com.