Jazz88

Jazz88's Peter Solomon spoke with pianist, vocalist, songwriter and composer Eliane Elias about her new album "Time and Again," coming out later this month on Candid Records. The recording features background vocals by Mark Kibble of Take 6, and guest appearances by legendary performers like Brazilian singer Djavan and jazz artists Mike Mainieri, Peter Erskine, and Bill Frisell. Elias is appearing...

The Grammy winning bassist Ben Williams is in the Twin Cities to play the "Black to Life" event at Schneider Theater on Friday June 14. Before he even got his checked baggage from the carousel he hopped on the phone to talk with Sean McPherson about how he has added producer, vocalist and leader to his already impressive resume and how it all connects to the legacy of Black music and his hometown...

Jazz88's Peter Solomon spoke with Jonathan Taylor Rush, guest conductor with the Minnesota Orchestra, about the second annual Juneteenth program scheduled for Friday, June 14th at 8 PM. He discusses the wide ranging program, which includes compositions by William Grant Still, Margaret Bonds, and more recent works by Omar Thomas, Carlos Simon and hip hop writer/performer Wordsmith. (Attached image...

After studying at UW-Eau Claire and a stint in Chicago, Mike Wolter has firmly planted his flag in the Twin Cities jazz scene. This weekend he is celebrating the release of his band's debut album. The Early Planets release is called The Waits/In Between Music and alongside bassist Cody McKinney and drummer Cory Healey the crew has churned out a full length of Wolter originals. In the interview Wol...

Behind the scenes of the Acme Jazz Company are the thoughtful big band arrangements of artistic director Bob Parsons. Bob has his own arranging style, and he is conversant in many of the other big band arrangers. Plus, as a player himself, Bob also listens to the ideas Acme Jazz company musicians might have. Bob got together with Phil Nusbaum to talk about arranging.

Joe Lovano connected with Sean McPherson from Jazz88 in anticipation of his performance at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival on Saturday June 22. Lovano and McPherson discussed Lovano's long running quartet, his legendary role in the Paul Motian Trio alongside Bill Frisell and Lovano's many great experiences in the Twin Cities including a show with the Woody Herman Orchestra back in the 1970s.

Mango Jam. It’s a Twin Cities band that formed in 1989, and has played in 46 states. And throw in a good deal of recording as well. Because of family obligations, Mango jam doesn’t play nearly as much as it once did. But Mango Jam still packs in people, still plays great and to the band, the music still seems fresh. A couple of guys from the band, Jason Bush and John Herchert got together with Phi...

Since moving to the Twin Cities from the East Coast a handful of years ago, Abinnet Berhanu has become an essential part of the Twin Cities music scene. He's spent time supporting touring artists, playing countless jam sessions around the city and celebrating the music of Ethiopia with his group Andanet. This Saturday he brings an impressive group of players including Omar Abdulkarim and Joe Strac...

Jazz88's Peter Solomon spoke with documentary photographer Walter Griffin and painter and designer Patrice Goodall Abbe about "Jazz 'n' More," an exhibit of photographs and paintings on display at Dow Art Gallery June 6th - June 29th. Dow Art Gallery will host an event celebrating the exhibit featuring the Walker West Jazz Ensemble on June 13th.

Celebrated vibraphonist and visionary Stefon Harris is making his way back to the Twin Cities for a headlining performance on the Jazz88 Mainstage at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival. In anticipation of his set of Friday June 21 Harris was kind enough to connect with Sean McPherson from Jazz88 and discuss his career, his purpose and his background.

Erin Schwab learned how to personalize a song from Bette Midler and this weekend at the Capri Theater in Minneapolis she and an all-star band are exploring Bette Midler's songbook. Schwab also brought along James Scott from the Capri to talk about their Capital Campaign and the upcoming Legends season.

Jennifer Grimm sings many types of songs and her husband, joe Cruz has played many types of guitars in his career. The duet presents original songs, and delights in giving refreshing new spins to older ones. They bring it all to the Umbra in Minneapolis, Friday and Saturday June 7 and 8 from 7 till 10pm. When Joe and Jennifer talked with Phil Nusbaum, Phil asked how, with the differences in their...

The Cedar Avenue Big Band. After 25 years, it’s still a leading Twin Cities Big Band. Why do they do it? They just love playing big band music, and big band fans love what they do. Steve Devich is the leader of the band, and also bass trombonist and arranger. When Steve talked to Phil Nusbaum about the group, he started out telling about some of his training.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon spoke with singer Karrin Allyson about her new Origin records release titled "A Kiss for Brazil," which features a guest appearance by legendary Brazilian singer Rosa Passos. She also discusses her upcoming performance June 21st at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon spoke with drummer and guitarist Jellybean Johnson and his partner, Martha Bragg about a fundraising event called "Minneapolis Sound Museum presents Tales from the Northside: Stories of Flyt Tyme," taking place at the Capri Theatre on June 5th.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon spoke with Davina Sowers of Davina and the Vagabonds about the new recording "Shoot for the Moon." They are playing the Ordway on Friday, May 31st as part of the Flint Hills Family Festival.

Drummer and composer Kevin Washington is bringing his group, Ra Spirit, to the stage of Icehouse for a performance on Friday night. Washington stopped by Jazz88 to discuss the gig and discussed his policy for curating a show and keeping his musicians and the audience engaged with the material.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon spoke with filmmaker Brigitte Berman, whose 1985 documentary film "Artie Shaw: Time Is All You've Got" is being screened at the Heights Theatre on June 10th. After the film won an Oscar, Shaw sued Berman for a portion of the profits. Berman discusses Shaw's amazing musical accomplishments, his struggle to balance commercial success with artistic integrity and the challenges...

When Wayne Anthony does Sinatra with an 8-piece ensemble, the evening is what Wayne says it is: Ultimate Sinatra. Wayne plus ensemble brings an evening of music, dance and cocktails to the Commodore in Saint Paul Friday May 24. Pianist Steven C Anderson performs for cocktails from 6 till 7, and then it’s Ultimate Sinatra till 10. Wayne talked to Phil Nusbaum, Phil first asked about Frank Sinatra s...

This archived interview is with Jazz88's Patty Peterson and legendary Saxophonist, the late David Sanborn, when he and his jazz quintet were appearing at the Dakota Jazz Club in October of 2018. David opened up about his influences, his start in the business and the conversations he always looks for when performing with his musician friends on stage.

Dan Newton’s Café Accordion Orchestra celebrates its Thirty-Year Anniversary this coming Thursday at Crooners Supper Club in Fridley. The show will be from 6:30 till 8pm. All band members from the history of Café Accordion Orchestra will join Dan on stage, including Elizabeth Rowan, Eric Mohring, Joe Steinger, Gordy Abel, Brian Barnes, Eric Lillestol, Diane Jarvi, Robert Bell and Tony Bailuff. In...

Jazz88's Peter Solomon spoke with Tracy Byrd, a language arts teacher at Washburn High School, who received the award for Minnesota Teacher of the Year for 2024.

Jazz88 and MPS Voices host Olive Norvell recently connected with the team from Keane Sense of Rhythm to get the update on their celebration of National Tap Dance Day at Como Park Pavilion on Saturday May 25.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon spoke with Kansas City- based saxophonist Adam Larson, who will be playing May 17th and May 18th at Jazz Central. Larson will be playing with Twin Cities musicians Abinnet Berhanu, and bassists Chris Bates and Ted Olsen.

Iconic producer and musician Don Was is bringing his new project, The Pan-Detroit Ensemble, to the Dakota for two shows on Tuesday May 21. Though much of Was's work nowadays is working as the head of Blue Note Records he recognizes the importance of getting out and playing the music. In the conversation he confesses that "there's nothing like it". Listen to Don Was's conversation with Sean McPhers...