JAZZIZ Not What You Think

For this latest episode of a JAZZIZ Podcast, we’re traveling to Berlin, Germany, to speak with drummer, composer and producer Janek van Laak. He’s here to share insights into his debut album as a bandleader,  Circle of Madness . Van Laak has described this record via an official statement as “a snapshot of something at some point,” and encouraging a positive exploration of music, traditions, style...

Today, we welcome to the  JAZZIZ Podcast  Lizz Wright, one of the most acclaimed vocalists on the scene today. In this conversation, she shares insights on her new album,  Shadow , and some of the personal stories and experiences that have inspired this invigorating new collection of her own compositions and takes on beloved classics. This is a special record because it marks her studio debut albu...

On this week's episode of the JAZZIZ Podcast , we're speaking with Phil Sargent, a guitarist and composer renowned in the vibrant music scenes of Boston and New York. Join us as we dive into the depths of his first new album in over a decade, Sons , a profound reflection on fatherhood and its transformative power. In our conversation, we uncover the driving concept behind this album and th...

Today we're speaking with London-based guitarist and composer Billy Marrows. Join us as we explore the profound journey behind his debut album. Penelope features his new chamber jazz ensemble, Grande Familia, and was released in loving memory of his mother. Proceeds from the album are going to World Child Cancer, a charity helping to beat cancer in countries most in need. In this episode, we a...

Joining us today on the JAZZIZ Podcast , all the way from New Zealand, is pianist and composer Darren Pickering, to talk about his recently-released Volume Two of his Small Worlds project. The album is described as a continuation of his investigation of the intersection between cinematic aesthetics and electronic textures within the framework of contemporary jazz. In this podcast, we not only talk...

Our guest today is multi-talented vocalist, pianist, composer and author Cliff Beach, sharing insights on his latest album. You Showed Me the Way finds him bringing his unique blend of jazz, funk and soul to the Ella Fitzgerald repertoire, the Great American Songbook and other classics. In this podcast conversation, Beach shares with us his love and admiration for the First Lady of Song and his th...

In this episode of the JAZZIZ Podcast , we are joined by all three members of PSA, the Boston-based trio comprising guitarist Pritesh Walia, keyboardist Sharik Hasan and drummer Avery Logan. Drawing inspiration from their shared love for music and jazz, this talented trio has assembled their distinct backgrounds and their  self-titled debut album  is a bold reimagining of the organ trio and a hear...

In this episode of the JAZZIZ Podcast , we embark on a journey to the Philippines to connect with Bobby Velasco, a versatile keyboardist and composer renowned for his role as collaborator and musical director for many Filipino hit-makers. Velasco's musical prowess extends across various bands and genres, spanning pop, jazz, Latin, funk and more. Amidst the pandemic and his recent collaboration...

In today's episode of the JAZZIZ Podcast , we're joined by the esteemed vocalist Ryan DeHues. Our conversation delves into his latest musical release, Private Parlour , a collaborative effort with the French duo Double Francoise. This album has been resonating across the airwaves worldwide, captivating audiences with its rich fusion of bossa nova, jazz, pop, electro, lounge and the French...

Our special guest today is Brazilian-born pianist, keyboardist and composer Adolfo Mendonça, as we dive deep into the musical tapestry of his first album, Brazilian Childhood , a collection of resounding originals and covers that embody an ambitious and visionary concept. He also shares insights into his collaborations with special guests and musicians from five continents, its unique blend of jaz...

Multi-platinum-selling singer/songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway has penned around 250 songs throughout her stellar career, including hits for seven of Barbra Streisand's recordings and the iconic theme song for the hit television show, The Nanny . Her compositions have also been performed by such artists as Liza Minnelli, Michael Feinstein and Carole King, and The Cole Porter Estate officially r...

In today's episode of the JAZZIZ Podcast , we dive into the enchanting world of acclaimed bassist and composer Brian Bromberg. He talks with us about his latest album, The Magic of Moonlight , released on Mack Avenue in 2023. Transporting listeners to a realm of romance and mystery beneath the full moon, the album also boasts stellar guest contributions from notable artists. Join us as Bromber...

Today, we bring you a conversation with Josh Nelson, the acclaimed pianist and composer, and one of the most sought-after bandleaders on the West Coast with seven critically-acclaimed recordings under his name. Join us as Nelson delves into the captivating tales that inspired his latest live album,  LA Stories: Live at Sam First , a remarkable release under the newly-established Sam First Records...

Today's guest on the JAZZIZ Podcast is bassist Steve Millhouse, joining us to delve into his deep connection with the trio setting. In 2023, Millhouse released two trio albums. One titled The Unwinding and the other with his Cinema Trio, titled Valley of the Moon . The latter project pays homage to the timeless cinema music of the past. In our conversation, we also trace Millhouse's remark...

In today's episode of the JAZZIZ Podcast, we're speaking with the exceptionally talented French-born pianist and composer Dimitri Landrain. Join us as we explore his latest trio recording, Astor's Place . The recording is Landrain's homage to influential artists, including Astor Piazzolla and Antonio Carlos Jobim, via original compositions and plays with a wide range of Latin style...

After earning a composition degree from the University of Arizona, producer and composer Eric Johnsen spent 22 years teaching high school history while pursuing his passion for music on the side. In 2018, he delved into recording the music on  Liminality , a groundbreaking project blending jazz and fusion with chamber and orchestral elements, and incorporating diverse cultural influences. Join us...

Today, we are thrilled to have the extraordinary pianist and composer Bill Cunliffe on the JAZZIZ Podcast . He's here to delve into his captivating three-movement suite, Rainforests , recently released on record. Crafted for the Temple University Studio Orchestra, this composition draws inspiration from the life-giving mangrove trees that make up much of the tropical rainforests. Join us as we...

In today's episode, we chat with Montreal-based composer, saxophonist, improviser and conductor Philippe Côté, a musical explorer at the intersection of jazz and classical music. His latest project, Confluence , is a duo collaboration with pianist François Bourassa. The work draws symbolic parallels to the powerful convergence of rivers, as reflected in the title suite's five parts. Join u...

Today we have the pleasure of chatting with Yulia Petrova, also simply known as Yulia. Hailing originally from Siberia, she is a talented pianist and composer currently based in Texas. Yulia recently unveiled her latest creation, Best Wishes , an album featuring entirely original compositions. The album has been making waves, winning numerous awards and capturing considerable attention. With Best...

Today, we are joined by Bennett Paster, a keyboardist, composer and producer renowned for his creativity and versatility within the vibrant New York music scene. In this episode of the JAZZIZ Podcast , Paster provides a glimpse into his most recent project, Radiance , an album comprised entirely of his original compositions. Collaborating with Gary Wang on bass and Tony Mason on drums, the album f...

Sarah McKenzie is a pianist, vocalist and composer who has captivated audiences across the globe. She joins us today to share insights on her most recent album, Without You , a celebration of the rich Brazilian jazz songwriting tradition via covers and original compositions. The album is dedicated to Antonio Carlos Jobim and marks the continuation of McKenzie's collaboration with two luminarie...

This week, we share a conversation with rising star pianist and composer Shuteen Erdenebaatar, who hails from Mongolia and is currently based in Germany. She comes from a musical family and has a strong background in classical music, as well as a longstanding passion for jazz. They come together in her startlingly mature debut album,  Rising Sun , released on the Motéma label. This quartet release...

Today, our guest is Janet Evra, a jazz vocalist and bassist of international stature with roots in England and currently based in St. Louis, Missouri. She's here to celebrate the enchanting allure of Paris and the rich French musical tradition through her latest album, Meet Me in Paris , which features a blend of cover songs and two original compositions. During our conversation, we delved int...

Today's guest is GRAMMY-winning keyboardist, composer and bandleader Jeff Lorber, whose musical journey has been marked by unwavering passion, technical virtuosity, innovative spirit and genuine dedication, and has served as a wellspring of inspiration for countless artists over a span of more than five decades. He recently released a new album with the Jeff Lorber Fusion, showcasing new origi...

Today, we welcome pianist, composer and arranger Randoph Noel to the JAZZIZ Podcast . Noel is also known for his past collaborations with such great artists as Abbey Lincoln and Barry Harris. Now, he offers seven original compositions on his new album, Elements and Orbits , which comes about 20 years after his debut as a leader, Hands on the Plow (2003). In this conversation, we talk about how eac...