The Jazz Session

Bassist Chris Lightcap released the album Epicenter in 2015 with his band Bigmouth. In this interview, Lightcap talks about the past, present and future of Bigmouth; his many other projects; why New York City has been such a big influence on his writing; and why it sometimes takes him years to really listen thoroughly to an album he likes. Learn more at http://chrislightcap.com . SUPPORT THE SHOW!...

Pianist and vocalist Brenda Earle Stokes’ most recent album is 2014’s Right About Now . In this interview, she talks about her days playing pop songs on cruise ships; how her producer helped shaped the sound and the band on her most recent album; and how marriage and motherhood have changed her career as a musician. Learn more at brendaearle.com . SUPPORT THE SHOW! The Jazz Session is...

Saxophonist Josh Rutner’s debut album is Rockabye Battleship (2016). In this interview, Josh takes us on a track-by-track tour of the album. He talks about George Carlin, Ligeti, Randy Newman, and other influences; and also gives us a peek behind the curtain at the making of the record. Learn more at joshrutner.com . Support the show by becoming a member and by starting your Amazon shopping...

Allison Au’s Juno-nominated second album is Forest Grove (2016). In this interview, the Toronto-based saxophonist talks about the memories that inspired the album; her long-standing quartet and why working with the same band matters; the Toronto jazz scene; and her upcoming tour of the Western U.S. and Canada. Learn more at http://alli8music.wix.com/allison . Join The Jazz Session today for...

Pianist Romain Collin’s new album is Press Enter (ACT Music, 2015). In this interview, Collin talks about the continued growth of his trio with Luques Curtis and Kendrick Scott; his work as a film scorer on documentaries and more; the inclusion of voices from The Innocence Project on the track “Event Horizon;” and his upcoming tour. Learn more at http://www.romaincollin.com/ . Su...

Trumpeter and composer Steve Lampert’s new album is Zahskl’s Jukebox, Vol. 1 . In this interview, Lampert talks about the space-age concept behind the album; the complex process of producing both the music and the actual recording; why he doesn’t play live anymore; and how a guy who grew up on hardbop ended up writing music like he writes. Learn more at http://www.steve-lampert.c...

Guitarist Ross Hammond’s new album is Flight . The solo acoustic record marks a departure from his previous electric work. In this interview, recorded at Webster’s Bookstore Cafe in State College, PA, Hammond talks about why he’s playing acoustic these days, and 12-string in particular; his church background and how it led to some of the tunes on this album; the growing Sacrament...

Bassist and vocalist Mimi Jones has a new album called Balance on her own Hot Tone Music label. In this interview, Jones talks about building community and why she started her own label; the life challenges that led to this album; the power of names; and her extensive upcoming touring schedule. Learn more at mimijonesmusic.com . Also, be sure to check out the other new Hot Tone releases by Camille...

Pianist Red Wierenga is a member of the Respect Sextet and the Respect Trio. He also plays accordion in the Claudia Quintet. In this interview, he talks about three new recordings: Respect ‘n’ You: Live At Greenwich House Music School by the Respect Sextet; Respect The Trio, We Says by the Respect Trio; and Figure , a duo project between Wierenga and guitarist Ryan Ferreira. He also ta...

Ras Moshe is a saxophonist who also creates spaces for other musicians to flourish. In this interview, he talks about the intersection of political activism and music; his father and grandfather, both of whom were saxophonists; his early exposure to the loft scene in New York City; and the work he’s doing both as a saxophonist and a creator of musical opportunities for others.

On this episode, three musicians who’ve recently been on the show, and even more recently recorded new albums: Natalie Cressman talks about Turn The Sea ; Emily Asher introduces Meet Me In The Morning ; and Angela Davis tells the story behind Lady Luck .

Cat Toren is a Canadian pianist living in New York. She’s about to release an album called Inside The Sun featuring music she’s written since moving to New York five years ago. This episode contains a sneak peek at some music from that album. In this interview, Toren talks about making the switch from classical piano to jazz; choosing between New York City and Berlin; finding ways to b...

Soprano saxophonist Jasmine Lovell-Smith’s debut album is Fortune Songs . In this interview, Lovell-Smith talks about the long road from her native New Zealand to Brooklyn to Connecticut to her current home in Mexico; why she stopped playing music, and how she found the inspiration to start again; her early love of Stan Getz and Sonny Rollins; and her upcoming recording projects. Learn more...

Guitarist Mike Bono’s first album is From Where You Are . In this interview, Bono talks about discovering jazz on the radio as a teenager and how it changed his life; the sweet pizza-parlor gig that helped him learn standards; his time at the Berklee school of music; and his recent appearance at the Sundance Film Festival in a tribute to Nina Simone. Learn more at mikebonomusic.com . BUY THI...

Drummer Reggie Quinerly’s new album is Invictus (Redefinition Music, 2015). In this interview, he talks about how a poem from the 19th century informs his career and writing; why he wanted to make an album that doesn’t sound like a “drummer’s record;” his relationship with one of his mentors, Lester Grant; and the need for musicians to control their own destinies. Lea...

Cellist Akua Dixon has just released a self-titled solo album that features arrangements she’s written for a variety of ensembles and occasions, but never had the chance to record. In this interview, Dixon talks about her career as a performer and arranger, going all the way back to the band at the Apollo; the traditional and innovative ways she arranges for string quartet; the shameful lack...

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 Ludw...

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...

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. Le...

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;...

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 . SUPPOR...

Bassist Max Johnson is a busy man. In demand on New York City’s bluegrass scene, he’s also part of several bands focusing on improvised music. In this interview, Johnson discusses three recent albums: Big Eyed Rabbit (Not Two, 2014), The Prisoner (NoBusiness, 2014), and The Invisible Trio (Fresh Sound New Talent, 2014). He also talks about the influence of his drummer father; how he be...

Electric bassist Giacomo Merega ‘s two newest projects are both trio recordings: The Surface Of An Object (Rudi Records, 2014) and Crows And Motives (Underwolf, 2014). In this interview, Merega talks about expressing the concept of “surface” in music; why he chose the electric bass and how he is crafting his own sound; free improvisation versus composition; graphic scores and whe...

Baritone saxophonist Adison Evans ‘ life took an unexpected turn when she was called to audition for Beyonce’s band. She got the gig, and left almost immediately for the Super Bowl and a world tour. Home between tours, Evans is still committed to the jazz she studied at Juilliard. In this interview, she talks about both sides of her life — traveling with a superstar and playing i...

Primavera (2014, Inner Circle Music) is the new album by vocalist Sara Serpa and guitarist Andre Matos. In this interview, Serpa and Matos talk about using the studio as an instrument; the long process that led to this album; how the impending birth of their first child impacted the recording; and the use of others’ poetry in their music. Learn more at www.saraserpa.com and www.andrematosmus...