The Jazz Session

Pianist Satoko Fujii and trumpeter Natsuki Tamura have been making adventurous music together for years. In this interview, they talk about the influences of Japanese folk music; the need for risk and fun in music; and why they’re involved in so many diverse projects. Learn more at satokofujii.com and natsukitamura.com . Tracks used in this episode: (from Watershed by Satoko Fujii’s Mi...

Pianist Kris Davis is part of several ensembles, including her trio with John Hebert and Tom Rainey on Good Citizen (Fresh Sound New Talent, 2010) and a trio with Ingrid Laubrock and Tyshawn Sorey on the eponymous Paradoxical Frog (Clean Feed, 2010). In this interview, Davis talks about learning to leave space in the music; her studies of classical composition; and the many projects and recordings...

Saxophonist Jim Snidero’s new CD is Interface (Savant, 2011). In this interview, Snidero talks about the use of acoustic guitar on this record; his concept of “warm jazz”; and what makes music appealing to him both intellectually and emotionally. Learn more at jimsnidero.com . Tracks used in this episode: Interface; Fallout; Silhouette; Viper; One By One; Expectations.

Cuban Rhapsody (Alma Records, 2011) is a duet CD by saxophonist and flautist Jane Bunnett and pianist Hilario Duran. In this interview, Bunnett and Duran talk about the joys and challenges of duet playing; the deep history of the album’s repertoire; and the idea of music without boundaries. Learn more at www.janebunnett.com and www.hilarioduran.com . Tracks used in this episode: Lagrimas Neg...

Guitarist Nadav Remez’s debut CD is So Far (Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records, 2011). In this interview, Remez talks about his musical upbringing in Israel; his willingness to let his music be beautiful; and the way he approached the recording session with a view to allowing openness and individual expression. Learn more at nadavremez.com. Tracks used in this episode: So Far; Pinchas; The La...

Matana Roberts has released two albums recently: Live In London (Central Control, 2011) and Coin Coin Chapter One: Gens De Couleurs Libre (Constellation, 2011). In this interview, Roberts talks about her Chicago roots and the mentorship of Fred Anderson; how she combined her musical practice with her passion for genealogy; and why working on your sound means being willing to take the slow road. Le...

Bassist Ike Sturm has composed an ambitious piece for his album Jazzmass . In this interview, Sturm talks about learning the craft of large-ensemble writing (with a bit of family help); the role his faith plays in his music; and the idea of writing programmatic music that stands on its own. Learn more at ikesturm.com .

Mad Heaven (Palmetto, 2011) is the new album by pianist and vocalist Peter Eldridge. In this interview, Eldridge talks about making a thematic album; the influence of his parents and siblings on his musical taste and career choice; and the many projects he’s working on, including a film score, a musical and a duo project with bassist Matt Aronoff. Learn more at petereldridge.com . Tracks use...

Trumpeter Taylor Haskins’ most recent CD is Recombination (Nineteen-Eight Records, 2011), a companion piece to American Dream (Sunnyside, 2010). In this interview, Haskins talks about the complex vision of American that led to both records; why his website features a quote from Krishnamurti on the homepage; and how his work in the world of commercial music influences his approach to song for...

Drummer Lukas Ligeti’s most recent recording is Pattern Time (Innova Records, 2011). In this interview, Ligeti talks about his travels in Africa and how they’ve influenced his writing, particularly his approach to rhythm; how he crosses musical and cultural boundaries; and a fascinating analysis of swing. Learn more at www.lukasligeti.com . Tracks used in this episode: Without Prior Wa...

Sundial Lotus (Innova, 2010) is the debut album by bassist Ben Gallina’s band Salo. In this interview, Gallina talks about composing the music for this record; how the band grew organically beyond his initial conception; and how science fiction and the works of David Foster Wallace have inspired his music. Learn more at www.bengallina.com . Tracks used in this episode: The Sky Is An Eye; Wor...

Saxophonist Craig Handy is a member of The Cookers, whose latest CD is Cast The First Stone (Plus Loin, 2011). In this interview, Handy talks about playing with Dee Dee Bridgewater, Roy Haynes and other jazz luminaries; about his youthful experiences learning the craft of section playing and how to perform in service to the music; and about how he’s matured as a player over his decades on th...

The 2011 Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival takes place Saturday and Sunday, June 25 and 26, in Saratoga Springs, NY. In this interview, festival producer and artistic director Danny Melnick takes us on a tour through the festival’s two days of music. Melnick also tells stories from his years producing festivals with Newport Jazz Festival founder George Wein. Learn more at www.spac.org...

Saxophonist James Carter is back with an ambitious new album, Caribbean Rhapsody (Emarcy, 2011), featuring the compositions of Roberto Sierra. In this interview, Carter talks about finding ways to connect with an audience; his collaboration with Sierra on the new compositions; and his view of an artist’s responsibility to the listener and vice versa. Learn more at jamescarterlive.com .

Trumpeter David Weiss is responsible for the formation of The Cookers, whose latest album is Cast The First Stone (Plus Loin, 2010). In this interview, Weiss talks about the tribute show that led to the creation of the band; why it’s important for him to create working bands rather than one-off shows; and his views on the current jazz scene and why the music’s past was an untouchable z...

Guitarist Julian Lage’s new album is Gladwell (Emarcy, 2011). In this interview, Lage talks about the creation of the fictional town for which the album is named; the special technique he used to record several of the tracks on the record; and why every guitar has its own distinct sound and aptitude. Learn more at www.julianlage.com . Tracks used in this episode: 233 Butler; Margaret; Point...

Saxophonist Virginia Genta and drummer David Vanzan make up Italy’s Jooklo Duo. Their latest release is a 7″ vinyl single called The Warrior (Northern Spy Records, 2011). In this interview, Genta and Vanzan talk about how they met and why they jumped right into the world of free improvisation; the varied experiences they’ve had touring the world; and their DIY, vinyl-only aesthet...

Trumpeter Eddie Henderson is a member of The Cookers and appears on their latest CD, Cast The First Stone (Plus Loin, 2010). In this interview, Henderson talks about his childhood encounters with Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis; the discipline that allowed him to become both a medical doctor and a professional musician; and the lessons learned in a career that spans from bebop to the present day....

Dave Douglas United Front: Brass Ecstasy At Newport (Greenleaf Music, 2011) is Douglas’s new CD with his brass quintet. In this interview, Douglas talks about the musical world he’s worked hard to create; his various ensembles and the compositional and performance outlets they provide; and his work scoring music for a film. Learn more at www.davedouglas.com . Tracks used in this episod...

Rob Garcia, Michel Gentile and Daniel Kelly talk about their nonprofit jazz advocacy organization, Connection Works. Based in Brooklyn, Connection Works presents concerts and educational opportunities featuring A-list musicians and aimed at the broader community. In this interview, Garcia, Gentile and Kelly talk about how the organization started; the benefits it brings to the community; and their...

Bassist Cecil McBee’s latest recording is as a member of The Cookers on their CD Cast The First Stone (Plus Loin, 2010). In this interview, McBee talks about The Cookers; his study of various languages and their relationship to music; and his evolution as a composer. Learn more at www.cecilmcbeejazz.com . Tracks used in this episode: (from the CD Cast The First Stone ) Cast The First Stone;...

Accordionist Victor Prieto’s most recent album is a duet record with saxophonist Chris Cheek called Rollo-Coaster (Cheekus Music, 2009). In this interview, Prieto talks about the deep history of his instrument; the new technique he developed for jazz accordion; and the unique sound of his trio. Learn more at www.victorprieto.net . Tracks used in this episode: Bebe; Coo; Rolocoaster; Six Note...

Saxophonist TK Blue’s new CD is Latinbird (Motema Music, 2011). In this interview, Blue talks about his decision to record an album of Parker’s music; his years in Paris and his early days in New York; and how his relationships with Randy Weston, Abdullah Ibrahim and Benny Powell have shaped his life and music. Learn more at www.tkblue.com . Tracks used in this episode: Chi Chi; Si Si;...

Pianist George Cables’ most recent recording is with The Cookers on their new album, Cast The First Stone (Plus Loin Music, 2010). In this interview, Cables talks about the importance of a unified concept; why he feels he’s had success as a sideman with everyone from Dexter Gordon to Art Pepper; and how he makes each composition his own. Learn more at georgecables.com . NOTE: This inte...

Slumgum’s new album is Quardboard Flavored Fiber (Accretions, 2011). In this interview, the band’s Jon Armstrong talks about how the diverse backgrounds of the members lead to a fascinating array of compositional ideas; why the band chose its unique name; and how the use of humor and improvisational games leads the music down interesting paths. Oh, and we get kicked out of a place. Lea...