21 Soul

Diana Purim and Krishna Booker from Eyedentity join Louis Marks to discuss their recent release on Ropeadope "País Da Maravilha (Wonderland)" Stream Link Bandcamp Link --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Louis sits down with Jordan VanHemert to discuss his upcoming release NOMAD (Origin Records) as well as the challenges faced by so many Asian Americans. Order Jordan's CD Here

Louis Marks chats with Erin Bode about her new album, "YourSong Vol 1" out now on Ropeadope. LINKS: Order the CD on Bandcamp Follow Ropeadope's Here & Now Spotify Playlist Host - Louis Marks Producer - Ben Mathewson Art - Kaya Marks Engineer - Fabian Segura --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Legendary bass player Bakithi Kumalo joins Louis Marks on The Station Tapes to discuss his life, career, and new album What You Hear Is What You See, out now on Ropeadope. LINKS: Order the CD on Bandcamp Follow Ropeadope's Here & Now Spotify Playlist Host - Louis Marks Producer - Ben Mathewson Art - Kaya Marks Engineer - Fabian Segura --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Louis Marks welcomes Craig Waters to the show to chat about his life and career in music and preview the upcoming single from Craig Waters and The Flood, "A Love Like You," which will be available everywhere on October 15, 2021. Follow Ropeadope's Here & Now Playlist on Spotify Host - Louis Marks Producer - Ben Mathewson Art - Kaya Marks Audio Engineering - Fabian Segura --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Louis Marks sits down for a chat with the entire band that worked with Paul Giess on his record "Hymns, Vol. 1" Follow Ropeadope's Here & Now Playlist on Spotify Host - Louis Marks Producer - Ben Mathewson Art - Kaya Marks --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Louis Marks speaks with world class percussionist Taku Hirano about his new album Blue York, out on Ropeadope and Modern Icon October 1, 2021. LINKS: Bandcamp Spotify Apple Music Follow Ropeadope Here & Now Playlist on Spotify CREDITS: Host - Louis Marks Producer - Ben Mathewson Art - Kaya Marks --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Ropeadope CEO Louis Marks chats with Tim Motzer about his new album Many Ways Around The Sun, out on Ropeadope. LINKS: Bandcamp Spotify Apple Music Follow Ropeadope Here & Now Playlist on Spotify CREDITS: Host - Louis Marks Producer - Ben Mathewson Art - Kaya Marks --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Louis Marks sits down with Gillian Margot to discuss her latest release, Power Flower, out now on Ropeadope. Opening Song: This Night Closing Song: Power Flower LINKS: Bandcamp Spotify Apple Music Follow Ropeadope Here & Now Playlist on Spotify CREDITS: Host - Louis Marks Producer - Ben Mathewson Art - Kaya Marks --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

J3PO dives deep into the making of his new album MAINS which is now out on Ropeadope. You can also watch this episode on Youtube and see J3PO explain everything visually. LINKS: Bandcamp Spotify Apple Music Ropeadope Here & Now Playlist on Spotify CREDITS: Host - Louis Marks Producer - Ben Mathewson Art - Kaya Marks --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Louis Marks sits down with J3PO to discuss his life, career, and latest release, MAINS, out now on Ropeadope. Opening Song: I've Changed My Mind Closing Song: Right Now LINKS: Bandcamp Spotify Apple Music Ropeadope Here & Now Playlist on Spotify CREDITS: Host - Louis Marks Producer - Ben Mathewson Art - Kaya Marks --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Louis Marks sits down with Weedie Braimah and Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah to discuss Weedie's new album, The Hands of Time, out on Christian Scott's Stretch Music label and Ropeadope, September 24, 2021. LINKS: Bandcamp Spotify Apple Music Follow Ropeadope Here & Now Playlist on Spotify CREDITS: Host - Louis Marks Producer - Ben Mathewson Art - Kaya Marks --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Louis Marks chats with Paul Giess about his new album Hymns Vol. 1, out on Ropeadope August 27, 2021. LINKS: Bandcamp Spotify Apple Music Follow Ropeadope Here & Now Playlist on Spotify CREDITS: Host - Louis Marks Producer - Ben Mathewson Art - Kaya Marks --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Stream / Download Really Human: ropeadope.lnk.to/ReallyHuman Buy Really Human CD / Vinyl: coledegenova.bandcamp.com/album/really-human https://www.coledegenova.com/ https://ropeadope.com/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Yazz Ahmed is often referred to as the high priestess of psychedelic Arabic Jazz. This year she released her acclaimed third album, Polyhymnia, a grand work conceived as a message to the world about the history and growing empowerment of women. The album includes powerful tributes to noted women in history - Rosa Parks, Malala Yousafzai, Ruby Bridges, Haifa Al-Mansour, and BarbaraThompson. Rich in musical imagery, Polyhymnia explores the history of these women and their struggles and triumphs, evoking the universal human concepts of forgiveness, oppression, hopefulness, and power to overcome. Stream or buy Polyhymnia here: https://fanlink.to/YazzAhmed --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Bright Dog Red is perhaps the most unique band to grace the halls of Ropeadope, and that's quite an accomplishment. Founded by drummer and composer Joe Pignato, BDR is comprised of a rotating cast of players. Their new album, How's by You? , features founding members Cody Davies (electronics) and Anthony Berman (bass), as well as long standing members Mike LaBombard (tenor sax) and MC Cully (rhyming and freestyling). The collective has its genesis in a series of freewheeling jam sessions led by Pignato, a professor at the State University of New York, Oneonta. Bright Dog Red hits the stage without charts or set list - they simply start playing and improvise, taking cues from each other and from the audience and room. It's adventurous, and due to the skill and rapport of the players, surprisingly cohesive. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Louis gets on the line with Saxophonist Michael Eaton to discuss his vision around three tenors on one recording and the power duo of G Clavin Weston and Brad Jones to back it up. The self titled Tenor Triage album is out September 2019 at https://fanlink.to/TenorTriage Produced by Nick Perri & Steve Eshewsky. Engineered by Sal Mazzotta. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today I have the great pleasure of connecting with legendary producer and pianist Daniel Weatherspoon, who is about to release his next project titled Journey. The list of Grammy nominations, gold records, and awards is stunning, and his roster of clients is the same, listing greats Janet Jackson, Beyonce, Fred Hammond and many more. His 2016 debut - The Langley Park project - was met with critical acclaim and commercial success. The new album Journey , set for release worldwide on March 10th, is a soothing and soulful well, Journey with notable guests from Mark Lettieri to PJ Morton. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

From homebase on the coast of Italy's beautiful Lake Garda, Simmons collaboratively leads two different ensembles - Hippie Tendencies and NoteSpeak - with keyboardist, arranger, and songwriter Marco Cremaschini. each ensemble is deeply but differently informed by Simmons' own struggles and triumphs. Simmons has a challenging past, surviving several troubled adoptions and foster homes, but she found solace and healing in music. Her new project with NoteSpeak explores the lane opened by The Last Poets, Gil Scott Heron, and Brian Jackson. The band carries the groove, with a touch of Jazz, and Simmons turns the craft to her own voice - that of an African American woman - with a bit of charm and a solid dose of direct confrontation. Stream or preorder NoteSpeak - https://ropeadope.lnk.to/EveryGenerationsWar --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Captain Supernova (C.SN) is a fictional Astronaut created by composer and arranger Eric Borders. The music for C.SN is inspired by Sci-fi Soundtracks, Jazz-Fusion, Prog Rock, and Soul and it plays as musical background to the story of his journeys through space. The story alone intrigued me, and I was delighted when I heard his new project The Voyage Never Ends, which has been receiving great praise from mainstream and underground sources. Stream or download "The Voyage Never Ends..." : https://fanlink.to/CSN --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The Funky Knuckles act like a good old fashioned rock band from back in the day - camaraderie, lots of shenanigans, and general sense of irreverence and fun are a constant with this band. Case in point - the call their fans Knuckleheads. Yet these are very serious, accomplished musicians, mostly trained in Jazz, that play elaborate, extended compositions that groove. Their next album, Delicious, is out now. Buy / Stream Delicious: https://fanlink.to/FunkyKnuckles --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Brian Hurst from Soulandjazz.com stops by the station to talk business with Louis. Topics include the quest for top quality audio and video, the loss of quality in most digital platforms, and the future of the independent music business. For more about Brian visit http://soulandjazz.com Produced by Stephen Eshewsky and Sal Mazzotta --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

BLUKE is BluRum13, known to us as a member of the seminal band Bullfrog, and Luke Vibert, known to the world as an elusive performer and master sampler. The duo met in late 90's at a live gig as NinjaTune labelmates. Their first recording together, Smell The Urgency, emerged from the shelves in recent years, and pushed them to record again. Their followup, Sense The Urgency, was released this year on Ropeadope. It is rare that Luke Vibert grants an interview, so we were honored to get some casual time to discuss their mission to save that old school Hip-Hop vibe. "Sense The Urgency" available at https://bluke.bandcamp.com/album/sense-the-urgency Produced by Nick Perri & Steve Eshewsky. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today on the show - Mr Nathan Paul. A multi-instrumentalist from Cleveland, Nathan's band The Admirables has been cooking this year, touring with Moon Hooch and Dwele and opening for artists like Cory Henry & Kamasi Washington. Nathan does not consider himself a jazz musician, though improvisation and groove are heavy elements of his sound. The singles Flute-a-Loo and Catch Me If You Can were released through Ropeadope this year as we pave the road for more to come from this continually creative mind. Nathan speaks frankly about his upbringing, and leads us through his songwriting process. Catch Nathan Paul and his band The Admirables https://www.nathanpaulmusic.com/ https://theadmirables.bandcamp.com/ https://fanlink.to/InSearchOf Produced by Nick Perri & Steve Eshewsky. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Welcome back to The Station Tapes at 21 Soul! Sarah Elizabeth Charles is an internationally alluring vocalist. As a performer, songwriter, and teacher, she's traveled from Hudson to Haiti to Abu Dhabi, bringing light to marginalized communities. 3 albums have been released by her band SCOPE, and she has collaborated with Ajoyo, Transient Beings, and Christian Scott's Stretch Music. Charles is a teaching artist of the musical language, making sure no one is cast out of the global conversation. Ropeadope CEO Louis Marks interviews Sarah about her life as a musician and the role of activism in her journey. Learn more about SEC & SCOPE at http://www.sarahelizabethcharles.com/ Produced by Nick Perri & Steve Eshewsky. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today on the show, Louis sits down with Massimo Biolcati and Tyler Blanton to talk about their project dubbed the Hornē Electric Band. The name reveals the sense of fun intended by the players. The band features some Ropeadope alumni - Chris Bullock & Mike Maher from Snarky Puppy, and Yacine Boulares from Ajoyo along with drummer Corey Rawls and trumpeter Wayne Tucker. The point of this band is fun, shake loose and have a good time. Their new self titled album is set for release on September 27, 2019 and features a killer line up of special guests including John Scofield, John Ellis, Chris Potter, Lionel Loueke, and Donnie McCaslin. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today on the show, we travel down to D.C. John Murph is a mainstay in the jazz writers circuit, he's a respected music journalist whose work is found at downbeat, NPR, The Atlantic, Washington Post, and many more. He's been on the scene as jazz has evolved in the twenty first century, and he's very familiar with the Ropeadope story. John is also a deejay, and is working on a series of Ropeadope retrospective playlists found on Mixcloud. Let's hear his view on where jazz is in 2019. To learn more on John's work, check out his stories. https://www.npr.org/people/5280399/john-murph https://www.theatlantic.com/author/john-murph/ Produced by Nick Perri and Steve Eshewsky. Engineered by Patrick Hall. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Snack Cat is a New York band that blends soul, rock, jazz, blues, & funk. The seven piece band is comprised of some of the top young players from various scenes, and they've been honing their sound for the past few years. Their new self-titled EP was released May 10th at Ropeadope, showing the tight writing and arrangement of founder Aleksi Glick. These are heart felt songs carefully crafted by a polished band. Louis sits down with Aleksi to find out what keeps Snack Cat moving. Crack open your Snack at https://fanlink.to/SnackCat Produced by Steve Eshewsky. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week, Louis has the pleasure of chatting with Nathan De'Shon Myers, on of the most intriguing people out there. Nathan hails from Dallas, but is best known as a bartitone with the Deutsche Oper Berlin. He spent some time heading the music department at Booker T. Washington High School in Dallas, a powerful spot for the music community. Now, he graces us with his new music. https://nathandeshonmyers.bandcamp.com/ Engineered by Gabe Sanderson. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today, we venture out to of all places Akron, Ohio. Kofi Boakye came to our attention through the Emmy nominated film "Made In Akron." His story is one of determination, talent, and mentorship under difficult circumstances. As a young child he faced many obstacles, but he was encouraged to turn his attention to music. He has crowd funded his own education at Berklee, Barack Obama granted him the President's Education Award for outstanding academic excellence, and he has advanced to the final competition at Amateur Night at The Apollo. When I heard about Kofi, we just had to hear his own words as to how he manages to excel in such challenging circumstances. Produced by Nick Perri & Steve Eshewsky. Engineered by Gina LaRosa. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week, Louis catches up with the great Doobie Powell, who came to Ropeadope through Sput Searight's RSVP records. Doobie's father was a musician who founded the band Wood, Brass, & Steel, featuring the young Doug Wimbish. This is the band that eventually became the Sugar Hill Gang, so you can see right away that Doobie's background in the Church was accentuated with secular experience. Doobie's new album, Finding Myself Again, came out in Spring of 2019, and his blend of all those musical experiences makes for a groundbreaking ride. Find Yourself https://doobiepowell.bandcamp.com/album/finding-myself-again Produced by Steve Eshewsky. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Keyboardist and composer Brockett Parsons cut his teeth in the New York scene and rose to national attention when Sean Combs personally selected him for his touring band. Many know Brockett as the keyboard player in Lady Gaga's band, but it was his appearance on the 2017 Super Bowl half-time show that most will remember as he introduced a new invention that he and some close friends developed: the piano arc 360 keyboard. When Brockett met up with drummer and Modern Icon Recording's founder Adrian Harpham, the two knew they wanted to work together. The result was Brockett's debut album, The Brockettship. Released on October 12, 2018, the album shows Brockett's progressive and curious mind, and his approach to music. Ride The Brockettship https://fanlink.to/BrockettParsons Support Modern Icon Recordins at https://www.moderniconrecordings.com/ Produced by Steve Eshewsky --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Keyboardist Deron Johnson is a Los Angeles native, and he quickly picked up work touring with Paula Abdul before being snapped up by Miles Davis to join his final touring band. We know Deron best as a founding member of the all star band, Light Blue Movers. Together with Adrian Harpham, Gabe Gonzalez, & Jonathan Levy, Johnson has recorded two albums with the group. Teleological Deevolution available at https://fanlink.to/LBM https://www.moderniconrecordings.com/ Produced by Gabe Sanderson. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Crown is an artist and songwriter. Her work examines the crisis of women, how we are forever pulled between the potential we see ahead and the echos of our under liberated past and present. Her songs tell the stories of her discoveries and strives to illuminate the nuanced challenges women face in our everyday experience. Engineered by Moses Opawumi --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The Last Poets are considered to be The Godfathers of hip-hop, bringing poetry onto the turbulent scene in the 1960's. For over 50 years they have persevered, keeping their intent and their mission alive as they seek to enlighten all people about racism, social justice, and personal growth through poetry and music. Earlier this year, Umar Bin Hassan, Abiodun Oyewole, and Baba Donn Babatunde gathered at the Ropeadope Room at the invitation of renowned bassist and producer Jamaaladeen Tacuma. It was there that they listened for the first time to the full album that they had worked on for years. It was an emotional and historic moment, all recorded on camera as part of the 21Soul video series. Shortly afterward, we reached out to each of The Last Poets to record a podcast series to share with the world more about these unique and powerful men. Transcend the Toxic Times: https://fanlink.to/TheLastPoets Produced by Nick Perri & Steve Eshewsky. Engineered by Steve Eshewsky. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The Last Poets are considered to be The Godfathers of hip-hop, bringing poetry onto the turbulent scene in the 1960's. For over 50 years they have persevered, keeping their intent and their mission alive as they seek to enlighten all people about racism, social justice, and personal growth through poetry and music. Earlier this year, Umar Bin Hassan, Abiodun Oyewole, and Baba Donn Babatunde gathered at the Ropeadope Room at the invitation of renowned bassist and producer Jamaaladeen Tacuma. It was there that they listened for the first time to the full album that they had worked on for years. It was an emotional and historic moment, all recorded on camera as part of the 21Soul video series. Shortly afterward, we reached out to each of The Last Poets to record a podcast series to share with the world more about these unique and powerful men. Transcend the Toxic Times: https://fanlink.to/TheLastPoets Produced by Nick Perri & Steve Eshewsky. Engineered by Nick Perri. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The Last Poets are considered to be The Godfathers of hip-hop, bringing poetry onto the turbulent scene in the 1960's. For over 50 years they have persevered, keeping their intent and their mission alive as they seek to enlighten all people about racism, social justice, and personal growth through poetry and music. Earlier this year, Umar Bin Hassan, Abiodun Oyewole, and Baba Donn Babatunde gathered at the Ropeadope Room at the invitation of renowned bassist and producer Jamaaladeen Tacuma. It was there that they listened for the first time to the full album that they had worked on for years. It was an emotional and historic moment, all recorded on camera as part of the 21Soul video series. Shortly afterward, we reached out to each of The Last Poets to record a podcast series to share with the world more about these unique and powerful men. Transcend the Toxic Times: https://fanlink.to/TheLastPoets Produced by Nick Perri & Steve Eshewsky. Engineered by Steve Eshewsky. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The Last Poets are considered to be The Godfathers of hip-hop, bringing poetry onto the turbulent scene in the 1960's. For over 50 years they have persevered, keeping their intent and their mission alive as they seek to enlighten all people about racism, social justice, and personal growth through poetry and music. Earlier this year, Umar Bin Hassan, Abiodun Oyewole, and Baba Donn Babatunde gathered at the Ropeadope Room at the invitation of renowned bassist and producer Jamaaladeen Tacuma. It was there that they listened for the first time to the full album that they had worked on for years. It was an emotional and historic moment, all recorded on camera as part of the 21Soul video series. Shortly afterward, we reached out to each of The Last Poets to record a podcast series to share with the world more about these unique and powerful men. Transcend the Toxic Times: https://fanlink.to/TheLastPoets Produced by Nick Perri & Steve Eshewsky. Engineered by Steve Eshewsky. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week Louis gets on the line with Thor Madsen aka Thor De Force. It was fascinating to hear his experience growing up in Denmark, making his way to the NY scene and collaborating with the cats at Nublu. His new record, Sounds Of The Mansion is a sweeping work, a deep dive into HIS sound. The record is easily accessible yet continues to bring you further into Thor's world. Stream and download Sounds Of The Mansion at https://thordeforce.bandcamp.com/album/sounds-of-the-mansion Produced by Nick Perri & Steve Eshewsky. Engineered by Ben Parry. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week I get on the line with Kyle Nasser. As Kyle is a graduate of both Berklee and Harvard, I knew the conversation might get serious. And it did, as we went through the intricacies of his new album, Persistent Fancy. We know Kyle from the NY outfit Beekman, but this is his debut as a bandleader. The compositions have deep meaning and careful intricacy, and yet one does not need to have a full understanding to enjoy the album. Find Kyle's album Persistent Fancy at https://kylenassermusic.bandcamp.com/album/persistent-fancy Produced by Nick Perri. Engineered by Ben Parry. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week Mr. Brian Wolf from Drums & Tuba. If you were around in the experimental years at the turn of the century, checking in on artists like MMW and Les Claypool, you know this band. Started on the streets of Austin, Texas, Drums & Tuba is Brian and drummer Tony Nozero. Together they explore song structure as they hear it, and the unique sounds they create appeal to punk rock as much as jazz. Let's hear Brian break it down. Their new album Triumph! is available at https://drums-tuba.bandcamp.com/album/triumph Produced by Nick Perri. Engineered by Ben Parry. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah is well received in the jazz world, but it is his transcendent level of creativity and his mission to unite us all by breaking down barriers within the construct of music that define him as a leader in this time. Louis had the chance to chat with Christian, and as is often the case, we ran over on time and we just let it roll. This is the second and final installment of the series. Enjoy. Christian Scott's 'Ancestral Recall' can be found at https://christianscott.bandcamp.com/album/ancestral-recall Produced by Nick Perri. Engineered by Steve Eshewsky. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah is well received in the jazz world, but it is his transcendent level of creativity and his mission to unite us all by breaking down barriers within the construct of music that define him as a leader in this time. Louis had the chance to chat with Christian, and as is often the case, we ran over on time and we just let it roll. This is part one of a two part series. Christian Scott's 'Ancestral Recall' can be found at https://christianscott.bandcamp.com/album/ancestral-recall Produced by Nick Perri. Engineered by Steve Eshewsky. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week I spend some time speaking with RC Williams. A Dallas musician who has held down the weekly DFW Jam Sessions for many years; a place where world class musicians get together and explore. It was at one of these sessions that young UNT students with a band named Snarky Puppy met cats like RC, Sput Searight, Shaun Martin, and Corey Henry. RC & The Gritz is best known as Erykah Badu's band, and their new album, Analog World, hit this year. The band starts with a pickup band vibe, but soon you can tell they've got their own groove. Catch the new RC & The Gritz record "Analog World" upon its release on March 8, 2019. https://rcandthegritz.bandcamp.com/album/analog-world Produced by Nick Perri. Engineered by Steve Eshewsky. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week it's off to West Virginia to visit with saxophonist Jared Sims. We first met Jared in the Boston band Akashic Record, and now that he has re- settled in his home state as the director of Jazz Studies at WVU, Jared is returning to the roots of Jazz. His most recent album, The New York Sessions, is a nostalgic trip through the sounds of the New York scene. With titles like Tribeca Tap Bar and Brooklyn Tea, Jared captures the sound and feeling of the greatest city on earth. Purchase Jared's album "The New York Sessions" at https://jaredsims.bandcamp.com/ Produced by Nick Perri. Engineered by Steve Eshewsky. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week we have the great pleasure of speaking with Vivian Sessoms. Raised in a musical family in Harlem, Vivian's list of credits in the music business requires a lot of scrolling, with notables like Stevie Wonder, Sinead O Connor, and Ryuichi Sakamoto on the list. Vivian stunned us with her two part album entitled LIFE, an epic collection of songs and lush arrangements done with her husband, Chris Parks, and featuring the likes of Keyon Harold, Casey Benjamin, Shedrick Mitchell, and Amp Fiddler. Her powerful social commentary is mixed throughout, with the most powerful track - I Can't Breathe - dedicated to Erica Garner. Support Vivian by purchasing her album "Life" at https://vivian-sessoms.bandcamp.com/album/life Produced by Nick Perri. Engineered by Steve Eshewsky. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Sasha Masakowski is an enigma: born and raised in New Orleans, the daughter of a celebrated Jazz Guitarist, Sasha is every bit at home in New York City and equally comfortable with the quirks and changes of our modern world as she is with the history of Jazz. We spoke about her album Art Market, which views and celebrates New Orleans through her lense - playful at times, worldly, with a full juxtaposition of genres. Support Sasha and her latest record "Art Market" at https://sasha-masakowski.bandcamp.com/album/art-market Produced by Nick Perri. Engineered by Steve Eshewsky. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Mark de Clive-Lowe has been on the global scene for some time; Hailing from New Zealand, Mark made spent a decade in London immersed in the London broken beat scene and has traveled the world with his detailed setup, composing on the spot and mixing electronic and organic sounds. In 2019 mark is set to release Heritage - a two part album that takes him back to his mother's homeland - Japan. The two part album, due out in February and April, musically expresses his connection, respect, and deep personal roots. Purchase the first installment of Heritage at https://markdeclivelowe.bandcamp.com/album/heritage Produced by Nick Perri. Engineered by Ben Parry. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The cats from Troker joined us by phone from Guadelajara and spoke of their early influences in the Ropeadope fam like DJ Logic and John Medeski. The band takes that early sound and brings it forward in a powerful way, with a strong emphasis on Mexican culture. Find Troker's new album Imperfecto at https://trokermusic.bandcamp.com/album/imperfecto --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Louis sits down with Anu Sun to discuss his upcoming release, Sanguine Regum. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app