DreamFarm Radio Shows

This week we begin our exploration of the music of the incomparable Milton Nascimento. Undeniably a Brazilian treasure, this singer-songwriter, composer, instrumentalist and visionary has created music that bridges influences that stem from his beloved Mias Gerais region and far beyond. Milton's music is an intersection of African, South American, and European Baroque traditions, Jazz and Pop.

Vocalist, composer, pianist, Craig Jaster is a self-taught pro who's music is a cool blend of jazz, blues and pop influences. He is right at home with the best of jazz players and his songs are hip and fun. Craig's trio features Brendan Dowd/Bass and Tim Gilmore/Drums. Their original take on jazzy trio vocal music is our treat of the week from the farm.

The Yabuno/Ettun Project is the incredibly melodic, intuitive and sensitive music of Ehud Ettun on bass and Haruka Yabuno on piano. I soaked in their music and it was a delightful afternoon..

New York saxophonist Daniel Bennett has been hailed as one of the most original and unpredictable musical voices of his generation. Insite Magazine calls Bennett's music, "refreshingly capricious and trippy." The Village Voice raves, "saxophonist Daniel Bennett makes hay with an airy approach that's buoyant enough to conjure notions of East African guitar riffs and Steve Reich's pastoral repetition." The Boston Herald describes Bennett's music as "exploratory Folk-Jazz hybrid." Timeout New York raves, "Daniel Bennett airs his lilting, potentially hypnotic compositions!" Check out this episode featuring Recorded Daniel Live in Concert for this very special episode of DreamFarm Radio.

Guitarist Richard "Shep" Sheppard, is an avid fan of Manouche guitarist Django Rienhart and Shep's fresh take on Manouche music also reflects his love of swing and admiration for some of the world's most iconic drummers. He comes to the farm unfurling his solo guitar sounds to draw us into his world of musical innovation.

Vocalist, composer, pianist, Craig Jaster is a self-taught pro who's music is a cool blend of jazz, blues and pop influences. He is right at home with the best of jazz players and his songs are hip and fun. Craig's trio features Brendan Dowd/Bass and Tim Gilmore/Drums. Their original take on jazzy trio vocal music is our treat of the week from the farm.

Sublime indeed. 4 time Grammy Award Winning cellist, Eugene Friesen was my guest for this episode of DreamFarm Radio along with pianist Tim Ray and trumpet player Greg Hopkins. As if it weren't enought to swim in the vibrations of Eugene's pulchritudinous cello playing, I was treated to their jazz chamber music trio, Tre Corda. "Tre Corda" refers to classical piano notation, and is an instruction to the pianist to the release of the soft pedal which allow all three piano strings vibrate freely. This trio's members are free to explore their own creative paths and fully resonate as individual musicians in free and yet collaborative expression. That's "Tre Corda!"

A listen-back to the rich and varied string vibrations that have permeated the atmosphere at DreamFarm.

Boston-based bassist and composer and bassist, Max Ridley, explores Folk, American Roots, Punk and Jazz with his colleagues in the Basement Philharmonic band. You will hear shadows and layers of sometimes disparate styles that come together in his unique conception of musical synergy. Max Ridley is a Boston-based musician, composer and teacher with a He has shared the stage with renown musicians, Kenny Werner, Ingrid Jensen, Bob Mover, Jason Palmer, George Garzone, Terri Lyne Carrington, Ra-Kalam Bob Moses and Perico Sambeat. He has performed in venues such as the Blue Note, Dizzy's Club Coca Cola at Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center

At DreamFarm we love eclectic jazz influences but there is nothing quite like Classic trio jazz to bring you home to a happy listening place. And these guys do it with such finesse that it is fresh and new, especially since they write original trio music and have released 2 new albums of it. After many years of playing, recording and writing, these fellows truly shine and it was such fun to have them at the farm. I was taken to new heights as they backed me up on my own trio jazz tune “Velvet Arms of Midnight.” Thank you, Steve, Bruce and Jack.

Studios! Destiny is getting glowing reviews... It was a real singer’s celebration at the Farm when Louise Van Aarsen came with her talented friends and comrades. The music composed and sung by Louise may best be described as "grown up music for grown ups." Her subjects are time, love and loss and desire. She is not afraid of singing of domesticity, children and happiness. These subjects are all cushioned in thoughtful arrangements tending toward the southern hemisphere and hyper-exact contemporary jazz production. Louise’ voice is no-nonsense and very easy on the ear. Her band is top notch. .Singer Ted Davis and producer Parris join Van Aarsen and the three create dancing vocal counterpoint to great effect. Louise’ writing plumbs the depths of the commonplace while making them not seem such. The fields of the farm were alive with the singing!

This young musician has a beautifully crafted style with a fetching voice and a way of interpreting melodies that is fresh, adventurous and evocative. Together with her husband, Lefteris they form a fearless and seamless duo. I loved Panayota’s voice and the way she intuited new places to go in familiar songs. Her interpretations made each song a brand new journey rather than just a familiar ride down a musical road. Take the trip with us. It all starts right here at DreamFarm with Panayota Haloulkou.

What do you get when you combine the best of Jazz conceptions with what we love about pop, rock, R and B? You get Matt Savage and The Groove Experiment. We are so glad Matt is back at the farm as we experience his ever-expanding Big Bang of musical exploration.

Internationally known, Grammy nominated alto saxophonist, orchestra leader, composer and arranger, Kim Richmond joins Julie to share his latest recording “Artistry.” Artistry is Richmond’s tribute to one of the most innovative bandleaders in jazz, Stan Kenton. While that is certainly noteworthy, there's much more here than memories. Augmenting the traditional big-band structure Kim’s amazing orchestral arrangements, creatively written originals and terrifically performed charts Kim Richmond and his orchestra group deliver an outstanding performance. It’s a thrill to have Kim come and share his new recording and play live with Julie for this episode of DreamFarm Radio.

This was a super-fun and swingin' session with award-winning jazz guitarist, Gerry Beaudoin, his son Gerald Beaudoin II on tasty vibes and veteran bass player Brad Hallon.

Don Davis, a friend and frequent guest musician at DreamFarm, has played for us numerous times times as well as performed on several of Julie’s albums. Don plays, soprano/alto/tenor and bass saxophones, various flutes clarinet, percussion and even his teeth! He has performed live and recorded with scores of well-known and accomplished musicians of all sorts. It takes great skill and versatility to contribute to so many different bands so well, while weaving his very own signature sounds and ideas tastefully into the mix. His resume is a road map for a most interesting musical journey that starts right here at the farm.

Boston-based multi-instrumentalist Ian Ethan Case, best known for his innovative approach to the 18-string acoustic double-neck guitar is increasingly gaining recognition both for his unique instrumental compositions and for the highly original playing methods which are required to perform them. One of only about five musicians worldwide to tackle the double-neck guitar in earnest, he fluidly combines a variety of self-invented playing techniques necessitated by his multi-layered compositions, which, taken together, have begun to establish the instrument's musical validity perhaps more so than the work of any other artist.

Albino Mbie was born in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, a country in southern Africa known for its rich musical and cultural heritage. Fueled by the resourcefulness and determination that have always characterized Mozambicans, he built his first guitar at 16 from a 5-liter can of oil, scrap wood, and strings made out of electrical cords. As with his home-made guitar, Albino wanted to combine styles and incorporate diverse elements in his music. Today, Albino’s music succeeds in combining many disparate parts into an organic whole. It incorporates his musical experiences from Mozambique, the U.S., and many other places around the world, combining rhythmic patterns and musical concepts to create a unique "Moz-Jazz" sound.

At DreamFarm we love all the musical "bells and whistles" -- the many and varied textures, tambres, shades and colors of the bigger jazz band. This week we are sharing with your some of the very best Jazz arranging that highlights the wonderful world of the larger jazz ensemble. It's a feast for your ears.

DreamFarm Radio takes you to a live CD release concert in the historic Amoskeag Mill in Manchester, NH where we are introduced to the music of Fugue Mill. Fugue Mill weaves jazz through the fabric of Americana, world, and classical music, creating a complex yet attractive blend of musical and improvisational styles. Original group pieces are featured side by side with music by such composers as Leonard Cohen and Samuel Barber. Violin and mandolin augment the quartet of piano, guitar, bass, and drums, creating a transparent and vibrant palette of improvisation and counterpoint.

Presenting our first ever live concert recording: Grace Kelly performing Live at Sculler’s Jazz Club in Boston. We had a blast capturing music from Grace’s 10th anniversary show at Boston’s #1 Jazz Club. I also had a ball sitting in with her band to sing that night. Later she came to the farm to talk about her music for our radio program. It’s an honor to share this very impressive young lady’s music with our audiences.

The six members of Amethyst have joined their love of contemporary jazz, acoustic pop, and various Latin genres with undeniable skill and taste. The unique voice of each musician enriches improvisational arcs throughout every performance. Featuring Rivera’s originals, as well as collaborative cover arrangements, this group delivers accessible interpretations of human feeling as well as delighting the ears.

The Nick Goumas Quintet is a culmination of the classic Jazz sensibilities, talents, and temperaments of 5 of New England’s best known players. The quintet is a class ensemble Jazz group that performs with energy, feeling and musical integrity. The Quartet's straight ahead style and diplay of rhythmic and harmonic sense produces some exciting jazz improvisation.

Hot Latin Salsa, and so much more, from this super fun group of excellent musicians we had at the farm. Neighbors dropped by to enjoy the recording session. It was a fantastic party of great music and new friendships. I loved the sounds of the 6 - Los Soneros de Las Seis!

What happens when fresh creativity is loosed on sublime standards? Rearranging Magic. Here how DreamFarm Radio guests have arranged and rearranged some of the music we know and love.

The Yabuno/Ettun Project is the incredibly melodic, intuitive and sensitive music of Ehud Ettun on bass and Haruka Yabuno on piano. I soaked in their music and it was a delightful afternoon..

Guitarist, singer, composer Cecilia Zabala was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1975. She is guitarist, singer and composer Through out her career, she has expressed her musical creativity using her guitar and her voice, creating original compositions that blend sensitivity, emotion, technique and intuition. Her music draws on a rich mixture of influences, from Argentinian folklore, the contemporary language of the twentieth century, jazz, tango, and Brazilian music. In this unusual DreamFarm show, here how Cecelia connected with New Hampshire musicians, pianist, Joe Deleault wind player, Don Davis and learn how their collaboration has spanned the continent and the musical sensibilities of the Americas and hear how it all intersects at DreamFarm.

A Trio Tribute to Scott Mullet: Three friends and colleagues brought together by one extraordinary musician celebrate his life with the music he taught them to play and to love.

The musicians of Trio Por Do Sol are modern practitioners of a tradition that's about 140 years old but continues to be re-defined. At its very core, Choro is a hybrid style, with roots in Europe and Africa. Brazil claims Choro as its first own urban music (from Rio). It's also very important to Brazilian identity, which is profoundly multi-racial. Currently, choro is practiced along a continuum of tradition and modernity, and the music has been blended with jazz and bluegrass and klezmer and even baroque music. In most contexts, it is a vehicle for improvisation, although the expectations are somewhat different than in jazz. We have a repertoire that mixes old and new choro compositions; we create our own arrangements and improvise around these forms. Fresh and fascinating music. View Photos by Ben Richardson at benrphotography.wordpress.com/

When we heard the talents of this exciting young group of players, we knew you’d want to hear this brass section and their rhythm section. The Anthony Fung Quintet consists of five remarkably talented musicians who have distinguished themselves as accomplished musicians in the Boston area. You’ll be impressed with what you hear and how they play both new and old tunes. Young Jazz Boston comes to Historic DreamFarm…

Highly acclaimed Boston classical guitarist, John Muratore, has appeared extensively across the US, Canada, Europe and Russia and he came to DreamFarm to play gorgeous guitar music. We explore classical guitar repertoire that is touched by jazz idioms. It's fascinating to hear those sounds flowing from John's fingers. I took my favorite place on the barn floor to listen intently. (I find myself there a lot when players come to record for the show.) Take your favorite place and listen to his show.

Even if you've never heard of composer/pianist Peter Primamore, there's a good chance you've heard his award winning film and television scores. Having built an extensive resume as a commercial composer, Primamore has produced Grancia, an ambitious and highly personal collection of original music, mixing the intimacy of a chamber ensemble with a high energy jazz-fusion rhythm section. “Primamore” means First Love. We invite you to enjoy Peter’s musical first love- the music he shares with us on DreamFarm Radio.

Vocalist, composer, educator, Latin music and Jazz specialist. Professor at Berklee College of Music since 1984, where she teaches Jazz improvisation, Latin music, performance, and voice technique. Mili performs with her husband and bassist, Dan Greenspan. Together they are the perfect duo, combining voice, and strings, and expressing the aesthetic of Jazz with the colors, textures, rhythms and poetic content of the music from Latin America. Daughter of the Mexican composer Guillermo Bermejo and his wife Luz, an Argentinean tango singer, Ms. Bermejo's blood already contained the wealth of two musical cultures at birth. She was born in Buenos Aires, but raised in the socially and artistically diverse environment of Mexico City where she grew up internalizing the music and political statements of the 60's and 70's made by the Argentineans, Chileans, Brazilians and Uruguayans in exile in Mexico City. This cultural diversity, and interaction between artists of different countries and disciplines laid the groundwork for her diverse style and dedication to the social responsibility of the artist Dan Greenspan plays the double-bassist with a passion that makes the textures and moods of the music almost palpable. His capacity to provide both the root and the melody of the music is at the core of his creative playing.

Veteran singer, composer, pianist, and entertainer, Bonnie MacLeod joins Julie in the barn for a super fun time doing vocal favorites and character pieces along with her brilliant original solo piano pieces. Bonnie brings her sassy songs sass and sunshine to the farm.

Eduardo Betancourt is undoubtedly a leader in his field... With his acoustic harp, he brings together traditional Venezuelan musical styles and creates new jazz fusions. He expands the horizons of his instrument, carving out new identities for it in the twenty-first century.

Boston-based multi-instrumentalist Ian Ethan, best known for his innovative approach to the 18-string acoustic double-neck guitar, has been performing in small listening venues around the country for the past six years and has now gained national recognition both for his unique instrumental compositions and for the highly original playing methods which are required to perform them. Julie welcomes, Ian Ethan Case back to the farm to hear about his latest work and join him on one of his newest compositions.

At DreamFarm we love eclectic jazz influences but there is nothing quite like Classic trio jazz to bring you home to a happy listening place. And these guys do it with such finesse that it is fresh and new, especially since they write original trio music and have released 2 new albums of it. After many years of playing, recording and writing, these fellows truly shine and it was such fun to have them at the farm. I was taken to new heights as they backed me up on my own trio jazz tune “Velvet Arms of Midnight.” Thank you, Steve, Bruce and Jack.

Davis and Deleault's music has touched audiences across the globe ranging from individual tours of the U.S. and Europe to sharing the stage with multi-Grammy winning artists including festival venues like the JVC, Montreal, Kool, Berlin, and many others. TV appearances on VH1 and various movie/sountracks. When describing the music of Davis and Deleault, one critic wrote, "Don Davis displayed a mastery of bass clarinet, alto and soprano saxophone, and achieved the same flexibility and excellence at improvisation with different timbres. Joe Deleault played with equal technical mastery and innovation on an instrument that can provide much rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic variety." The duo's recording credits include The Microscopic Septet, LL Cool J, Jon Bon Jovi, Mighty Sam McClain, CJ Chenier, Danzig, Tribute to Monk, and many others. Playin' at DreamFarm with Julie, they celebrate their talents and creative collaboration, and perform selections from their latest CD release "Davis and Deleault."

Guitarist, singer, composer Cecilia Zabala was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1975. She is guitarist, singer and composer Through out her career, she has expressed her musical creativity using her guitar and her voice, creating original compositions that blend sensitivity, emotion, technique and intuition. Her music draws on a rich mixture of influences, from Argentinian folklore, the contemporary language of the twentieth century, jazz, tango, and Brazilian music. In this unusual DreamFarm show, here how Cecelia connected with New Hampshire musicians, pianist, Joe Deleault wind player, Don Davis and learn how their collaboration has spanned the continent and the musical sensibilities of the Americas and hear how it all intersects at DreamFarm.

This was a super-fun and swingin' session with award-winning jazz guitarist, Gerry Beaudoin, his son Gerald Beaudoin II on tasty vibes and veteran bass player Brad Hallon.

This week's show features HOT, HOT Gypsy Jazz with Ameranouche as they share music with us from their brand new CD – “Hot!”

This week from DreamFarm we bring you a celebration of glorious vocal jazz Christmas songs. It's the sound of Chrismas swinging, grooving and souflfully seranading you like never before. Our gift to you from the farm. Merry Christmas!

I am happy to welcome composer and pianist, Sverre Indris Joner back again for a very special Christmas A fantastic composer from Norway who's passion for all things Cuban and Salsa has distinguished him in such unique ways Sverre's salsa "redos" of famous Classical and Pop Music pieces has tickled the ears of countless listeners. Now he is back with his take on iconic Christmast music. It's Serious Salsa Synery Jazz for the Season!

What do dreidels, latkes, overcoming and existential threat all have in common with jazz? Everything! DreamFarm Radio brings you a very hip Hannukah celebration featuring Kenny Ellis's Hannukah album and some of the best big band swing around. Get ready to dig it.

Even if you've never heard of composer/pianist Peter Primamore, there's a good chance you've heard his award winning film and television scores. Having built an extensive resume as a commercial composer, Primamore has produced Grancia, an ambitious and highly personal collection of original music, mixing the intimacy of a chamber ensemble with a high energy jazz-fusion rhythm section. “Primamore” means First Love. We invite you to enjoy Peter’s musical first love- the music he shares with us on DreamFarm Radio.

Julie Lavender continues to reveal the world of DreamFarm with this behind the scenes episode in which she shares more of her own music, creative influences and life at the farm. Julie talks with engineer Don Richardson inviting listeners find out more about what makes DreamFarm Radio a feast for the ears.

Thanksgiving at DreamFarm: Julie invites listeners into her family's Thanksgiving experience with the music and sentiments that fill the farm on their favorite holiday of the year. It's a one-of-a-kind holiday program of Jazz synergies, vintage songs, historic themes and exhuberant expressions of gratitude.

Tracy Clark, a proud Bostonian, has been singing in and around Boston since she was 19. In her late 20’s, Tracy’s music career included living and gigging in NYC before settling back down in Boston to raise her now teenage son. Tracy is back on the scene with a vengeance. With a voice reminiscent of Diana Krall, yet distinctly her own, Tracy draws her audiences in with her intimate approach to the stories she sings and is sure to have you swinging to songs that highlight how much fun she has being on stage. Tracy is joined by some of Boston’s most accomplished and innovative musicians, Bob Christopherson on keyboards and arrangements, Greg Holt on bass and Casey Scheuerell on drums. Tracy and I had a ball singing together. What a fun afternoon. Tracy and the guys brought warm moments and sweet music to the barn. Hope you enjoy it.

David Tonkin’s Group brings us original Jazz pieces the open up like windows into popular Jazz grooves. David calls himself a “Blue Collar” Jazz player….a guy whose work in music is all play. He been playing, teaching and performing for over 40 years. I loved his take on the Jazzy idioms he opens up for us. You’ll like hearing the work of this experienced Jazz man and his seasoned band.

This week on DreamFarm Radio, we are excited to share the sublime solo piano work of young Japanese powerhouse pianist, Yuki Futami, and his gleamningly sensitive solo album, "Underrated." Yuki also shows off the work of vocalist, Gina Rushansky, an up and coming jazz singer and composer who does not fail to capture attention and deliver a big vocal payload.

Bertram Lehman guides our continued exploration of the music of the incomparable Milton Nascimento. Undeniably a Brazilian treasure, this singer-songwriter, composer, instrumentalist and visionary has created music that bridges influences that stem from his beloved Mias Gerais region and far beyond. Milton's music is an intersection of African, South American, and European Baroque traditions, Jazz and Pop. This week we discover the breadth of Milton's music and how his influence spans the globe.