In Studio from Simply Timeless

As one of the younger members on the New York jazz scene, pianist Emmet Cohen continues to wow audiences around the country and around the world with his fresh interpretations of standards as well as new original compositions. His latest release is the album “Future Stride” for Mack Avenue. Emmet and I talk about his own musical journey which includes working alongside a number of his own jazz heroes. More at emmetcohen.com.

This week, we bring you an interview from earlier this year featuring bassist and vocalist Jen Hodge. When we recorded this, Jen was staying with her parents in her hometown of Courtneay, British Columbia. Our discussion focuses on her musical journey from playing bass in high school band to eventually making her mark in New York City. More at jenhodgebass.com.

Earlier this year, we had the great pleasure of chatting with our friend, Johnny Summers. His most recent release as a vocalist and trumpeter is a tribute to the music of Chet Baker - the album “Baker's Dozen.” We chat about how Chet's music has influenced Johnny's own style… but we dig deeper into one crucial element of musical performance - a personal connection with the audience. More at johnnysummers.com.

We're joined this week by pianist and vocalist, Dena DeRose. Her most recent release is an album for HighNote, “Ode to the Road” which features special guests like Houston Person and Sheila Jordan. Our interview takes a journey down the road of Dena's personal and professional career. That story begins in upstate New York near her home in Binghamton, New York. More at denaderose.com.

This week, we’re continuing our talks about family as we visit with trombonist Steve Turre and his daughter Andromeda. Steve has been well known for his work with Ray Charles, Art Blakey, and the Saturday Night Live Band. His daughter is continuing that musical legacy as a talented vocalist… she also spent time with Ray Charles as one of the Raelettes. Listen as they share stories of family and shared musical experiences.

Deanna Witkowski's own journey has led her to a new home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which was also home to another renowned pianist, Mary Lou Williams. Deanna discusses how she is telling Mary Lou’s story through her latest writings and recordings. We’ll also hear about the influence of Deanna’s faith and how that has helped bring people together through her musical gifts. More at deannawitkowski.com

This week, we explore the musical journey of vocalist Roseanna Vitro. Most recently, she put out a digital release of her 1984 debut album, “Listen Here.” We not only dig a little deeper into the stories behind that album, but we also look at the early influences in Roseanna’s multi-decade career. Our story begins with her roots in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Minneapolis-based vocalist Lila Ammons joins us to discuss her own journey of musical discovery. Through that journey, she continues to discover a great deal within her own family legacy - thanks in part to the music of her grandfather, pianist Albert Ammons, and uncle, saxophonist Gene Ammons. More at lilaammonsmusic.com.

Every musician owes a debt of gratitude to those who have been an inspiration or influence to them. For vocalist Vanessa Rubin, some of those mentors include the likes of Frank Foster, Barry Harris, Carmen McRae, and Tadd Dameron. She released an album featuring the music of Mr. Dameron… “The Dream Is You.” Of course, she shares more than just a musical connection with him; in fact, both of them called Cleveland, Ohio, home. More at vanessarubin.com.

We’re joined by bassist Leon Lee Dorsey. His latest release is a collaboration with drummer Mike Clark and pianist Harold Mabern. The album is titled as a tribute to the late pianist, “Thank You Mr. Mabern.” That studio session would be Mr. Mabern’s last. Leon and I are talk about those moments of working with Harold and Mike… but we also discuss the fundamentals of leading an ensemble as a bassist. More at leonleedorsey.com.

When it comes to the music of Louis Armstrong, one name always comes to mind - historian Ricky Riccardi. Ricky and Jay Daniels chatted recently about a soon-to-be-released set from Mosaic - The Complete Louis Armstrong Columbia & RCA Victor Studio Sessions 1946 - 66. You'll also hear about the extensive research done by Ricky and several other producers associated with Armstrong. More at mosaicrecords.com.

Last year, we had the chance to visit with clarinetist and saxophonist Ken Peplowski. He had previously been featured on two collaborative albums with guitarist Diego Figueriedo and pianist Dick Hyman. We discuss the art of musical conversation with Ken as well as his many friends in the jazz industry - people like Steve Allen, Benny Goodman, and John Pizzarelli. More at kenpeplowski.com.

We’re joined this week by vocalist and producer, Steve Tyrell. You might have heard his renditions of beloved standards right here on Simply Timeless. Yet before he made his own vocal recordings, he worked behind the scenes with artists like B.J. Thomas, Elvis Presley, Dionne Warwick, and Carole King. Steve shares some of the stories from his multi-decade career, but his story begins with his early years in Texas. More at stevetyrell.com.

Our guest this week is pianist Ben Paterson. We’re delighted to hear his journey of musical discovery as he shares his experiences of performing in cities like New York and Chicago… there’s also one particular concert where he opened for blues legend B. B. King. More at benpaterson.com.

This week, we explore the intersection of faith, family, and music as shared by saxophonist and composer Jimmy Greene. His latest album is called “While Looking Up,” and it features a song penned in honor of his daughter, Ana. You’ll hear some of her story along with the beginnings of Jimmy’s musical career. More at jimmygreene.com.

Whatever our talent in this life might be, we each carry a part of our mentors with us. For musicians, it means having that mentor’s style as a part of our own. In the case of pianist Jeb Patton, he still carries the influences of his own teachers like Sir Roland Hanna and Jimmy Heath. Later in the interview, Jeb will also share some of his own challenges at developing his jazz piano technique. More at jebpatton.com.

Music was always a centerpiece in the life of vocalist and composer René Marie. Yet it wasn't until she was 42 years old that she embarked upon her professional music career. In this interview, you'll hear the stories of her own life experiences - stories of heartbreak, loss, and despair. Through it all, René was able to take those bits of hurt and brokenness and transform them into the beautiful tapestry of a renewed and transformed life. More at renemarie.com.

In 2019, Nicolas Bearde released an album of standards made popular by Nat King Cole called “I Remember You.” During our interview, Nicolas not only remembers his love for the music of Nat Cole but also some of the influences he had along his musical journey. He’ll share the memories of his service in the Air Force while stationed in Japan as well as his years of working with artists like Bobby McFerrin. More at nicolasbearde.com.

Jay Daniels chats with pianist Lafayette Harris, Jr. You'll discover a bit about the jazz musician including his musical roots in southside Virginia. Hear the stories of his work with mentors like Kenny Barron and Max Roach. Plus, you'll learn about his latest album - a collaboration with Houston Person called "You Can't Lose with the Blues." More at lafayetteharrisjr.com.

We kick off our 2021 series with an interview recorded last spring with critically-acclaimed pianist, Helen Sung. You’re going to hear about her own journey of musical discovery - from growing up with her parents in Houston, Texas, to forging a full-time career as a performer and educator in New York City. Helen will also share her own insight on how her training in classical music went on to influence her efforts as a jazz pianist. More at helensung.com.

Earlier this year, we had the great pleasure of visiting with jazz pianist Dick Hyman. A few weeks before our interview, Mr. Hyman had just celebrated his 93rd birthday. You’re going to hear a number of stories from him and his experiences with some of the greats in jazz like Charlie Parker and Benny Goodman. Mr. Hyman will also delve into his recordings at the Moog synthesizer. More at dickhyman.com.

Years down the road, jazz historians may very well write about the many contributions of saxophonist Cory Weeds. For several years, he was the owner of Cory Weeds Cellar Jazz Club in Vancouver. From that venture, the Cellar Live record label was born. Cory discusses the circumstances behind those efforts as well as those surrounding his own musical upbringing. More at coryweeds.com.

Each week, you join us as we bring you timeless songs. But really… what makes those songs timeless? Is it because of their age, or is there something deeper within them? We explore that idea with violinist Aaron Weinstein; his latest album is called 3x3. We’ll talk about the album as well as his musical collaborations with the late Bucky Pizzarelli. More at aaronweinstein.net.

Vibraphonist and composer Lolly Allen joins us to talk about her latest album from OA2, “Coming Home.” Our story revolves around that idea of home… from growing up in a small town in New York State to moving west to Los Angeles, California. Along the way, Lolly will also tell us some of those talented artists who helped her continue along her musical journey. More at lollyvibes.com.

Composer and vocalist Kandace Springs joins us to speak about the important women in her life, including her mother Kelly. Those stories are the inspiration for her Blue Note release, "The Women Who Raised Me." You'll also hear about her other loves in life including an extensive collection of Matchbox cars. More at kandacesprings.com.

Recently, bassist and vocalist Nicki Parrott released her latest album for Arbors… “From New York to Paris.” These are two cities that are very special to Nicki, but life for her began in Australia. We’ll discuss not only her early years down under but also her many years of collaboration with talented musicians like Les Paul and Bucky Pizzarelli. More at nickiparrott.com.

Adrian Cunningham is no stranger to many in the world of jazz… in fact, he’s just released two new albums - one is a feature on the Songs of Disney and the other on the music of Lerner & Loewe. In addition to discussing these albums, we go back to Australia to hear about Adrian’s first musical memories with his family.  Visit adriancunningham.com for more on his albums and related work.

We recently caught up with vocalist Calabria Foti. Last year, she released the critically-acclaimed album, “Prelude to a Kiss.” Like many of her past recordings, it features lush string arrangements for beloved standards like “The Folks Who Live on the Hill”, “Waltz for Debby,” and the title track, Duke Ellington’s “Prelude to a Kiss.” More at calabriafoti.com.

Earlier this year, Jay Daniels had the pleasure of chatting with guitarist Ron Jackson. His most recent album is a collection called “Standards and Other Songs.” We talked about some of his influences for that release along with his love for the music of Bill Withers. Ron also talks about family especially the budding career of his daughter, Lucia Jackson. More at www.ronjacksonmusic.com.

Jocelyn Medina is a well-known vocalist and composer based in New York. For some time, she’s hosted the Sunday Vocal Jazz Jam Series at venues throughout the City. In March, she began hosting those sessions over Zoom conferences. Jocelyn shares the story behind those sessions as well as some of her own early musical influences. For more information, search for the group “Sunday Vocal Jazz Jam Series” on Facebook.

Jay chats with the multi-Grammy winning pianist and vocalist, Eliane Elias about her album, “Love Stories,." You’ll also hear some of the experiences that Eliane had with her friend and composer… Antônio Carlos Jobim. More at elianeelias.com.

Time and time again, we hear the stories of careers shaped by seemingly coincidental events. We think that the stories shared by percussionist and producer Gregg Field are more than just coincidences. You’re going to hear of how a backstage meeting led to his performing with the Count Basie Orchestra and later with Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra. Gregg also shares a little insight on the recent Concord release, “Ella at 100: Live at the Apollo.”

The musical journey for pianist Benny Green continues with his latest release called “Benny’s Crib.” While Benny has long been known for his work as an acoustic pianist, this album prominently showcases his talents at the Fender Rhodes. More at bennygreenmusic.com.

Vocalist and composer Sarah Partridge has been working hard on her latest project - Portraits of Wisdom: A Musical History of Women in STEM… that’s the acronym for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. You’ll hear more about that in a moment… along with some of the inspirations which have led Sarah to this point. More at sarahpartridge.com.

Vocalist La Tanya Hall is no stranger to entertainment industry. For many years, she has worked alongside many of the greats in the world of jazz and pop… plus, she’s done a bit of acting with roles in shows like “Blue Bloods.” Last year, La Tanya released a solo album called “Say Yes.” In this interview, we talk about La Tanya’s career and the inspiration behind the new release. More information available at latanyahall.com.

This week, we’re joined by New York’s own, Marty Elkins. She’s known to many throughout the jazz community as a singer who really knows how to swing. We’re going to talk about how the sounds of R&B and soul music from the radio influenced her unique style. Plus, Marty will share a few details about a new project, “’Tis Autumn,” that she recorded with bassist, Mike Richmond. More information at martyelkins.com.

Jay Daniels chats with Grammy Award-winning pianist and vocalist, Diane Schuur. Her latest release is "Running on Faith," produced by longtime collaborator Ernie Watts. Diane talks about her feelings on the album and how she hopes it will inspire others during this uncertain season. Jay also shares his own story with Diane of how her music inspired his love of jazz over 20 years ago. More at dianeschuur.com.

Trumpet James Suggs' debut project as a leader was recently produced in collaboration with saxophonist, Houston Person. The name of the album is “You’re Gonna Hear from Me.” This week, we’re going to hear from James as he shares the story of his life in music from his early years in band to his work with the legacy orchestras of Tommy Dorsey and Glenn Miller.

The tradition of the bossa nova continues through vocalist Daniela Soledade. Her family was instrumental in working with some of those composers we just mentioned. Recently, Daniela collaborated with guitarist Nate Najar for her debut album, “A Moment of You.” The two were gracious enough to join us recently from Daniela’s home in Saint Petersburg, Florida. More at danielasoledade.com.

He’s a native of Philadelphia, PA, but these days, pianist John di Martino is recognized as a first-call musician in New York City. His latest is a collection of songs by Billy Strayhorn - Passion Flower. John’s accompanied by saxophonist Eric Alexander, bassist Boris Kozlov, and drummer Lewis Nash. More at johndimartino.com.

We bring you an interview featuring vocalist Lauren Henderson and pianist Sullivan Fortner. Their 5th release together, The Songbook Session, is set to be released on April 24th. You’re going to hear about their early musical experiences, but you’ll also hear about a visit with friends in New York that was the beginning of their musical collaboration. More at laurenhendersonmusic.com.

Why do we dream? Is there something to be learned from our dreams? Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with vocalist and composer, Kat Edmonson. Her latest, Dreamers Do, features well-known classics along with some of her own original work. Kat shares her thoughts on the importance of dreams, and you'll hear how the dancing of Fred Astaire & Debbie Reynolds helped Kat realize her own musical aspirations. More at katedmonson.com.

Jay Daniels chats with the Duchess Trio featuring Amy Cervini, Melissa Stylianou, and Hilary Gardner. You'll hear their stories of how each of their paths led them to sing together in New York City. The ladies will also talk about their new live album, "Live at Jazz Standard." More information is available at http://www.duchesstrio.com.