Jazz88

Toussaint Morrison is a journalist, an actor and a recording artist. This Friday, Toussaint is premiering five new music videos and a live set of all new music at the Green Room in Minneapolis. The event is in celebration of his forthcoming new album, Shapeshifter. Morrison took the time to visit with Sean from Jazz88 to discuss his love of jazz and share a couple of his personal favorites.

Pianist and composer Emmet Cohen will be back in the Twin Cities to play at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival on Friday, June 20 at 8:30 with his trio and the Four Freshmen. Cohen took a break this week to catch up with Sean McPherson and talk about his latest studio release and what he still keeps on reaching for in the world of music.

Marimbist Jenny Klukken and her quartet will perform a unique show for the Twin Cities Jazz Fest, Friday June 20th at 4:30PM on the PBS Stage. Jenny talks to Sam Keenan about being one of very few marimba players on the jazz scene.

Singer Jennifer Grimm joins the Adi Yeshaya Jazz Orchestra to kick off performances on the Jazz88 Main Stage, 4PM June 20th. Jennifer talks to Sam Keenan about the joys of performing and recording with such a big group, and working with Adi Yeshaya.

Singer Katia Cardenas performs at the Twin Cities Jazz Fest on the Walker West at Night stage, Friday June 20th at 7pm. She talks to Sam Keenan about her music evolution and her work as a program director for Walker West Music Academy.

The Hannah Harder Quintet takes the stage at Metronome Brewery in Fingal's Cave Friday June 20th at 8PM as part of the Twin Cities Jazz Fest. Hannah talks to Sam Keenan about her first time playing her material at the fest and her music plans for the future.

The Adi Yeshaya Jazz Orchestra featuring Jennifer Grimm perform at the Twin Cities Jazz Fest 2025 on the Jazz88 Main Stage, Friday June 20th at 4PM. Adi talks to Sam Keenan about working with a big group and his Twin Cities Jazz Fest Experiences.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon sat down for a conversation with L.A. Buckner, who talks about why he celebrates his home turf of North Side Minneapolis, the influences that inform his music, and the evolution of his band Big Homie. L.A, Buckner and Big Homie are a headliner at this year;s Twin Cities Jazz Festival. You can catch the band Saturday, June 21st at 6 PM at the Jazz88 Main Stage at Mears Park in St. Paul. .

Doreen Ketchens reflects on growing up in New Orleans historic Treme neighborhood, her development as a jazz clarinetist, and playing music with her family on the streets of New Orleans and in concerts and festivals around the world. Ketchens plays the Twin Cities Jazz Festival Friday June 20th at 6 PM on the Jazz88 Main Stage in St. Paul.

The Combination of Thomasina Petrus singing in front of the Selby Avenue Brass Band has been very well received. Catch this pairing in a comfortable listening situation, Crooners Supper Club in Fridley, Friday evening June 13 from 8 till 9:30. The leader of the Selby Avenue Brass Band is Tom Wells. Tom and Thomasina met with Phil Nusbaum to talk about the show, and first, Tom talked about the quality of the ensemble playing on a piece called Selby Strut.

Saxophonist Steve Cole is a Mack Avenue recording artist based in the Twin Cities preparing for a show at the Dakota on Saturday, June 14. Cole checked back in with Jazz88 to talk about his recent studio album "Without a Doubt" and the fun he's having with his band of Twin Cities heavyweights.

Bassist and composer Ted Olsen is back with a new disc titled Violette. The album comes out on June 6 and he is celebrating the release at the Cedar Cultural Center on Wednesday, June 11. Eric Mayson will be opening that show with a set. Olsen was nice enough to stop by Jazz88's studios to discuss the album. During the visit he did a portrait photo shoot with North High sophomore Devin Frelix.

Adrian Crutchfield joined host Patty Peterson to talk about his upcoming concert at the Capri Theatre on June 3, his new CD called "Slick" and his deep connection to Prince, as the last saxophonist to ever work with him in the New Power Generation. That connection led him to become a music director at a camp for musically inclined kids call Purple Playground.

Dayna Martinez is gearing up for a busy June but she took some time to visit Jazz88 and talk about the upcoming Twin Cities Jazz Festival. Festival events begin on June 19 with the main action happening June 20-21. Martinez talked about performances and masterclasses that she's excited about and she provided some tips on how to go even deeper with Jazz Festival activities.

Hennepin Fest is a free festival sponsored by the Hennepin Historical Museum. The event presents a roster of local women musicians: Connie Evingson, Annie Mack, Maria Isa and None Above. Claire Leslie Johnson served as a curator for Hennepin Fest, which takes place 2-7pm Saturday May 31. When Claire and Connie Evingson got together with Phil Nusbaum, Claire first addressed the reason for Hennepin Fest.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon speaks with trumpeter Frank London about the history of klezmer music in America and 40 years of Genre Bending klezmer interpretations and collaborations by the Klezmatics. The Klezmatics play the Dakota Tuesday night (May 27th) with Minneapolis-based ensemble Red Thread. Pictured: The Klezmatics. Frank London is seated holding a flugelhorn.

The Gated Community's songs tell personal stories and meet some of the biggest issues today. The new CD is called Goodbye Work. The release event will be at the Parkway Theater in Minneapolis, Sunday evening June 1 at 6pm. Phil Nusbaum talked to Sumanth Gopinath and Beth Hartman about the project. When the three got together, Sumanth first addressed his composition, Hand in the Air, which reflects his childhood.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon speaks with three of the musical directors involved in an event commemorating George Floyd called "Weather: Stand the Storm." Participants include Dr. G. Philip Shoultz, conductor of Singers of This Age; Waigwa, director of One Voice Mixed Chorus and Elevate Vocal Arts and Elevation Ensemble; and Dr. Rollo Dilworth, director of Singing City. Dilworth composed the musical setting for Claudia Rankine's poem “Weather,” which is the centerpiece of Saturday night's program. More details about Saturday's program are available at www.mnonevoice.org. Image: Waigwa

Vocalist Connie Evingson is getting ready to do her final performance at the Woman's Club. Next Wednesday, May 28 Connie and Lori Dokken are co-presenting a concert titled “Our Hearts Will Go On." The event features an incredible list of Twin Cities talent such as Mary Jane Alm, Doug Anderson, Ginger Commodore, Lori Dokken, Joan Griffith, Jennifer Grimm, Rachel Holder, Patty Peterson, T. Mychael Rambo, Emily Rubbelke, Erin Schwab, Dane Stauffer, Judi Vinar, Charmin Michelle and more. In addition to this star studded lineup, it is commendable that this performance benefits two current Woman's Club tenants: Involve MN and Project DIVA International. The funds will help them secure a new physical space for their organizations. Connie visited Jazz88 to discuss her plans for the concert with Afternoon Cruise host Sean McPherson.

Gospel-based singer Robert Robinson has been gathering accolades for decades. He's noted for such events as singing at Prince's Birthday Bash and being featured at the National Day of Prayer in Washington DC. Robert inspires and entertains, and he records and works with choirs as well. Recently, Robert sat down with Phil Nusbaum to talk about his songs and his mission.

Singer Erin Schwab has been singing to the accompaniments of pianist Jay Fuchs for a long time. Their performances are audience engaging with requests and a lot of dialog back and forth. But for many in the audience what really makes the show are the treatments of Judy Garland and Bette Midler songs. Erin and Jay told how the show came into being when they talked to Phil Nusbaum.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon spoke with legendary saxophonist Charles McPherson about his formative influences, including Charlie Parker, Barry Harris, and Charles Mingus. McPherson also discusses his contributions to the Soundtrack for the Clint Eastwood Charlie Parker bio-pic "Bird" and his tenure as resident composer of the San Diego Ballet. McPherson is 85 years old and still performing. He is playing at the Dakota on May 22nd.

2025 marks the centenary year of Malcolm X's birth. For the occasion, Dr. Rose Brewer, Thandisizwe Jackson-Nisan and additional planners have organized an event uplifting the politics and vision of Malcolm X. The event is on Saturday, May 17 at UROC at Plymouth and Oliver. The event is described in the promotional materials as gathering of "conscious minds that will include panel discussion, break out groups and vegan food!"  Dr. Rose Brewer is a Morse Alumni Distinguished Teaching Professor and Past Chair Person of the Department of African American and African Studies at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She took the time to hop on a ZOOM with Sean McPherson from Jazz88 to talk about the event, provide some modern context for X's impact and point listeners to some additional material if they want to learn more about Malcolm X. 

It'll be an evening of spontaneity and musical discovery when John Keston, Anthony Cos and Suwal Singh collaborate at Berlin Jazz Club in Minneapolis. The three are accomplished players of keyboards, bass, guitar and other instruments, but add electronic alteration of sound to the mix, and the vibe changes remarkably. When John Keston spoke to Phil Nusbaum about the music, he addressed the effect of electronics.

In the days of silent film, women had prominent roles in filmmaking and made movies that explored feminist themes that might seem surprising today. Peter Solomon speaks with Maggie Hennefeld, Professor of Cultural Studies and Comparitive Literature at the University of Minnesota. Hennefeld curated a 4-DVD collection of female film pioneers called "Cinema's First Nasty Women." Hennefeld also curated the program "Accordo with Silent Film: Women in Early Cinema" that is taking place at the Ordway on Tuesday, May 13th.

Award-winning saxophonist Patrick Lamb, celebrated for his collaborations with music legends like Gino Vannelli, Bobby Caldwell, and Diane Schuur, is stepping into the spotlight with his new single, "Mint Condition”. Patrick talks with Jazz88's Patty Peterson about his Twin Cities debut concert at Crooners on May 9th , which features Minnesota's own Ricky Peterson (organ), Paul Peterson (bass), Jason Peterson-DeLaire (keys) and Joe Finger (drums).

Wayne Anthony Leads Nights of Great Songs, one a month through 2025. The next opportunity Wayne with the Marquette Big Band will be June 12 at 6pm. The night of dinner, socializing and dancing takes place Windows at Marquette, located on the 50th floor of the IDS Tower in Minneapolis. Phil Nusbaum had a chance to talk to Wayne about the shows, which cover memorable songs from many decades. First, Wayne told how family got him started in this direction.

JC Sanford, Scott L. Miller and Aby Wolf combine to create Improvisational music, Each group member at other times plays music guided by form and convention. But they also like to sit down, and respond to whatever comes up, or come up with an idea that is expected to lead to something else. Phil Nusbaum talked to JC Sanford about the concept. First JC addressed the work of Aby Wolf.

Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theater, Katha Dance Theater and Flying Foot Forum are Twin Cities Dance Companies with close connections with music. These companies combine forces on Thursday May 8 and many other dates through May 18 at the Andy Boss Thrust Stage at Park Square Theater in Saint Paul, from 7:30 till 10pm. The performance is called Time Piece. Phil Nusbaum had the opportunity for a visit to a rehearsal of Joe Chvala and Karla Grotting of Flying Foot Forum.

The Larry McDonough Quartet Played Monthly at the Aster Café in Minneapolis. Each show celebrated the music of a major jazz figure, and each of those shows was recorded, and now, the highlights are being released on a Larry McDonough Quartet CD called “Best of the Aster Classic Jazz Series.” The CD release event takes place at the Aster in Minneapolis, 8pm Friday April 25. When Larry talked to Phil Nusbaum about the project, Larry first addressed how an artist benefits from close study of the work of others.

When you're dealing with the science of quantum mechanics, you're dealing with tiny, tiny particles. But when the Band Quantum Mechanics performs, it's tongue in cheek all the way, with interesting music motivated by pseudo-science. When Eli Hoehn of Quantum Mechanics talked to Phil Nusbaum, Eli told why the name Quantum Mechanics.

Michael Bland is a musical powerhouse who calls the Twin Cities home. He is best known for his tenure as the drummer for Prince, but he has been a part of so many great moments in Twin Cities music. This Saturday, Bland will be diving back into the music of Prince for a show titled “New Power Generation – A Tribute To Prince." The show is this Saturday at the Hopkins Center For the Arts at 8pm. Bland connected with Jazz88's Sean McPherson to talk about his approach to Prince's music and his familial connection to his fellow New Power Generation bandmates.

Friends of the station Thomas and Alex Streitz are celebrating the launch of their new non-profit, The Minnesota Poets Collective. The group celebrates the art of poetry in all its forms and seeks to bring together diverse voices from all around the state of Minnesota. The father/son duo were nice enough to stop by the Jazz88 studios to talk about their upcoming publications and their mission to connect with Minnesota poets.

When Geoff Jones sings, he combines jazz and soul with a mellow baritone. Geoff performs a lot with guitarist Joh Della Selva, and the two bring their repertoire of great songs to Umbra in Minneapolis, this Friday night from 7 till 10. When Geoff talked to Phil Nusbaum, the talk turned to the staying power of standards such as Rodgers and Hart's Where or When.

Grammy-nominated drummer, vocalist and producer Kassa Overall is bringing his approach full circle with a performance at The Dakota on Wednesday night. Some of Overall's earliest professional experiences were traveling with Geri Allen, Wallace Roney and others in very formal jazz bandstand settings. On Wednesday, Overall will bring all the enthusiasm and adventurousness that he's known for into a seated nightclub performance. Kassa Overall will also be premiering some new sounds that will be part of his next release and will be joined by the celebrated musician, and recent Twin Cities transplant, Melvin Gibbs.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon spoke with guitarist Martin Taylor about his musical influences and his collaboration "Great Guitars" with Ulf Wakenius and Bireli Lagrene. Taylor and Wakenius perform together at the Dakota Monday evening 4/14. Lagrene cannot make the show because of an injury.

The Latin Soul Vibe combines Latin, funk, jazz and other styles into a refreshing new mix. The quartet plays at Crooners Supper Club in Fridley, Thursday April 17 from 6 till 7:30. When Mac Santiago talked to Phil Nusbaum about the group, Mac first addressed how The Latin Soul Vibe was formed. While Mac is best known for his drum set-based jazz drumming, the influence of his Puerto Rican father Luís, made Latin Jazz and conga drumming a needed passion to fulfill. The Latin Soul Vibe does just that.

Ryan Olson and Isaac Gale make up Marijuana Deathsquads. Theirs is a serious musical endeavor that includes composition and improvisation, electronic and conventional instruments and voices that seriously breaks new musical ground but doesn't take itself too seriously. Marijuana Deathsquads performs next Wednesday at Icehouse in Minneapolis, with doors opening at 9pm ahead of a 10pm performance. A major tool used by the group is a synth, and Isaac Gale talked about it in a conversation with Phil Nusbaum.

Somali blues & American gospel have a conversation in a show coming to the St. Thomas University campus (St. Paul) Sunday, April 6 and Saint John's University (Collegeville) April 27. Bobby Vandell spoke with the organizers JD Steele, Ahmed Yusuf and Beck Lee. Details at https://culturalfluencyinitiative.org/events/

Jazz88's Peter Solomon spoke with singer Karrin Allyson about a show at Crooners Thursday April 3rd called "The American Songbook Jazz Party." The program is a collaboration with music journalist Daborah Grace Winer, who will tell stories behind the music. Karrin talks about her own relationship to the songs she will be performing and talks about her Grammy-nominated album "Many a New Day" that focuses on the Rodgers and Hammerstein songs.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon speaks with Riley Helgeson, a trumpeter who handles publicity for Jazz Central Studios in Minneapolis. To celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month, Jazz Central is presenting free concerts by Twin Cities big bands each Sunday in April. Venues for the concerts include the Hook and Ladder Theater and MCN6.

Merle Haggard is one of Country Music's most celebrated singers and songwriters. Next Saturday at Icehouse in Minneapolis, Trevor McSpadden leads a seven piece group in a Merle Haggard birthday salute. Band members include guitarists Dan Lowinger and Dan Neil; bassist Eric Lilistahl; fiddling Tom Shaefer; and Ken Wilson on the pedal steel. We'll first catch Trevor singing a favorite Merle Haggard hit.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon spoke with pianist Renee Rosnes, who has been a major player on the New York Jazz Scene since 1985. She discusses her early career when she worked with iconic artists like Joe Henderson, J.J. Johnson, and Bobby Hutcherson. She also discusses her recent Brazilian album "Crossing Paths," and the new Blue Note album "Arboresque," by the all-female jazz ensemble Artemis, which Rosnes founded. (Pictured: Members of Artemis. Rosnes is second from the left. Photo by John Abbott).

Judi Vinar is a singer's singer. Her skills and her collaborative spirit have made her an in-demand vocalist and vocal instructor nationwide. She dropped by Jazz88 to discuss her upcoming shows with Dennis Spears and the Wolverines Jazz Trio at The Capri Theater on Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6. Vinar talked about maintaining her calm, her longtime collaborators the Wolverines and more.

Trombonist Ryan Keberle is making his way back through town for a performance at Berlin on April 11 with his group Reverso. Keberle was nice enough to catch up with Jazz88 and talk about Reverso as well as his other projects, Colectivo De Brasil and Catharsis. Keberle also shared his thoughts about writing memorable melodies and introduced us to his sleepy dog Stitch.

Kevin Gamble was introduced to music in church. Originally a drummer, he became a jazz composer on the piano. Kevin leads his trio into Berlin in Minneapolis, this coming Saturday afternoon from 4:30 till 6:30. During a conversation with Phil Nusbaum, Kevin addressed how his composition, I Still Believe, reflected what was going on with him at the time.

Pushing Chain is the duet of Adam Moe and Boyd Blomberg. They're on stage a lot, they drive a lot, they write their own songs and put the Pushing Chain stamp on songs of others. Not long ago, they met up with Phil Nusbaum to talk about the Pushing Chain niche in the music business.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon spoke with banjoist Bela Fleck about his recent Grammy Award winning recording with the late Chick Corea and his new project, a collaboration with Colombian harpist Edmar Castaneda and drummer Antonio Sanchez. They perform at the Dakota on Monday, March 24th and Tuesday, March 25.

Shabaka is one of the most vital voices working in music today. For the past decade he has been heralded as one of the strongest and most imaginative saxophonists and bandleaders in jazz. The past handful of years have seen Shabaka turn his focus towards the flute. But his mission of creating "the best music possible" remains unchanged. Shabaka caught up with Sean McPherson to discuss his approach in advance of his appearance at The Walker on Thursday, March 20.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon spoke with Tony Balluff, clarinetist and founding member of the Southside Aces, about the Jazz Age Rumpus IV taking place at the Hook and Ladder Theater on Sunday, March 23rd from 3 - 7 PM. The music will focus on the New York sounds of Bix Beiderbecke, Ellington small groups, and singer Lee Wiley. The Southside Aces will perform at Sunday's event, as well as singer Maude Hixson and her Town Talkers, and a new combo Balluff has organized called the 4 AM Orchestra.

Most music listeners are unaware of cello quartets such as the Delphia Cello Quartet. But to a cellist, it's the most normal thing in the world. The Delphia Cello Quartet performs music written and arranged by one of its members, Julia Floberg. Julia and the group took time out from a rehearsal to discuss their work with Phil Nusbaum.