Jazz88

Fred Keller, singer, mandolinist and songwriter has created a CD and book, each called Drifting Down the Kettle River, which happens to flow by Fred's home in northern Minnesota. These projects illuminate Minnesota history and lifestyles over time. Fred's trio is called The Skally Line, and after a rehearsal, band members talked about Drifting Down the Kettle with Phil Nusbaum. When they got together, Fred addressed why he composes songs about Minnesota history.

The Minnesota Boychoir performs a holiday oriented concert this Friday at Crooners Lounge in Fridley. The Minnesota Boychoir organization actually includes four choirs totaling about 150 boys. Of course, all the boys get vocal training, and through the experience, receive life lessons as well. When the group's leader, Mark Johnson, talked with Phil Nusbaum, Mark first told of the tradition of boychoirs.

Three bands; Joey Ryan and the Inks, The Exchange and Consolation Champ, get together annually to present a benefit performance. Band proceeds are donated to Every Meal, a group that provides meals to local kids that might otherwise go hungry. Member of Consolation Champ, John Richards, talked with Phil Nusbaum about the show. As the December 23 show at Icehouse is the 20th benefit show by these three bands, it has become a tradition of its own.

Adam Bohanan combines Hanukkah with Funk at the Cedar Cultural Center, 7:30 till 10:30, Thursday December 18. Adam is receiving a lot of praise for creating a type of show that's hardly been done, if at all. When Adam talked to Phil Nusbaum about a Funky Hanukkah, he talked about why he's including the song, The Eight Days of Hanukkah.

Heyrarlo performs next Thursday from 7 till 10:30pm at Berlin in Minneapolis. Trumpeter DeCarlo and bassist Mickey from the group met with Phil Nusbaum to talk about the group. When the group formed, it played private events. Then, it got a residency in a club. Mickey said that was a turning point for Heyarlo.

Vocalist Maud Hixson has released a new album of holiday songs called "When Winter Comes." She speaks with Jazz88's Morning Show host Peter Solomon about the project, and the segment includes samples of several of the tunes from the new album. On Saturday, December 20, Hixson plays shows at Crooners to mark the release of the new recording.

David Hazeltine began working as a professional jazz musician in his hometown of Milwaukee a when he was just thirteen years old. In this conversation with Jazz88 Morning Host Peter Solomon, he reflects on a career that has lasted more than five decades, and his close friendship and musical partnership with Twin Cities bassist Billy Peterson. The duo is will perform at Jazz Central Studios Wednesday evening at 8 PM.

Kendra Glenn commands the stage at Umbra in Minneapolis Friday and Saturday December 12 and 13. As ever, Kendra will reach into her songbook covering decades of being plugged into music. When Kendra talked to Phil Nusbaum, Kendra talked about being influenced by her favorite singers, such as Anita Baker.

Peter Solomon speaks with pianist Sean Mason about his latest album "A Breath of Fresh Air." Mason also discusses how growing up in the South affected his music, his love of early jazz, his recent collaborations with singer Catherine Russell and poet Mahogany Browne, and the ways that conflicting personality types in his quintet make his music more interesting. The new album was released in October on Taylor Christian Records, a label known for supporting emerging artists. Mason performed with Catherine Russell at the 2025 Twin Cities Jazz Festival. The album that they made together, "My Ideal," was nominated for a Grammy award for Best Jazz Vocal recording for the 2025 awards.

Red Thread and Ponyfolk's concert Friday December 12 covers many European based holiday cultural traditions. Both groups are primarily singing groups. And, the audience is going to have opportunities to sing as well. Sarah Larsson is a member of Red Thread. When she talked to Phil Nusbaum, Sarah commented on the pleasure of singing with others.

Jazz88 host Patty Peterson interviews vocalists, Connie Evingson and Bruce Henry, about their upcoming appearance with JazzMn Orchestra. "Start your holiday on an exciting note. It's time to swing in the season with the full, rich sounds of the JazzMN Orchestra… Plus the ever-popular vocal stylings of Connie Evingson and Bruce Henry. It's an evening to remember in the comfort of the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres' main stage seating. December 8th is the date! Our holiday concerts always sell out. So don't miss out."

The name of the group, Regional Jazz Trio, is kind of a joke. It's because each player is well known far outside the region. The three are bassist Anthony Cox, saxophonist Mike Lewis and drummer JT Bates. When the trio plays, as at Icehouse in Minneapolis on Wednesday Dec 3 at Icehouse in Minneapolis, it's always a blend of the composition at hand, and what comes up in the moment. When Anthony Cox, talked to Phil Nusbaum, Anthony talked about the time signature change in one of his originals, Work in Progress.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon speaks with persussionist David Tullis and bassist Charlie Bruber of the Black Market Brass, and singer and producer Obi Original about their work in the Twin Cities Afro-Beat scene and the influences that feed into their music. The Black Market Brass Band and Obi Original have recently reased a couple of new singles, and they will play at the Cedar Cultural Center on December 5th with Purple Funk Metropolis.

Jeff Perry leads the Sonic Dream Trio, whose specialty is re-imagining pop music. And, the trio is at it the Lexington in Saint Paul Friday right after Thanksgiving at 7pm. A reviewer with the Minneapolis Star Tribune sad that Sonic Dream's specialty is “hip retooling.” So when Phil Nusbaum talked to Jeff Perry about Sonic Dream, Phil asked Jeff what is meant by hip retooling.

Scott Scooter Nelson is a singer, percussionist, arranger, recordist, but till now, always helping others. But on the new CD Point of View, Scooter takes the role of leader. In a conversation with to Phil Nusbaum, Scooter first addressed how putting out a recording under his own name is a little different experience.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon speaks with trumpeter Dan Odegaard, a North High alumnus and a member of the Execs Big Band since 1965. The Execs are celebrating sixty years with a celebratory dance Friday night, November 21st from 7 - 10 PM at Bloomington Event Center. Odegaard also leads his own large ensemble called the Classic Big Band.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon speaks with singer, composer, and songwriter Yazmin from the band Yazmin and Beat Zero. As a teenager in rural Wisconsin, Yazmin fell in love with the sounds of Cuba, and and as an adult she spent a few years studying dance and music there. Her band is a fusion of her original songwriting, classical, jazz, funk, and Afro-Cuban sounds. On Saturday, November 22nd, Yazmin and Beat Zero will play the Parkway Theater in a shared billing with Mama Digdown's Brass Band. The Havana String Quartet will join them onstage for that event.

Next Thursday November 20, four local composer and musicians perform at the Vanguard Music Series, at Zion Community Commons in St Paul. The composers are guitarist Maja Radovanlija, vocalist Alyssa Anderson, trumpeter Isaac Mayhew and pianist Paul Cantrell. Phil Nusbaum had the opportunity to speak with Isaac and Paul. When they met, Phil said to Isaac that playing trumpet solo left Isaac no place to hide.

J.D. Steele of the famed Twin Cities musical Steele Family spends a lot of his time teaching and leading groups connected to McPhail Center for music. One of JD's projects is a performance called “Through the Ages.” Through the Ages features three teenaged or younger singers, backed by a band composed of J.D. Steele and other music pros. The show connects musicians of different generations. When J.D. spoke with Phil Nusbaum, J.D. told where the idea to stage “Through the Ages” comes from.

Elizabeth plays the piano and Carole is the singer in the Overdressed Duo. The two feature great songs with stories that link the songs together. Opera-plus, they call it. The duo plays at Crooners in Fridley this Thursday night, November 6 at 7pm. When Elizabeth and Carole talked to Phil Nusbaum about the Overdressed Duo, Elizabeth first addressed what in the world is meant by the “Overdressed” in Overdressed Duo.

Steve Kenny, Jake Baldwin, Solomon Parham and Omar Abdulkarim take the stage for an evening of four-barreled trumpet action. Titled the Trumpet Summit at Crooners, 7:30 till 9 at Croomers in Fridley. The four trumpeters have created some special, only-at-this-show segments, and there will be a lot of spontaneity, too. Phil Nusbaum talked with Steve Kenny about the show.

Pamela York is a pianist based in Lake County, Illinois who is an active member of the jazz scenes of both Chicago and Milwaukee. A couple of years ago, she formed a combo with bassist Clay Schaub and trumpeter Eric Jacobson called the Affinity Trio. On October 17th, the group released their second album, called "New Outlook," on the Origin label. The Affinity Trio will perform at Berlin in Minneapolis Halloween night. Pamela York speaks with Jazz88's Peter Solomon about her musical backstory and the new project with the Affinity Trio.

AJ Srubas plays multiple styles of traditional fiddle, including early bluegrass. And he's got some of his early bluegrass buddies from his southern travels in a series of shows coming up. The players are banjoist Trevor Holder, guitarist Conner Vlietstra, mandolinist Reed Stutz and local bass player Rina Rossi. On November 15, the quintet plays at the Oak Center General Store, November 16 in Cambridge, and November 20 in Minneapolis. In a conversation with Phil Nusbaum, A.J. talked about his love of early bluegrass fiddle music.

Zeitgeist New Music performs Underwater Cousins by J.C. Sanford and Randy Bauer's Holding Patters at two locations next weekend. Friday October 31 and November 2, the performances take place at the Anderson Center in Red Wing. Saturday, the performance takes place at Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter. All the shows are at 7:30PM. Heather Barringer is a percussionist and artistic co-director for Zeitgeist. In a conversation with Phil Nusbaum, Heather addressed how Zeitgeist prepared to enact Underwater Cousins.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon sspeaks with arranger and composer Adi Yeshaya about his latest recording, "Produce." The album showcases vocalist Jennifer Grimm. Yeshaya discusses his association with the late Twin Cities singer Debie Duncan, sheds some light on the arrangements featured on the album, and talks about his upcoming appearance at the Dakota on Wednesday, October 29th.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon speaks with Grammy and Tony Award Winning Vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater about her musical path and how her latest duet album "Elemental" is a return to her musical roots. Bridgwater talks about the music that she grew up with at home in Flint, MI and listening to the legendary black Memphis station WDIA. Bridgewater jumped into being a jazz musician with both feet when she became the featured singer with the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra in the early seventies, She says trumpeter/composer Thad Jones taight her everything she knows about music. Similarly, with no professional acting experience, she was cast as Glinda the Good Witch of the South in the 1975 Broadway production "The Wiz." Her 2025 recording "Elemental" represents a return to the days of singing standards early in her career and she sheds some light on the special musical connection that seems to exist between her and pianist Bill Charlap. Bridgewater and Charlap appear at the Dakota on Wednesday, Octyober 22nd.

After fifteen years of performing and recording together, in 2021, the Atlantis Quartet began a hiatus. Late in the Covid pandemic, it was a period of reflection for the group. The group eventually reformed, and one of the results is the group's new CD, Live at Berlin, the Minneapolis Jazz club. Guitarist Zacc Harris and drummer Pete Hennig talked to Phil Nusbaum about the Atlantis Quartet, its CD, and it's release event at Berlin in Minneapolis, this coming Friday and Saturday. Zacc said that the new CD marks a change in how the Atlantis Quartet does things.

Guitarist Joel Shapira plays in multiple musical settings. But he seems more inclined than most to record solo. Joel's new solo project is called Unscripted. He showcases music from the CD at two shows about a week out. On Saturday October 25 at 7pm, he leads a trio into the High Hat in Saint Paul, and on Saturday November 1, he plays 4:30 till 6, solo at Berlin in Minneapolis. In a conversation with Phil Nusbaum, Joel first addressed why he included his composition Tune for Towner on the CD.

Kristin Korb is that rare breed of musician who is equally adept as a vocalist and a jazz bassist. In this conversation with Jazz88 Morning Show Host Peter Solomon, she discusses her path as an artist, her association with bassist Ray Brown, and her latest project featuring jazz interpretations of music by the British synth-pop duo The Eurhythmics. Korb performs at the Danish American Center on October 19th, Carondelet Village on October 20th, and Carleston College in Northfield on October 22. (Picture by Sofie Barfoed)

Dale Alexander and Pierre Lewis are old friends from Minneapolis. We see Dale around town playing the piano with many groups. He's also a drummer, and years back, he played drums for Prince. He's drumming for Pierre Lewis, who will be playing the organ, Saturday October 18 from 8 till 9:30 at Jazz Central Studios in Minneapolis. Dale talked with Phil Nusbaum about the show, music in general, and first, how he met Pierre.

Kashimana is a Minneapolis musician who experienced things during pregnancy and childbirth that she just had to write songs about. Her project is called Phantom Cries, and the songs range from ones critical of the process to others that are cute and funny. In a conversation with Phil Nusbaum, Kashimana told of her songwriting process.

According to Sarah Morris Dot Com, Sarah is a big dreamer, a sourdough lover, a huge fan of coffee, and a sucker for morning sky. Oh, and also, a singer songwriter. Sarah's new CD is called Say Yes, and the songs on it reflect varying moods and broad and perhaps unexpected musical settings. The CD release event takes place 7pm Friday October 10 at the Dakota in Minneapolis. Sarah sat down with Phil Nusbaum to discuss the nuts and bolts of songwriting, and first, her song The Stars are Back.

Thirty Second Street Jazz gives fresh Spins to important Jazz. Friday October 10 at 7pm at Metronome in Saint Paul, Thirty Second Street Jazz plays its take on the Miles Davis LP Kind of Blue, plus its original music and unique mashups. But what's a mashup? When bassist Scott Anderson talked to Phil Nusbaum about Thirty Second Street Jazz, Scott first addressed the difference between a mashup and a medley.

To singer Aja Parham, Sarah Vaughan is an inspiring jazz vocalist. And next Thursday at Crooners in Fridley, Aja presents an evening of Sarah Vaughn songs that Aja has studied in meticulous detail. An added bonus is the singing of Sarah's 9 year old son and promising jazz vocalist, Asa singing a few songs. When Aja and Asa talked to Phil Nusbaum, Aja first reflected on her first awareness of Sarah Vaughan.

Billy McLaughlin has helped blaze the trail for a guitar style known as tap guitar. But when Billy talked to Phil Nusbaum, we learned that to Billy, showcasing original melodies is the important thing.

The Riffin' Trio delivers a program of Jazz with a carefree spirit, this Sunday September 28 at Dusty's in Minneapolis. It's part of the Riffin' Trio residency at Dusty's, every fourth monthly Sunday 5 till 8PM. Phil Nusbaum caught up with Nelson Deveraux, sax player for the group, and asked Nelson about the Riffin' Trio's approach to a John Coltrane blues.

Global Jazz Collegium performs classics of Fusion Jazz plus its own original music this Thursday night September 25 at the Hook and Ladder in Minneapolis. The show will be from 8 till 11. We open this feature with Global Jazz Collegium playing one of the great classics of the Fusion movement, a piece by Chick Corea.

Global Jazz Collegium performs classics of Fusion Jazz plus its own original music this Thursday night September 25 at the Hook and Ladder in Minneapolis. The show will be from 8 till 11. We open this feature with Global Jazz Collegium playing one of the great classics of the Fusion movement, a piece by Chick Corea.

On his website, drummer, producer and bandleader Makaya MCraven describes himself as a "beat scientist."Much of McCraven's work is involved in picking musical moments from his recorded performances and applying hip-hop style production techniques to reinvent the material. McCraven is releasing four new EPs in October, and he is performing live at Icehouse in Minneapolis on September 25th. He talks about his process and his upcoming musical performance in this conversation with Jazz88's morning host, Peter Solomon.

Since it's founding in 1985, The Dakota has become a linchpin of the music world. The Dakota's founder, Lowell Pickett, has been at the helm since the beginning and the journey from it's beginnings as a no-cover, all local music spot to one of the premier performance venues in the world has been miraculous, but also serendipitous. Pickett shares stories from the club's beginnings, shines light on the Minnesota music scene that is still so central to its success, and looks ahead to the 40 year anniversary block party coming up on Saturday, September 20.

Pianist Yuko Mabuchi is bringing her trio to the Selby Ave Jazz Fest for a performance on Saturday, September 13. Mabuchi, who hails from Japan but is based in L.A., was nice enough to connect with Sean McPherson and talk about her trio, her repertoire and her love of improvisation.

The Selby Avenue Fest includes great performances and master classes by artists with something to say. The complete schedule is at Selby Ave jazz fest dot com. Ernest Bisong is the artistic director of Walker West Academy, the presenting sponsor the Selby Avenue Jazz Fest. When Ernest met with Phil Nusbaum, the two spoke of jazz in general, some of the artists at the event, and the event's educational opportunities.

Lawrence El, the distinguished keyboardist and songwriter from Mint Condition is reuniting with the members of Mint to celebrate a particular facet of their musical offerings; The Mintroludes. During Mint's decades long run as a band they satiated their musical appetites with short interludes that bring in a wider array of styles then their primary R&B offerings would permit. Lawrence El, so often the architect of these Mintroludes, decided he would call in the members of Mint Condition and friends and flesh those short tunes out into full on songs. The group will do just that on Monday, September 15 for two shows over at Icehouse. Special guests include: Stokley, Cory Henry, O'Dell, Ricky Kinchen, Jeffrey Allen, Keri Lewis, David Ginyard Jr and Kavyesh Kaviraj, Chris 'Daddy' Dave and more. Lawrence El was nice enough to visit our studios to discuss his musical journey and what inspired him to organize this concert.

Paulus Shafer is known as one of the greatest living Jazz guitarists. And Paulus makes his first Twin Cities appearance with guitarist Ryan Picone and bassist Matt Blake, from 6 till 7:30, Sunday, September 14 at Crooners Supper Club in Fridley. Ryan visited with Phil Nusbaum, and when the two got together, they first talked about Ryan's composition, Waltz for Chacho, composed when Ryan was a student. and then they talked about the coming of Paulus Shafer.

The Messthetics started as a kind of post-punk instrumental trio including former Fugazi bandmates Brendan Canty on drums and Joe Lally on bass with guitarist and composer Anthony Pirog. In 2023, they brought saxophonist James Brandon Lewis into the ensemble, and the result is a fascinating quartet in which musicians from widely divergent backgrounds find common ground. The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis are at the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis Saturday night, September 6th. Drummer Brendan Canty and saxophonist James Brandon Lewis discuss the music in this conversation with Jazz88's Peter Solomon.

Songwriter Charlie Parr sings his songs at the Dakota in Minneapolis, Friday night, September 5 at 9PM. When Charlie talked to Phil Nusbaum about his songwriting, it came out that Charlie also writes short stories, and the stories and songs frequently offer differing perspectives on events and people.

Straight No Chaser. That's the title of a Thelonious Monk composition, and also a quartet that plays Monk. Kavyesh Kavyraj plays the piano, Chris Bates the bass, Chris Thomson the sax and Joey Phillips the drums. The group plays at Berlin in Minneapolis Friday August 29 at 7:30pm. When Phil Nusbaum talked to Kavy and Chris about the quartet, he asked why the focus on Monk, and Chris was the first to respond.

Patty Peterson leads a group of jazz women all-stars into the Dunsmore room at Crooner's Supper Club, this Thursday, August 28 from 6 till 7:30.These shows are always different, and this time, there is a performer Patty's been trying to get on the bill for years.

Guitarist Jeff Christiansen and bassist Larry Wiegand are Twin Cities guys who have performed together in the group Crow. In addition to that, Jeff and Larry have what you might call a side project going. The two of them, with help from some of their musical buddies have put out a recording of instrumental versions of great old songs. It is called Boday and the Big Wig plays the classics. When Jeff and Larry talked to Phil Nusbaum, Larry first talked about why they did it.

After completing the long drive from the Upper Peninsula back to the Twin Cities, trumpet player and composer Adam Meckler was happy to pop in the booth at Jazz88 and discuss his upcoming gigs at Berlin on Friday, August 15. Meckler also talked about his upcoming record "Sampled" which drops in November. Meckler also shared what he and the rest of the team from the Michigan Technological University do to support their jazz students in Michigan.

Professional pianist Abebi Stafford and student saxophonist Sam Stauning stopped by the Jazz88 studios to talk about the fundraiser concert the MN Hard Bop Collective is hosting on Monday, August 11. The concert will feature a student ensemble with Stauning alongside pianist Basil Saathoff and guitarist Kyle Baxter. The concert will also feature a professional performance with Abebi Stafford on organ, Jesse Simon on drums and Ian Duerr on guitar. Stafford and Stauning discussed navigating a rhythm section free performance and also reflected upon the skills one can learn performing in a casual setting like the Sit-In Series.