Jazz88

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.

The celebrated multi-instrumentalist Dosh dreamed big a couple years ago when he put together the Larry Schaefer Memorial Orchestra. This fully improvised 12-piece unit has been performing for a handful of years and Dosh is ready to bring the show to Palmer's on the West Bank for a show this Saturday. The orchestra will be joined by LA Buckner, Little Lizard and more. Dosh was nice enough to stop by the Jazz88 studios and talk about the new project and the upcoming concert. He also took time to celebrate Palmer's, a venue with a 100+ year history that is closing its doors in Mid-September.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon speaks with Ricky Riccardi, the Head of Research Collections at the Louis Armstrong House Museum, and the author of three books on Armstrong. Riccardi's newest book is called "Stomp Off, Let's Go: The Early Years of Louis Armstrong." It draws on previously unavailable sources to provide new details and insights about Armstrong's life and music, particularly shedding light on his early years in New Orleans. The book is set to be released in audio book form on Augist 26th.

The legendary guitarist Mark Whitfield is making his way back to the Twin Cities for a set at the Lakeside Guitar Festival. Whitfield is no stranger to Minnesota, having played here frequently at the beginning of his career when he was touring with Brother Jack McDuff. Whitfield covered the details of the trio he's traveling with, his reverence and love for education and his approach to improvising even when playing solo.

Abinnet Berhanu and Yohannes Tona are elite musicians who can cover a lot of ground musically. But, given that they are both Ethiopian-Americans, they bring a lot of passion for Ethiopian music into our scene. After many successful individual efforts, the duo decided to reach out to a likeminded L.A. musician, Kibrom Birhane, and form a new group. ENGOCHA premieres this Friday and Saturday at Icehouse in MPLS. The group breaks new ground in the world of Ethiojazz with a number of originals and they will also add some classics from the genre to the playlist. Abinnet and Yohannes were nice enough to stop by the Jazz88 studios to talk about this new project.

Each year, Jazz88 honors 4 individuals who have been pioneers of Minnesota's jazz scene. This year, the honorees are Art Katzman (trombone), Grant West (piano), Jay Epstein (drums), and award winning singer, the late Debbie Duncan. The live concert and conversation took place at the Minnesota History Center's 3M Theater on April 13th, 2025 and was curated and hosted by Patty Peterson. Minnesota Jazz Legends is supported by The MInnesota Arts And Cultural Heritage Fund, and produced by Jazz88.

JC Sanford, the organizer of the Northfield Jazz Festival, swung by the studios of Jazz88 to discuss the 2025 installment of the festival, which takes place July 11-13. The event is only its second year, but it's already tripled in size. Sanford and co will host events from Friday evening all the way to Sunday evening. Listen to find out more about the Northfield Jazz Fest and this year's headlining artists, Miguel Zenon and Luis Perdomo.

Joan Hutton from Take that Back was nice enough to visit the Jazz88 studios in anticipation of their upcoming performance at Taste of MN this weekend (Sunday July 6 at 5:45). Hutton was joined by Stephanie Wiesler, who is filling in on sax and flute for Sue Orfield. The duo discussed the upcoming gig, the joys and difficulties of subbing in and the fun of playing outside!

Jazz88's Peter Solomon speaks with guitarist Ryan Picone about how he finds inspiration in the music of gypsy guitar legend Django Reinhardt. Picone shares some insider's knowledge about Django's life and music and  stories about his mentors, Howard Alden and Stephane Wrembel. Picone spoke from his apartment in Uptown Minneapolis, where he performed a couple of Django's compositions, including "Nuages" and "Rhythm Future."Ryan Picone's quartet plays the Jazz88 Jazzclectic Stage Sunday, July 6th at The Taste of Minnesota. Picone is putting together Django Fest, featuring several different Twin-Cities based jazz manouche ensembles on July 25th.

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.