Jim's Lower Lounge

(Part 2 of 2) Today, we are honored to welcome Supreme Dow to Jim’s Lower Lounge. Supreme is the founder and executive director of the Black Writers Museum in Germantown, the only museum in the United States dedicated to black literature. The museum, located in Vernon Park, is an essential space for cultural life in Germantown today, and it hosts the People’s Poetry and Jazz Festival every summer. Supreme discusses his upbringing in Germantown and his family’s involvement in local politics beginning as early as the 1960s, as well as Philadelphia’s significance in the civil rights movement -- the Quakers, the Baptist church, and the Black Panthers all figure into the story. We also discuss the writers who inspired Supreme to dedicate his life to literature, and the most influential writers living in Philadelphia today. Supreme is an accomplished poet himself, and in 2016 he published a collection of poetry entitled Quiet Screams. Find Supreme Dow: blackwritersmuseum.com Photo: mhamiltonvisuals.com Recorded August 2018 Hosted by Thomas Hagen and Jim Hamilton Produced by Tyler Ripley, Jim Hamilton and Thomas Hagen

(Part 1 of 2) Today, we are honored to welcome Supreme Dow to Jim’s Lower Lounge. Supreme is the founder and executive director of the Black Writers Museum in Germantown, the only museum in the United States dedicated to black literature. The museum, located in Vernon Park, is an essential space for cultural life in Germantown today, and it hosts the People’s Poetry and Jazz Festival every summer. Supreme discusses his upbringing in Germantown and his family’s involvement in local politics beginning as early as the 1960s, as well as Philadelphia’s significance in the civil rights movement -- the Quakers, the Baptist church, and the Black Panthers all figure into the story. We also discuss the writers who inspired Supreme to dedicate his life to literature, and the most influential writers living in Philadelphia today. Supreme is an accomplished poet himself, and in 2016 he published a collection of poetry entitled Quiet Screams.Find Supreme Dow:blackwritersmuseum.com Photo: mhamiltonvisuals.comRecorded August 2018 Hosted by Thomas Hagen and Jim HamiltonProduced by Tyler Ripley, Jim Hamilton and Thomas Hagen

Elliott Levin is one of the most accomplished musicians of avant-garde jazz still living in Germantown today. Levin is a prolific poet and a cutting-edge wind player who is best known for his work with Cecil Taylor, one of the most radically progressive jazz artists of the Twentieth Century. Today Elliott describes his journeys between different genres of music, from the time he spent studying with saxophone expert Mike Guerra (who taught John Coltrane), to his work in experimental rock, jazz and poetry, to his years on tour with Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. He also discusses his favorite poets, as well as the energy that has always inspired him to write.Find Elliott Levin:elliottlevin.comfacebook.com/ElliottLevinJazzFeatured music:Elliott Levin & The Eye2Eye Trio."I'm Always Happy About Everything."YouTube, 2017. youtu.be/fPf0y2kPMo4.Robert Musso, Elliott Levin, Lance Carter, Dave Dreiwitz.“Elliott’s Muse.” Tonic Improv 5/11/00, Musso Music, 2007.Ed Watkins, Elliott Levin, Howard Cooper, Marshall Allen, Tyrone Hill.“March On Cumberland Street (Take 2).”Opportunities and Advantages, CIMP, 2003.Tyrone Hill & Elliott Levin Quartet. “PGC Blues (Take 2).”Soul-Etude, CIMP, 2000.Photo: mhamiltonvisuals.comRecorded August 2018 Hosted by Thomas HagenProduced by Jim Hamilton, Tyler Ripley and Thomas Hagen

This episode of Jim's Lower Lounge is our most classical episode ever. Our guest, Leigh Howard Stevens, is a New Jersey native and world-renowned percussionist who has made historic contributions to the study of the marimba and other mallet instruments. He has also published several acclaimed books on percussion technique, and he is the founder of Malletech, a New Jersey-based company that manufactures and distributes instruments and mallets of Stevens' own design. Today, we discuss Leigh's many years of entrepreneurship and why he loves listening to classical music, as well how to (and how not to) spend a fortune on audio equipment.Find Leigh Howard Stevens:mostlymarimba.commalletech.com/aboutFeatured music:Claude Debussy. “Children’s Corner / Serenade for the Doll.”Performed by Leigh Howard Stevens.Marimba When…, Resonator Records, 1993.J.S. Bach. “Sonata in A Minor S. 1001: Presto.”Performed by Leigh Howard Stevens.Bach on Marimba, Resonator Records, 1987.J.S. Bach. “Chorale / Christ lag in Todesbanden.”Performed by Leigh Howard Stevens.Bach on Marimba, Resonator Records, 1987.Aram Khachaturian. “The Adventures of Ivan / Ivan is Very Busy.”Performed by Leigh Howard Stevens.Marimba When…, Resonator Records, 1993.Photo: mhamiltonvisuals.comRecorded August 2018  Hosted by Thomas HagenProduced by Jim Hamilton, Tyler Ripley and Thomas Hagen

David Friedman is the first international guest ever to visit Jim's Lower Lounge. David is a vibraphonist, percussionist and composer based in Berlin, Germany. He studied percussion at The Julliard School in New York during the 1960s, and went on to perform with Wayne Shorter, Horace Silver and Joe Chambers during the 1970s. He currently performs throughout Europe and around the world with his own project, Generations Trio, as well as in a duo with Germantown-based vibraphonist Tony Miceli. Today, David discusses differences between the jazz scenes in New York and Berlin, as well as the evolutions of art and culture that he has observed in Berlin throughout the last thirty years.Find David Friedman:david-friedman.demalletmuserecords.comFeatured music:David Friedman Generations Trio. “Thursday Lines (Live).”YouTube, 2018. youtu.be/JB7dWeoh_8g.Double Image. “In Lands I Never Saw.”In Lands I Never Saw, Celestial Harmonies, 1986.Tony Miceli & David Friedman. “Minority.”4,042 Miles, Hit the Bar Records, 2015.Photo: mhamiltonvisuals.com Recorded August 2018 Hosted by Thomas HagenProduced by Jim Hamilton, Tyler Ripley and Thomas Hagen

(Part 2 of 2) This is a special episode for young music students. The Maya Keren Trio is a group of three teenagers from the Philadelphia area who already have years of experience in Philadelphia's jazz scene, both as students and as professional performers - pianist Maya Keren, bassist John Moran, and drummer Julian Miltenberger. All three have studied in the jazz program at the Settlement Music School and the Creative Music Program at Philadelphia's Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. As a trio, they perform original music and standard repertoire from the straight-ahead jazz tradition, but they each draw inspiration from classical music, experimental rock, R&B and more. Julian, Maya and John discuss their successes and struggles as students of music, and they offer advice for any young people hoping to engage with Philadelphia's jazz scene. We recorded this interview shortly after the three musicians graduated from high school, and in the same month that The Maya Keren Trio gave a performance at Rittenhouse Soundworks. Find Maya Keren: facebook.com/mayakerenmusicPhoto: mhamiltonvisuals.com Recorded July 2018 Hosted by Thomas Hagen Produced by Tyler Ripley, Jim Hamilton and Thomas Hagen

(Part 1 of 2) This is a special episode for young music students. The Maya Keren Trio is a group of three teenagers from the Philadelphia area who already have years of experience in Philadelphia's jazz scene, both as students and as professional performers - pianist Maya Keren, bassist John Moran, and drummer Julian Miltenberger. All three have studied in the jazz program at the Settlement Music School and the Creative Music Program at Philadelphia's Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. As a trio, they perform original music and standard repertoire from the straight-ahead jazz tradition, but they each draw inspiration from classical music, experimental rock, R&B and more. Julian, Maya and John discuss their successes and struggles as students of music, and they offer advice for any young people hoping to engage with Philadelphia's jazz scene. We recorded this interview shortly after the three musicians graduated from high school, and in the same month that The Maya Keren Trio gave a performance at Rittenhouse Soundworks.Find Maya Keren:facebook.com/mayakerenmusic Photo: mhamiltonvisuals.com   Recorded July 2018Hosted by Thomas HagenProduced by Tyler Ripley, Jim Hamilton and Thomas Hagen

On this episode, Jim and Thomas interview Nicholas Krolak, a young veteran on Philadelphia jazz scene. Nicholas has made a name for himself playing upright bass for groups as straight-ahead as the Glenn Miller Orchestra, and for innovative contemporary projects like his own album South Cloud. He explains how his latest album, Chicory Root, came together, and how it represents his process as a performer, composer and bandleader. The conversation also touches on Nicholas's passions and hobbies outside of music, his experience living in Germantown, and the differences he has observed between cultures of jazz in the city and the country.Find Nicholas Krolak:nicholaskrolak.comnicholaskrolak.bandcamp.comFeatured Music:Nicholas Krolak. “Chicory Root.”Chicory Root, 2018.South Cloud. “South Cloud.”South Cloud, 2017.Nicholas Krolak. “Stargazer.”Chicory Root, 2018.Nicholas Krolak. “3.”Chicory Root, 2018.Nicholas Krolak. “Providence.”Chicory Root, 2018.Photo: mhamiltonvisuals.comRecorded July 2018 Hosted by Thomas Hagen and Jim HamiltonProduced by Jim Hamilton, Tyler Ripley and Thomas Hagen

(Part 2 of 2) Danny Ray Thompson is a veteran multi-instrumentalist who has toured with Nigerian percussionist Babatunde Olatunji and has been a regular member of the Sun Ra Arkestra for over 50 years. The Arkestra still tours internationally today, but they have made a home here in Germantown, and they have recorded their most recent album here at Rittenhouse Soundworks. Today, Danny Ray discusses the state of the Arkestra in the twenty-first century, including their experiences performing with Solange and U2, as well as some of the most extraordinary events he has witnessed in his decades of travelling the world with Sun Ra and his beloved band. Ghosts, mummies, and myths abound.Featured Music:Babatunde Olatunji. “Akiwowo (Chant to the Trainman).”Drums of Passion, Columbia, 1960.Sun Ra Arkestra. “The Mystery of Two.”Cosmos, Cobra, 1977.Sun Ra & His Arkestra. “Astro Black.”Astro Black, Impulse, 1972.Sun Ra. “Space Is the Place.”Space Is the Place, Blue Thumb Records, 1973.Sun Ra Arkestra. “Beautiful Love.”Hours After, Black Saint, 1989.Sun Ra Arkestra. “Along Came Ra.”Paris 1983, Enterplanetary Koncepts, 2015.Sun Ra & His Astro-Intergalactic Infinity Arkestra.“I’m Gonna Unmask the Batman.” Single, El Saturn Records, 1974.Sun Ra Arkestra. “Lanquidity.”Lanquidity, Philly Jazz, 1978.Photo: mhamiltonvisuals.comRecorded July 2018  Hosted by Thomas Hagen and Jim HamiltonProduced by Jim Hamilton, Tyler Ripley and Thomas Hagen

Danny Ray Thompson is a veteran multi-instrumentalist who has toured with Nigerian percussionist Babatunde Olatunji and has been a regular member of the Sun Ra Arkestra for over 50 years. The Arkestra still tours internationally today, but they have made a home here in Germantown, and they have recorded their most recent album here at Rittenhouse Soundworks. Today, Danny Ray discusses the state of the Arkestra in the twenty-first century, including their experiences performing with Solange and U2, as well as some of the most extraordinary events he has witnessed in his decades of travelling the world with Sun Ra and his beloved band. Ghosts, mummies, and myths abound.Featured Music:Babatunde Olatunji. “Akiwowo (Chant to the Trainman).”Drums of Passion, Columbia, 1960.Sun Ra Arkestra. “The Mystery of Two.”Cosmos, Cobra, 1977.Sun Ra & His Arkestra. “Astro Black.”Astro Black, Impulse, 1972.Sun Ra. “Space Is the Place.”Space Is the Place, Blue Thumb Records, 1973.Sun Ra Arkestra. “Beautiful Love.”Hours After, Black Saint, 1989.Sun Ra Arkestra. “Along Came Ra.”Paris 1983, Enterplanetary Koncepts, 2015.Sun Ra & His Astro-Intergalactic Infinity Arkestra.“I’m Gonna Unmask the Batman.” Single, El Saturn Records, 1974.Sun Ra Arkestra. “Lanquidity.”Lanquidity, Philly Jazz, 1978.Photo: mhamiltonvisuals.comRecorded July 2018  Hosted by Thomas Hagen and Jim HamiltonProduced by Jim Hamilton, Tyler Ripley and Thomas Hagen

Michael Ray is a versatile trumpet player with a long history in Germantown. He began his career on the R&B scene in the 1970s, playing for acts like The Delfonics, The Stylistics and Patti Labelle. Since that time, he has also recorded several albums of experimental jazz with his band Michael Ray and the Cosmic Krewe, as well as with the beloved psychedelic jam band Phish, and funk legends Kool & The Gang. But we know him best as a longtime member of Philadelphia's most storied avant garde jazz group, the Sun Ra Arkestra. On this episode, Michael and Jim discuss the Arkestra's new album -- which they recorded at Rittenhouse Soundworks in 2018 -- and share stories about life as working musicians in Germantown.Find Michael Ray:cosmickrewe.comFeatured Music:Michael Ray and the Cosmic Krewe. “Yolinda.”Funk If I Know, Monkey Hill Records, 1998.Sun Ra. “Where Pathways Meet.”Lanquidity, Philly Jazz, 1978.Sun Ra. “Space Is The Place.”Media Dreams, Art Yard, 2008.Photo: mhamiltonvisuals.comRecorded May 2018Hosted by Jim HamiltonProduced by Jim Hamilton and Thomas Hagen

Craig McIver is one of the most prolific veterans in the Philadelphia jazz community. Throughout his career, the drummer, percussionist and composer has balanced a progressive edge with a firm grounding in the traditions and techniques of classical music and jazz, particularly bebop. He is best known for his original compositions and his collaborations with Odean Pope, Khan Jamal, Bobby Zankel, and one of the most influential jazz drummers in history, Max Roach. Today, Craig shares hard-earned wisdom about the processes of teaching, learning, and growing up.Featured Music:Craig McIver. “Paratriculas.”A Horse of a Different Rhythm, Dreambox Media, 2006.Bobby Zankel. “Heritage”Seeking Spirit, Cadence Jazz Records, 1992.Craig McIver. “Under the Pope’s Umbrella”A Horse of a Different Rhythm, Dreambox Media, 2006.Photo: mhamiltonvisuals.comRecorded August 2017Hosted by Matthew CoakleyProduced by Ryan O'Grady, Matthew Coakley and Thomas Hagen

Odean Pope ranks among the defining jazz performers in Philadelphia's history. His career has carried him from the rhythm and blues outfits of Marvin Gaye and Grover Washington to hard bop and post-bop ensembles alongside Lee Morgan, Clark Terry, Mickey Roker, and even John Coltrane, but he remains best known for his work with the Max Roach Quartet. He is also a prolific composer and has performed original music with his Saxophone Choir and with the renowned fusion ensemble Catalyst. Odean joins us today to talk about his many decades on the Philadelphia scene and about music education in the twenty-first century.Find Odean Pope:odeanpope.comFeatured Music:Catalyst. "Catalyst is Coming."Catalyst, Cobblestone, 1971.Odean Pope. "Philly in Three."Out for a Walk, Moers Music, 1990.The Odean Pope Saxophone Choir. "Cis."The Saxophone Shop, Soul Note, 1986.Odean Pope. "Almost Like Me."Almost Like Me, Moers Music, 1982.Max Roach Quartet. "If You Could See Me Now."In The Light, Soul Note, 1983. Photo: mhamiltonvisuals.comRecorded July 2017 Hosted by Thomas Hagen and Jim HamiltonProduced by Ryan O'Grady, Matthew Coakley and Thomas Hagen

On this episode, we welcome to the lounge Farid Barron, one of Philadelphia's best-known jazz musicians. He is a former member of Wynton Marsalis's Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and he has collaborated on recordings with Victor Goines, Herlin Riley and Wycliffe Gordon, all of whom are also known for their work with JLCO. He has also served as pianist for the Sun Ra Arkestra, which operates in a wildly different artistic realm, but, as he observes, shares more with JLCO than we might think. Farid has world-class piano skills and a distinctive touch on the instrument. Today he tells us about his experience as a student of the piano, and some of the qualities shared by all his favorite musicians -- Art Tatum, Thelonius Monk, Sarah Vaughan, and more.Featured Music:Jafar Barron. "Old Happy, Happy Buddah."The Free-Bop Movement, Atlantic, 2000.Wynton Marsalis Septet. "Sunflowers."The Marciac Suite, Columbia Masterworks, 1999.Sun Ra Arkestra. "Discipline 27-B / I'll Wait For You."Live at the Paradox, In+Out Records, 2009.Wycliffe Gordon. "Bad Time."The Joyride, Nagel Heyer Records, 2009.Photo: mhamiltonvisuals.comRecorded July 2017Hosted by Matthew CoakleyProduced by Ryan O'Grady, Matthew Coakley and Thomas Hagen

Tony Miceli is Philadelphia's most celebrated vibraphonist and has toured internationally throughout the last three decades. His creative career has spanned styles from Brazilian samba to Irish folk and American rock music, but he remains a regular on Philadelphia's straight-ahead jazz scene. Tony is also a faculty member at Temple University and University of the Arts, and he is a close friend of Rittenhouse Soundworks-- he has performed and recorded here in collaborations with Diane Monroe, Vic Juris, Joel Frahm, and more. Today Tony speaks on his stylistic evolution as a vibraphonist and his place in the Germantown artists' community.Find Tony Miceli:tonymiceli.comvibesworkshop.comFeatured Music: Tony Miceli. "Invitation."Invitation, Resonator Records, 2019.The Jost Project. "Put a Little Love in Your Heart."Peace and Love, 2017.The Jost Project. "Whiter Shade of Pale."Peace and Love, 2017.Diane Monroe and Tony Miceli. "Misterioso."Alone Together, Dreambox Media, 2014.Photo: mhamiltonvisuals.com Recorded June 2017 Hosted by Thomas Hagen Produced by Ryan O'Grady, Matthew Coakley and Thomas Hagen