Voice = Power

My guest today is Bassist Mike Boone. Patriarch of the Philly Jazz Scene, mentor to all, and one of the greatest musical minds I've ever come across. Originally from New York City, he moved to Philadelphia in 1983, after attending the Eastman School of music and touring with Ben Vereen and Buddy Rich. Mike is the top call in Philadelphia on both electric and upright bass, and is the torch-bearer of the Philly Jazz tradition. He has just released and re-released several amazing albums on bandcamp featuring the legendary Sid Simmons, Uri Caine, Byron Landham, and Mekhi Boone.https://mikeboone1.bandcamp.com/

Hailey Brinnel is a trombonist, vocalist, and educator based in Philadelphia.  At the age of 12 she began performing throughout New England with her father Dave Brinnel.  Now she has performed at prestigious venues around the world, independently having played with artists such as Sherrie Maricle and the DIVA Jazz Orchestra, Ingrid Jensen, Anat Cohen, Pell, and Charles Neville. Hailey is currently on faculty at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia,  and works independently as a guest clinician to bring jazz education to classrooms throughout the city. This year has also marked her debut as a leader with two single releases of her arrangements of the standards "Easy to Love" and "Orange Colored Sky"

My guest today is Andy Bianco, guitarist, educator and composer based in Brooklyn. Originally from Pittsburgh, he graduated from Berklee College of Music before moving to NYC. His new album "NYC Stories" featuring George Burton and Wayne Escoffery is out on Outside in Music. In our conversation we talked about a wide range of topics including: moving to bigger scene, solo guitar concepts, composing, building a band and much more.

My guest today is saxophonist Yesseh Furaha-Ali. He is one of Philadelphia's most in demand players whether he is holding it down with Omar's Hat at their World Café Live Residency or touring the world with Laurin Talese Yesseh brings a diversity of musical styles and master level story-telling to any situation. In our conversation, we talked about his five favorite albums of all time, dealing with the quarantine, staying positive, future projects and much more.

My guest today is Nick Finzer; Trombonist, Educator, and founder of the NYC based record label Outside in Music. Famed trombonist and mentor Wycliffe Gordon called Finzer “a new voice [in] the pantheon of upcoming trombone greats in the making”. An accomplished educator, Finzer is the Assistant Professor of Jazz Trombone at the legendary University of North Texas, and serves as the Artistic Director and co-founder of the Institute for Creative Music. His latest album "Cast of Characters" (Outside in Music) is a masterfully developed thematic work that builds into something bigger than the sum of it's parts. www.nickfinzermusic.com

Tom Moon is a saxophonist and music writer based in Philadelphia. Alumnus of the University of Miami and veteran of the Maynard Ferguson Orchestra, he put his career as a musician on hold to focus on music journalism. He was the resident music critic at the Philadelphia Inquirer from 1988 to 2004 and has contributed to other publications Rolling Stone, GQ, Blender, and Spin, as well as NPR's 'All Things Considered'. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller 1000 Recordings To Hear Before You Die (Workman Publishing), and a contributor to other books including The Final Four of Everything. In the years after the Inquirer, Moon has refocused his career as a musician, becoming a staple of the Philadelphia Jazz Scene. His current project, 'Ensemble Novo', is inspired by the music made in Brazil during the 1960s and early 70s. www.ensemblenovo.com

Originally from Chicago, trumpeter, educator and composer Elliot Bild got his undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University and his Masters Degree from Temple University where he studied with John Swana, Terell Stafford and Dick Oatts. Recently, he has performed with the great Philadelphia Bassist Mike Boone at Smalls Jazz Club in NYC as well as the 2019 Philadelphia Center City Jazz Festival, as part of his new working Quintet. He has also performed with Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band, Don Braden, John Swana, Duane Eubanks, Tim Warfield, Randy Brecker, Dave Ballou, Avery Sharpe, Mike DiRubbo, Zaccai and Luques Curtis, Behn Gillece, and Pablo Batista. Elliot is currently one of the most in demand freelance trumpeters in the Philadelphia area, performing at such venues as Chris's Jazz Cafe, South Jazz Kitchen, Smalls Jazz Club, Time, The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, Dizzy's Club Coca Cola, Litchfield Jazz Festival among others. Elliot just finished recording his debut live record, with his band 'The Zone', which will be out in 2020.

Saxophonist Joshua Lee is a graduate of Temple University's Boyer College of Music, and is the Managing and Co-Artistic Director of Jazz Lives Philadelphia. Joshua brings experience gained from performing throughout the east coast with The Count Basie Orchestra, The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia, and many more. He leads projects of his own including Josh Lee and the Family, The Life Brass Band, and the Jazz Lives Philadelphia Big Band. Joshua is devoted to bringing his love of jazz to the masses—young and old alike.

Terell Stafford has been hailed as “one of the great players of our time, a fabulous trumpet player” by piano legend McCoy Tyner. Stafford is recognized as an incredibly gifted and versatile player, he combines a deep love of melody with his own brand of spirited and adventurous lyricism. Stafford's exceptionally expressive and well defined musical talent allows him to dance in and around the rich trumpet tradition of his predecessors while making his own inroads. Stafford is the Director of Jazz Studies and Chair of Instrumental Studies at Temple University, founder and band leader of the Terell Stafford Quintet, and Managing and Artistic Director of the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia (JOP). Stafford is renowned in the jazz world as an educator, performer and leader and has received countless award nominations and accolades. http://www.terellstafford.com/

Mike Bond is one of my favorite pianists on the New York scene today. He has performed with Savion Glover, Conrad Herwig, Joe Magnarelli and Duane Eubanks, to name a few, and is a featured sideman on guitarist Jean Chaumont's debut album “The Beauty Of Differences” which received a 4 star review in Downbeat Magazine.​As a leader, Bond has performed at Smalls and Mezzrow, as well as the Central Jersey Jazz Festival, the Canadian Music Festival in Toronto, and the New York City Winter Jazz Festival. He's music director at the non-denominational Jacob's Well Church in New Brunswick, N.J., and is a Community Advisory Board member for the award winning jazz station 88.3 WBGO.Bond's debut recording, ‘The Honorable Ones', produced by legendary pianist Orrin Evans: features Steve Wilson: alto saxophone; Josh Evans: trumpet; Ben Wolfe: bass; Anwar Marshall: drums + guests Gene Shinozaki: Claudia Acuña: Maya Holliday.The album release will be celebrated on Feb. 24th at Exuberance in Philadelphia and Feb. 27 at Small's in NYC.www.mikebondmusic.com

Laura Lizcano is a Colombian jazz vocalist and songwriter based in Philadelphia. Influenced by artists like Norah Jones and Natalia LaFourcade, Lizcano crafts lyrically driven compositions that blend elements of jazz, folk, and pop. Lizcano was born in the city of Bogotá, Colombia and, as a child, emigrated to a small, rural town in the United States. In her late teens, she moved to Philadelphia to pursue a degree in Jazz Performance. As a student, she had the opportunity to perform at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts with Joanna Pascale, Chelsea Reed, Lee Mo, Najwa Parkins, and Alexa Barchini for the Sittin In' Series at Innovation Studio. She has also performed at Dizzy's Club Coca Cola as the featured vocalist with the Temple University Big Band. Currently, Lizcano performs throughout the Central Pennsylvania and Greater Philadelphia regions with her band. In 2018, Laura independently released her debut EP titled Chance on Me. www.lauralizcanomusic.com

Willard Jenkins is an independent arts consultant, artistic director/curator, producer, writer and editor, operating under his ‘Open Sky Jazz' banner. During his extremely productive career, Mr. Jenkins has served as artistic director for the Tri-C JazzFest, BeanTown Jazz Festival, Lost Jazz Shrines, and Jazz in Progress. He collaborated on ‘African Rhythms', Randy Weston's autobiography. He has taught Jazz history at Cleveland State University and the online course ‘Imagine Africa' at Kent State . He is currently the artistic director of the DC Jazz Festival, one of the premiere Jazz festivals in the world as well as the author of his blog ‘Independant Ear' (which is full of incredibly insightful content, I highly recommend). www.openskyjazz.com

Alexa Tarantino is an award-winning jazz saxophonist, woodwind doubler, composer, and educator. She performs and tours regularly as a leader and sidewoman in a wide variety of ensembles and genres including Wynton Marsalis & The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Cécile McLorin Salvant's OGRESSE, Arturo O'Farrill & The Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, Sherrie Maricle & the DIVA Jazz Orchestra, LSAT, and the Alexa Tarantino QuartetAlexa is an artist on the Posi-Tone Records label. Which released her debut record Winds of Change, in May 2019Tarantino is currently on faculty for Jazz at Lincoln Center's Youth Programs and previously served as Jazz Saxophone Instructor at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. She holds a master's degree in Jazz Studies from The Juilliard School and bachelor's degrees in Jazz Saxophone Performance and Music Education from the Eastman School of Music. Tarantino travelsacross the globe as a guest clinician and adjudicator, and is the Founder and Director of the Rockport Jazz Workshop.https://alexatarantino.com/

My guest today is one of the most versatile and commanding bassists in Philadelphia, Sandy Eldred.His big sound, and innovative ideas have made him a top call both in the US and abroad. He's played in many of my favorite large ensembles including the South Philly Big Band, Slow Burn, Norman David's Eleventet, and Bobby Zankel and the Warriors of the Wonderful Sound. As well as a founding member of wildly energetic U.S.E. Trio, which as grammy nomination season is upon us, gets my vote. In our conversation we touch upon many topics including performing with the Norman David Eleventet, sight reading, overcoming fear, USE trio, Ben Schachter, ‘Trio of Many', cultivating creative spaces to play, and his travels in Ukraine.http://sandyeldred.com/

My guest today is one of the most versatile drummers I've ever met, Matt Scarano. His mastery of odd-time meters, combined with his sense of swing, and ability to deliver far-reaching musical narratives have made him a preeminent performer and educator.Lately he's been on several major tours with SPAGA Band and Matisyahu as well as cultivating his own project U.S.E. Trio in collaboration with Sandy Eldred, and Andrew Urbina, as well as, carrying the torch of Philly homegrown concert series' at Cherry St. Tavern.In our interview we tackle a host of topics including: the Philly scene, Ben Schachter's musical legacy, playing chordless, developing time and feel, dealing with social media and much more.

My guest today is Lydia Liebman, founder and CEO of Lydia Liebman Promotions, a boutique public relations agency and consulting firm based in New York City, and London. Their roster of artists is mind-blowing from Orrin Evans, Emma Frank, Ben Wolfe, Brandee Younger, The Curtis Brother, Roxy Coss, Ralph Peterson, the list seems endless, so I'll leave it there. In our interview, we talk about how she got involved in the business side of Jazz, how she grew her company from helping out some friends to representing some of the biggest names in Jazz, what young musicians who are just starting out can do proactively before they are ready for representation, and much more. Lydia is both a guardian of the tradition and a trailblazer of new directions, with a perspective that is definitely worth checking out. www.lydialiebman.com

My guest today is bassist Gerald Veasley. Philadelphia Native, Gerald has brought his 6-string bass all over the world performing with Grover Washington Jr., Joe Zawinul, McCoy Tyner, and Odean Pope to name a few. I've gotten to know Gerald through his work as president of Jazz Philadelphia, a non-profit seeking to strengthen and elevate the Jazz ecosystem in our city. Although this is a conversation between two bassists, we don't actually talk about bass that much. Most of the conversation centers around one of my favorite topics, the art of learning, which is a common theme whenever Gerald and I get a chance to speak.www.geraldveasley.com

V. Shayne Frederick is not only one of my favorite vocalists on the Philly Scene, he's one of my favorite vocalists anywhere. He's got this old school sensibility that melds with a modernist sense of adventure into a kaleidoscope of Jazz history That is uniquely his, of all the vocalists I've heard nobody sounds like V. Shayne. He can really keep musicians and audience members on their toes and hangin on every note. He just released his first album “Lovesome”, which you absolutely have to check out.

Today I sat down in the ever lively Clark Park, home of the Annual Community Unity Festival, with Philadelphia Jazz Icon Justin Faulkner. Brought up in a musical household, extremely gifted, and infinitely motivated he began his professional career at thirteen. Since then he has played with Jazz royalty such as Jimmy Heath, Orrin Evans, Sean Jones, Tim Warfield, Pharoah Sanders, Terence Blanchard, Jacky Terrasson, Christian McBride, and perhaps best known as drummer for the Branford Marsalis Quartet. We had a great conversation about a variety of topics including: the origins of The Community Unity Festival, fashion, his acting debut in the film “Bolden”, the joy of listening, coming up in Branford's band, advice for students and much more.  I hope to see you all at this year's Community Unity Festival on August 3rd at Clark Park in West Philadelphia. It's always a blast, supports a great cause, and it's free. http://communityunitymusicfest.wedid.it/campaigns/6489

Today's guest is saxophonist Henry Tirfe. This young man has a truly impressive resume, including working with: The Roots, Joey DeFrancesco, Chill Moody, Solange Knowles, Patti LaBelle, Jay Bratten, Robin Eubanks, Ted Nash, Killiam Shakespeare, and many other artists. Tirfe is also a two time "Outstanding Soloist" winner at the Next Generation Jazz Festival. We had a great conversation in Fairmount Park, about life on the road, playing in Philly horn sections, Roy Hargrove, his clothing line, practice routines, and much more. You can see Henry Tirfe every Tuesday at South Jazz Kitchen, where he co-leads the Tuesday Jam Session with Vocalist Chelsea Reed.  https://www.hiruytirfe.org/

My guest today is the man. Tim Warfield. Legend. He's shared the stage with everyone from Donald Byrd, to Marcus Miller, to Christian McBride, to Shirley Scott, to Nicholas Payton, Charles Fambrough, Terell Stafford, Stefon Harris, Orrin Evans, and that is the extremely abridged version. But what is most impressive to me is how he encourages, energizes, and leads the next generation. Our conversation was super inspiring as we jumped around from various topics including fashion, conquering fear, dealing with the business of music, his unique take on ear training, as well as some nuggets of wisdom from a life spent among the masters. If you haven't checked out his work, I highly recommend his albums Gentle Warrior, Jazzland (his most recent release), and my personal favorite Spherical, his deep dive into the work and genius of Thelonious Sphere Monk.

Long form interview with guitarist, tresero, and 2019 Kimmel Center Jazz Residency composer, Dariel Peniazek

Wide ranging interview with critically acclaimed and Grammy nominated trumpeter, composer, and arranger Josh Lawrence. Heralded by Downbeat Magazine as the "preeminent voice among young composers", he is a member of Orrin Evans' Captain Black Big Band, Co-founder of the Fresh Cut Orchestra, and leader of his own group through several evolutions from his Color Theory Band to Triptych.www.joshlawrencejazz.com