Podcasts about nea jazz master

Listen to an interview with legendary jazz saxophonist and composer Gary Bartz. Bartz has performed with Charles Mingus, Max Roach, Art Blakey, and McCoy Tyner. In 1970, Bartz joined Miles Davis' band, contributing to the seminal Live-Evil sessions. But its Bartz work as a bandleader during the 1970s that cemented his reputation as a jazz icon, from his recordings with the Mizell Brothers, to performances with his group Ntu Troop. A two-time Grammy Award winner, Bartz was recently named an NEA Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts.

In the second part of our conversation with 2024 NEA Jazz Master trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard, we explore the emotional and creative depths of his work, from his jazz innovations to his evolution as an opera composer.Blanchard shares the challenges of scoring the documentary When the Levees Broke and discusses how his Grammy-winning album A Tale of God's Will emerged from those themes, evolving into a deeply personal statement on loss and resilience. From jazz to film and opera, he examines how his musical voice has expanded across genres, culminating in his historic operas Champion and Fire Shut Up in My Bones—the first opera by an African American to be produced at the Metropolitan Opera. He also discusses his role in bringing the Monk Institute  (now the Herbie Hancock Institute) to New Orleans after Katrina and his ongoing dedication as an educator and mentor to young musicians.He discusses his then-new role as Artistic Director of SFJAZZ, where he provides opportunities for mid-career as well as emerging musicians and brings innovative programming to audiences. As he reflects on receiving the NEA Jazz Master honor, Blanchard considers the legacy of those who came before him and the responsibility of carrying the music forward.

In the second part of our conversation with 2024 NEA Jazz Master trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard, we explore the emotional and creative depths of his work, from his jazz innovations to his evolution as an opera composer.Blanchard shares the challenges of scoring the documentary When the Levees Broke and discusses how his Grammy-winning album A Tale of God's Will emerged from those themes, evolving into a deeply personal statement on loss and resilience. From jazz to film and opera, he examines how his musical voice has expanded across genres, culminating in his historic operas Champion and Fire Shut Up in My Bones—the first opera by an African American to be produced at the Metropolitan Opera. He also discusses his role in bringing the Monk Institute  (now the Herbie Hancock Institute) to New Orleans after Katrina and his ongoing dedication as an educator and mentor to young musicians.He discusses his then-new role as Artistic Director of SFJAZZ, where he provides opportunities for mid-career as well as emerging musicians and brings innovative programming to audiences. As he reflects on receiving the NEA Jazz Master honor, Blanchard considers the legacy of those who came before him and the responsibility of carrying the music forward.

There's a not so polite saying about teaching music and music teachers that goes like this: If you can, play. If you can't, teach. That is what jazz legend Ellis Marsalis once said to a Detroit drummer who was considering becoming a music teacher. I'm talking about drummer, educator, producer and band leader Clarence Penn. Fortunately, Clarence did not take it to heart, eventually acquiring a master's in music education from Rutgers University. It was also to the benefit of future musicians who became Clarence's students.  In this episode, Clarence Penn and I engage in deep reflection on jazz and jazz music instruction. He started playing music with the drum set influenced by his drummer neighbor Ricky Hudson around eight years old. In 1986, while still in high school, he attended the Interlochen Arts Academy where Clarence focused on classical percussion aiming to be a timpanist, but later eventually committed to jazz in high school after meeting NEA Jazz Master, trumpeter, and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra Music Director, Wynton Marsalis. He started studying at the University of Miami in Florida in 1986 but transferred to Virginia Commonwealth University which is when he began working with the great Ellis Marsalis. The conversation navigates his brief stint with trumpet, his preference for jazz over classical due to its broader voice and creativity and reflects on the evolving definition of jazz. The discussion also delves into his teaching philosophy, emphasizing individualized attention, deliberate practice, and the importance of being a well-rounded person. What Ellis Marsalis said about teaching, he later retracted when Clarence told him he was pursuing a master's at Rutgers in music education. He said, according to Clarence, “…that those who can play, teach,” thus giving Clarence his blessing. Clarence Penn also talks about various influences and collaborations, his views on the business of being a musician, and his expressive performance style. He mentions his project with the 2025 Grammy nominated American Patchwork Quartet, its diverse cultural influences, and explains his latest album 'Behind the Voice', which pays homage to drummers who have significantly impacted music. His resume more so lays out his career as a jazz musician than a teacher of percussion instruments, performing with Ellis and Wynton Marsalis, Maria Schneider, Stanley Clark, Betty Carter, Christian Sands, Lakecia Benjamin, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Kurt Elling, among many other highly accomplished musicians. He concludes by discussing the importance of teaching as therapy and the rewarding relationships with students. In this episode, we'll listen to three tracks of music, thanks to Origin Records. Two will come from Clarence Penn's latest project, Behind the Voice, released in 2024, more so a R&B/soul sound that has enormously brilliant drumming and keyboards by Clarence. The third track comes from his 2014 recording, Monk: The Lost Files, a highly acclaimed release that revisits some of the most memorable compositions by jazz legend Thelonious Monk.   You will hear the first song just prior to the conversation opening. 1. “Send One Your Love” (Steve Wonder)-Behind the Voice-3:15; Clarence Penn-drums, percussion, keyboards, vocoder; Aaron Marcellus-vocals; The second track will play at about 31 minutes into the program. 2. “Hackensack”: Monk: The Lost Files; Chad Lefkowitz-Brown - Saxes; Donald Vega-Piano; Yasushi Nakamura - Acoustic & Electric Bass; Clarence Penn - Drums, producer-arranger. The third song will close the conversation. 3. “You Are” (Clarence Penn, Tyrone Corbett), Behind the Voice -3:52; Clarence Penn—drums, percussion, keyboards, vocoder; Chelsea Jackson-vocals; Yasushi Nakamura-bass Thank you for listening. I know there are many podcasts for you to enjoy so it means a great deal to me that you are spending time with this conversation.

New Orleans is a place where virtuosity is always deployed with a celebratory spirit, and Crescent City Jewels is like a Gratitude Journal in song, a rollicking collection that expresses NEA Jazz Master, Grammy-winning producer, trombonist and bandleader, Delfeayo Marsalis, appreciation for the good things in life at a time when so much attention seems to focus on doom and gloom.  In this latest album, Delfeayo set out to celebrate the undersung heroes in his own hometown. To accomplish that, he's brought together a host of veteran and rising New Orleans musicians, as well as a number of guest stars, including big brother Branford Marsalis for a pair of jaw-dropping sax showcases, Rebirth Brass Band co-founder and Big Easy ambassador Kermit Ruffins, “Piano Prince of New Orleans” Davell Crawford, drummer extraordinaire Herlin Riley, and trombonist Maurice “Miracle Meaux” Trosclair. “One of our goals is to show the breadth and the dynamic possibilities of New Orleans music. Our philosophy is to take the important ingredients from past generations and use them in the gumbo that we're creating today.”  That's where our conversation begins. 

Jazz88's Peter Solomon speaks with NEA Jazz Master and Grammy-Award Winning trombonist and composer Delfeayo Marsalis about what inspired his recent recording 'Crescent City Jewels.' Marsalis will be featured in two sets with the JazzMn Orchestra Sunday afternoon at the Dakota. (Attached photo by Eric Waters and Girard Mouton).

Jazz88's Peter Solomon speaks with NEA Jazz Master and Grammy-Award Winning trombonist and composer Delfeayo Marsalis about what inspired his recent recording 'Crescent City Jewels.' Marsalis will be featured in two sets with the JazzMn Orchestra Sunday afternoon at the Dakota. (Attached photo by Eric Waters and Girard Mouton).

durée : 00:59:38 - Wadada Leo Smith & Amina Claudine Myers - par : Alex Dutilh - “Central Park's Mosaics of Reservoir, Lake, Paths and Gardens”, est une convergence remarquable entre deux esprits musicaux complices : le trompettiste et compositeur Wadada Leo Smith et la pianiste et organiste Amina Claudine Myers, récemment nommée NEA Jazz Master. Parution chez Red Hook. - réalisé par : Fabien Fleurat

durée : 00:59:38 - Wadada Leo Smith & Amina Claudine Myers - par : Alex Dutilh - “Central Park's Mosaics of Reservoir, Lake, Paths and Gardens”, est une convergence remarquable entre deux esprits musicaux complices : le trompettiste et compositeur Wadada Leo Smith et la pianiste et organiste Amina Claudine Myers, récemment nommée NEA Jazz Master. Parution chez Red Hook. - réalisé par : Fabien Fleurat

As we're gearing up for the 2024 NEA Jazz Masters' tribute concert, we are revisiting my conversation with 2017 NEA Jazz Master Bassist Dave Holland. From his roots in the English working class to becoming an admired figure in the jazz world, Holland shares his musical journey, marked by a deep passion for the bass, a transformative stint with Miles Davis, and a dedication to the next generation of jazz musicians. Dave Holland discusses his initial attraction to music through the ukulele and his evolution towards the bass guitar--captivated by its rhythmic and harmonic significance and reveals how exposure to American rock, R&B, and jazz icons like Ray Brown and Leroy Vinnegar steered him towards jazz and led to his lifelong dedication to the upright bass. Holland recounts the serendipitous offer to join Miles Davis's band, a pivotal moment that introduced him to the international jazz stage and talks about his transition from band member to bandleader and composer, focusing on the necessity of dialogue and personal expression within music and the challenges and rewards of solo bass performances. Holland also discusses his educational work, aiming to connect students with jazz's rich heritage and guiding them to find their own voices within the tradition and finally reflects on his career's progression, underscoring the collaborative nature of jazz and its capacity to unify musicians across diverse backgrounds.    *The Arts Endowment in collaboration with the Kennedy Center will celebrate the 2024 NEA Jazz Masters  with a free tribute concert on Saturday, April 13 at 7:30 pm. The concert is free and open to the public. You can get ticket details at Kennedy-Center.org. And if you can't make it to DC, don't despair, the concert is available through a live webcast at arts.gov. 

As we're gearing up for the 2024 NEA Jazz Masters' tribute concert, we are revisiting my conversation with 2017 NEA Jazz Master Bassist Dave Holland. From his roots in the English working class to becoming an admired figure in the jazz world, Holland shares his musical journey, marked by a deep passion for the bass, a transformative stint with Miles Davis, and a dedication to the next generation of jazz musicians. Dave Holland discusses his initial attraction to music through the ukulele and his evolution towards the bass guitar--captivated by its rhythmic and harmonic significance and reveals how exposure to American rock, R&B, and jazz icons like Ray Brown and Leroy Vinnegar steered him towards jazz and led to his lifelong dedication to the upright bass. Holland recounts the serendipitous offer to join Miles Davis's band, a pivotal moment that introduced him to the international jazz stage and talks about his transition from band member to bandleader and composer, focusing on the necessity of dialogue and personal expression within music and the challenges and rewards of solo bass performances. Holland also discusses his educational work, aiming to connect students with jazz's rich heritage and guiding them to find their own voices within the tradition and finally reflects on his career's progression, underscoring the collaborative nature of jazz and its capacity to unify musicians across diverse backgrounds.    *The Arts Endowment in collaboration with the Kennedy Center will celebrate the 2024 NEA Jazz Masters  with a free tribute concert on Saturday, April 13 at 7:30 pm. The concert is free and open to the public. You can get ticket details at Kennedy-Center.org. And if you can't make it to DC, don't despair, the concert is available through a live webcast at arts.gov. 

Episode 5: A conversation with composer, Maria Schneider.►Maria Schneider website: http://www.mariaschneider.comIn this episode with Multi-Grammy Winner, NEA Jazz Master, composer and musician advocate, Maria Schneider, we discuss her new “Decades” project, Bob Brookmeyer's “tough love”, a mystical dream with Gil Evans, balancing preparation with letting go, and much more…“When you do what you love, it telegraphs”.~Maria Schneider►Key Moments:0:00 - Introductions2:58 – “Life Stuff”…Taking care of the aging. 6:40 – The vinyl experience, Maria's retrospective  “Decades” project, and life pivot points14:33 – Bob Brookmeyer ‘s “tough love”16:29 – Balancing preparation and letting go, musical risk taking, and some astrology stuff.27:00 – How do you know when a piece is finished?28:38 – Doing what you love30:55 –The insignificance and significance of a human being.34:30 –Alchemy through music.35:24 – How do you help someone to discover their greatness?40:25 – Ivan Lins story41:24 – Looking back at your musicand its evolution…44:35: Visions and intuition51:22: Following that “gut” feeling57:40: A dream with Gil Evans1:01:11: Fear of death1:06:41: A lesson from David Bowie►Follow John Daversa Online:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndaversa/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnDaversaMusic/YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/johndaversamusicWebsite: http://www.johndaversa.com  ►CreditsHost and Producer: John DaversaVideo Editing: Max NierlichVideo and Audio Capture: Dudley MerriamGraphic Design: Marcus SassevilleAdditional Graphic Design: Izzi GuzmanRecorded in Miami, FL, April 19, 2023►Music"The John Daversa Podcast""Moonlight Muse""Junk Wagon"All compositions composed and arranged by John DaversaDaversafications Publications (ASCAP)#mariaschneider #mariaschneiderjazzorchestra #jazzcomposer #thejohndaversapodcast "johndaversaSupport the show►CreditsHost and Producer: John DaversaVideo: Max NierlichAudio: Dudley MerriamMarcus Sasseville: Graphic DesignRecorded in Miami, FL►Music"The John Daversa Podcast""Moonlight Muse""Junk Wagon" All compositions composed and arranged by John DaversaDaversafications Publications (ASCAP)

In this podcast, Amina Claudine Myers discusses her journey from the gospel choirs of Arkansas to becoming a 2024 NEA Jazz Master, highlighting her significant contributions to jazz, gospel, and blues. We discuss her early life in Blackwell, Arkansas, and Dallas, Texas, sharing stories of how family and church planted the seeds of her future in music and her transition from gospel music to discovering jazz and blues in college, detailing her growth as a musician and composer. She reflects on her time in Chicago and her involvement with the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM), emphasizing the impact this had on her musical direction and compositions. Myers describes her move to New York, the challenges she there, and how she found her footing through innovative performances and compositions. She discusses how she integrates jazz, gospel, and blues into her music, creating a unique sound that speaks to her diverse influences and experiences and her efforts to preserve the legacy of gospel music with Generation 4. And finally Myers shares her thoughts  on being named an NEA Jazz Master.* *The Arts Endowment in collaboration with the Kennedy Center will celebrate the 2024 NEA Jazz Masters  with a free tribute concert on Saturday, April 13 at 7:30 pm. The concert is free and open to the public. You can get ticket details at Kennedy-Center.org. And if you can't make it to DC, don't despair, the concert is available through a live webcast and radio broadcast at arts.gov. 

In this podcast, Amina Claudine Myers discusses her journey from the gospel choirs of Arkansas to becoming a 2024 NEA Jazz Master, highlighting her significant contributions to jazz, gospel, and blues. We discuss her early life in Blackwell, Arkansas, and Dallas, Texas, sharing stories of how family and church planted the seeds of her future in music and her transition from gospel music to discovering jazz and blues in college, detailing her growth as a musician and composer. She reflects on her time in Chicago and her involvement with the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM), emphasizing the impact this had on her musical direction and compositions. Myers describes her move to New York, the challenges she there, and how she found her footing through innovative performances and compositions. She discusses how she integrates jazz, gospel, and blues into her music, creating a unique sound that speaks to her diverse influences and experiences and her efforts to preserve the legacy of gospel music with Generation 4. And finally Myers shares her thoughts  on being named an NEA Jazz Master.* *The Arts Endowment in collaboration with the Kennedy Center will celebrate the 2024 NEA Jazz Masters  with a free tribute concert on Saturday, April 13 at 7:30 pm. The concert is free and open to the public. You can get ticket details at Kennedy-Center.org. And if you can't make it to DC, don't despair, the concert is available through a live webcast and radio broadcast at arts.gov. 

Here at The Late Set, we always turn toward the wisdom of elders. So we couldn't be more excited about our guest this episode: alto saxophonist, composer-bandleader and educator Gary Bartz. We sat down with him in Brooklyn during the recent Winter Jazzfest, and had a fantastic conversation that spans his apprenticeship years (with everyone from Max to Mingus to Miles), his journeyman period (notably at the helm of Ntu Troop), and his master eminence (which predates his welcome induction as a 2024 NEA Jazz Master). The man who gave us “Music is My Sanctuary” is still out along the front line, with insights to share. More to explore:  NEA: Gary Bartz biography NPR: From bebop to hip-hop: Gary Bartz's sax sound shapes many eras KQED: For Jazz Saxophonist Gary Bartz, ‘Music Is My Religion' Support WRTI: https://bit.ly/2yAkaJsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this tuneful podcast, 2024 NEA Jazz Master Saxophonist Gary Bartz talks about his life and career, touching on his roots, influences, collaborations, and the philosophical underpinnings that have guided his artistic journey. Born in Baltimore in 1940, Gary's musical journey began in a segregated America, where he found music to be a universal language that could transcend societal barriers. He discusses his early encounters with music which were deeply influenced by his family's musical gatherings and his exposure to the records of Charlie Parker, which ignited his passion for the saxophone at the age of six. He talks about moving to New York City in 1958, immersing himself in the city's vibrant jazz scene, his time at Juilliard and the thrill of playing alongside legends like Max Roach (NEA Jazz Master, 1984),  Charles Mingus,  Art Blakey (NEA Jazz Master, 1988),  Miles Davis (NEA Jazz Master, 1984)  and McCoy Tyner (NEA Jazz Master, 2002), highlighting the impact of these experiences on his musical direction. He details his approach to music, emphasizing the importance of listening and creativity and expressing his disdain for the term "jazz," preferring to see music as a boundless form of expression. Gary also discusses his work with younger musicians and bands like his collaborations with Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Adrian Younge for their Jazz Is Dead label and the spiritual jazz band Maisha, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational dialogue in music. With over two decades of teaching at Oberlin, Gary talks about his approach to education which focuses first on the importance of listening—a skill he deems crucial for any musician. He shares his feelings on being named an NEA Jazz Master, acknowledging it as a significant honor that places him among the heroes who shaped his musical path. Note: On Saturday, April 13, 2024, the National Endowment for the Arts, in collaboration with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, will celebrate the 2024 honorees with a tribute concert. Keep checking [arts.gov](arts.gov) for details.

In this tuneful podcast, 2024 NEA Jazz Master Saxophonist Gary Bartz talks about his life and career, touching on his roots, influences, collaborations, and the philosophical underpinnings that have guided his artistic journey. Born in Baltimore in 1940, Gary's musical journey began in a segregated America, where he found music to be a universal language that could transcend societal barriers. He discusses his early encounters with music which were deeply influenced by his family's musical gatherings and his exposure to the records of Charlie Parker, which ignited his passion for the saxophone at the age of six. He talks about moving to New York City in 1958, immersing himself in the city's vibrant jazz scene, his time at Juilliard and the thrill of playing alongside legends like Max Roach (NEA Jazz Master, 1984),  Charles Mingus,  Art Blakey (NEA Jazz Master, 1988),  Miles Davis (NEA Jazz Master, 1984)  and McCoy Tyner (NEA Jazz Master, 2002), highlighting the impact of these experiences on his musical direction. He details his approach to music, emphasizing the importance of listening and creativity and expressing his disdain for the term "jazz," preferring to see music as a boundless form of expression. Gary also discusses his work with younger musicians and bands like his collaborations with Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Adrian Younge for their Jazz Is Dead label and the spiritual jazz band Maisha, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational dialogue in music. With over two decades of teaching at Oberlin, Gary talks about his approach to education which focuses first on the importance of listening—a skill he deems crucial for any musician. He shares his feelings on being named an NEA Jazz Master, acknowledging it as a significant honor that places him among the heroes who shaped his musical path. Note: On Saturday, April 13, 2024, the National Endowment for the Arts, in collaboration with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, will celebrate the 2024 honorees with a tribute concert. Keep checking [arts.gov](arts.gov) for details.

In today's podcast, filmmakers Sam Pollard and Ben Shapiro discuss their film “Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes.”   In our conversation, they place Max Roach within the context of American culture, emphasizing his legendary status as a drummer, a composer, and a significant figure in Black consciousness and activism.  Sam Pollard shares his 40 year journey in  making this documentary, while Ben Shapiro talks about his own connection to Roach reaching back to a radio documentary. They discuss their coming together and collaboration in making the film, highlighting their complementary skills.  We talk about Roach's musical evolution from a seminal drummer in the bebop era to a soloist and a leader in exploring new dimensions in percussion, the profound impact of Roach's collaboration with Clifford Brown, especially in terms of musical innovation, the toll Brown's early tragic death had on Max, the film's focus on Roach's "Freedom Now Suite"  and its significance in both the music world and social movements, including its impact on the civil rights movement in the USA and anti-apartheid struggles in South Africa. We discuss Max's marriage to Abbey Lincoln, noting her influence on his life and music, and her own significant artistic contributions, how Roach's political activism impacted his music career and his transition into teaching, where he continued to influence younger musicians, emphasizing his continuous evolution as an artist. We also discuss upcoming screenings of the film and upcoming events at NJPAC celebrating Max Roach's centenary. Overall, the interview paints a comprehensive picture of Max Roach's life, his immense contributions to music and social activism, and the journey of creating a documentary that captures his multifaceted legacy.

In today's podcast, filmmakers Sam Pollard and Ben Shapiro discuss their film “Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes.”   In our conversation, they place Max Roach within the context of American culture, emphasizing his legendary status as a drummer, a composer, and a significant figure in Black consciousness and activism.  Sam Pollard shares his 40 year journey in  making this documentary, while Ben Shapiro talks about his own connection to Roach reaching back to a radio documentary. They discuss their coming together and collaboration in making the film, highlighting their complementary skills.  We talk about Roach's musical evolution from a seminal drummer in the bebop era to a soloist and a leader in exploring new dimensions in percussion, the profound impact of Roach's collaboration with Clifford Brown, especially in terms of musical innovation, the toll Brown's early tragic death had on Max, the film's focus on Roach's "Freedom Now Suite"  and its significance in both the music world and social movements, including its impact on the civil rights movement in the USA and anti-apartheid struggles in South Africa. We discuss Max's marriage to Abbey Lincoln, noting her influence on his life and music, and her own significant artistic contributions, how Roach's political activism impacted his music career and his transition into teaching, where he continued to influence younger musicians, emphasizing his continuous evolution as an artist. We also discuss upcoming screenings of the film and upcoming events at NJPAC celebrating Max Roach's centenary. Overall, the interview paints a comprehensive picture of Max Roach's life, his immense contributions to music and social activism, and the journey of creating a documentary that captures his multifaceted legacy.

On the December 30 WBGO Journal, Big Chief Donald Harrison talks about his career and we get a review of the best 2023 movies

Known as the “Barefoot Baroness”, Wendy Oxenhorn is the founding director and vice chairman of the Jazz Foundation of America, a non-profit that helps jazz and blues musicians in need of emergency funds. Prominent board members include Quincy Jones, their current chairman; Richard Parsons, Agnes Varis, Elvis Costello, Danny Glover, Michael Novogratz and Lou Reed. Under her leadership the foundation has raised more than $70 million and helped countless musicians in crisis over the decades. Wendy also plays a mean harmonica and was named a NEA Jazz Master in 2016.

The Maroon's Jake Zucker and William Kimani interview saxophonist and Chicago native Chico Freeman, who performed live at the 2023 Hyde Park Jazz Festival as part of the Chico Freeman Quintet. They are joined by Michael Allemana (Ph.D. '20), a researcher of ethnomusicology and Director of the University's Jazz Ensemble. Chico's bio: "Heralded as one of the most important saxophonists of our time, composer and producer Chico Freeman has perfected an immediately recognizable approach to music and composition, blending what he has experienced from his past and providing fluidity into a future of infinite musical possibilities. "As part of the Freeman family legacy of Chicago (legendary NEA Jazz Master saxophonist Von Freeman is his father and guitarist George Freeman and drummer Bruz Freeman are his uncles), Chico amassed a diverse performance résumé including R&B, blues, hard bop, and avant-garde. His collegiate studies in Advanced Composition and Theory at Northwestern University propelled him to a position teaching composition at the AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians) Music School, as well as a Master's degree in Composition and Theory at Governor State University, where he studied composition with NEA Jazz Master Muhal Richard Abrams." (hydeparkjazzfestival.org) This interview was recorded at the Study at University of Chicago on Saturday, September 23, 2023. Portrait courtesy of Gert Chesi

GRAMMY® award-winning trumpeter, composer, arranger, producer, vocalist, and activist Keyon Harrold joins Milestones to discuss Donald Byrd's groundbreaking masterpiece Black Byrd, released 50 years ago this year. The NEA Jazz Master whose work has profoundly impacted generations that followed through his stylistic pioneering of R&B infused jazz, helped birth an entirely new era of black music while experiencing breakthrough commercial success after two decades of being one of the greatest hard bop players of his time. 

023 NEA Jazz Master Kenny Garrett is a saxophonist, composer, and bandleader. He sees himself as a “preacher” on his saxophone—searching for that “one note that would touch people.” In this music-filled podcast, Garrett talks about his musical beginnings in Detroit, move to NYC, and time with the Duke Ellington Band, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, and Miles Davis, and the different lessons he learned from all of them. He discusses finding his musical voice,  his role as a band leader, the spiritual aspects of his music, the lasting influence of John Coltrane, and his collaborations with Pharoah Sanders and Chick Corea.  Kenny also talks about his process for composing, teaching his music to band members, the energy created by live performance, playing as part of the Grammy-Award winning Five Peace Band, his ability to incorporate many different genres in his music, his commitment to both contemporary music and music from the ancestors, and his deep belief in music's healing power.  He also plays John Coltrane's soprano saxophone live during an emotional moment in the podcast.  Let us know what you think about Art Works—email us at artworkspod@arts.gov. And follow us on Apple Podcasts!   Keywords: Kenny Garrett, NEA Jazz Master, Jazz, Miles Davis, Art Blakey, Five Peace Band, Sounds from the Ancestors

023 NEA Jazz Master Kenny Garrett is a saxophonist, composer, and bandleader. He sees himself as a “preacher” on his saxophone—searching for that “one note that would touch people.” In this music-filled podcast, Garrett talks about his musical beginnings in Detroit, move to NYC, and time with the Duke Ellington Band, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, and Miles Davis, and the different lessons he learned from all of them. He discusses finding his musical voice,  his role as a band leader, the spiritual aspects of his music, the lasting influence of John Coltrane, and his collaborations with Pharoah Sanders and Chick Corea.  Kenny also talks about his process for composing, teaching his music to band members, the energy created by live performance, playing as part of the Grammy-Award winning Five Peace Band, his ability to incorporate many different genres in his music, his commitment to both contemporary music and music from the ancestors, and his deep belief in music's healing power.  He also plays John Coltrane's soprano saxophone live during an emotional moment in the podcast.  Let us know what you think about Art Works—email us at artworkspod@arts.gov. And follow us on Apple Podcasts!   Keywords: Kenny Garrett, NEA Jazz Master, Jazz, Miles Davis, Art Blakey, Five Peace Band, Sounds from the Ancestors

With a career spanning six decades and over 80 albums to his credit, NEA Jazz Master and multiple GRAMMY® winner Ramsey Lewis is one of the most distinguished artists of our time. His crossover success as a mainstream artist made him a household name with hits like "The In Crowd" and "Sun Goddess." Yet it is through his last great offering to the world that we learn the depth of this tremendous figure. Published this month, Gentleman of Jazz: My Life In Music is Lewis' posthumously released autobiography which chronicles his incredible journey from the Cabrini-Green Homes of Chicago with a family devoted to music, to his rise to stardom with The Ramsey Lewis Trio and beyond. On the week of Lewis' 88th birthday, Gentleman of Jazz co-author Aaron Cohen and Lewis' wife and closest confidant Jan join Milestones to discuss everything from Lewis' activism and mentorship, to his exceptional work in media. From his connection to artists like Charles Stepney, Minnie Riperton, Maurice White and Stevie Wonder, to his unyielding love for the city of Chicago and the unprecedented breadth of music he produced that helped expand the landscape of jazz forever.  Milestones theme produced by Riley K. GlasperProduction Assistance: Corey Goldberg Millennium Park Summer Music Series Tribute to Ramsey Lewis: A Gentleman of Jazz on June 22 at 6:30PM: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park9.html

What's the difference between a producer of an event and a promoter? I've often wondered about that when it comes to producing or promoting a music community event or a jazz concert. Cincinnati, Ohio resident and Jazz Alive Executive Director Laura Ann Gentry set the record straight for me on Strictly Jazz Sounds, your conversation about all things jazz. In episode 9 of Strictly Jazz Sounds, I spend time with Laura Ann Gentry, president of LAG (Laura Ann Gentry) Productions, LLC. She's a producer and promoter and has been for more than 24 years.  She produces and promotes jazz events in a variety of settings in the greater Cincinnati, Ohio, northern Kentucky, and southeast Indiana area, the tri-state area. Laura Ann Gentry, who has an easy laugh, is a passionate, humorous, and interesting storyteller of her adventures and misadventures as an African American woman producing jazz events. It is not an easy world for a woman, let alone an African American woman in what has long been considered a man's game. She tells a story of losing her shirt on her first production that featured saxophonist Javon Jackson and NEA Jazz Master, now deceased organist Dr. Lonnie Smith. And as an African American woman doing this work, there's a challenge that Javon Jackson, also Jazz Studies Director at the Jackie McLean Inst. at the University of Hartford, spells out for her. It's a rough path to blaze for a woman, let alone an African American woman. He actively mentored her early on in her journey.  Fortunately, Laura had her backup skills of accounting, her other full-time job. She was able to cover the loss and learn a big lesson. Laura Ann Gentry puts in some serious time, all day, every day. Her drive and passion put her in the forefront of presenting women jazz musicians in the tri-state area. Laura pursues the proliferation of jazz with purpose. And if that's not enough, she is involved in jazz education as a board member of the Jazz Education Network. Everyone needs to learn about jazz and its cultural value. Laura spoke very plainly that jazz education should be available for all ages.   The source of Laura's passion is truly from home. Like so many people, she was exposed to music through her parents and grandparents, the place where all sorts of music wafted through the air. She could not escape it if she tried. Her love of jazz was born at home.

2022 was a banner year for drummer Brian Blade. Nine recordings were released with Brian as a leader, co-leader, or side-player that year. As the year was coming to a close, I began to compile my list of “Best Jazz of 2022”. It was then that I realized that Brian had been a very busy man during the last few years. My curiosity was spiked about this. I wanted to talk to Brian about this prolific output of music but, you see, I had already interviewed him in 2022, twice. But, hey, I wanted to find out more about his incredible list of recordings. We begin exploring the nine releases with the Life Cycles recording that paid tribute to Bobby Hutcherson. It was recorded by this little-known sextet that mostly played in underground night clubs in Manhattan in 2001 with some appearances at festivals around the country. This latest album by Life Cycles was recorded in 2018 by a reassembled group with a couple of additions to the original band. So, on this eighth episode of Strictly Jazz Sounds, Brian Blade and I have our third conversation in a year. The initial focus of this podcast was to be Brian's latest released recording by a band he co-led in 2001, Life Cycles. The recording was saluting NEA Jazz Master, vibe and marimba artist Bobby Hutcherson with Life Cycles 1&2: Now & Forever: Honoring Bobby Hutcherson. But a few months had passed since this conversation took place and Brian just released another recording, Mama Rosa. Brian Blade has had a life well lived and he's only 52 and still rolling! He's a multi-Grammy-award winning drummer, group leader, record label founder and owner. He's recorded and performed with a list of artists too long to list here, but I shall list some very notable ones: Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea, Christian McBride, Joshua Redman, John Patitucci, Brad Mehldau, Danilo Perez, Joni Mitchell, and Emmylou Harris. What is wonderful about this conversation, different from the last two, is learning more about Brian as a person as well as a musician, an artist. And learning about what's behind some of the recordings and bands he's created with people like the late maestros Wayne Shorter and Bobby Hutcherson, as well as the great drummer Joe Chambers, and his relationship with singer songwriter and pianist Norah Jones. Spoiler alert-Brian Blade plays guitar. And he played it with Norah Jones who was not playing piano. She was on drums. _________________________________________________________________The music you hear on this podcast is from the Life Cycles album:  “Now “ by Bobby Hutcherson and Gene McDaniels and “Forgotten Memories” by Myron Walden. The Life Cycles personnel include: Brian Blade, drums; Jon Cowherd, piano; Myron Walden, saxophone; Doug Weiss, bass; John Hart, guitar; Monte Croft, vibes/vocals; and, Rogerio Boccato-percussion. BTW, you'll hear a dog on this episode, as well. I invite you to subscribe so you are alerted to future episodes and articles written by me as well as events and information I want to pass on to you. I am looking for sponsors so please consider it and email me at strictlyjazzsounds.com. I'm interested in your feedback. I always need to improve what I'm doing. And, finally, support live jazz wherever you are. Thanks for listening.

In this podcast, Louis Hayes talks about his long and illustrious career as one of the great hard bop drummers. We talk about his growing up in Detroit—home to many great musicians—in a household filled with music. Hayes started drumming when he was young— influenced by the two drummers in his family: his father and his cousin Clarence Stamps, who was his first teacher.  As a youngster, Hayes heard Charlie Parker and it rocked his world.  By 15, Hayes was leading teenage bands, and, at 18, he was playing in a club with Yusef Lateef. He's talks about his life-changing move to NYC to play with Horace Silver and all he learned there, the NYC jazz scene in the 50's, recording with John Coltrane, and the happy experience of playing with Cannonball Adderley for six years before joining the Oscar Peterson Trio. He also discusses his own reluctance to become a bandleader as well as his tribute albums to both Silver and Adderley. But what shines through his deep love for the music and his fellow musicians. Let us know what you think about Art Works—email us at artworkspod@arts.gov.

In this podcast, Louis Hayes talks about his long and illustrious career as one of the great hard bop drummers. We talk about his growing up in Detroit—home to many great musicians—in a household filled with music. Hayes started drumming when he was young— influenced by the two drummers in his family: his father and his cousin Clarence Stamps, who was his first teacher.  As a youngster, Hayes heard Charlie Parker and it rocked his world.  By 15, Hayes was leading teenage bands, and, at 18, he was playing in a club with Yusef Lateef. He's talks about his life-changing move to NYC to play with Horace Silver and all he learned there, the NYC jazz scene in the 50's, recording with John Coltrane, and the happy experience of playing with Cannonball Adderley for six years before joining the Oscar Peterson Trio. He also discusses his own reluctance to become a bandleader as well as his tribute albums to both Silver and Adderley. But what shines through his deep love for the music and his fellow musicians. Let us know what you think about Art Works—email us at artworkspod@arts.gov.

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://thecitylife.org/2022/11/14/flushing-town-hall-presents-songs-for-barry-harris-featuring-nea-jazz-master-sheila-jordan-harvie-s-and-roni-ben-hur/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/citylifeorg/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/citylifeorg/support

Marlon Sobol is a professional percussionist and board certified music therapist who has performed extensively throughout the world. Sobol's musical pedigree runs in the family. His father was a master clarinetist, concert producer, and educator and his mother is a concert pianist, as well as a music teacher for special learners. The younger Sobol has shared the stage with musical legends Richie Havens(Woodstock 1969), David Amram(Manchurian Candidate), and Candido Camero(2008 NEA Jazz Master). Sobol was featured on the Grammy nominated album, "Youth", and has performed at Madison Square Garden and appeared on the Carson Daly Show. He is the percussionist in Afro-Beat Jazz band “Zion 80,” whom the NY Times has hailed as a "truly soulful experience!" Sobol toured Europe performing at the Sarajevo Jazz Festival in Bosnia and at “Porgy and Bess” Jazz Club in Vienna, Austria. His work as both musician and music therapist have been featured in "DRUM!" Magazine; in "Preserving Your Memory" Magazine; in the Journal News, on Armand Dimele's, "The Positive Mind," and NPR's "Soundcheck" with John Schaefer. Marlon is currently the Executive Director of Komitoms, Inc. His live and online video programs are being used in assisted living homes and nursing centers throughout the tristate area. He is releasing a 5 song album called Geula Vision under the Moshe Sobol Band. He can be reached at 516-457-5390 or msobol@komitoms.com

Terri Lyne Carrington has never once pumped the brakes on developing her creativity and expanding her own professional success. The three-time Grammy winner and NEA Jazz Master has set the bar for contemporary jazz drummers and emerged as an inspiration and role model – particularly for female musicians. Her latest book, "New Standards: 101 Lead Sheets by Women Composers," features works written by 101 composers ranging across generations, from legends Lil Hardin Armstrong and Mary Lou Williams through contemporary stars such as Brandee Younger and Cécile McLorin Salvant. She joins me on this episode to talk about various stories from her career and what lies ahead in her discography. Visit the website: https://www.bedroombeethovens.com/ Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bedroombeethovens

Born and raised in Albany, New York, John Minnock is a classically trained musician who has a degree in music from Boston University. John first gained popularity in Boston.   Now a fixture in the New York jazz and cabaret scene he often branches out into jazz improvisation and scat singing and brings a rich history of the music to every performance. He's played at the finest cabaret clubs in New York, including the Metropolitan Room, the Triad Theater, iconic Don't Tell Mama, and most recently at the stellar Feinstein's/54 Below. John recently made his debut at the iconic Jazz club Birdland with NEA Jazz Master, Dave Liebman, who was executive producer and featured artist for his acclaimed 2020 album “Herring Cove,” as well as on John's new release for Dot Time Records titled “Simplicity,” which is the subject of our conversation.   “Simplicity “ signals an evolution of John's artistry. The repertoire  includes original compositions as well as nuanced treatments of familiar songs, each reflecting harmonic sophistication, heartbreaking subtlety and homage to his beloved LGBTQ community.    For John, the story's everything, and he weaves it for us creating a colorful and fascinating tapestry.

We're celebrating the announcement of the 2023 NEA Jazz Masters by revisiting my interview with 2021 NEA Jazz Master and 2016 Pulitzer-Prize winner Henry Threadgill. Threadgill  remains one of music's great innovators—as a composer and as a musician. In this podcast, Threadgill reflects on the vast musical legacy he found in his hometown of Chicago and the early influence of Muhal Richard Abrams and The Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians.  He looks back at his ensembles and the various musical languages he's expressed with each as well as his overall philosophy of composing and making music—explaining why he believes the true test of music is in the live performance.  Henry Threadgill is not just a musical seeker, he's also a deeply thoughtful and very funny storyteller.  Follow us on Apple Podcasts!

We're celebrating the announcement of the 2023 NEA Jazz Masters by revisiting my interview with 2021 NEA Jazz Master and 2016 Pulitzer-Prize winner Henry Threadgill. Threadgill  remains one of music's great innovators—as a composer and as a musician. In this podcast, Threadgill reflects on the vast musical legacy he found in his hometown of Chicago and the early influence of Muhal Richard Abrams and The Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians.  He looks back at his ensembles and the various musical languages he's expressed with each as well as his overall philosophy of composing and making music—explaining why he believes the true test of music is in the live performance.  Henry Threadgill is not just a musical seeker, he's also a deeply thoughtful and very funny storyteller.  Follow us on Apple Podcasts!

WW.YOUTUBE.COM/REBECCALMAHAN AND REBECCA SOUNDS REVEILLE YOUTUBE CHANNEL & MOST ALL PODCAST APPS What do your words have to do with it? Well, a whole lot! Words are an expression of everything we think, feel, see, and more! They describe all of our senses and yet when they are woven within the very notes of the palette of instruments laid out before us, there is even more that can be said, felt, and heard. The guest in this episode is a master at not only being able to convey through her own music and lyrics an incredible amount of expression, but she is able to inspire others through her extraordinary wisdom and talent through the gift of teaching in her STORYTELLERS WORKSHOP NYC. Guest, Songstress and Producer, Monday Michiru, was born in Tokyo, Japan and raised in coastal U.S. as the daughter of NEA Jazz Master and Japanese National Living Treasure Toshiko Akiyoshi, cult jazz saxophonist Charlie Mariano as well as jazz saxophonist-flutist Lew Tabackin, Monday Michiru, so named to reflect both her Japanese and American-Italian heritages, started music classically on flute studying at the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy in the U.S. on scholarship, gravitating later to singing, composition and production. In 1987 she debuted in the lead role as an opera singer in the Japanese movie “Hikaru Onna” which garnered her Best New Actress award by the Japan Film Academy. Her subsequent move back to Japan furthered her career in acting, as well as hosting her own radio programs, modeling, performing in fashion corporate events, and as a journalist with steady columns. Since her music debut release in 1991, Monday has released albums on an annual basis both as a soloist and collaborator and is known as one of the pioneers of the Japanese acid jazz movement. While her discography boasts countless dance floor hits worldwide, Monday's compositional style and repertoire has evolved to that which is undeniably hers with reflections of jazz, soul, Brazilian, folk, and other urban and world flavors. Monday currently resides in New York, continues to record and perform worldwide, and heads the lyric writing seminars STORYTELLERS WORKSHOP NYC. www.mondaymichiru.com Rebecca L. Mahan TV/Radio Show Host www.facebook.com/rebeccalmahan www.facebook.com/rebeccasoundsreveille www.rebeccamahan.ladiesofjustice.com Turn on one of the channels below to catch the show! On video Rebecca L. Mahan www.youtube.com/rebeccalmahan Rebecca Sounds Reveille www.youtube.com/channel/UCQl7JcfNrcoyNDPGlHgdbKQ IGTV www.instagram.com/copperheels/channel/?hl=en #celebrityinterview #monday # Michiru #recordingartist #songstress#reveille #rebeccamahan #rebeccalmahan --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rebecca-l-mahan/support

WW.YOUTUBE.COM/REBECCALMAHAN AND REBECCA SOUNDS REVEILLE YOUTUBE CHANNEL & MOST ALL PODCAST APPS What do your words have to do with it? Well, a whole lot! Words are an expression of everything we think, feel, see, and more! They describe all of our senses and yet when they are woven within the very notes of the palette of instruments laid out before us, there is even more that can be said, felt, and heard. The guest in this episode is a master at not only being able to convey through her own music and lyrics an incredible amount of expression, but she is able to inspire others through her extraordinary wisdom and talent through the gift of teaching in her STORYTELLERS WORKSHOP NYC. Guest, Songstress and Producer, Monday Michiru, was born in Tokyo, Japan and raised in coastal U.S. as the daughter of NEA Jazz Master and Japanese National Living Treasure Toshiko Akiyoshi, cult jazz saxophonist Charlie Mariano as well as jazz saxophonist-flutist Lew Tabackin, Monday Michiru, so named to reflect both her Japanese and American-Italian heritages, started music classically on flute studying at the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy in the U.S. on scholarship, gravitating later to singing, composition and production. In 1987 she debuted in the lead role as an opera singer in the Japanese movie "Hikaru Onna" which garnered her Best New Actress award by the Japan Film Academy. Her subsequent move back to Japan furthered her career in acting, as well as hosting her own radio programs, modeling, performing in fashion corporate events, and as a journalist with steady columns. Since her music debut release in 1991, Monday has released albums on an annual basis both as a soloist and collaborator and is known as one of the pioneers of the Japanese acid jazz movement. While her discography boasts countless dance floor hits worldwide, Monday's compositional style and repertoire has evolved to that which is undeniably hers with reflections of jazz, soul, Brazilian, folk, and other urban and world flavors. Monday currently resides in New York, continues to record and perform worldwide, and heads the lyric writing seminars STORYTELLERS WORKSHOP NYC. www.mondaymichiru.com Rebecca L. Mahan TV/Radio Show Host www.facebook.com/rebeccalmahan www.facebook.com/rebeccasoundsreveille www.rebeccamahan.ladiesofjustice.com Turn on one of the channels below to catch the show! On video  Rebecca L. Mahan www.youtube.com/rebeccalmahan  Rebecca Sounds Reveille www.youtube.com/channel/UCQl7JcfNrcoyNDPGlHgdbKQ  IGTV www.instagram.com/copperheels/channel/?hl=en #celebrityinterview #monday # Michiru #recordingartist #songstress#reveille #rebeccamahan #rebeccalmahan

WW.YOUTUBE.COM/REBECCALMAHAN AND REBECCA SOUNDS REVEILLE YOUTUBE CHANNEL & MOST ALL PODCAST APPS What do your words have to do with it? Well, a whole lot! Words are an expression of everything we think, feel, see, and more! They describe all of our senses and yet when they are woven within the very notes of the palette of instruments laid out before us, there is even more that can be said, felt, and heard. The guest in this episode is a master at not only being able to convey through her own music and lyrics an incredible amount of expression, but she is able to inspire others through her extraordinary wisdom and talent through the gift of teaching in her STORYTELLERS WORKSHOP NYC. Guest, Songstress and Producer, Monday Michiru, was born in Tokyo, Japan and raised in coastal U.S. as the daughter of NEA Jazz Master and Japanese National Living Treasure Toshiko Akiyoshi, cult jazz saxophonist Charlie Mariano as well as jazz saxophonist-flutist Lew Tabackin, Monday Michiru, so named to reflect both her Japanese and American-Italian heritages, started music classically on flute studying at the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy in the U.S. on scholarship, gravitating later to singing, composition and production. In 1987 she debuted in the lead role as an opera singer in the Japanese movie "Hikaru Onna" which garnered her Best New Actress award by the Japan Film Academy. Her subsequent move back to Japan furthered her career in acting, as well as hosting her own radio programs, modeling, performing in fashion corporate events, and as a journalist with steady columns. Since her music debut release in 1991, Monday has released albums on an annual basis both as a soloist and collaborator and is known as one of the pioneers of the Japanese acid jazz movement. While her discography boasts countless dance floor hits worldwide, Monday's compositional style and repertoire has evolved to that which is undeniably hers with reflections of jazz, soul, Brazilian, folk, and other urban and world flavors. Monday currently resides in New York, continues to record and perform worldwide, and heads the lyric writing seminars STORYTELLERS WORKSHOP NYC. www.mondaymichiru.com Rebecca L. Mahan TV/Radio Show Host www.facebook.com/rebeccalmahan www.facebook.com/rebeccasoundsreveille www.rebeccamahan.ladiesofjustice.com Turn on one of the channels below to catch the show! On video  Rebecca L. Mahan www.youtube.com/rebeccalmahan  Rebecca Sounds Reveille www.youtube.com/channel/UCQl7JcfNrcoyNDPGlHgdbKQ  IGTV www.instagram.com/copperheels/channel/?hl=en #celebrityinterview #monday # Michiru #recordingartist #songstress#reveille #rebeccamahan #rebeccalmahan

Bassist, composer, and 2022 NEA Jazz Master Stanley Clarke discusses his long and storied career in this tuneful podcast.  He had hoped to become a classical musician, but along the way discovered jazz. Equally adept on the acoustic and electronic bass, Clarke was a successful soloist, and his tune “School Days” is considered a bass anthem. He's worked with many musicians across genres, founding with 2006 NEA Jazz Master Chick Corea the jazz fusion group Return to Forever, teaming up with George Duke to record music that mixed pop, funk, and jazz, rocking with Keith Richards, Stewart Copeland, and Ronnie Wood, and touring with  Béla Fleck and Jean-Luc Ponty, while The Stanley Clarke Band  won the 2012 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album.   Additionally, Clarke has scored over 70 films and television projects, including Boyz ‘n the Hood and Romeo Must Die. In this podcast, Clarke talks about it all with humor and insight, including his partnerships with Chick Corea, George Duke, and John Singleton. Listen to the concert celebrating to 2022 NEA Jazz Masters! Follow us on Apple Podcasts!  

Pianist Kenny Barron is no stranger to Seattle stages. He first appeared here in 1963 as a nineteen-year-old pianist with the Dizzy Gillespie Quintet at The Penthouse in Pioneer Square. Now an NEA Jazz Master, Kenny Barron brings his trio to play Jazz Alley next Tuesday and Wednesday and we'll hear the trio on today's episode.

Photo Credit: Photo by Tom Pich/tompich.com¸ To celebrate Black History Month, we decided to mine the archives and revisit my interview with pianist, NEA Jazz Master and National Medal of Arts recipient Hank Jones. Born in 1918, Jones began performing by the time he was 13, and he continued performing and recording until his death in 2010. His career contains much of jazz history—with 60 solo albums and literally thousands on which he was a sideman. And his family history is entwined with jazz as well: two of his brothers--trumpeter Thad and drummer Elvin-- were great and well-known jazz musicians. Always in demand for record dates and tours, Hank Jones played and recorded with a who's who in the jazz world, including bandleaders like  Coleman Hawkins, Billy Eckstine, Howard McGhee, Artie Shaw and Benny Goodman and with artists such as Charlie Parker Lester Young, Cannonball Adderley, and Wes Montgomery. He was Ella Fitzgerald's accompanist for almost five years and served as the original pianist of the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra. He was an eloquent and lyrical pianist with an unmistakable style.  I spoke with him in 2008 when he had been awarded the National Medal of Arts, and as you'll hear, Hank Jones was elegant, humorous, and happy to talk about his extraordinary life in music. Enjoy!   Follow us on Apple Podcasts!  

Donald Harrison, Jr. may have been named a 2022 NEA Jazz Master for his advocacy work, but this hard-swinging improvisational saxophonist is also a brilliant player as evidenced by his performances and recordings with musicians like Ron Carter Terence Blanchard, Miles Davis Lena Horne, Eddie Palmieri the Notorious B.I.G., and the powerhouse jazz group the Cookers.  Yet, Harrison's passion for preserving and celebrating the music and culture of his hometown New Orleans is unmatched.  He founded the Congo Square Nation Afro-New Orleans Cultural Group to honor the cultures brought from Africa that found root in New Orleans and then traveled the world. Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Harrison, who had been a dedicated teacher and mentor for young musicians, increased his activism and worked tirelessly to help musicians remain in the city.  An intentional and avid student of some of the jazz greats, Harrison has devoted himself to passing down the lessons he's learned to younger musicians. And he has mentored some extraordinary jazz artists including Jon Batiste, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Trombone Shorty, and Esperanza Spaulding. And in this podcast, Harrison talks about it all—from the importance of Congo Square to New Orleans and to jazz, to his playing with and learning from Art Blakey and Roy Haynes,  his commitment to learning music from all the eras of jazz and passing that knowledge along to his students, and, of course, his thoughts about the music itself. Follow us on:  Apple Podcasts   Google Podcasts

Today, we revisit a conversation with 2019 NEA Jazz Master composer, conductor, and arranger Maria Schneider who creates highly original and evocative compositions for her jazz orchestra. A New York Thanksgiving tradition was a week-long series of performances by the Maria Schneider Orchestra at the Jazz Standard. As we know the pandemic put the performance of live music on hold for over a year, there was no residency in 2020 and sadly, the Jazz Standard has shuttered its location. But happily the Maria Schneider Orchestra has recently returned to the stage performing in late November at New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Much of Schneider's music is autobiographical, evoking the Minnesota plains where she was born and raised. She returns to the theme of her childhood in a prairie town again and again; in fact, she's come to realize that the foundation of her music is her hometown. She finds parts of it magical, and we certainly hear it in her music. Although she's composed classical work and collaborated with David Bowie, Maria's musical center remains in jazz. In this podcast, we talk about her connection to jazz (especially to the music of NEA Jazz Master Gil Evans), the ways in which she and the musicians in her band inspire one another, her collaboration with Bowie, and how her deep ties to Windom, Minnesota, translates into mesmerizing music. Follow us on:  Apple Podcasts   Google Podcasts

The Heath Brothers are jazz legends—2002 NEA Jazz master Percy was a bassist, 2003 NEA Jazz Master Jimmy was saxophonist, composer, and arranger and now their youngest brother Albert, known to all as Tootie, a virtuosic percussionist, has now joined them as a 2021 NEA Jazz Master.  Tootie Heath's talent was apparent a young age—he was still in high school when he performed with Thelonious Monk. In fact, the list of musicians who have sought him out reads like a who's who in jazz: John Coltrane, Dexter Gordan, Yusef Lateef, Art Farmer, Anthony Braxton, Ethan Iverson. The list goes on and on; after all, Heath has performed on more than 100 recordings. But note the range of styles of these musicians. Heath is known for his extraordinary versatility as a drummer—eager to play various styles of jazz as well as immerse himself in the music and rhythms of other cultures. Yet, there's never any mistaking Heath's own distinctive musical voice. And it was a voice that was nurtured from an early age at his home in Philadelphia where he grew up surrounded by music. In this podcast, Tootie Heath talks about his musical roots, his talented brothers, some of the celebrated musicians he's performed with, and his commitment to embracing different musical styles. He's funny, irreverent, and a born story-teller with great stories to tell.

This week, the great tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins turned 90 years old. To celebrate, we're revisiting my 2017 interview with this 1983 NEA Jazz Master and 2010 National Medal of Arts recipient. Sonny Rollins has been the jazz player's jazz player and acknowledged as jazz's greatest living improviser. He's always been an adventurous musician-- unafraid to change or to embrace the sounds of calypso, Latin, avant-garde, funk and R&B. His solo work is unsurpassed-- either playing solo gigs or when performing with his band launching into long, extemporaneous unaccompanied cadenzas. As he said in the interview, “I like to play by myself. And, I'd like to go out and play by the water, by the ocean. I go in the park, anyplace where I can be alone with my saxophone… I always like to put all the music in my head, create it myself, patterns, ideas, thoughts, passages, anything like that… the greatest thing in the world is to be playing your instrument… because it's you and the universe.” Sonny's universe also included many legendary musicians including Coleman Hawkins, Miles Davis, and his closest friends John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk. This is a thoughtful and insightful conversation with an American genius. Enjoy it.

Dorthaan Kirk has been named a 2020 NEA Jazz Master for her jazz advocacy…and it's easy to see why. For more than 40 years, Dorthaan has been a major force at WBGO, Newark Public Radio—the only full-time jazz station in the New York/New Jersey area. She had been married to the brilliant jazz multi-instrumentalist Rahsaan Roland Kirk who died tragically young. After his death, Dorthaan wondered what her next step would be when a phone call changed everything: someone was starting a jazz radio station in Newark; would she interested in coming on-board? She was, and the rest is history. Dorthaan took on the role of special events and community relations coordinator at WBGO, bringing with her creativity, tenacity, a knowledge of the music business and firm friendships with many musicians. Among the programs she spearheaded at WBGO are its Jazzathons—a live 24 hour musical fund-raiser, the WBGO art gallery which supports local artists and opens the station to the community so they might enjoy the art, and, dearest to Dorthaan's heart, the WBGO children's concert series where musicians have been introducing children to jazz through two generations. Dorthaan is a great talker—as she will be the first one to tell you—so it's a podcast filled with stories, memories and love for the people who make and support jazz.

Dave talks with trumpeter, composer and NEA Jazz Master 2012 Jimmy Owens. They begin in the … The post ANFTD #69: Jimmy Owens first appeared on Greenleaf Music by Dave Douglas.

The legendary Ramsey Lewis, jazz pianist and composer, has reached the pinnacle of his musical career capturing numerous gold records and Grammy awards.  Since 1956, he's released dozens of albums.  Throughout his career Lewis, who is a NEA Jazz Master, has also joined forces with hundreds of musicians to create new and innovative music.  In our July of 2014 interview, award-winning program director Ray White catches up with Ramsey after soundcheck to discuss the days when Earth, Wind and Fire's Maurice White was in his band, his latest studio release - Taking Another Look, and much more.  In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis features multi-Grammy winner, vocalist India Arie whose brand new album is Worthy, and jazz bassist Brian Bromberg who released Thicker Than Water in 2018.  Check us out at Coool CAT - "Where Old School Is New School...Again."

2019 NEA Jazz Master composer, conductor, and arranger Maria Schneider creates highly original and evocative compositions for her jazz orchestra, which she formed in 1992. Much of her music is autobiographical, evoking the Minnesota plains where she was born and raised. She returns to the theme of her childhood in a prairie town again and again; in fact, she's come to realize that the foundation of her music is her hometown. She finds parts of it magical, and we certainly hear it in her music. Although she's composed classical work and collaborated with David Bowie, Maria's musical center remains in jazz. In this podcast, we talk about her connection to jazz (especially to the music of NEA Jazz Master Gil Evans), the ways in which she and the musicians in her band inspire one another, her collaboration with Bowie, and how her deep ties to Windom, Minnesota, translates into mesmerizing music.