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Meg Okura is an award-winning Jazz composer and brilliant Grammy-nominated violinist, and the leader and founder of the Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble. This episode features several excerpts from Meg's wonderful recent duo album “Lingering” with the Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist and composer Kevin Hays. This was a wide-ranging conversation, including Meg's musical tribute to Ryuichi Sakamoto, her experiences playing for Cirque du Soleil, some of the challenges she's faced, and about her search for a new spiritual community. She shared with me her thoughts on mentorship and the power of music to create real understanding and connection. Like all my episodes, you can watch this on my YouTube channel or listen to the podcast, and I've also linked the transcript to my website: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/meg-okura Album Lingering: https://megokurakevinhays.bandcamp.com/album/lingering Meg Okura Website https://www.megokura.com/home Phantasmagoria: https://open.spotify.com/track/4YG1HjeJF3qgK2AsmiqcXh Original Merch for sale: https://www.leahroseman.com/beautiful-shirts-and-more Can you buy this independent podcaster a coffee? https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman Complete Catalog of Episodes: https://www.leahroseman.com/about Newsletter sign-up: https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter Linktree for social media: https://linktr.ee/leahroseman Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (02:19) meeting Kevin Hays, album “Lingering” (06:49) Again and Again (10:18) intro to Maim Korim (11:25) Maim Korim (15:07) Meg's classical training, early interest in composing was discouraged, Pan-Asian Youth orchestra experience (19:56) commentary on Will You Hear My Voice (21:56) excerpt from Will You Hear My Voice (23:06) finding her own path into jazz in New York, influences and opportunities (27:41) BMI Jazz composers workshop (29:30) founding the Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble (40:38) excerpt from Tomiya Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble from album Ima Ima (42:09) Ryuichi Sakamoto tribute project (47:02) Michael Brecker, new album with Randy Brecker (48:54) ISJAC prize, Silent Screams: an Anthem for the Unheard (50:18) commission to write trio Phantasmagoria for Tasha Warren and Dave Eggar, writing for classical ensembles (56:00) excerpt from Phantasmagoria (57:23) parenting decisions, importance of education and community, decision to convert to Judaism (01:08:42) changes with education and music online (01:11:36) coommentary on Shamaim (01:13:28) excerpt from Shamaim (01:15:50) different ways you can support this independent podcast (01:16:43) the importance of intuition and emotion in musical composition and improvisation (01:23:06) commentary on Lingering, nostalgia and changing sense of self as we age (01:26:10) excerpt from Lingering (01:28:02) use of electric violin as a tool for composition and in performances (01:29:54) Scorchio Quartet, David Bowie, Sirius quartet, Pharaoh's Daughter (01:35:10) Cirque du Soleil, decision to return to New York, marriage to Sam Newsome, learning jazz (01:43:19) the importance of mentorship, community, the healing power of music
Nathalie Joachim, Obed Calvaire, Charles Goold, Dan Loomis, Noa Fort, Open Question, Ayumi Ishito, Stephen Gauci, Tevet Sela, OVK 3, Mark Kelso, Michael Sarian, Steph Richards, Alex Sipiagin and Jim RotondiPlaylist: Nathalie Joachim - Kouti yoObed Calvaire - Haiti's JourneyCharles Goold - Triptych Lespri I: Charles's VibeDan Loomis - DessalinesNoa Fort, featuring Sam Newsome and Sean Conly - Improvisation VIOpen Question, featuring Daniel Carter, Ayumi Ishito, Eric Plaks, Zach Swanson & Jon Panikkar - Improvisation IAyumi Ishito - Sugar High PeopleStephen Gauci, featuring Shinya Lin, Adam Lane & Kevin Shea - Improvisation IITevet Sela, featuring John Roney, Mike Downes & Mark Kelso - Better DaysOVK 3, featuring Roberto Occhipinti, Manuel Valera & Mark Kelso - ConvergenceMark Kelso's Mystic Isle Project - Tates Avenue BridgeMichael Sarian, featuring Camla Meza - Cinta MarinaSteph Richards - PreyAlex Sipiagin - Horizon IJim Rotondi - For Curtis
YAMABIKO QUINTET YAMABIKO - Cologne, Germany, February 22 & 23, 2022 Beautiful flowers, Sandrinella, Layered history Reiner Winterschladen (tp) Michel Pilz (b-cl) Frank Paul Schubert (as) Christian Ramond (b) Klaus Kugel (d) ] JACOB GARCHIK ASSEMBLY - New York, February 12 & May 23, 2021 Collage, Pastiche, Homage, Fantasia Jacob Garchik (tb,comp) Sam Newsome (sop) Jacob Sacks (p) Thomas Morgan (b) Dan Weiss (d) FEDERICO ISASTI / MARIANO SARRA DUO NUDO: INHABITANTE - Buenos Aires - mayo del 2022. Trama de Pampas, Acrobacias, Venas dentro de venas dentro de venas, Inhabitante Federico Isasti - Batería y composición, Mariano Sarra - Piano y composición.
Courtney's playing refreshingly cool new jazzy vibes for you to work, rest and play to! Jam-packed full of new releases and plenty of fun, including many of the artists introducing their own tracks! This week: swingin jazz fundamentals, summer nu-soul, bluegrass guitar, progressive fusion, musica italiana, vocal swing, South African Malaysian grooves and blues - prepare your ears folks it's another blinder from the one and only Courtney Pine!!1 Steve Davis – Encouragement 4'39Bluesthetic SMOKE SESSIONS Tr 1Steve Davis tb Geoffrey Keezer pno Christian McBride bs Willie Jones III dr Peter Bernstein gtr Steve Nelson vbsDavisAmazing live jazz captured again by NYC's fab Smoke Sessions: check the incredible lineup, close your eyes and you're there!!2 Grant Stewart – Bearcat 6'34Lighting of the Lamps CELLAR MUSIC GROUP Tr 7Grant Stewart tr Bruce Harris tpt David Wong bs Tardo Hammer pno Phil Stewart drJordanWhat a beautiful big-hearted sound from Grant's tenor! Clifford Jordan blues style swing recorded in the legendary Van Gelder studio and you can hear it! 3 Reuben James – What U Need 3'36Tunnel Vision RUFIO RECORDS Tr 7Reuben James dr bass gtr fxs Gareth Lockrane fl Reuben James vox / keys Ric Wilson vox Vanessa Butler bvsJames Lush flute from Gareth Lockrane on this cool summer mix from Birmingham's own Reuben James!“I'd just got married, I was in a happy place and the whole thing was improvised in the moment...a lot of songs come from pain, but this one comes from a lot of joy. It was a big vibe for me. I was just in a moment of bliss.” 4 John Scofield - Not Fade Away 5'43John Scofield ECM Tr10John Scofield gtrHardin/Petty “A Buddy Holly song. Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead has invited me to play with him many times, playing mostly Dead tunes. He played this one every night I think. It's got that Bo Diddley beat. If you don't know by now, rock'n'roll is here to stay!” JS5 Dan Schnelle - Unknown Territory 6'24Shine Thru OUTSIDE IN Tr 1Josh Nelson pno Jeff Babko keys Anthony Wilson gtr David Binney alto Alex Boneham bs Dan Schnelle drD SchnelleExciting 1st full length album from Dan one of LA's top session drummers: heaps of stunning energy with crazy cool keys touches from Jeff Babko - lovin this track!6 Moonchild - What you Wanted (Kiefer Remix) 3'26Starfruit TRU THOUGHTS Tr 9Amber Navran, Max Bryk, Andris Mattson Kiefer ShackelfordNavran/Bryk/Mattson/Shackelford/ KrstajicSoulful goodness to start your day right every single morning from LA trio Moonchild - lush grooves and nice keys!! 7 Tommaso Moretti – Italiano in America 7'54Inside Out BACE RECORDS Tr1Tommaso Moretti dr Ben Dillinger bs Jake Wark sx Edinho Gerber gtr MorettiVintage Musica Italiana fused with Chicago jazz from Italian drummer Tommaso with beautiful guitar soloing from Edinho! 8 Robin McKelle - I Must Have That Man 5'13I Must Have That Man SELF-RELEASE - Tr 1Aaron Goldberg pno Peter Slavov bs Mark McLean drMcHugh/FieldsGreat to have female songwriter Dorothy Fields on the episode. Fast happenin' swing from the brilliant Robin and band, and fantastic piano solo from Aaron. 9 Simeon Davis group - Seven Come Wednesday 10'39Of Narratives and Nocturnes OUTSIDE IN MUSIC Tr 2Simeon Davis sx fl Tyler Thomas, Rachel Azbell vc Jonathan Shier tpt fl Maria Wellmann Alex Hand gtrHolly Holt keys Jake Chaffee bs Josh Parker dr Maxima Santana tb Jess Meadoer vn Aramis Fernandez percS DavisHypnotic South African/Malaysian Grooves from Cape Town to get you on your feet! 10 Jacob Garchik - Pastiche 4'47Assembly SELF RELEASE Tr 2Jacob Garchik tb Sam Newsome sx Jacob Sacks pno Thomas Morgan bs Dan Weiss drGarchik/ Hogoe Publishing ASCAPSoft blues centre hidden inside a hard swing shell from multi-talented Jacob who arranges for Kronos Quartet, Anne Sofie von Otter, Kd Lang, and plays with Lee Konitz, Steve Swallow + Mary Halvorson.
Brian Steever is a drummer on a mission to inject joy into every musical situation that he finds himself. One of the most in-demand drummers on the Kansas City scene, the drums have been his passion since he was born. He began his studies with Loyd Warden in Columbia Missouri and is an alumnus of UMKC where he studied with Doug Auwarter, Brandon Draper, Curtis Lundy, Michael Carvin and Bobby Watson. Brian enjoys many performance opportunities in the Kansas City area and beyond. He can be seen around town with Mike Metheny, Matt Otto, Bob Bowman, Jeff Harshbarger, and Hermon Mehari. Brian has also had opportunity to play with musicians from all over the world including Ben Allison, Javon Jackson, Deborah Brown, Bob Sheppard, Tony Tixier, Shunzo Ohno, and Sam Newsome among others. In this episode, Brian talks about: Having the three strong influences of a mentor, a peer, and a community all before he left high school How the Kansas City jazz scene is supportive of everyone's unique voice His experience at University of Missouri-Kansas City The influence of Matt Wilson - being effortless and intentional Exploring sounds and ideas vs. practicing drums The never-ending matched vs. traditional conundrum
Described by Downbeat Magazine as "an exquisite singer-songwriter", Joanna's music conveys a beauty of a many-coloured sort that speaks to straight to the human condition. Her songs reveal personal truths about love, loss, adventure, home and hope. World Music Report described it as "quintessential heart-music by a vocalist who seems to have connected with the deepest recesses of her being emerging into brightness again with songs of haunting beauty." Joanna is a master in the art of live vocal looping and as a multi-instrumentalist plays baritone ukulele, piano, flute, Indian shruti box, kalimba and melodica. Her music defies genre classification as she effortlessly imbues her songs with nuances of jazz, classical, art-song, and folk, carrying her "clear-eyed poetry" (Boston Globe) and "striking vocals" (Hothouse). Her songwriting extends beyond just lyrics and melody - Joanna also arranges for ensembles including string quartets, winds, a cappella voices and more. Joanna's career has taken her around the globe. She first studied to be a painter at Central Saint Martins, London. This led her to Paris, where she sang on the bridges of the Seine with the "Rene Miller Wedding Band". Following this formative time she did a masters in jazz at Guildhall School of Music and Drama. In 2012 she moved to New York City where she forged an indelible musical path, appearing and collaborating with musicians including Dan Tepfer, Wynton Marsalis, Kenny Werner, Sam Newsome, Lee Konitz, to name a few. She released her debut album, Wild Swan, in 2011, featuring Joe Martin, Sam Newsome, Rob Garcia and Art Hirahara. In 2015 she signed with Sunnyside Records who released The Origin of Adjustable Things, an intimate duo project with pianist Dan Tepfer. As a follow up to this success she recorded Gardens In My Mind, her third album of self-penned songs and arrangements, featuring the award winning string ensemble The Sacconi Quartet, and Dan Tepfer on piano. In 2018 she self-released her fourth record, Blood and Bone, which London Jazz said, "overflowed with creativity and musical resources." 2019 marks the release of her fifth record entitled Far Away From Any Place Called Home. Joanna's unique musical background shines through in her own compositional style, evoking her classical routes with her love of jazz, art-song, folk and pop, pushing boundaries of genre and stylistic expectations. Her musical heritage is something to behold. Raised by classical musician parents, Australian violinist Elizabeth Wallfisch and London born cellist Raphael Wallfisch, her grandmother Anita Lasker Wallfisch, now 94, survived Auschwitz because she played the cello in the camp's women's orchestra. Post liberation she became a founding member of the English Chamber Orchestra. Brother Simon is a renowned cellist and opera singer, and eldest brother Benjamin is an Oscar and Grammy nominated film composer. The Great Song Cycle: An adventurer at heart, in August 2016 Joanna embarked on a solo concert tour of the West Coast of the USA, by bicycle. Over the course of 1,154 miles she performed 16 solo shows between Portland and Los Angeles carrying her instruments, camping gear, and everything else she needed upon her bike. In her inimitable way she turned this once-in-a-lifetime experience into a 60-minute song-cycle, a recorded album and a memoir. She has performed the live piece in theatres including: National Sawdust, NYC, Boston Court Performing Arts Centre, LA, The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, UK, Phoenix Theatre, UK and Joe's Pub, NYC. In June, 2019 Joanna celebrates the release of her fifth album Far Away From Any Place Called Home, and her debut memoir "The Great Song Cycle; Portland to Los Angeles on Two Wheels and a Song", which is being published by Australian Publishers UWA Press.
"Ahí estáis", exclamó Fay Victor al ver a los espectadores, a quienes hemos atravesado un largo puente entre el último concierto antes de la pandemia y el primero que han permitido las circunstancias. Casi catorce meses de sequía y virtualidad hasta poder escuchar al Chamber Trio de la vocalista, en el que le acompañan Darius Jones (saxo alto) y Marika Hughes (chelo). Con ellos grabó "Barn Songs". Como el título del disco del proyecto SoundNoiseFUNK de Fay Victor, podemos afirmar que "We've had enough!". No de su música, claro, que en este caso comparte con Sam Newsome (saxo soprano), Joe Morris (guitarra) y Reggie Nicholson (batería). Victor es además una de las protagonistas de la caja de 10 discos de William Parker, que presentamos recientemente en el programa junto al contrabajista. Polonia se ha destapado en los últimos años como una de las escenas jazzísticas más activas. Jesús Moreno nos ofrece "desde mi cadiera" tres proyectos bien diferentes. De la contestación del cuarteto Stare Taśmy a la placidez del Atlantic Quartet del baterista Radek Wośko, pasando por la reformulación de la tradición judía del trío Shofar, del que forma parte del saxofonista Mikołaj Trzaska. Toda la información y derechos: http://www.elclubdejazz.com
To celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month, we are really excited to present New York-based saxophonist and composer Sam Newsome. Sam often works in the medium of solo saxophone, an approach for which he received a five-star review in Downbeat magazine & gained world-wide critical acclaim with his 2009 recording, Blue Soliloquy: Solo Works for Soprano Saxophone. ...
EPISODE 036 Chicago Music Revealed with special guest Sam Newsome discussing his 3 new releases. About Sam Newsome New York-based saxophonist and composer Sam Newsome often works in the medium of solo saxophone, an approach for which he gained world-wide critical acclaim with his 2009 recording, Blue Soliloquy: Solo Works for Soprano Saxophone. This recording received a five-star review in Downbeat magazine. Newsome has since released several critically acclaimed solo saxophone CDs: Sonic Journey: Live at the Red Room (2020); Chaos Theory: Song Cycles for Prepared Saxophone (2019); Sopranoville: Works for Prepared and Non-Prepared Saxophone (2017); The Straight Horn of Africa (2014); The Solo Concert: Sam Newsome Plays Monk and Ellington (2013); The Art of the Soprano, Vol. 1 (2012).
Chaos Theory is the latest recording from soprano saxophonist Sam Newsome. In the first episode of 2020 Sam talks about his exploratory journey that has taken him from bebop to the music that he is creating today.
A Noise From The Deep: Greenleaf Music Podcast with Dave Douglas
Dave talks to Sam Newsome about being a solo soprano saxophonist, how he creates his recordings, and … The post ANFTD #66: Sam Newsome first appeared on Greenleaf Music by Dave Douglas.
Soprano saxophonist Sam Newsome is about to release Chaos Theory: Song Cycles for Prepared Saxophone. It's a surprising and fascinating album that highlights Newsome's explorations with the variety of sounds the soprano saxophone can make. In this interview, Newsome talks about how he started experimenting with prepared saxophone; why he likes playing solo shows; how movement impacts his music; and why he appreciates teaching students who aren't majoring in music. Learn more at http://www.somenewmusic.com/. Be sure to check out Sam Newsome's previous appearance on The Jazz Session. The Jazz Session is weekly again! With this episode, The Jazz Session returns to being a weekly podcast. New episodes will come out every Wednesday. I've been recording conversations with jazz musicians since 2007. I think it's important work that deserves public support. I'd also like to be able to do it for my living. If you agree that The Jazz Session is worth supporting, become a member today for just $5 a month at thejazzsession.com/join. You'll get a monthly bonus episode, early access to every show, and a yearly gift. We had several new members join this past week. Big thanks to Jason, Colleen, Ryan, Uwe and Ken for joining, and to Lance for doubling his pledge. Help me make this show for decades to come by joining today. Thank you.
Soprano saxophonist Sam Newsome is about to release Chaos Theory: Song Cycles for Prepared Saxophone. It's a surprising and fascinating album that highlights Newsome's explorations with the variety of sounds the soprano saxophone can make. In this interview, Newsome talks about how he started experimenting with prepared saxophone; why he likes playing solo shows; how movement impacts his music; and why he appreciates teaching students who aren't majoring in music. Learn more at http://www.somenewmusic.com/. Be sure to check out Sam Newsome's previous appearance on The Jazz Session. The Jazz Session is weekly again! With this episode, The Jazz Session returns to being a weekly podcast. New episodes will come out every Wednesday. I've been recording conversations with jazz musicians since 2007. I think it's important work that deserves public support. I'd also like to be able to do it for my living. If you agree that The Jazz Session is worth supporting, become a member today for just $5 a month at thejazzsession.com/join. You'll get a monthly bonus episode, early access to every show, and a yearly gift. We had several new members join this past week. Big thanks to Jason, Colleen, Ryan, Uwe and Ken for joining, and to Lance for doubling his pledge. Help me make this show for decades to come by joining today. Thank you.
Soprano saxophonist Sam Newsome is about to release Chaos Theory: Song Cycles for Prepared Saxophone. It’s a surprising and fascinating album that highlights Newsome’s explorations with the variety of sounds the soprano saxophone can make. In this interview, Newsome talks about how he started experimenting with prepared saxophone; why he likes playing solo shows; how … Continue reading "The Jazz Session #480: Sam Newsome"
Young people - they leave the toilet seat up, use apps with made up names like Tinder, linger on your lawn, and don't even know what a rotary phone is. Luckily, some of them also release jazz albums, and this episode the boys talk about three such releases, along with a set from a trio of players enjoying ripe middle age. The podcast wraps with a shout out to some of our email correspondents and a surprise appearance by a They Might Be Giants track. Kristina Koller - PERCEPTION; Jean-Michael Pilc - LIVE AT THE STONE; Eden Bareket – NIGHT; Dave Harrington – PURE IMAGINATION, NO COUNTRY.
Phil Freeman talks to soprano saxophonist Sam Newsome and violinist Meg Okura.
The thirteenth episode of the Burning Ambulance podcast features a joint interview with violinist Meg Okura, who was born in Japan and recorded with David Bowie, and currently leads her own Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble, and her husband, soprano saxophonist Sam Newsome. Her newest album, Ima Ima, will be out in May. His latest, a solo record called Sopranoville, came out last year. They've also got an album with pianist Jean-Michel Pilc as the NPO Trio that's out now. In this conversation, we discuss their individual music, the work they do together, religion and spirituality, and much more.
Sam Newsome made a decision nearly 15 years ago to switch exclusively to the soprano saxophone. His most recent album, Blue Soliloquy (self-produced, 2009) is a solo exploration of that instrument. In this interview, Newsome talks about his pattern of intensive periods of study; the musical goals he had for the new record; and also about other projects with which he's involved, including a dance performance and a collaboration with a Romanian pianist. Learn more at www.samnewsome.com. If you'd like to buy this album, you can support The Jazz Session by purchasing it via the link below:
Sam Newsome made a decision nearly 15 years ago to switch exclusively to the soprano...