Congratulations to all the folks who won Grammy awards during the afternoon ceremony today, including the following former guests on The Jazz Session:

• Best Jazz Vocal Album: Kurt Elling, Dedicated To You (Listen to my interview with Kurt Elling)
• Best Improvised Jazz Solo: Terence Blanchard on “Dancin’ 4 Chicken” from the album Watts by Jeff “Tain” Watts (Listen to my interview with Terence Blanchard / Listen to my interview with Jeff “Tain” Watts)

Here’s the rest of the list of the awards given out thus far in the jazz category.

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My latest mini-profile for the Island Packet newspaper on Hilton Head Island, SC, is about pianist Noel Freidline. Here’s the opening:

Noel Freidline was first exposed to jazz in the usual manner: via National Geographic.

Wait a minute, National Geographic?

“My mom was briefly a member of the National Geographic album club back in the late ’70s,” Freidline said. “One of the albums they sent her that she did not actually order was a compilation album of Dixieland jazz. One day, when I was about 11 or 12, I found the album and put it on. I was fascinated. Shortly thereafter a neighbor gave me a Dave Brubeck album called ‘Time Out.’ He was probably the only person in my little hometown of Clearwater, Kan., who even knew who Dave Brubeck was. Now I was hooked.”

Read the rest of the article.

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 The Jazz Session #138: Mike Reed [46:48m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Drummer Mike Reed is a mainstay on the Chicago music scene, both as a performer and a presenter. Reed and his band People, Places & Things have a new album called About Us (482 Music, 2009). It’s part of a trilogy showcasing the past, present and future of the Chicago scene. In this interview, Reed talks about the sometimes overlooked cultural contributions of the “third coast;” why he decided to record this trilogy; and how he went about finding the compositions and musicians he’s featuring in his current work. Learn more at mikereedmusic.com.

You’ll find even more hard bop from Chicago on this week’s Night Lights from WFIU: “Chicago Calling: Unsung Heroes of the City’s Hardbop Scene.”

If you’d like to buy this album, you can support The Jazz Session by purchasing it via the link below:

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 The Jazz Session #137: Matthew Shipp [42:32m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

“To me, music is an occult alphabet of frequencies and vibrations that are transmitted on an instrument.” So says pianist Matthew Shipp, whose new solo piano recording, 4D (Thirsty Ear, 2010) comes out on January 26. In this interview, Shipp talks about the joy of solo piano; the lessons he learned from David S. Ware and Roscoe Mitchell; and the origins of music itself. Learn more at www.matthewshipp.com.

If you’d like to buy this album, you can support The Jazz Session by purchasing it via the link below:

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 The Jazz Session #136: James Weidman [34:04m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Pianist James Weidman is well known as an accompanist to some of the most heralded singers of our time, from Abbey Lincoln to Cassandra Wilson. In recent years he’s travelled the world as a member of Joe Lovano’s band. On his new CD, Three Worlds (Inner Circle, 2009), Weidman leads an eclectic ensemble of improvisers through his own creative compositions. In this interview, Weidman talks about his early decision not to be pigeonholed; why he usually writes music away from the piano; and his recent trip to play jazz in Moscow. Learn more at www.jamesweidman.com.

If you’d like to buy this record, you can support The Jazz Session by purchasing it via the link below:

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 The Jazz Session #135: Amy Cervini [55:48m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Vocalist Amy Cervini is one of a handful of jazz singers who are successfully taking their repertoire from outside the Great American Songbook. On Cervini’s new album, Lovefool (Anzic Records, 2009), she tackles everything from the Cardigans to Depeche Mode to Nellie McKay and makes it all work. In this interview, Cervini talks about how she chooses her repertoire; the response of jazz and pop fans to the music she sings; and how she’s managed to build both performing and artist management careers. Oh, and she’s having a baby, too. Learn more at www.amycervini.com.

If you’d like to buy this album, you can support The Jazz Session by purchasing it via the link below:

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 The Jazz Session #134: Marty Ehrlich [56:54m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Marty Ehrlich is everywhere. Since moving from St. Louis to New York in 1978, Ehrlich has established himself as both an in-demand sideman and a leader with a distinct and multi-faceted musical vision. His CD Things Have Got To Change (Clean Feed, 2009), finds Ehrlich leading his Rites Quartet through a program of music written by, or inspired by, saxophonist Julius Hemphill, with whom Ehrlich played. In this interview, Ehrlich talks about his pan-stylistic approach to composition; the influence of the St. Louis scene on his own playing and on New York; and how he approaches the distinct roles of sideman and leader. Learn more at www.martyehrlich.com.

If you’d like to buy this album, you can support The Jazz Session by purchasing it via the link below:

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