The Jazz Session #164: Henry Threadgill [47:19m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Multi-instrumentalist and composer Henry Threadgill has always followed his own particular muse, and his new album, And This Brings Us To, Vol. 1 (Pi Recordings, 2009), is no different. In this interview, Threadgill discusses the musical language he’s developed, and the demands it places on the musicians who play with him; why he constantly searches for new ways of writing and playing; how cell phones and other digital technology are changing the way we interact with music and with each other; and the changes in the New York scene since the days when he arrived in the city. Learn more at www.pirecordings.com/artist/Henry_Threadgill.

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

1 Comment »

This poster says 7:30 p.m., but it starts at 8 p.m.

I’m the featured poet tonight at Poets Speak Loud at 8 p.m. at the Lark Tavern, 453 Madison Ave. in Albany, NY. It’s an open mic, too. Sign-up starts around 7, so bring your own work along. I’ll be reading from my just-released book, Unexpected Sunlight (FootHills Publishing, 2010). Hope to see you there!

No Comments »

 The Jazz Session #163: Sonny Rollins [34:00m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

“Jazz is as relevant today as the yearning of people to be free.” That’s how Sonny Rollins describes the state of the music in this interview, recorded in late 2009 during his European tour. He also talks about his early decision to choose music over painting; his choice from his earliest days to record controversial songs such as “The House I Live In;” and his theory about why the world is full of strife. Learn more at www.sonnyrollins.com.

The music in this interview comes from the Sonny Rollins album Roadshows, Vol. 1. If you’d like to buy this album, you can support The Jazz Session by purchasing it via the link below:

1 Comment »

 The Jazz Session #162: Charles Evans [38:10m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Baritone saxophonist Charles Evans and his longtime friend, pianist Neil Shah, recently released Live At Saint Stephens (Hotcup, 2009), a duet recording that showcases Evans’ amazing tone and inventive compositions. In this interview, Evans discusses his focus on the bari sax; his relationship with Neil Shah and how it impacts their music; and his plans for … bass fishing. Learn more at charlesevansmusic.com.

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

No Comments »

My first collection of poetry, Unexpected Sunlight, is now available. The poems talk of love, family lost and found, music and musicians, and scenes from everyday life. These poems were written between 2006 and 2009. I’m thrilled to be able to share them with you.

You can read poems from the book (and other poems I’ve written) at jasoncrane.org. The book is now available in the store at my site.

No Comments »

 The Jazz Session #161: Samuel Blaser [36:30m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

On Pieces Of Old Sky (Clean Feed, 2009), Swiss trombonist Samuel Blaser explores space and spectral harmony to great effect. In this interview, Blaser discusses the challenges of leaving space in music; his Swiss roots and how moving to New York changed his life; and several upcoming projects, including his jazz take on the music of Monteverdi. Learn more at samuelblaser.com.

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

No Comments »

 The Jazz Session #160: Matt Lavelle [55:07m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

One of the things that makes Matt Lavelle uncommon is that he doubles on trumpet and bass clarinet, as you’ll hear on his album The Manifestation Drama (KMB, 2009). In this interview, Lavelle talks about his own growth as a musician; why he started playing bass clarinet; and his fascinating friendships with swing-era veteran Hildred Humphries, jazz icon Ornette Coleman, and long-lost jazzman Giuseppi Logan. Learn more at www.myspace.com/mattlavelle.

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

No Comments »