The Jazz Session #274: Eddie Henderson [ 1:00:23 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Trumpeter Eddie Henderson is a member of The Cookers and appears on their latest CD, Cast The First Stone (Plus Loin, 2010). In this interview, Henderson talks about his childhood encounters with Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis; the discipline that allowed him to become both a medical doctor and a professional musician; and the lessons learned in a career that spans from bebop to the present day. Learn more at www.myspace.com/eddiehendersonjazz.

Tracks used in this episode: Cast The First Stone; Peacemaker; Looking For The Light; The Seventh Day; The Chief.

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The Jazz Session #273: Dave Douglas [ 51:11 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Dave Douglas United Front: Brass Ecstasy At Newport (Greenleaf Music, 2011) is Douglas’s new CD with his brass quintet. In this interview, Douglas talks about the musical world he’s worked hard to create; his various ensembles and the compositional and performance outlets they provide; and his work scoring music for a film. Learn more at www.davedouglas.com.

Tracks used in this episode: (from United Front: Live At Newport) Spirit Moves; Rava; Fats; (from Spark Of Being: Expand) Spark of Being; Creature; (from United Front: Live At Newport) Bowie.

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The Jazz Session #272: Connection Works [ 53:10 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Rob Garcia, Michel Gentile and Daniel Kelly talk about their nonprofit jazz advocacy organization, Connection Works. Based in Brooklyn, Connection Works presents concerts and educational opportunities featuring A-list musicians and aimed at the broader community. In this interview, Garcia, Gentile and Kelly talk about how the organization started; the benefits it brings to the community; and their own individual careers. Learn more at www.connectionworks.org.

Tracks used in this episode: Initiate (Daniel Kelly); Joe-Pye Weed (Rob Garcia); Ronde Pour Rota (Michel Gentile); The Huge Stones Come Alive (Daniel Kelly); Perennial (Rob Garcia).

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The Jazz Session #271: Cecil McBee [ 1:12:07 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Bassist Cecil McBee’s latest recording is as a member of The Cookers on their CD Cast The First Stone (Plus Loin, 2010). In this interview, McBee talks about The Cookers; his study of various languages and their relationship to music; and his evolution as a composer. Learn more at www.cecilmcbeejazz.com.

Tracks used in this episode: (from the CD Cast The First Stone) Cast The First Stone; Peacemaker; (from the CD Warriors) Ladybugg; U Phoria.

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The Jazz Session #270: Victor Prieto [ 55:37 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Accordionist Victor Prieto’s most recent album is a duet record with saxophonist Chris Cheek called Rollo-Coaster (Cheekus Music, 2009). In this interview, Prieto talks about the deep history of his instrument; the new technique he developed for jazz accordion; and the unique sound of his trio. Learn more at www.victorprieto.net.

Tracks used in this episode: Bebe; Coo; Rolocoaster; Six Note Samba; Shelter; Papa Pin. PLUS: Three exclusive solo performances recorded during the interview!

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The Jazz Session #269: TK Blue [ 1:06:09 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Saxophonist TK Blue’s new CD is Latinbird (Motema Music, 2011). In this interview, Blue talks about his decision to record an album of Parker’s music; his years in Paris and his early days in New York; and how his relationships with Randy Weston, Abdullah Ibrahim and Benny Powell have shaped his life and music. Learn more at www.tkblue.com.

Tracks used in this episode: Chi Chi; Si Si; He Flew Away too Soon; Visa; Bluebird; Barbados; Steeplechase; Buzzy.

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The Jazz Session #268: George Cables [ 43:54 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Pianist George Cables’ most recent recording is with The Cookers on their new album, Cast The First Stone (Plus Loin Music, 2010). In this interview, Cables talks about the importance of a unified concept; why he feels he’s had success as a sideman with everyone from Dexter Gordon to Art Pepper; and how he makes each composition his own. Learn more at georgecables.com.

NOTE: This interview contains an exclusive solo performance of “You Don’t Know What Love Is.” To hear an additional solo performance of “Helen’s Song,” please become a member of The Jazz Session.

Tracks used in this episode: The Chief; Think On Me; Croquet Ballet; The Seventh Day; You Don’t Know What Love Is (exclusive live performance for The Jazz Session); Looking For The Light.

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The Jazz Session #267: Slumgum [ 51:23 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Slumgum’s new album is Quardboard Flavored Fiber (Accretions, 2011). In this interview, the band’s Jon Armstrong talks about how the diverse backgrounds of the members lead to a fascinating array of compositional ideas; why the band chose its unique name; and how the use of humor and improvisational games leads the music down interesting paths. Oh, and we get kicked out of a place. Learn more at slumgum.com.

Tracks used in this episode: Hancho Pancho; Eshu’s Trick; Big Fun (Running In A Dream); Afternoon; Big Fun (Natural Liberation); Quardboard Flavored Fiber.

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The Jazz Session #266: Anthony Wilson [ 1:11:38 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Guitarist Anthony Wilson’s new CD is Campo Belo (Goat Hill Recordings, 2011). In this interview, Wilson talks about his ongoing travels to Brazil; his new music for a quartet of custom-built guitars; and why rhythm changes can be beautiful. Learn more at www.anthonywilsonmusic.com.

Tracks used in this episode: Campo Belo; March to March; Edu; After The Flood; Patrimonio; Valsacatu.

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The Jazz Session #265: Billy Harper [ 58:28 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Saxophonist Billy Harper appears on Cast The First Stone, the latest CD from The Cookers. In this interview, part of The Jazz Session’s “Cookers Mondays” series, Harper talks about his involvement with the band; recounts the story of his first night in NYC in the late 1960s; and tells about how persistence paid off when it came to sitting in with one of the most famous drummers of all time. Learn more at www.billyharper.com.

Tracks used in this episode: Cast The First Stone; Peacemaker; Looking For The Light; Croquet Ballet; The Seventh Day.

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The Jazz Session #264: Chris Washburne [ 1:01:26 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Chris Washburne and the SYOTOS Band’s most recent album is Fields of Moons (Jazzheads, 2010). In this interview, Washburne talks about his introduction to the New York salsa scene; why SYOTOS chose to record softer music on the new album; and an amazing story about Tito Puente. Learn more at www.chriswashburne.com.

Tracks used in this episode: Fields Of Moons; Seas Of Slumber; Obsesion; Poinciana; Duke Ellington’s Sound Of Love; When Lights Are Low; Non Spoken.

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The Jazz Session #263: Sean Smith [ 55:46 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Sean Smith’s new CD is called Trust. In this interview, Smith talks about the idea of trust among musicians; recalls Bill Finnegan’s teachings; and talks about the potentially career-ending injury that gave him a new lease on life and music. Learn more at www.seansmithjazz.com.

Tracks used in this episoed: Betting Blind; Homemade Japanese Folk Song; Wayne’s World; Lawn Ornaments; Occam’s Razor; Voices; Margin Of Error.

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The Jazz Session #262: Maria Schneider [ 1:03:56 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Composer Maria Schneider’s most recent CD is Sky Blue (ArtistShare). Now Schneider has turned her attention to the classical world, composing music for soprano and orchestra. In this interview, Schneider talks about how a meeting with soprano Dawn Upshaw led to this new direction in her music; how she waded through oceans of poetry to find the text she wanted for her new pieces; and how a chance comment from a college professor led her to the world of jazz. Learn more at mariaschneider.com.

Tracks used in this episode: The Pretty Road; Aires de Lando; Rich’s Piece; How Are Things In Glocca Morra? (Bing Crosby); Sky Blue.

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