The Jazz Session #183: Charnett Moffett [40:17m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Bassist Charnett Moffett grew up in a musical family. Which is to say, his dad played with Ornette Coleman and the whole Moffett family band was touring the world when Charnett was a kid. More than two decades later, Charnett is bringing that family history and his own impressive musical resume to bear on his new album, Treasure (Motema, 2010). In this interview, Charnett talks about the thinking behind this album; his childhood experiences and how they shaped the musician he is today; and his work with guitarist Stanley Jordan, who appears on Treasure. Learn more at motema.com/artist/charnett-moffett.

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 The Jazz Session #181: Stephan Crump [37:33m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Bassist Stephan Crump formed the Rosetta Trio with guitarists Liberty Ellman and Jamie Fox to play music he composed in response to September 11. Now, with their second album, Reclamation (Sunnyside, 2010), the trio continues to explore an exposed and intimate sonic landscape. In this interview, Crump talks about the origins of the band; the trio’s particular sonic palette; and the benefits of playing without drums. Learn more at www.stephancrump.com.

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 The Jazz Session #176: Rufus Reid [36:45m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Bassist Rufus Reid says he’s found a very special combination of players on his new trio CD, Out Front (Motema Music, 2010). In this interview, Reid talks about why pianist Steve Allee and drummer Duduka Da Fonseca make for such rare trio partners; how he approaches both trio and large ensemble playing; and why he feels compelled to keep reaching for new experiences. Learn more at www.rufusreid.com.

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 The Jazz Session #139: Linda Oh [32:59m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Bassist Linda Oh was born in Malaysia to Chinese parents, grew up in Perth, Australia, and now plays the bass in New York City. Her debut recording, Entry (self-produced, 2009), is a strong trio statement featuring trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire and drummer Obed Calvaire. In this interview, Oh discusses her decision to challenge herself on her first recording; her upbringing and how it influenced her decision to become a jazz bassist; and how she has dealt with stereotypes about Asian women as she’s forged her career. Learn more at www.lindaohmusic.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 #125: Harry Babasin [54:30m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

You’d think that helping to invent a new genre of music and being the first person to play your instrument in a jazz setting would be enough to get you some headlines in the jazz history books. You’d be wrong. Meet Harry Babasin, the bassist who played on the very first recordings of what became bossa nova, and then became the first person to play pizzicato cello in a jazz group. He’s now largely forgotten. In this interview, his son Von Babasin talks about Harry’s life and accomplishments, and Von’s mission to film a documentary that will restore his dad to his rightful place in jazz history. Learn more at www.jazzinhollywood.com/harrythebear.html.

Harry Babasin’s band The Jazz Pickers features Harry’s cello work. 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 #110: John Goldsby [35:39m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Bassist John Goldsby has worked in Germany for the last 15 years, playing in a state-sponsored jazz orchestra in Cologne. On his album Space For The Bass (Bass Lion, 2009), Goldsby explores the role of the bass in a variety of small-group settings. In this interview, Goldsby talks about why he’s chosen to make his home in Germany since the mid-90s; his view of the bass and its place in an ensemble; and how an improbable gig in Louisville, KY, put him on the bandstand with some of the great names in jazz. Learn more at goldsby.de.

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 The Jazz Session #108: The Dan Loomis Quartet [32:44m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The Dan Loomis Quartet currently features Loomis on bass, Eli Asher on trumpet, Robin Verheyen on saxophone and Jared Schonig on drums. This particular line-up of the band performed for the first time in Albany, NY, during the 2009 Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival. After the show, the four musicians talked about the freedom found in a band without a chordal instrument; how they approach complex rhythms and forms; and what makes the experience of collective improvisation such a joy. Learn more at danielloomismusic.com.

The previous incarnation of the Dan Loomis Quartet recorded an album in 2007 called I Love Paris (Jazz Excursion Records, 2007). If you’d like to buy the album, you can help support The Jazz Session by purchasing it via the link below:

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