The Jazz Session #148: John Hollenbeck [49:05m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Drummer and composer John Hollenbeck is a constant explorer of new sonic terrain. His large ensemble album Eternal Interlude (Sunnyside, 2009) is no exception. In this interview, recorded at the artists retreat Yaddo in Saratoga Springs, NY, Hollenbeck talks about his approach to composition for large ensemble; his mid-retreat trip to the Grammy awards; and several upcoming projects. Learn more at johnhollenbeck.com.

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 The Jazz Session #147: Chad Taylor [34:40m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Chad Taylor is a very busy man, playing drums with his own band and with Digital Primitives, the Chicago Underground ensembles, Nicole Mitchell and many others. Taylor’s trio recording, Circle Down (482 Music, 2009) features bassist Chris Lightcap and pianist Angelica Sanchez. In this interview, Taylor talks about the idea of collective leadership in music; the many projects he’s been involved with in recent years; and why sometimes the simplest music is the most difficult. Learn more at myspace.com/rythmicnavigation.

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 The Jazz Session #145: Harris Eisenstadt [37:39m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Drummer and composer Harris Eisenstadt’s album Canada Day (Clean Feed, 2009) is a strong statement by an inventive composer. In this interview, Eisenstadt talks about his compositional goals for the album; how this CD is both related to his past work and different from it; and also about his upcoming nonet project. Learn more at www.harriseisenstadt.com. NOTE: Eisenstadt and the Canada Day band will be at Ibeam in Brooklyn on Feb. 26 and 27, 2010. Learn more at ibeambrooklyn.com.

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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.”

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 The Jazz Session #132: Kobie Watkins [28:17m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Drummer Kobie Watkins got his start in the world of gospel music in Chicago. He branched out into playing with guitarist (and Sonny Rollins sideman) Bobby Broom. That relationship led to Watkins himself joining Rollins’ band. Watkins has just released his debut album as a leader, Involved (Origin, 2009). In this interview, Watkins talks about the album as a snapshot of one point in his musical life; his audition for Sonny Rollins; and what playing every night with a living legend has taught him. Learn more at www.kobiewatkins.com.

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 The Jazz Session #127: James Shipp [45:57m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Drummer and percussionist James Shipp is making music without borders. With his band Nos Novo, Shipp has just released Strange Sweethearts In America (Shippwrite Music, 2009), a fascinating and fun mix of traditional Irish melodies and rhythms with Brazilian music and collective improvisation. In this interview, Shipp talks about the genesis of the band; provides a guide to the varying ingredients on the album; and talks about what makes each of these styles so special to him. Learn more at www.jamesshipp.com.

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 The Jazz Session #124: Ted Sirota [41:05m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Drummer Ted Sirota is using his powers for good. On his most recent album, Seize The Time (Naim, 2009), Sirota once again chooses to make a political statement with his song titles and choices. In this interview, Sirota talks about making political jazz; why he’s not going to use liner notes again; and the fine balance between delivering a message and having that message overshadow the music. Learn more at tedsirota.com.

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