Drummer Matt Wilson’s new album with his band Arts & Crafts is An Attitude For Gratitude (Palmetto Records, 2012). In this interview, Wilson talks about the inclusive approach of the band; why he likes the word “allow”; and how a difficult year for his family helped him put things in perspective and brought the idea of gratitude into focus. Learn more at mattwilsonjazz.com and follow him on Twitter at @mattwilsonjazz.

NOTE: This interview is part of a new monthly collaboration with JazzDIY, the online journal for the 21st century jazz musician. Visit JazzDIY.com to see a video interview with Matt Wilson in which he talks about the business of music.

Drummer Barry Altschul’s latest CD is History Of Jazz In Reverse (TUM, 2011) with the FAB Trio featuring Joe Fonda and Billy Bang. In this interview, Altschul talks about growing up in the South Bronx; his roots in the tradition and how he uses them even when playing “free”; and how he achieves a personal sound on the drums. Learn more at myspace.com/barryaltschul.

Drummer Deric Dickens’ debut CD is Speed Date, a series of duets with Matt Wilson, Ben Cohen, Jon Crowley, Kirk Knuffke, Jeff Lederer and Jeremy Udden. In this interview, Dickens talks about the DIY philosophy underlying the album; the sound of the drums (including a demonstration on the ride cymbal); and why he left a comfortable position as a band director to pursue a life as a professional jazz musician. Learn more at dericdickens.com and follow him on Twitter at @dericdickens.

Jack DeJohnette’s new album is Sound Travels (Golden Beams/eOne, 2012). In this interview, DeJohnette talks about the next phase of his storied career; his induction as a 2012 NEA Jazz Master; and the multiple projects he’s taking to the Newport Jazz Festival this summer. Learn more at jackdejohnette.com.

Andrew Cyrille’s new CD is Route De Freres (TUM, 2011) with his band Haitian Fascination. In this interview, Cyrille talks about his own Haitian roots and his early childhood in Brooklyn; Haitian rhythms and how they’re expressed on this new record; and the sound paintings that form the main suite, “Route De Freres.”

NOTE: I wrote a poem inspired by Andrew Cyrille’s story. You can read it here.

Drummer Ernesto Cervini’s new CD is There (Anzic Records, 2011), recorded on tour in 2010. In this interview, Cervini talks about the benefits of recording music on tour; his band and why it functions so well as a unit; and why he chose Toronto over New York City several years ago. Learn more at www.ernestocervini.com.

For The Jazz Session’s 300th episode, a rare chance to sit down with four musical veterans: David S. Ware, William Parker, Cooper-Moore and Muhammad Ali. The four have just released Planetary Unknown (Aum Fidelity, 2011). This interview was recorded in the dressing room just after their performance at the 2011 Vision Festival. In this interview, they talk about the spiritual side of music; give advice to young musicians; and tell stories from their 100+ years as performers. Learn more at Aum Fidelity’s Planetary Unknown page.

NOTE: Today (August 11, 2011) is the final day of the “100 By 300″ membership campaign and I haven’t quite reached my goal. Please support the show by joining today for as little as $10 a month.

Tracks used in this episode: Passage Wudang; Shift; Duality Is One; Divination; Crystal Palace; Ancestry Supramental.

Three of the four members of this band have been on The Jazz Session before:

• Cooper-Moore
• William Parker
• David S. Ware

Tyshawn Sorey is a forward-looking, broad-thinking player and composer who refuses to be categorized. In this interview, he talks about his use of silence; interesting ways to set up the drums; and perceptions of African-American composers. Learn more at http://www.tyshawnsorey.net/.

Tracks used in this episode: (from Koan) Awakening; (from Paradoxical Frog) Homograph; (from Koan) Only One Sky; (from That/Not) That’s Blues, Right; Permutations For Solo Piano; (from Koan) Embed.

Drummer Ches Smith is a versatile and daring player who finds himself in a variety of musical situations as a leader and sideman. In this interview, Smith talks about solo drum playing; his many projects; and how his early years influenced his current approach to music without boundaries. Learn more at chessmith.com.

Tracks used in this episode: (from Noise To Men) Noise To Men; (from Congs For Brums) Metal Vacation; (from Finally Out Of My Hands) Anxiety Disorder; Finally Out Of My Hands; (from Noise To Men) Turn Your iPod Into A Car; (from Finally Out Of My Hands) It Rained And The Tent Fell Down; (from Noise To Men) Omar.

Percussionist and composer Adam Rudolph’s latest album is Both/And (Meta Records, 2011). In this interview, Rudolph talks about making music that “sounds like itself”; how he uses harmonic and rhythmic challenges to find new musical directions; and the influence of mentors such as Yusef Lateef on his approach to making and thinking about music. Learn more at www.metarecords.com/adam.html.

Tracks used in this episode: Return of the Magnificent Spirits; Love’s Light; Tree Line; Blues In Orbit; Dance Drama Part 3; Dance Drama Part 4.

Drummer Lukas Ligeti’s most recent recording is Pattern Time (Innova Records, 2011). In this interview, Ligeti talks about his travels in Africa and how they’ve influenced his writing, particularly his approach to rhythm; how he crosses musical and cultural boundaries; and a fascinating analysis of swing. Learn more at www.lukasligeti.com.

Tracks used in this episode: Without Prior Warning; On Patterned Time; Timelessnesses; From The Ground Up; Tunnels Alight.

Drummer Adam Cruz has released his first CD as a leader, Milestone (Sunnyside, 2011), featuring his own compositions. In this interview, Cruz talks about finding his own voice as a composer; the challenges associated with leading a band; and the impact of his father on his life as a musician. Learn more at www.adamcruz.net.

Tracks used in this episode: Secret Life; Emje; Crepuscular; The Gadfly; Bird of Paradise.

Drummer Marc Miralta’s most recent CD is Dreams (Fresh Sound, 2007). In this interview, recorded while Miralta was in New York to play with Alexis Cuadrado, Miralta talks about his lifelong love of jazz; how he became known for his flamenco/jazz hybrid music; and why a life as an artist was a natural choice in his family. Learn more at www.marcmiralta.com.

Tracks used in this episode: Dreams; Way Out Willy; Cami del Bosc; Epistrophy and Segment (both from the New York Flamenco Reunion album); Eastern.

Drummer Scott McLemore and the ASA Trio just released a new album of the music of Thelonious Monk, a follow-up to last year’s daring take on Coltrane’s A Love Supreme. In this interview, McLemore tells the story of how he ended up playing jazz in Iceland; talks about the ASA Trio’s chemistry and origins; and explains how the band came to play the music of Monk and Coltrane. Learn more at www.asa-trio.com.

Tracks used in this interview: Bemsha Swing; San Francisco Holiday; Ask Me Now; Acknowledgment (from ASA Trio’s version of A Love Supreme); Raise Four; Straight, No Chaser.

NOTE:: Scott McLemore is part of a poem I wrote last year. If you’d like to read it, here ’tis.

Anthony Brown’s Asian American Orchestra uses instruments from around the world to put a unique spin on two Coltrane classics on their new album, India & Africa (Water Baby Records, 2010). In this interview, Brown gives an overview of the Asian-American jazz movement and its origins in Bay-area protests; discusses the challenges and opportunities of using non-Western instruments in a jazz setting; and talks about what inspired him to focus on John Coltrane’s music for this album. Learn more at www.anthonybrown.org.

Tracks used in this episode: Living Space; India; Percussion Discussion; Africa; Ole; Dahomey Dance.

Gerald Cleaver’s new album, Be It As I See It (Fresh Sound New Talent, 2011), is a musical exploration of the Great Migration and its relation to his own family’s history. In this interview, Cleaver discusses the musical and historical mission behind the formation of his band Uncle June; his use of spoken word and sound collages as additional layers in his compositions; and how he made careful decisions to arrive at his current place as a musician. Learn more at myspace.com/geraldcleavermusic.

Tracks used in this interview: To Love; Charles Street Sunrise; Fence & Post: Alluvia; Fence & Post: Ruby Ritchie/Well; He Said; Grammy; From A Life Of The Same Name.

Drummer Gabriel Gloege’s Dymaxion Quartet takes inspiration from Buckminster Fuller and photographer Asca S.R. Aull on the album Sympathetic Vibrations. In this interview, Gloege talks about those two sources of inspiration; how Fuller’s ideas and Aull’s photos inform the music on this album; and how he structures his compositions in the absence of a chordal instrument. Learn more at dymaxion4.com.

Matt Jorgensen pays tribute to his father-in-law, artist Dale Chisman, on his new CD, Tattooed By Passion (Origin Records, 2010). In this interview, Jorgensen talks about Chisman’s art and the genesis of this album; how Chisman’s approach to painting mirrors Jorgensen’s approach to composing; and how Jorgensen and Thomas Marriott worked together to write several of the tunes on the album. Learn more at www.mattjorgensen.com.

Drummer Tomas Fujiwara has assembled some of the most in-demand improvisers on the creative music scene today for his debut album, Actionspeak (482 Music). In this interview, Fujiwara talks about how he met the members of his band, The Hook Up; his first experience as a band leader in a recording session; and his early years in Boston and how he ended up studying with drummer Alan Dawson. Learn more at tomasfujiwara.com.

Roland Vazquez explores a series of historical and philosophical ideas through the medium of music on The Visitor (RVCD, 2010). In this interview, Vazquez talks about his former and current large ensembles; the programmatic elements underlying the compositions; and why he decided to do something — or rather not do something — for the first time on this album. Learn more at www.rolandvazquez.com.

Drummer Sunny Jain is using his superpowers for good, choosing on his new album, Taboo (Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records, 2010) to make a series of strong statements about social issues, set against South Asian cultural norms. In this interview, Jain talks about his decision to use traditional song forms to say non-traditional things; the intricate interplay of the band; and the many guest vocalists who appear on the record. Learn more at www.sunnyjain.com.

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

Drummer Peter Erskine has done it all: Stan Kenton, Weather Report, the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis band and many, many others. Most recently, he’s appeared on two albums, The Trio Live At Charlie O’s (Fuzzy Music, 2010) and The Avatar Sessions (Fuzzy Music, 2010). In this interview, Erskine talks about the differences between playing drums in a big band and trio; the unexpected success of the recording at Charlie O’s; and some of the upcoming projects with which he’s involved. Learn more at www.petererskine.com and www.fuzzymusic.com.

If you’d like to buy these albums, you can support The Jazz Session by purchasing them via the links below:

Drummer Dana Hall has made a name for himself in the bands of Terell Stafford, Malachi Thompson, Bobby Broom and many others. Now he’s taking the lead with his debut recording, Into The Light (Origin, 2009). In this interview, Hall talks about the recording of the new album; the idea of “pacing” a recording session; and how he chose a career as a drummer after he’d already established himself as a aerospace engineer. Learn more at danahallmusic.com.

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

Drummer and New Orleans native Stanton Moore is a busy man, whether with his bands Galactic and Garage a Trois or as a solo artist. He’s just released a trio CD called Groove Alchemy (Telarc, 2010), which is also the name of the companion instructional DVD and book, all of which explore funk drumming. In this interview, Moore talks about the legacy of drummers Jabo Starks, Clyde Stubblefield and Zigaboo Modeliste; why he decided to explore funk drumming in depth with this new project; and the experience of recording the album at Levon Helm’s studio in Woodstock, NY. Learn more at www.stantonmoore.com.

Moore also talks about the important work of Defend The Coast and Gulf Restoration Network, two organization dedicated to repairing the man-made damage to the wetlands along the Gulf Coast. Please give these organizations your support.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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:

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Drummer Martin Urbach is a citizen of the world. His travels have taken him from his native Bolivia to New Orleans and then New York. His experiences along the way are expressed musically on Free Will (self-produced, 2008). In this interview, Urbach talks about his musical and cultural upbringing; his flight from New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina; and why after so many years playing instrumental music, he’s now writing songs with words. Learn more at martinurbach.com.

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

Ben Perowsky’s newest recording, Moodswing Orchestra (El Destructo, 2009), is an experiment is ambient improvisation. Perowsky has assembled an all-star cast of instrumentalists and vocalists, including everyone from Cibo Matto’s Miho Hatori and Brazilian vocalist Bebel Gilberto to turntable/laptop artist Markus Miller and tuba player Marcus Rojas. In this interview, Perowsky talks about his desire to embrace the spirit of jazz but avoid “jazz language”; and how the process of the recording was as much about improvisation as was the content. Learn more at perowsky.com and see the band live on Nov. 9 at 10 p.m. at the Nublu Jazz Festival.

Drummer Jason Marsalis turns to the vibraphone on his new record, Music Update (ELM Records, 2009). In this interview, Marsalis talks about the reason he chose to focus on the vibes; the process by which he recorded the drum ensemble tracks on the CD; and his view of the current state of recovery in New Orleans. Find out more at JasonMarsalis.com.

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

Jason Crane interviews drummer Carl Allen. He and Rodney Whitaker have just released their second CD for Mack Avenue Records, titled Work To Do. Allen has been on the jazz scene since joining Freddie Hubbard’s band in college, and he’s served as the mentor for many jazz musicians, most notably Christian McBride. In this interview, Allen talks about why he and Whitaker chose the music they did for the new CD, his relationship with McBride, and whether the academy can replace the bandstand. Find out more at CarlAllen.com.

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

Jason Crane interviews drummer and composer E.J. Strickland. Strickland’s new album is called In This Day (Strick Muzik, 2009). E.J. and his twin brother Marcus grew up in Miami, sons of a musical father. They knew early on that they wanted to be musicians, and they’ve pursued that path with a single-minded devotion. On In This Day, E.J. Strickland’s vision is realized not just from the drum chair, but compositionally as well. He wrote or co-wrote every tune on the record.

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

Jason Crane interviews drummer Mike Melito. While not a household name among jazz fans, Melito is well known to many jazz musicians, having played with everyone from James Moody and Benny Golson to Joe Locke and Rachel Z. Melito is based in Rochester, NY, and he made the decision early on to stay in his hometown and build his career there. His 2008 album, In The Tradition, features saxophonist Grant Stewart, trumpeter John Swana, bassist Neil Miner, and two fellow Rochesterians — pianist Paul Hofmann and guitarist Bob Sneider.

Jason Crane interviews drummer, composer, arranger, educator and NEA Jazz Master Chico Hamilton. The 86-year-old Hamilton released four albums (!) in 2006, and then collected tracks from the four albums on 2007′s Hamiltonia (Joyous Shout, 2007). This year will see the release of two more recordings — a remix album featuring new takes on classic Hamilton tracks, and an EP that pays tribute to his first recording with a guitar-drum-bass trio. The show features two tracks from the upcoming trio record along with music from Hamiltonia.

Jason Crane interviews drummer and composer Kendrick Scott. Scott’s new album with his band Oracle is The Source (World Culture Music, 2007). Scott grew up in Houston, surrounded by a musical family and the Baptist church. He knew from an early age that he wanted to be a musician, and he followed this path from Houston’s arts high school to Berklee and then into gigs with The Crusaders and Terence Blanchard. The Source weaves together these musical threads into a unified tapestry of lyricism and beauty.

Jason Crane interviews drummer Matt Wilson between his sets at the 2007 Rochester International Jazz Festival. Wilson played two shows with his Arts & Crafts band featuring Dennis Irwin on bass, Gary Versace on organ and piano, and Michael Rodriquez on trumpet (sitting in for Terrell Stafford). The band’s new album is Scenic Route (Palmetto, 2007). Wilson is one of the most in-demand drummers in jazz, having appeared on more than 160 recordings. Find out more at MattWilsonJazz.com.

Jason Crane interviews percussionist, bandleader, composer and educator Bobby Sanabria. Sanabria is a living link to the great Afro-Cuban jazz tradition. He’s played with just about everyone, including Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Paquito D’Rivera, Charles McPherson, Mongo Santamaria, Chico O’Farrill and Mario Bauza. He’s also a Grammy-nominated solo artist and a powerful force in bringing the Afro-Cuban tradition into the 21st century. This interview features a sneak peek at his new album, Big Band Urban Folktales (Jazzheads, 2007), which hits stores in June. Find out more at BobbySanabria.com.

Jason Crane interviews drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts. You might know him from his years with Wynton Marsalis, or his years with Branford Marsalis, or his stint as the drummer on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, or from his many, many recordings as a leader and sideman. Tain’s new album is Folk’s Songs (Dark Key Music, 2007). It features his band The Ebonix with Marcus Strickland on saxophone, David Kikoski on piano and Christian McBride on bass. Find out more at DarkKeyMusic.com.

Jason Crane interviews drummer Pete Zimmer. Zimmer moved to New York several years ago after graduating from the New England Conservatory. He’s released three records on his own label, Tippin’ Records, the most recent of which is his new CD, Judgment (Tippin’ Records, 2006). The album features tenor saxophonists George Garzone and Joel Frahm. Find out more at PeteZimmer.com.