The Jazz Session #151: Brandon Seabrook [29:42m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Guitarist and banjo player Brandon Seabrook’s trio plays a raging blend of metal, bluegrass and improvised music on their new CD, Seabrook Power Plant (Loyal Label, 2009). In this interview, Seabrook talks about the intense rhythmic drive of the album; why he started playing the tenor banjo; and the many projects he’s been involved with as a sideman. Learn more at myspace.com/brandonseabrook.

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 The Jazz Session #122: Rez Abbasi [32:46m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Guitarist Rez Abbasi continues his rhythmic and harmonic explorations on Things To Come (Sunnyside, 2009). He’s joined on this album by pianist Vijay Iyer, saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa, bassist Johannes Weidenmeuller, drummer Dan Weiss, cellist Mike Block and vocalist Kiran Ahluwalia. In this interview, Abbasi discusses the Indian-Pakistani jazz scene in New York; how he incorporates Indian and Pakistani music into his compositions even without the use of traditional instruments; and why he feels his best compositions are combinations of craft and inspiration. Learn more at www.reztone.com.

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 The Jazz Session #119: Dom Minasi [59:53m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Guitarist Dom Minasi’s most recent recording, Dissonance Makes The Heart Grow Fonder (Konnex, 2009), features his string quartet in a program of adventurous composition and improvisation. In this interview, Minasi talks about how he spent the 20 years between his last Blue Note recording and his re-emergence as a leader; why Johnny Smith was a big influence on him, and why he let that influence go; and how a lifetime of playing, teaching and practicing has brought him to this prolific period. The Dom Minasi String Quartet plays on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009 at Roulette in NYC. For more information, visit domminasi.com.

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 The Jazz Session #103: John Abercrombie [45:19m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

John Abercrombie returns with Wait Till You See Her (ECM, 2009), another album of gorgeous, tuneful music from his quartet, featuring Mark Feldman on violin, Joey Barron on drums, and new band member Thomas Morgan on bass. In this interview, Abercrombie talks about how subtle movements in the audience impact a performance; the label “chamber jazz” and whether it applies to his band; and his role as the evil Donald Dastardly in the radio drama Harry Lovett, Man Without A Country, which also featured the voices of John Surman and Jack DeJohnette. Learn more at johnabercrombie.com. (On a personal note, John was on The Jazz Session #3, back when no one had ever heard of this show. I’m grateful for his early support of The Jazz Session, and it’s very gratifying to have him back here 100 episodes later.)

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 The Jazz Session #96: Joe Morris [43:30m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Guitarist Joe Morris has spent three decades finding ways to contribute to the language of the guitar and to the literature of improvised music. He’s managed to stay true to himself and his sound during that entire time, even as he’s added the bass to his repertoire. On Today On Earth (AUM Fidelity, 2009), Morris continues to explore the place of the guitar in the world of free improvisation. In this interview, Morris talks about his early decision to play without effects; how the masters of the music create their own technique; and the innovative way he teaches his students to do what feels right with their music. Learn more at www.joe-morris.com.

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 The Jazz Session #94: Julian Lage [31:20m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Guitarist Julian Lage was playing gigs when he was 5 years old. By age 7, he was the subject of a documentary. At age 12, he played on the Grammy Awards show, and shortly after began gigging and recording with Gary Burton. Now, at the ripe old age of 21, Lage has released Sounding Point (Emarcy Records, 2009), his debut recording. In this interview, Lage talks about his unlikely life; why he chose a band made of up cello, percussion and saxophone; and why he and his band are as likely to be jamming on Bach as on Bird. Learn more at JulianLage.com.

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 The Jazz Session #91: Mike Stern [41:44m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Guitarist Mike Stern has played with everyone. And yes, that includes Miles Davis. After decades in the business, he could easily be resting on his laurels. Instead, he’s pushing himself into new territory, as displayed on his CD Big Neighborhood (Heads Up, 2009), which finds him in the company of everyone from Esperanza Spaulding to Randy Brecker to Eric Johnson to Steve Vai. In this interview, Stern talks about why he likes surrounding himself with fresh ideas; his rockin’ side and his lyrical side; and how guitarist Hiram Bullock once blew Michael Brecker’s mind. Find out more at mikestern.org.

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