http://thejazzsession.com The online jazz interview show hosted by Jason Crane. Thu, 29 Jul 2010 04:01:17 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 2006-2010 jason@thejazzsession.com (Jason Crane) jason@thejazzsession.com (Jason Crane) Jazz 1440 http://thejazzsession.com/images/rss_header.jpg http://thejazzsession.com 144 144 http://thejazzsession.com/feed/?category_name=podcast The Jazz Session A weekly jazz interview show hosted by Jason Crane. jazz,interview,music Jason Crane Jason Crane jason@thejazzsession.com no no http://thejazzsession.com/2010/07/01/the-jazz-session-181-michael-musillami/ http://thejazzsession.com/2010/07/01/the-jazz-session-181-michael-musillami/#comments Thu, 01 Jul 2010 04:01:44 +0000 Jason Crane http://thejazzsession.com/?p=2107 http://thejazzsession.com/2010/07/01/the-jazz-session-181-michael-musillami/feed/ 2 35:33 Guitarist Michael Musillami's new album, Old Tea (Playscape Recordings, 2010) was conceived in tragedy. Musillami talks about that great loss in this interview, and also ... Guitarist Michael Musillami's new album, Old Tea (Playscape Recordings, 2010) was conceived in tragedy. Musillami talks about that great loss in this interview, and also about how he used music as one tool to navigate through dark waters. Learn more at www.michaelmusillami.com. If you'd like to buy this album, you can support The Jazz Session by purchasing it via the link below: jazz,interview,music Jason Crane no no http://thejazzsession.com/2010/06/24/the-jazz-session-180-matt-white-of-fight-the-big-bull/ http://thejazzsession.com/2010/06/24/the-jazz-session-180-matt-white-of-fight-the-big-bull/#comments Thu, 24 Jun 2010 04:01:26 +0000 Jason Crane http://thejazzsession.com/?p=2088 http://thejazzsession.com/2010/06/24/the-jazz-session-180-matt-white-of-fight-the-big-bull/feed/ 1 41:43 Guitarist Matt White and his band Fight The Big Bull are part of the creative music scene in Richmond, Virginia. Their new album All Is ... Guitarist Matt White and his band Fight The Big Bull are part of the creative music scene in Richmond, Virginia. Their new album All Is Gladness In The Kingdom (Clean Feed, 2010) features the playing and arrangements of Steven Bernstein, perhaps best known for his band Sex Mob. In this interview, White talks about the surprisingly fertile Richmond scene; how he came to work with Bernstein; and why a song from The Band ended up on the new record. Learn more at www.fightthebigbull.com. And be sure to listen to Dean Christesen and Matt White as they provide audio commentary for the entire album at the RVA Jazz site. If you'd like to buy this album, you can support The Jazz Session by purchasing it via the link below: jazz,interview,music Jason Crane no no http://thejazzsession.com/2010/05/06/the-jazz-session-166-nels-cline/ http://thejazzsession.com/2010/05/06/the-jazz-session-166-nels-cline/#comments Thu, 06 May 2010 04:01:28 +0000 Jason Crane http://thejazzsession.com/?p=1983 http://thejazzsession.com/2010/05/06/the-jazz-session-166-nels-cline/feed/ 0 42:27 Guitarist Nels Cline may be best known these days for his work with Wilco, but he'd already established himself as an inventive guitarist and composer ... Guitarist Nels Cline may be best known these days for his work with Wilco, but he'd already established himself as an inventive guitarist and composer long before teaming up with the band. On his new CD, Initiate (Cryptogramophone, 2010), the Nels Cline Singers trio explores a variety of rhythmic and harmonic concepts from their very original viewpoint. In this interview, Cline talks about the all-inclusive concept behind his current trio; his concerns years ago about playing in the trio format; and the previous jazz masters whose styles of leadership in the studio and on the bandstand he most tries to emulate. Learn more at www.nelscline.com. If you'd like to buy this album, you can support The Jazz Session by purchasing it via the link below: jazz,interview,music Jason Crane no no http://thejazzsession.com/2010/05/03/the-jazz-session-165-torben-waldorff/ http://thejazzsession.com/2010/05/03/the-jazz-session-165-torben-waldorff/#comments Mon, 03 May 2010 04:01:28 +0000 Jason Crane http://thejazzsession.com/?p=1978 http://thejazzsession.com/2010/05/03/the-jazz-session-165-torben-waldorff/feed/ 0 32:34 Guitarist Torben Waldorff's new CD is called American Rock Beauty (ArtistShare, 2010). On it, Waldorff explores improvisation that is deeply rooted in the American and ... Guitarist Torben Waldorff's new CD is called American Rock Beauty (ArtistShare, 2010). On it, Waldorff explores improvisation that is deeply rooted in the American and British rock music he grew up with as a kid. In this interview, Waldorff talks about how he chose the title of the new record; the band and how they all met; and the way in which music served as a sanctuary for him during a turbulent childhood. Learn more at www.waldorff.com. jazz,interview,music Jason Crane no no http://thejazzsession.com/2010/03/18/the-jazz-session-152-lionel-loueke/ http://thejazzsession.com/2010/03/18/the-jazz-session-152-lionel-loueke/#comments Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:01:13 +0000 Jason Crane http://thejazzsession.com/?p=1866 http://thejazzsession.com/2010/03/18/the-jazz-session-152-lionel-loueke/feed/ 0 31:48 Guitarist Lionel Loueke combines the music of his native Benin with his immersion in jazz on his album, Mwaliko (Blue Note, 2010). He's joined on ... Guitarist Lionel Loueke combines the music of his native Benin with his immersion in jazz on his album, Mwaliko (Blue Note, 2010). He's joined on the record by Angélique Kidjo, Esperanza Spaulding, Richard Bona, Marcus Gilmore and others. In this interview, Loueke talks about his early years in Benin and how he ended up playing jazz in the U.S.; the guests and repertoire on his new album; and the influence of Herbie Hancock on his music and his life. Learn more at www.lionelloueke.com. If you'd like to buy this album, you can support The Jazz Session by purchasing it via the link below: jazz,interview,music Jason Crane no no http://thejazzsession.com/2010/03/15/the-jazz-session-151-brandon-seabrook/ http://thejazzsession.com/2010/03/15/the-jazz-session-151-brandon-seabrook/#comments Mon, 15 Mar 2010 04:01:27 +0000 Jason Crane http://thejazzsession.com/?p=1861 http://thejazzsession.com/2010/03/15/the-jazz-session-151-brandon-seabrook/feed/ 1 29:42 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 ... 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. If you'd like to buy this album, you can support The Jazz Session by purchasing it via the link below: jazz,interview,music Jason Crane no no http://thejazzsession.com/2009/12/14/the-jazz-session-122-rez-abbasi/ http://thejazzsession.com/2009/12/14/the-jazz-session-122-rez-abbasi/#comments Mon, 14 Dec 2009 04:01:37 +0000 Jason Crane http://thejazzsession.com/?p=1534 http://thejazzsession.com/2009/12/14/the-jazz-session-122-rez-abbasi/feed/ 1 32:46 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 ... 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. If you'd like to buy this album, you can support The Jazz Session by purchasing it via the link below: jazz,interview,music Jason Crane no no http://thejazzsession.com/2009/12/07/the-jazz-session-119-dom-minasi/ http://thejazzsession.com/2009/12/07/the-jazz-session-119-dom-minasi/#comments Mon, 07 Dec 2009 04:01:10 +0000 Jason Crane http://thejazzsession.com/?p=1508 http://thejazzsession.com/2009/12/07/the-jazz-session-119-dom-minasi/feed/ 0 59:53 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 ... 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. If you'd like to buy this album, you can support The Jazz Session by purchasing it via the link below: jazz,interview,music Jason Crane no no http://thejazzsession.com/2009/10/30/the-jazz-session-103-john-abercrombie/ http://thejazzsession.com/2009/10/30/the-jazz-session-103-john-abercrombie/#comments Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:01:44 +0000 Jason Crane http://thejazzsession.com/?p=1303 http://thejazzsession.com/2009/10/30/the-jazz-session-103-john-abercrombie/feed/ 0 45:19 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, ... 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.) If you'd like to purchase this album, you can support The Jazz Session by buying it via the link below: jazz,interview,music Jason Crane no no http://thejazzsession.com/2009/10/14/the-jazz-session-96-joe-morris/ http://thejazzsession.com/2009/10/14/the-jazz-session-96-joe-morris/#comments Wed, 14 Oct 2009 04:01:44 +0000 Jason Crane http://thejazzsession.com/?p=1236 http://thejazzsession.com/2009/10/14/the-jazz-session-96-joe-morris/feed/ 1 43:30 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 ... 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. If you'd like to buy this album, you can support The Jazz Session at the same time by purchasing it via the link below: jazz,interview,music Jason Crane no no http://thejazzsession.com/2009/10/09/the-jazz-session-94-julian-lage/ http://thejazzsession.com/2009/10/09/the-jazz-session-94-julian-lage/#comments Fri, 09 Oct 2009 04:01:06 +0000 Jason Crane http://thejazzsession.com/?p=1189 http://thejazzsession.com/2009/10/09/the-jazz-session-94-julian-lage/feed/ 0 31:20 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, ... 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. If you’d like to buy this album, you can help support The Jazz Session by buying it via the link below: jazz,interview,music Jason Crane no no http://thejazzsession.com/2009/10/02/the-jazz-session-91-mike-stern/ http://thejazzsession.com/2009/10/02/the-jazz-session-91-mike-stern/#comments Fri, 02 Oct 2009 04:01:01 +0000 Jason Crane http://thejazzsession.com/?p=1127 http://thejazzsession.com/2009/10/02/the-jazz-session-91-mike-stern/feed/ 0 41:44 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 ... 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. Help support The Jazz Session by buying the CD via this link: Guitarists, Podcast Jason Crane no no http://thejazzsession.com/2009/09/18/the-jazz-session-85-bobby-broom/ http://thejazzsession.com/2009/09/18/the-jazz-session-85-bobby-broom/#comments Fri, 18 Sep 2009 04:01:21 +0000 Jason Crane http://thejazzsession.com/?p=1032 http://thejazzsession.com/2009/09/18/the-jazz-session-85-bobby-broom/feed/ 0 37:03 Jason Crane interviews guitarist Bobby Broom. Broom, a longtime member of Sonny Rollins' band, has a new album of Monk tunes called Plays For Monk ... Jason Crane interviews guitarist Bobby Broom. Broom, a longtime member of Sonny Rollins' band, has a new album of Monk tunes called Plays For Monk (Origin Records, 2009). In this interview, Broom talks about why he felt the need to tackle Monk's material; the impact of choosing Chicago rather than New York as his base of operations; and how he recorded his one-and-only Hendrix-style demo after a phone call from Miles Davis. Find out more at BobbyBroom.com. If you'd like to buy this album, you can help support The Jazz Session by buying it via the link below: jazz,interview,music Jason Crane no no http://thejazzsession.com/2009/09/09/the-jazz-session-81-terrence-brewer/ http://thejazzsession.com/2009/09/09/the-jazz-session-81-terrence-brewer/#comments Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:36:58 +0000 Jason Crane http://thejazzsession.com/?p=961 http://thejazzsession.com/2009/09/09/the-jazz-session-81-terrence-brewer/feed/ 0 31:53 Jason Crane interviews guitarist Terrence Brewer. Brewer's new album is called Groovin' Wes (Strong Brew Music, 2009). After three albums of original music, Brewer uses ... Jason Crane interviews guitarist Terrence Brewer. Brewer's new album is called Groovin' Wes (Strong Brew Music, 2009). After three albums of original music, Brewer uses his new record to explore music by, or identified with, Wes Montgomery. In this interview, Brewer talks about his early years in Pittsburg (not the one you're thinking of); his decision to start his recording career by founding a record label and releasing two CDs at once; and why he chose to record an album of standards. Find out more at TerrenceBrewer.com. If you'd like to buy this album, you can help support The Jazz Session by buying it via the link below: jazz,interview,music Jason Crane no no http://thejazzsession.com/2009/07/13/the-jazz-session-66-miles-okazaki/ http://thejazzsession.com/2009/07/13/the-jazz-session-66-miles-okazaki/#comments Mon, 13 Jul 2009 04:05:59 +0000 Jason Crane http://thejazzsession.com/?p=774 http://thejazzsession.com/2009/07/13/the-jazz-session-66-miles-okazaki/feed/ 1 26:48 Jason Crane interviews guitarist and composer Miles Okazaki about his album Generations (Sunnyside, 2009). The album finds Okazaki mining some of the same territory from ... Jason Crane interviews guitarist and composer Miles Okazaki about his album Generations (Sunnyside, 2009). The album finds Okazaki mining some of the same territory from his debut record, Mirrors, but this time with a focus on in-depth exploration and group improvisation. Featuring standout work from saxophonists Miguel Zenón, David Binney, and Christof Knoche; along with vocalist Jen Shyu, drummer Dan Weiss, and bassist Jon Flaugher. In this interview, Okazaki talks about the philosophy behind the album, and why the music also stands on its own. If you'd like to buy this album, you can help support The Jazz Session by buying it via the link below: Guitarists, Podcast Jason Crane no no http://thejazzsession.com/2009/07/06/the-jazz-session-65-kate-schutt/ http://thejazzsession.com/2009/07/06/the-jazz-session-65-kate-schutt/#comments Mon, 06 Jul 2009 04:05:18 +0000 Jason Crane http://thejazzsession.com/?p=768 http://thejazzsession.com/2009/07/06/the-jazz-session-65-kate-schutt/feed/ 1 48:43 Jason Crane interviews singer/songwriter Kate Schutt about her album Telephone Game (ArtistShare, 2009). Schutt has walked a different path than the average musician. She went ... Jason Crane interviews singer/songwriter Kate Schutt about her album Telephone Game (ArtistShare, 2009). Schutt has walked a different path than the average musician. She went to Harvard, where she played Division I lacrosse and hockey. She also went to the Berklee College of Music to hone her jazz chops. She speaks Chinese because her high school offered it. She's an American, but she lives in Guelph, Ontario, a place she describes as the "Austin, Texas of Canada." And on Telephone Game, she let her fans contribute to the songwriting process. Learn more at KateSchutt.com. If you'd like to buy this album, you can help support The Jazz Session by buying it via the link below: Guitarists, Podcast, Vocalists Jason Crane no no http://thejazzsession.com/2008/09/01/the-jazz-session-40-joel-harrison/ http://thejazzsession.com/2008/09/01/the-jazz-session-40-joel-harrison/#comments Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:01:32 +0000 Jason Crane http://thejazzsession.com/?p=264 http://thejazzsession.com/2008/09/01/the-jazz-session-40-joel-harrison/feed/ 1 43:11 Jason Crane interviews composer and guitarist Joel Harrison. With The Wheel (innova, 2008), Harrison straddles the line between written and improvised music, composing for an ... Jason Crane interviews composer and guitarist Joel Harrison. With The Wheel (innova, 2008), Harrison straddles the line between written and improvised music, composing for an ensemble made up of a string quartet and jazz quintet. The results are surprising and powerful. The majority of the album is composed of the five-movement suite "The Wheel," and the record ends with the moving tribute, "In Memoriam: Dana Brayton." CONTEST: Listen to the show to hear how you can win a copy of the The Wheel! Guitarists, Podcast Jason Crane no no http://thejazzsession.com/2007/07/16/the-jazz-session-21-gene-bertoncini/ http://thejazzsession.com/2007/07/16/the-jazz-session-21-gene-bertoncini/#comments Tue, 17 Jul 2007 03:51:54 +0000 Jason Crane http://thejazzsession.com/2007/07/16/the-jazz-session-21-gene-bertoncini/ http://thejazzsession.com/2007/07/16/the-jazz-session-21-gene-bertoncini/feed/ 0 41:28 Jason Crane interviews guitarist Gene Bertoncini. Raised in the Bronx, Bertoncini began his musical education at an early age, encouraged by his parents. He studied ... Jason Crane interviews guitarist Gene Bertoncini. Raised in the Bronx, Bertoncini began his musical education at an early age, encouraged by his parents. He studied architecture at Notre Dame before deciding on a life of music. That decision was a smart one -- Bertoncini has since performed with the Metropolitan Opera orchestra, the Benny Goodman Sextet, Tony Bennett, Buddy Rich, Wayne Shorter, Burt Bacharach, Michel LeGrand and many others. He's also on the faculty at the Tritone Jazz Camp (tritonejazz.com). All the selections in this show are taken from Bertoncini's recording Acoustic Romance (Sons of Sound, 2003), featuring drummer Akira Tana and bassist Rufus Reid. Guitarists, Podcast Jason Crane no no http://thejazzsession.com/2007/04/16/show-8-david-torn/ http://thejazzsession.com/2007/04/16/show-8-david-torn/#comments Mon, 16 Apr 2007 04:05:39 +0000 Jason Crane http://thejazzsession.com/2007/04/16/show-8-david-torn/ http://thejazzsession.com/2007/04/16/show-8-david-torn/feed/ 0 40:21 Jason Crane interviews David Torn, a man of many talents. He’s a film composer whose music you’ve heard in Friday Night Lights, Believe In Me, ... Jason Crane interviews David Torn, a man of many talents. He’s a film composer whose music you’ve heard in Friday Night Lights, Believe In Me, and The Order. He’s also contributed tones and textures to films like this year’s Best Picture winner, The Departed, and the 2000 hit Traffic. Before his film days, he was known for daring musical collaborations on albums such as Cloud About Mercury (ECM, 1987). And he’s worked as a guitarist and/or producer for everyone from David Bowie and David Sylvian to John Legend and Tori Amos. David Torn has returned to ECM after two decades for prezens (ECM, 2007), an adventurous record that features Tim Berne, Craig Taborn and Tom Rainey. Learn more at DavidTorn.net. Guitarists, Podcast Jason Crane no no http://thejazzsession.com/2007/03/19/show-4-francis-jacob/ http://thejazzsession.com/2007/03/19/show-4-francis-jacob/#comments Mon, 19 Mar 2007 04:04:17 +0000 Jason Crane http://thejazzsession.com/2007/03/19/show-4-francis-jacob/ http://thejazzsession.com/2007/03/19/show-4-francis-jacob/feed/ 1 29:30 Jason Crane interviews French guitarist Francis Jacob. Jacob's career has taken him around the world: France, Switzerland, Boston, Brazil, Paris and now New York. Along ... Jason Crane interviews French guitarist Francis Jacob. Jacob's career has taken him around the world: France, Switzerland, Boston, Brazil, Paris and now New York. Along the way, he's picked up a gift for improvisation and a taste for West African music. On his new CD, Side By Side (2006), he combines his many influences and creates two albums in one -- the same tunes, played by two wonderfully different bands. Find out more at FrancisJacob.com. Guitarists, Podcast Jason Crane no no http://thejazzsession.com/2007/03/12/show-3-john-abercrombie/ http://thejazzsession.com/2007/03/12/show-3-john-abercrombie/#comments Mon, 12 Mar 2007 04:05:00 +0000 Jason Crane http://thejazzsession.com/2007/03/12/show-3-john-abercrombie/ http://thejazzsession.com/2007/03/12/show-3-john-abercrombie/feed/ 0 31:02 Jason Crane interviews guitarist John Abercrombie, whose forthcoming record is The Third Quartet (ECM, 2007). Abercrombie has been on more than 50 ECM recordings as ... Jason Crane interviews guitarist John Abercrombie, whose forthcoming record is The Third Quartet (ECM, 2007). Abercrombie has been on more than 50 ECM recordings as a leader or sideman, including sessions with Charles Lloyd, Kenny Wheeler, Jack DeJohnette, Dave Liebman and Dave Holland. This interview features several excerpts from the new CD in advance of its April 3 release. You'll also hear Abercrombie's moving remembrance of lifelong friend Michael Brecker. Guitarists, Podcast Jason Crane no no