The Jazz Session #196: John Escreet [38:54m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Pianist John Escreet explores a structured freedom on his album, Don’t Fight The Inevitable (Mythology, 2010). In this interview, Escreet talks about his upbringing in England; his important experiences with drummer Tyshawn Sorey and saxophonist David Binney; and a new commission that debuts this month. Learn more at www.johnescreet.com.

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 The Jazz Session #193: Jimmy Amadie [41:23m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Pianist Jimmy Amadie has recorded seven albums, despite being able to play for just a couple hours every few months as a result of severe problems with his hands. On his most recent record, Kindred Spirits (TP Recordings, 2010), Amadie is joined by Lee Konitz, Joe Lovano and Lew Tabackin, among others. In this interview, Amadie talks about the long road back to playing; his subsequent battle with cancer; and his desire to have his music judged against the master musicians of the genre. Learn more at www.jimmyamadie.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 #185: Marc Copland [33:12m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Pianist Marc Copland joins Dave Liebman, Billy Hart, Drew Gress and John Abercrombie in the band Contact. Their new album is Five On One (Pirouet Records, 2010). In this interview, Copland talks about the formation of the band and his relationships with the individual members; his years in D.C. and his switch from saxophone to piano; and why more piano players might want to consider laying out for a chorus or two. Learn more at www.marccopland.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 #179: Emilio Solla [41:10m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Argentinian pianist Emilio Solla calls his band The Tango Jazz Conspiracy, but that’s about the only genre label you’ll find him using for his music — and he’s not even sure what “tango jazz” really means. On his album Bien Sur! (Fresh Sound, 2010), Solla is joined by A-list musicians such as Chris Cheek, Richie Barshay, Victor Prieto and Jorge Roeder. In this interview, Solla talks about his early years in Argentina and his subsequent move to Spain; how Astor Piazzolla paved the way for Solla and his contemporaries; and how drum master Billy Hart came to be a guest on Solla’s album. Learn more at www.emiliosolla.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 #177: Sunna Gunnlaugs [32:28m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Icelandic pianist Sunna Gunnlaugs is giving the power back to the people to fund her new CD, The Dream. She’s using micro-patronage to raise the funds for the CD and for her tour of the U.S., which begins June 15, 2010. In this interview, Gunnlaugs discusses her decision to use a fan-based funding system; how Kool & The Gang became a gateway to jazz; why she decided to come to the United States to study; and why she eventually returned to Iceland. Learn more at www.sunnagunnlaugs.com.

To purchase this CD (starting June 17, 2010) and others by Sunna Gunnlaugs, visit her store.

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 The Jazz Session #173: Gary Fukushima (Los Angeles Jazz Collective) [33:18m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

A few years ago, several jazz musicians in Los Angeles decided to pool their resources to create a better environment for jazz in LA. Thus was born the Los Angeles Jazz Collective. In this interview, LAJC founding member Gary Fukushima discusses the early days of the collective; how it is run and the types of programs it puts on; and why the LAJC’s founding members decided such an organization was necessary. Learn more at www.lajazzcollective.com.

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I wasn’t going to write anything about Hank Jones. Then I saw an article in the New York Times that changed my mind. The article and the resulting poem are at jasoncrane.org.

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