Pianist Tom Wetmore’s new CD is The Desired Effect (Crosstown Records, 2012). In this interview, Wetmore talks about why he wants people to “really listen”; why he tries not to assign particular meanings to his compositions; and about his Tune-A-Day project. Learn more at tomwetmore.com and tomstuneaday.com and follow him on Twitter at @tomwetmore.

Pianist Armen Donelian’s new CD is Leapfrog (Sunnyside Records, 2011). In this interview, Donelian talks about his approach to playing the piano and his philosophy of music; his years with Mongo Santamaria and Sonny Rollins; and his other career as an educator. Learn more at armenjazz.com.

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.

Pianist Enoch Smith, Jr.’s new album is Misfits (Music4mypeople, 2011). In this interview, Smith talks about growing up in the church in Rochester, NY; how he’s always felt like an outsider in the jazz world; and why he wanted his new record to get back to basics — groove and the voice. Learn more at enochsmithjr.com.

Pianist Joan Stiles’ new CD is Three Musicians, featuring Joel Frahm and Matt Wilson. In this interview, Stiles talks about playing without a bassist; how visual art and music come together in her life; and her collage-based approach to playing standards. Learn more at joanstilesmusic.com.

Pianist Matt Mitchell has been making a name for himself in the bands of Tim Berne, John Hollenbeck and Darius Jones, among others. In this interview, Mitchell talks about finding his place in the bands of composers with strong visions; how a set of self-penned practice pieces became duet performance vehicles; and why he may finally be ready to record his first album. Learn more at mattmitchell.us and follow him on Twitter at @mattmitchellus.

Larry Goldings has two new CDs out: In My Room (BFM Jazz, 2011), a solo piano CD, and Live At Smalls (SmallsLive, 2011) with his organ trio featuring Peter Bernstein and Bill Stewart. In this interview, Goldings talks about approaching each piano on its own terms; how he first met Bernstein and Stewart; and his unplanned entry into the bands of Maceo Parker and James Taylor. Learn more at larrygoldings.com and follow him on Twitter at @LarryGoldings.

Pianist Dalton Ridenhour is making his mark on the New York scene by playing ragtime, stride and New-Orleans-style piano. In this interview, Ridenhour talks about his childhood introduction to ragtime; how going to school for jazz changed his approach to the piano; and why, after a three-year hiatus, he’s returned to the styles he loves. Learn more at daltonridenhour.com.

Pianist Carmen Staaf’s most recent CD is a trio recording called Eye To Eye (2011). In this interview, Staaf talks about duo and trio playing; her travels to India; and how her music has been affected by everything from anthropology to meditation. Learn more at www.carmenstaaf.com and follow her on Twitter at @carmenstaaf.

Pianist and keyboardist Jamie Saft explores his love for reggae, dub and improvisation on New Zion Trio (Veal Records, 2011). In this interview, Saft talks about the merger of those disparate musical elements; why he doesn’t write music on paper; and why he’d rather hear Slayer than “Stella By Starlight.” Learn more at www.jamiesaft.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

Pianist Satoko Fujii and trumpeter Natsuki Tamura have been making adventurous music together for years. In this interview, they talk about the influences of Japanese folk music; the need for risk and fun in music; and why they’re involved in so many diverse projects. Learn more at satokofujii.com and natsukitamura.com.

Tracks used in this episode: (from Watershed by Satoko Fujii’s Min-Yoh Ensemble) The Thaw; Whitewater; Soranbushi; (From Rafale by the band Kaze with Fujii and Tamura) Noise Chopin; (from ETO by Satoko Fujii’s Orchestra New York) Eto Suite: Rat; Eto Suite: Tiger; (From Rafale by the band Kaze with Fujii and Tamura) Marie-T; (from Watershed by Satoko Fujii’s Min-Yoh Ensemble) Estuary.

Pianist Kris Davis is part of several ensembles, including her trio with John Hebert and Tom Rainey on Good Citizen (Fresh Sound New Talent, 2010) and a trio with Ingrid Laubrock and Tyshawn Sorey on the eponymous Paradoxical Frog (Clean Feed, 2010). In this interview, Davis talks about learning to leave space in the music; her studies of classical composition; and the many projects and recordings in which she’s involved. Learn more at krisdavis.net.

Tracks used in this episode: (from Paradoxical Frog) Iron Spider; Paradoxical Frog; (from Good Citizen) Good Citizen; Where Does That Tunnel Go; Desert Prayers; (from Paradoxical Frog) Feldman.

Cuban Rhapsody (Alma Records, 2011) is a duet CD by saxophonist and flautist Jane Bunnett and pianist Hilario Duran. In this interview, Bunnett and Duran talk about the joys and challenges of duet playing; the deep history of the album’s repertoire; and the idea of music without boundaries. Learn more at www.janebunnett.com and www.hilarioduran.com.

Tracks used in this episode: Lagrimas Negras; Almendra; Sherezad; Contradanzas; Longina; Son de la Loma.

Pianist George Cables’ most recent recording is with The Cookers on their new album, Cast The First Stone (Plus Loin Music, 2010). In this interview, Cables talks about the importance of a unified concept; why he feels he’s had success as a sideman with everyone from Dexter Gordon to Art Pepper; and how he makes each composition his own. Learn more at georgecables.com.

NOTE: This interview contains an exclusive solo performance of “You Don’t Know What Love Is.” To hear an additional solo performance of “Helen’s Song,” please become a member of The Jazz Session.

Tracks used in this episode: The Chief; Think On Me; Croquet Ballet; The Seventh Day; You Don’t Know What Love Is (exclusive live performance for The Jazz Session); Looking For The Light.

Pianist Matthew Shipp and saxophonist Darius Jones have a new duo CD called Cosmic Lieder (AUM Fidelity, 2011). In this wide-ranging interview, Shipp and Jones discuss intergenerational collaboration; the “x factor” that caused Shipp to ask Jones to work together; and how Jones views Shipp’s musical language and career. Learn more at www.matthewshipp.com and www.myspace.com/blackdajones.

Tracks used in this episode: Bleed; Ultima Thule; Zillo Valla; Multiverse; Mandrakk; Ged-Jedollah.

CONCERT NOTE: Matthew Shipp and Darius Jones are playing two sets at Jazz Standard in NYC on April 27.

Pianist Bruce Barth’s latest record is Live At Smalls (Smalls Live, 2011) with Vicente Archer and Rudy Royston. In this interview, Barth talks about the equal partnership and openness he looks for in his bandmates; what he learned from his early work with Stanley Turrentine and Terence Blanchard; and the difficulties of studying at a jazz school in a place where there isn’t a jazz scene. Learn more at brucebarth.com.

Tracks used in this episode: Oh Yes I Will; Sunday; Yama; Almost Blues; Peaceful Place; Looking Up.

Fred Hersch is back with another solo piano recording, Alone At The Vanguard (Palmetto, 2011). In this interview, Hersch talks about finding the interior resources to play an entire week of solo piano at one of the world’s most famous jazz clubs; his new multimedia piece “My Coma Dreams” and the near-death saga that led to it; and why he feels he has a purpose to his life. Learn more at www.fredhersch.com.

Tracks used in this episode: In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning; Down Home; Echoes; Doce de Coco.

Pianist Lynne Arriale’s new CD, Convergence (Motema, 2011), is her second album to feature a horn player, this time saxophonist Bill McHenry. In this interview, Arriale talks about her decision to expand her band; how she searches within herself as part of her compositional process; and why she enjoys teaching as a means of human connection. Learn more at lynnearriale.com. NOTE: Convergence will be available on Feb. 8, 2011.

Tracks used in this episode: Elements; Here and Now; Paint It Black; The Simple Things; Dance of the Rain.

Mina Cho grew up in Korea playing classical music and American gospel. A chance meeting with a Berklee grad sent her to Boston where she studied South American folk music. Her new album, Originality (Mina Cho Music, 2010), combines all those influences and more. In this interview, Cho discusses her uncommon background; her studies with composer Leo Blanco; and why gospel music is so important to her. Learn more at www.minachomusic.com/.

Herbie Nichols would have been 92 years old today. The pianist is the subject of a new biography — Herbie Nichols: A Jazzist’s Life by Mark Miller. In this interview, Miller talks about why Nichols failed to become known during his lifetime; why Nichols is often labeled an acolyte of Thelonious Monk; and how Miller came to write the book in the first place. Learn more at the Web site of The Mercury Press.

ADDITIONAL LISTENING: Check out the “Herbie Nichols’ Third World” episode of David Brent Johnson’s excellent Night Lights program.

UPDATE: At the end of this episode, I said that Herbie Nichols died at the age of 34. He actually died at the age of 44. Thanks to listener Robert Klein for the correction.

Multi-instrumentalist Kali Z. Fasteau continues to experiment with the nature of sound on her new album, Animal Grace (Flying Note, 2010). In this interview, Fasteau talks about how she pushes past the perceived limits of the instruments she plays; how her experiences traveling the world inform her music; and the system of balance she finds in music and in life. Learn more at www.kalimuse.com.

Pianist Dan Tepfer creates fresh and dynamic music on his new trio album, Five Pedals Deep (Sunnyside, 2010). In this interview, Tepfer talks about forming his new trio with Thomas Morgan and Ted Poor; some differences between European and American approaches to jazz performance; and his extended musical partnership with Lee Konitz. Learn more at www.dantepfer.com.

Several years ago, Danilo Perez became a father. On his new album, Providencia (Mack Avenue, 2010), Perez explores the lives of his daughters and commits himself, musically and socially, to leaving them a better world. In this interview, Perez talks about fatherhood; the diverse array of musicians in his band; and the many musical and other projects he’s involved with in Panama and at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Learn more at www.daniloperez.com.

Grammy and Tony award winner Don Sebesky wrote and arranged music for many of the classic CTI recordings. You can hear his work on a new boxed set, CTI: The Cool Revolution (Sony Masterworks, 2010). In this interview, Sebesky talks about how CTI got started and how it developed its signature sound; his experience working with Wes Montgomery, Jim Hall, Paul Desmond, Grover Washington, Jr. and many others; and why he still considers his time at CTI one of the best periods of his musical career. Learn more at www.donsebeskymusic.com.

CONTEST: Listen to the show to learn how to win a copy of the boxed set!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I saw pianist Matthew Shipp in concert last night (April 1, 2010) in Troy, NY, as part of a series put on by the Sanctuary for Independent Media and the Arts Center of the Capital Region. It was a powerful and relentless show, and it inspired a poem called Gravity, which you can read at jasoncrane.org.

If you want to hear more from Matthew Shipp, he was my guest on The Jazz Session recently.

Pianist Orrin Evans pays tribute to his friend and musical partner Bobby Watson on Faith In Action (Posi-Tone, 2010). In this interview, recorded while Evans was on tour in Italy, he talks about the importance of family and friends to his life and career; why he chose the particular Watson compositions that appear on the new album; and how he approaches the task of leading a band. Learn more at www.myspace.com/orrinevans.

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

Pianist Frank Kimbrough’s latest CD, Rumors (Palmetto, 2010), comes out on March 30, 2010. It’s a trio session with bassist Masa Kamaguchi and drummer Jeff Hirschfield. In this interview, Kimbrough talks about the album’s uncommon recording method; how Andrew Hill impacted his early musical life and the lifelong friendship that resulted; and why being ready to fail is a crucial component of musical success. Learn more at home.earthlink.net/~fkimbrough/.

If you’d like to buy this album, you can support The Jazz Session by purchasing it via the link below, starting March 30, 2010:

Roger Kellaway has always refused to be labeled. His career covers jazz and classical composition and performance, as well as work in the television and film industries. Kellaway recently released the 2-CD set Live At The Jazz Standard (IPO, 2008). In this interview, Kellaway talks about playing in a piano trio without drums; working in the film industry; and his ambitious new multimedia project “Visions Of America,” featuring Clint Eastwood and Patti Austin. Learn more at www.rogerkellaway.com.

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

Pianist and keyboardist Erik Deutsch combines a love of groove and vintage keyboards with a keen ear for melody and orchestration on his CD Hush Money (Hammer & String, 2009). In this interview, Deutsch talks about his musical goals for this album; how he combined live performance and creative use of the recording studio to make the finished product; and his views on the jam band and jazz scenes. Deutsch spent several years with the popular band Fat Mama. Learn more at www.hammerandstring.com.

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

Pianist Hiromi Uehara spends a lot of time on the road, traveling from gig to gig, from hotel to hotel, from city to city and country to country. Her new CD, Place To Be (Telarc, 2010), pays tribute to many of the places she’s visited. In this interview, Hiromi talks about life on the road; her emotional return to her hometown in Japan; and why she’s happy to meet new pianos. Learn more at www.hiromimusic.com.

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

Pianist Lee Shaw is living a fascinating life. From her childhood in Oklahoma in the 1920s to her early exposure to jazz in Chicago to her decades-long career as a jazz pianist, Shaw has been everywhere and played with just about everyone. In this interview, recorded at the Rotary Club of Albany, NY, Shaw talks about her early years; why she decided to become a jazz pianist rather than a classical accompanist; and the impulsive proposal that led to a lifetime of musical bliss. Learn more at www.leeshaw.org.

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

“To me, music is an occult alphabet of frequencies and vibrations that are transmitted on an instrument.” So says pianist Matthew Shipp, whose new solo piano recording, 4D (Thirsty Ear, 2010) comes out on January 26. In this interview, Shipp talks about the joy of solo piano; the lessons he learned from David S. Ware and Roscoe Mitchell; and the origins of music itself. Learn more at www.matthewshipp.com.

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

Pianist James Weidman is well known as an accompanist to some of the most heralded singers of our time, from Abbey Lincoln to Cassandra Wilson. In recent years he’s travelled the world as a member of Joe Lovano’s band. On his new CD, Three Worlds (Inner Circle, 2009), Weidman leads an eclectic ensemble of improvisers through his own creative compositions. In this interview, Weidman talks about his early decision not to be pigeonholed; why he usually writes music away from the piano; and his recent trip to play jazz in Moscow. Learn more at www.jamesweidman.com.

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