The Jazz Session #143: Jason Parker [36:51m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Seattle-based trumpeter Jason Parker has figured out how to make a living — and a life — with his instrument. Parker’s quartet has been together for a several years, a fact clearly in evidence on their most recent recording, No More, No Less (Jason Parker Music, 2009). In this interview, Parker talks about the band and what makes it work; his early adoption of social media and how it’s helped his career; and why he decided to give away his music for free. Learn more at oneworkingmusician.com. Follow Jason Parker on Twitter at twitter.com/1workinmusician.

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

5 Comments »

 

 The Jazz Session #71: Terence Blanchard [36:57m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
 The Jazz Session #71: Terence Blanchard [36:57m]: Download

Jason Crane interviews trumpeter Terence Blanchard. A standard-bearer for his home city of New Orleans, Blanchard turns his musical spotlight on the positive changes that have occurred since Katrina with his new CD, Choices (Concord Records, 2009). In this wide-ranging interview, Blanchard talks about the cultural rebuilding of New Orleans, the ability of music to stand up in the face of tragedy, and his dedication to the growth and maturation of the musicians he employs. Find out more at TerenceBlanchard.com.

Help support The Jazz Session by buying this album via the link below:

1 Comment »

 

 The Jazz Session #58: Hugh Masekela [28:00m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
 The Jazz Session #58: Hugh Masekela [28:00m]: Download

Jason Crane interviews trumpeter Hugh Masekela about his 2009 album Phola (Times Square Records). The album finds Masekela in a quieter, more reflective mood — a decision he credits to producer Erik Paliani. Despite the more reserved surroundings, Masekela’s flugelhorn playing is as intense as ever. In the interview, Masekela discusses Miriam Makeba, music as a political force, and why he doesn’t play for fun.

1 Comment »

 

 The Jazz Session #35: Avishai Cohen (trumpet) [23:53m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Jason Crane interviews trumpeter and composer Avishai Cohen. (Not to be confused with bassist and composer Avishai Cohen.) Cohen is at the center of a vibrant musical scene in New York City — full of experimentation, melding musical styles, and an appetite for adventure. More than that, Cohen is a philosopher-musician, using his compositions to explore larger societal questions. His 2007 album After The Big Rain (Anzic Records, 2007) looks at the planet after a worldwide flood. The album is the final part of a trilogy (although Part 3 was recorded first) that explores the steps leading up to the flood, the flood itself, and its aftermath.

No Comments »

 

 The Jazz Session #31: Matt Shulman [28:16m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Jason Crane interviews trumpeter and vocalist Matt Shulman about his new album, So It Goes (Jaggo Records, 2007). Shulman sings and plays trumpet, but that’s where the Chet Baker comparison ends, although like Baker, Shulman incorporates the hip music of the day into his own work. Skilled at multiphonics — playing one note while simultaneously singing another — Shulman is able to expand the range of the trumpet beyond its normal capacity. On So It Goes, Shulman tackles everything from Led Zeppelin to “My Funny Valentine” with impressive results.

No Comments »

 

 The Jazz Session #30: Brian Groder [34:44m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Jason Crane interviews trumpeter, flugelhornist and composer Brian Groder. Groder’s new album, Torque (Latham Records, 2006), features jazz master Sam Rivers on saxophone and flute, along with bassist Doug Mathews and drummer Anthony Cole. Groder has played with everyone from Cecil Taylor and Joanne Brackeen to Joe Cocker, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr. In addition to his various projects with other musicians, Groder also writes music for multimedia pieces and dance ensembles.

No Comments »