The Jazz Session

The Jazz Session turns 17 today! I'm celebrating with an archival episode from back in my jazz radio days. I interviewed Les McCann in 2004 about his classic album Swiss Movement. Les passed away on December 29, 2023. I thought I'd commemorate his passing and celebrate his life and the birthday of this show by sharing that interview with you. Thanks for listening and for supporting The Jazz Session at https://thejazzsession.com/join.

Saxophonist Allison Au's new album is called Migrations. On it, she explores her family's history of migration, and by extension the plight of migrants everywhere. In this interview, Allison talks about the album's spoken word and sung elements; her family history and how it impacted the work; the arranging challenges presented by the presence of strings; and more. Allison was previously on The Jazz Session in 2016. Listen to that interview. PATREON Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Allison talks about crosswords. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession. CREDITS Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com) Logo: Sarah Walter Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

Danish saxophonist Benjamin Koppel's new trio recording with Scott Colley and Brian Blade is called Perspective. In this interview, Benjamin talks about the special relationship between the band members; the band as a collective; his family's long history in music in Denmark; why he chooses to play in so many different genres; and more. PATREON Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Benjamin talks about what he's learned from his dogs. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession. CREDITS Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com) Logo: Sarah Walter Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

Allison Miller's latest album is called Rivers In Our Veins. In this interview, Allison talks about the inspiration for the project and the research into American waterways that went into it; the care she took in assembling the band; the multimedia nature of the project, which includes both visuals and dancers; and much more. PATREON Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Allison talks about drone photography. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession. EXTRA BONUS EPISODE: Patreon supporters are also getting an episode of Jazz90.1 50th anniversary podcast on which they interviewed me about my time as station manager of that fabulous community jazz station in Rochester, NY. CREDITS Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com) Logo: Sarah Walter Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

Saxophonist Benjamin Boone's new album is Caught In The Rhythm (Origin Records, 2023). In this interview, Ben talks about his ongoing project to combine poetry with improvised music; how he approaches the selection and setting of the poems; his study of the music of speech; using his music for social commentary; and more. PATREON Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Ben talks about talking with his wife. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession. CREDITS Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com) Logo: Sarah Walter Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

Marc Copland's latest album is Someday (InnerVoiceJazz, 2023). In this interview, Marc talks about his bandmates; why he seeks out opportunities to play with younger musicians; his years with John Abercrombie and Gary Peacock; going into the studio without a detailed plan; and much more. PATREON Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Marc talks about finding hope in science fiction. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession. CREDITS Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com) Logo: Sarah Walter Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

This episode of The Jazz Session is sponsored by the TD James Moody Jazz Festival at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. The festival runs from November 3 through 19 and features a who’s who of talent from the jazz world and beyond. Performers include Dee Dee Bridgewater with Bill Charlap; Take 6; Abdullah Ibrahim; Gladys Knight; Dave Grusin; Cyrus Chestnut; Steve Turre; Christian McBride with Savion Glover; and many more. Tickets and a full schedule of performances are available at https://njpac.org. This episode features interviews with Abdullah Ibrahim, Bill Charlap, Claude McKnight from Take 6, and Dave Grusin. PATREON Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Please note that there is no bonus show for this sponsored episode. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession. CREDITS Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com) Logo: Sarah Walter Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

Violinist Aline Homzy's new album with her band Etoile Magique is called Eclipse (Elastic Recordings, 2023). In this interview, Aline talks about imagining a world for the album to inhabit; how that world took shape in the arranging and titling process; writing for these particular musicians; a surprise theremin; how her dad influenced her music; what it's like to play an uncommon jazz instrument; the importance of open-mindedness as a musician; and more. PATREON Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Aline talks about wildlife videography. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession. CREDITS Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com) Logo: Sarah Walter Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

Bassist Todd Sickafoose's new album is called Bear Proof (Secret Hatch Records, 2023). On this episode, Todd talks about assembling a cast of strong musical personalities; the challenges of recording an hour-long piece with no breaks; his work with Anaïs Mitchell on Hadestown; his long tenure in Ani DiFranco's band; music as social commentary; composing for podcasts; and more. PATREON Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Todd talks about living in Oaxaca. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession. CREDITS Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com) Logo: Sarah Walter Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

Kait Dunton's new album is called Keyboards (Real & Imagined Music, 2023). In this interview, Kait talks about her love for 70s synth music; the challenge of using vintage keyboards; how she was "pushed" (in a friendly way) into the world of keyboards; developing her social media following; simplicity versus complexity in composition; and more. PATREON Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Kait talks about pickleball. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession. CREDITS Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com) Logo: Sarah Walter Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

Pianist Kris Davis's new album is called Live At The Village Vanguard (Pyroclastic Records, 2023). In this interview, Kris talks about what it feels like to record at the Village Vanguard; how she put together the Diatom Ribbons band; working with a DJ; the role of humor in instrumental performance; working with the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice; her recent tour with Dave Holland; and more. Kris was previously on episode #290, which you can listen to here. PATREON Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Kris talks about grilling. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at http://patreon.com/thejazzsession. CREDITS Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com) Logo: Sarah Walter Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

Saxophonist Christine Jensen's latest album is called Day Moon. In this interview, Christine talks about creating musical sketches; writing during the pandemic; turning visual and other ideas into music; playing in duo format; losing the friend to whom the album is dedicated; teaching at Eastman; and more. Christine was also on The Jazz Session in 2007 and 2010. PATREON Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Christine talks about paddleboarding. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at http://patreon.com/thejazzsession. CREDITS Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com) Logo: Sarah Walter Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

Moreira Chonguiça is a saxophonist and producer from Mozambique. His latest album is called Songs of Peace. In this interview, Moreira talks about surviving the pandemic and evaluating life; his education in South Africa; the people in Mozambique who inspired his interest in jazz; his relationship with jazz master Manu Dibango; passing on what he's learned to the next generation; and much more. PATREON Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Moreira talks about his family and friends. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at http://patreon.com/thejazzsession. NOTE: Patreon members also get an extra 7 minutes of conversation! CREDITS Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com) Logo: Sarah Walter Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

Saxophonist Michael Blake's new album is Dance of the Mystic Bliss (P&M Records, 2023). Michael talks about his mom, to whom the album is dedicated; the recording process, especially the percussion; his days with the Lounge Lizards; working with Teo Macero and Scotty Hard; and a lot more. PATREON Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Michael talks about bicycle racing. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at http://patreon.com/thejazzsession. CREDITS Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com) Logo: Sarah Walter Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

Laila Biali's latest album is called Your Requests. In this interview, she talks about the fan-generated song list; balancing her dual roles as vocalist and pianist; her adventurous collaboration with Kurt Elling; and a lot more. Laila was also on The Jazz Session in 2021 and 2022. PATREON Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Laila talks about hiking. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at http://patreon.com/thejazzsession. CREDITS Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com) Logo: Sarah Walter Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

Steven Bernstein's new album with his band Sexmob is called The Hard Way (Corbett vs. Dempsey, 2023). In this interview, Bernstein talks about working with producer Scotty Hard; his "first take" philosophy; bringing the audience in; life as a working musician; and a lot more. PATREON Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy.  Steven talks about the wild stories he hears when he calls his musician friends while walking his dog. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at http://patreon.com/thejazzsession. CREDITS Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com) Logo: Sarah Walter Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

Mark Dresser's new solo bass album is Tines Of Change (Pyroclastic Records, 2023). In this interview, Mark talks about the sonic experimentation that led to the modified bass he plays on this recording; how Jimi Hendrix and Charles Mingus influenced his early musical thinking; the short vacation on the East Coast that led to a multi-year stint in New Haven, CT; how he passes on what he's learned to his students; and more. PATREON Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Mark talks about walking at Torrey Pines State Beach. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at http://patreon.com/thejazzsession. CREDITS Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com) Logo: Sarah Walter Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

Saxophonist Alex Weiss's new album is Most Don't Have Enough. In this interview he talks about the legacy and influence of his grandfather; the selection of his bandmates; the evolution of the music; using music for social change; and more. PATREON Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Alex talks about being a parent and seeing the world through the eyes of a child. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at http://patreon.com/thejazzsession. CREDITS Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com) Logo: Sarah Walter Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

Saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock's new album is called The Last Quiet Place. In this interview, she explores the idea of the title; talks about her band and how she chose them; describes her methods of composition; gives a preview of some upcoming projects; and more. PATREON Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy.  Ingrid talks about getting out in nature and cooking Indian food. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at http://patreon.com/thejazzsession. CREDITS Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com) Logo: Sarah Walter Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

Trombonist and tuba player and educator Bill Lowe has a long and fascinating history in the world of improvised music. In this interview, we talk about his new album, Sweet Cane: Suites And Other Pedagogical Prompts (Mandorla Music Records, 2023); his Signifyin' Natives Ensemble; the mentorship of Bill Barron and Frank Foster; setting texts to music; working across musical divisions; and more. PATREON Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Bill talks about finding beauty in the world. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at http://patreon.com/thejazzsession. CREDITS Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com) Logo: Sarah Walter Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)