Tim Berne
Saxophonist Tim Berne's new band and album are both called Snakeoil (ECM, 2012). The album is available starting Feb. 14, 2012. In this interview, Berne talks about what he looks for in new band members; what inspires him to compose; and why he believes the digital era has harmed independent record labels.
Noah Kaplan
Saxophonist Noah Kaplan's new CD is Descendants (Hat Hut, 2011) with Joe Morris on guitar, Giacomo Merega on bass and Jason Nazary on drums. In this interview, Kaplan talks about his life-changing studies with Joe Maneri; why classical music theory was important to his musical development; and how he approaches collective improvisation.
Tom Wetmore
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.
Bob Reynolds
Saxophonist Bob Reynolds' most recent album is A Live Life (2011) and he's currently working on his forthcoming studio album. Reynolds is perhaps best known for his work with rock musician John Mayer. In this interview, Reynolds talks about the importance of good time (in the musical sense); how he learned to bring an audience along for the ride; and about his video lesson service.
Matt Wilson
Drummer Matt Wilson's new album with his band Arts & Crafts is An Attitude For Gratitude (Palmetto Records, 2012). In this interview, Wilson talks about the inclusive approach of the band; why he likes the word "allow"; and how a difficult year for his family helped him put things in perspective and brought the idea of gratitude into focus. NOTE: This interview is part of a new monthly collaboration with JazzDIY, the online journal for the 21st century jazz musician. To see a video interview with Matt Wilson in which he talks about the business of music, please visit JazzDIY.com.
Armen Donelian
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.
Barry Altschul
Drummer Barry Altschul's latest CD is History Of Jazz In Reverse (TUM, 2011) with the FAB Trio featuring Joe Fonda and Billy Bang. In this interview, Altschul talks about growing up in the South Bronx; his roots in the tradition and how he uses them even when playing free; and how he achieves a personal sound on the drums.
Deric Dickens
Drummer Deric Dickens' debut CD is Speed Date, a series of duets with Matt Wilson, Ben Cohen, Jon Crowley, Kirk Knuffke, Jeff Lederer and Jeremy Udden. In this interview, Dickens talks about the DIY philosophy underlying the album; the sound of the drums (including a demonstration on the ride cymbal); and why he left a comfortable position as a band director to pursue a life as a professional jazz musician.
Jack DeJohnette
Jack DeJohnettes 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.
Pete Robbins
Saxophonist Pete Robbins' new CD is Live In Basel (Hate Laugh Music, 2011) with his Transatlantic Quartet. In this interview, Robbins talks about the benefits of a working band; why his last three recordings have been live albums; and why his next project will find him traveling down yet another new musical road.
Michael Pedicin
Saxophonist Michael Pedicins new album is Ballads ...searching for peace (Jazz Hut, 2011). In this interview, Pedicin talks about this influence of his father on his career; why he feels he had to work his way up to a ballads album; and how he came to terms with his place in the worlds of both jazz and medicine.
Sam Rivers (1923-2011)
(NOTE: Im reposting this 2009 interview with Sam Rivers to commemorate his passing on Dec. 26, 2011.) Sam Rivers is a musical renaissance man. Hes performed in big bands, bop bands, R&B groups, blues bands and free-jazz ensembles. Rivers is currently composing adventurous large-ensemble music (such as is found on his 2006 CD Aurora) in an unlikely location: Orlando, Florida. In this interview, Rivers talks about his early days in Boston; how he was recruited by Jimi Hendrix while playing with Cecil Taylor; and how a tour with Dizzy Gillespie led to his relocation to Florida.
Enoch Smith, Jr.
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 hes 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.
James Hirschfeld
Trombonist James Hirschfeld has just released his first album, Two Medicine. In this interview, Hirschfeld talks about his life in music; the song-like quality of his compositions; and how a trip to Germany solidified his desire to pursue an artistic life.
