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Lee Shaw
(42:15)
Posted: 2010-02-08
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.
Ben Powell
(21:48)
Posted: 2010-02-04
Violinist Ben Powell made his festival debut this summer at the 2009 Tanglewood Jazz Festival, where this interview was recorded. Powell was raised in Cheltenham, England, the son of a cellist and a violin teacher. He released the album Light in 2008. In this interview, Powell talks about his musical upbringing; how a chance meeting with an American conductor led to a Berklee scholarship; and why hes chosen to focus on music from the early days of jazz.
Linda Oh
(32:59)
Posted: 2010-02-01
Bassist Linda Oh was born in Malaysia to Chinese parents, grew up in Perth, Australia, and now plays the bass in New York City. Her debut recording, Entry (self-produced, 2009), is a strong trio statement featuring trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire and drummer Obed Calvaire. In this interview, Oh discusses her decision to challenge herself on her first recording; her upbringing and how it influenced her decision to become a jazz bassist; and how she has dealt with stereotypes about Asian women as shes forged her career.
Mike Reed
(46:48)
Posted: 2010-01-28
Drummer Mike Reed is a mainstay on the Chicago music scene, both as a performer and a presenter. Reed and his band People, Places & Things have a new album called About Us (482 Music, 2009). Its part of a trilogy showcasing the past, present and future of the Chicago scene. In this interview, Reed talks about the sometimes overlooked cultural contributions of the third coast; why he decided to record this trilogy; and how he went about finding the compositions and musicians hes featuring in his current work.
Matthew Shipp
(42:32)
Posted: 2010-01-25
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.
James Weidman
(34:04)
Posted: 2010-01-21
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 hes 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.
Amy Cervini
(55:48)
Posted: 2010-01-18
Vocalist Amy Cervini is one of a handful of jazz singers who are successfully taking their repertoire from outside the Great American Songbook. On Cervinis new album, Lovefool (Anzic Records, 2009), she tackles everything from the Cardigans to Depeche Mode to Nellie McKay and makes it all work. In this interview, Cervini talks about how she chooses her repertoire; the response of jazz and pop fans to the music she sings; and how shes managed to build both performing and artist management careers. Oh, and shes having a baby, too.
