Articles by Stephen Braunginn
John Patitucci: The Soul, Spirit, and Sound of Jazz
by Stephen Braunginn
John Patitucci, the 2025 Jazz Journalists Association Electric Bassist of the Year, a four-time Grammy winner, shares his journey from joining Chick Corea's bands to playing in Wayne Shorter's quartet. His “faith" profoundly influences his music and collaborations, including with Brian Blade and Chris Potter}}. The conversation highlights Patitucci's spiritual growth and recent recording, Spirit Fall, which was recorded in one day's time for Edition Records. Playlist John Patitucci “Think Fast" from Spirit Fall (Edition Records) 06:51 John ...
Continue ReadingZev Feldman: Guardian Of Jazz Legacies
by Stephen Braunginn
Zev Feldman, co-president of Resonance Records and a highly accomplished jazz producer and historian, delves into the process of discovering and curating legacy jazz music, including the importance of identifying great recordings, obtaining permissions, and creating captivating album packages. Feldman also highlights the significance of Record Store Day in bringing these projects to life and recounts his experiences working on specific projects, such as those featuring Charles Mingus, Freddie Hubbard, Kenny Dorham, and Bill Evans. Playlist Freddie Hubbard ...
Continue ReadingErena Terakubo: From Sapporo to Jazz Stardom
by Stephen Braunginn
Alto saxophonist sensation Erena Terakubo from Sapporo, Japan, began her recording career early, releasing her first album when she was only 15 years old. Discover how a sax-playing M&M doll kicked off her journey to jazz stardom. She recorded her first album with Kenny Barron, Christian McBride, and Peter Bernstein while still in the 10th grade. Today, Erena Terakubo, six recordings later, is touring with alto sax star Vincent Herring, award-winning drummer Ulysses Owens, Jr. and performing at Dizzy's in ...
Continue ReadingChien Chien Lu & Richie Goods: A Real Team
by Stephen Braunginn
Taiwanese vibraphonist Chien Chien Lu and bassist Richie Goods join me on the latest episode of Strictly Jazz Sounds. Their musical journey and impactful project Connected, Vol. 1, which won “Best Instrumental Album" at the Golden Melody Awards are featured. This recording spun out from frequent rap sessions during the pandemic Richie Goods and Chien Chien Lu had about the Black Lives Matter movement and the unwarranted hate crimes against Asians. Their stories are riveting. This episode presents five tracks ...
Continue ReadingClarence Penn: Jazz Makes Me a Better Person
by Stephen Braunginn
From drum beats to life lessons, Clarence Penn waxes philosophical about teaching and jazz, providing deeply held beliefs about the connection between teaching music and how to be a better person. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of this drummer extraordinaire and jazz! Clarence Penn is nominated for a Grammy!Playlist Clarence Penn “Send One Your Voice" from Behind the Voice (Origin Records) 03:15 Clarence Penn “Hackensack" from Monk: The Lost Files (Origin Records) 0:6:17 Clarence ...
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