Interview News

Saxophonist Harry Allen Interviewed at AAJ

Source: All About Jazz
January 23, 2007

Tenor saxophonist Harry Allen was born in Washington, D.C. in 1966, but he grew up in California and Rhode Island. His father was a drummer who played jazz records for Allen before kindergarten, and that early exposure set the course for his professional life. Unlike many saxophonists of his generation, Allen chose not to emulate John Coltrane's sound, choosing a mellower path. The result? Decades of touring the world and recording albums. His latest album is called Hey, Look Me ...

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Saxophonist Don Braden Interviewed at AAJ

Source: All About Jazz
January 22, 2007

Don Braden went to Harvard in 1981 to become a computer programmer and emerged as a new voice on the saxophone. For two decades he's been making a name for himself in the modern jazz world, and he's compiled an impressive resume, working with established masters like [trumpeter] Freddie Hubbard, [vocalist] Betty Carter, [drummers] Roy Haynes and Tony Williams; then-emerging-talents like [trumpeter] Wynton Marsalis and the Harper Brothers; and as a leader and composer in his own right.

AAJ contributor ...

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Pianist Jeremy Monteiro Interviewed at AAJ

Source: All About Jazz
January 16, 2007

In a career spanning thirty years, Singaporean pianist Jeremy Monteiro has done it all. He's played with everyone from Michael Brecker to Charlie Haden, from James Moody to Toots Thielemans and from Cassandra Wilson to Simon and Garfunkel. He has performed all over the world and his performance at the 1988 Montreux Jazz Festival alongside bassist Eldee Young and drummer Red Holt was described by festival director Claude Nobbs as, “an unforgettable set which will remain a classic concert of ...

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Wycliffe Gordon and Jay Leonhart Interviewed at AAJ

Source: All About Jazz
January 15, 2007

At first, ber-bassist Jay Leonhart and acclaimed trombonist Wycliffe Gordon seem an unlikely pair. Visually, they look like the Anglo poet and the star linebacker; chronologically, they're at least a generation apart. But they are both immensely talented, and their personal and musical rapport transcends any other differences between them. As relaxed and amiable as the oldest of friends, they trade their superb musicianship as naturally as conversation.

AAJ contributor Dr. Judith Schlesinger managed to get the two together in ...

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Legendary Philadelphia Drummer Butch Ballard Interviewed at AAJ

Source: All About Jazz
January 9, 2007

George Edward “Butch" Ballard is a celebrated drummer, now 88, who swung with the Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie big bands, to mention just a few of the items on his resume. Beyond that, however, this cat is truly an American phenomenon, an African-American from a working class family who realized his childhood dream through a total obsession with the drums during the time of segregation and through to the present day.

AAJ contributor Victor L. Schermer sat ...

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Gregory Davis, Son of Miles, Interviewed at AAJ

Source: All About Jazz
January 8, 2007

Every year seems to bring a new book about the late, iconic trumpeter and musical innovator Miles Davis. But Dark Magus: The Jekyll and Hyde Life of Miles Davis isn't yet another assessment of the man and his music from journalist types. Instead, it's a look at Miles by someone with unequivocal personal exposure to the man at his best...and his worst.

Written by Miles' eldest son Gregory, a man who has kept a low profile for the most part, ...

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Jamie Cullum Interviewed at AAJ

Source: All About Jazz
January 2, 2007

Jamie Cullum is an artist whose music speaks to a new generation of music fans and jazz enthusiasts alike. The title track from Twentysomething is much like an anthem for this new cohort of music fans. He is a consummate musician and his passion for his art is clear, repeatedly showcased by his skilled improvisation and the clever lyrics of his compositions which set him apart from any artist of his kind.

AAJ contributor Katrina Kasey-Wheeler caught up with Cullum ...

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Guitarist Alex Machacek Interviewed at AAJ

Source: All About Jazz
January 1, 2007

Heppy New Year to all of AAJ's readers!

Since Alex Machacek last spoke to AAJ four years ago a lot has changed for the Austrian guitar wizard; he left Austria for Los Angeles, got married, and has received glowing praise for his music from, amongst others, guitar icon John McLaughlin.

Recently he signed a record deal with Abstract Logix with whom he has just released the critically acclaimed album [Sic]. AAJ caught up with Alex Machacek by phone and he ...

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