The Jazz Session
John Zorn: Radio Interview
by Chris Comer
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This rare interview with one of the most innovative of American composers, John Zorn, is from 1999. Right off the bat the pair discussed the Masada jazz quartet and book of compositions, then the conversation led to other performers Zorn has collaborated and performed with, including Derek Bailey. Comer & Zorn engage in a detailed conversation about Zorn's chamber music compositions, focusing on his string quartet Momento Mori. Zorn doesn't give many interviews, and this one is ...
read moreDonny McCaslin: Trio Toolbox
by Jason Crane
On the new episode of The Jazz Session, Jason Crane interviews saxophonist Donny McCaslin about his new record, Recommended Tools (Greenleaf Music, 2008). The new album is McCaslin's statement in the saxophone trio format, joined by two of New York's finest--bassist Hans Glawischnig and drummer Johnathan Blake. McCaslin shines on this album of original compositions, plus Billy Strayhorn's Isfahan."Listen ...
read moreBobo Stenson Radio Interview "Goodbye"
by Chris Comer
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Acclaimed Swedish jazz pianist and ECM recording artist Bobo Stenson discussed his trio CD Goodbye, featuring the legendary Paul Motian on drums and Anders Jormin on bass. Bobo describes the evolution of his playing style over the years and the artistic direction of ECM Records. Bobo also describes playing with Paul Motian for the first time on this CD. Bobo Stenson's heart-stopping playing is an inspiration, and Chris Comer gives his take on Bobo Stenson's version of ...
read moreAaron Parks: Structured Freedom
by Jason Crane
On the new episode of The Jazz Session, Jason Crane interviews pianist/composer Aaron Parks about his new album, Invisible Cinema (Blue Note, 2008). Parks is 24 years old--and he started college 11 years ago. A child prodigy who entered the University of Washington at age 13 as a triple major in math, computer science and music, Parks quickly found that music was his true calling. Now, after a five-year stint with trumpeter Terence Blanchard, Parks is set ...
read moreBootsy Collins: Couldn't Get The Spaceship Outta The Driveway!
by Chris Comer
ListenChris Comer and co-host Rob Ervin spoke with funk pioneer Bootsy Collins in an outrageous interview from January, 1999. The release of his newest CD Fresh Outta P University" was scheduled that week and Bootsy was supposed to come by The Chris & Rob Show's studio that night in person. However, there was evidently a snow storm and Bootsy couldn't get the spaceship out of the driveway."In this broadcast Bootsy talks about some of the musicians ...
read moreBill Bruford Radio Interview
by Chris Comer
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Chris Comer has a candid conversation with jazz-rock drummer Bill Bruford in the spring of 2001. Bill Bruford played in progressive rock juggernauts Yes and King Crimson and fronts his own British jazz group Earthworks. Chris and Bill discuss the continuing progression of the Earthworks group and the British jazz scene, his status with King Crimson and frank comments about why he quit Yes. Of special note is a discussion of Bruford's drum-duet B'BOOM with ...
read morePeter Brotzmann : Another Step in the Large-Form Jazz Ensemble Tradition
by Chris Comer
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Iconoclastic European free jazz saxophonist Peter Brotzmann discusses his intensely revolutionary Chicago Tentet with Chris Comer in this 2005 radio interview. The Chicago Tentet features ten of the world's finest free jazz musicians in an all-out jazz assault. Brotzmann describes how the Chicago Tentet got together in the first place, the concept behind it and why it's one of the most satisfying ensembles of his career. Chris asks Brotzmann to elaborate on The Chicago Tentet's ...
read moreMatt Shulman: Trumpet And Voice
by Jason Crane
On the new episode of The Jazz Session, Jason Crane interviews trumpeter and vocalist Matt Shulman about his new album, So It Goes (Jaggo Records, 2007). Shulman sings and plays trumpet, but that's where the Chet Baker comparison ends, although like Baker, Shulman incorporates the hip music of the day into his own work. Skilled at multiphonics -- playing one note while simultaneously singing another -- Shulman is able to expand the range of the trumpet beyond ...
read moreBrian Patneaude: Taking A Stand
by Jason Crane
On the new episode of The Jazz Session, Jason Crane interviews saxophonist and composer Brian Patneaude. His new quartet album is called As We Know It (WEPA Records, 2007). Patneaude was born and raised near Albany, NY. He's chosen to make his musical stand in Albany, and the choice is paying off. Patneaude is a busy musician, whether it's his weekly residency at famed Albany jazz club Justin's or his continuing gig with Grammy-nominated Alex Torres and ...
read moreDonny McCaslin: Pursuer
by Jason Crane
On the new episode of The Jazz Session, Jason Crane interviews saxophonist Donny McCaslin. One of the busiest saxophonists in the business, McCaslin plays with Maria Schneider, Dave Douglas and many others. He also fronts his own groups, including the band on his new CD, In Pursuit (Sunnyside, 2007). A follow-up to his critically acclaimed record Soar (Sunnyside, 2006), In Pursuit features compositions commissioned for a Chamber Music America grant. McCaslin talks about his father's influence, playing with ...
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