JAZZIZ Conversations

Latest Episodes:

Catching Up with Drummer Peter Erskine Jun 26, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of JAZZIZ Backstage Pass, we are joined by drum legend Peter Erskine. Known as a member of Weather Report and Steps Ahead, Erskine has appeared in over 500 albums and along with his work as a leader, has worked alongside many of the greats. In 1992, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music from Berklee College of Music. To find out more about him, visit him online.

JAZZIZ Happy Hour: Gino Vannelli Jun 19, 2020

Show notes

Gino Vannelli is a Canadian rock singer and songwriter who had several hit songs in the 1970s and 1980s. His best-known singles include “I Just Wanna Stop”, “Living Inside Myself” and “Wild Horses”.

JAZZIZ Backstage Pass: Pat Coil Jun 15, 2020

Show notes

A conversation between JAZZIZ Publisher and Founder Michael Fagien and pianist Pat Coil, whose recording credits include Natalie Cole, Nancy Wilson, Carmen McRae, Trisha Yearwood, Ernie Watts, Michael McDonald, George Strait, Peter Cetera, Scott Henderson & Tribal Tech, Barry Manilow, Michael Feinstein, Kenny Rogers, Travis Tritt, and Woody Herman.

Bassist Jimmy Haslip on Jaco, Fourplay, and Turning the Bass World Upside-Down May 29, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of JAZZIZ Backstage Pass, we are joined by influential and versatile bassist Jimmy Haslip. Known as a founding member of the jazz-fusion group the Yellowjackets, Haslip was also an early user of the five-string electric bass.

Saxophonist Boney James on His 'Solid' Reputation in Jazz May 24, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of JAZZIZ Daily Brunch, we are joined by four-time GRAMMY-nominated and multi-platinum saxophonist/composer Boney James, who will be releasing his new album, Solid, on June 12 via Concord Records.

JAZZIZ Daily Brunch: Al Di Meola May 02, 2020

Show notes

In today’s episode of JAZZIZ Daily Brunch, we are joined by Al Di Meola, who, for the past four decades, has been recognized internationally as a virtuoso of the highest order. The guitarist/composer is known for his work in jazz fusion and world music, bean his career as a guitarist in the group Return to Forever in 1974 and, between the ’70s and ’80s, released such critically and commercially successful albums as Elegant Gypsy and Friday Night in San Francisco.

He recently released Across the Universe, which we featured on our list of ten albums out in March 2020 you need to know. This is his sophomore recording in tribute to The Beatles, whom he recognizes as a major influence that prompted him to start playing guitar.

JAZZIZ Track by Track: Raul Midon Reflects On His New Album 'The Mirror' Mar 18, 2020

Show notes

Raul Midon, the endlessly talented vocalist, guitarist and songwriter, walks us through his new album, The Mirror, track by track. The Mirror was released on March 13 on Mack Avenue Records. For more info, visit mackavenue.com or raulmidon.com.

Thanks again to all of our sponsors. Links to products described in the podcast can be found here:

Qobuz.com: qobuz.com/signup

Mack Avenue Records: mackavenue.com

Smoke Sessions Records: smokesessionsrecords.com

The Master Sessions: themastersessions.com

Nandan Gautam: nandangautam.com

Vanquish Studios: vanquishstudios.com

10 Albums You Need To Know for February 2020 Feb 29, 2020

Show notes

JAZZIZ Editors Matt Micucci and Brian Zimmerman discuss the 10 albums you absolutely must know for February 2020! This month's list includes new works by Pat Metheny, Christian McBride, Makaya McCraven, Kat Edmonson and more!

Thanks again to all of our sponsors. Links to products described in the podcast can be found here:

Qobuz.com: qobuz.com/signup

Mack Avenue Records: mackavenue.com

Smoke Sessions Records: smokesessionsrecords.com

St. Lucia Jazz Festival: jazz.org

The Master Sessions: themastersessions.com

Morris Paul Kennedy: musicbymorris.net

Cone of Confusion: coneofconfusion.bandcamp.com

Nandan Gautam: nandangautam.com

Wayne Wilkinson: waynewilkinson.com

Vanquish Studios: vanquishstudios.com

Made in Miami: Snarky Puppy's Michael League on Why the GroundUP Music Festival Calls the Magic City Home Feb 21, 2020

Show notes

Bassist Michael League is co-founder of the genre-fusing jazz collective Snarky Puppy and the brains behind the band's homegrown label, GroundUP Music. For the past four years, he's also served as the Artistic Director of the label's namesake festival, the GroundUP Music Fest, whose 2020 edition took place in Miami Beach February 14-16. With a maximum capacity of roughly 2,000 people, GroundUP is like no other music fest you've ever experienced. It's intimate and wholeheartedly communal, so it isn't uncommon to bump shoulders with participating musicians as they rove the festival grounds alongside you. In addition to Snarky Puppy, performers for the fest included saxophonist Chris Potter, drummer Brian Blade, vocalist Cecile McLorin Salvant and one-time Doobie Brother Michael McDonald. JAZZIZ was onsite at the fest to take in the sights and sounds, we had the chance to sit down with League backstage to discuss the origins of the fest and plans for the future.

JAZZIZ Not What You Think: Kirk Whalum Feb 11, 2020

Show notes

A gem from the vault, this episode of JAZZIZ Not What You Think features JAZZIZ Publisher Michael Fagien in conversation with world-class saxophonist Kirk Whalum. The interview took place in 2019 in advance of the release of Whalum's album Humanite, which would go on to become a "Critics' Pick" for Album of the Year in the Winter 2019-2020 issue of JAZZIZ. Faith, family and, of course, music are the topics of discussion. Enjoy this blast from the past. We'll see you next week with another fresh episode.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected