JAZZIZ Not What You Think

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ERIC JOHNSEN | The JAZZIZ Podcast Jan 11, 2024

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After earning a composition degree from the University of Arizona, producer and composer Eric Johnsen spent 22 years teaching high school history while pursuing his passion for music on the side. In 2018, he delved into recording the music on Liminality, a groundbreaking project blending jazz and fusion with chamber and orchestral elements, and incorporating diverse cultural influences. Join us on this episode of the JAZZIZ Podcast as Johnsen discusses his captivating journey, shedding light on the creation of Liminality. He also offers insights into his experiences and his perspective on being a music professional, as well as maintaining independence while dedicating himself to his musical pursuits.

BILL CUNLIFFE | The JAZZIZ Podcast Jan 09, 2024

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Today, we are thrilled to have the extraordinary pianist and composer Bill Cunliffe on the JAZZIZ Podcast. He's here to delve into his captivating three-movement suite, Rainforests, recently released on record. Crafted for the Temple University Studio Orchestra, this composition draws inspiration from the life-giving mangrove trees that make up much of the tropical rainforests. Join us as we explore the expansive sonic landscape of Rainforests, a grand vision that not only embraces the full orchestral spectrum but also swings with the vigor of a big band, featuring stellar jazz soloists from the Temple Jazz Sextet. Cunliffe also shares his passion for environmental causes and his vision of how music serves as a metaphor for life. And of course, we can't resist delving into the archives of his memory, discussing his early career encounters with such legends as Mary Lou Williams and Buddy Rich.

PHILIPPE CÔTÉ | The JAZZIZ Podcast Jan 02, 2024

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In today's episode, we chat with Montreal-based composer, saxophonist, improviser and conductor Philippe Côté, a musical explorer at the intersection of jazz and classical music. His latest project, Confluence, is a duo collaboration with pianist François Bourassa. The work draws symbolic parallels to the powerful convergence of rivers, as reflected in the title suite's five parts. Join us in this latest episode of the JAZZIZ Podcast as Côté discusses the genesis of this collaboration and shares insights into his musical journey and inspirations.

YULIA | The JAZZIZ Podcast Dec 26, 2023

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Today we have the pleasure of chatting with Yulia Petrova, also simply known as Yulia. Hailing originally from Siberia, she is a talented pianist and composer currently based in Texas. Yulia recently unveiled her latest creation, Best Wishes, an album featuring entirely original compositions. The album has been making waves, winning numerous awards and capturing considerable attention. With Best Wishes, Yulia aims to share not only her music but also her uplifting message. This vibrant collection firmly establishes her as a captivating presence in the contemporary jazz scene. In our discussion, we delve into Yulia's artistic journey, exploring the genesis of her passion for jazz, the impact of her academic background and the artists who have served as sources of inspiration for her.

BENNETT PASTER | The JAZZIZ Podcast Dec 21, 2023

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Today, we are joined by Bennett Paster, a keyboardist, composer and producer renowned for his creativity and versatility within the vibrant New York music scene. In this episode of the JAZZIZ Podcast, Paster provides a glimpse into his most recent project, Radiance, an album comprised entirely of his original compositions. Collaborating with Gary Wang on bass and Tony Mason on drums, the album feels like a heartfelt ode to the jazz piano trio. During our conversation, Paster delves into the genesis of the record, expressing his intention to craft subtly profound music and how the album's creation was deeply influenced by the times of the pandemic lockdowns. Paster also shares his thoughts on the significance of groove and elucidates how his music often responds to the complexities of contemporary jazz trends.

SARAH McKENZIE | The JAZZIZ Podcast Dec 19, 2023

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Sarah McKenzie is a pianist, vocalist and composer who has captivated audiences across the globe. She joins us today to share insights on her most recent album, Without You, a celebration of the rich Brazilian jazz songwriting tradition via covers and original compositions. The album is dedicated to Antonio Carlos Jobim and marks the continuation of McKenzie's collaboration with two luminaries, guitarist Romero Lubambo and cellist Jacques Morelenbaum, following their 2020 remote recording of "Corcovado."

On Without You, the trio is augmented by the talents of bassist Geoff Gascoyne, drummer Peter Erskine and percussionist Rogerio Boccato, plus guest appearances by Bob Sheppard on flute and soprano saxophone. In today's JAZZIZ Podcast conversation, McKenzie delves into her deep love and appreciation for the Brazilian jazz songwriting tradition and takes us on a journey back to the roots of this album, a journey that began at a memorable grand opening of The Blue Note in Rio de Janeiro in 2017.

SHUTEEN ERDENEBAATAR | The JAZZIZ Podcast Dec 12, 2023

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This week, we share a conversation with rising star pianist and composer Shuteen Erdenebaatar, who hails from Mongolia and is currently based in Germany. She comes from a musical family and has a strong background in classical music, as well as a longstanding passion for jazz. They come together in her startlingly mature debut album, Rising Sun, released on the Motéma label. This quartet release not only showcases her refined pianistic voice but also her compositional prowess. In this JAZZIZ Podcast conversation, we find out more about her journey and the birth of her love of jazz. We also talk about her inspirations, her approaches to improvisation and composition, and some of her future ambitions.

JANET EVRA | The JAZZIZ Podcast Dec 05, 2023

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Today, our guest is Janet Evra, a jazz vocalist and bassist of international stature with roots in England and currently based in St. Louis, Missouri. She's here to celebrate the enchanting allure of Paris and the rich French musical tradition through her latest album, Meet Me in Paris, which features a blend of cover songs and two original compositions. During our conversation, we delved into the inspiration behind this project and her affection for France and its iconic capital. We also talk about the talented individuals who contributed to this album's realization and Janet's own remarkable artistic journey.

JEFF LORBER | The JAZZIZ Podcast Nov 28, 2023

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Today's guest is GRAMMY-winning keyboardist, composer and bandleader Jeff Lorber, whose musical journey has been marked by unwavering passion, technical virtuosity, innovative spirit and genuine dedication, and has served as a wellspring of inspiration for countless artists over a span of more than five decades. He recently released a new album with the Jeff Lorber Fusion, showcasing new original compositions performed with a stellar ensemble on The Drop. In our conversation, we talk about the record's artistic statement, as well as the evolution of his Jeff Lorber Fusion project over the years, and we even take this opportunity to delve into his musical formation and his experience of battling Polycystic Kidney Disease.

RANDOLPH NOEL | The JAZZIZ Podcast Nov 23, 2023

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Today, we welcome pianist, composer and arranger Randoph Noel to the JAZZIZ Podcast. Noel is also known for his past collaborations with such great artists as Abbey Lincoln and Barry Harris. Now, he offers seven original compositions on his new album, Elements and Orbits, which comes about 20 years after his debut as a leader, Hands on the Plow (2003). In this conversation, we talk about how each track on Elements and Orbits represents a different aspect of Noel's artistic personality and the diversity of jazz. We also talk about the influence of his family on his journey in music and how this record was partly born of a desire to respond and reflect on the tumultuousness of recent times.

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