JAZZIZ Not What You Think

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ADAM BIRNBAUM | The JAZZIZ Podcast Nov 21, 2023

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Today, we welcome the talented pianist Adam Birnbaum to our JAZZIZ Podcast. Birnbaum is also known for his long-standing collaborations with such great artists as Al Foster and Cécile McLorin Salvant. In his latest endeavor, he delves into the world of Johann Sebastian Bach. Preludes, his latest album as a bandleader, features modern jazz trio reimaginings of selections from Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier, a collection of preludes and fugues in all 24 major and minor keys. This captivating album serves as the centerpiece for our conversation, as we also discuss why Birnbaum believes this to be his most personal recording to date.

ARI JOSHUA | The JAZZIZ Podcast Nov 14, 2023

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This week, we welcome guitarist, composer and producer Ari Joshua to the JAZZIZ Podcast. He joins us to share insights on into some of his latest projects, including the diverse musical offerings he has released throughout the year, each reflecting different sides of his creative personality and collaborations with remarkable musicians, including the likes of Billy Martin and John Medeski. During our conversation, we also discuss The Music Factory, his music school with a physical location in Seattle, Washington, and we journey back to his formative years and the people who have helped shape his passion and knowledge of jazz.

RAQUEL BITTON | The JAZZIZ Podcast Nov 07, 2023

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On this episode of the JAZZIZ Podcast, we are delighted to be joined by the acclaimed vocalist Raquel Bitton. The artist shares insights into C’est Magnifique, her celebration of French chansons, which marks her 10th album release. The record features a captivating 24-piece ensemble and is co-produced in collaboration with Rafa Sardina. During our conversation, Raquel Bitton delves into the deeply personal aspects of this album, shedding light on the significance of lyrics and the stories within the songs that guide her selection process. We also explore how the French language can imbue a song with a unique ability to convey thoughts, feelings, emotions, and much more.

VERONICA SWIFT | The JAZZIZ Podcast Nov 02, 2023

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Today, we share our conversation with the globally renowned vocalist Veronica Swift. Having firmly established her presence in the modern jazz landscape, she recently released a self-titled album through Mack Avenue Records that showcases a passionate fusion of diverse musical styles and influences, encapsulating a unique vision of music that Swift aptly defines as “transgenre.” With bold and resounding musical expression, the record pays homage to legendary figures like Beethoven, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Queen and many more, while skillfully and creatively bridging the realms of jazz, European classical music, Italian opera, bossa nova, rock, funk vaudeville and beyond. In our JAZZIZ Podcast conversation, we delve deep into the wellsprings of inspiration behind this visionary project. We also explore the closeness of her “transgenre” concept to an empowering message of identity, touch on the notion of the voice as a powerful instrument in its own right and much more.

QUINN STERNBERG | The JAZZIZ Podcast Oct 31, 2023

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Today, we welcome Quinn Sternberg, an exceptionally skilled bassist, to our JAZZIZ Podcast. His latest album, Walking on Eggshells, released earlier this year on Mind Beach, is a testament to his continued growth as a performer, bandleader and composer. This record features meticulously crafted songs that navigate the complexities of modern life through the prism of group dynamics. Sternberg's versatile talent shines, as he effortlessly switches between acoustic and electric bass, drawing inspiration from diverse influences, from his Midwest musical roots to his time and experience in New Orleans, and incorporating contemporary techniques. The result is a captivating and distinctive fusion of musical styles. During our podcast conversation, we dive deep into the intricacies of Walking on Eggshells, delving into Sternberg's sources of inspiration and the ongoing evolution of his musical journey, among other fascinating topics.

CHARU SURI and BRENT FISCHER | The JAZZIZ Podcast Oct 24, 2023

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Today's episode of the JAZZIZ Podcast is a conversation with Indian-born pianist and composer Charu Suri. The artist's recently released fourth album is evocatively titled Rags & Ragas, and it's an ambitious blend of Indian ragas and New Orleans-style ragtime and jazz. Its program makes for a remarkable and unique showcase of what she has come to define as jazz raga, which she talks more about in this podcast conversation. The album also features some great musicians, including drum legend Joe Lastie, and we are joined on the podcast by one of the record's co-producers and arrangers, Brent Fischer.

RACHEL THERRIEN | The JAZZIZ Podcast Oct 19, 2023

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Today's episode of the JAZZIZ Podcast features a conversation with trumpeter and composer Rachel Therrien. She joins us to talk about Mi Hogar, her first outing with her newly-assembled Latin Jazz Project, an expert band of musicians from all over the world. Mi Hogar translates to 'my home' in Spanish, and the album nods to the many places the Canada-born artist has lived over the years, including Cuba, where she immersed herself in the Latin jazz tradition. In this podcast conversation, Therrien talks more about the experience that helped shape the music of this record, her fascination with Latin jazz and some of her influences, and much more.

ANTONIO ADOLFO | The JAZZIZ Podcast Oct 17, 2023

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With a nearly six decades-long musical journey and a prolific career boasting over 25 albums as a bandleader, renowned pianist, composer and arranger Antonio Adolfo is a true luminary in the realm of Brazilian music. His latest album, Bossa 65: Celebrating Carlos Lyra and Roberto Menescal, marks a significant milestone in his oeuvre, as he commemorates the 65th anniversary of Bossa Nova, the iconic musical genre that originated on the sultry streets of Rio de Janeiro and remains a profound influence in the world of music to this very day. In this engaging conversation, Adolfo directs our attention to two of Bossa Nova's foremost composers, Carlos Lyra and Roberto Menescal, whose music he spotlights on this latest recording, skillfully reimagining some of their timeless compositions and enlisting the talents of a stellar ensemble of Brazilian musicians to bring his vision of their work to life. Join us as we also explore the enduring legacy of Bossa Nova, delve into the profound personal impact of Lyra and Menescal on Adolfo's career and much more.

LENNIE MOORE | The JAZZIZ Podcast Oct 10, 2023

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Today, we share our conversation with Lennie Moore about his new album, Mentors. With a distinguished career as a composer, arranger and orchestrator, Moore has left an indelible mark across multiple media, including video games, commercials, film and television. His latest album, Mentors, pays tribute to the guiding lights in his artistic journey via original compositions and fulfils his dream of recording a big band sensation. Throughout our podcast conversation, we also tap into Moore's rich and award-winning work in video game scoring and harness his vast knowledge as the Technology and Applied Composition at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music to unravel the latest tech trends in music, including the ever-expanding role of Artificial Intelligence.

UTE LEMPER | The JAZZIZ Podcast Oct 05, 2023

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In this week’s episode of the JAZZIZ Podcast, we chat with iconic chanteuse and dancer Ute Lemper about her latest album, Time Traveler. Known for her 1920s Weimar repertoire interpretations, Lemper’s new work finds her embracing a more contemporary sound, blending neo-soul, jazz and alternative R&B. The album features original compositions inspired by rediscovered recordings from her archives. In this episode of our podcast series, we explore the making of Time Traveler and Lemper’s evolution as a songwriter, performer and interpreter, while also touching on key moments from her illustrious career and influential experiences.

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