JAZZIZ Not What You Think

Latest Episodes:

RANDALL KLINE, Founder and Executive Artistic Director of SFJAZZ | JAZZIZ Travel Podcast Jun 02, 2023

Show notes

Join us in the latest episode of JAZZIZ Travel, where we have the honor of sitting down with Randall Kline, the visionary co-founder and Executive Artistic Director of SFJAZZ. As this incredible organization celebrates its remarkable 40th anniversary, we delve into its intriguing history and unwavering mission statement, solidifying SFJAZZ as a true trailblazer within the jazz community.

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on SFJAZZ's highly anticipated summer concert series—a three-month-long celebration overflowing with over 100 awe-inspiring performances. From the renowned 40th Annual San Francisco Jazz Festival (June 7 to June 18) to the captivating SFJAZZ Summer Sessions (July 13 to August 20), the stage is set for an unforgettable musical experience. Nestled in the heart of San Francisco's vibrant district, the SF JAZZ Center stands as the epicenter of these extraordinary events. But fear not if you can't attend in person, for technology bridges the gap with the SFJAZZ livestream platform, SFJAZZ At Home.

TERRI LYNE CARRINGTON | The JAZZIZ Podcast Jun 01, 2023

Show notes

Today, we are honored to have a true legend in the world of jazz as our guest: NEA Jazz Master and multi-GRAMMY Award-winning artist, Terri Lyne Carrington. With a remarkable career spanning over four decades, Carrington has not only collaborated with jazz’s greatest luminaries but has also fearlessly ventured into groundbreaking projects of her own. A true maverick, she has seamlessly blended jazz with other art forms, pushing the boundaries of the genre and forging new paths. But her impact extends beyond her music. As an educator, she has made significant contributions as the Founder and Artistic Director of the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice. Through this institution, Carrington has been a guiding force in recruiting, teaching, mentoring, and advocating for musicians to study jazz with the principles of racial and gender justice at the forefront.

Carrington’s latest endeavor, the album new STANDARDS vol 1, is a testament to her unwavering dedication to uplifting the voices of women composers in jazz. This star-studded album, which recently won a GRAMMY Award for Best Instrumental Jazz Album, features eleven compositions from Carrington’s book, New Standards: 101 Lead Sheets By Women Composers. It is a celebration of the immense talent and contribution of women in jazz. In our conversation with the artist, we delve into her latest projects and initiatives, shedding light on the inspiration and intention behind them. We also explore stories from her illustrious past, including memories of the late, great Wayne Shorter, a jazz icon with whom Carrington had the privilege of working closely.

RICHARD NILES | The JAZZIZ Podcast May 23, 2023

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Richard Niles is a multi-talented guitarist, composer, arranger and producer who has worked with some of the biggest names in popular music, including Paul McCartney, Ray Charles, the Pet Shop Boys and Grace Jones, to name but a very few. He has also worked within a huge variety of genres and contexts, led an acclaimed jazz orchestra, Bandzilla, since 1987, and released many celebrated albums as a bandleader. His most recent work is titled Niles Smiles, a groove-driven full-length recording where he unleashes new compositions for his Octet. Additionally, Niles has also released a new book, Adventures in Arranging, where he shares arranging techniques and analysis and gives inspiring advice and insider tips on how to work with record companies, songwriters, artists, managers and producers.

Vince Mendoza: Exploring the Art of Composition & A Deep Dive into the Creative Process May 15, 2023

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In this episode, we sit down with renowned American composer and arranger, Vince Mendoza, to discuss his approach to the art of composition. With a career spanning over four decades, Vince has worked with some of the biggest names in jazz and classical music, including Joni Mitchell, Sting, and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. We delve into Vince's creative process, exploring his methods for coming up with musical ideas and his approach to orchestration. He shares insights into his experiences working with different artists and how he adapts his style to fit their unique voices. Throughout the episode, we also touch on the challenges faced by modern composers and the importance of constantly evolving one's style to stay relevant in the ever-changing music industry. Whether you're a composer yourself or simply a lover of music, this conversation with Vince Mendoza is sure to provide a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of the greatest composers of our time. #jazziz

Jazz Across Genres: A Conversation with Grammy-Winning Pianist and Composer Billy Childs May 12, 2023

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In this episode, we are joined by the multi-talented musician, Billy Childs, to discuss his remarkable career in jazz music. As a pianist, composer, and arranger, Billy has won four Grammy Awards and has worked with a diverse range of artists, including Dianne Reeves, Chris Botti, and Sting. We dive deep into Billy's creative process, exploring how he draws inspiration from different genres of music to create his unique sound. He shares insights into his approach to composing and arranging for large ensembles, as well as his experience working with some of the biggest names in the music industry. Throughout the conversation, we also touch on the challenges faced by jazz musicians today, and the importance of pushing boundaries and taking risks to keep the genre alive and relevant. Whether you're a jazz aficionado or simply a lover of music, this conversation with Billy Childs is sure to provide a fascinating insight into the world of jazz across genres. #Jazziz

ALLEGRA LEVY | The JAZZIZ Podcast #25 May 09, 2023

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This week's JAZZIZ Podcast is a conversation with jazz singer/songwriter Allegra Levy, known for her richly sweet yet swinging alto voice and for writing catchy, emotive songs grounded in tradition with a nod to the progressive. Her new album finds her bringing her distinctive brand of sweet, swinging elegance straight to the hearts of young and old alike with her first album for children and families. Songs for You and Me offers families a jewel-box collection of sparkling songs that fit right in with the music Levy loved while growing up. "This album was written for everyone," she says via an official press release, "because the little kid in us still just wants to sing along."

How Cory Wong Became the Funk Master of the Guitar | A Musical Journey May 04, 2023

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In this podcast interview, we sit down with the incredibly talented musician and guitarist, Cory Wong. Known for his unique blend of funk, jazz, and soul, Cory has made a name for himself in the music industry as both a solo artist and a collaborator with some of the biggest names in the business. Throughout the conversation, we dive into Cory's creative process, his influences, and his experiences working with artists like Vulfpeck, Snarky Puppy, and more. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just discovering Cory's music for the first time, this interview is a must-watch for anyone interested in the world of modern funk and jazz.

AVI ADRIAN | The JAZZIZ Podcast #24 Apr 25, 2023

Show notes

Avi Adrian is one of the most prominent and influential pianists and jazz players in Israel. A unique interpreter in his field, Adrian has an extensive performance record as a soloist and in a variety of jazz ensembles. A passionate autodidact Adrian is also a fine trombonist and has been the conductor for the IDF Orchestra during his service in the Israeli Army. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with many of the greats and has received much recognition for his music, including the 2007 Israeli Prime Minister Award for Jazz Composers.

His latest release is the second album from the Songs from a Dream project, which highlights and celebrates the wonderful creativity of Adar Broshi. A young visionary composer/musician/multidisciplinary artist, Broshi died of cancer at the age of 19. Each track of this record reflects and fuses different inspirations of the young composer, who grew up in three different continents and was exposed from an early age to many musical styles. Speaking about the record, Adrian said in an official statement that, "the work stemmed from a real passion to express Adar's imagination and I enjoyed every moment."

KEIKO MATSUI | The JAZZIZ Podcast #23 Apr 13, 2023

Show notes

Pianist/composer/humanitarian Keiko Matsui has been a creative force in jazz music for many years. Throughout her career, she has worked with many of the all-time greats, from Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Bob James, Hugh Masekela and beyond. Matsui recently released her landmark 30th recording as a bandleader. Euphoria, out on Shanachie Entertainment, is an all-star session with special guests Lalah Hathaway, Randy Brecker, Mike Stern, Kirk Whalum, Joel Ross and many more. "The album is about the hope that we all carry inside us," says Matsui via a press release, adding that it offers music "dedicated to a new era."

Rickie Lee Jones and Russ Titelman reunite on a new album celebrating the Great American Songbook Apr 11, 2023

Show notes

Rickie Lee Jones has dipped into the Great American Songbook on several occasions with sterling results. She earned a Grammy nomination for her performance of "Autumn Leaves" alongside bassist Rob Wasserman and notched a Grammy win for her duet with Dr. John on "Makin’ Whoopee." And while she’s imparted deeply ingrained jazz sensibilities on her own recordings since her self-titled 1980 debut album, she’s just now getting around to recording an entire album of standards. Pieces of Treasure (BMG Modern), her latest release, also marks her reunion with veteran producer Russ Titelman, who co-produced Jones’ first two Warner Bros. albums with Lenny Waronker. Jones discussed her new album — on which she also reprises the song "Company" from her debut record — with JAZZIZ publisher Michael Fagien. About midway through, Titelman joined the conversation, resulting in a freewheeling discussion about the pair’s long and affectionate relationship, with jazz and with one another #jazziz

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