The Cool Toddcast - All about jazz.

Episode 94 - A Conversation With Outstanding Drummer Billy Drummond Jan 25, 2023

Billy reveals his life long fascination with and love for the drums.

Episode 93 - Catching Up With Brilliant Pianist Marc Copland Jan 18, 2023

Marc and Todd discuss their past, present, and future.

Episode 92 - Getting To Know Saxophonist Erena Terakubo Jan 11, 2023

Erena discusses her journey as a jazz saxophonist.

Episode 91 - A Great Exchange With Bassist Russell Hall Jan 04, 2023

Russell discusses his background and what music means to him.

Episode 90 - A Conversation With Pianist Miki Yamanaka Dec 28, 2022

Miki discusses her background and learning process.

Episode 89 - A Conversation With Emerging Saxophonist Chris Lewis Dec 21, 2022

Todd learns about Chris' musical background.

Episode 88 - Meet Vibraphone Dynamo Chien Chien Lu Dec 14, 2022

Todd gets to know Chien Chien's fascinating story of her journey in music.

Episode 87 - A Conversation With Improvisational Saxophonist Caroline Davis. Dec 07, 2022

Todd and Caroline discuss her varied musical interests.

Episode 86 - Get To Know Saxophonist, Composer/Arranger, And Educator Bob Mintzer Nov 30, 2022

Todd and Bob discuss the multi-faceted aspects of his musical career.

Episode 85 - Getting To Know Joe Saylor, Drummer For The Late Show With Stephen Colbert Nov 23, 2022

Joe discusses his background and the path he took that eventually placed him in a position he never expected.

Episode 84 - A Conversation With Sensational Trumpeter And Educator Clay Jenkins Nov 16, 2022

Todd gets to know much about Clay's background and musical development.

Episode 83 - A Conversation With Drummer Aaron Kimmel Nov 09, 2022

Aaron discusses his trajectory toward becoming an in-demand drummer on the New York scene today.

Episode 82 - A Conversation With Vibraphonist Simon Moullier Nov 02, 2022

Simon shares his thoughts about his journey in music.

Episode 81 - A Conversation With Multi-Faceted Musician Ari Hoenig Oct 26, 2022

Todd and Ari discuss the many musical hats that Ari wears.

Episode 80 - Reminiscing about James Moody with Linda Moody Oct 19, 2022

Todd and Linda express their mutual love of James Moody.

Episode 79 - A Conversation With Guitarist Doug Munro Oct 12, 2022

Doug and Todd discuss their mutual experiences in the music business.

Episode 78 - A Conversation With Educator And Saxophonist David Demsey Oct 05, 2022

Longtime colleagues and friends Dave and Todd discuss their lives inside and outside of music.

Episode 77 - A Conversation With Impresario and Festival Producer Extraordinaire Danny Melnick Sep 28, 2022

Danny and Todd look at the music business from the presenter's perspective.

Episode 76 - A Conversation With Trumpeter/Vocalist Benny Benack III Sep 21, 2022

Benny and Todd discuss all that goes into being a jazz musician in today's topsy-turvy music business.

Episode 75 - A Conversation With Trumpeter Brandon Lee Sep 08, 2022

Brandon discusses his background and what the factors of his success are.

Episode 74 - Wisdom From The Masters Aug 31, 2022

Todd discusses some sage advice by way of Jazz Master Benny Golson.

Episode 73 - A Conversation With Pianist And Influencer Emmet Cohen Aug 24, 2022

Todd and Emmet discuss the many facets of Emmet's musical spheres.

Episode 72 - Getting To Know Young In-Demand Bassist Alex Claffy Aug 17, 2022

Todd explores Alex Claffy's beginnings and evolution in the music business.

Episode 71 - A Follow Up Visit With Guitarist Dave Stryker Aug 09, 2022

This is part two of an earlier visit I had with guitarist Dave Stryker.

Episode 70 - A Get Together With Saxophonist And Educator Tom Walsh Aug 03, 2022

Tom discusses his early years and how they led to his being appointed Director of the jazz studies program at the Indiana university Jacobs School of Music.

Episode 69 - A Conversation With Prolific Drummer Bill Stewart Jul 27, 2022

Bill and Todd delve into Bill's history and his activities as a jazz drummer.

Episode 68 - A Great Hang With Chicago-Based Guitarist And Longtime Friend Henry Johnson Jul 20, 2022

Henry and Todd go way back and were essentially cut from the same cloth. We share our many experiences in jazz music.

Episode 67 - A Great Hang With Friend And Colleague, Trombonist Steve Davis Jul 13, 2022

Steve and Todd exchange stories and experiences that reveal very similar paths in music.

Episode 66 - Getting To Know Trombonist Becca Patterson Jul 06, 2022

Todd gets to know a valued colleague, trombonist Becca Patterson.

Episode 65 - A Conversation With Rising Star, Tenor Saxophonist Sam Dillon Jun 29, 2022

Sam discusses his path from its beginning to the present and reveals many lessons he has learned from his mentors along the way.

Episode 64 - A Discussion With Saxophonist, Bandleader, And Educator David DeJesus Jun 22, 2022

Todd & David discuss aspects of the music, of education, and how to survive in the music business today.

Episode 63 - A Conversation With Youthful Drummer Jimmy Macbride Jun 08, 2022

Todd and Jimmy discuss Jimmy's path into music and a perception of a possible generation gap among jazz musicians.

Episode 62- A Wide Ranging Conversation With Master Trumpet Player Terell Stafford Jun 01, 2022

Todd and Terell free associate and reveal many aspects of their histopry that come as surprises to one another.

Episode 61 - Ed Soph. A Musician Who Plays The Drums, A Leading Teacher Of The Drum Set, And A Dear Friend To Boot!. May 25, 2022

Ed and I discuss aspects of mentorship, the younger players coming into the field, and observations about teaching.

Episode 60 - A Lively Conversation With Charles Ellison: Musician, Mentor, Teacher, Composer, Humanitarian May 18, 2022

Charles and Todd Free Associate On Several Topics Spanning Music, Education, Society, Community, And The Universe!

Episode 59 - A Hang With Veteran New York Saxophonist Dick Oatts May 11, 2022

Todd and Dick discuss their paths in music and the multitude of lessons they have learned from their peers.

Episode 58 - A Get Together With A Fine Drummer, Teacher, And Friend, John Riley May 04, 2022

John and Todd discuss their beginnings upon arriving in New York, and what has transpired since.

Episode 57 - Great Insights From Esteemed Saxophonist Steve Wilson Apr 27, 2022

Steve and Todd cover a lot of ground discussing various aspects of life as a jazz musician.

Episode 56 - A Conversation With Dutch Bassist Joris Teepe Apr 20, 2022

Todd and Joris get into a wide ranging discussion about their experiences in the music business.

Episode 55 - A Conversation With Saxophonist And Educator Walter Smith III Apr 13, 2022

Walter and Todd touch on a variety of subjects pertaining to Walter's background and recent activities.

Episode 54 - Randy Brecker Discusses Various Aspects Of His Illustrious Career Apr 06, 2022

Randy touches on several subjects that illuminate what it takes to become a first call musician on today's New York scene.

Episode 53 - Getting To Know Composer And Bandleader Jihye Lee Mar 30, 2022

Jihye reveals her unusual journey in becoming a composer and forming a jazz orchestra to perform her original music.

Episode 52 - Rare Insights From First Call New York City Bassist Peter Washington Mar 23, 2022

Peter and Todd reveal mutual concerns, experiences, and observations about what being a jazz musician entails.

Episode 51 - A Conversation With Pianist Vladimir Shafranov. Mar 16, 2022

Vlad and Todd go way back and get caught up on current and past events.

Episode 50 - A Get Together With Esteemed Pianist and Composer Kenny Barron Mar 09, 2022

Kenny discusses various aspects of his outstanding career.

Episode 49 - A Conversation With Saxophonist Eric Person Mar 02, 2022

Eric discusses his background and the arrival of a long awaited project that has just been released.

Episode 48 - A Get Together With Singing Sensation Samara Joy Feb 23, 2022

Samara Joy discusses her background and her sudden rise as a jazz vocalist of note.

Episode 47 - A Conversation With Paquito D'Rivera Feb 16, 2022

Two old friends discuss their experiences in jazz music.

Episode 46 - A Conversation With Esteemed Pianist George Cables Feb 09, 2022

George discusses his background and history and shares his views on his approach to playing music with others.

Episode 45 - A Conversation With Esteemed Guitarist, Composer, And Bandleader Pat Metheny Feb 02, 2022

Pat and Todd discuss various aspects of playing and thinking about music.

Episode 44 - A Conversation With Legendary Vibraphonist Terry Gibbs Jan 26, 2022

Terry discusses the many facets of his 80 year career in the music business.

Episode 43 - A Conversation With Tenor Saxophonist And Flutist Lew Tabackin Jan 19, 2022

Lew reveals some of his earliest influences in his formative years and describes the challenge of playing both tenor saxophone and flute.

Episode 42 - A Conversation With Classical Pianist,Instructor, And Fellow Podcaster Yukimi Song Jan 12, 2022

Yukimi has expressed a sincere interest in learning to play jazz. Todd and Yukimi discuss the challenges, as well as the similarities and differences of the classical and jazz art forms.

Episode 41 - A Conversation With, "THE JAZZ MANAIC," Fantastic Drummer Kenny Washington Jan 05, 2022

Kenny and Todd compare notes and experiences over their 40 plus years as jazz musicians.

Episode 40 - A Conversation With Multi-Genre Trumpet Player And Educator Ray Vega Dec 29, 2021

Todd and Ray get caught up on their past and present jazz activities.

Episode 39 - A Conversation With Pianist, Composer, Grammy-Winning Arranger, And Educator Bill Cunliffe Dec 22, 2021

Bill and Todd discuss jazz matters that they have both experienced.

Episode 38 - A Conversation With John Goldsby, Fantastic Bassist With The WDR Big Band In Cologne, Germany Dec 14, 2021

Todd and John have been friends and colleagues for decades and get all caught up with each other's activities.

Episode 37 - A Revealing Conversation With Masterful Trombonist Michael Dease. Dec 08, 2021

Michael Dease discusses his history in music and what music means to him.

Episode 36 - Todd Gets The Inside Story From Pianist And New York City Jazz Club Owner Spike Wilner Of Smalls And Mezzrow. Dec 01, 2021

Todd and Spike discuss his decision to buy into two jazz clubs in New York, his commitment to artistic integrity, and how things have been during the covid shutdown and since the reopening.

Episode 35 - A Conversation With Outstanding Guitarist Dave Stryker Nov 17, 2021

Dave and Todd discuss aspects of Dave's career as a performer and educator and how Dave became the outstanding player he is today.

Episode 34 - A Conversation With Highly Regarded Tenor Saxophonist Jimmy Greene Nov 10, 2021

Jimmy and Todd discuss the importance of instrumental music in the schools, the idea and benefits of mentoring, and various aspects of Jimmy's illustrious and still evolving career.

Episode 33 - A Conversation With The Great Drummer Lewis Nash Nov 03, 2021

Lewis Nash, one of the most in-demand drummers of our time, checks in up with his friend and colleague, bassist Todd Coolman, as they compare notes over the last 40 years on the jazz scene.

Episode 32 - The Unusual Path Of A Highly Respected Nonagenarian Jazz Musician. Oct 27, 2021

Bassist Bill Crow discusses his background and life as a professional jazz musician spanning seventy plus years!

Episode 31 - My Time With Benny Goodman Oct 21, 2021

Todd recounts his early years when he was a member of Benny Goodman's quintet and the valuable lessons he learned from the process.

Episode 30 - A Conversation With Master Musician Christian McBride Oct 15, 2021

Christian and Todd cover a lot of ground in an energized discussion between two guys in the trenches!

Episode 29 - My Life With James Moody Oct 06, 2021

Bassist Todd Coolman recounts some of his fondest memories of being a member of the James Moody Quartet for 25 years.

Episode 28.1 - Addendum Sep 29, 2021

This addendum is offered to shore up an omission in Episode 28. If you listened to Episode 28, please be sure to listen to this addendum in order to clear up a previous omission.

Episode 28 - More Listeners Questions Answered Sep 29, 2021

Todd receives several emails from listeners with all kinds of interesting questions about jazz. In this episode, he has taken some of the more interesting questions and provides his answers and insights on a variety of subjects.

Episode 27 - A Conversation With Bassist And Composer Extraordinaire John Clayton Sep 22, 2021

John and I go way back to college days and catch up on all things musical, life-wise, and recreational. A free-wheeling discussion between good friends and colleagues.

Episode 26 - A Conversation With Tenor Saxophonist Ralph Moore Sep 15, 2021

Ralph and I have been cohorts and friends for many years, but our paths have not crossed in several years. We get caught up by discussing our activities since the, "Old days." We discuss how we have navigated the changing landscapes that have occurred in the music business in the recent past and what our hopes are for the future.

Episode 25 - Meeting Miles Davis Sep 08, 2021

I discuss a chance and most memorable meeting I had with jazz icon Miles Davis in front of his home in New York City around 1980.

Episode 24 - A Conversation With Guitarist Peter Bernstein Sep 01, 2021

Peter and I discuss various aspects of our combine experience in jazz music, and Peter provides valuable insights into how musicians personalities merge and combine to create great music. He also has some great observations relating to students of the music. lxCdVW958xSBblqVLItV

Episode 23 - And You Thought Being On The Road Was Fun... Aug 25, 2021

Jazz bassist Todd Coolman recounts one of hundreds of stories he has experienced firsthand, having traveled the world several times over for the past 45 years as a free lance musician.

Episode 22: A Conversation With Drummer Joe Farnsworth Aug 18, 2021

Joe and I discuss his early interest in playing the drums, and his myriad experiences and wisdom bestowed upon him by the acknowledged masters of jazz music.

Episode 21 - A conversation with bassist and educator Doug Weiss Aug 11, 2021

Doug and I discuss an awareness we have of the ways we sometimes influence our students beyond the study of music.

Episode 20 - A Conversation With Acclaimed Jazz Bassist, Educator, And Composer, Rufus Reid Aug 04, 2021

Rufus and I discuss the breadth of his multi-faceted career.

Episode 19 - How To Improve At Anything. Jul 28, 2021

Using a model I have incorporated for practicing playing a musical instrument, parallels are drawn to illustrate how this method can apply to almost any human endeavor.

Episode 18 - A Conversation with NEA Jazz Master Dave Liebman. Jul 21, 2021

Dave reveals things he learned working in the bands of Elvin Jones and Miles Davis, as well as discussing his involvement in jazz education. He also articulates the reasons for why he chose the path he has been on and continues to forge.

Episode 17 - A Conversation with pianist/composer Renee Rosnes Jul 14, 2021

Renee describes her activities during the recent 15 month shutdown, and what she is now doing now that things are beginning to open up. She is a very busy and active individual in today's jazz scene!

Episode 16 - A conversation with Music Therapist and fellow Podcaster Tammy Takaishi Jul 07, 2021

Tammy reveals the many facets of what music therapy entails and relates a variety of her experiences in the field. Additionally she discusses her podcast, "The Creative Peacemeal Podcast" that deals with arts and creativity advocacy.

Episode 15 - A conversation with pianist/composer/arranger/conductor/teacher Jim McNeely Jun 30, 2021

Jim discusses his evolution as a Grammy nominated composer and delves into aspects of his creative process.

Episode 14 - The Show Must Go On! - The trials and tribulations of a jazz musician revealed. Jun 23, 2021

Todd Coolman recounts an incident that occurred during a performance he participated in. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned.

Episode 13 - A conversation with vocalist/pianist Dena DeRose Jun 16, 2021

Dena and I discuss her decision to move out of New York and over to Austria back in 2006 and what has transpired for her since that time. She has an interesting story!

Episode 12 - Answers to listeners questions Jun 09, 2021

Listeners email me questions about anything pertaining to jazz at: cooltoddcast@gmail.com
Occasionally, I select questions from all that are submitted and answer them on my show. Have a listen and see what is on the minds of my listeners.

Episode 11 - An interview with the fantastic pianist and organist Mike Ledonne. Jun 02, 2021

Mike talks about his performing experiences, his Disability Pride Parade, and his soon to be released recording.

Episode 10 - A Conversation with trumpet virtuoso and educator Jon Faddis. May 26, 2021

A Conversation with trumpet player Jon Faddis.

Episode 9 - A conversation with three-time Grammy Award winner, drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, and her work with the Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice. May 19, 2021

A conversation with three-time Grammy Award winner, drummer Terri Lyne Carrington.

Episode 8 - A conversation with veteran and highly esteemed pianist, composer, bandleader, and educator, Hal Galper. May 12, 2021

A conversation with pianist Hal Galper.

Episode 7 - The Jazz Dance Suites - A conversation with the Charles McPherson family about a wonderful collaboration between jazz music and dance. May 05, 2021

The Jazz Dance Suites. A collaboration between saxophonist and composer Charles McPherson and the San Diego Ballet. A discussion with Charles McPherson, Lynn Sundfor-McPherson and Camille McPherson about the process of putting this production together.

Episode 6 - Listener's questions answered. Apr 28, 2021

From an array of questions that listeners to this podcast have emailed me, I have chosen a few to answer in this episode. The questions are really good, and I hope the answers are as well!

Episode 5 - A conversation with esteemed bassist Ron Carter Apr 21, 2021

Ron Carter discusses aspects of his career, the current pandemic, thoughts on music education, and offers interesting insights on the ways recorded music has been presented over the years.

Episode 4 - An engaging conversation with Grammy Award-winning pianist Bill Charlap. Apr 14, 2021

Bill Charlap discusses his career as a jazz pianist and offers acute insights into the American Popular Song.

Episode 3 - A conversation with the legendary jazz educator and NEA Jazz Master, Jamey Aebersold. Apr 07, 2021

A conversation with the legendary jazz educator and NEA Jazz Master, Jamey Aebersold.

Episode 2 - Todd Coolman recounts the experience of being the bassist for the Horace Silver Quintet for two years. Mar 31, 2021

Todd Coolman recounts the experience of being the bassist for the Horace Silver Quintet for two years.

Episode 1 - Introducing The Cool Toddcast and your host, bassist Todd Coolman. Also, announcing a contest for participants. Mar 24, 2021

This is the first episode of The Cool Toddcast, about all things jazz. In this episode, I am the subject of a recent interview by Shout Radio, a show in The United Kingdom that boasts 200,000 listeners worldwide. It will provide you with an overview on my 45 year career in the jazz performance and education fields. I’ll play this short interview to provide you with some background on my experiences in the jazz world, and I’ll also let you how to submit your questions to me and enter a contest to win free stuff!

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