All That’s Jazz
- Episodes
- 100
- Released
- every two weeks
- Latest episode
- Nov 8, 2026
About the podcast
This is where you'll hear conversations and the backstory about everything that's Jazz. Topics we'll explore include it all…artist profiles, the next generation, educators, festivals, venues, producers, photographers, painters, broadcasters, writers, even food and recipes from some of your favorite musicians.
Episodes 100
Season 7 Episode 15 Jocelyn Gould
JUNO Award-winning Canadian guitarist and composer, Jocelyn Gould, honors the organ trio tradition of icons - guitar players who came up in organ bands throughout history, like Grant Green, Wes Montgomery, and …
Show notes
JUNO Award-winning Canadian guitarist and composer, Jocelyn Gould, honors the organ trio tradition of icons - guitar players who came up in organ bands throughout history, like Grant Green, Wes Montgomery, and Kenny Burrell - with her latest release, ‘So Delighted’, out now on LaReserve Records. Blending five original compositions with five standards, this remarkable album features Ben Paterson on organ and Fabio Ragnelli on drums, with guest appearances from saxophonist Christine Jensen, trumpeter Jon Challoner, and guitarist Joey Landreth.
Like the guitar masters who came before her, Jocelyn is a storyteller who has been gaining critical praise for her ability to develop narratives, both live and in the studio. For ‘So Delighted’, she wanted something cheerful that would make people feel good, and there's no doubt she delivers.
In this episode, you will learn why Jocelyn is considered among the best artists on the current scene. Enjoy my conversation with the delightful Jocelyn Gould.
Season 7 Episode 14 Ron Carter
It is rare that a journalist or podcaster gets an opportunity to have an extended conversation with a legendary, iconic figure in the music business. Recently for me, the stars were aligned when I was offered a …
Show notes
It is rare that a journalist or podcaster gets an opportunity to have an extended conversation with a legendary, iconic figure in the music business. Recently for me, the stars were aligned when I was offered a chance to have an engaging dialogue with the "Maestro" - NEA Jazz Master and bass virtuoso, Ron Carter.
As you know, Carter is one of the most original, prolific and influential bassists in jazz who also has a prominent presence in other music genres, as well. Our discussion gives you a revealing insight into this artist who is serious and passionate about his music and, as I discovered, also has a "serious" sense of humor. We cover a variety of topics, like his popular annual October residency known as “Rontober” at Birdland Jazz Club, his recent heart-felt jazz/gospel album, ‘Sweet Sweet Spirit’ - a tribute to his late mother - and a variety of other subjects, as well.
Season 7 Episode 13 Doc Watkins
When you think of Texas, the first thing that comes to mind is probably not jazz. But there is a man named Doc Watkins who could change all of that. Watkins is a jazz musician, club owner, entrepreneur, tech …
Show notes
When you think of Texas, the first thing that comes to mind is probably not jazz. But there is a man named Doc Watkins who could change all of that. Watkins is a jazz musician, club owner, entrepreneur, tech founder, pianist, singer, and bandleader who is on a mission to build community through live jazz and hospitality. Ironically, Doc Watkins earned his bachelor's degree in classical piano from Southern Oregon University and his Masters and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Texas. Initially, he could be heard in a concert hall at the piano playing music like Ravel's Rapsodie Espagnole. But it wasn't long before he realized the classical music world was not going to pay the bills. So, in his late 20's, Doc began devoting his life pursuits to music like jazz where he could even make Beethoven swing. A new musical career path was launched.
Doc started by playing “dive bars” and street corner gigs, all with the goal of eventually building a business organization. He opened his first club, Jazz, TX in San Antonio, in 2016; Doc’s in Houston opened in 2025, and he has a new club scheduled for Chicago in 2027. With 10 albums to his credit, Doc also performs with his eleven-piece orchestra. Plus, he is the co-founder and CEO of TurnTable, a ticketing and marketing software company created specifically for jazz clubs. Recently, Doc added author to his resume with a new book, “Jazz, TX: A Love Letter to Live Music, Community, and the Little Club That Could,” which is part memoir, part ode to jazz, and part entrepreneurial playbook.
Join me now for a wide-ranging discussion with Doc Watkins that truly doesn’t miss a beat.
Season 7 Episode 12 Benny Green PT 2
This episode is Part Two of our continued conversation with the gifted and engaging jazz pianist Benny Green. In Part One, we explored the stories and insights behind the decades-long performing and recording …
Show notes
This episode is Part Two of our continued conversation with the gifted and engaging jazz pianist Benny Green. In Part One, we explored the stories and insights behind the decades-long performing and recording career of this renowned artist.
Our focus of this episode centers around his latest solo piano release called "Renovation" on Sunnyside Records, which was recorded live at Dizzy's Club in New York City. This album features 13 tracks that includes eight original compositions! alongside tunes by Bobby Timmons, Randy Weston, Hoagy Carmichael and Frank Loesser, and Matt Dennis and Tom Adair.
In my conversation with Benny, we explore the stories and inspirations behind the remarkable tracks in this project, beginning with its unique album title.
Season 7 Episode 11 Benny Green PT 1
Benny Green has been described as "a consummate jazz pianist," "a prototypical modern jazzman," and "one of the most gifted jazz pianists around." His performing and recording career covers a period of 40-plus …
Show notes
Benny Green has been described as "a consummate jazz pianist," "a prototypical modern jazzman," and "one of the most gifted jazz pianists around." His performing and recording career covers a period of 40-plus noteworthy years primarily centered around piano-bass-drums trios.
Benny’s musical path, however, is now moving in a different direction that has taken on an emphasis as a solo artist. His latest album, "Renovation," on Sunnyside Records, is his first live solo recording, and it continues a solo piano lineage that began with a collaboration with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers.
We recently caught up with Benny for an engaging conversation that lasted nearly two hours. As a result, we have decided to present Part One of the story exploring Benny’s fascinating history.
Part Two will take a deep dive into his latest project called "Renovation," his first live solo recording from a performance at Dizzy's Club in New York City.
Join us now for Benny Green Part One, as we explore the development of this gifted artist and his musical journey that began in his hometown of Berkley, California.
Season 7 Episode 10 Bria Skonberg
Juno Award-winning artist, vocalist and trumpeter Bria Skonberg, shares the breadth of her vocal expression on her latest release ‘Indigo’, the anticipated partner to ‘Brass’, her earlier 2026 trumpet-centered …
Show notes
Juno Award-winning artist, vocalist and trumpeter Bria Skonberg, shares the breadth of her vocal expression on her latest release ‘Indigo’, the anticipated partner to ‘Brass’, her earlier 2026 trumpet-centered album. Co-produced by Skonberg and her longtime collaborator, Matt Pierson, ‘Indigo’ is a celebration of song, singing, and orchestrating for all the colors of her vocal artistry. Asked frequently whether she’s a singer who plays trumpet or a trumpet player who sings, Bria says she’s “partly neither, and both entirely.” It’s a revelation from the artist who The New York Times calls “the shining hope of hot jazz.”
Join me for my conversation with Bria as we explore the significance and meaning to her of the vocal side of jazz.
Season 7 Episode 9 Kemuel Roig
Cuban-born “Master of the Ivories,” piano sensation Kemuel Roig, has just released a masterfully-crafted album titled ‘3Discovery: Volume 1, featuring eight original compositions. The music is delivered in the …
Show notes
Cuban-born “Master of the Ivories,” piano sensation Kemuel Roig, has just released a masterfully-crafted album titled ‘3Discovery: Volume 1, featuring eight original compositions. The music is delivered in the piano trio format that presents a wide range of Cuban rhythmic styles - from conga to mambo, cha-cha-cha, and danzón - with several tracks incorporating piano tumbao patterns.
The impressive ensemble for this recording includes Cuban-trained musicians, bassist Samuel Burgos, and drummer Juan Armando Diaz, both of whom live in the Miami area.
Kemuel’s extensive touring and performing resume is a star-studded roster of legendary artists that includes icons Aymée Nuviola and Arturo Sandoval. In our conversation, Kemuel credits Sandoval as one of a trio of individuals who have been extraordinarily influential in his successful career development. The other two are renowned pianist and educator, Shelly Berg, and Kemuel’s longtime associate and friend, guitarist and producer Gary Galimidi.
Join me for an in-depth conversation with Kemuel Roig, one of the most versatile and captivating musicians of his generation.
Season 7 Episode 8 Randy Ingram
"Sound Within: A Celebration of Bill Evans" is the latest album by pianist Randy Ingram. This release is Ingram's deeply personal tribute and homage to the legendary jazz pianist. From the beginning of his …
Show notes
"Sound Within: A Celebration of Bill Evans" is the latest album by pianist Randy Ingram. This release is Ingram's deeply personal tribute and homage to the legendary jazz pianist.
From the beginning of his career, Evans was an indelible influence on Ingram, and he knew that he would one day honor Evans with a project celebrating the sound of this jazz piano icon.Randy was determined to wait until the right moment to musically offer his praise and gratitude.
That time is now.
The new release features songs connected with Evans that resonate in meaningful ways. It also includes original compositions penned by Ingram that reflect the profound impact Evans had on him. All of the album’s music is delivered in Ingram's own distinctive musical voice, and is supported by two former collaborators of Bill Evans, drummer Joe La Barbera and bassist Rufus Reid.
My conversation with Randy Ingram about the album’s backstory delves into its creation.
Season 7 Episode 7 Brent Birckhead
Much of the music that we know and love is enjoyed by listening to it over the air waves, on a turntable, a CD player and of course over the internet on our devices but there is nothing like the experience of a …
Show notes
Much of the music that we know and love is enjoyed by listening to it over the air waves, on a turntable, a CD player and of course over the internet on our devices but there is nothing like the experience of a live performance of music. Case in point, is saxophonist/composer Brent Birckhead’s live performance recorded at Baltimore’s Keystone Korner featuring Brent along with an all-star lineup of musicians and special guest stars.
The recording is titled “Exchange, Live at the Keystone Korner”. Brent says the live musical experience is not only special, but like no other; in fact he describes it as an exchange between the musicians and the audience that invests both in the experience.
My conversation with Brent dives into the development, the music, and the story behind “Exchange, Live at the Keystone Korner”.
Season 7 Episode 6 John Clayton Rene Marie
In this episode, we are privileged to have a conversation with Grammy Award-winning bassist, composer and cherished educator John Clayton, plus vocalist and contemporary storyteller René Marie. John just …
Show notes
In this episode, we are privileged to have a conversation with Grammy Award-winning bassist, composer and cherished educator John Clayton, plus vocalist and contemporary storyteller René Marie.
John just recently released his 8th album as a leader and it’s called “the two-o duo project”. This work is a project which allowed him to play a series of duos with René, his longtime collaborator, plus his son and frequent musical partner, 7-time Grammy-nominated pianist and composer Gerald Clayton. The recording spotlights a range of material through different cultural eras, plus lyrical and compositional contributions from both Rene and Gerald.
My conversation with John and Rene is all about how the magic happened in the studio to create this richly textured 11 track album.
Season 7 Episode 5 Julia Keefe
The Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band (JKIBB) – led by celebrated vocalist and band leader Julia Keefe of the Nez Perce tribe, is one of the only jazz big bands in the world comprised exclusively of Native and …
Show notes
The Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band (JKIBB) – led by celebrated vocalist and band leader Julia Keefe of the Nez Perce tribe, is one of the only jazz big bands in the world comprised exclusively of Native and Indigenous people. Julia brings together a 16-piece ensemble to celebrate a largely unrecognized lineage of Indigenous artists in jazz, while presenting new compositions rooted in tribal histories and storytelling. This project is their premiere album titled “Incarnadine.”
The album features music made famous by Indigenous jazz musicians from the Twentieth Century such as jazz singer Mildred Bailey, whose mother was a Coeur d'Alene tribal member, and Jim Pepper a saxophonist, singer and composer of Kaw and Muscogee Heritage. Also playing significantly in the development of Incarnadine is the collaboration between Julia and trumpeter Delbert Anderson of the Dine tribe who is a featured artist on this album.
In my in-depth conversation with Julia Keefe, we learn not only about the music, but about the centuries of struggle, deep beliefs, and unwavering respect of the earth that brought Julia to gift us with this truly remarkable work.
Season 7 Episode 4 Ben Rosenblum
My guest for this episode is pianist, accordionist and composer Ben Rosenblum whose latest project is a musical kaleidoscopic blend of Dominican merengue, West African and Caribbean rhythms, Irish folk music …
Show notes
My guest for this episode is pianist, accordionist and composer Ben Rosenblum whose latest project is a musical kaleidoscopic blend of Dominican merengue, West African and Caribbean rhythms, Irish folk music, neo-soul, J-pop and hard bop and other traditions. The beautiful musical form Ben and his group of top rate, globally influenced ensemble of musicians called the Nebula Project, has created is called “The Longest Way Round”, out now on One Trick Dog Records.
Another significant influence of note for this album is the extensive globetrotting for Rosenblum, who spends about half of his time on the road touring both with his own ensembles, and with Rickie Lee Jones, Catherine Russell and Indian singer Kiran Ahluwalia.
Here is my conversation with Ben Rosenblum about his wild and exhilarating ride across musical boundaries to create “The Longest Way Round.”
Season 7 Episode 3 Jazz Forum Arts
Jazz Forum Arts in Westchester County, New York is a premier, highly successful nonprofit jazz organization with a rich history. Now, after 40 years of artistic excellence, a new era will be ushered in when …
Show notes
Jazz Forum Arts in Westchester County, New York is a premier, highly successful nonprofit jazz organization with a rich history. Now, after 40 years of artistic excellence, a new era will be ushered in when Founder and Executive Director Mark Morganelli and Chief Operating Officer Ellen Prior retire on July 1st of this year. This dynamic duo leaves behind an amazing legacy that includes hosting 300-plus music performances annually at its Jazz Forum Club in Tarrytown, New York, multiple free outdoor concert series, and award-winning jazz educational programs.
Mark Morganelli, a jazz trumpeter and producer, has been a major presence in the New York City and regional jazz scene since 1979, when he opened his first Jazz Forum loft club in Greenwich Village. Ellen Prior, Mark’s wife, has been a presence at JFA events since its earliest days, and formally joined the leadership team in 2015.
With their retirement in the offing, the mantle of leadership is being passed on to Darrian Douglas and Clara Winder.
Douglas, an accomplished jazz drummer for the past 20 years, is an educator, and arts leader, who has served as Director of Programs for Jazz Forum Arts since July 2025. Previously, he served as Executive Director and Co-Founder of Second Line Arts Collective in New Orleans. Winder, currently Marketing Director and a core member of the JFA team for nearly a decade, will become Chief Operating Officer in July 2026, overseeing the Jazz Forum club operations, marketing, audience development, and internal systems that support the organization’s continued growth.
My conversation with the affable Mark Morganelli and the engaging Ellen Prior unfolds the fascinating story behind the Jazz Forum Arts.
Season 7 Episode 2 Stevie Holland
“Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.” ― Miles Kington The topic of this episode is “Talk To Your Tomatoes.” No, my guest is not a person who specializes in …
Show notes
“Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.” ― Miles Kington
The topic of this episode is “Talk To Your Tomatoes.” No, my guest is not a person who specializes in the art of cultivating plants, fruits and vegetables. Instead, “Talk to Your Tomatoes”is actually the title of the latest album from acclaimed jazz vocalist and songwriter, Stevie Holland, that features fresh interpretations of swinging standards, as well as sophisticated original songs written by Stevie and her longtime collaborator and arranger, award-winning composer Gary William Friedman.
So why the title of “Talk to Your Tomatoes”? Well, Stevie is a self-proclaimed Viking who is the youngest of seven children and grew up in a music-filled, Norwegian-Italian household in Westchester County, New York. From that background, a great story grew which yielded the whimsical name. And you’ll learn how when you listen to our fruitful conversation.
Season 7 Episode 1 John Pizzarelli
World-renowned guitarist, vocalist and Grammy Award winner, John Pizzarelli - the son of guitar legend Bucky Pizzarelli - has a fond and deep connection to one of the most revered vocalists of all-time, Mr …
Show notes
World-renowned guitarist, vocalist and Grammy Award winner, John Pizzarelli - the son of guitar legend Bucky Pizzarelli - has a fond and deep connection to one of the most revered vocalists of all-time, Mr. Tony Bennett. John’s father was a frequent sideman for the legendary singer, and even John had his own opportunity to accompany Mr. Bennett for a radio broadcast featuring pianist Ralph Sharon and bassist Jay Leonhart. It should then come as no surprise that during Bennett’s centennial celebration year, John has released a heartfelt tribute album to the late singer called, “Dear Mr. Bennett.”
As preparation for this new release, John assembled a collection of some of Tony Bennett’s most memorable and beloved songs, and will subsequently produce even more tunes for a 5-song EP to be released in conjunction with Bennett’s 100th birthday in August. All of this delightful music is delivered by John, along with bassist Mike Karn and pianist Isaiah J. Thompson.
In this episode, John shares with me his memories and stories about one of the greatest singers of the last century, and how he developed this remarkable album “Dear Mr. Bennett.” Making the conversation even more fun, John breaks out his acoustic guitar to help unfold the stories behind the music.
Season 6 Episode 22 Prestige Records Visual Art
Vinyl jazz album covers are highly collectible, especially if they are from the iconic label of Prestige Records. These classic and cherished covers, especially from 1949 to 1960 are often even framed and …
Show notes
Vinyl jazz album covers are highly collectible, especially if they are from the iconic label of Prestige Records. These classic and cherished covers, especially from 1949 to 1960 are often even framed and displayed as stunning wall art. It was Prestige that ushered in a golden age of jazz through the music of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Billy Taylor and dozens of jazz legends. Their recordings were encased in extraordinary album jackets as part of a whole graphic universe of illustrations and photos.
Prestige was founded by Bob Weinstock who gave designers and photographers a carte blanche freedom to create art that reflected the unbridled spirit of the music. Those designers and photographers included Don Schlitten, David Young, Don Martin, Bob Parent, Reid Miles, Tom Hannan, Esmond Evan’s and others. The amazing story behind the groundbreaking music and art of Prestige has now been chronicled in a new tabletop book published by RIT Press called “Wail: The Visual Language of Prestige Records.”
This remarkable book is authored by Mark Havens and Chris Entwistle. Havens is an artist, photographer and educator whose work has been exhibited internationally and is held in both public and private collections. Entwistle is an artist and illustrator who has used his passion for both jazz and postwar graphic design in his illustration work.
In my conversation with Mark and Chris, we explore the development of the book which took more than a decade of research to uncover hundreds of rare and meticulously photographed covers and never-before-seen sketches and outtakes from album shoots.Season 6 Episode 21 Alyssa Allgood
Releasing EPs for musicians and artists often serve as a primary release strategy for both emerging and established artists. Usually featuring three to six tracks, EPs allow musicians to maintain consistent …
Show notes
Releasing EPs for musicians and artists often serve as a primary release strategy for both emerging and established artists. Usually featuring three to six tracks, EPs allow musicians to maintain consistent content, experiment with new sounds, and keep fans engaged.
Jazz singer, songwriter and arranger Alyssa Allgood feels that EPs allow her to release more content between costly major projects and stay relevant through her own social media efforts.
Alyssa has recently released a six track EP titled “Leap” that she self-composed and arranged, which captures the spirit of taking risks in life and love. She says it’s both a reflection of the struggle, and a celebration of the triumph, to make a leap.
This episode, take the plunge with me as I engage in a conversation with this fascinating and accomplished artist.
Season 6 Episode 20 Julie Benko
‘Euphonic Gumbo’ is not exactly a “Nawlin’s” menu item but instead a tasty musical delight that’s the title of of a new album on Club 44 Records from vocalist and Broadway star Julie Benko, featuring a dazzling …
Show notes
‘Euphonic Gumbo’ is not exactly a “Nawlin’s” menu item but instead a tasty musical delight that’s the title of of a new album on Club 44 Records from vocalist and Broadway star Julie Benko, featuring a dazzling seven-piece band directed by her pianist-arranger husband, Jason Yeager.
This recording is the result of the collaborating couple’s numerous trips to New Orleans where they developed a love for the Crescent City and its rich musical and cultural histories. The album’s title comes from Benko’s original play ‘Down the Line’ that is set in Storyville, New Orlean’s former red-light district, and features the legendary pianist Tony Jackson, a mentor to Jelly Roll Morton, as the central character. Eventually, Benko and Yeager were invited by Birdland mainstay Jim Caruso to bring their musical ensemble to the club where their Big Easy-inspired celebrations have become a beloved winter tradition.
All of this led to the development of the recording ‘Euphonic Gumbo’, and the story unfolds in my conversation with Julie Benko and Jason Yeager.
Season 6 Episode 19 Wild Iris Brass Band
Since 1934, DOWNBEAT magazine has been considered by many to be the Oracle when it comes to coverage of what’s going on in the world of music, especially jazz. Every January, DOWNBEAT publishes their list of …
Show notes
Since 1934, DOWNBEAT magazine has been considered by many to be the Oracle when it comes to coverage of what’s going on in the world of music, especially jazz. Every January, DOWNBEAT publishes their list of the best albums from the previous year. On that coveted list for 2025 is an album from the Wild Iris Brass Band called, “Way Up,” which is the subject of this podcast episode.
The Wild Iris Brass Band was co-founded by saxophonist Jeff Coffin and trombonist Ray Mason. Coffin has worked with Bela Fleck and currently with the Dave Matthews Band and is also the founder of Ear Up Records label. Mason is known for his work with Lauren Daigle and Elvis Costello and is a musician in high demand in the jazz world, as well as other music genres. “Way Up” is the debut album for the Wild Iris Brass Band and features a star-studded roster and guest appearances from Béla Fleck, Steven Bernstein, and Bob Lanzetti and others.
The story behind this recording is a fascinating one as you will learn from my conversation with Jeff Coffin and Ray Mason.
Season 6 Episode 18 Deborah Silver Basie Rocks
What do you get when you combine re-imagined classic rock and roll with jazz music delivered by a Grammy award winning Big Band orchestra and Grammy nominated vocalist? In this case, you get a newly-minted …
Show notes
What do you get when you combine re-imagined classic rock and roll with jazz music delivered by a Grammy award winning Big Band orchestra and Grammy nominated vocalist? In this case, you get a newly-minted Grammy nomination for ‘Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album’ from The Count Basie Orchestra, featuring Billboard’s #1 jazz artist - and our podcast guest - Deborah Silver, for “Basie Rocks!”
This 11 track project is packed with iconic hits from the likes of Elton John, Peter Frampton The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, the Steve Miller Band and more, delivered by The Count Basie Orchestra and Silver, in collaboration with Arturo Sandoval, Kurt Elling, Wycliffe Gordon, Trombone Shorty, Bill Frisell and others.
Join me as our conversation with Deborah Silver discusses her fascinating story, and how her collaboration with The Count Basie Orchestra ultimately led to this extraordinary GRAMMY nominated album.
Season 6 Episode 17 April Varner
April Varner is a rising jazz vocalist and the 2023 winner of the International Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition. Her full-length Christmas album, featuring unique and reimagined holiday standards, is …
Show notes
April Varner is a rising jazz vocalist and the 2023 winner of the International Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition. Her full-length Christmas album, featuring unique and reimagined holiday standards, is called ‘Winter Songs Vol. 2’ just released on the Cellar Music Group label.
We have chosen to showcase the project as one of the standouts from a long list of holiday recordings produced every year at this time. The album features an impressive gathering of Varner collaborators, including GRAMMY- winning producer Ulysses Owens Jr. on drums, bassist Yasushi Nakamura, pianist Luther Allison, guitarist Leandro Pellegrino, and an outstanding vocal trio The Sunhouse Singers, featuring June Cavlan, Kate Kortum, and Joie Bianco.
My holiday gift to you is a conversation with this amazing and talented artist about the development of her holiday recording, as well as a little bit about the backstory of a vocalist and a name you’re going to want to remember.
Season 6 Episode 16 The Nutcracker Remix
The Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra also known as CCJO is one of the Midwest’s most prominent jazz bands. Founded in 2013, CCJO is currently a 17-piece not-for-profit ensemble dedicated to performing …
Show notes
The Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra also known as CCJO is one of the Midwest’s most prominent jazz bands. Founded in 2013, CCJO is currently a 17-piece not-for-profit ensemble dedicated to performing, preserving and teaching jazz as a living art form. More than a decade ago, Rob Parton – the former artistic director of the CCJO – floated the idea of creating a new jazz version of “Nutcracker.”
One might ask why, when in 1960 a couple of jazz giants named Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn created their own jazz version of the work called “The Nutcracker Suite,”which became an iconic and beloved holiday jazz standard.
Moving to the present day, along comes the dynamic duo of CCJO’s current artistic director Eric Lechliter and Doug Lillibridge the CCJO board president who were not at all intimidated, and have now created their own jazzy take on the Nutcracker called the “Nutcracker Remix”. This recording is a 12-track album featuring nine reimagined tracks from the Tchaikovsky ballet and three bonus Christmas-themed tracks sung by powerhouse jazz singer Mandy Gaines.
Eric and Doug have “thrown down the gauntlet” to establish CCJO’s place as a standard-bearer for holiday recordings. Here is our conversation, along with snippets of what we are sure will become a holiday classic.
Season Six Episode 15 Rin Seo
There is a new jazz record of note on the scene created by Rin Seo, a Korea- born composer/conductor, titled ‘City Suite,’ released on the Cellar Music Group record label. Rin was raised in a rich musical …
Show notes
There is a new jazz record of note on the scene created by Rin Seo, a Korea- born composer/conductor, titled ‘City Suite,’ released on the Cellar Music Group record label.
Rin was raised in a rich musical environment encompassing Western classical, Theater, and Korean folk music, but her work and life is now fully committed to jazz. This debut album is a remarkable musical journey for Rin. As an immigrant, her compositions reflect her decade-long life as a New Yorker, while also honoring her Korean heritage.
My fascinating conversation with Rin picks up with her moving to New York City and the development of her debut album.
Season 6 Episode 14 Brandon Sanders
Brandon Sanders, has always cut his own unique path. Born in Kansas City but spending his formative years in Compton, Brandon grew up in a musical household. He also honed his love of Jazz at the Kansas City …
Show notes
Brandon Sanders, has always cut his own unique path. Born in Kansas City but spending his formative years in Compton, Brandon grew up in a musical household. He also honed his love of Jazz at the Kansas City jazz club, Casablanca, run by his grandmother.
But first, college called. After playing basketball for a junior college near Los Angeles, he enrolled at the behest of his grandmother—actually, she did the enrolling for him—at the University of Kansas. While studying communications there, Brandon became a walk-on practice player for the top-seeded team in the country where quickly gained a reputation as a dogged defender.
After receiving his undergraduate degree in communications, and Master’s in social work at Kansas, Brandon dedicated himself to that field. But eventually his passion for music caught up with him. So, at age 25, he taught himself how to play drums, until a Kansas City drummer named Todd Strait, who used to play with Marian McPartland, took Brandon under his wing. And with years of intense practice, Brandon attained such a high level of proficiency that he was accepted at Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music, where he formed friendships and musical associations with future jazz greats including Warren Wolf, trumpeter Darren Barrett, and drummer Kendrick Scott. He started playing in various bands at Boston clubs including Wally’s Jazz Cafe and the Wonder Bar, gaining experience that eventually led him New York.
Now living in Brooklyn, Brandon has a third album titled “Lasting Impression,” on the heels of two critically acclaimed releases “Brandon Sanders: The Tables Will Turn,” and his first titled, “Compton’s Finest.”
In this episode, I talk with Brandon about his remarkable career trajectory, and the forming of collaborations with a stellar list of jazz all-stars to create a path to his musical success.
Season 6 Episode 13 Roger Glenn Part 2
Roger Glenn is truly one of the most interesting people in the world of music. He is a multi-instrumentalist who has performed, recorded and toured with a Who’s Who list of Jazz and Latin Jazz luminaries. As …
Show notes
Roger Glenn is truly one of the most interesting people in the world of music. He is a multi-instrumentalist who has performed, recorded and toured with a Who’s Who list of Jazz and Latin Jazz luminaries.
As our conversation came to a close, it became clear that we simply could not tell Roger’s story without making it in two parts. So, Part 1 was about Roger’s backstory. To call him multi-faceted and unique is an understatement.
Interestingly, before I started production of Part 2, we had the serendipitous privilege of spending time with Roger at Keys Jazz Bistro during a quick trip to San Francisco, and it brought our Part 1 episode full circle. Meeting Roger in person proved to be everything I thought it would be. He was gracious, funny, a marvelous storyteller and thoroughly engaging - all the attributes I was delighted to experience when we recorded our interview via Zoom.
Now, in Part 2, we shift gears to talk about his latest release as a leader. The album, called ‘My Latin Heart,’ is out now on the Patois Records label. The most remarkable thing about it, besides the incredible music, is the fact that for this 80-year-old musician it is only his second album as the front man in 49 + years.
Season 6 Episode 12 Roger Glenn Pt 1
My guest is Roger Glenn, who would have been the perfect spokesperson for a series of commercials titled the “Most Interesting Man in the World” - in the world of music. Roger is a multi-instrumentalist who …
Show notes
My guest is Roger Glenn, who would have been the perfect spokesperson for a series of commercials titled the “Most Interesting Man in the World” - in the world of music. Roger is a multi-instrumentalist who plays flute, vibes, marimba, saxophone, clarinet, percussion and more. He’s been described as being overshadowed but in plain sight for decades. In fact, the bio on his website says it best: “He is ingredient X. The secret sauce. The cat behind the cat. Now, after decades of elevating the music of bona fide legends in jazz, Latin jazz, blues, and funk, this versatile, singular multi-instrumental master is stepping out of the shadows and into the spotlight with his first new album in four decades.”
Roger is the son of the legendary jazz trombonist and vibes man Tyree Glenn. Roger is also a pilot, and sailing aficionado, who studied math and physics. And this interesting man, who has just turned 80-years old, can still do it all. To celebrate his 80th birthday, Roger has released his second album as a leader in 49 years, on the Patois Records label, titled, “My Latin Heart.” It’s a panoramic journey through his lifelong passion for Afro-Caribbean rhythms.
Because his amazing story is so all-encompassing, we feel compelled to tell it in two episodes. Here is Episode One. It’s where we take a deep dive into the backstory of his life and times, and how it led him to his breakout moment on the occasion of his 80th birthday.
Season 6 Episode 11 Mandy Harvey
My conversation with vocalist and composer, Mandy Harvey, may be one of the most memorable we’ve done. Why? Because this incredibly talented woman with an exquisite voice has been profoundly deaf since the age …
Show notes
My conversation with vocalist and composer, Mandy Harvey, may be one of the most memorable we’ve done. Why? Because this incredibly talented woman with an exquisite voice has been profoundly deaf since the age of 18. We conducted the interview over Zoom with Mandy using a voice-to-text captioning program in order for her to see and reply to my questions. Her voice? Well, you’ll find out that it speaks for itself. And her story is one you’ll never forget.
Our episode begins with a discussion about her musical life, followed by a journey through how she was able to transcend the hardships and challenges she faced to become a successful artist and motivational inspiration for others.
Season 6 Episode 10 Sheila Jordan Tribute
Sheila Jordan has been one of the most revered and utterly unique voices in jazz for decades. Beginning with her debut album, 1963’s ‘Portrait of Sheila,’ she pioneered a bebop-inflected approach to singing. We …
Show notes
Sheila Jordan has been one of the most revered and utterly unique voices in jazz for decades. Beginning with her debut album, 1963’s ‘Portrait of Sheila,’ she pioneered a bebop-inflected approach to singing. We talked about this, and much more, in our 2021 All That’s Jazz episode. With her recent passing, we decided to resurrect our conversation one more time so that you could hear the extraordinary stories she shared in her own words.Season 6 Episode 9 Jim Caruso
If Jim Caruso’s name sounds familiar, that’s not surprising. Jim is also host of the wildly popular “Cast Party” which has been a Manhattan mainstay for more than two decades at the iconic Birdland Jazz Club …
Show notes
If Jim Caruso’s name sounds familiar, that’s not surprising. Jim is also host of the wildly popular “Cast Party” which has been a Manhattan mainstay for more than two decades at the iconic Birdland Jazz Club.
In 2011, this irrepressible, affable, and talented singer recorded and released an album titled, “The Swing Set,” which he calls a true labor of love. It’s a smart and sophisticated romp through the Great American Songbook. In it, Jim was joined by special musical guests including the late guitar legend Bucky Pizzarelli, jazz violin sensation Aaron Weinstein, pianist and singer Billy Stritch, music phenom Michael Feinstein and Tony Award-winning Broadway leading lady Stephanie J. Block.
Fast forward to 2025 and this album has now been given a new life and has a new label behind it called Club 44 Records. The album has been remastered and re-released as the Swing Set-Deluxe Edition. As Caruso says about the recording..“But wait – there’s more, this Deluxe Edition comes with two surprise additions: a hilariously fun new track featuring my musical partner-in-crime Billy Stritch at the piano, and a fresh take on an old recording with the divine Jane Monheit.
While the album released in streaming and digital formats last spring, it took us until now to nail him down for a conversation. So on that note, enjoy my conversation with the delightful man of the hour himself...Jim Caruso.
Season 6 Episode 8 Andy James
Jazz Vocalist Andy James has just released her eighth studio album. It’s on Le Coq Records which is an independent label started by James and her husband Piero Pata, not only as a vehicle for releasing her …
Show notes
Jazz Vocalist Andy James has just released her eighth studio album. It’s on Le Coq Records which is an independent label started by James and her husband Piero Pata, not only as a vehicle for releasing her music but also to work with acclaimed veteran jazz musicians including John Patitucci, Nate Smith, Terell Stafford, Alex Acuna, Rick Margitza, Chico Pinheiro, and many more.
This latest recording is a fusion of jazz and flamenco music called, “Happy People.” You might ask why the blend of jazz and flamenco? Here’s where the story gets really interesting.
Born in Melbourne, Australia, Andy heard both jazz and flamenco music at home. Her mother was a jazz vocalist and her father an aficionado of Flamenco music. At a young age, she fell in love with dancing, and particularly flamenco, but instructors were scarce in Australia. In order to pursue her passion, Andy moved to Spain to study flamenco and went on to become a world acclaimed flamenco dancer.
So, what influenced her to take a 180° career turn move to United States to become a jazz vocalist? That’s where we pick up the rest of this story in our conversation.
These are the latest 40 of 100 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.
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