Jazz88
1,547 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★ - 7 ratingsInterviews, performances, and special programming from Jazz88. Hear us live at 88.5 FM in the Twin Cities!
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Episodes
Jazz88 Wishes Cornbread Harris a Happy 97th Birthday
April 23, 2024 22:23 - 6 minutes - 3.64 MBOn April 23, 2024 Cornbread Harris celebrated his 97th birthday. Ahead of his birthday festivities at Hook and Ladder on Thursday Harris took the time to chat with Sean McPherson from Jazz88 to talk about his life. Special thanks to Andrea Swensson for facilitating the interview.
Jazz88 Wishes Cornbread Harris a Happy 97th Birthday
April 23, 2024 22:23 - 6 minutes - 3.64 MBOn April 23, 2024 Cornbread Harris celebrated his 97th birthday. Ahead of his birthday festivities at Hook and Ladder on Thursday Harris took the time to chat with Sean McPherson from Jazz88 to talk about his life. Special thanks to Andrea Swensson for facilitating the interview.
Jazz88 Wishes Cornbread Harris a Happy 97th Birthday
April 23, 2024 22:23 - 6 minutes - 3.64 MBOn April 23, 2024 Cornbread Harris celebrated his 97th birthday. Ahead of his birthday festivities at Hook and Ladder on Thursday Harris took the time to chat with Sean McPherson from Jazz88 to talk about his life. Special thanks to Andrea Swensson for facilitating the interview.
Steve Cole Is At His Best When He's Collaborating with Others
April 23, 2024 18:26 - 5 minutes - 12.8 MBSteve Cole is a big name in the world of smooth jazz and he has been based in the the Twin Cities for over fifteen years now. He's bringing his saxophone and his Super Band onto the stage of the Dakota for two shows on Friday, April 26. Cole dropped by the Jazz88 studio to talk about his recent Mack Avenue release "Without a Doubt" and what goes into getting ready for a run of shows with his band.
New Neighborhood Quartet Recording Features Contrasting Composing Styles
April 23, 2024 01:20 - 8 minutes - 14.7 MBThe Neighborhood Quartet is vibraphonist Steve Roehm, Guitarist Dan Schwartz, drummer Greg Schutte and bassist drummer Nick Salisbury. At its album release show Sunday April 28 at the Parkway in Minneapolis, the group showcases the contrasting composing styles of Steve and Dan. When the two talked to Phil Nusbaum first, Steve addressed his composing style.
Anthony Cox Discusses the Legacy of Charles Mingus and Paul Chambers on Their Shared Birthday
April 22, 2024 22:25 - 19 minutes - 26.5 MBBassist Anthony Cox joined Jazz88's Sean McPherson to discuss Charles Mingus and Paul Chambers on their birthday (April 22). As a fellow bass player Cox shared the influence these icons of the instrument had on his development as a bass player, including how catching a live performance from Charles Mingus shaped Cox's decision to pursue music as a career.
Singer Thomasina Petrus Joins the Selby Avenue Big Band for Two Big Shows
April 21, 2024 01:20 - 8 minutes - 14.7 MBTom Wells, leader of the Selby Avenue Brass Band first met singer Thomasina Petrus when she was studying and he was teaching at North Community High School in Minneapolis. Thomasina sings with the Selby Avenue Brass Band at noon, Thursday April 25 at Landmark Center in St Paul, and from 4:30 till 6 Saturday April 27 at Crooner’s Supper Club in Fridley. When Tom and Thomasina talked with Phil Nusbaum, Tom first addressed why he always know Thomasina would be a good fit with the brass band.
Get Really Creative People to Try Out New Ideas - Jeremy Yvilsaker's Plan to Curate Mondays at Icehouse for April
April 16, 2024 18:42 - 4 minutes - 6.45 MBTwin Cities mainstay Jeremy Yvilsaker is curating Monday nights at Icehouse for the month of April and he's doing it with a simple philosophy: get really creative people to try out new ideas. The results have been a success for Jeremy so far, and he took a break from a van ride to Kansas City with Annie Humphrey for a gig opening for the Indigo Girls to chat about the series and what is in the works for the remaining Mondays.
Songwriter Charlie Maguire Sings New Songs at the Roots Cellar on Minneapolis’ West Bank This Saturday
April 16, 2024 01:20 - 8 minutes - 14.7 MBCharlie Maguire writes songs that depict people at work. Charlie’s next concert celebrates 50 years of his singular style of songwriting, Saturday night at the Roots Cellar at University Baptist Church in Minneapolis. Charlie writes from lived experiences of himself and others, and his original inspiration comes from Woodie Guthrie. In a conversation with Phil Nusbaum, Charlie first talked about a Guthrie songs that Charlie likes to sing, Government Road.
Clarity and Swing: Maud Hixson on Her Roots and a Doris Day Tribute
April 15, 2024 16:35 - 10 minutes - 25.2 MBTwin Cities singer Maud Hixson won a Bistro Award recently for "Permanent Moonlight," an album of songs by Richard Rodney Bennett. She spoke with Jazz88's Peter Solomon about her path to becoming a professional jazz singer and about a Doris Day Tribute at Crooners' Dunsmore Room on April 20th.
New Ian George CD Focuses a Relationship’s Demise
April 14, 2024 01:20 - 8 minutes - 14.7 MBSinger-Songwriter Ian George has a new, CD that references many music styles. Not only is it hard to place in any commercial genre, but it takes an unusual approach to a breakup. When Ian talked with Phil Nusbaum, Phil asked Ian if the songs came from Ian’s own experiences.
Thomas Woytko on JAM Duluth
April 09, 2024 15:52 - 5 minutes - 12.8 MBPeter Solomon speaks with Duluth-based trombonist Thomas Woytko about JAM Duluth, a program of live performances scheduled at Duluth breweries and other locations through the month of April.
Aaron Diehl: Building on the Legacy of John Lewis and Third Stream Music
April 04, 2024 13:12 - 14 minutes - 32.3 MBJazz88's Peter Solomon spoke with pianist Aaron Diehl about his recent recording of Mary Lou Williams' "Zodiac Suite," the influence of pianist and composer John Lewis, and his upcoming performance of music by Lewis, Gunther Schuller and others with members of the Chamber Music Society of Minnesota Sunday, April 7th at Sundin Hall on the campus of Hamline University in St. Paul..
A Conversations Victor Cole from Metro State University
April 03, 2024 14:31 - 8 minutes - 19.8 MBJazz88's Peter Solomon spoke with Victor Cole, Director of Recruitment, Retention and Induction in the School of Urban Education at Metro State University, about a Graduate Programs Preview Day coming up April 13th.
Hot Club at the Hook Presents Three Leading Minnesota Hot Club Jazz Bands
March 31, 2024 01:20 - 8 minutes - 14.7 MBThe Mississippi Hot Club, the Red Hot Django Peppers and Gypsy Mania, three leading hot club jazz bands are getting together for a concert on April 6. The show is called Hot Club at the Hook, and the Hook is the Hook and Ladder in Minneapolis. One of the event’s curators, Glen Helgeson of Gypsy Mania talked with Phil Nusbaum about the event. Glen first addressed the reason the show is important to the Jazz community.
Dr. Andy Fleser from Schmitt Music Talks Piano on World Piano Day
March 28, 2024 18:14 - 16 minutes - 22.8 MBMarch 28 is the 88th day of the year and Jazz88 is celebrating the piano! World Piano Day on Jazz88 is supported by Schmitt Music. Sean McPherson headed out to Schmitt Music today to learn a little bit more about the piano and it's staying power in the music world with Dr. Andy Fleser, the keyboard manager at Schmitt.
Trigonal - "A Great Platform From Which We're Launching these Explorations"
March 28, 2024 17:21 - 12 minutes - 16.5 MBThe trio Trigonal composed of Anthony Cox (Bass, Cello and Percussion), Davu Seru (Drums and Percussion) and Douglas R. Ewart (Winds, Percussion, Poetry and Invented Instruments) are preparing for a show on Saturday March 28 at the Cedar Cultural Center. For this event they will be joined by Sarah M. Greer on vocals. Sean McPherson from Jazz88 recently caught up Seru and Ewart from the group to discuss their history and their philosophy for creating music. During the interview you will also h...
The Expansive World of Diego Figueiredo
March 28, 2024 14:31 - 15 minutes - 36.1 MBJazz88's Peter Solomon spoke with Brazilian guitar virtuoso Diego Figueiredo about his musical development and his recent album "My World," which featured guest appearances by clarinetist/saxophonist Ken Peplowski and trumpeter Nicholas Payton. Figueiredo is appearing at Crooners on Friday 3/29.
Sue Scott Presents Singer Songwriter Remi Love April 4 in the Island of Discarded Women Series
March 26, 2024 01:20 - 8 minutes - 14.7 MBSue Scott is an actor who has always been touched by women's stories. So she started a series of live performances that are recorded and then posted as podcast episodes that include original music, stories and conversation, called “The Island of Discarded Women.” It is staged every other month at Crooners Supper Club in Fridley. Yemi Love, originally from Nigeria and now residing in Minneapolis performs at the April 4 show, with doors open at 6:30 and the show set for 7:30. When Phil Nusbaum...
Pianist Miki Yamanaka on Her New Album "Shades of Rainbow"
March 22, 2024 14:31 - 13 minutes - 31.6 MBJazz88's Peter Solomon spoke with pianist Miki Yamanaka on "Shades of Rainbow," her new collaboration with tenor saxophonist Mark Turner. She discusses the influence of pianist Cedar Walton on her playing, the making of the new album, and the status of women in the contemporary Jazz scene.
Katia Cardenas Introduces a Jazz Workshop for Women, Non-Binary and Trans Players This Weekend at Walker-West
March 21, 2024 22:53 - 8 minutes - 18.6 MBKatia Cardenas is at the helm for Walker-West's "Women in Jazz Initiative". This Saturday the team is hosting a jazz workshop and jazz jam sessions with players like Mary Louise Knutson, Tasha Baron, BEth Varela and Sophia Kaufmann and more. Cardenas spoke about the importance of creating places to play and learn jazz that are focused around women.
Michael Cain Prepares A Concert for Peace at MacPhail
March 20, 2024 23:13 - 8 minutes - 20.1 MBMichael Cain, a gifted pianist, piano instructor and Director of Electronic Music and Recording Arts at MacPhail as well as the co-founder and CEO of Ekwe stopped by Jazz88 to discuss a concert he's throwing at Antonello Hall this Saturday with Yousif Sheronick, Barbara Cohen, JD Steele, Zacc Harris and more.
Valerie June Will Play Her Songs and Tell Her Stories on Saturday Night
March 20, 2024 19:43 - 8 minutes - 11.2 MBThe celebrated singer-songwriter Valerie June is making her way to the Twin Cities for a performance this Saturday at Hopkins Center for the Arts. Sean McPherson caught up with Valerie June to find out about her performance process, her songwriting philosophy and her recent forays into public speaking.
AJ Srubas Leads a Group of Great Fiddlers in Tribute to Kenny Baker
March 19, 2024 01:20 - 8 minutes - 14.7 MBA.J. Srubas leads a group of great local fiddlers in a tribute to bluegrass fiddler, Kenny Baker. Baker served for many years as the fiddler in the band led by the father of bluegrass music, Bill Monroe. The performance takes place at Celtic Junction, Sunday March 24 at 3PM. In a conversation with Phil Nusbaum, A.J. addressed why he wanted to honor the memory of Kenny Baker.
A Visit with Cyrille Aimee
March 18, 2024 15:57 - 15 minutes - 34.5 MBJazz88's Peter Solomon caught up with singer Cyrille Aimee ahead of her performance at the Dakota on Tuesday, March 19th. She talked about her childhood in France, her introduction to jazz, her decision to move to New Orleans, the house she designed and built in Costa Rica during the pandemic, and her new album of originals "A Fleur de Peau" which is being released this month.
A Visit with Jennifer Grimm and Joe Cruz
March 15, 2024 15:10 - 20 minutes - 47.5 MBSinger-Composer Jennifer Grimm and her husband and musical partner, Joe Cruz, visited with Jazz88's Peter Solomon on the Morning Show. Jennifer performed two originals - "Half a Man" and "I Miss Minneapolis/St. Paul" and did a short version of "Our Love Is Here to Stay." She talked about her unusual musical background (she grew up singing in a family variety show act) and about her approach to writing songs.
Mary Halvorson Discusses Her New Album "Cloudward"
March 13, 2024 23:16 - 16 minutes - 22 MBMary Halvorson is widely regarded as the most exciting guitarist of her generation. She continues to cement that reputation with her new Nonesuch release "Cloudward". On this record Halvorson endeavored to not "overwrite", leaving space for the instrumentalists to find their way on their terms. Halvorson discussed her approach, her philosophy and the way that she navigated exploring music as a career.
Exploring New Sonic Worlds: JD Allen on His New Electro-Acoustic Album THIS
March 13, 2024 09:12 - 11 minutes - 26.7 MBTenor saxophonist JD Allen speaks with Jazz88's Peter Solomon about his recent recording THIS, which features Allen playing with Gwilym Jones on drums and electronic soundscapes created by Alex Bonney. Allen will be appearing in the Twin Cities March 15th at Jazz Central and March 16th at Icehouse,
Twin Cities Flamenco Collective Performs Next Sunday at Icehouse in Minneapolis
March 12, 2024 01:20 - 8 minutes - 14.7 MBThe Twin Cities Flamenco Collective continues at Icehouse in Minneapolis, Sunday March 17. It features its cast of local players as well as a singer from the southwest US. Phil Nusbaum talked with Sachiko La Chayí and Ross Fellrath about flamenco and the collective. For one thing, Ross said, it’s largely improvisational.
Cody Steinmann Prepares to Perform and Record with Jazz Icon JD Allen
March 11, 2024 19:34 - 9 minutes - 12.4 MBMinnesota based guitarist Cody Steinmann has been steadily releasing music with his trio which features Chris Bates on bass, Abbinet Berhanu on the drums. But for his next act Steinmann is bringing in some extra support. East Coast based tenor player JD Allen is coming through town for a number of engagements including a performance and recording session with Steinmann. Steinmann visited Jazz88 to talk about his upcoming whirlwind weekend with JD Allen and company.
The Dregs Enliven St Patrick’s Weekend at the Metronome in Saint Paul
March 10, 2024 02:20 - 8 minutes - 14.7 MBThe Dregs occupy a singular musical niche: Band members backgrounds are varied, but together, the group sings and plays twisted versions of songs, to the delight of audiences in Minnesota and elsewhere. The Dregs take the stage at the Metronome in Saint Paul, Saint Patrick’s Weekend, Saturday and Sunday March 16 and 17. When Tim and Molly of the Dregs got together with Phil Nusbaum, first they talked about the history of the Dregs.
Supt. Sayles-Adams on MPS Budget Gap, National Nutrition Month
March 06, 2024 20:50 - 5 minutes - 8.03 MBMPS Voices Executive Producer Manny Hill is joined by the Superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools Dr. Lisa Sayles Adams to address the news of the budget gap MPS is facing, the district's plan for National Nutrition Month, and to highlight the MPS Shines winners for the month of March!
JT Bates is Curating Monday Nights in March at Icehouse
March 06, 2024 17:23 - 6 minutes - 14.1 MBCelebrated drummer JT Bates is getting back into the fold as a curator and booker. In addition to taking on more booking responsibilities at Icehouse in general, Bates is curating Mondays at Icehouse for the month of March. Listen to find out what Bates has planned for the long running curated Monday series at Icehouse.
Red Thread Combines Folk Traditions in Fresh Ways
March 03, 2024 02:20 - 8 minutes - 14.7 MBRed Thread’s songs could be considered what happens when you combine traditional songs, new compositions and modern technology. The new CD is called Immigrantke. When Sarah Larsson of Red Thread talked to Phil Nusbaum about the new project, she addressed why all the songs of separation.
Tina Schlieske's Journey To Jazz Started From the Inside
February 29, 2024 23:38 - 6 minutes - 13.9 MBTina Schlieske has been a fixture in the Twin Cities music scene since the 1990s but this is the first time she's had a project so centered in jazz. On her new album "The Good Life" Schlieske performed classic numbers with some of the finest musicians in the Twin Cities jazz scene. Tina stopped in to chat with Sean McPherson about the new album and about the release show at Icehouse.
"Whatever We Were Able to Conjure in that Moment is a Part of Us" - deVon Russell Gray, Davu Seru and Nathan Hanson Revisit Their 2020 Album "We Sick"
February 29, 2024 20:25 - 8 minutes - 12.2 MBIn the summer of 2020 deVon Russell Gray, Nathan Hanson and Davu Seru recorded the album "We Sick" in a church in Saint Paul that was available due to the COVID pandemic. The tumult of the summer of 2020 showed up in all sorts of ways on the spontaneously composed recordings. Since the 2022 release of the album, enthusiasm for the work of Gray, Hanson and Seru has increased and they are preparing for another performance Thursday February 29 at Berlin in Minneapolis. Sean McPherson caught up w...
LA Buckner Steps into His Own Artistry and Brings It to The Stage of Crooners
February 27, 2024 19:29 - 7 minutes - 16.9 MBAccording to LA Buckner, he is putting "all his eggs into his own basket". After years of splitting his time as a sideman and as a leader he is focusing on taking LA Buckner and BiG HOMiE up to the next level. To that end, Buckner is making his debut as a leader at Crooners this Friday. Listen to find out what the plan is for the show on Friday.
Dayna Martinez Previews the Twin Cities Jazz Festival
February 27, 2024 16:32 - 3 minutes - 8.69 MBPeter Solomon spoke with Dayna Martinez, Executive Director of the Twin Cities Jazz Festival, about the headliners that will be featured at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival in June.
GiftedHandz showcases its Gospel Fusion Friday Night at Jazz Central Studios in Minneapolis
February 27, 2024 02:20 - 8 minutes - 14.7 MBGiftedHandz is a Minneapolis group of young people who have come up playing multiples styles in church settings. The group performs Friday night March 1 at 8pm at Jazz Central Studios in Minneapolis. When Joe Mason, a GiftedHandz founding member, sat down with Phil Nusbaum, Joe discussed GiftedHandz’ musical blend.
MacPhail Center for Music Faculty Members Present an Evening of Broadway Duets Next Thursday at Crooners
February 25, 2024 02:20 - 8 minutes - 14.7 MBMacPhail Center for music has a program called the Spotlight Program, which encourages its teachers to create musical programs. That’s what stimulated the creation of “It Takes Two”, an evening of Broadway musical-style songs with piano accompaniment to be performed at Crooner’s Supper Club in Fridley next Thursday. MacPhail pianist Timothy De Prey tells of the group process that created “It Takes Two.”
Dakota Show Combines Black History Month and Romance, 7pm Sunday, February 18
February 25, 2024 02:20 - 8 minutes - 14.7 MBThe Group is Traiveon and Candi, featuring Jackson Hurst and Mayyadda. The group’s music has a pop sound, but the songs deal with some serious personal stuff, while they reference Valentine’s Day and Black History Month. Catch All Sweet Things: A Celebration of Black Love 7pm Sunday February 18, at the Dakota in Minneapolis. In an interview with Phil Nusbaum, Traiveon first talked about the need to take care of one’s mental health.
International Women’s Day Concert Coming to the Hook and Ladder in Minneapolis This Friday Night
February 24, 2024 18:50 - 8 minutes - 14.7 MBPower Up! Is the name of the Women’s Day Music Fest Friday night March 8 at the Hook and Ladder in Minneapolis. Billed as a celebration of women and gender, Power Up was curated by Corrine Caoette of the Hook and Ladder. In this preview, we listen to Corrine, as well as Vanessa McKinney and Ayanna Muata, members of participating bands. First, Corrine addresses the philosophies guiding the creation of Power Up!
Adi Yeshaya Was Born to Be an Arranger
February 23, 2024 23:38 - 5 minutes - 11.9 MBAdi Yeshaya is an in-demand arranger and composer whose has done work for Whitney Houston, Prince, Lena Horne and more. In the Twin Cities Yeshaya might be best known for his longtime collaboration with Debbie Duncan. After Duncan's passing in 2020 Adi started to revisit the charts he had worked up during their decades of collaboration. With these arrangements and some new ones in hand, Yeshaya and his Jazz Orchestra are taking the stage of Crooners on Sunday February 25 at 6:30. Jennifer Gri...
Kenny Garrett Tries to Make the Ancestors Proud
February 22, 2024 22:18 - 11 minutes - 16.4 MBStarting his professional career in the late 70s and staying vital and relevant up to today, Kenny Garrett truly bridges generations as a jazz icon. Frequently recognized as the greatest alto player of his generation, Garrett is also a generational talent as a composer. Check out the conversation between Kenny Garrett and Sean McPherson as they discuss his upcoming shows at the Dakota on February 24 and his forthcoming album which is slated for an April release.
MPS Celebrates Black History Month With Exciting Events
February 21, 2024 18:23 - 11 minutes - 15.2 MBHow is Minneapolis Public Schools celebrating Black History Month? MPS Voices Executive Producer Manny Hill chats with MPS Engagement Specialist Tiki Blackamore about a couple events that have happened already, and what else is coming up, including an upcoming production for MPS Voices.
Cathy McLeer from AARP Minnesota on the Twin Cities Winter Jazz Fest
February 21, 2024 17:53 - 3 minutes - 8.53 MBPeter Solomon spoke with Cathy McLeer, State Director for AARP Minnesota about the Twin Cities Winter Jazz Fest.
Ancia Saxophone Quartet Showcases its New CD in Upcoming Performances
February 20, 2024 02:20 - 8 minutes - 14.7 MBThe Ancia Saxophone Quartet showcases its new CD in upcoming performances. This Wednesday, February 22, the show is at 12 noon, at Landmark Center in Saint Paul, and sponsored by the Shubert Club. Next Friday, the performance is at Westminster Hall in Minneapolis at 12 noon. Joan Hutton of the Ancia Saxophone Quartet talked with Phil Nusbaum about the group, and about one of Ancia’s chief concerns: Supporting living composers.
Jamecia Bennett Brings Jazz, Blues, and Soul to the Ordway
February 16, 2024 16:49 - 6 minutes - 15.9 MBJazz88's Peter Solomon spoke with singer Jamecia Bennett about her concert Friday, February 23rd at the Ordway, which she says will celebrate the the evolution of music from African roots to jazz, blues, and soul. Bennett is a resident artist at the Ordway.
"The Way of the World Is Collaboration, Not Competition," Scotty Barnhart on Basie, His Recent Grammy and the MMEA All State Jazz Orchestra
February 15, 2024 17:12 - 14 minutes - 33.8 MBJazz88's Peter Solomon speaks with trumpeter Scotty Barnhart, the leader of the Basie Orchestra for the past twenty years. Barnhart discusses his early exposure to music at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, how he came to play the trumpet, how he felt the first time he heard the Basie Orchestra, the background behind his Grammy-winning album "Basie Swings the Blues," and what to expect from the MMEA All State Jazz Band which he will be leading in two sets at the Dakota Friday night.
Bruce A. Henry Brings a Music Celebration of the African-American Journey to The Dakota
February 14, 2024 21:48 - 11 minutes - 15.5 MBThough performing his own originals and doing tributes is still on the menu for Bruce A. Henry, in recent years he has gravitated towards shows where he explores facets of the African-American experience through music. Though educational, these performances are also engaging and electrifying. The key to maintaining that balance is Henry's personal investment in learning history from all corners of the world and synthesizing that into impassioned performance. Henry endeavors to do just that on...