Category: Pianists

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Pianist Angelica Sanchez has a new duet album with pianist Marilyn Crispell (interview) called How To Turn The Moon. In this interview, Sanchez talks about her lifelong admiration of Crispell’s playing; the intricacies of the piano duet; her interest in neuroscience and the work of artist Santiago Ramón y Cajal; and more.

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I’ve been recording conversations with jazz musicians on The Jazz Session since 2007. As I prepare to head out on the road in a van (which will also be my home) to record interviews, I need your support more than ever. Please become a member today at thejazzsession.com/join. For $5 a month you’ll get a weekly bonus episode called Track of the Week, plus early access to every show. For $10 a month you get all that plus an extra monthly bonus show.

Theme music by The Respect Sextet

Logo by Dave Vrabel

Intro voice: Chuck Ingersoll

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Welcome to the premiere of season 13 of The Jazz Session! This episode begins with some big news before turning to pianist Cat Toren and her new album, Scintillating Beauty. In this interview, Toren talks about the genesis of the new record; sound healing; bringing a child into the world; her upcoming projects; and the challenge of navigating online spaces.

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As you’ll hear in this episode, I need your support now more than ever. Please become a member today at thejazzsession.com/join. For $5 a month you’ll get a weekly Track of the Week episode, early access to every show, and a yearly gift. For $10 a month you get all that plus an extra bonus show exploring a classic jazz album.

Theme music by The Respect Sextet

Logo by Dave Vrabel

Intro voice: Chuck Ingersoll

Follow The Jazz Session on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Subscribe to my twice-monthly newsletter.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | RSS

Pianist Andy Milne has just released his first trio album, The ReMission (Sunnyside Records, 2020), featuring bassist John Hébert and drummer Clarence Penn. In this interview, Milne talks about finally deciding to make a trio record; how the album coincided with both his fight against cancer and a new job at the University of Michigan; life during the pandemic; his thoughts on McCoy Tyner; and more.

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I’ve been recording conversations with jazz musicians since 2007. I think it’s important work that deserves public support. I’d also like to be able to do it for my living. If you agree that The Jazz Session is worth supporting, become a member today at thejazzsession.com/join. For $5 a month you’ll get a monthly bonus episode, early access to every show, and a yearly gift. For $10 a month you get all that plus an extra bonus show exploring a classic jazz album.

Theme music by The Respect Sextet

Logo by Dave Vrabel

Intro voice: Chuck Ingersoll

Follow The Jazz Session on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Subscribe to my twice-monthly newsletter.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | RSS

The new album by Brenda Earle Stokes is Solo Sessions, Vol. 1. In this interview, Stokes talks about this unexpected album; learning 700 songs in 11 weeks on a cruise ship; life in NYC during the pandemic; the idea of the depressed artist; the opportunity for optimism; and more.

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I’ve been recording conversations with jazz musicians since 2007. I think it’s important work that deserves public support. I’d also like to be able to do it for my living. If you agree that The Jazz Session is worth supporting, become a member today at thejazzsession.com/join. For $5 a month you’ll get a monthly bonus episode, early access to every show, and a yearly gift. For $10 a month you get all that plus an extra bonus show exploring a classic jazz album. Thank you to the latest members: Arthur Kahwa, David Smith, Ron, Peter De Backer, and Rich Nichols.

Theme music by The Respect Sextet

Logo by Dave Vrabel

Intro voice: Chuck Ingersoll

Follow The Jazz Session on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Subscribe to my twice-monthly newsletter.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | RSS

We just lost Ellis Marsalis. Earlier this week we lost Wallace Roney. I think we’ll be adding more names to the list before all this is over. I’m sharing this 2009 interview with Ellis as a way to honor his memory. Take care of each other, OK?

Ellis Marsalis is more than the father of four famous sons. He’s an acclaimed pianist and educator in his own right, and his musical history has covered a lot of ground. Homecoming (ELM Records, 2009), his new CD, is a mix of old and new, combining a reissue of 1985 duet session with saxophonist Eddie Harris, and new music recorded in 2009 with fellow New Orleanian pianist Jonathan Batiste. In this interview, Marsalis talks about how his time in the Marines helped build his piano chops; how he got his gig with trumpeter Al Hirt; and what makes New Orleans “fertile ground” for a jazz musician.