Category: Pianists

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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

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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.

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Pianist Yoko Miwa‘s most recent album is Keep Talkin’. In this interview, Miwa talks about the difficulties facing all musicians during the coronavirus outbreak; surviving the 1995 Kobe earthquake; gigging with Sheila Jordan; why she often includes Beatles songs on her albums; 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.