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The Jazz Session #507: Dayna Stephens

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Saxophonist Dayna Stephens has three new records coming out in the first half of 2020, the first of which is a trio session with Ben Street and Eric Harland called Liberty (Contagious Music, 2020). In this interview, Stephens talks about why he likes playing in a trio setting; recording at Rudy Van Gelder’s studio and the Village Vanguard; his newfound health and how it’s affected his playing; 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 Jazz Session #499: Jane Bunnett

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Multi-instrumentalist Jane Bunnett and her band Maqueque have a new album called On Firm Ground/Tierra Firme (2019, Linus Entertainment). In this interview, Bunnett talks about the long and often difficult process of assembling a band of women from Cuba; the collaborative spirit that emerged from their shared struggle; the music on the new record; 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.

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The Jazz Session #490: Caroline Davis

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In May, saxophonist and vocalist Caroline Davis released an album called Alula on New Amsterdam Records. Later this week, she and Rob Clearfield will drop a new record called Anthems on Sunnyside. In this interview, Davis traces the path from The Sibley Guide To Birds to Alula; talks about music cognition; and explains how being a global citizen has changed her approach to music.

Big thanks to the most recent members of The Jazz Session: David Beckman, Euan Preston and Nick Spencer, and to Richard Kamins and Colleen Kennedy, both of whom upgraded their membership.

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.

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The Jazz Session #488: Noah Preminger

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Saxophonist Noah Preminger‘s new album is Zigsaw: Music Of Steve Lampert. In this interview, Preminger talks about the fascinating creative and recording processes that resulted in this new record; the many albums he’s released in recent years; his future touring and recording plans; and more. You’ll find a previous interview with Noah here, and one with composer Steve Lampert here.

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.

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The Jazz Session #480: Sam Newsome

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Soprano saxophonist Sam Newsome is about to release Chaos Theory: Song Cycles for Prepared Saxophone. It’s a surprising and fascinating album that highlights Newsome’s explorations with the variety of sounds the soprano saxophone can make. In this interview, Newsome talks about how he started experimenting with prepared saxophone; why he likes playing solo shows; how movement impacts his music; and why he appreciates teaching students who aren’t majoring in music. Learn more at http://www.somenewmusic.com/. Be sure to check out Sam Newsome’s previous appearance on The Jazz Session.

The Jazz Session is weekly again! With this episode, The Jazz Session returns to being a weekly podcast. New episodes will come out every Wednesday. 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 for just $5 a month at thejazzsession.com/join. You’ll get a monthly bonus episode, early access to every show, and a yearly gift. We had several new members join this past week. Big thanks to Jason, Colleen, Ryan, Uwe and Ken for joining, and to Lance for doubling his pledge. Help me make this show for decades to come by joining today. Thank you.