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The Jazz Session #519: Eric Hofbauer

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Guitarist Eric Hofbauer recently released Book of Fire (Creative Nation Music, 2020), the second in what will be a five-album series centered on the five aspects of the Chinese philosophy wu xing. In this interview, Hofbauer talks about the first two albums in the series; how he and bassist Tony Leva broadened their instrumental palettes for this latest record; why he chose to include recordings of James Baldwin; the pandemic in Boston; and much 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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Subscribe to my twice-monthly newsletter.

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The Jazz Session #518: Remembering Henry Grimes

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Bassist and poet Henry Grimes died on April 15, 2020 from complications due to Covid-19. In this episode, I read one of Henry’s poems and a poem I wrote for Henry. After that, pianist Carmen Staaf recalls her relationship with Grimes. The final section is a previously unaired 2008 interview with Henry Grimes recorded at the Jazz At The Lake festival in Lake George, NY.

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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.

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The Jazz Session #517: Angela Davis

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Saxophonist Angela Davis‘s latest recording is Little Did They Know (ABC Jazz, 2019). In this interview, Davis talks about moving home to Australia and becoming part of the Melbourne jazz scene; how she came to make this record with Tony Gould and Sam Anning; the stories behind the tunes on the album; life in Australia during the pandemic; and much 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.

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The Jazz Session #516: Brenda Earle Stokes

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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.

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The Jazz Session #515: Remembering Ellis Marsalis (2009 Interview)

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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.