JazzCast Ep. 27: Wycliffe Gordon!

In regards to his experiences walking the streets of Berlin, Wycliffe Gordon states: "I saw the thing that music does, and has done... time and time again... it shatters all of those things that separate us." In this interview, Mr. Gordon tells stories about his experience in Germany, how Louis Armstrong stopped a war, and how the JLCO's performance of Ellington/Strayhorn's Peer Gynt Suite helped break the proverbial "glass wall." Please enjoy this episode of the JazzCast, where we dig into…

Continue ReadingJazzCast Ep. 27: Wycliffe Gordon!

JazzCast Ep. 26: Bobby Jasinski

Welcome back to the JazzCast! This episode we have Bobby Jasinski, DC based pianist, composer, and bandleader. I'm very happy to share his latest endeavor, "Retrospection," with you as we dig in behind the scenes in the music. This is Bobby's second album and features 12 original songs played by a cast of amazing musicians he has put together. I hope you enjoy this interview! Bobby and his Septet will be performing at the Jazz Loft on Sunday, May 10th,…

Continue ReadingJazzCast Ep. 26: Bobby Jasinski

JazzCast Ep. 25: Donal Fox

Welcome back to the JazzCast! Today we have an interview with jazz pianist Donal Fox! He will be performing this Friday, April 10th, 2015, at AMP by Strathmore, located at 11810 Grand Park Avenue North Bethesda, MD 20852. Show starts at 8 pm. With an encyclopedic ear and ravishing technique, Donal Fox draws on a vast repertoire in this solo piano concert that includes works by and based on J.S. Bach, Thelonious Monk, George Frideric Handel, John Coltrane, Frédéric Chopin, Radiohead, Robert…

Continue ReadingJazzCast Ep. 25: Donal Fox

JazzCast Ep. 24: Reginald Cyntje Part 2

Welcome back to the JazzCast, Episode 24, where we finish up an interview with Reginald Cyntje!  I'm happy to state that Reginald's album, "Elements of Life" was just named one of the top five albums for 2014 by CapitalBop blog. Go Reggie! (And every album on that list is excellent, please check them out!) In this episode we get deep into the meaning behind the music as well as more philosophical matters. You can also check out more of Reginald's…

Continue ReadingJazzCast Ep. 24: Reginald Cyntje Part 2

JazzCast Ep. 23: Reginald Cyntje Part 1

Welcome back to the JazzCast, Episode 23! Here we have an interview with Reginald Cyntje, jazz trombonist from the DC region. He will be talking about his latest album, "Elements of Life." He has a really interesting story for each song, I hope you enjoy this interview. This was recorded in August, and I apologize that it took so long to get it out. There are some references to successful performances at Twins and Bohemian Caverns in August and September. The…

Continue ReadingJazzCast Ep. 23: Reginald Cyntje Part 1

JazzCast Ep. 22: Miki Yamanaka!

Welcome to Episode 22 of the JazzCast, where you can hear curated listening sessions with jazz musicians! This week we have Miki Yamanaka, jazz pianist from Japan and masters student at Queens College. If you've ever been to Smalls, you've probably seen her or even played with her. She's busy! If you like her music, please come out and support her show at the Fat Cat in New York on Thursday night, September 4th, at 7:00 PM. There is a cover charge…

Continue ReadingJazzCast Ep. 22: Miki Yamanaka!

JazzCast Ep. 21: JS Williams!

Welcome to the JazzCast! Today I have an awesome and touching interview with JS Williams, jazz cat and trumpet player from New York. I was really thankful to be able to find a few minutes as he runs back and forth between DC and NY to be able to dig into his latest album, the "Late Bluemer." He plays with a stellar cast of musicians, including: Noble Jolley - piano Eric Wheeler - bass Nate Jolley - drums What I…

Continue ReadingJazzCast Ep. 21: JS Williams!

JazzCast Ep. 20: Christie Dashiell!

Welcome to the JazzCast! Today we have an interview with vocalist extraordinaire Christie Dashiell! Born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Greenville, NC, contemporary award winning jazz vocalist Christie N. Dashiell honed her vocal skills at Howard University and then, later, the Manhattan School of Music. Dashiell's history includes performances with Howard’s premiere vocal jazz ensemble, Afro-Blue. She has also performed at the Kennedy Center as a part of the 2010 Betty Carter's Jazz Ahead residency program. She is the recipient of…

Continue ReadingJazzCast Ep. 20: Christie Dashiell!

JazzCast Ep. 19: Elliott Hughes, Part 2

Welcome back! This episode is part two of an interview with Australian composer and trumpet player Elliott Hughes. Episode 18 (part  1) was an introduction to large ensemble writing in Australia, and Episode 19 (part 2) is about Elliott Hughes' music and his Horizon Art Orchestra. Elliott Hughes is a Melbourne based composer and trumpet player, who combines interests in jazz, contemporary classical chamber and orchestral music, and electroacoustic music. He has had his music performed in New York, Canada, Hong Kong and around Australia, releasing his…

Continue ReadingJazzCast Ep. 19: Elliott Hughes, Part 2

JazzCast Ep. 18: Elliott Hughes Part 1

Welcome jazz fans! This podcast is an interview with Elliott Hughes, Melbourne based composer and trumpet player, who combines interests in jazz, contemporary classical chamber and orchestral music, and electroacoustic music. He has had his music performed in New York, Canada, Hong Kong and around Australia, releasing his debut recording in 2012 with his large ensemble Horizon Art Orchestra.  He has also worked collaboratively with theatre companies, scoring short films, and as a freelance arranger. He completed undergraduate study at the…

Continue ReadingJazzCast Ep. 18: Elliott Hughes Part 1

JazzCast Ep. 17: Brad Linde

Summer greetings! Welcome to episode 17 of the JazzCast, where you can find curated listening sessions with jazz musicians. Today I bring you an interview with DC area jazz saxophonist and educator Brad Linde. Many people know of Brad as the leader of the Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra as well as his cool "Brad Linde Ensemble," but his musical direction has changed in the last few years to move more toward free improvisation. And so we have the opportunity to be…

Continue ReadingJazzCast Ep. 17: Brad Linde

JazzCast Ep. 16: Jeff Antoniuk Part 2

Hi everyone! This is the second part in a two part series of interviews with Jeff Antoniuk, jazz saxophonist and educator.  Please click here to see the first half of the interview. Jeff Antoniuk is an internationally respected jazz saxophonist and holds his own education programs to service adult learners, to include the Maryland Summer Jazz Workshop, InDepth Jazz Clinics, and the Jazz Band Masterclass. This year he will be pulling in several high class artists to help him with Maryland Summer Jazz, including: Peter…

Continue ReadingJazzCast Ep. 16: Jeff Antoniuk Part 2

JazzCast Ep. 15: Jeff Antoniuk Part 1

Here you will find an interview with Jeff Antoniuk, jazz saxophonist and educator from the metropolitan D.C. area. This episode is the first part in a two part series - please check back for the second part to go up tomorrow. Jeff is an internationally respected jazz saxophonist and holds his own education programs to service adult learners, to include the Maryland Summer Jazz Workshop, InDepth Jazz Clinics, and the Jazz Band Masterclass. This year he will be pulling in several…

Continue ReadingJazzCast Ep. 15: Jeff Antoniuk Part 1

JazzCast Ep. 14: Aaron Quinn, guitar!

Hello everyone! I am very happy to bring to you this interview with Aaron Quinn, a jazz guitarist who hails from Columbus, Ohio. From "Liver Quiver" to "Surfs Up Hose Down," Aaron was very generous with his time and his explanations of the tunes he picked for us to hear.  This is great music, people! I will update the site throughout the week with all the names that were mentioned in this podcast. In the meantime, here are the songs, in…

Continue ReadingJazzCast Ep. 14: Aaron Quinn, guitar!

JazzCast Episode 13: Bria Skonberg!

Hi everyone! I am extremely excited to bring you this interview with the amazing Bria Skonberg!! I was able to catch her in between shows and appointments on this past Tuesday and wanted to put up her interview quickly so I could let you all know she is in the DC metro area on Thursday, June 19th, at the Bethesda Jazz and Blues Club!  I met Bria about 4 years ago as I sat in with a band at the DCLX…

Continue ReadingJazzCast Episode 13: Bria Skonberg!

JazzCast Ep. 12: Brent Birckhead!

Today we welcome to the JazzCast Brent Birckhead, jazz saxophonist and NY/DC musician extraordinaire! Please enjoy his music and his infectious spirit.  Thanks for listening! Mentioned in this podcast: Brent Birckhead Howard University Todd Marcus Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra Cheryl Pepsii Riley Corey Wallace Dubtet  Charlie Young Charlie Parker Cannonball Adderly John Coltrane Dexter Gordon Joe Henderson Woody Herman Freddie Hubbard Kenny Garrett Branford Marsalis Marcus Strickland Tivon Pennicott Charlie Young        

Continue ReadingJazzCast Ep. 12: Brent Birckhead!

JazzCast Episode 11: Marty Nau

This is a podcast is an interview with Marty Nau, DC based alto saxophonist. Marty can be found playing all over the metropolitan DC area, including at Twins Jazz Club, with the Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra, with the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra out of GMU, and with the Smithsonian Masterworks Jazz Orchestra. This interview was really fun for me because none of his music is available online; you have to purchase a physical CD (which you can only get from him, or…

Continue ReadingJazzCast Episode 11: Marty Nau

JazzCast Episode 9: Timothy Whalen Part 2

Welcome back to Part 2 of the interview with Timothy Whalen! This was a continuation of the first episode with his selection of one more nonet original tune as well as three funk tunes. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoy! Mentioned in this podcast: Timothy Whalen Richard Davis Bud Powell Paul Piper Elijah Jamal Balbed Shareef Taher Eliot Seppa Tim Whalen Septet Tom Gullion Jon Schipper Joel Adams Nick Moran Jamie Ryan Jim Newhauser DNA Music Labs Twins…

Continue ReadingJazzCast Episode 9: Timothy Whalen Part 2

JazzCast Episode 8: Timothy Whalen Part 1

Welcome to Episode 8 of the JazzCast, the podcast dedicated to curated listening sessions with jazz musicians! Today's episode is part one of an interview with Timothy Whalen, DC based jazz pianist, composer, and arranger. He is playing with his four horn septet this weekend at Twins Jazz on U Street in DC, so come on out and listen if you enjoy this music! March 28 - 29, 8 and 10 pm sets, http://twinsjazz.com. Mentioned in this podcast: Timothy Whalen…

Continue ReadingJazzCast Episode 8: Timothy Whalen Part 1

JazzCast Ep7: Interview with Amy Bormet

***Update*** So sorry everyone, I had accidentally turned down the volume of the second song on the original version - audio has been fixed, and hopefully is better quality now - thanks for checking by!!  sorry for the inconvenience! ****  Welcome to Episode 7 of the JazzCast, the podcast dedicated to curated listening sessions by jazz musicians! Today's episode is an interview with Amy K. Bormet, who is a DC-based-but-transplanted-to-LA pianist, composer, educator, and leader of the Washington Women in Jazz Festival! March 15…

Continue ReadingJazzCast Ep7: Interview with Amy Bormet

JazzCast Ep 6: John Kocur Part 2

Welcome to Episode 6 of the JazzCast, the podcast dedicated to curated listening sessions with jazz musicians! This is the second in a two part series of my interview with John Kocur, jazz saxophonist from Washington DC. On this podcast you will hear a little more about his influences as well as four more of his original songs from his albums "Fortitude" and "The Smoker." I hope you enjoy his wonderful music and thank you for listening! I have to…

Continue ReadingJazzCast Ep 6: John Kocur Part 2

JazzCast Ep 5: John Kocur part 1

Welcome to the 5th episode of the JazzCast, the only jazz podcast dedicated to curated listening sessions by jazz musicians! Today you will hear an interview with John Kocur, jazz saxophonist and professor of music at Northern Virginia Community College. I decided to split the interview up into two parts, both of which will be posted today but in separate posts. I just wanted to have smaller file sizes for people to download and I also wanted to make each…

Continue ReadingJazzCast Ep 5: John Kocur part 1

JazzCast Ep 4: Ryan McGeorge, Jazz Euphonium

Welcome to the 4th episode of the JazzCast, the jazz podcast dedicated to curated listening sessions by jazz musicians! Today I am very happy to bring you an interview of Ryan McGeorge, valve trombonist and jazz euphonium player who plays with the President's Own Marine Band as well as lead trombone in the Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra. I hope you enjoy listening to an electronic euphonium playing music from the Predator soundtrack. Or a crazy take on Rosanna by Toto.…

Continue ReadingJazzCast Ep 4: Ryan McGeorge, Jazz Euphonium

JazzCast Ep3: Interview with Elijah Jamal Balbed

Welcome back everyone to another episode of the JazzCast! Today we have Elijah Jamal Balbed, DC tenor saxophonist, on the show to talk about his current musical projects. Listen to the end and you will hear some unreleased material that is a sneak peak for his upcoming live album he will be releasing later this year. Elijah plays with some heavy cats! Mentioned in this podcast are (in order of mention): Elijah Jamal Balbed Twins Jazz Club Victor Provost Alex…

Continue ReadingJazzCast Ep3: Interview with Elijah Jamal Balbed

JazzCast Ep2: Interview with Billy Wolfe

***UPDATED! I added new songs by Billy Wolfe and leveled out the volumes a bit.*** Finally got this up! A little late, unfortunately. But the music is good, so here it is. I hope you enjoy this second episode of the JazzCast which includes an interview with saxophonist Billy Wolfe. Billy plays saxophone(s) in the Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra as well as teaches private lessons and puts concerts together for his band, "Billy Wolfe and the Composer's TetraDectet." He pulls…

Continue ReadingJazzCast Ep2: Interview with Billy Wolfe

The JazzCast – Episode 1 – My vision and introduction

  Welcome to the JazzCast, a new podcast devoted to the appreciation and listening of the great genre labeled as jazz. Transcription below: Usually, I’m going to be doing interviews, but for the first episode, I’d like to lay out my vision of this show.  Basically, this podcast idea was born as I was driving to work and wanted to hear new jazz but was unable to find a radio station out where I live. My hope is to give…

Continue ReadingThe JazzCast – Episode 1 – My vision and introduction