JazzCast: Recent Episodes
Orbert Davis' Chicago Jazz Philharmonic
Join Orbert Davis, Lesley Pichietti, and Lauren Deutsch as they sit down with music legends, rising stars, and a civil rights icon to share the lessons learned along the way, and the moments that defined their direction. The series features stories and industry insights in a refreshingly authentic way you won't get anywhere else, as the guest speakers relay their wisdom to aspiring artists at Chicago Jazz Philharmonic's virtual Jazz Academy youth camp.
Join us on this seasons final episode featuring composer and conductor, Jermaine Stegall. Having written film scores for numerous major motion pictures, including 'Coming to America 2” and “Senior Year”, Stegall discusses his journey and process of becoming the musical titan he is today. From overcoming hurdles during his college years to moving to LA, learning tips and tricks of the trade while taking on projects, this is not an episode of JazzCast to miss!
Join us in the new year as we tune into this episode of JazzCast with world-renowned pianist and CJP orchestra member, Leandro Lopez Varady. Born in Argentina, Leandro is a Chicago staple having influenced the music scene and the world of third-stream with both independent projects and through his work at the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic. Throughout this episode, Varady shares his story of being an international musician, the experience of freelancing, as well as an in-depth look at his approach to improvisation. Thank you for listening and tune in for the next episode of JazzCast!
Welcome to season two of JazzCast! This month's episode features educator and multi-instrumentalist, Eréndira Izguerra. Izguerra founded one of the first student Mariachi ensembles in the city of Chicago while attending the University of Illinois Chicago and later went on to join the internationally renowned mariachi ensemble, Sones de Mexico. Join us in this episode as Izguerra shares her journey as a musician, educator, and teaches us about mariachi music and its role in Mexican culture
This month’s episode features jazz legend, producer, pianist and composer Robert Irving III. A native of Chicago, Irving was one of a group of young Chicago musicians that in the late '70s and early '80s formed the nucleus of Miles Davis' recording and touring bands. This month’s episode is an inside look into the pianist and his relationship with the man with the horn and the people who helped shape the face of music. Join us and Chicago Jazz Philharmonic co-founder, Orbert Davis, as Irving recounts his time with Miles and how it shaped the musician and composer that he is today.
Tune in with us for this month's episode of JazzCast with CJP’s Lesley Picchietti and Pinqy Ring. Born and bred in Chicago, Pinqy Ring first shook hands with the mic at age 15 when her love for learning Hip Hop songs turned into a curiosity to try it for herself. A tough childhood, troubled teens, and a catastrophic car accident all worked to mold the young artist into the powerful MC she is today. The accident, (which left Pinqy in a coma), served as the defining turning point in her life as she realized that telling her story was paramount. Join us as we listen and learn with Pinqy Ring, in this month's episode of JazzCast.
This month’s JazzCast episode features singer, songwriter, and Chicagoan B. Lilly, born Bernard Lilly Jr. The son of a preacher B. Lilly grew up in the church, surrounded by its music. However, he describes his upbringing as more like that of “High-School Musical”, with basketball one of his main passions growing up. After graduating from Lawrence University B. Lilly has worked tirelessly to make a career for himself, in his hometown, right here in Chicago. Join us as B. Lilly sits down with CJP’s own Leslie Pecchietti as they explore his journey to find his voice in song and through performance, as well as his insights into questions asked by Saturday Jazz Academy’s aspiring musicians. Be sure to check out last month’s episode and stay tuned for future episodes, here on Chicago Jazz Philharmonic’s JazzCast!
Zara Zaharieva, Violinist, was born in Pleven (Bulgaria) and started studying the violin at the tender age of 3. Tune in as CJP Artistic Director and Co-founder Orbert Davis sits down with Zara to share her story. In this months episode, Zara shares her story of coming to America at the age of 18 and the struggles and joys that she experienced along the way. Her story truly is one that moves and inspires. Join us as Zara shares her story from her home in Bulgaria to playing with Chicago Jazz Philharmonic and everything in between.
Come sit down and talk with Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Co-Founder Orbert Davis and, Chicago Native and genre defying Drummer, Franklin Vanderbilt who talks about his start in music and recounts highlights and memories that helped shape his career. He shares tips and tricks and do’s and don’ts of the industry, for new and old musicians alike! His story is truly a gift to behold as it spans a lengthy and impressive career playing with greats such as Lenny Kravitz and Stevie Wonder.
Jon Faddis is an American jazz trumpet player, conductor, composer, and educator, renowned for both his playing and for his expertise in the field of music education. In this month’s episode of JazzCast, Co-Founder of Chicago Jazz Philharmonic and fellow trumpeter, Orbert Davis, sit down and talks with Jon Faddis. From Faddis’ early days with jazz and Afro-Cuban trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie to Dizzy’s life and love of Afro-Cuban music and its origins, to sharing the bandstand with modern giants of jazz such as Wynton Marsalis. Join us today as we sit down with Jon Faddis as he shares his story and teaches us all lessons about life, trumpet, and jazz.
Timuel D. Black Jr. is an American historian, educator, author, civil rights activist, and expert in African American history in Chicago. In this first ever episode of JazzCast, Timuel Black tells us about everything from the history of Chicago to the time he introduced civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to jazz legend Duke Ellington. The grandchild of slaves, Black recounts the early days of jazz music and the ways in which it shaped his life but also the life of the city and the country as a whole. This episode focuses on race in America and how it influenced music and education. For him, music is the great uniter.
Join us in sharing the story of a true Chicago legend, Timuel Black. Black Lives Matter.