The Jazz Mill: Recent Episodes
The Jazz Mill
Join us for swinging music and deep dive interviews with the best Jazz players on the planet. Ain’t like it out there. Your calls and comments are always welcomed!
Join us as we visit with the great composer, performer, music educator and B3 man Delbert Bump! We will learn about his facinating musical journey and hear samples of his wonderful music. He's one swinin' cat that you will NOT want to miss!
Join us as we celebrate the life of music of Little Jimmy Scott. He was one swinging cat!https://youtu.be/VwyTikxUW0Y?si=sAWKU2ly-oOZuSoO
On this episode of The Jazz Mill, we explore the life and music of Hammond B3 man Jimmy McGriff. Bound to make your toe tap. Join us please!
On this episode of The Jazz Mill 2.0 we unpack arguably the most compelling song In Jazz, Coltrane's Giant Steps. We'll also get a glimpse inside the studio of the great Recording Engineer Rudy Van Gelder. Guaranteed to be a BLAST!
Hard to believe it's already been a year since Chris Foreman & The Soul Message Band we inducted into the Hammond B3 Hall of Fame. Join us as we hear about their nearly 40 year musical odyssey!
Join us for the relaunch of THE JAZZ MILL, 2.0! On this episode we discuss important changes to the program that you are sure to love!Also, we will be discussing the life and music of guitarist Russell Malone! with the great Rothenberg!
Brenda Russell's wonderful music is bound by neither time nor trend as she continues to attract fans around the world for 45 + years. Brenda has more than a dozen hit records to her credit, and has either collaborated or recorded with Babyface, Mary J. Blige, Michael McDonald, Bow Wow, Janet Jackson, Donna Summer, Earth, Wind & Fire, Ray Charles, Luther Vandross, Joe Cocker, Roberta Flack, Al Jarreau & Johnny Mathis, to mention a few. Brenda has garnered a Grammy, received countless nominations and a Tony Award.We'll be discussing her latest project "The Color Purple Musical" score on this episode of The Jazz Mill...
On this episode we celebrate the release Brenda Russell's latest record “What Will It Take,” which is one of those serendipitous cases of a song truly meeting the perfect moment in this post-pandemic era, where political strife has left people more divided than ever, there is a collective anxiety about our future as a democracy and our news feeds are dominated by two horrifying wars. Ironically, though Brenda’s incisive but hopeful message seems tailor made for our time, she originally wrote the song in the mid-90s, a few years after she hit the Billboard Hot 100’s Top Ten with her breakthrough trademark hit “Piano In the Dark,” which earned Grammy nominations for Song of the Year, and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Sure you'll dig!https://youtu.be/y8tBcQTwvWA?feature=shared
Alan Pasqua, Chairman of Jazz Studies at USC, was born in New Jersey and began studying piano at the age of seven, playing both classical and jazz. He attended Indiana University and received his bachelor's degree in jazz studies from the New England Conservatory. While performing a concert at Carnegie Hall, Pasqua met the legendary drummer Tony Williams. Pasqua was asked to join The New Tony Williams Lifetime along with guitarist Allan Holdsworth. After recording two “Lifetime” albums for Columbia Records, Pasqua relocated in Los Angeles. His career in L.A. broadened as he started playing with more rock and pop artists. He has been a member of the bands of Bob Dylan and Santana. Some of his other album and touring credits include: Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Queen Latifa, and Rod Stewart. In addition, he has worked with composers John Williams, Quincy Jones, Dave Grusin, Jerry Goldsmith and Henry Mancini and on motion picture soundtracks. In addition, Alan composed the soundtrack for Disney’s hit movie, The Waterboy, starring Adam Sandler.In the jazz world, Pasqua has played and recorded with Jack Dejohnette, Paul Motion, Dave Holland, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Joe Henderson, Stanley Clarke, Gary Burton, James Moody, Gary Peacock, Gary Bartz, Reggie Workman, The Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, Sheila Jordan and Joe Williams. Aside from his many critically acclaimed recordings as a leader, in 2008, Pasqua joined forces with Peter Erskine and Dave Carpenter, arranging, co-producing and playing on the Grammy Award nominated trio album “Standards”. His latest release, “Twin Bill” features Pasqua recorded on two pianos, playing the music of Bill Evans. This CD will be released Fall 2011 on the BFM Jazz label.
Soul Message Band is founded on the enduring partnership of Chris Foreman, the Chicago-based and nationally celebrated Hammond B3 Jazz Organist, and the always solid drummer, Greg Rockingham, aka “The Rock.” Greg and Chris have a 25-year history of collaboration, including groups like the Deep Blue Organ Trio. Mr. Rockingham and Mr. Foreman have an unmistakable chemistry that has taken them from Chicago to Jazz Clubs and Arenas around the world as both headliners and as an opening group for Steely Dan. The band adds Chicago veteran guitarist, Lee Rothenberg on guitar. Here are some of their wonderful tunes, for your pleasure...Full episode of SMB: http://tobtr.com/12171957
Grammy winning producer, composer, arrange & educator Brent Fischer credits his legendary father, Dr Clare Fischer, for creating a rich harmonic and orchestration palette that has become the Fischer brand. A multi-instrumentalist (bass, vibes, keys, drums), Brent moves easily between Jazz, R&B, Pop or Symphonic works. Brent’s credits appear on over 30 million albums to include: Usher, Michael Jackson, Raphael Saadiq, Prince, Sheila E, Al Jarreau, Toni Braxton, Usher, Dianne Reeves, Elvis Costello & The Roots..https://brentfischer.com/homehttps://www.charusuri.com/https://www.amazon.com/Colours-Sound-Pilbrow-Fischer-Orchestra/dp/B075Z45334?nodl=1&dplnkId=a24e0911-22df-4f27-86c3-e85f6c70900f
The Jazz Mill welcomes jazz historian, reviewer and author Scott Yanow to the show! We will be discussing the great vocalists of jazz. Who's yours?
On this episode we discuss the life and music of the great Tony Bennett with author, historian and reviewer Scott Yanow. Oughta be a peach!
Join us for pt. 1 of our tribute to the magnificent Tony Bennett! We'll be spinning some of his swingingest songs! Groove ALERT!
Lucy Wijnands, Winner of the prestigeous Ella Fitzgerld Jazz Vocal Competition is our guest! We will be discussing her musical journey and playing samples of her wonderful recordings.
Guranteed to please!
Join us as we visit with Marilyn Scott who is best known for her Grammy nominated work as a contemporary jazz musician & composer having worked with Etta James, Spyro Gyra, The Yellowjackets, Bob James, George Duke & Bobby Caldwell, to name just a few.
Sure to be a dandy!
Join us as we visit with the Grammy nominated composer and performer Pierce Freelon! He is an American musician, educato & author and has performed with Nneena Freelon, Herbie Hancock, Bob James, Earl Klugh and many more...
Jazz drumming is an art form that requires unprecedented control, coordination, and rhythmic understanding. Jazz is a musical genre that has birthed some of the greatest drummers alive to date. And jazz drummers have also been pivotal in the development of the modern drum set.Join artists Greg Rockingham, John Armato and me as discuss and feature the music of some of the greats!
On this episode of The Jazz Mill we discuss the Bossa Nova which began on the tropical beaches of Rio de Janeiro in the late 1950s, when a small group of mainly middle-class students, artists and musicians came together to create a new sound. Bossa Nova was a soft samba based on traditional Brazilian music and rhythms, American jazz, and a new style of Portuguese lyrics. It was a youthful celebration of romance, beach culture and sensual pleasure.Sure to swing!
Burt Freeman Bacharach (/ˈbækəræk/ BAK-ə-rak; May 12, 1928 – February 8, 2023) was an American composer, songwriter, record producer, and pianist who is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential figures of 20th-century popular music.[4][5][6] Starting in the 1950s, he composed hundreds of pop songs, many in collaboration with lyricist Hal David. Bacharach's music is characterized by unusual chord progressions and time signature changes, influenced by his background in jazz, and uncommon selections of instruments for small orchestras. He arranged, conducted, and produced much of his recorded output.
Jazz vocalist & composer Karla Harris has made a career within the art form she loves for more than 3 decades, captivating audiences from Providence to Provence. He performance credits include the Sarasota Jazz Festival, the Nantucket Arts festival and the Atlanta Jazz Party, and a TED Talk.Additionally, Karla was trusted with the first ever studio recordings of the Dave Brubeck songbook, which we will hear from on this episode. Bound to be a beauty!
Join us as we discuss jazz icon Wayne Shorter with historian Scott Yanow on this episode of The Jazz Mill podcast!Wayne Shorter (August 25, 1933 – March 2, 2023) was an American jazz saxophonist and composer.[1] Shorter came to prominence in the late 1950s as a member of, and eventually primary composer for, Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. In the 1960s, he joined Miles Davis's Second Great Quintet, and then co-founded the jazz fusion band Weather Report. He recorded more than 20 albums as a bandleader.http://scottyanow.com/https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001HCZIV6/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=c15a741f-0f3e-4ab3-a16e-8d7e4ed34175https://www.soulmessageband.com/
On this episode we break down the games of arguably the greatest stride piano players of all time!
Seen around the globe on America’s Got Talent, stunning crossover music duo VOCE NOVA (Latin for “a fresh voice”) puts a new twist on your favorite songs with brand new arrangements and exciting original mashups that seamlessly weave classical instrumentation and a modern sound into a dynamic, high energy performance!Classically trained singers Natalia Tsvi and Gilad Paz have decades of experience using their superior vocal abilities to elevate top 40 and rock hits, dazzling audiences in both the United States and abroad.
Wendy Moten is an amazing vocalist and composer having worked with Stevie Wonder, Julio Iglesias, Michael Bolton, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill to name a few. But you’ll probably recognize Wendy from her appearance on "The Voice" where she electrified millions, including us, with her tasteful renditions, perfect pitch and a range that would make Miriah Carey blush. She has enjoyed international recording success with Come In Out Of The Rain, and several best selling records which we will sample as a part our visit! Join us as we find out what's next for this amazing artist!
Soul Message Band is founded on the enduring partnership of Chris Foreman, the Chicago-based and nationally celebrated Hammond B3 Jazz Organist, and the always solid drummer, Greg Rockingham, aka “The Rock.” Greg and Chris have a 25-year history of collaboration, including groups like the Deep Blue Organ Trio. Mr. Rockingham and Mr. Foreman have an unmistakable chemistry that has taken them from Chicago to Jazz Clubs and Arenas around the world as both headliners and as an opening group for Steely Dan. The band adds Chicago veteran guitarist, Lee Rothenberg on guitar.
Multi GRAMMY® Award nominee Nnenna Freelon is known worldwide as a compelling and captivating live performer. Recently, Nnenna starred in the critically acclaimed show Georgia on My Mind: Celebrating the Music of Ray Charles - no stranger to the music of the master singer - she toured with Ray Charles, as well as many other great jazz artists including Ellis Marsalis, Al Jarreau, George Benson, Earl Klugh, Take 6, and others.Accolades and awards have abounded - performances at The White House, headlining the Asia Pacific Economic Summit for three hundred Presidents, Premiers and Heads of State, receiving the YWCA of North Carolina’s inaugural “Legend Award” for her outstanding artistry and her dedication to education, and so much more.2019 and 2020 brought profound challenges and loss to Nnenna. In 2019, husband for 40 years, renowned architect Phil Freelon, passed away after his battle with ALS. Within six months, Nnenna's sister, Dr. Debbie Pierce passed away too.In her efforts to find her voice amidst these challenges Nnenna has begun to emerge with new ways to share her feelings and express her experiences - a new podcast called Great Grief and a new recording entitled Time Traveler are now available.Great Grief Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/great-grief-with-nnenna-freelon/id1568502421 Celebrity Series: https://www.celebrityseries.org/productions/nnenna-freelon/Nnenna's Website: https://www.nnenna.com/
Holidaze, that’s HoliDAZE is the work of John Beasley, the Grammy award winning pianist, composer, arranger, musical director and a producer. He began his career backing such jazz icons as Miles Davis and Freddie Hubbard. Since then, John has performed with a wide range of artists including Dianne Reeves, John Patitucci, Chaka Khan, Carly Simon, Lee Ritenour & Steely Dan, to name some.His extensive work as a composer-arranger extends beyond jazz, with many credits in television such as: Star Trek, Cheers and Fame; and on the big screen in two Bond films, The Shawshank Redemption, among others.Oh, and in his spare time he is an educator & mentor to hundreds of promising young players and orchestras.
Join us as we spin the swingingest songs South of the North pole!https://www.gildshire.com/christmas-songs-and-their-history/
GRAMMY® Award Winning and Emmy nominee, John Beasley is a versatile pianist, composer, arranger who began his career in his 20s backing jazz icons Miles Davis and Freddie Hubbard. Since then, Beasley has performed with a wide range of artists, including Dianne Reeves, Ivan Lins, John Patitucci, Chaka Khan, Christian McBride, Carly Simon, to name a few. He was music director for international tours with Steely Dan, AR Rahman and Queen Latifah.He is the Music Director for the International Jazz Day global gala concerts hosted by the Herbie Hancock Jazz Institute, which earned him an Emmy nomination for 2016 Jazz at the White House hosted by President Obama. Beasley’s work as a composer-arranger extends beyond jazz, with many credits in television such as Star Trek: TNG, Cheers, and Fame; and in films scored by 15-time Oscar nominee Thomas Newman 1917, James Bond’s Spectre and Skyfall, Finding Dory, He Named Me Malala, Shawshank Redemption, and Let them all Talk.Recently, Beasley has been working with youth and professional big bands. He was commissioned by Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Orchestra to write a song Fête dans la Tête for its 2020 program. He wrote a commission for the LA Philharmonic’s Youth Orchestra Los Angeles called A History of Jazz. Presently, he is working with both Frankfurt’s and Stuttgart’s radio big bands on programs featuring the music of Chick Corea, Duke Ellington, Wayne Shorter, Weather Reporter, and Charlie Parker. Artist contact: https://johnbeasleymusic.comShow contact: http://thejazzmill.netSMB contact: http://soulmessageband.com
Marilyn Scott is best known for her Grammy-nominated work as a contemporary jazz musician, having performed with some of the best musicians in the world over the last few decades.A native of southern California, vocalist Marilyn Scott counts among her earliest influences, artists Aretha Franklin, Donny Hathaway, Etta James, Jean Carn and Andy Bey. She began performing in local clubs and fronted soul-jazz bands around the San Francisco Bay area. Among the many friends she made were the guys of Tower of Power, who gave her the opportunity to do backing session vocals with the Oakland-based band. Those recording sessions steered her to making her way back to Los Angeles as a studio session singer, where she performed with musicians and groups including Tower of Power, Spyro Gyra, Yellowjackets, Hiroshima, John Mayall, Etta James, Bobby Caldwell and Bobby Womack. Scott has 18+ records to her credit, some of which will play and discuss on this episode. Oughta be a dandy!
Scott Yanow is hands down the quintessential jazz author, historian and reviewer! He has authored 12 books, written over 900 liner notes, more than 20,000 reviews and countless interviews with the masters of the genre.We will take a deep dive into his latest book, "Life Through The Eyes Of A Jazz Journalist" which you are sure to dig!https://www.amazon.com/Life-Through-Eyes-Jazz-Journalist/dp/1958324027/ref=asc_df_1958324027?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80470633391007&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584070159244676&psc=1https://www.thejazzmill.net/
Grammy®-winning producer, composer, arranger and BMI artist, Brent Fischer carries on the legacy of his legendary father, Dr. Clare Fischer, creating a rich harmonic and orchestral palette that has become the Fischer brand. A multi-instrumentalist (bass, vibes, keys, drums), Brent moves easily between genres - Jazz, Pop, Symphonic and more. His credits appear on over 30 million albums for artists including Usher, Michael Jackson, Elvis Costello & The Roots, Toni Braxton, Al Jarreau, Raphael Saadiq, George Duke, Natalie Cole, Vanessa Williams and D'Angelo (won Grammys® for Best R&B Album and Song for "Really Love" from his album "Black Messiah" -- where Brent Fischer is credited as arranger and producer).Brent Fischer Contacthttps://brentfischer.com/https://clarefischer.com/Brent Fischer Promotoionhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/fischer-latin-jazz-group-singers-november-13-at-230-tickets-448148563417?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Scott Yanow is hands down the quintessential jazz author, historian and reviewer! He has authored 12 books, written over 900 liner notes, more than 20,000 reviews and countless interviews with the masters of the genre.We will take a deep dive into his latest book, "Life Through The Eyes Of A Jazz Journalist" which you are sure to dig!https://www.amazon.com/Life-Through-Eyes-Jazz-Journalist/dp/1958324027/ref=asc_df_1958324027?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80470633391007&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584070159244676&psc=1https://www.thejazzmill.net/
John Armato is a Kansas City native, New York City ex-pat, and now Sacramento resident, John Armato appears on releases by Tom Giovagnoli, Peter Petty, Tony Underwood, Claudette Stone, and Lisa Bloecher. "The Drummer Loves Ballads" is his first release as leader.He came up as a sideman in Kansas City in the 80s and 90s working with local society bands and jazz leaders as well as backing touring acts and “ghost bands” such as The Ink Spots, The Platters, and The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra. He was also a member of the Kansas City Chief's "Pack Band." Relocating to New York and then Sacramento brought Armato new opportunities to work with jazz artists such as tenor saxophonist Bob Kindred, vocalist Anne Phillips, cornet legend Warren Vache; and smooth jazz headliners such as Paul Brown, Darren Rahn, Steve Oliver, and Spencer Day. In recent years he has traveled Northern California with the Dean-O-Holics Rat Pack tribute show.Armato has had parallel careers as a communications executive and creative strategist as well as a musician. "The Drummer Loves Ballads" combines his talents as a jazz drummer with his skills as a writer, designer, and speaker to create a uniquely personal project. Resource Library: https://thedrummerlovesballads.com/https://www.amazon.com/Drummer-Loves-Ballads-John-Armato/dp/B0963H35T7https://www.thejazzmill.net/https://www.soulmessageband.com/
The “Great American Songbook” is the canon of the most important and influential American popular songs and jazz standards from the early 20th century that have stood the test of time in their life and legacy. Often referred to as "American Standards," the songs published during the Golden Age of this genre include those popular and enduring tunes from the 1920s to the 1960s that were created for Broadway theatre, musical theatre, and Hollywood musical film.Join The Jazz Mill players as we spin some of this wonderful music, discuss its' origins and preservation!Resource Library: https://www.thejazzmill.net/https://www.soulmessageband.com/https://thesongbook.org/library-archives/https://www.udiscovermusic.com/in-depth-features/cover-to-cover-the-story-of-the-great-american-songbook/
Actor/Singer/Writer/Producer/Dancer and self-proclaimed "Artrepreneur" Elijah Rock has left few stones unturned in his quest for performance art excellence since leaving his native Cleveland, Ohio. He not only seeks out challenging creative opportunities, he creates them - in the spotlight and behind the scenes. Winner of the 2014 NAACP Theater Award for Best Male Equity performer in "Breath and Imagination: The Story of Roland Hayes" triple threat Rock sailed into these endeavors on the wings of glowing acclaim for his stage performances that include his 2016 Ovation Award Nomination for his role as the legendary Cotton Club star Cab Calloway in the musical revue "I Only Have Eyes For You" produced by legendary producer/song-writer(s,) Corky Hale and Mike Stoller. Other Notable roles include The Crooner in "Words by Ira Gershwin." The Glendale News raved, "Baritone Rock, with charm to spare, shifts smoothly from crisp jazz phrasings to the operatic..." The Hollywood Progressive proclaimed, "The youthful Rock, who appears in Showtime's TV series 'Masters of Sex,' is establishing himself not only as a fine Actor but one of his generation's foremost interpreters and performers of The Great American Songbook."Hot off the press, Rock's brand new album release "Matters of the Heart" is AVAILABLE NOW! Just to name a few, Rock collaborates with producer Suzi Reynolds and features his original composition "Matters of The Heart" as well as other American Songbook classics such as "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," "The Shadow of Your Smile, "The Good Life" and more!Sure to be facinating!
Nneena Freelon is a 6 time Grammy nominee, most recently with her release of "Time Traveler." She has 13 records to her credit and collaborations with the likes of Ray Charles, Al Jarreau, George Benson, Ellis Marsalis and Earl Klugh, to name a few. She has been honored at the White House because of her commitment to education, and has served as the National Spokesperson for Partners in Education for the past 4 years.As a singer, songwriter, producer, Nneena is prolific in her output like no other, including her most recent stage production of "The Clothesline Muse," which tells intriguing and inspiring stories through music, dance, spoken word and technology, thus expanding the artistic experience. She has appeared at festivals around the world, and this November, she’ll be one of the headliners at the Palm Springs "Women in Jazz Festival."It’s our pleasure to welcome Nneena Freelon to The Jazz Mill café, so pour yourself a big cup of joe and cozy up with us for an engaging chat with this amazing talent and spirit!
The Jazz Mill is a celebration of all things jazz! The broadcast exists to further the good works of emerging and established players, singers and composers in the genre. In this premiere episode, we pay tribute to two titans of the keys. The late, great Mike Lang who can be heard on films like Close Encounters, Gremlins, The Competition and The Sting II, AND Master of the Hammond B3, Joey DeFrancesco. We'll play samples of their music and discuss their amazing life journies. We will also meet The Jazz Mill team and discuss the show's value packed format. https://variety.com/2022/artisans/news/mike-lang-dead-jazz-pianist-1235335081/Obituary: https://jazztimes.com/features/tributes-and-obituaries/joey-defrancesco-1971-2022/?amp