KMHD: Recent Episodes
Oregon Public Broadcasting
Drummer Nate Smith is a delightful dude. He’s got a holistic sense of the kit, a deep knowledge of groove from a fascinating perspective, and he plays well with others, especially based on his beloved Kinfolk albums. Last summer, Alex Newman talked with the drummer while he was in Portland with Kiefer and CARRTOONS about his career, his fellow musical companions, and the importance of connection, just in time for his new album, Live-Action.
On the heels of their recent performance at Southeast Portland’s Aladdin Theater, The New Format’s Alex Newman talked with Pino Palladino & Blake Mills about their current tour, their music making together, and their latest album– Notes With Attachments.
Shortly after the release of their 2024 album, Mid Spiral, which multi-faceted Canadian group BADBADNOTGOOD initially rolled out as a series of three EPs, Anthony Dean-Harris sat down with the group while they were in Portland for the Best Day Ever Festival at McMenamins Edgefield to talk about their latest release and the evolution & latest expanded iteration of this ever evolving, constantly fascinating sextet that epitomizes Jazz Without Boundaries.
SML is a Los Angeles based, improvisation fueled band consisting of Jeremiah Chiu (electronics), Gregory Uhlman (guitar), Booker Stardrum (drums), Anna Butterss (bass), and Josh Johnson (sax). Ahead of the performance of SML at Pickathon, Anna and Josh share their experiences playing with Jeff Parker’s ETA 4tet, collaborating with Makaya McCraven, and the origins and process of SML.
Alex Newman sat down with the accomplished saxophone player to talk about his journey from his musical upbringing to his winding path from Chicago to Los Angeles and all the collaborators he found along the way– particularly his solo excursions and what to expect from his upcoming performances at the Pickathon festival on his own as well as with the group SML.
Jimetta Rose first made a name for herself by lending her vocal talents to artists like Shafiq Husayn, Blu, and Sly5thAve—helping bring their musical visions to life. Today, that same spirit of collaboration takes a new form as she leads a group of vocalists known as The Voices of Creation. Ahead of her appearance at Pickathon with the choir, Jimetta welcomes us into her home to share how her upbringing in Los Angeles—singing in church and school choirs—has come full circle in this expansive new musical chapter.
On the summer solstice, esperanza spalding came by KMHD to talk about Prismid Sanctuary, her new fundraising initiative and her approach to her work co-running a non-profit, “a place in Portland, OR, for Indigenous, Black & all POC artists and cultural workers to convene, rest, and heal.”
Los Angeles-based Anna Butterss is a bassist who has made a winding path from Adelaide, South Australia to working as one of the most captivating bassists around the world– known for their solo work, collaborations with guitarist Jeff Parker, backing folk artist Phoebe Bridgers, and the group SML who will be performing this upcoming Pickathon festival. Before their performance at the festival of the work of their latest album from International Anthem Record Co., Mighty Vertebrate, Alex Newman made the sojourn from Portland to Butterss’ Los Angeles living room to have a conversation with the young artist about their fascinating career.
Gary Bartz stands as a pivotal jazz figure in jazz due to his innovative compositions, versatile genre fusion, the social messages in his music, and iconic collaborations withother artists. On this episode, we’ll hear about Charles Mingus’ jazz workshop in NYC, his stint with Miles Davis’ band in the early 70’s, and the formation of Gary’s project NTU Troop.
Walter Theodore "Sonny" Rollins, born on September 7, 1930, is an esteemed American jazz tenor saxophonist renowned for his significant contributions to the jazz genre. Over his illustrious seven-decade career, Rollins has served as a leader on more than sixty albums. Widely hailed as "the greatest living improviser," Rollins continues to be a pivotal and influential figure in the world of jazz.
Samm Culley is/was the bassist and vocalist for the mythical funk band SKULL SNAPS. The group only released one self-titled album in 1973, but one of the tunes from that record -- "It’s A New Day" -- features one of the most widely sampled drum breaks in history, credited with laying the foundation for countless hip-hop classics.
Joe Bataan pioneered the sound of New York Latin soul, and his ability to bridge diverse musical genres have made him a vital figure in the history of American music. This episode explores his journey after a stint in prison, his group signing with the legendary Latin label Fania, recollections recording two of his LPs, and the enduring popularity of his song “Young Gifted and Black.”
JJ Whitefield is a German-born multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer, perhaps best known as co-founder of the group, the Poets of Rhythm. Even though it may have seemed improbable to the Poets of Rhythm at the time, the band’s commitment to a punchy, gritty, deep-funk aesthetic made them the honorary forefathers and Godfathers of the late 90s/early 2000s soul and funk revival. Whitefield continues to make genre-blurring music with groups like Karl Hector & the Malcouns and African music legend Ebo Taylor.
James Gadson is one of the most recorded drummers in the history of soul, funk, and R&B music. He’s played on countless records that have shaped the very essence of rhythm and groove in popular music, appearing on albums by Herbie Hancock, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo. James is also one of the most sampled drummers of all time.
While in New York City for Winter Jazzfest, KMHD host Alex Newman sat down with drummer Jay Mumford at Second Take Studio in Manhattan to dive into his unconventional musical journey—from a record-obsessed kid to an independent producer and rapper, and ultimately to a drummer playing with the likes of Michael Kiwanuka and Adrian Quesada. Along the way, he crossed paths with legends, picking up wisdom from iconic drummers like Steve Ferrone, Mike Clark, and George Brown. Jay’s latest project sees him teaming up once again with Dutch keyboardist and producer Soul Supreme for another electrifying collaboration.
James “Plunky” Branch a saxophonist/composer who was a founding member of the band Oneness of Juju, a group that were instrumental in blending diverse musical styles, including jazz, funk, soul, and traditional African rhythms to create a distinctive sound. Their musical so delivered a potent message of Black pride, social consciousness, and cultural unity.
Ishmael Butler is a rapper, record producer, and songwriter, best known for his work with Disable Planets and Shabazz Palaces. Disable Planets were renowned for their groundbreaking work blending hip-hop with jazz samples.
Isaac “Redd” Holt is best known for his drumming with the Ramsey Lewis Trio –that’s Redd playing drums on the classic LP 'TheInCrowd,' which became a huge commercial success. After his time with Ramsey Lewis, he went on to form the influential jazz/funk outfit, Young Holt Unlimited, with whom he recorded the timeless single, “Soulful Strut.” Holt passed away on May 23, 2023 at the age of 91.
Cymande is a British funk band that first emerged in the early 1970s. They stood out for their diverse musical style, blending funk, soul, reggae, rock, African music, calypso, and jazz, and gained renewed recognition after their music was sampled by prominent rap artists, leading to their reunion.
Maxayn, the band, brilliantly showcased the vocal talent and songwriting of its lead singer, Maxayn Lewis. Maxayn didn't achieve significant commercial success, but their music remains highly respected among rare groove enthusiasts and is fondly remembered by those with discerning musical tastes from the early 70s. Their sound blended elements of funk, gospel, and introspective ballads reminiscent of Roberta Flack. Maxayn's voice adapted seamlessly to this diverse range, delivering both powerful, gritty soulful performances and more subdued, relaxed renditions of slower songs.
George Porter, Jr. is a bassist and co-founder of the legendary funk band, The Meters. The Meters are one of the most influential funk groups of all tine, who created adistinctive sound characterized by the fusion of precise melodic grooves and syncopated rhythms reminiscent of New Orleans "second line."
Don Randi is a versatile musician renowned for his skills as akeyboard player, bandleader, and songwriter. A pivotal figure inthe vibrant music scene of the 1960s and 1970s, Randi was avital member of the Wrecking Crew, a renowned collective of Los Angeles-based session musicians highly sought after fortheir contributions to thousands of studio recordings, including numerous Top 40 hits. With a versatile portfolio, Randi has lenthis talents to over three hundred hit records, collaborating with esteemed artists such as Quincy Jones, Cannonball Adderley, Herb Alpert, Sarah Vaughan, and David Axelrod.
Eddie Henderson is a trumpeter and flugelhorn player who gained recognition in the early 1970s as part of Herbie Hancock's Mwandishi band, and later went on to lead his own electric and fusion groups throughout the decade.
Irma Thomas is an acclaimed American singer known as the "Soul Queen of New Orleans," celebrated for her powerful voice and deep emotional delivery. Her enduring hits, including classics like "Ruler of My Heart" and "Time Is on My Side," have solidified her status as a pivotal figure in rhythm and blues.
Sérgio Mendes is pivotal to jazz for his innovative fusion of Brazilian rhythms with traditional jazz elements, which has broadened the genre's appeal and introduced new, vibrant sounds to global audiences.
Ron Carter is the most recorded jazz bassist in history, who has left an indelible mark on the genre through his innovative playing, extensive discography, and pivotal role in shaping the modern sound of jazz.
Find the full interview with Ron Carter and the entire catalog of Sounds Visual Radio podcasts at soundsvisualradio.com.
Eddy Senay, a guitarist renowned for his musical prowess,unveiled two exceptional and coveted rare groove albums underSussex Records during the early 1970s: "Hot Thang" and "StepBy Step." These records feature a rich collection of soulful,imaginative, and melodically infused jazz-funk instrumentals.Despite not achieving widespread recognition, Eddy's narrativeand musical creations are truly captivating and deserving ofexploration
Don Randi is a versatile musician renowned for his skills as akeyboard player, bandleader, and songwriter. A pivotal figure inthe vibrant music scene of the 1960s and 1970s, Randi was avital member of the Wrecking Crew, a renowned collective ofLos Angeles-based session musicians highly sought after fortheir contributions to thousands of studio recordings, includingnumerous Top 40 hits. With a versatile portfolio, Randi has lenthis talents to over three hundred hit records, collaborating withesteemed artists such as Quincy Jones, Cannonball Adderley,Herb Alpert, Sarah Vaughan, and David Axelrod
Dennis Coffey is a guitarist who has played on dozens of classic soul, funk, and R&B recordings, and whose 1971 single “Scorpio” became one of the most oft-sampled tracks of all-time.
On the latest episode of Jazz for Lunch, saxophonist Nicole McCabe stops by the KMHD studios to speak with host Alex Newman about all things jazz without boundaries. McCabe’s new album “Mosaic” featuring Julius Rodriguez and production from Jeff Parker, is out now.
On the latest episode of Jazz with Lunch, trumpeter Farnell Newton stops by the KMHD studios to speak with host Alex Newman about all things jazz without boundaries.
The Portland, Oregon band helped shape the sound for the 1970s by combining Jazz, RnB, Funk & Soul.
KMHD caught up with Herbie at his studio in LA to talk about his upcoming tour, including his performance in Oregon at McMenamin’s Grand Lodge on Sept. 19.
Jazz drummer, producer and artist Kassa Overall came to the KMHD studios and spoke about what the evolution of Jazz and Hip-hop may look like in the future.
Producer, songwriter and vocalist Madison McFerrin visited the KMHD studios and spoke with host Deena B about her artistic journey of creating her debut album, "I Hope You Can Forgive Me."
Ahead of his Portland Jazz Festival appearance in February 2014, Matt Fleeger interviewed Ahmad Jamal in the KMHD studios.
Deena Barnwell speaks with the Portland duo Brown Calculus, ahead of their 'The Expansion Archives' performance.
KMHD's Matt Fleeger, Program Director and host of New Jazz For Lunch on-air from noon-1 Monday-Thursday, talks with Makaya McCraven about his new mixtape with London's biggest jazz innovators, his upcoming show at the Forest For The Trees warehouse in Portland, and more.
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Portland vocalist, Shirley Nanette, tells a humorous story about a contest she entered on this week's A Jazz Life.
Jennifer Maryerle, determined to give her daughter the New York jazz club experience, had a night that went beyond her wildest expectations.
Morgan Luker, an ethnomusicologist and assistant professor at Reed College in Portland, Oregon guides us through the story of tango music and explains its relevance in the world today.
Billy Childs discusses his new record, "Map to the Treasure: Reimagining Laura Nyro" with KMHD Jazz Radio.
A Jazz Life is a story telling project in which individuals tell their personal tale about a moment that shaped their appreciation for America's greatest art form.
A Jazz Life is a story telling project in which individuals tell their personal tale about a moment that shaped their appreciation for America's greatest art form.