Jack DeJohnette passed away. In his honor, I'll hope you'll enjoy this 2012 interview I recorded with Jack at the Blue Note in NYC at the time of the release of his album Sound Travels.
[Photo: Mitchell Garrison]

On her new album, Sounding Line, pianist Carmen Staaf explores the music of Thelonious Monk and Mary Lou Williams. In this interview, Carmen talks about making music in the context of Palestine and COVID; the intersection between Monk and Williams and how she arrived at it; the arranging of the album, which contains both duets and larger groups; the rhythmic complexity of Monk; and more. Please note that the Patreon version of this interview contains additional material.

Carmen has been on the show twice before: TJS #485 (with Allison Miller, 2019) and TJS #304 (2011).

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Carmen talks about being in the present moment. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

NEW ALBUM

I released an album of poetry and music. All the proceeds go to a water charity in Gaza. Get it at fievel42.bandcamp.com.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)
Logo: Sarah Walter
Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

People make music for many different reasons. In Kelly Green's case, her new album Corner Of My Dreams is in part an attempt to process the loss of her mother to suicide. In this interview, Green talks about writing the music on the new album; finding the right musicians to play it; telling her mom's story at live shows; and much more. Find out more at https://www.kellygreenpiano.com.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Kelly talks about her yoga practice and a new craft she's learned. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)
Logo: Sarah Walter
Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

Chris Cheek's new album is Keepers of the Eastern Door. It features Bill Frisell, Tony Scherr, and Rudy Royston. In this interview, we talk about putting the band together; how the stories of indigenous people inspired the album; how a painting led to a voyage of discovery; and more.

A note that Chris was last on the show sixteen years ago with the band Rudder. After you listen to this episode, listen to that interview here.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Chris talks about sacred geometry. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)
Logo: Sarah Walter
Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

Sheila Jordan passed away today (August 11, 2025) at the age of 96. This is an interview I did with Sheila for episode #500. She will be missed.

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The Jazz Session celebrates its 500th episode with NEA Jazz Master Sheila Jordan. In this interview, Jordan talks about how a nickel changed her life; her early years on 52nd Street with Charlie Parker; her work with Steve Swallow and the poetry of Robert Creeley; her approach to ballads and teaching; and more.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)
Logo: Sarah Walter
Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

Jason Crane chats with guitarist Nico Soffiato and trumpeter/keyboardist Josh Deutsch about their new Redshift Trio album Cloud Forest. The trio features three drummers on different tracks: Dave King, Rudy Royston, and Bram Kinchloe. In this interview, Nico and Josh talk about creating the music; their expanding sonic palette; how they chose the drummers; the logistics of longevity; and more.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Nico and Josh talk about motorcycles and food. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)
Logo: Sarah Walter
Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

Jason Crane chats with the members of the improvising collective Jump Off This Bridge: Judith Insell (viola), Virg Dzurinko (piano), Eli Asher (trumpet), and Leonid Galaganov (percussion). They tell a Rashomon-esque story about the formation of the band, and then the conversation covers their new album, Quarks; group improvisation; knowing when not to play; finding joy in the collective; and more.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. The members of Jump Off This Bridge talk about ... lots of things. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)
Logo: Sarah Walter
Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

German pianist Johanna Summer has released several albums in recent years: Upright (ACT, 2025); Cameo (ACT, 2025 with Jakob Manz); and Resonanzen (ACT, 2023). In this interview, Summer discusses all three albums; her musical partnership with Manz; improvising on classical themes; finding freedom through limitation; and much more. NOTE: Members get an extra segment from the interview in which Johanna talks about language fluency.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Johanna talks about her love of football/soccer. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)
Logo: Sarah Walter
Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

Jason Crane talks with saxophonist Muriel Grossmann about her new album, Light Of The Mind. They also talk about Buddhism and its relationship to improvisation; the music scene on the Spanish island where Muriel lives; finding players and sticking with them; and more. Learn more about Muriel at http://www.murielgrossmann.com.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Muriel talks about gardening. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)
Logo: Sarah Walter
Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

 

Jason Crane talks with Emily Mikesell and Kate Campbell Strauss about their debut album, Give Way. The album uses overdubbing to create a choir of of trumpets and saxophones. In this interview, they talk about the random way they were paired in a grad school class; why the partnership works so well; how they used Brian Eno's prompts to write the music; and more. Get the album on Bandcamp here. [Cover photo by Camille Lenain.]

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Steve talks about his plans to travel to places around the world he's never visited. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)
Logo: Sarah Walter
Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

The Jazz Session returns after nearly a year with a new episode featuring pianist Rachel Eckroth. This interview was recorded in October 2023 and focuses on Rachel's then-new album Humanoid. We also talk about returning to the piano, recording in a live setting, the album Money Jungle, and more. Find Rachel online at https://www.racheleckroth.com.

Rachel was also on episode 544 in 2021.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Rachel talks about baking. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)
Logo: Sarah Walter
Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

The Jazz Session turns 17 today! I'm celebrating with an archival episode from back in my jazz radio days. I interviewed Les McCann in 2004 about his classic album Swiss Movement. Les passed away on December 29, 2023. I thought I'd commemorate his passing and celebrate his life and the birthday of this show by sharing that interview with you. Thanks for listening and for supporting The Jazz Session at https://thejazzsession.com/join.

Saxophonist Allison Au's new album is called Migrations. On it, she explores her family's history of migration, and by extension the plight of migrants everywhere. In this interview, Allison talks about the album's spoken word and sung elements; her family history and how it impacted the work; the arranging challenges presented by the presence of strings; and more.

Allison was previously on The Jazz Session in 2016. Listen to that interview.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Allison talks about crosswords. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)
Logo: Sarah Walter
Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

Danish saxophonist Benjamin Koppel's new trio recording with Scott Colley and Brian Blade is called Perspective. In this interview, Benjamin talks about the special relationship between the band members; the band as a collective; his family's long history in music in Denmark; why he chooses to play in so many different genres; and more.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Benjamin talks about what he's learned from his dogs. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)
Logo: Sarah Walter
Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

Allison Miller's latest album is called Rivers In Our Veins. In this interview, Allison talks about the inspiration for the project and the research into American waterways that went into it; the care she took in assembling the band; the multimedia nature of the project, which includes both visuals and dancers; and much more.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Allison talks about drone photography. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

EXTRA BONUS EPISODE: Patreon supporters are also getting an episode of Jazz90.1 50th anniversary podcast on which they interviewed me about my time as station manager of that fabulous community jazz station in Rochester, NY.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)
Logo: Sarah Walter
Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

Saxophonist Benjamin Boone's new album is Caught In The Rhythm (Origin Records, 2023). In this interview, Ben talks about his ongoing project to combine poetry with improvised music; how he approaches the selection and setting of the poems; his study of the music of speech; using his music for social commentary; and more.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Ben talks about talking with his wife. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)
Logo: Sarah Walter
Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

Marc Copland's latest album is Someday (InnerVoiceJazz, 2023). In this interview, Marc talks about his bandmates; why he seeks out opportunities to play with younger musicians; his years with John Abercrombie and Gary Peacock; going into the studio without a detailed plan; and much more.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Marc talks about finding hope in science fiction. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)
Logo: Sarah Walter
Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

This episode of The Jazz Session is sponsored by the TD James Moody Jazz Festival at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. The festival runs from November 3 through 19 and features a who’s who of talent from the jazz world and beyond. Performers include Dee Dee Bridgewater with Bill Charlap; Take 6; Abdullah Ibrahim; Gladys Knight; Dave Grusin; Cyrus Chestnut; Steve Turre; Christian McBride with Savion Glover; and many more. Tickets and a full schedule of performances are available at https://njpac.org. This episode features interviews with Abdullah Ibrahim, Bill Charlap, Claude McKnight from Take 6, and Dave Grusin.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Please note that there is no bonus show for this sponsored episode. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)
Logo: Sarah Walter
Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

Violinist Aline Homzy's new album with her band Etoile Magique is called Eclipse (Elastic Recordings, 2023). In this interview, Aline talks about imagining a world for the album to inhabit; how that world took shape in the arranging and titling process; writing for these particular musicians; a surprise theremin; how her dad influenced her music; what it's like to play an uncommon jazz instrument; the importance of open-mindedness as a musician; and more.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Aline talks about wildlife videography. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)
Logo: Sarah Walter
Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

Bassist Todd Sickafoose's new album is called Bear Proof (Secret Hatch Records, 2023). On this episode, Todd talks about assembling a cast of strong musical personalities; the challenges of recording an hour-long piece with no breaks; his work with Anaïs Mitchell on Hadestown; his long tenure in Ani DiFranco's band; music as social commentary; composing for podcasts; and more.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that's bringing them joy. Todd talks about living in Oaxaca. You'll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)
Logo: Sarah Walter
Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)