We have recorded this episode live at Bird's Basement just before the first show of the residency of Virgil Donati and his all stars band. They have all been touring with Allan Holdsworth. In this episode Virgil shares stories about his upbringing in Melbourne and his fabulous musical journey. The conversation is enriched by the participation of Alex Machacek.
Ravi Coltrane carries a huge legacy on both sides of his late parents: Alice Coltrane (singer, composer, pianist, harpist and much more) and John Coltrane (arguably the most influential musician of the 20th century). This is a successful second generation story as Ravi takes the whole thing to the next level as he is himself an exceptional talent. You will hear in this podcast some great stories that Ravi shares and will provide you with a unique perspective of life from his point of view. I...
Meet Pablo Bencid. Pablo was born and raised in Caracas Venezuela. He now lives in New York with his wife and 2 children. His passion is music, more particularly the drums. In this episode you will hear what it is like to live a life of musical passion as a latino in the United States today. Pablo shares many stories and personal details about his childhood and upbringing. He provides a detailed step by step example of his practice and warn up routine. The song played in this episode is “Expe...
In this episode Tom Guarna speaks out about a personal challenged that has impacted his life and how he has overcome it. We all have experiences in life that shape our character but few of us have to go through the kind that Tom had to go through and still be able to realise his dream of a passionate musical life. His guitar playing, improvisation and compositional skills are way up there. On his new album, “the Wishing Stones”, he is playing with luminaries that usually side Wayne Shorter an...
Samuel Torres from Bogota Colombia, now living in New York, is a percussionist/composer for exceptional quality. His talent extends to picking up great musicians to interpret his music. In this episode he tells us how he grew up in Bogota and his move to New York and the steps in between. He shares with Albare his creative process for composition, he brings with his a line up that is as ‘bad’ as it gets: Silvano Antonio (piano). Pablo Bencid (drums), Alex Pope (Trumpet), Rodriguez Ruben (bass...
Singer, multiple Grammy nominee Gaby Moreno immigrated from Nicaragua to the US at a young age, having fallen in love with American culture. She has already been able to inspire hundred of thousands of people of her generation, as a Hispanic she stands for immigration reform in the United States. Yet her beginning in the music industry and what followed was not easy. Her story is inspiring and worth knowing. She will be performing at Bird's Basement until August 20.
Vinicious Cantuaria is one of those lucky individuals who has lived through the great times of Brazil of the 60s. He is part of the culture and the scene that made Brazilian music famous worldwide. He tells Albare in this podcast in his own words what it was like to live through those times and more. As one of the greatest singers of his generation, Vinicious is performing at Bird's Basement for the Latin Jazz Festival, playing this entire week until Sunday.
Frank Gambale is the super hero of the guitar world. He is a member of Chick Corea’s Electric Band and has been for over 30 years. In this podcast he tells his story that started in Canberra Australia, to the world stages. He is one of the most in demand, most innovative musicians on the planet. Frank has written many books about his methodologies, he shares his ideas here generously and gives us an insight to where he is heading next. The stories about his fellow musicians at the Electric Ba...
On this podcast, Nestor Torres talks about his musical experience with such artists as Herbie Hancock, James Moody, Arturo Sandoval, Larry Coryell, Tito Puente, Wayne Shorter and many other greats. Among many subjects touched upon, Nestor shares the philosophy behind his religion Nichiren Buddhism. As the artist opening the 2nd Latin Jazz Festival at Bird’s Basement on August 1st, this podcast will give you a taste of what’s in store. If you haven’t booked your tickets yet, you can go to htt...
The story of YolanDa Brown (first millennial on this podcast) shows what musicians have to do today to succeed. If you are a musician or have friend of family member that aspire to be a musician, you should get them to listen to this podcast. In the 21st century you have to be multi-skilled. YolanDa’s persistence paid, she is today one of the most recognisable name in the music scene in the UK. She has played for the president of Russia (and no one called for an investigation), has met the Qu...
Sammy Figueroa worked as a percussionist with some of the greatest, Miles Davies, Sonny Rollins, Chet Baker are some of the few that come to mind. He was by the bedside of Miles when he passed away. Sammy has a collection of stories about everyone he played with. His way to express himself is quite colourful and some words may offend... But if you can get passed that, this episode will be rewarding because some of the stories shared are quite unique. Sammy also shares here the work in progres...
In this episode, T.S. is providing with countless stories about Thelonious, his late father, a giant of Jazz. If you’re a Jazz lover, this podcast is for you. T.S generously shares with Albare his deepest thoughts and provided some insights that may surprise you. Jump in for the ride
Today Albare speaks to Adrian Belew about his career with Frank Zappa, David Bowie, King Crimson and many more. He shares some great stories of what sets him apart other guitarists. Adrian is a visionary, the way he has conducted his career is testimony of his skill doing business in one of the toughest industry: show business. He shares here how he was able to achieve this. Don't miss Adrian Belew at Bird's Basement. Check birdsbasement.com for more info.
The Cookers Cook, this Albare interviewed from LA, 3 prominent members of the Cookers. Billy Harper, Billy Hart and David Weiss are big names in the Jazz world. They have given a close up into their history, revealed stories about Wes Montgomery, Art Blackie, Freddie Hubbard, Herbie Hancock and many others. They provide insight in their way of improvising. The music this week was selected from albums from the Cookers, The Jazz Messengers, Mwandishi band, Wes Montgomery, Freddie Hubbard.
Bill Evans the Sax player is the namesake of the late Bill Evans the piano player. Bill also plays piano but he is most known for his Sax playing and lately for his singing. Like his name sake, he too played with Miles Davis and is on an incredible musical journey, playing with legends at the highest level. Bill Evans is playing at Bird’s at the end of May 2017, coming with his band featuring guitarist Dean Brown. In this podcast Bill shares many stories about his work with Miles Davis, John ...
This episode with Joe Chindamo, pianist composer extraordinaire, took place in Joe’s own house. Perhaps I will avoid Joe’s house next time making a podcast as his dog Louis, was hyperactive that day… we managed to rescue the most important parts of the interview. In this podcast Joe provides insights about composition, his views on both classical music and jazz, on what made him leap frog towards becoming an accomplished classical musician. You won’t be surprised to hear that a woman is front...
Joe Farnsworth is a drummer with an extraordinary ability. He has played with legends like Pharaoh Sanders, McCoy Tyner, Cedar Walton and so many other musical figures that have made the history of Jazz. Joe brings the tradition of Jazz to Bird's Basement this week and we are honored to have such talent in residence. He shares in this podcast intimate details of his musical upbringing and talk to Albare about his art.
Avery*Sunshine plays at Bird's Basement until May 7. Albare dropped by their sound check today, on his quest as to what makes great musicians rise to the top, he received some insights from Denise and her guitarist husband Dana Johnson.
St. Paul taks about his relationship with Prince and the journey that got him to be St. Paul, on the cutting edge of Funk.