The Jazz Session

A brief farewell and a special announcement from The Jazz Session's host and producer, Nicky Schrire, as the podcast's 14th Season comes to an end.

Sebastian Scotney is the editor and founder of London Jazz News, an online site that publishes a daily ?ow of news, previews, reviews and interviews. The archive of published articles now stands at over 8,000 pieces, and the publication involves a substantial team of contributors. Seb is also a freelance writer who has penned reviews for the Artsdesk, liner notes for artists like Lars Danielson, biographies for musicians like Michael Wollny, and was a feature contributor to Jazz Line-Up on BBC Radio 3 from 2015 to 2017. I should also add that he loathes the verb “penned” yet I am using it in defiance! Show Notes: Tracks Played: – Marius Neset: World Song, Pt. I – Maria Schneider: Braided Together – Norma Winstone: Joy Spring – Ruben Fox: J.A.Z.Z. – Gwilym Simcock: King Barolo https://londonjazznews.com/ Links mentioned: - Richard Williams: https://thebluemoment.com/ - John Fordham’s writing for London Jazz News : https://londonjazznews.com/tag/john-fordham/ - David Haidu on Maria Schneider’s “Data Lords”: https://www.thenation.com/article/culture/maria-schneider-data-lords/ - Russell Davies on Duke Ellington for London Jazz News: https://londonjazznews.com/2021/06/17/duke-ellingtons-sacred-concert-alexandra-palace-17-july-2021/ - Birthday Wishes for Norma Winstone at 80: https://londonjazznews.com/2021/09/23/birthday-wishes-and-greetings-for-norma-winstone-at-80/  “The Insider” is a spin-off series with monthly episodes. Patreon members at the $10/month tier receive these episodes in advance of the general public. If you would like to support The Jazz Session, please do consider becoming a Patreon member over at https://www.patreon.com/thejazzsession

New York Voices are a jazz vocal quartet comprising four of my favourite musicians and people-Darmon Meader, Lauren Kinhan, Kim Nazarian, and Peter Eldridge. They’ve been described as “the gold standard for jazz vocals”, “timeless”, and “masters of their art.” They recently celebrated their 34th birthday and seem to go from strength to strength. Collaborations with Bob Mintzer, and the WDR Big Band are peppered throughout a touring career that has seen them perform on stages all over Europe, the USA, the UK, Israel and Asia. How do they do it? Why do they still do it? And what do they love about being part of a working band that continues to create at the highest standard? Well, listen to our conversation to discover the answers to those burning questions and so much more. Show Notes: Tracklisting: - It’s Alright With Me (Reminiscing In Tempo, 2019) - In A Mellow Tone (Sing! Sing! Sing! 2001) - Giant Steps (Hearts of Fire, 1991) - Cecilia (New York Voices Sing the Songs of Paul Simon, 1998) - In My Life (Reminiscing In Tempo, 2019) - On A Clear Day (A Day Like This 2007) Reminiscing In Tempo is out on Origin Records now Visit https://newyorkvoices.com/ for New York Voices’ upcoming tour dates Theme music by The Respect Sextet Follow The Jazz Session on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Subscribe to The Jazz Session’s YouTube Channel Support The Jazz Session by becoming a member at Patreon. For $5 a month you’ll get a weekly bonus episode called Track of the Week, plus early access to every show. For $10 a month you get all that plus an extra monthly bonus episode of “The Insider”, a spin-off interview series where Nicky chats to jazz industry insiders (broadcasters, artist agents, label heads, journalists) about the nuts and bolts of the business.

I get slightly dizzy thinking about trumpeter Dave Douglas’ creative output. He is a performer, a recording artist whose release record is prolific, an educator (including a ten-year stint as artistic director of the Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music at The Banff Centre in Canada), and a pioneer of artist-run labels with Greenleaf Music which is nearly 20 years old. His musical collaborations are many and varied, including revered artists like Joe Lovano, Linda May Han Oh, Bill Frisell, and vocalist Aoife O’Donovan. We talk about his 2022 albums "Secular Psalms" and "Overcome", his outlook on recording and juggling several projects simultaneously, and his advice for musicians pitching record labels. Show Notes: Tracklisting: - Arrival - We Shall Overcome (feat. Fay Victor) - Pythagoras (with Sound Prints) - We Believe - Hermits and Pilgrims Find Dave's music at: https://greenleafmusic.com/ Festival of New Trumpet Music Website Theme music by The Respect Sextet Follow The Jazz Session on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Subscribe to The Jazz Session’s YouTube Channel Support The Jazz Session by becoming a member at Patreon. For $5 a month you’ll get a weekly bonus episode called Track of the Week, plus early access to every show. For $10 a month you get all that plus an extra monthly bonus episode of “The Insider”, a spin-off interview series where Nicky chats to jazz industry insiders (broadcasters, artist agents, label heads, journalists) about the nuts and bolts of the business.

In honour of Mother’s Day, which occurred on 8 May, I am delighted to have gathered eight jazz musicians who also all happen to be mothers. These mums are of varying nationalities and at the top of their creative games. Laila Biali (Canada), Sarah Elizabeth Charles (USA), Christine Jensen (Canada), Lina Nyberg (Sweden), Linda May Han Oh (Australia), Tomoko Omura (Japan), Zoe Rahman (UK), and Sara Serpa (Portugal) joined me for a conversation about their music, their experiences as mothers in the jazz community, and more, in an informal, roundtable-style conversation. Show Notes: Tracklisting: - Wendy’s Song (Laila Biali) - Lilac Chaser (Linda Oh) - Dream A Little Dream of Me (Lina Nyberg) - Octofolk (Christine Jensen) - For You I Must Become A Tree (Sara Serpa) - To Ryan Se (Tomoko Omura) - Same (Sarah Elizabeth Charles with AJOYO) - The Calling (Zoe Rahman)   Theme music by The Respect Sextet Follow The Jazz Session on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Subscribe to The Jazz Session’s YouTube Channel Support The Jazz Session by becoming a member at Patreon. For $5 a month you’ll get a weekly bonus episode called Track of the Week, plus early access to every show. For $10 a month you get all that plus an extra monthly bonus episode of “The Insider”, a spin-off interview series where Nicky chats to jazz industry insiders (broadcasters, artist agents, label heads, journalists) about the nuts and bolts of the business.

Oded Lev-Ari is the co-owner and director of Anzic Records, a label he has run for the past decade alongside clarinetist Anat Cohen. The label describes itself as “a New York City based recording label specialising in good music” and has released albums by artists including Anat, the vocal trio Duchess, the trumpeter Avishai Cohen, Joel Frahm and Ernesto Cervini. As well as helming Anzic Records, Oded is also a pianist, and a Grammy-nominated composer and arranger, known for his work as the musical director of The Anat Cohen Tentet. Show Notes: Tracks Played: – Anat Cohen Tentet: Happy Song – Oded Lev-Ari: Threading – Duchess: Three Sisters – Tal Mashiach: Merrengue Mediterráneo - Amy Cervini: Figure Eight – Ernesto Cervini’s Turboprop: The Windup Find Anat Cohen and Marcello Gonçalves interview for The Jazz Session here Find Jared Schonig's interview for The Jazz Session here “The Insider” is a spin-off series with monthly episodes. Patreon members at the $10/month tier receive these episodes in advance of the general public. If you would like to support The Jazz Session, please do consider becoming a Patreon member over at https://www.patreon.com/thejazzsession

Saxophonist and songwriter Matthew Herd hails from Scotland but lives in London where he leads the band Seafarers. Featuring some of the finest UK-based jazz musicians, like vocalist Lauren Kinsella and drummer Dave Hamblett, the group just released their second album, aptly titled “II”. Recorded at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios, it builds on the groups first album that combined contemporary folk and chamber pop with an emphasis on the song at hand. The second album also sees Matthew move more firmly into the role of songwriter, barely bringing his horn to the party, but no less present in Seafarers’ sound and mission. Show Notes: Tracklisting: - Hamelin - The Lighthouse - All That Matters - A Disappearing Act - Newlyweds Buy “II” from Bandcamp here  Theme music by The Respect Sextet Follow The Jazz Session on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Subscribe to The Jazz Session’s YouTube Channel Support The Jazz Session by becoming a member at Patreon. For $5 a month you’ll get a weekly bonus episode called Track of the Week, plus early access to every show. For $10 a month you get all that plus an extra monthly bonus episode of “The Insider”, a spin-off interview series where Nicky chats to jazz industry insiders (broadcasters, artist agents, label heads, journalists) about the nuts and bolts of the business.

Nikki Iles is a pianist, a professor of jazz at the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London, and a composer. In some ways, I think of her as a British jazz gem, but that would do a disservice to the fact that she’s very much loved in other jazz communities around the globe. Her musical work in the UK has seen her become a leading figure in the British jazz tradition. She is known for her collaborations with vocalists Norma Winstone and Tina May, and has expanded her reputation as leader of the Nikki Iles Jazz Orchestra since the ensemble debuted at the 2018 EFG London Jazz Festival. She’s worked with the Frankfurt Radio Big Band, the WDR Big Band, and led several groups, including The Printmakers comprising a who’s-who of British jazz. Most recently, she was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for ‘Services to Music’ and an Ivor Novello Jazz Ensemble Composition Prize. We chat about her foray into large ensemble writing, her take on British jazz identity, motherhood, and so much more. Show Notes: Tracklisting: - High Lands (feat. Norma Winstone & The Printmakers) - Wild Oak (for Geri Allen) - Maybe September (feat. Tina May) - Westerly (feat. Norma Winstone & The Printmakers) - The Glide http://www.nikkiiles.co.uk/  Nikki Iles profiled by John Fordham for London Jazz News Theme music by The Respect Sextet Follow The Jazz Session on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Subscribe to The Jazz Session’s YouTube Channel Support The Jazz Session by becoming a member at Patreon. For $5 a month you’ll get a weekly bonus episode called Track of the Week, plus early access to every show. For $10 a month you get all that plus an extra monthly bonus episode of “The Insider”, a spin-off interview series where Nicky chats to jazz industry insiders (broadcasters, artist agents, label heads, journalists) about the nuts and bolts of the business.

SFrench soprano saxophonist Emile Parisien danced onto my radar when I saw him perform in duo with accordionist Vincent Peirani at the 2014 Berlin Jazz Festival. He was virtuosic, superbly musical, and, most importantly, gave me a newfound appreciation for the soprano saxophone. He has been recording as sideman and leader for the Munich-based ACT label for ten years and his latest album “Louise” is his 7th offering as bandleader. For the first time, he teams up with a core band comprising both European AND American jazz musicians, and the results are richly nuanced and exciting. Show Notes: Tracklisting: - Louise - Jojo - Prayer 4 Peace - The Crave (Emile Parisien & Vincent Peirani) - Jungle Jig Visit ACT Music here to buy Louise Theme music by The Respect Sextet Follow The Jazz Session on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Subscribe to The Jazz Session’s YouTube Channel Support The Jazz Session by becoming a member at Patreon. For $5 a month you’ll get a weekly bonus episode called Track of the Week, plus early access to every show. For $10 a month you get all that plus an extra monthly bonus episode of “The Insider”, a spin-off interview series where Nicky chats to jazz industry insiders (broadcasters, artist agents, label heads, journalists) about the nuts and bolts of the business.

South African writer, teacher, media consultant and creative industries researcher Gwen Ansell is a former Louis Armstrong Visiting Professor at the Center for Jazz Studies, Columbia University, and the author of Soweto Blues: Jazz, Politics and Popular Music in South Africa and the textbook Introduction to Journalism. She is also the person to whom I defer whenever asked about anything relating to South African jazz! We have an in-depth conversation about the state of arts journalism in South Africa (and beyond), key teaching points she imparts to students, and I mine her extensive knowledge of South African jazz musicians, past and present. Show Notes: Tracks Played: – Jonas Gwangwa: Kgomo (Wedding Song) – Bheki Mseleku feat. Courtney Pine: Closer To The Source – Sibongile Khumalo: Seliyana – Shane Cooper & Mabuta: Where The Heart Is – Tutu Puoane: Hlompha Bophelo – Kippie Moketsi & Hal Singer: Blue Stompin’ – Carlo Mombelli feat. Siya Makuzeni: Me, The Mango picker Articles mentioned: Mail & Guardian Obituary for Violet Gwangwa (by Gwen Ansell) Mail & Guardian Obituary for Nompumelelo Ebronah Moholo (by Madoda Nethi) Gwen’s Review of Bheki Mseleku’s “Beyond The Stars” Buy Bheki Mseslku’s “Beyond The Stars from Tapestry Works here Buy Gideon Nxumalo’s “Gideon Plays” here Buy Kippie Moketsi and Hal Singer’s “Blue Stompin’” here Gwen’s piece about Kinsman’s collaboration with Zimbabwean instrument maker and multi-disciplinary performer Othnell Mangoma Moyo Hear Brownswood's Indaba Is Compilation album here Find The Artistry of Bheki Mseleku by Professor Andrew Lilley here South African Musicians Mentioned: -Bokani Dyer -Thandi Ntuli -Sibusiso “Mash”Mashiloane  -Linda Sikhakhane -Ndabo Zulu -Nduduzo Makhathini -The Brother Moves On -Kinsman (led by Muhammad Dawjee) -Vuma Levin Visit Gwen's blog here: https://sisgwenjazz.wordpress.com/ “The Insider” is a spin-off series with monthly episodes. Patreon members at the $10/month tier receive these episodes in advance of the general public. If you would like to support The Jazz Session, please do consider becoming a Patreon member over at https://www.patreon.com/thejazzsession

Tierney Sutton is a Los Angeles and Paris-based vocalist with a sensational career under her belt-and music more to come, I might add. She has released fourteen albums, nine of which have been nominated for Grammy Awards for Best Jazz Vocal Album. Her fifteenth album comes out on 6 May 2022 and is called “Paris Sessions II”. Like the first volume, it features guitarist Serge Merlaud and bassist Kevin Axt, but this time flautist Hubert Laws joins the fray and the results are both intimate and musically rewarding. Tierney and I talk about her work on Clint Eastwood’s film”Sully,” her reverence for great songwriters, including her friends Alan and Marilyn Bergman, her newfound love for producing other vocalist’s albums, and how being a jazz musician is all about being happy to "do the thing." Show Notes: Tracklisting: - I Knew I Loved You (Paris Sessions II) - Sully Running (From the score for “Sully”) - All I Want (After Blue) - August Winds (Paris Sessions II) - Flying Home (Sully’s Theme) - Fields of Gold (Sting Variations) - April In Paris / Free Man In Paris (Paris Sessions II) Paris Sessions II is out May 6, 2022 http://tierneysutton.com/ Theme music by The Respect Sextet Follow The Jazz Session on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Subscribe to The Jazz Session’s YouTube Channel Support The Jazz Session by becoming a member at Patreon. For $5 a month you’ll get a weekly bonus episode called Track of the Week, plus early access to every show. For $10 a month you get all that plus an extra monthly bonus episode of “The Insider”, a spin-off interview series where Nicky chats to jazz industry insiders (broadcasters, artist agents, label heads, journalists) about the nuts and bolts of the business.

I want to preface this interview by saying that I don’t care much for the hype machine or popular opinion and am led, predominantly, by my interest in an artist and the question of whether or not I enjoy their music. Such was the case when a publicist contacted me about one of their artists-a capable musician with a pretty banal musical approach. I explained to the publicist the kind of music I enjoyed and she cleverly pitched me another of her artists, the Durham-raised, London-based pianist Paul Edis. I hit ‘play’ and was captivated for the duration of Paul’s new album “The Still Point of the Turning World.” The solo piano record is all at once reflective, with a lilting charm, and an ability to encourage the listener to pause and slow down. Suffice to say, I wanted to talk to Paul about his beautiful compositions, his trajectory, and his creative approach. Thanks to all the publicists who persevere and pitch with thought! Show Notes: Tracklisting: - Dig Deep - Nobody Else But Me - Muddle Through - If I Knew (Feat. Jo Harrop) - Start Over “The Still Point of the Turning World” is out on Lateralize Records now Buy it here Theme music by The Respect Sextet Follow The Jazz Session on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Subscribe to The Jazz Session’s YouTube Channel Support The Jazz Session by becoming a member at Patreon. For $5 a month you’ll get a weekly bonus episode called Track of the Week, plus early access to every show. For $10 a month you get all that plus an extra monthly bonus episode of “The Insider”, a spin-off interview series where Nicky chats to jazz industry insiders (broadcasters, artist agents, label heads, journalists) about the nuts and bolts of the business.

Vocalist Nomfundo Xaluva is a multi-award winning jazz singer known for her ability to weave together her Xhosa identity, South African jazz roots, and a contemporary approach to songwriting and singing. With two albums out on Universal Music, she is also a beloved educator who recently became a Lecturer in Jazz Studies at the University of Cape Town. She’s performed across South Africa and is one of the most exciting figures in the South African jazz community. Show Notes: Tracklisting: - Oxamu - Themba Lam - Endleleni - Bayathetha - Ebhayi South African Musicians Mentioned: Jimmy Dludlu Judith Sephuma Musa Manzini Moses Molelekwa Miriam Makeba Sibongile Khumalo Shannon Mowday Natascha Roth Bokani Dyer Shane Cooper Chris Engel Lwanda Gogwana Mandisi Dyantyis Theme music by The Respect Sextet Follow The Jazz Session on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Subscribe to The Jazz Session’s YouTube Channel Support The Jazz Session by becoming a member at Patreon. For $5 a month you’ll get a weekly bonus episode called Track of the Week, plus early access to every show. For $10 a month you get all that plus an extra monthly bonus episode of “The Insider”, a spin-off interview series where Nicky chats to jazz industry insiders (broadcasters, artist agents, label heads, journalists) about the nuts and bolts of the business.

Matt Pierson is an award-winning producer whose discography is studded with the brightest stars in contemporary jazz-Brad Mehldau, Joshua Redman, Pat Metheny, Jane Monheit, and countless others. He led Blue Note’s marketing and A&R departments before taking up the post of running Jazz A&R for Warner Brothers Records. After a stint consulting for Sony Masterworks, he continues to produce albums for musicians including Bria Skonberg, Pasquale Grasso, and Samara Joy. Show Notes: Tracks Played – Samara Joy: Everything Happens To Me – Dayna Stephens Trio: Kwooked Street – Pasquale Grasso: Yardbird Suite – Camila Meza: Amazon Farewell – Taylor Eigsti feat. Becca Stevens: Little Bird http://mattpierson.net/ “The Insider” is a spin-off series with monthly episodes. Patreon members at the $10/month tier receive these episodes in advance of the general public. If you would like to support The Jazz Session, please do consider becoming a Patreon member over at https://www.patreon.com/thejazzsession

Vocalist Michael Mayo is a dazzling interpreter, improviser and musician.  He comes from brilliant musical stock in the form of his parents Scott Mayo and Valerie Pinkston-Scott is currently Sergio Mendes musical director and Valerie has lent her vocals to artists ranging from Whitney Houston to Diana Ross. But Michael will tell us more about his parents during the course of our conversation. Michael grew up in Los Angeles, studied at the New England Conservatory and the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance, and now lives in New York. He’s recorded with Ben Wendel, performed with Shai Maestro, and toured with Herbie Hancock. His much-anticipated debut album “Bones” came out on Mack Avenue Records in 2021 and it did not disappoint. Show Notes: Tracklisting: - You and You - Hold On - Burning Bright (With Ben Wendel, Live) - 20 20 - Old Devil Moon (With Matthew Sheens) Bones is available now on Mack Avenue Records Theme music by The Respect Sextet Follow The Jazz Session on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Subscribe to The Jazz Session’s YouTube Channel Support The Jazz Session by becoming a member at Patreon. For $5 a month you’ll get a weekly bonus episode called Track of the Week, plus early access to every show. For $10 a month you get all that plus an extra monthly bonus episode of “The Insider”, a spin-off interview series where Nicky chats to jazz industry insiders (broadcasters, artist agents, label heads, journalists) about the nuts and bolts of the business.

Vocalist Areni Agbabian is an experimental improviser, folk and sacred music singer, and pianist. As a vocalist she has worked in new opera, dance, contemporary jazz, new music and multi-media performance. In fact, I first met Areni a decade ago during a course at the School of Improvised Music in Brooklyn, New York. We remained in touch and met up again in Paris in 2014 when she was there studying sacred Armenian music (and I was just eating croissants and ogling Parisian architecture). Her sublime work with the Tigran Hamasyan quintet saw her touring internationally and lending her voice to several of his early recordings that put him on the map. In 2019 Areni made her leader debut on the storied ECM Records with her album “Bloom”. Show Notes: Tracklisting: - Road Song (with Tigran Hamasyan) - Love Song (with Tigran Hamasyan) - The Poet (with Tigran Hamasyan) - Patience - Petal Two - Holy (with Tigran Hamasyan)Buy your copy ofBloom (ECM RECORDS) here Theme music by The Respect Sextet Follow The Jazz Session on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Subscribe to The Jazz Session’s YouTube ChannelSupport The Jazz Session by becoming a member at Patreon. For $5 a month you’ll get a weekly bonus episode called Track of the Week, plus early access to every show. For $10 a month you get all that plus an extra monthly bonus episode of “The Insider”, a spin-off interview series where Nicky chats to jazz industry insiders (broadcasters, artist agents, label heads, journalists) about the nuts and bolts of the business.

Alto saxophonist Will Vinson hails from England but established a great many of his musical collaborations while living in New York City. These working relationships with musicians like Aaron Parks, Kurt Rosenwinkel and Ari Hoenig, to name a few, have resulted in Will’s reputation as a saxophonist with incredible power and dramatic sensitivity, whose playing is characterised by his imposing sound and technique. Will’s recording output has also been prolific. In fact, we met over Zoom (Will was in Australia but time-difference be damned!) to discuss TWO of his recent albums. Both released in 2020, there was “Four Forty One”, which features Will with five incredible pianists (Sullivan Fortner, Fred Hersch, Tigran Hamasyan, Gerald Clayton and Gonzalo Rubalcaba, and “Trio Grande”, which features his trio with guitarist Gilad Hekselman and drummer Antonio Sanchez. Since our conversation, he has released a 2021 album,  “Solo”, his third release for the London-based Whirlwind Recordings. While we didn’t get to discuss “Solo”, there was ample musical ground to cover. Show Notes: Tracklisting: - Northbound (with Trio Grande) - Boogaloo (feat. Sullivan Fortner) - That Happened (feat. Gonzalo Rubalcaba) - Elli Yeled Tov (with Trio Grande) - Work (feat. Fred Hersch) https://triogrande-whirlwind.bandcamp.com/album/trio-grande https://willvinson-whirlwind.bandcamp.com/album/four-forty-one Theme music by The Respect Sextet Follow The Jazz Session on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Subscribe to The Jazz Session’s YouTube Channel Support The Jazz Session by becoming a member at Patreon. For $5 a month you’ll get a weekly bonus episode called Track of the Week, plus early access to every show. For $10 a month you get all that plus an extra monthly bonus episode of “The Insider”, a spin-off interview series where Nicky chats to jazz industry insiders (broadcasters, artist agents, label heads, journalists) about the nuts and bolts of the business.

Dave Stapleton is the founder and driving force behind the London-based label Edition Records. A brilliant pianist and composer in his own right, he has grown a label that now boasts releases by Dave Holland, Chris Potter, Daniel Herskedal, Snowpoet, and Kurt Elling, who recently won the label its first Grammy Award when he received Best Jazz Vocal Album at the 2021 Grammys. Show Notes: Tracks Played: – Rob Luft: Life Is The Dancer – Slowly Rolling Camera feat. Mark Lockheart: Feels Like Fiction – Snowpoet: Another Step – Daniel Herskedal: The White Lion Docks in Point Comfort – Fergus McCreadie: Tree Climbing Visit Edition Records here “The Insider” is a spin-off series with monthly episodes. Patreon members at the $10/month tier receive these episodes in advance of the general public. If you would like to support The Jazz Session, please do consider becoming a Patreon member over at https://www.patreon.com/thejazzsession

Vocalist and composer Somi talks about diving into the world of South African vocalist and activist Miriam Makeba for her upcoming album "Zenzile: The Reimagination Of Miriam Makeba" due 4th March 2022. The album follows the September 2021 premiere and tour of Somi's musical theatre production based on the life of Makeba, "Dreaming Zenzile". Somi talks about tackling the world of Miriam’s music, collaborating with guests from across the African continent, from Angelique Kidjo to Nduduzo Makhathini, and how her own sense of pan-Africanism continues Miriam’s legacy and message of unity. Show Notes: Tracklisting: - House of the Rising Sun - Hapo Zamani - Lakutshon’ ILanga - Milele feat. Seun Kuti & Thandiswa Mazwai - Pata Pata -Jike Lemaweni feat. Angelique Kidjo Zenzile: The Reimagination of Miriam Makeba is available from 4 March 2022 Theme music by The Respect Sextet Follow The Jazz Session on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Subscribe to The Jazz Session’s YouTube Channel Support The Jazz Session by becoming a member at Patreon. For $5 a month you’ll get a weekly bonus episode called Track of the Week, plus early access to every show. For $10 a month you get all that plus an extra monthly bonus episode of “The Insider”, a spin-off interview series where Nicky chats to jazz industry insiders (broadcasters, artist agents, label heads, journalists) about the nuts and bolts of the business.

Drummer Jared Schonig is much-loved both in the New York jazz community and amongst  Broadway musicians. He took on the gargantuan, brilliant task of releasing a double album, “Two Takes Volumes 1 & 2”, on Anzic Records in September 2021. The recording features quartet renditions of his music, followed by big band arrangements of the same repertoire by eight of the great arrangers working today-Jim McNeely, Miho Hazama, Darcy James Argue, Alan Ferber, Laurence Hobgood, Brian Krock, John Daversa and Mike Holober. The result is musically exciting and impressive, bridging the gaps between big band jazz sounds, progressive rock and contemporary jazz. Show Notes: Tracklisting: - Sabotage - White Out - Climb - NUTS - Tig Mack TWO TAKES-VOL. 1: QUINTET & VOL. 2: BIG BAND is out now on Anzic Records Jared's Spotify Playlists: Influential Drummer-Led Big Bands Influential Drummer-Led Combos Theme music by The Respect Sextet Follow The Jazz Session on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Subscribe to The Jazz Session’s YouTube Channel Support The Jazz Session by becoming a member at Patreon. For $5 a month you’ll get a weekly bonus episode called Track of the Week, plus early access to every show. For $10 a month you get all that plus an extra monthly bonus episode of “The Insider”, a spin-off interview series where Nicky chats to jazz industry insiders (broadcasters, artist agents, label heads, journalists) about the nuts and bolts of the business.