Jazz Backstage: Chick Corea
Is there anything musically that Chick Corea can’t do? I don’t think so. Chick, who is a youthful 70 if you can believe it, could not be more busy, in demand and relevant to the jazz scene today. It is truly remarkable when you think of how many aspects of the music’s rich legacy Chick has been an active participate as well as a trailblazer and today, he still continues to push the limits of himself and the music. Read more
The Traneumentary: Charles Tolliver
Multi-talented trumpeter and bandleader Charles Tolliver shares his very personal story about John Coltrane – the man and his music. Read more
Jazz Backstage: Al Jarreau
Al Jarreau won the Grammy® for Best Jazz Vocal Performance in 1977 for the album Look To The Rainbow. The album’s success and award placed Al on the map as the leading and innovative jazz singer of the day. One of the album’s highlights was Al’s brilliant vocal interpretation of the Paul Desmond classic “Take Five.” Read more
The Traneumentary: Dave Liebman (bonus)
Saxophonist Dave Liebman’s enthusiasm for John Coltrane is infectious. You sit with Dave for a minute and bring up Coltrane and boom…his motor starts and you are treated to a wide range of facts, insights and personal reflections that are simply mesmerizing. Read more
The Traneumentary: Dr. Billy Taylor (bonus)
It was a sincere privilege and honor to have Dr. Billy Taylor as the host & voice of the Traneumentary. When I originally contacted him to ask if he would be interested in participating, he had no idea what a podcast was but he was intrigued by the idea that this new broadcast medium could expand the audience of John Coltrane’s music. He generously agreed and provided a wealth of insight as well as encouragement to me and the production. Read more
The Traneumentary: Michael Cuscuna (bonus)
When I interviewed each of the subjects for the Traneumentary podcast series, I prepared to conduct two kinds of interviews. The first interview was more traditional where the subjects shared their personal recollection on how Coltrane impacted their life. The second interview was less structured and was designed to be more in the moment and ripe for improvisation. That’s how many of the ‘track commentary’ episodes came to be and for me, they are the essence and the heart beat of the whole Traneumentary series. Read more
Celebrating John Coltrane
Today we celebrate John Coltrane born September 23, 1926 and throughout the day we will honor Trane and share never before heard commentary episodes from the Traneumentary podcast series and more. Read more
Thinking of New York
In honor of the tenth anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11, we present a New York themed playlist as a tribute to the greatest city in the world. Click here to listen via Spotify.
The Traneumentary: Lewis Porter
Musician and jazz educator Lewis Porter is one of the real authorities when it comes to John Coltrane. Having written the definitive bio on the famous saxophonist (John Coltrane-His Life and Music), Lewis’ vast knowledge balances both the music and human sides of Trane in great detail. Read more
Jazz Backstage: Elvis Costello
Having the opportunity to hang out and interview Elvis Costello a few years back was an unforgettable experience. Elvis was an excellent interview and an amazing musical resource. Read more
The Traneumentary: Sonny Rollins
Sonny Rollins is a legendary musical force, and like Trane, inspires people to this day with his masterful improvisations and amazing wizardry on the saxophone. Sonny is a true legend who respected John Coltrane and also had a beautiful friendship with him. In 1956, Sonny and Trane recorded a track entitled “Tenor Madness.” Read more
Jazz Backstage: Harvey Mason (Early Years)
Legendary drummer Harvey Mason returns to Jazz Online’s Jazz Backstage podcast and this time he’s reflecting on his early studio days and working with producers Larry and Fonce Mizell. Read more
