All That's Jazz

Season 3 Episode 9 Eli Degibri

An internationally recognized saxophonist-composer-bandleader, Eli Degibri possesses a treasure trove of gifts as a musician, boasting a seemingly bottomless fountain of artistry. His prodigious talents have resulted in Eli being honored with the Israeli “Prime Minister Award for Jazz Composition”, and the “Landau Award for Jazz Performance” for his achievements.

On his self-released ninth album, “Henri and Rachel,” titled for his parents and recorded on March 19, 2020, just days before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Eli continues to reveal his ability to convey profound emotions through his intricate language of notes and tones. Joined by his immensely talented Israeli rhythm section, the 44-year-old maestro spins an intimate love story, portraying the personalities and idiosyncrasies of his tight-knit family.

As Henri and Rachel’s only child, Eli found himself splitting his attention and energy between his musical production and caring for his aging and ailing parents, both of whom had emigrated to Israel following World War 2. Henri, a native of Bulgaria, passed away in the fall of 2020 after developing cancer; his mother, Rachel, born in Iran, has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and dementia. Although Eli says he was not thinking consciously of them during the development of his newest album - or of his other dedicatees, including his fiancé and best friend - their essence is deeply entwined throughout his compositions.

Our wide-ranging conversation gives you a look inside the mind, dedication, heart and music - of this extremely talented, versatile man who Herbie Hancock noted as “the caliber of which is a rare find in jazz today.”

Season 3 Episode 8 Joy Lapps

Toronto native, steelpan artist and composer, Joy Lapps, is an award-winning instrumentalist of Antiguan and Barbudan descent who treats the steelpan as a tool for engagement, and anchors her artistry in a profound, community-centered musical tradition.  She is a 2022 Grammy nominee, and a Juno award winner. 

 

In her new release, Girl In The Yard (2022)-her fifth, Joy’s repertoire is colorfully painted with Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Brazilian inspired rhythms and harmonic patterns, garlands of melody and plenty of space for spontaneity, pays tribute to the community, especially the many women who have helped facilitate her mastery of the steelpan and supported her success in the steel band movement.  

 

We had a lot of questions about steelpan, and Joy answered them all while providing an in-depth backstory to Girl In The Yard. It’s a conversation chock full of fascinating facts about panning that are “pure gold.”

Season 3 Episode 7 John Minnock

Born and raised in Albany, New York, John Minnock is a classically trained musician who has a degree in music from Boston University. John first gained popularity in Boston.

 

Now a fixture in the New York jazz and cabaret scene he often branches out into jazz improvisation and scat singing and brings a rich history of the music to every performance. He’s played at the finest cabaret clubs in New York, including the Metropolitan Room, the Triad Theater, iconic Don’t Tell Mama, and most recently at the stellar Feinstein’s/54 Below. John recently made his debut at the iconic Jazz club Birdland with NEA Jazz Master, Dave Liebman, who was executive producer and featured artist for his acclaimed 2020 album “Herring Cove,” as well as on John’s new release for Dot Time Records titled “Simplicity,” which is the subject of our conversation.

 

“Simplicity “ signals an evolution of John’s artistry. The repertoire  includes original compositions as well as nuanced treatments of familiar songs, each reflecting harmonic sophistication, heartbreaking subtlety and homage to his beloved LGBTQ community. 

 

For John, the story’s everything, and he weaves it for us creating a colorful and fascinating tapestry.

Season 3 Episode 6 Dmitri Matheny

Flugelhornist/ composer/educator, Dmitri Matheny, has been lauded as “one of the most emotionally expressive improvisers of his generation” by the International Review of Music, and “one of the Jazz world’s most talented horn players” by the San Francisco Chronicle.

 

With a discography that  lists over 120 albums on which he appears as a composer, arranger, producer, annotator or flugelhorn soloist, and 11 critically-acclaimed albums as a leader, Dmitri’s  new album, CASCADIA - released on Origin Records- shows yet another side, showcasing timeless classics and original jazz from the Pacific Northwest.

 

Dmitri’s backstory is woven from the threads that led him from  his father’s collection of jazz and classical LP records to piano lessons at age 5, the trumpet at 9, then the flugelhorn at 18. It took Dmitri from his birthplace of Nashville to Georgia, Arizona, Interlochen in Michigan, Berklee in Boston, then to New York, to touring worldwide, and on to his current home in Washington state. His experiences have created an expansive tapestry in his music that shine brightly throughout our conversation. 

Season 3 Episode 5 Aaron Seeber

In this episode, we talk with accomplished 29 year old drummer, Aaron Seeber, about not only his background but his new album, First Move, recorded live in Brooklyn at Ornithology Jazz Club on October 19, 2021, and released in May, 2022, on Cellar Live Records. 

On this extraordinary album, he’s joined by vibraphonist Warren Wolf, alto saxophonist Tim Green, pianist Sullivan Fortner, and bassist Ugonna Okegwo. The recording highlights selections by timeless luminaries including Charlie Parker and Charles Mingus, as well as modern legends such as Geri Allen and Mulgrew Miller.

While in high school, Aaron attended Paul Carr’s Jazz Academy of Music (JAM) Camp, where Aaron is now on as faculty drum instructor and combo teacher. He later attended SUNY Purchase, where he studied Jazz Drums under the tutelage of renowned instructors Kenny Washington and John Riley. 

Aaron’s shared the stage with numerous greats including Eric Reed, Pete Malinverni, Warren Wolf, Grant Stewart, Cyrille Aimée, Jeremy Pelt, Paul Bollenback, Tim Green, Ugonna Okegwo, Bruce Harris, Gary Smulyan,  Mike Ledonne, Freddie Redd, Butch Warren, Chuck Redd, and many others. 

First Move is Aaron’s first release as both drummer and bandleader. 

Season 3 Episode 4 Sherrie Maricle

Drummer, composer, arranger, teacher and a truly inspiring “force of nature”, Sherrie Maricle, leads The DIVA Jazz Orchestra, her quintet FIVE PLAY and co-leads the 3D Jazz Trio. 

With her bands, Sherrie has performed at many of the world’s most acclaimed music venues and festivals; from Lincoln Center to the Kennedy Center and the Hollywood Bowl, to Jazz Festivals around the world. 

In this episode, we talk with Sherrie about a wide range of topics including the route that led her to the drums, her love of Big Band music; the changing role of women in Jazz, and the constant challenge of recognition and acceptance. 

Season 3 Episode 3 Lynne Arriale

Lynne's latest album, The Lights Are Always On is a suite of compositions that reflect the world-wide, life-changing events of the past two years. Several of the pieces are named in honor of heroes around the world, including those who served as caregivers on the front lines of the COVID pandemic and as defenders of democracy. 

 

The album also expresses Lynne’s special admiration for the character of Representative John Lewis, Lt. Colonel Alexander Vindman, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the patriots of the Capitol Police who stepped into the breach risking their lives to defend our elected representatives and democracy during the January 6, 2021 Insurrection.

 

This is an episode of appreciation and inspiration, not only in Lynne’s own words but in the music she’s created to express her feelings and, in her words,  honor “our better angels; those who embrace truth, compassion, and inclusivity, and reject selfishness, lies, and hatred. It also acknowledges the marchers, my beautiful sisters worldwide, and the heroes of science and medicine who have sacrificed so much.”

Season 3 Episode 2 Tierney Sutton

9-time Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Tierney Sutton has received a “Best Jazz Vocal Album” Grammy nod for every project she has released in the last decade. Known for her impeccable voice and imaginative treatments of The Great American Songbook, Tierney is heralded for her abilities as both a jazz storyteller and her ability to use her voice as an instrument. 

In our conversation, we talk about her newest album, Paris Sessions II, released on May 6. It’s a rich collaboration with her husband, classically-trained guitarist Serge Merlaud, and the two take their musical connection to even deeper levels through songs dedicated to the late songwriter Marilyn Bergman.

Paris Sessions 2 was recorded during lockdown at L. A. 's Tritone Studios. Acoustic bass guitarist Kevin Axt, a member of the Tierney Sutton Band since 2005 and a key component of the first Paris Sessions, came back on board for Paris Sessions 2, providing resounding bass lines and all-important chordal work behind Merlaud's lyrical guitar solos. Legendary flutist Hubert Laws, who recorded remotely from his home studio, blends beautifully with Sutton's crystalline voice on five songs.

Michael Major of “Broadway World” said it best. “Sutton has continued to weave her spell with a combination of pure, pristine vocals, emotional honesty and striking reinventions of familiar tunes. That spell is very much intact on Paris Sessions 2.”

We agree

Season 3 Episode 1 Michael Wolff

Award winning jazz musician Michael Wolff’s book, ON THAT NOTE, is more than a memoir. It is like a Jazz score with words, taking the reader on the wild journey of his singular life, one driven by a passion for music and a passion for being alive. Sometimes hilarious and sometimes harrowing, Michael’s story is a true “page turner” that actually delivers. His book, life and the incredible backstory is what drew us to asking him to kick off Season 3 of All That’s Jazz. 

 

Michael survived a painful childhood overshadowed by Tourette’s Syndrome, where his brilliance as a jazz pianist and passion for music are what saw him through. Michael’s body of work includes 21 critically acclaimed albums, written award-winning scores to movies and television series, and now a book about his life and  beating an untreatable cancer. We know you’ll be drawn in to this remarkable episode.

Season 2 Episode 31 Alexa Tarantino

Alexa Tarantino is an award-winning, vibrant, young jazz saxophonist, woodwind doubler, composer, and educator. She was recently named one of the “Top 5 Alto Saxophonists of 2019” by the JazzTimes Critics’ Poll and nominated as a “Rising Star - Alto Saxophone” by Downbeat Magazine’s 2020 and 2021 Critics’ Poll. Alexa is currently on faculty for Jazz at Lincoln Center. Alexa holds a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies from The Juilliard School and Bachelor’s degrees in Jazz Saxophone Performance and Music Education from the Eastman School of Music.

Alexa has performed regularly as a leader and sidewoman in a wide variety of ensembles and genres including the Wynton Marsalis Septet, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Cecile McLorin Salvant Quintet and OGRESSE ensembles, Ulysses Owens Jr.’s Generation Y and Big Band, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, and the DIVA Jazz Orchestra.  In this episode we speak with Alexa in depth about her background and her latest release "Firefly."