Give a Listen

I've mentioned "The Checkout", Josh Jackson's weekly 60 minutes of jazz performances, interviews and more, on numerous occasions.  Invariably, Jackson's chats with musicians are so interesting, really getting into the mind of the creators and helping listeners get a handle on the creative process.

This week's show (listen at www.wbgo.org/thecheckout/) features a fine interview and studio session with pianist Bruce Barth and saxophonist Steve Wilson as well as an interview with percussionist/composer Dan Weiss and an excerpt of a live recording from keyboard artist Craig Taborn (listen to his Quintet's entire set from NPR's "A Blog Supreme" by clicking here.)  The Barth/Wilson duo is truly a joy to listen to; their interaction, built from over 20 years of friendship and playing together, sparkles with creativity. Delightful!

Jazz fans in the Connecticut area have had the privilege of hearing and seeing guitarist Michael Musillami for the better part of the past 30 years. he's worked and recorded with bassist Mario Pavone, saxophonist Thomas Chapin and others as well as leading his own groups.  His Trio, with bassist Joe Fonda and drummer George Schuller, has been together for 10 years and keeps growing.  Musillami's record label, Playscape, has issued a plethora of fine CDs by artists such as Pavone, pianists Peter Madsen and Ted Rosenthal, multi-reed player Tom Christensen and others.

Hear Michael Musillami in conversation with Jason Crane on "The Jazz Session" podcast or streaming on the website (link below) - for the guitarist/composer, 2009 was a sorrowful year with the death of his son Evan.  Musillami discusses that tragic event and how the creation of his new CD, "Old Tea", was cathartic and necessary. Crane, as usual, asks excellent questions and the interview is more of a chat than an inquisition. You can hear the show and support Jason Crane by going to http://thejazzsession.com/2010/07/01/the-jazz-session-181-michael-musillami/.