Featuring the glassy new jams of bassist/keyboardist Spencer Zahn; the debut of a young Brazilian guitar virtuoso, Plinio Fernandes; LA drummer Mark Guiliana and Beat Music; master vocalist Theo Bleckmann from his interpretations of Kate Bush; Parisian reedsman Robby Marshall channels multiple continents on a track from his upcoming release; free jazz pioneer James Blood Ulmer and his collaboration with George Adams, Phalanx; pianist Keith Jarrett serenades us in his home studio on this 1999 release; the retro-electronic pop pride of France, Air; and finally, saxophonist Gene Ammons preaches to the choir.
Episode #310
Featuring the modern funk of Danish guitar hero Thor Madsen; the fresh sounds of NOLA’s Extended Trio; kick-ass Tuvan fusion courtesy of Bady-Dorzhu Ondar and Shodekeh; country/jazz mashed up beautifully by the one and only Ron Miles; drummer/composer Ches Smith and his latest Pyroclastic release; a double-shot of solos from master bassist Stephan Crump and guitar legend John Scofield (his 1st ever solo recording!); and wrapping up with Italian maestro Ennio Morricone + music from HBOs ‘Lovecraft Country’.
Episode #309
Featuring the title track from Agua de Jamaica: the newest production from whiz kids Sly5thAve and Roberto Verastagui; more harp magic-making from rising star Brandee Younger; an unreleased gem from Parisian saxophone genius Robby Marshall; fresh beats from slick keyboardist Juilus Rodriguez; Argentine lounge beats from Aliage Music; brand new music on the ECM label from renowned reedsman Mark Turner + a track from pianist Tord Gustavsen; an unreleased jam from Erik’s quintet live circa 2012; and finally, a timeless classic delivered effortlessly and earnestly by a large green frog.
Episode #308
A heavy dose of SOUL featuring music from the Stax Record label with Rufus Thomas; otherworldly piano ticklings courtesy of the great Earl ‘Fatha’ Hines and NOLA legend Dr. John; a Thelonious Monk double-shot from the maestro himself + one of the finest Monk interpreters, Carmen McRae; a bass master shows off his piano chops when Charles Mingus gets loose on his seminal record “Oh Yeah;” two of the most epically groundbreaking American artists of all time, Parliament and Stevie Wonder; and finally, the one and only (and slightly underrated) Otis Redding.
Episode #307
Featuring the fresh new single from superstar visionary harpist Brandee Younger; the latest joint from Jesse Harris’ instrumental ensemble Cosmo; LA cosmic funk from the mind of Eulipion Corps; totally unique and beautiful music from the late Ron Miles; British pianist Kit Downs and his latest ECM release; Mexican ambient jams from saxophonist/composer Asaph Sanchez; bassoon and guitar duets on the Pyroclastic label between the stunning Sara Schoenbeck and guitar god Nels Cline; and finally, the collab between Shooter Jennings and the one and only Yelawolf.
Episode #306 Ron Miles RIP
A tribute to the other-worldly genius of Denver cornetist, composer, bandleader, and educator Ron Miles. He left us last week—he was 58 years old. Ron Miles For Life. RIP.
Episode #305
A very special episode featuring Erik’s new release “La Nuit Blanche”. Featuring his longtime NYC sextet (Tony Mason on drums, Jeff Hill on bass, Avi Bortnick on guitar, Mike Mcginnis on reeds, and Brian Drye on trombone) + special guest Mauro Refosco on percussion, “La Nuit Blanche” is the pianist’s 8th studio album and his 1st release on Ropeadope. Erik’s original compositions evoke his signature fusion of psychedelic soul, classic jazz, sonic exploration, and funky world beat. Kick back and enjoy the ride!
Episode #304
Feat. a fresh new jam from songstress Victoria Reed; two recent releases on the ECM label from trumpeter Avishai Cohen and pianist Kit Downs; guitar wizardry courtesy of Simon Kafka and Dave Harrington (with Jeremy Gustin and Spencer Zahn); one of the most prolific cats alive, Eric Biondo aka Beyondo; and classic joints from The Roots and the purple one… Prince.
Episode #303
Feat. the new title track single from Erik’s upcoming Ropeadope release “La Nuit Blanche”; a slick fresh joint from old pals Sly5thAve and Roberto Verastegui; the latest release from BK piano trio Mostly Other People Do the Killing; drummer/composer Thomas Fujiwara flexes his fresh jams with his killer project Triple Double; the amazing Tuvan fusion of Bady-Dorzhu Ondar and Shodekeh; the beautiful NOW ensemble; and an NYC legend, Norah Jones.
Episode #302
Featuring a fresh slapper from NYC legend Stu Bogie and The Bogie Band feat. Joe Russo; a truly inspired collaboration of Tuvan-fusion between Bady-Dorzhu Ondar and Shodekeh on the EarUp label; a snippet from Jeff Parker’s outstanding offering “Suite for Max Brown”; the musings of pianist Federico Albanese; ambient wizard Spencer Zahn dives deep on “People of the Dawn”; mod-trad-folk from Eamon O’Leary and Jefferson Hamer aka The Murphy Beds; and finally, one the greatest that there ever was, Mr. Oliver Nelson.