New Orleans based saxophonist and bandleader Donald Harrison talks about his music, explains his concept of "nouveau swing" and also talks about the culture of his hometown, and its future in this interview from January 2008. Harrison also reflects back on the group he led with Terence Blanchard in the 1980's and the "young lions" movement of that era, and much more. Listen to 90.7 KFSR's interview with Donald Harrison (MP3)... Subscribe to the KFSR jazz interviews podcast...
90.7 KFSR interview: David Murray - 1/08
David Murray is one of the most distinctive tenor saxophonists to emerge in jazz in the post John Coltrane era. With a big robust sound that draws upon influences from Ben Webster and Paul Gonsalves to Albert Ayler and Archie Shepp, Murray's approach likewise staddles the mainstream and the avant garde. In this interivew, Murray talks about his roots in Fresno and the San Joaquin Valley, and his early influences, as well as memories of his good friend, pianist John Hicks. Listen to 90.7 KFSR's interview with David Murray (MP3)... Subscribe to the KFSR jazz interviews podcast...
90.7 KFSR interview: Eva Scow - 12/07
Local jazz mandolinist, violinist and bandleader Eva Scow talks with 90.7 KFSR's Joe Moore about her new CD with guitarist Dusty Brough and her upcoming CD release concert. Just 19 years old, Eva has quickly gained a national reputation as one of the nation's top jazz mandolin players, and has recorded with David Grisman, Anthony Wilson, and many others. Her new CD "Sharon By the Sea" is her first under her own name. We'll find out more about her music and career, as well as hear some samples from the CD in this interview. Listen to 90.7 KFSR's interview with Eva Scow (MP3)... Subscribe to the KFSR jazz interviews podcast...
90.7 KFSR interview: Marvin Stamm - 11/07
Trumpeter Marvin Stamm has an illustrious resume. A former member of the Stan Kenton, Woody Herman and Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestras, a veteran of the New York studio scene, and a top rate jazz soloist and bandleader, his trumpet chops have made him one of the most in-demand artists on his instrument. His newest project features pianist Bill Mays, "The Inventions Trio." In this interview we learn more about that group, Marvin's current quartet, his new CD/DVD, and the experience of working with the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis band. Listen to 90.7 KFSR's interview with Marvin Stamm (MP3)... Subscribe to the KFSR jazz interviews podcast...
90.7 KFSR interview: Karrin Allyson - 11/07
A Kansas City native, jazz vocalist Karrin Allyson began her career in classical music before finding jazz in college. Now with ten albums for Concord Record (and two GRAMMY award nominations) she has become one of the top vocalists in jazz, with a distinctive style all her own. In this interview, we talk about Karrin's music, her most recent CD "Footprints" (2006) and her upcoming record, "IMAGINA: Song of Brasil" due for release in March 2008. Listen to 90.7 KFSR's interview with Karrin Allyson (MP3)...
A former member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson is an accomplished leader in his own right, with 10 albums under his own name for labels like Criss Cross, Blue Note and Palmetto. His new project is an all star quartet "The Jackson Green Project" featuring pianist Benny Green and drummer Al Foster. We'll learn more about Javon's time with Art Blakey, and this new group in this interview. Listen to 90.7 KFSR's interview with Javon Jackson (MP3)... Subscribe to the KFSR jazz interviews podcast...
90.7 KFSR interview: Loren Pickford - 08/01/07
One of Fresno's leading jazz artists of the 1970's and 1980's, Loren played with Jackie Wilson, Ray Charles, T-Bone Walker, Chet Baker, Frank Rosolino, Billy Higgins and many others. He was part of a vital jazz scene in Fresno's Tower District, which featured players like Don Weed, George Roessler, Bill Bixler and many others. He resettled in New Orleans in the early 1990's and lived there until Hurricane Katrina struck, destroying nearly everything he owned. Loren now lives in Kansas City. Listen to Loren Pickford part 1... (MP3 download)
Listen to Loren Pickford part 2... (MP3 download) Subscribe to the KFSR jazz interviews podcast...
90.7 KFSR interview: Pete Escovedo
Latin jazz icon Pete Escovedo talks with 90.7 KFSR's Steve Alcala about his career, the state of Latin jazz today, and about his first trip to Fresno in 17 years, in this special interview.
Guitarist Anthony Wilson talks about his new project "Nova" with Brazilian guitarist Chico Pinheiro, about how he met Fresno's young mandolin virtuoso Eva Scow, and about recording and touring with Diana Krall.
One of the most highly respected drummers of his generation, Matt Wilson's latest CD "The Scenic Route" with his band "Arts and Crafts" is currently one of the most played records on jazz radio in the country. Matt's music spans styles and genres, from hard bop to cutting edge improv, and always has a playful quality, some might call it jazz with a sense of humor. In this interview, Matt talks about his current project, working with artists like Lee Kontiz, Charlie Haden and Dewey Redman, and more. Listen to this interview online... (MP3 download) Subscribe to the KFSR jazz interviews podcast...
90.7 KFSR interviews jazz vocalist Tierney Sutton - 3/07
Named "Jazz Vocalist of the Year" in 2005 by Jazz Week Magazine, and GRAMMY nominee for "Jazz Vocal Album of the Year" Tierney Sutton is one of the top vocalists in jazz today. Tierney's new CD "On the Other Side" was released in February 2007 to great critical acclaim. We'll find out more about the theme to her new album, the secret to keeping her band together for over a decade in an era where personnel changes are the norm, and much more. Listen to 90.7 KFSR's interview with Tierney Sutton (MP3 download)...
90.7 KFSR's talks with bassist Brian Bromberg - 3/07
90.7 KFSR talks with virtuoso bassist and bandleader Brian Bromberg about his Downright Upright project, and his Spring 2007 tour, which will brought him to Fresno. We'll learn more about the concept behind his new record, his past experiences playing in Fresno and much more. Listen to KFSR's interview with Brian Bromberg... (MP3 download) Subscribe to the KFSR jazz interviews podcast...
90.7 KFSR's Interview with trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos - 2/07
One of the top trumpet players in the Southern California jazz scene, Gilbert Castellanos talks with KFSR about his career, and life growing up in Fresno in this January 2007 interview. Today, Gilbert lives in San Diego, and leads his own group, the Gilbert Castellanos Quintet, and is also a featured soloist with the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, the Anthony Wilson Nonet and many others. Gilbert talks about his musical family, his days attending Roosevelt School of the Arts in Fresno, and about his first concert in the Valley in years, in February 2007.
Called the "Dean of Jazz Piano" by the New Yorker, 86 year-old jazz legend Hank Jones has been one on the top piano players in jazz for over 60 years. He's worked and recorded with virtually every major jazz star, including stints with Charlie Parker, Coleman Hawkins, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald and countless others. His own recordings are celebrated as masterpieces of jazz piano. Today, he's more active than ever, with his new cd "For My Father", three recent cds with the Great Jazz Trio, and two new albums as a special guest with saxophonist Joe Lovano. Recently, KFSR's Joe Moore had a chance to talk with Hank about his long career in jazz, his family (his late brothers Elvin and Thad Jones were also major jazz stars), and much more.
Bassist and vocalist Kristin Korb and saxophonist and composer Kim Richmond stop by the KFSR studios to talk about their performance at Fresno State for CSU Summer Arts.
The man behind the music to the film The Mambo Kings, and an acclaimed arranger for the biggest names in latin Jazz, Ray Santos talks with KFSR's own Steve Alcala, in advance of his performance in Fresno. Hear about his work with Machito, Tito Puente and many other latin jazz greats in this interview. Listen to this interview (Real Audio)...
Listen to Steve Alcala's interview with latin jazz master Poncho Sanchez. One of the top names in latin jazz and salsa for over 20 years, Poncho Sanchez came to Fresno in May of 2006 to play at Arte Americas, and 90.7 KFSR's own Steve Alcala got a chance to talk with him before the concert, and learn more about his music and career. Listen to this interview (Real Audio)...
90.7 KFSR interviews Joey DeFrancesco on Morning Jazz
Unquestionably the top B-3 organ player in jazz today, Joey DeFrancesco took some time out of his west coast tour to call in and talk with 90.7 KFSR about his new cd "Organic Vibes", which features Bobby Hutcherson, George Coleman and Ron Blake. We also got to ask Joey about how Miles Davis hired the then teenage musician to play with his band, and about his close friendship with the late Jimmy Smith. Listen to our interview with Joey DeFrancesco... (Real Audio)
90.7 KFSR talks with jazz trumpeter Brian Lynch
As
a jazz musician, Brian Lynch's credential are virtually unmatched. A
member of the bands of Horace Silver, Phil Woods, Eddie Palmieri, and
of course, Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, Brian is one of the top
trumpet players in jazz today. He also is an accomplished leader in his
own right, and a dedicated jazz educator. His newest project, a
collaboration with latin jazz legend Eddie Palmieri is currently in the
final stages of production and will be released via Brianlynchjazz.com
through ArtisShare. Listen to our talk with Brian from February 5th,
2006 in advance of his apperance in Clovis at the San Joaquin Valley
Jazz Festival. Listen to
our interview with Brian Lynch (Real Audio)
Saxophonist Tim Ries, of the
Rolling Stones, joins KFSR to talk about his new cd of jazz versions of
Rolling Stones tunes, his musical career in rock and jazz, and his
friendship with the late Paul Shaghoian. Listen
online... (Real Audio)
Steve Gadd has been
one of the most in demand and popular drummers in jazz, rock and pop
for over three decades. From recordings with Chick Corea's Return to
Forever, Al DiMeloa, and David Sanborn, to Eric Clapton Paul Simon and
countless other stars, he has been called the "world's most influential
drummer." He spoke with KFSR in Fall 2005 about his 2005 clinic tour
and his impressive career.
Called the "Dean of Jazz Piano" by the New
Yorker, 86 year-old jazz legend Hank Jones has been one on the top
piano players in jazz for over 60 years. He's worked and recorded with
virtually every major jazz star, including stints with Charlie Parker,
Coleman Hawkins, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Miles Davis, Ella
Fitzgerald and countless others. His own recordings are celebrated as
masterpieces of jazz piano. Today, he's more active than ever, with his
new cd "For My Father", three recent cds with the Great Jazz Trio, and
two new albums as a special guest with saxophonist Joe Lovano.
Recently, KFSR's Joe Moore had a chance to talk with Hank about his
long career in jazz, his family (his late brothers Elvin and Thad Jones
were also major jazz stars), and much more.
The winner of 7 GRAMMY awards, pianist and band leader
Eddie Palmieri is one of the biggest names in Latin Jazz, and is now
celebrating his 50th year in the music business. His ensembles have
been some of the most influential in the history of Latin Jazz, and his
percussive piano playing, has caused many to dub him as "the Latin
Thelonious Monk". In May 2005, Eddie brought his band to Fresno's Arte
Americas for a performance as part of the Nights in the Plaza
series. We had a chance to talk with Eddie about his career and music,
and where he's headed next.
Join KFSR's David Aus
for a talk with composer and pianist Rick Helzer, as Rick talks about
his new cd, Face in the Mirror, featuring such jazz stars as
flutist James Newton. Hear selections from Rick's cd, as well as his
thoughts on composition and improvisation. Rick is a native of the San
Joaquin Valley and is a graduate of Fresno State and now is Associate
Director of Jazz Studies at San Diego State University. Listen to
this interview online via Real Audio...
Jane
Monheit is one of the most popular and talented young vocalists in jazz
today. Her new CD, "Taking a Chance On Love" (her debut for Sony
Records) features a number of great renditions of classic jazz
standards, and is at the top of current jazz sales charts. Recently,
Jane took some time out of her busy touring schedule to talk with KFSR
about her new cd, her artistic vision, and life as a jazz star.
He's played on records by everyone
from Lou Donaldson to George Benson, and is one of the most famous
practitioners of the B-3 organ in jazz, Dr. Lonnie Smith. His new cd, Too
Damn Hot, just released on Palmetto records may be his best to
date. Recently, KFSR's Joe Moore had a chance to talk to the good
doctor about his long career in jazz and funk and about his new
album.
Join KFSR for a conversation
with jazz vibraphone virtuoso Terry Gibbs, this Sunday Morning at
9:00am. Terry, who will turn 80 in just a few weeks, is one of the
living legends of jazz, and has a new album celebrating the bebop music
that captured his imagination in the late 1940's, titled "52nd and
Broadway - Songs of the Bebop Era." We'll ask Terry about his new cd,
and about his long career as a leader and sideman with the likes of
everyone from Woody Herman and Benny Goodman, to his groups of today.
Jazz
bassist Eric Revis is heard worldwide as a key member of the Branford
Marsalis quartet, and he now has his own debut recording as a leader,
"Tales of the Stuttering Mime" which has just been released. We'll ask
Eric about his new cd, growing up in Fresno, and much more in this hour
long program, which includes cuts from his new cd.
Denny
Zeitlin is one of the finest pianists in jazz, but his day job isn't
playing music, it's as a professional psychiatrist, and as a professor
of psychiatry at UC Berkeley. Denny's lyrical touch and love for the
trio format often brings to mind the music of Bill Evans, yet Denny's
own voice is a strong and distinct one. In this hour long program,
we'll hear selections from Denny's new MaxJazz release Slickrock, featuring
Buster Williams and Matt Wilson. We'll talk about Denny's long career
in jazz and psychiatry, and the fascinating relationships between the
two.
You can now listen to KFSR's
interviews with some of the top artists in jazz online! Check back
regularly as we regularly add new archived interviews. Here's our
current selections. You'll need the Real Audio player to listen to this
interviews on your PC.
Jazz vocalist and pianist Freddy Cole talks with 90.7 KFSR about his life and music. The younger brother of Nat King Cole, Freddy has his own unique style and a great affinity for long lost gems of the Great American Songbook.
New Orleans based saxophonist and bandleader Donald Harrison talks about his music, explains his concept of "nouveau swing" and also talks about the culture of his hometown, and its future in this interview from January 2008. Harrison also reflects back on the group he led with Terence Blanchard in the 1980's and the "young lions" movement of that era, and much more.
David Murray is one of the most distinctive tenor saxophonists to emerge in jazz in the post John Coltrane era. With a big robust sound that draws upon influences from Ben Webster and Paul Gonsalves to Albert Ayler and Archie Shepp, Murray's approach likewise staddles the mainstream and the avant garde. In this interivew, Murray talks about his roots in Fresno and the San Joaquin Valley, and his early influences, as well as memories of his good friend, pianist John Hicks. 
Local jazz mandolinist, violinist and bandleader Eva Scow talks with 90.7 KFSR's Joe Moore about her new CD with guitarist Dusty Brough and her upcoming CD release concert. Just 19 years old, Eva has quickly gained a national reputation as one of the nation's top jazz mandolin players, and has recorded with David Grisman, Anthony Wilson, and many others. Her new CD "Sharon By the Sea" is her first under her own name. We'll find out more about her music and career, as well as hear some samples from the CD in this interview.
Trumpeter Marvin Stamm has an illustrious resume. A former member of the Stan Kenton, Woody Herman and Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestras, a veteran of the New York studio scene, and a top rate jazz soloist and bandleader, his trumpet chops have made him one of the most in-demand artists on his instrument. His newest project features pianist Bill Mays, "The Inventions Trio." In this interview we learn more about that group, Marvin's current quartet, his new CD/DVD, and the experience of working with the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis band. 
A Kansas City native, jazz vocalist Karrin Allyson began her career in classical music before finding jazz in college. Now with ten albums for Concord Record (and two GRAMMY award nominations) she has become one of the top vocalists in jazz, with a distinctive style all her own. In this interview, we talk about Karrin's music, her most recent CD "Footprints" (2006) and her upcoming record, "IMAGINA: Song of Brasil" due for release in March 2008.
Jazz pianist Bill Mays' new project, "The Inventions Trio" combines jazz and classical through a unique chamber music setting with piano, trumpet and cello. We'll learn more about this group, and fellow trio members Alisa Horn and Marvin Stamm in this interview.
Founder of jazz vocal group The Manhattan Transfer, Tim Hauser talks with 90.7 KFSR's Joe Moore about the group's 35 year career, their music, future projects and much more.
Seven time Grammy award winner Al Jarreau talks with 90.7 KFSR's Joe Moore about his new project with guitarist George Benson, working with Paul McCartney, life on the road, and future plans. 
A former member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson is an accomplished leader in his own right, with 10 albums under his own name for labels like Criss Cross, Blue Note and Palmetto. His new project is an all star quartet "The Jackson Green Project" featuring pianist Benny Green and drummer Al Foster. We'll learn more about Javon's time with Art Blakey, and this new group in this interview.
One of Fresno's leading jazz artists of the 1970's and 1980's, Loren played with Jackie Wilson, Ray Charles, T-Bone Walker, Chet Baker, Frank Rosolino, Billy Higgins and many others. He was part of a vital jazz scene in Fresno's Tower District, which featured players like Don Weed, George Roessler, Bill Bixler and many others. He resettled in New Orleans in the early 1990's and lived there until Hurricane Katrina struck, destroying nearly everything he owned. Loren now lives in Kansas City.
Latin jazz icon Pete Escovedo talks with 90.7 KFSR's Steve Alcala about his career, the state of Latin jazz today, and about his first trip to Fresno in 17 years, in this special interview.
Guitarist Anthony Wilson talks about his new project "Nova" with Brazilian guitarist Chico Pinheiro, about how he met Fresno's young mandolin virtuoso Eva Scow, and about recording and touring with Diana Krall.
One of the most highly respected drummers of his generation, Matt Wilson's latest CD "The Scenic Route" with his band "Arts and Crafts" is currently one of the most played records on jazz radio in the country. Matt's music spans styles and genres, from hard bop to cutting edge improv, and always has a playful quality, some might call it jazz with a sense of humor. In this interview, Matt talks about his current project, working with artists like Lee Kontiz, Charlie Haden and Dewey Redman, and more.
Named "Jazz Vocalist of the Year" in 2005 by Jazz Week Magazine, and GRAMMY nominee for "Jazz Vocal Album of the Year" Tierney Sutton is one of the top vocalists in jazz today. Tierney's new CD "On the Other Side" was released in February 2007 to great critical acclaim. We'll find out more about the theme to her new album, the secret to keeping her band together for over a decade in an era where personnel changes are the norm, and much more.
One of the top trumpet players in the Southern California jazz scene, Gilbert Castellanos talks with KFSR about his career, and life growing up in Fresno in this January 2007 interview. Today, Gilbert lives in San Diego, and leads his own group, the Gilbert Castellanos Quintet, and is also a featured soloist with the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, the Anthony Wilson Nonet and many others. Gilbert talks about his musical family, his days attending Roosevelt School of the Arts in Fresno, and about his first concert in the Valley in years, in February 2007.
Unquestionably the top B-3 organ player in jazz today, Joey DeFrancesco took some time out of his west coast tour to call in and talk with 90.7 KFSR about his new cd "Organic Vibes", which features Bobby Hutcherson, George Coleman and Ron Blake. We also got to ask Joey about how Miles Davis hired the then teenage musician to play with his band, and about his close friendship with the late Jimmy Smith.
As
a jazz musician, Brian Lynch's credential are virtually unmatched. A
member of the bands of Horace Silver, Phil Woods, Eddie Palmieri, and
of course, Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, Brian is one of the top
trumpet players in jazz today. He also is an accomplished leader in his
own right, and a dedicated jazz educator. His newest project, a
collaboration with latin jazz legend Eddie Palmieri is currently in the
final stages of production and will be released via 
Steve Gadd has been
one of the most in demand and popular drummers in jazz, rock and pop
for over three decades. From recordings with Chick Corea's Return to
Forever, Al DiMeloa, and David Sanborn, to Eric Clapton Paul Simon and
countless other stars, he has been called the "world's most influential
drummer." He spoke with KFSR in Fall 2005 about his 2005 clinic tour
and his impressive career.
The winner of 7 GRAMMY awards, pianist and band leader
Eddie Palmieri is one of the biggest names in Latin Jazz, and is now
celebrating his 50th year in the music business. His ensembles have
been some of the most influential in the history of Latin Jazz, and his
percussive piano playing, has caused many to dub him as "the Latin
Thelonious Monk". In May 2005, Eddie brought his band to Fresno's Arte
Americas for a performance as part of the Nights in the Plaza
series. We had a chance to talk with Eddie about his career and music,
and where he's headed next.
Join KFSR's David Aus
for a talk with composer and pianist Rick Helzer, as Rick talks about
his new cd, Face in the Mirror, featuring such jazz stars as
flutist James Newton. Hear selections from Rick's cd, as well as his
thoughts on composition and improvisation. Rick is a native of the San
Joaquin Valley and is a graduate of Fresno State and now is Associate
Director of Jazz Studies at San Diego State University. 
Jane
Monheit is one of the most popular and talented young vocalists in jazz
today. Her new CD, "Taking a Chance On Love" (her debut for Sony
Records) features a number of great renditions of classic jazz
standards, and is at the top of current jazz sales charts. Recently,
Jane took some time out of her busy touring schedule to talk with KFSR
about her new cd, her artistic vision, and life as a jazz star.
He's played on records by everyone
from Lou Donaldson to George Benson, and is one of the most famous
practitioners of the B-3 organ in jazz, Dr. Lonnie Smith. His new cd, Too
Damn Hot, just released on Palmetto records may be his best to
date. Recently, KFSR's Joe Moore had a chance to talk to the good
doctor about his long career in jazz and funk and about his new
album. 
Join KFSR for a conversation
with jazz vibraphone virtuoso Terry Gibbs, this Sunday Morning at
9:00am. Terry, who will turn 80 in just a few weeks, is one of the
living legends of jazz, and has a new album celebrating the bebop music
that captured his imagination in the late 1940's, titled "52nd and
Broadway - Songs of the Bebop Era." We'll ask Terry about his new cd,
and about his long career as a leader and sideman with the likes of
everyone from Woody Herman and Benny Goodman, to his groups of today.
Jazz
bassist Eric Revis is heard worldwide as a key member of the Branford
Marsalis quartet, and he now has his own debut recording as a leader,
"Tales of the Stuttering Mime" which has just been released. We'll ask
Eric about his new cd, growing up in Fresno, and much more in this hour
long program, which includes cuts from his new cd.
Denny
Zeitlin is one of the finest pianists in jazz, but his day job isn't
playing music, it's as a professional psychiatrist, and as a professor
of psychiatry at UC Berkeley. Denny's lyrical touch and love for the
trio format often brings to mind the music of Bill Evans, yet Denny's
own voice is a strong and distinct one. In this hour long program,
we'll hear selections from Denny's new MaxJazz release Slickrock, featuring
Buster Williams and Matt Wilson. We'll talk about Denny's long career
in jazz and psychiatry, and the fascinating relationships between the
two.