Interview with Olivia Pérez-Collellmir

Chris Pinnella's musical journey is woven with experiences across diverse landscapes. His career took flight at 16 when he showcased his prodigious talent with Alphonse Stephenson and the Orchestra of St. Peter, a debut that set the stage for his future success. This early triumph was just the beginning of his musical odyssey, eventually leading him to earn a degree from Marymount Manhattan College in New York City. Post-college, his career trajectory led him to diverse platforms. He delved into off-Broadway and regional theater. Notably, he landed the role of Simeon in the musical "Simeon's Gift," a production co-authored by the legendary Julie Andrews and her daughter Emma Walton-Hamilton. His involvement in this project gave him a unique opportunity to collaborate closely with industry icons. Additionally, he toured with the famed Trans Siberian Orchestra. Over the last several years, Pinnella has led large-scale celebrated tribute shows featuring the music of Frank Sinatra and a tribute show on the music of Billy Joel.

24 Apr 202435min

Stephane Wrembel is a Paris-born guitar virtuoso known for his authentic interpretation of Django Reinhardt's music and innovative compositions that blend jazz with various influences. Immersed in the culture, he has dedicated himself to understanding Reinhardt's legacy. Wrembel's career includes numerous albums, collaborations with esteemed musicians, and performances at prestigious venues worldwide. He is also recognized for his work on several Woody Allen films and his annual Django A Gogo Festival.  Wrembel's music reflects his vast experiences and intellectual curiosity, pushing the boundaries of jazz while paying homage to its rich history. This year's Django á Gogo Music Festival will run from May 1st to May 4th. It features international talents honoring Reinhardt's influential style. This year's festival will see the reunion of the Gypsy Guitars Trio, featuring legends like Angelo Debarre and Serge Camps alongside rising stars like Simba Baumgartner and Hugo Guezbar. Additionally, Wrembel's Django New Orleans band will perform.  https://www.stephanewrembel.com/

16 Apr 202422min

Terence Blanchard Interview Terence Blanchard, born in New Orleans in 1962, is a celebrated jazz trumpeter, composer, and bandleader. Rising from the vibrant musical scene of his hometown, Blanchard's talent quickly garnered attention, leading to collaborations with jazz legends like Lionel Hampton and Art Blakey. His partnership with filmmaker Spike Lee catapulted him to international acclaim, as he composed scores for numerous acclaimed films, including "Jungle Fever," "Malcolm X," and "BlacKkKlansman." Blanchard's music transcends traditional boundaries, seamlessly blending jazz with other genres and addressing social issues through projects like his band E-Collective. He has also ventured into opera composition, premiering successful works such as "Champion" and "Fire Shut Up in My Bones." Blanchard's multifaceted career and unwavering commitment to innovation have solidified his legacy as a pioneering force in contemporary music. Recently, I spoke with the trumpet legend about his life, music, and thoughts on winning an NEA Jazz Masters Award, one of the highest honors for jazz musicians.  You can check out, my article at ​​https://njjs.org/

1 Apr 202456min

Joshua Redman is an acclaimed American jazz saxophonist and composer born in Berkeley, California.  Known for his innovative and dynamic approach to jazz, Redman burst onto the scene in the early 1990s, earning widespread recognition for his impressive technical skills and inventive improvisations. Redman has collaborated with numerous jazz luminaries, contributing to various projects. His discography includes both acclaimed solo works and collaborations with influential artists. Simply put, Redman is a legend and a key figure in regard to the tradition and continuation of modern jazz. For more on Joshua Redman go to https://www.joshuaredman.com/

26 Jan 202457min

Jim Josselyn, born in Oceanport, New Jersey is a highly accomplished jazz guitarist, composer and educator. Starting his musical journey at eleven, he has played with jazz greats and studied under legends like Pat Martino and Kenny Barron. Holding a master's degree in music performance. Jim's recent albums include Early and Shape Shifter. His original music has been featured on over forty TV shows and commercials. Jim performs regularly at renowned venues in New York and New Jersey, and he offers booking, master classes, and private lessons. Most recent albums: Early Summer Evening and Shape Shifter https://jimjosselynmusic.com/ musicanddrama.org

27 Des 202323min

Drummer Nasheet Waits speaks with host Jay Sweet about his mentor, drummer Max Roach, as we approach the legend's centennial. Waits discusses Roach's impact and his upcoming tribute concert for Roach on 1/26/2024.

22 Des 20231h 5min

Scotty Barnhart is a noted trumpeter, composer, arranger, and educator. Most of his work has come through his association with the Count Basie Orchestra, where he began as a featured trumpeter in 1993. Since 2013, Barnhart has been the orchestra's director and has continued to preserve the legacy and tradition of one of the most essential musical establishments of the 20th century. Barnhart not only carries Count Basie's musical legacy with elegance and grace but also connects with Basie's personality. Basie was known to be kind, caring, accessible, and positive. The Count Basie Orchestra's newest album, The Count Basie Orchestra Swings the Blues! has been nominated for a Grammy Award.    To read host Jay Sweet's article on Scotty Barnhart, visit New Jersey Jazz Magazine https://njjs.org/. To learn more about Scotty Barnhart, go to http://www.scottybarnhart.com/  To learn more about the Count Basie Orchestra, https://www.thecountbasieorchestra.com/

30 Nov 20231h 22min