The world is paying enough attention to Cory Wong. . .but is Minnesota? Cory Wong is a bona fide festival headliner all around the world with accolades and ticket sales that match or exceed some of the titans in the world of jazz. But perhaps because he hails from Minnesota and is still based here,...Read More
If you missed our Labor Day programming. Here is a list of our top 88.5 songs: 1) Dave Brubeck, “Take Five” from the album Time Out 2) Weather Report, “Birdland” from the album Heavy Weather 3) Duke Ellington “Take the “A” Train” from the album Hollywood 4) George Gershwin, “Rhapsody in Blue” from the album...Read More
Today is Meshell Ndegeocello’s birthday. Born on August 29, 1968, she is a singer-songwriter, poet, and bassist. Her influences are far reaching and include funk, soul, jazz, hip hop, reggae and rock. I am happy to celebrate this avant-garde musician. I was introduced to Meshell Ndegeocello through her album, Bitter. I was a college freshman...Read More
After a long drought from any studio releases, the internationally celebrated Minnesota-based group Happy Apple has a new album out titled New York CD. The tone of this album is definitely leans to moody side with Michael Lewis’s saxophone frequently taking center stage supported by the interplay between bassist Erik Fratzke and drummer Dave King. Happy Apple...Read More
When it comes to music, we’re lucky that we don’t have to actually limit ourselves to certain artists and their catalogs. We can have our own favorites, but there is plenty of time in the world to listen to Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and scores of other great artists. But, I must admit, that I...Read More
After having the pleasure of writing about one of the tunes on pianist Kavyesh Kaviraj’s debut album, Fables, I knew I couldn’t stop there. Track seven, titled “Lullaby,” starts out with relaxed percussion, followed by piano and an enchanting melody delivered by Omar Abdulkarim (trumpet) and Pete Whitman (saxophone). It’s all so dreamy! Kaviraj’s piano solo...Read More
Preparing for our move back to Minneapolis North High means we won’t be able to hang with you at the State Fair this year, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have hot tips on music happenings at the Great Minnesota Get-Together! Below, read what Jazz88’s Sean McPherson is looking forward to. When I go to...Read More
Society of Chemists is a fusion band based in the Twin Cities headed up by composer and performer Stephanie Wieseler. Hear her, and the other members of the band, as they take a break in their recording studio to discuss their beginning and their musical process with Jazz88’s Sam Keenan in this interview. https://kbem-od.streamguys1.com/kbem/20240816134425-SocietyofChemistsInterview_0724_SamKeenan.mp3 BONUS:...Read More
New Jazz88 merch is here to buy for yourself or your favorite music lovers. Jazz88 knows you love to vibe with us. Check out our new “Vibin’ with Jazz88” merch. We have t-shirts, crop tops, vintage tee styles and hoodies! AND YOUTH T-SHIRTS! In multiple colors! We still have your beloved pithy fun Everyone Listens...Read More
Jazz88 celebrates the birthday of Eddie Costa, a pianist, vibraphonist, composer, and arranger who was the first artist to be recognized as a “new star” by DownBeat magazine on both instruments in the same year. Costa had an eight-year recording career, during which time he partook in more than one hundred sessions. He was featured as a...Read More
