Jazz88’s Peter Solomon speaks with trumpeter Frank London about the history of klezmer music in America and 40 years of genre bending klezmer interpretations and collaborations by the Klezmatics. London was a founding member of the Grammy-award winning ensemble. The Klezmatics play the Dakota Tuesday night (May 27th) with Minneapolis-based ensemble Red Thread. Find details...Read More

Jazz88’s Peter Solomon speaks with three of the musical directors involved in an event commemorating George Floyd called “Weather: Stand the Storm.” Participants include Dr. G. Philip Shoultz, conductor of Singers of This Age; Waigwa, director of One Voice Mixed Chorus and Elevate Vocal Arts and Elevation Ensemble; and Dr. Rollo Dilworth, director of Singing...Read More

Saxophonist Charles McPherson’s legendary jazz career began in earnest in the late fities and he continues to be vital and productive at the age of 85 . He’s a product of Detroit’s fertile music scene, where as a teenager he came under the influence of pianist Barry Harris. At 19, McPherson moved to New York...Read More

In the days of silent film – the period from the late 1890s until the late twenties –  women had prominent and important creative roles. Not just as actors, but as directors, writers, and producers.  Many of the films that these pioneering film makers created explored provocative feminist themes that might seem surprising today. Peter...Read More

Jazz88’s Peter Solomon spoke with guitarist Martin Taylor about his musical influences and his collaboration “Great Guitars” with Ulf Wakenius and Bireli Lagrene. Taylor and Wakenius perform together at the Dakota Monday evening 4/14. Lagrene cannot make the show because of an injury.Read More

Jazz88’s Peter Solomon spoke with singer Karrin Allyson about a show at Crooners Thursday April 3rd called “The American Songbook Jazz Party.” The program features the songs from Rodgers and Hart and Rodgers and Hammerstein. It is a collaboration with music journalist Daborah Grace Winer, who will tell stories behind the music. Karrin talks about...Read More

Jazz88’s Peter Solomon speaks with Riley Helgeson, a trumpeter who handles publicity for Jazz Central Studios in Minneapolis. To celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month, Jazz Central Studios is presenting free concerts by four different Twin Cities big bands each Sunday in April, including the Bill Simenson Orchestra on April 6th at the Hook and Ladder Theater,...Read More

Jazz88’s Peter Solomon spoke with pianist Renee Rosnes, who has been a major player on the New York Jazz Scene since 1985. She discusses her early career, when she worked with iconic artists like Joe Henderson, J.J. Johnson, and Bobby Hutcherson. She also discusses her recent Brazilian album Crossing Paths, and the new Blue Note...Read More

Jazz88’s Peter Solomon spoke with banjoist Béla Fleck about his recent Grammy Award-winning recording with the late Chick Corea and his new project, a collaboration with Colombian harpist Edmar Castaneda and drummer Antonio Sanchez. They perform at the Dakota on Monday, March 24th and Tuesday, March 25. (Attached photo by Shervin Lainez)Read More

Jazz88’s Peter Solomon spoke with Tony Balluff, clarinetist and founding member of the Southside Aces, about the Jazz Age Rumpus IV taking place at the Hook and Ladder Theater on Sunday, March 23rd from 3 – 7 PM. The music will focus on the New York sounds of Bix Beiderbecke, Ellington small groups such as...Read More