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
Jazz88’s Peter Solomon spoke with singer Madeleine Peyroux about her latest album, 2024’s Let’s Walk. The album focuses entirely on original music–songs that address issues of social justice, life, and love. Peyroux will perform in a double billing with blues and soul singer Bettye LaVette on Thursday, March 20th and Friday, March 21 at the...Read More
Speaking about Bill Charlap’s trio, the legendary songwriter Johnny Mandel said “It Don’t Get No Better Than That.” Bill Charlap’s quiet and humble demeanor belies the fact he is one the reigning modern modern masters of jazz piano. In this conversation with Jazz88’s Peter Solomon, he discusses his musical influences, his current trio, his newest...Read More
Jazz88’s Peter Solomon spoke with Dayna Martinez, the Executive Director of the 2025 Twin Cities Jazz Festival to get a preview of the headlining acts. More Posts for Show: The Morning ShowRead More
You may know Erik Brandt from his role as host of Good Acoustics Saturdays from 1 – 3 PM on Jazz88 or as the leader of the Urban Hillbilly Quartet. Erik will be spotlighting the work of three local songwriters in the Good Acoustics Songwriter Showcase on March 21st at Metronome Brewery. I caught up...Read More
Jazz88’s Peter Solomon speaks with Chicago-based singer Christy Bennett about her work researching and recording the music of Irene Higginbotham. Higginbotham (1918 – 1988) is best remembered as the co-composer of the ballad “Good Morning Heartache,” which was one of Billie Holiday’s signature tunes. Higginbotham wrote published more than fifty songs, including “This Will Make You...Read More
Jazz88’s Peter Solomon had a chance to talk with legendary blues and soul singer Bettye LaVette about her development as an artist and how she learned to use her voice to make a song her own. LaVette is appearing at The Parkway Theater in a double billing with jazz singer/songwriter Madeleine Peyroux on Thursday, March...Read More
Jazz88’s Peter Solomon spoke with trombonist Wycliffe Gordon about his musical influences and the diverse array of instruments that he plays, including soprano trombone and didgeridoo. Gordon is at the Dakota tonight with the MMEA All State Jazz Band (Friday, February 14th). Details here. More Posts for Show: The Morning ShowRead More
Jazz88’s Peter Solomon speaks with filmmaker John Scheinfeld about his 2023 documentary “What the Hell Happened to Blood Sweat and Tears?” The film tells the story of the pioneering jazz rock band – one of the most popular bands in the world in the late sixties and early seventies – and the disastrous impact of...Read More
