Jazz88’s Peter Solomon speaks with guitarist Ryan Picone about how he finds inspiration in the music of gypsy guitar legend Django Reinhardt. Picone shares some insider’s knowledge about Django’s life and music and  stories about his mentors, Howard Alden and Stephane Wrembel. Picone spoke from his apartment in Uptown Minneapolis, where he performed a couple...Read More

Doreen Ketchens reflects on growing up in New Orleans historic Treme neighborhood, her development as a jazz clarinetist, and playing music with her family on the streets of New Orleans and in concerts and festivals around the world. Ketchens plays the Twin Cities Jazz Festival Friday June 20th at 6 PM on the Jazz88 Main...Read More

Adrian Crutchfield joined host Patty Peterson to talk about his upcoming concert at the Capri Theatre on June 3, his new CD called “Slick” and his deep connection to Prince, as the last saxophonist to ever work with him in the New Power Generation. That connection led him to become a music director at a...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

  Good Acoustics–the radio show for musical omnivores on KBEM Jazz88—has decided to start a regular showcase for the local artists we feature on our program. Come gather at MetroNOME Brewing in Lowertown St. Paul on Saturday, May 10th from 730-9pm, to hear some of the artists whose music we love. This month we’ll be...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

Somali blues & American gospel-style sounds have a conversation in a show coming to two venues in Minnesota this month. Bobby Vandell spoke with the principal artists, vocalist/conductor JD Steele and musician/poet Ahmed Yusuf.  Also along for the conversation is event organizer Beck Lee. https://kbem-od.streamguys1.com/kbem/20250404102019-Crossroads.mp3   “Meet You at the Crossroads” will be at the...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