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
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
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
