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
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
Jazz88’s Peter Solomon visited an adult jazz combo in their first rehearsal directed by bassist/educator Chris Bates at Jazz Central. The combo is one of eleven groups that got started in January through the new, adult-focused jazz education series, North Star Jazz Workshops. https://kbem-od.streamguys1.com/kbem/20250129124141-FINALNORTHSTARJAZZWORKSHOPINTERVIEW_01079_.mp3Read More
The Star Tribune has launched a new podcast called Ghost of a Chance that tells the story of a black couple named Harry and Clementine Robinson who lived in South Minneapolis in the early twentieth century. The house that they occupied now belongs to Eric Roper, who happens to be the editor of the paper’s...Read More
Jazz88’s Peter Solomon spoke with G. Philip Shoultz, III about the 44th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Concert taking place Sunday, January 19th at Ted Mann Concert Hall on the U of M campus. https://kbem-od.streamguys1.com/kbem/20250116063843-FinalVersionGPSMLK_web.mp3Read More
