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
Give to the Max Day is this Thursday, November 21st, and your support plays a vital role in this annual day of giving.Why donate during Give to the Max Day? This year, your donation will support our upgrade to a new and improved on-air broadcast system, in addition to helping us better plan out our...Read More
Jazz88’s Peter Solomon speaks with Shawn Lewis, Community Relations Manager with the Minneapolis Parks Foundation, about planned improvements to North Commons Park. At $45 million, the North Commons renovation represents the largest investment ever made in a neighborhood park in the 140-year history of the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board.Read More
Jazz88’s Peter Solomon spoke with organist Pat Bianchi about his relationship to the Hammond B-3 organ and the influence of the late organist Joey DeFrancesco. Bianchi will perform at the Crooners Main Stage Thursday, November 14th with drummer Byron Landham and guitarist Paul Bollenback, who served as DeFrancesco’s rhythm section for many years. https://kbem-od.streamguys1.com/kbem/20241111195108-PatBianchi_mixdown.mp3 TRANSCRIPT:...Read More
Warren Wolf is celebrating a birthday today and beyond being one of the most talented musicians working today, he is also a true ambassador for his fellow vibraphone players. His latest record is called History of the Vibraphone and the entire record celebrates songs either penned by or made famous by vibraphone players. It was...Read More
