Grammy-nominated drummer, vocalist and producer Kassa Overall is bringing his approach full circle with a performance at The Dakota on Wednesday night. Some of Overall’s earliest professional experiences were traveling with Geri Allen, Wallace Roney and others in very formal jazz bandstand settings. On Wednesday, Overall will bring all the enthusiasm and adventurousness that he’s...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

Percussionist Bill Summers described music as a “religious undertaking” when he connected with Jazz88’s Sean McPherson to discuss the recent Headhunters record and their upcoming performance at the Dakota. Summers was joined by their drummer Mike Clark and the conversation covered iconic moments from Headhunters history, the group’s current lineup and their concern for musicians...Read More

The celebrated vocalist Bruce Henry is back in town to perform a concert on Saturday at the Dakota titled “Everyone Under the Sun: A Celebration of Unity and Love.” Henry connected with Sean McPherson to discuss how he and the band will use Martin Luther King Jr. as a point of departure to build community...Read More

Jazz88’s Peter Solomon speaks with NEA Jazz Master and Grammy award-winning trombonist and composer Delfeayo Marsalis about the inspiration behind his recent recording, Crescent City Jewels. Marsalis will be featured in two sets with the JazzMN Orchestra Sunday afternoon, Sept. 22, at the Dakota. (Attached photo by Eric Waters and Girard Mouton). https://kbem-od.streamguys1.com/kbem/20240918064147-DelfeayoFINALWEB.mp3Read More

Like so many jazz performers, Davina from Davina and the Vagabonds discovered jazz music early on in her life through her father and has loved and studied the music ever since. Davina connected with Sean via phone in advance of her upcoming show at the Dakota to discuss some of her favorite songs including Fats...Read More

Jazz88’s Peter Solomon speaks with singer and songwriter Lizz Wright about her latest release, Shadow. The recording celebrates the memory and lessons learned from her late grandmother. She discusses that, and her collaborations with Angelique Kidjo, Brandee Younger, and Meshell Ndegeocello. Wright performs at the Dakota this Friday night, August 16th. (Photo by Hollis King)...Read More

Jazz88’s Peter Solomon speaks with vocalist Jane Monheit in advance of her appearance Tuesday, July 30th at the Dakota. Monheit talks about her musical influences, the way she’s learned to manage expectations as a female performer, lessons learned from working with legendary producer Joel Dorn, and her upcoming eponymous release on Club 44 Records. More...Read More

Jazz88’s Peter Solomon caught up with singer and songwriter Nicole Zuraitis, whose 2023 recording, How Love Begins, received the Grammy award for “Best Jazz Vocal Album.” Zuraitis plays Thursday evening, June 20th, at the Dakota in an appearance billed as a pre-Twin Cities Jazz Festival show. https://kbem-od.streamguys1.com/kbem/20240619093839-NicoleZuraoitisforWeb.mp3 More Posts for Show: Judy Carmichael’s Jazz InspiredRead More

UPDATE: March 19th is Eliane Elias’ birthday, so we are pinning this post to the front page of the website. Happy Birthday, Eliane! Jazz88’s Peter Solomon spoke with pianist, vocalist, songwriter and composer Eliane Elias about her new album, Time and Again, coming out later this month on Candid Records. The recording features background vocals...Read More