Russell Ferrante is a founding member of the legendary fusion band, the Yellowjackets. He spoke with Jazz88 Morning Host Peter Solomon about his musical path, including an eye-opening first tour with blues singer Jimmy Witherspoon. He also discussed the collaboration with guitarist Robben Ford that led to forming the Yellowjackets, and the leaderless philosphy that...Read More

Choro Borealis is a Twin-Cities based Brazilian ensemble that performs a variety of musical styles from South America’s largest country, including choro, samba, forro, and original compositions that incorporate jazz influences. The term choro references a type of instrumental music that evolved in the late nineteenth century from the fusion of European dances like polkas,...Read More

Twin Cities-based guitarist Zacc Harris speaks with Jazz88 Morning Host Peter Solomon about his latest trio project American Reckoning, the upcoming Zacc Harris group appearance at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival, and his work in the Atlantis Quartet. You can catch Harris’s set at the TCJF Saturday, June 20th at 4 PM at Mears Park....Read More

A spontaneous, vivid performance by some of Minnesota’s most stellar gypsy-jazz artists played in the Django Reinhardt French swing tradition of the 1930’s. Hot Club Mania features an exceptional stylistic dimension with prodigious improvisation – a group not to be missed. The ensemble includes the unmistakable mastery of jazz violinist Gary Schulte, plus the diverse...Read More

Peter Solomon speaks with pianist Sean Mason about his latest album A Breath of Fresh Air.  Mason also discusses how growing up in the South affected his music, his love of early jazz, his recent collaborations with singer Catherine Russell and poet Mahogany Browne, and the ways that conflicting personality types in his quintet make...Read More

The Twin Cities Jazz Festival happens in multiple locations and performers range of students to legends. Sam Keenan spoke with musicians we want to highlight. These are great teasers to help you decide all the places you need to listen to jazz during the Twin Cities Jazz. Festival Marimbist Jenny Klukken and her quartet will...Read More

Pianist and composer Emmet Cohen will be back in the Twin Cities to play at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival on Friday, June 20 at 8:30 with his trio and the Four Freshmen. Cohen took a break this week to catch up with Sean McPherson and talk about his latest studio release and what he...Read More

Jazz88’s Peter Solomon sat down for a conversation with L.A. Buckner, who talks about why he celebrates his home turf of North Side Minneapolis, the influences that inform his music, and the evolution of his band Big Homie. L.A. Buckner and Big Homie are a headliner at this year’s Twin Cities Jazz Festival. You can...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

Dayna Martinez is gearing up for a busy June but she took some time to visit Jazz88 and talk about the upcoming Twin Cities Jazz Festival. Festival events begin on June 19 with the main action happening June 20-21. Martinez talked about performances and masterclasses that she’s excited about and she provided some tips on...Read More