In the fall of 2010, saxophonist Bob Mintzer and pianist Russell Ferrante gave a master class at the Kiev Jazz Festival. They talked about being able to play comfortably in all keys and the necessity to listen while playing. They then played this modulating blues as an example.

Interview with Allen Toussaint

Jan25

I’ve always had great respect and admiration for New Orleans pianist, songwriter and producer, Allen Toussaint. In our conversation from 2007, he spoke about his hit records, life in the recording studios, the New Orleans piano tradition, Professor Longhair, the challenges of songwriting and producing and the impact of Hurricane Katrina.

Min Xiao-Fen plays Thelonious Monk

Jan23

Another clip from last night’s Min Xiao-Fen performance at Bohemian Caverns in Washington DC. I liked how calm and collected she was when one of her strings went awry. She seamlessly incorporated the adjustment into the performance of “Ask Me Now” by Thelonious Monk.

Min Xiao-Fen at Bohemian Caverns

Jan22

After my radio show tonight I stopped by Bohemian Caverns to catch the first set of pipa player Min Xiao-Fen. She played and sang classsical Chinese pieces, a kind of blues played on sanxian, and pieces by Monk (Ask Me Now), Ellington (Satin Doll interpolated with a Chinese song) and this version of All Blues by Miles Davis. Nice turnout for a Sunday night. Thanks to the Post Classical Ensemble for taking a chance on presenting this show.

Eddie Henderson with The Cookers

Jan14

A taste of trumpeter Dr. Eddie Henderson shot this past September, 2011 at the Bohemian Caverns in Washington DC. Band includes Billy Harper, David Weiss, Craig Handy, George Cables, Cecil McBee and Billy Hart.

Marilyn Mazur

Jan8

She was born in New York and has lived in Denmark since the age of six. Happy birthday to drummer, composer, vocalist, pianist, dancer and bandleader, Marilyn Mazur. Here’s a clip I shot of her in action with Kjetil Bjornstad’s group at the 2010 Molde Jazz Festival.