Engineer and producer Al Schmitt is the embodiment of recorded music in America. Here he covers his career from recording big band music and race records in the 1950s to the roll of digital recording in the 21st century, the impact of drugs on the music business, and the importance of good personal relationships, and 23 Grammys along the way.
Read MoreThe guitarist and singer-songwriter talks about working with Norah Jones, the process of becoming a songwriter, making something happen and finding joy.
Read MoreWriter Clifford Irving has lived a lot of life and had many loves, but he says his “one true love” was the Island of Ibiza, where he made his life for 20 years starting in the early 1950s. Here he covers much of his compelling journey and explors the importance of imagination in writing, the question of ethical instruction between parents and children, and the love that can occur between man and monkey.
Read MorePianist, organist, composer Larry Goldings on New York in the 90s, developing his musical style, the importance of humor and the jazz life in LA.
Read MoreOn a recent weekend trip to Music City USA, I raised this question repeatedly and I got a variety of answers. Uber drivers, bartenders, music managers and restaurant patrons answer the question: should I move to Nashville.
Read MoreMinneapolis and the legacy of Prince, as seen through the eyes of three of his contemporaries. (Ricky Peterson, Paul Peterson and Monte Moir.)
Read MoreFor this special 50th Episode, bassist, composer, and friend of the podcast Michael Thurber turns the tables and interviews Leo.
Read MoreGuitarist Gabriela Quintero of the group Rodrigo y Gabriela on the power of fearlessness, her own unique technique, and the importance of community.
Read MoreButch Vig, Record producer on working with Nirvana, Garbage and the subtle art of communication.
Read MoreComposer Maria Schneider, Arranger Rob Mounsey, Producer Michael Leonhart, Engineer Al Schmitt, Drummer Bill Stewart, Organist Larry Goldings, Engineer James Farber, and Singer Alex Cuba - all contributed to Grammy nominated projects this year - on the intersection between music and life.
Read MoreSinger-songwriter Jorge Drexler on his songwriting process, the importance of empathy, and his desire to "build bridges" between people and ideas.
Read MoreDrummer, composer and surrealist instructional video host Dave King on the power of commitment, creating his own "tribal music" and the importance of isolation to the creative process.
Read MoreWhat did it feel like in Paris on the night of Friday, November 13th?
This is my conversation with my father, Ben, about our impressions of being there that night.
Read MoreSinger-songwriter Becca Stevens on allowing yourself to stay creatively vulnerable and take chances. She talked about how to overcome writers block, and the benefits of lack of time when it comes to creative process.
Read MoreFor forty years, Creed Taylor was one of a small handful of jazz record producers and label managers who shaped and defined the sound of jazz recording.
Read MoreHoward Levy has one of the most inquisitive musical minds of anyone I’ve ever met, and the thing that he’s most known for is his astounding harmonica playing and innovative technique.
Read MoreIn honor of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Will Lee (bass player for David Letterman), Michael Thurber and Jon Batiste (members of the new Late Show band) are featured.
Read MoreBassist Matt Geraghty and Saxophonist Ze Luis have been traveling to port cities (New Orleans, San Juan, Havana) to find out. It's part of their compelling video series, the 21 Trade Winds project. Both musicians have made names for themselves in the jazz and world music communities, Matt with his personal projects, and Ze as a sideman and producer for notable Brazilian artists like Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil.
Read MoreBen Sidran and I spent three days at the Newport Jazz Festival, checking out the music, hanging with musicians and trying to find a lobster roll. During the course of the weekend, we connected with some wonderful jazz personalities, including Jon Batiste, Dr. John, Jason Lindner, Maria Schneider, Jose James, James Carter, Jamie Cullum, David Hazeltine, and Bob Dorough. Each of them helped us to paint the picture of real life as it comes into contact with a career in music.
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