In Studio from Simply Timeless

As one of the younger members on the New York jazz scene, pianist Emmet Cohen continues to wow audiences around the country and around the world with his fresh interpretations of standards as well as new original compositions. His latest release is the album “Future Stride” for Mack Avenue. Emmet and I talk about his own musical journey which includes working alongside a number of his own jazz heroes. More at emmetcohen.com.

This week, we bring you an interview from earlier this year featuring bassist and vocalist Jen Hodge. When we recorded this, Jen was staying with her parents in her hometown of Courtneay, British Columbia. Our discussion focuses on her musical journey from playing bass in high school band to eventually making her mark in New York City. More at jenhodgebass.com.

Earlier this year, we had the great pleasure of chatting with our friend, Johnny Summers. His most recent release as a vocalist and trumpeter is a tribute to the music of Chet Baker - the album “Baker’s Dozen.” We chat about how Chet’s music has influenced Johnny’s own style… but we dig deeper into one crucial element of musical performance - a personal connection with the audience. More at johnnysummers.com.

We’re joined this week by pianist and vocalist, Dena DeRose. Her most recent release is an album for HighNote, “Ode to the Road” which features special guests like Houston Person and Sheila Jordan. Our interview takes a journey down the road of Dena’s personal and professional career. That story begins in upstate New York near her home in Binghamton, New York. More at denaderose.com.

This week, we’re continuing our talks about family as we visit with trombonist Steve Turre and his daughter Andromeda. Steve has been well known for his work with Ray Charles, Art Blakey, and the Saturday Night Live Band. His daughter is continuing that musical legacy as a talented vocalist… she also spent time with Ray Charles as one of the Raelettes. Listen as they share stories of family and shared musical experiences.

Deanna Witkowski's own journey has led her to a new home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which was also home to another renowned pianist, Mary Lou Williams. Deanna discusses how she is telling Mary Lou’s story through her latest writings and recordings. We’ll also hear about the influence of Deanna’s faith and how that has helped bring people together through her musical gifts. More at deannawitkowski.com

This week, we explore the musical journey of vocalist Roseanna Vitro. Most recently, she put out a digital release of her 1984 debut album, “Listen Here.” We not only dig a little deeper into the stories behind that album, but we also look at the early influences in Roseanna’s multi-decade career. Our story begins with her roots in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Minneapolis-based vocalist Lila Ammons joins us to discuss her own journey of musical discovery. Through that journey, she continues to discover a great deal within her own family legacy - thanks in part to the music of her grandfather, pianist Albert Ammons, and uncle, saxophonist Gene Ammons. More at lilaammonsmusic.com.

Listen to the journey of pianist Rossano Sportiello. Born in Italy, he now resides in New York’s Greenwich Village. Earlier this year, the talented musician released his latest for Arbors, “That’s It!” Later, he’ll share a little bit about his new solo album, but we begin our conversation with his birthplace in Vigevano, Italy. More at rossanosportiello.com.

Every musician owes a debt of gratitude to those who have been an inspiration or influence to them. For vocalist Vanessa Rubin, some of those mentors include the likes of Frank Foster, Barry Harris, Carmen McRae, and Tadd Dameron. She released an album featuring the music of Mr. Dameron… “The Dream Is You.” Of course, she shares more than just a musical connection with him; in fact, both of them called Cleveland, Ohio, home. More at vanessarubin.com.

We’re joined by bassist Leon Lee Dorsey. His latest release is a collaboration with drummer Mike Clark and pianist Harold Mabern. The album is titled as a tribute to the late pianist, “Thank You Mr. Mabern.” That studio session would be Mr. Mabern’s last. Leon and I are talk about those moments of working with Harold and Mike… but we also discuss the fundamentals of leading an ensemble as a bassist. More at leonleedorsey.com.

When it comes to the music of Louis Armstrong, one name always comes to mind - historian Ricky Riccardi. Ricky and Jay Daniels chatted recently about a soon-to-be-released set from Mosaic - The Complete Louis Armstrong Columbia & RCA Victor Studio Sessions 1946 - 66. You'll also hear about the extensive research done by Ricky and several other producers associated with Armstrong. More at mosaicrecords.com.

Last year, we had the chance to visit with clarinetist and saxophonist Ken Peplowski. He had previously been featured on two collaborative albums with guitarist Diego Figueriedo and pianist Dick Hyman. We discuss the art of musical conversation with Ken as well as his many friends in the jazz industry - people like Steve Allen, Benny Goodman, and John Pizzarelli. More at kenpeplowski.com.

We’re joined this week by vocalist and producer, Steve Tyrell. You might have heard his renditions of beloved standards right here on Simply Timeless. Yet before he made his own vocal recordings, he worked behind the scenes with artists like B.J. Thomas, Elvis Presley, Dionne Warwick, and Carole King. Steve shares some of the stories from his multi-decade career, but his story begins with his early years in Texas. More at stevetyrell.com.

Our guest this week is pianist Ben Paterson. We’re delighted to hear his journey of musical discovery as he shares his experiences of performing in cities like New York and Chicago… there’s also one particular concert where he opened for blues legend B. B. King. More at benpaterson.com.

This week, we explore the intersection of faith, family, and music as shared by saxophonist and composer Jimmy Greene. His latest album is called “While Looking Up,” and it features a song penned in honor of his daughter, Ana. You’ll hear some of her story along with the beginnings of Jimmy’s musical career. More at jimmygreene.com.

Whatever our talent in this life might be, we each carry a part of our mentors with us. For musicians, it means having that mentor’s style as a part of our own. In the case of pianist Jeb Patton, he still carries the influences of his own teachers like Sir Roland Hanna and Jimmy Heath. Later in the interview, Jeb will also share some of his own challenges at developing his jazz piano technique. More at jebpatton.com.

Music was always a centerpiece in the life of vocalist and composer René Marie. Yet it wasn't until she was 42 years old that she embarked upon her professional music career. In this interview, you'll hear the stories of her own life experiences - stories of heartbreak, loss, and despair. Through it all, René was able to take those bits of hurt and brokenness and transform them into the beautiful tapestry of a renewed and transformed life. More at renemarie.com.

In 2019, Nicolas Bearde released an album of standards made popular by Nat King Cole called “I Remember You.” During our interview, Nicolas not only remembers his love for the music of Nat Cole but also some of the influences he had along his musical journey. He’ll share the memories of his service in the Air Force while stationed in Japan as well as his years of working with artists like Bobby McFerrin. More at nicolasbearde.com.

Jay Daniels chats with pianist Lafayette Harris, Jr. You'll discover a bit about the jazz musician including his musical roots in southside Virginia. Hear the stories of his work with mentors like Kenny Barron and Max Roach. Plus, you'll learn about his latest album - a collaboration with Houston Person called "You Can't Lose with the Blues." More at lafayetteharrisjr.com.