doodlinlounge podcast

Trombonist Altin Sencalar was jump-started into the music world by his aunt and uncle who were both band leaders in Texas. The city of Austin was the training ground for the young trombonist who quickly joined the music community and rose to the top with the help of relatives, educational opportunities and the all-important mentoring process from key individuals. Being exposed to ethnic music set the table for young Altin who began incorporating Mexican rhythms like Salsa into his music. Today, his perspective is eclectic enabling him to parlez this viewpoint into his instructional activities and recording projects. A self-admitted 'hustler', Altin finds himself, now, traveling from New York to San Francisco and beyond periodically. Currently, he holds the position of Visiting Professor of Jazz Trombone at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. As a recording artist for Positone Records, Altin Sencalar promises to provide us with a healthy diet of new and exciting music. Enjoy the music and conversation of trombonist, Altin Sencalar.

Drummer Jason Lewis shows up for the first time in my Doodlin' Lounge with a composition from one of the combos that he co-directed as an instructor within the San Jose State University Jazz Department. He comes from a musical family and even took drum lessons from his father-in-law, keeping the love for music within the family constellation. Today, Jason boasts a long resume of playing and recording with some of the most accomplished musicians in the South Bay and beyond. His style is eclectic albeit not necessarily authentic by his own admission. He is a wise percussionist who began with an interest in symphonic music but branched out into jazz at an early age. Preferring to do 'side-work' rather than leading his own band, Jason has become a first call, top shelf drummer requested by local, regional and national musicians. The tracks heard, interspersed with his dialog, come from a variety of recordings. Enjoy a truly exquisite style of drumming from this veteran player and educator.

John Beasley wears numerous hats in the music world: pianist, composer, arranger, band leader and so on and so forth... He has made quite a name for himself and gained the respect and admiration of his peers as well as the movers and shakers in the industry. He has twelve Grammy nominations to his name and actually won two - one of which was for Best Instrumental Album. He has worked with the Frankfort Radio Big Band for a number of years and is currently enjoying the release of their latest collaboration: 'Returning to Forever' (the music of Chick Corea re-imagined as John likes to say). Recently his 'Monk'estra' recordings and public appearances have also raised his profile as a musician with eclectic tastes and universal appeal. His musical partner Magnus Lindgren often accompanies him in the studio and on the road. Fortunately, we caught John just before leaving for Europe and yet another tour. Enjoy tracks from John's 'Returning to Forever' as well as a few from other recordings... all with John's vocal narrative.

Saxophonist Diego Rivera is riding high these days as a prolific recording artist; an active member of the Austin, Texas live music scene and the Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Texas in Austin at the Butler School of Music. After twenty years at Michigan State (where he matriculated and received his early teaching experience), Diego accepted his present position with great honor and has not looked back. When asked about his curriculum at the University, he responded with "The students are the curriculum", intimating his adaptability to students and his willingness to individualize their learning experience. He represents an educator with great empathy and understanding for his students; his philosophy of teaching involves compassion and understanding. In his most recent recording, 'Ofrenda' (Positone Records), Diego has composed ten pieces to celebrate the season and rituals associated with 'the day of the dead' or Halloween. In this episode of my Doodlin' Lounge, Diego verbalizes his story as various tracks from his discography swirl through... enjoy

The Hot Club of San Francisco (AKA 'Le Jazz Hot') has become an institution here in the Bay Area. With guitarist Paul Mehling at the helm, this group has swung its way through small clubs and large theaters locally, regionally and nationally. They even played various rooms in Hong Kong last year to enthusiastic audiences. For decades now, they've spread the word (so to speak) of Gypsy Jazz and a myriad of its derivatives with passion, dedication and sheer love. With their fifteenth recording hitting the streets this week, the Hot Club of San Francisco, shows no signs of slowing down. With Django Reinhardt firmly in their minds, Le Jazz Hot claims not to be Gypsies but rather proud and dedicated followers of his music that originated in France many years ago. This new CD release - entitled 'Original Gadjo' - mixes authenticity with original and contemporary thinking to make for a most remarkable and entertaining presentation... Enjoy a glimpse of their music here in my Doodlin' Lounge.

Pianist Cyrus Chestnut graces my Doodlin' Lounge this evening. As a professor at Howard University who teaches piano as well as vocal students, Cyrus continues to be a prolific recording artist and also manages to perform in topnotch jazz venues around the world when away from the classroom. Chestnut started his musical career at the age of three, playing piano at the Mount Calvary Star Baptist Church at the age of six in his hometown of Baltimore, MD. By age nine, he was studying classical music at the Peabody Preparatory Institute in Baltimore. In the fall of 1981, Cyrus began jazz education in Boston, MA at the Berklee College of Music. In 1985, he earned a degree in jazz composition and arranging. While at Berklee, Chestnut was awarded the Eubie Blake Fellowship, the Oscar Peterson, Quincy Jones, and Count Basie awards for exceptional performance standards at the college. Enjoy the music; the conversation and the wisdom from this amazing musician and spiritual man ...

New York based pianist, Marius Van Den Brink, began his journey in a small village of the Netherlands where the population was roughly 300 people - quite a contrast to the enormity of the Big Apple where Marius would later find his musical comfort zone. 'Making the Scene' was the method by which Marius gained notoriety. He currently plays at Smalls in the Village each week and has managed to perform and record with such notables as Joel Frahm, Eric Wyatt, Stacey Dillard, Ingrid Jenson, Sean Jones and Jeff 'Tain Watts, to name a few. His style is somewhat introspective but always intuitive and creative. He creates moods with his music and often personalizes his compositions with references to his own world and life style. Marius is a force to be reckoned with in the New York arena and beyond. Enjoy his music and conversation in my Doodlin' Lounge

Henry Dickhoff is an internationally-recognized, award-winning pianist, organist, composer, and educator living in Chicago. He was born in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1995 and has lived in Florida, Colorado, and Texas. Since becoming a professional musician at age 16, Henry has played domestically all over the United States, In high school, Henry began to play the organ after receiving a scholarship from the Denver Organ Guild. He studied pipe organ privately at UNT with Dr. Andrew Lloyd, and served as the interim organist at Christ The Servant Lutheran Church of Denton, TX for the beginning of 2018. As a jazz organist, Henry released his first CD Running Start in 2013 with his Colorado-based organ trio. More recently, Henry’s co-led group Visceral Trio toured the midwestern United States during summer 2016, and released its debut EP in summer 2018. The EP includes all original compositions by Henry and guitarist Jack Roben that pay tribute to the organ trio tradition, while still including elements of modern jazz. In this episode of my Doodlin' Lounge we are privy to tracks from a yet-to-be-released CD called 'Foul Play'...Enjoy

Roy McCurdy is a living legend, having worked with some of the greatest artists in jazz including Sonny Rollins, Cannonball Adderley, Nancy Wilson, Art Farmer, and Benny Golson. A devoted teacher on the faculty of the Thornton School of Music at USC and the Pasadena School of Music, Roy joins the SJW faculty for the first time this summer.Roy first got his start in jazz working with the Mangione Brothers, Chuck and Gap, in the early ’60s. He joined the Art Farmer Jazztet and subsequently worked with Sonny Rollins. He became a full time member of the Cannonball Adderley Quintet from the mid-’60s until Cannonball’s death in 1975.He’s toured and recorded with veritable Who’s Who of jazz greats and groups, including Blood Sweat & Tears, Freddie Hubbard, Kenny Burrell, McCoy Tyner, Joe Williams, Sonny Clark, Jackie McLean, Carmen McRae, Lee Morgan, Betty Carter, Kenny Dorham, Bobby Timmons, Ron Carter, Harold Land, Bobby Hutchinson, The Count Basie Orchestra, Donald Byrd, Herbie Hancock, Coleman Hawkins, Joe Henderson, Milt Jackson, Oscar Peterson, Bud Powell, Jimmy Smith, Horace Silver, Sonny Stitt, Clark Terry, Kenny Drew, Eddie Harris, Stanley Turrentine, Hubert Laws, Charles Lloyd, Patrice Rushen, Blue Mitchell, Sarah Vaughn, and Ella Fitzgerald.Roy is the guest this week in the Doodlin' Lounge.

Roy McCurdy is a living legend, having worked with some of the greatest artists in jazz including Sonny Rollins, Cannonball Adderley, Nancy Wilson, Art Farmer, and Benny Golson. A devoted teacher on the faculty of the Thornton School of Music at USC and the Pasadena School of Music, Roy joins the SJW faculty for the first time this summer.Roy first got his start in jazz working with the Mangione Brothers, Chuck and Gap, in the early ’60s. He joined the Art Farmer Jazztet and subsequently worked with Sonny Rollins. He became a full time member of the Cannonball Adderley Quintet from the mid-’60s until Cannonball’s death in 1975.He’s toured and recorded with veritable Who’s Who of jazz greats and groups, including Blood Sweat & Tears, Freddie Hubbard, Kenny Burrell, McCoy Tyner, Joe Williams, Sonny Clark, Jackie McLean, Carmen McRae, Lee Morgan, Betty Carter, Kenny Dorham, Bobby Timmons, Ron Carter, Harold Land, Bobby Hutchinson, The Count Basie Orchestra, Donald Byrd, Herbie Hancock, Coleman Hawkins, Joe Henderson, Milt Jackson, Oscar Peterson, Bud Powell, Jimmy Smith, Horace Silver, Sonny Stitt, Clark Terry, Kenny Drew, Eddie Harris, Stanley Turrentine, Hubert Laws, Charles Lloyd, Patrice Rushen, Blue Mitchell, Sarah Vaughn, and Ella Fitzgerald.Roy is the guest this week in the Doodlin' Lounge.

Michel Benebig has been holding down the jazz organ fort in his native New Caledonia (Noumea) as one of the only, if not the only, jazz organists in his country. His periodic visits to Australia give him opportunities to commiserate with other organists, to be sure, but the fact remains that he is the single most important musician in his country to carry the torch for this genre of music. His journey began decades ago when he traveled to Orlando, Florida to purchase - not one but -TWO Hammond B3 organs both with accompanying Leslie speakers. He then had all pieces shipped back to New Caledonia. He also sought the advice and friendship of Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff, Jack McDuff, Rhoda Scott and a host of other accessible (at the time) jazz organists. When he returned to his country he began to study the inner workings of this tone wheel organ and its partner, the Leslie speaker for future maintenance work. If there were no other organs in Noamea, there certainly wouldn't be any competent repair technicians. Michel's path to becoming a notable jazz organist has been challenging to say the least but he has triumphed in so many ways through social media and the excellent recordings that he has made available over the years. In this episode of my Doodlin' Lounge, Michel and I talk about his most recent effort: 'Blue Note in My Suitcase'. It features his amazing organ playing within the big band context... please enjoy this rare chat with an exceptional musician and beautiful human being.

Bria Skonberg is a brilliant young trumpeter and vocalist who has a tremendous love for the jazz trumpet lineage and legacy but also dabbles in a myriad of other genres. Her most recent effort is cleverly called 'What it Means' which leads us to the flavors of New Orleans and beyond. Originally from Chilliwack BC, Bria remembers vividly her trek to New York City where she found almost instant acceptance and a well received welcome. Her recorded efforts are now nearing ten with 'What it Means' rising in popularity each day. Bria is also a new mother and has turned her musical expressions to praising motherhood and family. She is a delight to converse with and listen to on both trumpet and vocals. Catch her live where ever and when ever you can! Otherwise enjoy Bria's visit to my Doodlin' Lounge.

Organist Brian Ho has a new recording out now on the Cellar Live record label that solidifies the notion that he is, in fact, a bonafide band leader and accomplished recording artist in this wild and crazy world of Jazz Organ. 'Bridges' brings guitarist, Paul Bollenback and drummer, Byron Landham into the recording studio with Brian to record ten exciting tracks, four of which are originals. In this episode of my Doodlin' Lounge we also discuss the road leading up to this important release and the various challenges and conquests that Brian has experienced along the way. Not only tracks from the new recording are sampled here but some from Brian's work as a sideman with folks like Calvin Keys, Mimi Fox and Jim Witzel Enjoy a rising star on the Hammond organ doin' his thing!

Saxophonist Howard Wiley visits my Doodlin' Lounge for the first time. He has been a staple on the Bay Area's Jazz scene for decades and has continually performed in numerous musical configurations and in various venues which has giving him elevated status and long overdue recognition. Among the honors bestowed upon him has been the Resident Artistic Director for SFJAZZ. This has allowed him to bring his musical concepts to a much celebrated venue: The San Francisco Jazz Society. Howard fronts his own organ group (Extra Nappy); plays drums with the popular Lavay Smith and her Red Hot Skillet Lickers band and is a first-call musician for any number of groups playing and recording in and around the Bay Area. As a saxophonist, Howard, leads the way for front-line show-stoppers with his powerful tenor (and soprano) voice and showman antics on stage. LIsten to what Howard says about developing as a musician and enjoy the music that he has been an integral part of for so many years.

Multi-reed talent Ken Peplowski has reemerged on the scene with two dynamic recordings and an abundance of new hope for moving forward in life. His most recent release is 'Live at Mezzrow' featuring Ted Rosenthal on piano, Martin Wind on Bass and Willie Jones III on drums. Just recently released is his 'Unheard Bird' which presents tunes first arranged for Charlie Parker that were never recorded by Bird. Ken brings them to new life in a manner that is both nostalgic and thrilling at the same time. More importantly, Ken's reemergence has taken place after complications of Covid and then a diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma which he has successfully driven into remission. Ken's 'new lease on life' has been invigorating as well as rewarding.. His life style has been simplified, (which has included the acquisition of an adorable dog named Corky) making room for more creative time and new musical challenges. Enjoy his inspiring words and remarkable outlook which, if anything, should push him and all music fans forward in life.

Hafez Modirzadeh is a musician sometimes thought of as a 'theorist' or even a cross-over artist but he is, for the most part, an evolving and always thinking creator of alternate musical forms. He has spent the majority of his time teaching students at both San Jose State University and (since the late 90's) as a member of the staff at San Francisco State. His offerings are often deep and spiritual expressions and forms of appreciation for world music. He is a master of incorporating global sounds, rhythms and vocalizations from a variety of cultures into his own brand of music. He is wise and cautious as an instrumentalist and always prepared for a fresh interpretation of his or anyone else's music but more recently has felt a return to the musical foundation from which he emanated. Enjoy this most interesting artist and his take on life and music..

Hafez Modirzadeh is a deeply involved musician and thinker who has gone out of his way to understand and make sense of global music and how cultural interactions make music fascinating. He is a theorist and perpetual creator of music who has contributed as an educator for over four decades; recorded with a myriad of musicians from around the world and performed the most profound musical pieces for those with receptive ears and hearts at each juncture. He visited with me in my Doodlin' Lounge and discussed life and music as no other guest in my 'radio fantasy' has before. Please enjoy the music and philosophy of Dr. Modirzadeh...

For 'Juneteenth' this year the Doodlin' Lounge offers a conversation with Professor Fred Irby III who has been at Howard University since 1974 directing the Howard University Jazz Ensemble (HUJE). Trumpeter Donald Byrd was the director prior to Fred arriving but it was Fred who changed the culture of the music program and accommodated the students who were wanting a more complete jazz studies department which offered a degree. He founded the Howard University Jazz Ensemble and has take this group around the world and produced 48 recordings for our consumption. A marvelous trumpeter in his own right, Prof Fred has performed in the orchestras of 'Dancing With the Stars', 'American Idol', 'presidential inaugurals' and many other musical groups. He just finished his 50th year at Howard and will stay for one final year to receive his Professor Emeritus title. Enjoy selections from four of the HUJE catalog.

Saxophonist Richard Howell has been on the scene for decades performing music from the Pop end of the spectrum all way across to the Avante Guard. His sound is rich and filled with the spirit that he feels so close to but, as he once said, "I like to create those ear-worms that stay in peoples' minds'.. This makes for easy inclusion of lyrics and, (almost) chants that linger and dwell in our souls. Richard has a colorful history in this music and has successfully passed his passion and love for it onto his son, Ele' ,who is currently drumming with the Ravi Coltrane group. More importantly, Richard is an integral part of the Oaktown Jazz Workshops in Oakland, CA. where he works closely with young students and helps them hone their own trajectory in the world of music. Enjoy the conversation and music of a truly dedicated jazz messenger.

Guitarist, percussionist and keyboardist Ray Obiedo makes his way to my Doodlin' Lounge to talk a bit about his latest CD release and share some of his insights on the latin-tinged music that he has become famous for creating. He warns that he's not all about just the guitar but rather turns to it reluctantly when keyboards and percussive instruments are in arms reach. Inspired by Eric Clapton, at one point ,but even more so, by a guitar player from the group, 'Cold Blood', named Mike Sasaki. Ray quickly traded in his drum kit for an electric guitar while in the eleventh grade forming small groups and eventually expanding a stable of musicians who shared his vision. Ray became, not only, a great band leader but knowledge of his proficiency as a producer and recording engineer spread rapidly. Enjoy a casual yet enlightening conversation with Ray Obiedo along with a few tracks from his library.