Jazz88

Lead Belly is one of the most important folk musicians of the age of audio recordings. In 1948, towards the end of his life, Lead Belly toured to Minnesota, and on November 21, 1948, a historic show was held in Minneapolis. On November 21 of this year, Pop Wagner, along with Corpse Reviver members Adam Kiesling, Jillian Rae, and Mikkel remember the 1948 Lead Belly visit with a concert at the Hook and Ladder in Minneapolis called Songs of Lead Belly. Doors open at 6:30 and the show is at 7. One of the special things Lead Belly did on his trip was to make up a...

Alto saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa will be appearing at Berlin in Minneapolis on Wednesday, November 4th. He spoke with Jazz88's Peter Solomon about his Indian-American background and how he incorporated a wide range of influences into his music, including Indian Classical and Carnatic music, Grover Washington, Charlie Parker, Chuck Mangione, and even George Michael.

Yonci speaks with Eli Awada of local crew Room3, ahead of their November 2026 residency at Berlin.

A couple of decades back , saxophonist Ronny Lowe led a kickin’ Minneapolis Jazz Funk band. Since those early days, Ronny left, returned, raised a family, and then, came back to music. The Ronny Loew Band is totally back to work, at the Capri Theater in Minneapolis, Sunday November 1 at 3pm. When Ronny talked to Phil Nusbaum, Ronny first addressed his long-standing musical interests.

Jazz88 Morning Host Peter Solomon speaks with Philip Brunelle, Founder and Artistic Director of VocalEssence.He discusses an upcoming performance of the monumental Berlioz composition "Te Deum," which will feature a chorus of 200 singers, a full orchestra, a pipe organ, and twelve harps. Details on the concert, taking place the Cathedral of Saint Paul Friday, October 30th at 7:30 PM can be found at www.VocalEssence.org.

Capri Glee is a choir of singers who just really love to sing. Led by J.D. Steele, the group rehearses weekly, leading to a concert on Tuesday October 27 at the Capri Theater in North Minneapolis. Phil Nusbaum went to a rehearsal of Capri Glee, and talked with some of the principals of the group.

Ticket to Brasil has been a Twin Cities source of many types of Brazilian music for many years. One big reason for the quality and variety has been its singer for something like 15 years, Natania. Her farewell show with Ticket to Brasil is Sunday, October 25, 6:30pm at Crooner’s Supper Club in Fridley. The leader of Ticket to Brasil is Pavel Jany. When Pavel talked to Phil Nusbaum about Natania, the conversation started with how Ticket to Brasil got started, and where Natania came in.

Yonci chats with Jason Marsalis ahead of his Berlin debut on October 17th 2026,  featuring local talent Kavyesh Kaviraj, Dan Carpel, and Abinnet Berhanu.

Trombonist John Fedchock spent the first seven years of his professional career with Woody Herman's band, filling a variety of roles, including section playing, arranging, and eventually music director and coordinator for recording sessions. That experience gave him a solid grounding for the career he has had over the last four decades both leading his own big band and combos. In this conversation with Peter Solomon, he talks about some of the things that impressed him about Woody Herman, as well the influence of Carl Fontana on his playing, and his collaboration with his wife - bass trombonist Jennifer Wharton...

Charlie Parr’s New CD, Rooming House, concerns fictitious characters trying to figure out how to negotiate real world problems, and at times, ill-equipped to do so. The release show for Rooming House is at the State Theatre in Minneapolis, 8pm October 30. The performance features Charlie Parr, songs, voice and guitar with percussionist Don King. When Charlie talked to Phil Nusbaum about the show, Charlie first addressed his inspiration for Rooming House.

Twin Cities folksinger Larry Long has always enjoyed connecting elders and school kids in specific communities. Much of this work has been archived at the University of Minnesota, and the original documentation has been used in various ways. Phil Nusbaum interviewed Larry about some of this work. When we open the report, we’ll hear the voice of Ezra Cunningham of Beatrice, Alabama, telling a group of school kids about his life.

Juanito Pascual leads his acclaimed Trio into the Granada Theater in Minneapolis, 8pm Saturday October 10; and 4pm Sunday October 11. In addition to a few originals, the centerpiece of the shows will be the flamenco interpretations of Jimi Hendrix songs featured on album to be released in February. The performance will also include dancers from the Twin Cities’ Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre. When Juanito met with Phil Nusbaum, Juanito they talked about the connections between rock, blues and flamenco. The conversation started with Juanito talking about the title of one of Juanito’s originals, “Viaje.”

Latin jazz legend Paquito D'Rivera is the subject of a documentary premeiring on PBS this month called "Paquito D'Rivera: From Carne Y Frijol to Carnegie Hall." It tells his story from his earliest days as musical progidy growing up in Cuba and follows his first encounter with Dizzy Gillespie, his defection to the United States, and his unparalleled career in Latin, jazz, and classical music in the four and a half decades since. In addition to extensive interviews with Paquito, there are conversations with some of the extraordinary musicians who have collaborated with him, including Chucho Valdes, Yo Yo Ma...

Enrique Toussaint has lived in the metro area for decades, and is known for performing in many musical genres, and for also his behind the scenes work in the music world. But bassist Enrique is most proud of his work with his two brothers, Fernando, the drummer, and the late Eugenio, keyboardist and lead composer. Growing up in Mexico City, the 3 brothers formed a band called Sacbe, Mayan for the Spanish el Camino Blanco, which translates to The White Road in English. The new CD, called el Camino Blanco, is a remix of classic work, with additional ideas added recently...

Yonci sits down with legendary guitarist Stanley Jordan, discussing a new single, a forthcoming album (the first in over a decade) and a new tandem guitar technique ahead of a solo show at the Dakota. Originally aired 6/26/26 More Posts for Show: This Just In

Jeff Perry, Chris Olson, Kevin Daley and Zacc Harris are four great guitarists who delight in reimagining their favorite songs. They are all part of the Minnesota Guitar All-Star Summit, Wednesday September 30 at Crooners in Fridley. Doors open at five, with the show starting at 6. When Jeff and Chris met with Phil Nusbaum to talk about the show, they played recording of Kevin Daley’s treatment of Neil Young’s old man, and that got Jeff talking about reimagining great songs.

Yonci speaks with Dakota Jazz Club founder Lowell Pickett ahead of this year's Dakota Block Party on Saturday, September 26th from 2-10pm in Downtown Minneapolis.

Jazz88 Morning Host Peter Solomon speaks with vocalist and composer Chenxi Pan, who changed her life path in her early twenties when she left her native country of China and came to the US to study jazz. She talks about her unique musical path, the artists that influenced her singing and writing, and talks through some of the music on her debut recording, "This Very Moment," wheich was released in the Spring of 2026 on Origin Records.

Saxophonist, Lucia Sarmiento, hails from Peru, but considers Minneapolis her second home. She joined Jazz88 host, Patty Peterson, to talk about the thrill of performing for the Dakota Block Party and the original music she will be performing.

L.A. Buckner joined Jazz88's host Patty Peterson to talk about being invited to open up Dakota's Block Party, September 2 2026, along with his group, Big Homie.

It’s been about 8 years since Paul Barry has put out a recording of his blues. Well, there was a little thing known as the Covid pandemic that slowed things down. Paul’s new project is called Pure Blues. On it, he pays homage to the blues masters who influenced him, and he presents some of his own work, too. The new Paul Barry CD is called Pure Blues. When Paul got together with Phil Nusbaum, Phil asked, why the title, Pure Blues.

Over half a century ago, Bossa Nova came to the United States, and has stayed in the consciousness of music fans. Our local singer, Eliza Wheaton, with her brother, pianist Lukaz, perform some of the great Bossa Nova hits. The act is named after one of those hits, Corcovado at Midnight, composed by Carlos Antonio Jobim. Catch the performance Sunday September 20 at Icehouse in Minneapolis at 5pm. Doors open at 3. When Eliza and Lukaz talked to Phil Nusbaum about the show, they first talked about the family’s special connection with Bossa Nova and Brazil.

In this case, the Elephant is Adam O'Farrill's recently formed quartet, and the room is the Minneapolis jazz venue Berlin. The trumpeter and composer speaks with Jazz88's Peter Solomon about the literary, cinematic, and musical influences that inform his compositions. Adam O'Farrill and Elephant will play at Berlin on Tuesday, September 15th.

The signature songs of the 1920, ‘30s’ and ‘40s have never gone away because musicians and music fans recognize they are worth preserving. On Sunday September 20 at Crooners, Erin Livingston sings a show called Straight No Chaser, with the Wolverines Trio onstage with Erin. Rick Carlson of the Wolverines and Erin Livingston talked to Phil Nusbaum about performing these songs. But first, Erin addresses the mood of the era the songs evoke.

Sunday, September 12 is the day for this year’s Selby Ave Jazz Fest in St Paul. There will be master classes, a parade, vendors, and of course live music. The fest is curated by Walker West Music Academy. When Ernest Bisong of Walker West talked to Phil Nusbaum about this year’s Selby Ave Jazz Fest, Ernest first addressed what’s different this year.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon speaks with Twin Cities based saxophonist Brandon Wozniak, who has been selected as September Artist in Residence at Minneapolis jazz venue Berlin. Wozniak will perform in a series of Sunday night concerts, including collaborations with musicians such as drummer Dave King, cellist Michell kinney, guitarist Zacc Harris, among others. Information at berlinmpls.com.

Kevin Gamble was introduced to music in church. Originally a drummer, he became a jazz composer on the piano. Kevin leads his quartet into Icehouse in Minneapolis, Friday, September 4. Kevin’s group shares the bill with Radio Church. Doors open at 6, with the show beginning at 8pm. During a conversation with Phil Nusbaum, Kevin addressed how his composition, I Still Believe, reflected what was going on with him at the time of composition.

The Dust of Suns Ensemble plays what is loosely called chamber music. But all the compositions are recent and unabashedly blend in many styles of music. Chris Lynch composed all the pieces on the Dust of Suns new album entitled Alyosha, and Chris talked to Phil Nusbaum about the release. To get the conversation started, Phil asked Chris for his definition of chamber music.

Charles Tolliver's professional career began in earnest in 1964, when he recorded as a sideman with alto saxophonist Jackie McLean. In subsequent years, Tolliver worked with Max Roach, Horace Silver, Andrew Hill, Sonny Rollins, Gerald Wilson, and others. Recently, Mack Avenue records reissued his first session as a leader, under the title "Right Now... And Then." In this conversation with Jazz88's Peter Solomon, Tolliver talks about his formative influences, discusses what it was like making records for the famed Blue Note Record label, reminisces about the making of his debut album, and delves into the story of the renowned artist-owned...

Charles Tolliver's professional career began in earnest in 1964, when he recorded as a sideman with alto saxophonist Jackie McLean. In subsequent years, Tolliver worked with Max Roach, Horace Silver, Andrew Hill, Sonny Rollins, Gerald Wilson, and others. Recently, Mack Avenue records reissued his first session as a leader, under the title "Right Now... And Then." In this conversation with Jazz88's Peter Solomon, Tolliver talks about his formative influences, discusses what it was like making records for the famed Blue Note Record label, reminisces about the making of his debut album, and delves into the story of the renowned artist-owned...

Over time, Key figures in flamenco music and Hot Club Jazz have learned from each other. Saturday night August 29 at Crooners, at 7:30pm, The Ryan Picone Quartet with Ben Abrahamson; and the Twin Cities Flamenco Collective display some of the connections. In a moment, Ryan will talk to Phil Nusbaum about the flamenco – hot club connections, but first, Fería del Caballo, played by Ross Fellrath of the Twin Cities Flamenco Collective.

Mixed Blood Theater in Minneapolis stages Somali band Ardaa and Jewish songs by Red Thread, Friday August 28 and Sunday August 30. The performance called “Across the Water,” explores commonalities and differences of the two traditional music cultures, and how music helps the transition into a new country. The evening wraps up with a social period with refreshments catered by Oasis Mediterranean Grill. Our program opens with Ahmed Yusef telling about Aarda.

Maura Dunst combines musical ideas from disparate worlds, including pop, classical and old-time fiddle dance music. Her new project includes thoughtful interpretations to five songs, and it is called Violin songs. When Maura talked with Phil Nusbaum about the project, she first described her unusual format of nothing but violin and voice.

Jazz88 Morning Host Peter Solomon speaks with composer and saxophonist Stephanie Wieseler and bassist Charlie Bruber about the long awaited new recording by Society of Chemists. The Twin Cities-based ensemble has a unique musical approach with they describe as "chamber jazz fusion." They discuss what that means, and Wieseler talks about the ways she sometimes finds inspiration for her compositions in nature. Society of Chemists will play an album release party at Berlin in Minneapolis on Saturday, August 15th at 7:30 PM. Find information on their new recording on bandcamp.

John C.S. Keston creates electro-acoustic music. John’s work combines playing on the keyboard of a conventional piano, but modifies the sounds produced by using electronic devices, as he is playing. The project is called Consonant Dissonance. In a conversation with Phil Nusbaum, John described his creative process.

Pianist Larry McDonough and guitarist Joel Shapira are interpreters of Bill Evans and Jim Hall. Larry and Joel have recorded two CDs of Evans and Hall material, and have played their interpretations in venues around the Twin Cities. Larry and Joel are doing it again, Sunday August 9, at the Arts on Lafond series, 1697 Lafond Avenue in Saint Paul. When Phil Nusbaum talked to Joel and Larry, Larry first explained how the slow, melancholic character of much of the Evans and Hall repertoire reflected their characters.

Phil Aaron is a longtime interpreter of Bill Evans piano jazz. On Wednesday August 12, 5:30 til 7pm, the Phil Aaron trio digs deeply into the Bill Evans repertoire. In a conversation with Phil Nusbaum, Phil Aaron talked about Bill Evans’ contributions to Jazz.

The Moonlight Serenaders 14-lice big band has been around for decades. The group plays a free concert in Rice Park in Saint Paul, next Wednesday, August 5, 7 to 9pm. The group’s current director, percussionist Dan Marrs, and former director and current trumpeter, Linda Ness, talked to Phil Nusbaum about the group. To a greater degree than much contemporary jazz, a big band relies on all the players reading what’s been composed and arranged. So Phil asked Dan and Linda about keeping everybody focused on the arrangement.

Logan Richardson in a saxophonist, composer and producer who will be Artist in Residence July 29th through 31st at Berlin in Minneapolis. He speaks with Peter Solomon about growing up in Kansas City in the 1980's and how that shaped him as an artist. Richardson will be working with a group of Twin Cities-based artists, including pianist Kavyesh Kaviraj, trumpeter Omar Abdulkarim, bassist Kevin Gibbs and drummer Kevin Washington.

The Kendra Glenn band and Ace Mack collaborate for the Funk Extravaganza at the Minnesota Music Cafe in Saint Paul, 8pm on Friday July 31. It’ll be an evening of great singing, with a tight band performance, and of course, dancing. Phil Nusbaum talked with Ace and Kendra about the show. The group enjoys covering Aretha Franklin, whose songs leaned in the direction of funk.