Much of the music that we know and love is enjoyed by listening to it over the air waves, on a turntable, a CD player and of course over the internet on our devices but there is nothing like the experience of a live performance of music. Case in point, is saxophonist/composer Brent Birckhead’s live performance recorded at Baltimore’s Keystone Korner featuring Brent along with an all-star lineup of musicians and special guest stars.

The recording is titled “Exchange, Live at the Keystone Korner”. Brent says the live musical experience is not only special, but like no other; in fact he describes it as an exchange between the musicians and the audience that invests both in the experience.

My conversation with Brent dives into the development, the music, and the story behind “Exchange, Live at the Keystone Korner”.

"Sound Within: A Celebration of Bill Evans" is the latest album by pianist Randy Ingram. This release is Ingram's deeply personal tribute and homage to the legendary jazz pianist.

From the beginning of his career, Evans was an indelible influence on Ingram, and he knew that he would one day honor Evans with a project celebrating the sound of this jazz piano icon.Randy was determined to wait until the right moment to musically offer his praise and gratitude.

That time is now.

The new release features songs connected with Evans that resonate in meaningful ways. It also includes original compositions penned by Ingram that reflect the profound impact Evans had on him. All of the album’s music is delivered in Ingram's own distinctive musical voice, and is supported by two former collaborators of Bill Evans, drummer Joe La Barbera and bassist Rufus Reid.

My conversation with Randy Ingram about the album’s backstory delves into its creation.

In this episode, we are privileged to have a conversation with Grammy Award-winning bassist, composer and cherished educator John Clayton, plus vocalist and contemporary storyteller René Marie.

John just recently released his 8th album as a leader and it’s called “the two-o duo project”. This work is a project which allowed him to play a series of duos with René, his longtime collaborator, plus his son and frequent musical partner, 7-time Grammy-nominated pianist and composer Gerald Clayton. The recording spotlights a range of material through different cultural eras, plus lyrical and compositional contributions from both Rene and Gerald.

My conversation with John and Rene is all about how the magic happened in the studio to create this richly textured 11 track album.