The Jazz Session

Pianist Benjamin Lackner’s latest album is called Spindrift (ECM Records, 2025). In this interview, Benjamin talks about the intense compositional process that led to the album; the selection of his bandmates; the ECM sound; life in Berlin; and a lot more.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that’s bringing them joy. Benjamin talks about cargo bike camping near Berlin. You’ll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)

Logo: Sarah Walter

Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

Voya (2025, Clap Your Hands) is the new album by saxophonist Tineke Postma and her band, featuring Theo Bleckmann on vocals. In this interview, they talk about working Theo into the existing quartet; the difference between identity and ego; the tears that were shed at their first live performance together; and much more.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that’s bringing them joy. You’ll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)

Logo: Sarah Walter

Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

 

Saxophonist Alison Shearer’s new album is called In The Garden (Pinch Records, 2025). In this interview, Alison talks about the creation of the album with her working band; the way she works her own life story into instrumental compositions; her upcoming entry into the classical world; and more. Learn more at https://www.alisonshearermusic.com.

Content warning: This episode also has a conversation about sexual trauma in jazz school. That part of the interview runs from 14:30 to 23:00, if you need to skip it.

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that’s bringing them joy. Alison talks about cooking. You’ll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)

Logo: Sarah Walter

Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)

Jack DeJohnette passed away. In his honor, I’ll hope you’ll enjoy this 2012 interview I recorded with Jack at the Blue Note in NYC at the time of the release of his album Sound Travels.

[Photo: Mitchell Garrison]

On her new album, Sounding Line, pianist Carmen Staaf explores the music of Thelonious Monk and Mary Lou Williams. In this interview, Carmen talks about making music in the context of Palestine and COVID; the intersection between Monk and Williams and how she arrived at it; the arranging of the album, which contains both duets and larger groups; the rhythmic complexity of Monk; and more. Please note that the Patreon version of this interview contains additional material.

Carmen has been on the show twice before: TJS #485 (with Allison Miller, 2019) and TJS #304 (2011).

PATREON

Become a Patreon supporter for $5 a month to get a bonus show called This I Dig Of You, on which the guest from the main episode talks about something non-musical that’s bringing them joy. Carmen talks about being in the present moment. You’ll also get early access to every episode, a thank you on an episode, and behind-the-scenes news. Join at https://patreon.com/thejazzsession.

NEW ALBUM

I released an album of poetry and music. All the proceeds go to a water charity in Gaza. Get it at fievel42.bandcamp.com.

CREDITS

Theme Music: The Respect Sextet (respectsextet.com)

Logo: Sarah Walter

Intro Voice: Chuck Ingersoll (hearchucknow.com)