Like before, we will continue to offer great music, great guests & lively discussion, but have new content that we'll be announcing for The Jazz Mill 2.0!

Brenda Russell's wonderful music is bound by neither time nor trend as she continues to attract fans around the world for 45 + years.  Brenda has more than a dozen hit records to her credit, and has either collaborated or recorded with Babyface, Mary J. Blige, Michael McDonald, Bow Wow, Janet Jackson, Donna Summer, Earth, Wind & Fire, Ray Charles, Luther Vandross, Joe Cocker, Roberta Flack, Al Jarreau & Johnny Mathis, to mention a few. Brenda has garnered a Grammy, received countless nominations and  a Tony Award. We'll be discussing her latest project "The Color Purple Musical" score on this episode of The Jazz Mill...

On this episode we celebrate the release Brenda Russell's latest record “What Will It Take,” which is one of those serendipitous cases of a song truly meeting the perfect moment in this post-pandemic era, where political strife has left people more divided than ever, there is a collective anxiety about our future as a democracy and our news feeds are dominated by two horrifying wars. Ironically, though Brenda’s incisive but hopeful message seems tailor made for our time, she originally wrote the song in the mid-90s, a few years after she hit the Billboard Hot 100’s Top Ten with her breakthrough trademark hit “Piano In the Dark,” which earned Grammy nominations for Song of the Year, and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.   Sure you'll dig! https://youtu.be/y8tBcQTwvWA?feature=shared

Alan Pasqua, Chairman of Jazz Studies at USC, was born in New Jersey and began studying piano at the age of seven, playing both classical and jazz. He attended Indiana University and received his bachelor's degree in jazz studies from the New England Conservatory. While performing a concert at Carnegie Hall, Pasqua met the legendary drummer Tony Williams. Pasqua was asked to join The New Tony Williams Lifetime along with guitarist Allan Holdsworth. After recording two “Lifetime” albums for Columbia Records, Pasqua relocated in Los Angeles. His career in L.A. broadened as he started playing with more rock and pop artists. He has been a member of the bands of Bob Dylan and Santana. Some of his other album and touring credits include: Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Queen Latifa, and Rod Stewart. In addition, he has worked with composers John Williams, Quincy Jones, Dave Grusin, Jerry Goldsmith and Henry Mancini and on motion picture soundtracks. In addition, Alan composed the soundtrack for Disney’s hit movie, The Waterboy, starring Adam Sandler. In the jazz world, Pasqua has played and recorded with Jack Dejohnette, Paul Motion, Dave Holland, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Joe Henderson, Stanley Clarke, Gary Burton, James Moody, Gary Peacock, Gary Bartz, Reggie Workman, The Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, Sheila Jordan and Joe Williams. Aside from his many critically acclaimed recordings as a leader, in 2008, Pasqua joined forces with Peter Erskine and Dave Carpenter, arranging, co-producing and playing on the Grammy Award nominated trio album “Standards”. His latest release, “Twin Bill” features Pasqua recorded on two pianos, playing the music of Bill Evans. This CD will be released Fall 2011 on the BFM Jazz label.

Soul Message Band is founded on the enduring partnership of Chris Foreman, the Chicago-based and nationally celebrated Hammond B3 Jazz Organist, and the always solid drummer, Greg Rockingham, aka “The Rock.” Greg and Chris have a 25-year history of collaboration, including groups like the Deep Blue Organ Trio.  Mr. Rockingham and Mr. Foreman have an unmistakable chemistry that has taken them from Chicago to Jazz Clubs and Arenas around the world as both headliners and as an opening group for Steely Dan. The band adds Chicago veteran guitarist, Lee Rothenberg on guitar.   Here are some of their wonderful tunes, for your pleasure... Full episode of SMB: http://tobtr.com/12171957

Grammy winning producer, composer, arrange & educator Brent Fischer credits his legendary father, Dr Clare Fischer, for creating a rich harmonic and orchestration palette that has become the Fischer brand. A multi-instrumentalist (bass, vibes, keys, drums), Brent moves easily between Jazz, R&B, Pop or Symphonic works. Brent’s credits appear on over 30 million albums to include: Usher, Michael Jackson, Raphael Saadiq, Prince, Sheila E, Al Jarreau, Toni Braxton, Usher, Dianne Reeves, Elvis Costello & The Roots.. https://brentfischer.com/home https://www.charusuri.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Colours-Sound-Pilbrow-Fischer-Orchestra/dp/B075Z45334?nodl=1&dplnkId=a24e0911-22df-4f27-86c3-e85f6c70900f

Jazz drumming is an art form that requires unprecedented control, coordination, and rhythmic understanding. Jazz is a musical genre that has birthed some of the greatest drummers alive to date. And jazz drummers have also been pivotal in the development of the modern drum set. Join artists Greg Rockingham, John Armato and me as discuss and feature the music of some of the greats!

Jazz vocalist & composer Karla Harris has made a career within the art form she loves for more than 3 decades, captivating audiences from Providence to Provence.  He performance credits include the Sarasota Jazz Festival, the Nantucket Arts festival and the Atlanta Jazz Party, and a TED Talk. Additionally, Karla was trusted with the first ever studio recordings of the Dave Brubeck songbook, which we will hear from on this episode.  Bound to be a beauty!

On this episode we break down the games of arguably the greatest stride piano players of all time!

Wendy Moten is an amazing vocalist and composer having worked with Stevie Wonder, Julio Iglesias, Michael Bolton, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill to name a few. But you’ll probably recognize Wendy from her appearance on "The Voice" where she electrified millions, including us, with her tasteful renditions, perfect pitch and a range that would make Miriah Carey blush.   She has enjoyed international recording success with Come In Out Of The Rain, and several best selling records which we will sample as a part our visit! Join us as we find out what's next for this amazing artist!