Talking Jazz with Mike Jeffers

Chicago Jazz Revealed with Jeannie Tanner

Composer, vocalist and trumpeter, Jeannie Tanner talks with Mike Jeffers about her latest release Words & Music and her upcoming show at Andy's Jazz Club on August 11th & 12th.

For more information about Jeannie Tanner's upcoming performances and to purchase her latest release

visit JeannieTanner.com

About Jeannie Tanner

Jeannie Tanner is an award winning composer, vocalist and trumpeter who performs and records her original jazz-pop music (a mix of jazz, pop, R&B and Latin rhythms) with her band, the Jeannie Tanner Quartet. Her music has been used for many TV/film projects, including Culinary Travels with Dave Eckert (PBS), shows on VH1, Days of Our Lives, and indie feature films such as Reconstellation, an entrance at the Sundance Festival.

Chicago Jazz Revealed with Frank Russell

On this episode of CHICAGO JAZZ REVEALED publisher of Chicago Jazz Magazine Mike Jeffers sits down with bassist Frank Russell to discuss his upcoming performance at the Promontory Chicago on July 3rd where he will pay tribute jazz bass guitarists that have influenced him over the years.

In addition they also talk about how he first got started playing bass, his time performing throughout the country with Ladysmith Black Mambazo and his unique style of playing that has garnered him recogintion from throughout the country.

Visit Frank's Official Website

Frank Russell
Chicago native Frank Russell has been playing bass since age 14. Throughout his illustrious career, Frank has performed or recorded with Ken Chaney, Wallace Roney, Robert Irving III, Freddie Hubbard, Ramsey Lewis, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Peter Erskine, Alphonse Mouzon and many others. He has also recorded five CDs with Chicago guitarist Henry Johnson and is a past recipient of the Hennessy Best of Chicago Jazz Search with the Ken Chaney Xperience. Frank’s debut CD, Covering All Basses, was released in 2005 with his sophomore follow-up Circle Without End released in 2011.

Chicago Jazz Revealed with Chris Potter

Saxophonist Chris Potter has a new recording on ECM Records entitled "The Dreamer is the Dream". Potter along with his band (David Virelles: piano, Joe Martin: bass and Marcus Gilmore: drums) will be performing at the Jazz Showcase June 1st-4th where he will showcase selections off his latest release.

 

On this episode of Chicago Jazz Revealed,Mike Jeffers, founder of Chicago Jazz Magazine, talks with Chris about his early beginnings in music as a member of the Red Rodney Quartet, the advice he has for young musicians looking to make jazz a career and the concepts and process that went into his new release "The Dreamer is the Dream".

About Chris Potter
A world-class soloist, accomplished composer and formidable bandleader, saxophonist Chris Potter has emerged as a leading light of his generation. Down Beat called him “One of the most studied (and copied) saxophonists on the planet” while Jazz Times identified him as “a figure of international renown.” Jazz sax elder statesman Dave Liebman called him simply, “one of the best musicians around,” a sentiment shared by the readers of Down Beat in voting him second only to tenor sax great Sonny Rollins in the magazine’s 2008 Readers Poll.

A potent improvisor and the youngest musician ever to win Denmark’s Jazzpar Prize, Potter’s impressive discography includes 15 albums as a leader and sideman appearances on over 100 albums. He was nominated for a Grammy Award for his solo work on “In Vogue,” a track from Joanne Brackeen’s 1999 album Pink Elephant Magic, and was prominently featured on Steely Dan’s Grammy-winning album from 2000, Two Against Nature. He has performed or recorded with many of the leading names in jazz, such as Herbie Hancock, Dave Holland, John Scofield, the Mingus Big Band, Jim Hall, Paul Motian, Dave Douglas, Ray Brown and many others.

Visit Chris Potters Website

Purchase the new CD "The Dreamer is the Dream"

March 14, 2017 | JAZZ REVEALED PODCAST - EPISODE 032 - with Guest Danilo Perez

Host Mike Jeffers from Chicago Jazz Magazine, talks with special guest Danilo Pérez about his upcoming performance at Symphony Center on March 17, 2017 entitled Jazz 100: The Music of Dizzy, Ella, Mongo and Monk on Friday, March 17, 2017, at 8:00 p.m. The program celebrates the centennial birthdays of historic jazz icons Ella Fitzgerald, trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, percussionist Mongo Santamaria, and pianist Thelonious Monk, all born in 1917.

The evening features both tributes as well as modern remixes of the jazz legends’ classics including Gillespie’s Manteca, Fitzgerald’s Shiny Stockings, Monk’s Off Minor and Mongo’s Afro Blue. Joining Pérez for this tribute are Chris Potter (saxophones), Avishai Cohen (trumpet), Wycliffe Gordon (trombone), Ben Street (bass), Adam Cruz (drums), Roman Diaz (percussion), and Lizz Wright (vocals).

For more information about the show visit ChicagoJazz.com

 

05/14/2014 Chris White

On this week's Chicago Jazz Revealed with Mike Jeffers, Mike interviews Chicago pianist Chris White about how he came from Canada, went to school in Indiana and ended up in Chicago being one of the cities most in demand piano players. Chris talks about his influences, his long gig at the Peninsula Hotel and the many different places he plays and teaches in the area.

05/07/2014 Maya Karmely Discusses the Israeli Jazz Festival

On the show this week Mike sits down with Maya Karmely the Consul for Public Affairs for the Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest and discussed the 2014 Israeli Jazz and World Music Festival which is happening in Chicago May 6th-17th. Among the performers they discuss are Avishai Cohen, Reut Regev, Anat Cohen, Hadar Noiberg, Mattan Klein, Idan Raichel and others.

04/30/2014 Bill Klewitz and Tom Muellner

On the show this week Mike welcomes pianist Tom Muellner in to the studio for another version of Tommy's Corner. This week as part of Tommy's corner Mike and Tom talk with the legendary Chicago guitarist and photographer Bill Klewitz. They talk about how Bill was at the Miles Davis Plugged Nickel performances, his thoughts on the jazz scene, the old days of Rush Street, his jazz photography and much more.

04/23/2014 Laury Shelley and Sam Fazio

This week we replay a couple of interviews from back in September with two different Chicago vocalists, Laury Shelley and Sam Fazio.

First Laury talks with Mike about her years touring the world with Michel Legrand, her concept on music and the new CD she is planning on recording.


Sam Fazio then talks with Mike about his new release, how he got started as a vocalist, his performance in New York and more.

04/16/2014 Lonie Walker from the Underground Wonder Bar

On this episode of Chicago Jazz Revealed Mike Jeffers sits down with the owner/musician/composer of the Underground Wonder Bar, Lonie Walker. Lonie talks about how she got the Underground Wonder Bar started, the move from the original location, her recordings and performances and much more.

04/09/2014 Frank Catalano and Stacy McMichael

On the show this week in the first half hour Mike Jeffers interviews saxophonist Frank Catalano about his upcoming show at Martyrs' with Smashing Pumpkin's drummer Jimmy Chamberlin. They also talk about his upcoming CD called "A Love Supreme Collective" which is due out in June. Plus Mike and Frank get into a conversation about music education, touring and building a business in music.

On the second half of the show Mike interviews Stacy McMichael about her upcoming show at Mayne Stage with her band lePercolateur. The band has recently recorded a new CD with Nick Eipers from Chicago Sessions and they talk about Gypsy Jazz, upcoming performances and the what makes this show so special at Mayne Stage.

01/22/2014 Mark Moultrup, Donovan Mixon, Bradley Williams

Bradley Williams stops by to talk about his New 21st Century Review that he is performing every Wednesday at the Jazz Showcase. Also Mark Moultrup and Donovan Mixon talk with Mike about their group Montage and perform live on the show!

2/12/2014 Shawn Maxwell

Chicago Jazz Revealed with publisher of Chicago Jazz Magazine Mike Jeffers, heard on 90.9 FM WDCB every Wednesday night at 9pm-10pm and Podcast on ChicagoJazz.com.

On this week's show Mike interviews Chicago Saxophonist Shawn Maxwell about his new group and recording entitled Shawn Maxwell's Alliance, out now on Chicago Sessions Records. Shawn talks about the thought process he has when composing and arranging for a 10 piece group, the concept behind this recording and his upcoming CD Release weekend at the Jazz Showcase of Chicago February 20th-23rd.

02/05/2014 Erin McDougald

This week's show of Chicago Jazz Revealed with Mike Jeffers features an interview with vocalist Erin McDougald. Erin talks with Mike about her upcoming CD " Outside the Swaray" about her upcoming performance at the Green Mill on February 14th and her jazz series that is coming up in the Spring.

01/15/2014 Angel Spiccia and Bill Overton

Pianist Tom Muellner sits in with Mike on this show and brings with him two musicians that jazz fans should absolutely know all about.

Mike and Tom interview vocalist Angel Spiccia who talks about getting her start on the music scene, her new CD and what she has coming up in 2014.

Also on the show Mike and Tom talk with saxophonist Bill Overton about attending college at the University of Illinois, living and performing in New York and then his life back here in Chicago.

1/8/2014 Alfreda Burke and Roderick Dixon from Too Hot Too Handel

Mike talks with two of the stars of Too Hot Too Handel the Jazz Gospel Messiah. They talk about the concept behind the show, the comparison between jazz and classical music and the both perform live on the show.

12/18/2013 Brian O'Hern and Arlene Bardelle

On this show Mike sits down with bandleader and piano player Brian O'Hern to discuss how he started his band the Model Citizens, his compositions an where he see's his music heading in the future.

Also on the show vocalist Arlene Bardelle discusses how she got started, Worth IL where she grew up, performing at the Drake Hotel and her new CD.

12/11/2013 - Trumpeter Bobby Lewis

On this week's show Mike interviews the legendary Chicago trumpeter Bobby Lewis. Bobby talks about how he got started with his career, the music business in Chicago, the fact that he has been on over 7500 records and much more.

12/4/2013 Scott Hall and Corky Siegel

Scott Hall and Corky Siegel stop by Chicago Jazz Revealed to talk about the upcoming tribute to Bill Russo at the Jazz Showcase December 7th. Bill Russo started working with Siegel back in the late 1960's and was a huge influence on Siegel's music. Scott Hall is the coordinator of Jazz Studies at Columbia College in Chicago. Hall worked with Russo in the Chicago Jazz Ensemble and discusses Bill Russo's concepts on music and his legacy at Columbia College.

Gayle Kolb, Stephanie Aaron and Dan Nicholson with Tom Muellner

This week's show features a special segment called "Tommy's Showcase" where Mike asked Tom to pick a few musicians in Chicago that he thought should be featured on Chicago Jazz Revealed. This week Mike and Tom talk with vocalist Gayle Kolb, who discusses her career, moving from Chicago to LA and then back to the Chicago scene. She talks about her upcoming performances and her thought process and concept when performing.

Also on the show Tom and Mike talk with vocalist Stephanie Aaron and her husband, saxophonist Dan Nicholson. They talk about how they both got into music, how they met and what performances they have coming up. Also discussed is Stephanie's time as a morning DJ, Dan's move from Florida to Chicago and also his corporate band in which he arranges charts for and helps manage for Ken Arlene Music.

Marquis Hill, David Bloom and Kimberly Gordon

Marquis Hill stops by to discuss his new release "The Poet". He and Mike play some tracks and talk about how he got started in music.

David Bloom the founder of the Bloom School of Jazz and talks about his upcoming concert at Mayne Stage on November 24th and discusses his concepts on being a musician and creating music.

Kimberly Gordon stops by to talk about her new column on ChicagoJazz.com, The Jazz Foodie and also discusses the upcoming performance and interview she did with Irvin Mayfield from the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. Irvin and the orchestra will be performing at the Chicago Theatre on November 21st.

Craig Pilo and Ryan Cohan 11/13/2013

Chicago Jazz Revealed with Mike Jeffers..Heard on 90.9 FM WDCB at 9pm on Wednesdays.

This week on the show Mike talks with longtime friend and drummer for Frankie Valli, Craig Pilo. Since this is the podcast version they joke around, talk about the how Craig got the gig with Frankie, the importance of being a versatile player and of course, because it is Craig Pilo....The Boston Red Sox.


Also on the show is pianist and composer Ryan Cohan. Ryan discusses his new release"The River" and talks about how he traveled to Africa and toured for several weeks and was inspired to write the music for the recording. Cohan offers a very fascinating description of the cultures he encountered and the depth that it inspired him.

John Moulder 11/6/13

Chicago Jazz Revealed Featured Guest Guitarist John Moulder and his Quartet....Mike talks with John about how he got his start in music, his influences, the different projects he has worked on and is currently working on and much more.

Clark Sommers and the Rhythm Rockets 10/29/2013

Mike Jeffers talks with bassists Clark Sommers about his new release Ba(SH) which not only features himself on bass but also Dana Hall on Drums and Geof Bradfield on Sax. Clark talks about his first recording under his own name and some upcoming performances. Jeffers and Clark also talk about how he got started playing bass, touring with the Mighty Blue Kings, Kurt Elling and many other groups.

Also on the show is the band the Rhythm Rockets (Dave Downer, Nicole Kestler and Mike Mike Bielecki) about their upcoming CD release performance at Katerina's on Nov 2nd at 10pm.

The band talks about getting started on the scene, the origin of their style of music and the upcoming CD release event.

Mark George & Chris Madsen 10/23/2013

Mike Jeffers is joined by the CEO of the Music Institute of Chicago, Mark George to discuss the upcoming Benny Goodman Festival November 1st & 2nd. The two-day festival include concerts is focused on a range of music Goodman performed, from jazz to swing to classical, and features guest artists Victor Goines, Larry Combs and more, as well as a screening of the film The Benny Goodman Story.

Also on the show is saxophonist Chris Madsen. Chris talks about how he got started in music, his recording and his passion for teaching. In addition to having a busy performance schedule Madsen also runs the jazz program at Midwest Young Artists in Highwood and is an professor at the University of Northwestern.

Joanie Pallatto & Sparrow, Bill Michel and Reid Anderson from the Bad Plus 10/16/2013

Bill Michell from the Logan Center for the Performing Arts stops in to talk about the upcoming University of Chicago Presents Jazz Series at the Reva and David Logan Center.

Bassist for the Bad Plus calls in to talk with Mike about the upcoming concert at the center.

Joanie Pallatto and Sparrow from Southport Records talk about the music business, how they got their start together and in the music business and their new release called Days. Joanie and Sparrow also perform the first Saturday of each month at Katerina's (1920 W. Irving Park Rd, Chicago) at 6:30pm.

Paulinho Garcia & Grazyna Auguscik 10/09/13

This is a very special show because it features two internationally known artists that live right here in Chicago, Paulhinho Garcia and Grazyna Auguscik. The two talk about how they individually got started in music and how they developed their careers. They also talk about how they began performing as a duo and the unique sound that they have created. Mike and Grazyna also get into a discussion about music marketing, touring and the business in general.

Laury Shelley and Sam Fazio 10/2/2013

Chicago Jazz Revealed with Mike Jeffers Live from Katerina's (1920 W. Irving Park RD, Chicago) tapes live every Tuesday night from 6pm-8pm. Open to the public and no cover, this unique radio show allows listeners to learn more about the musicians and venues that help to create the Chicago jazz scene.

This week's show features an interview with vocalist Laury Shelley. She talks with Mike about how she got interested in becoming a vocalist, her first meeting with the legendary Michel Legrand and her years of touring, performing and recording with him. She also discusses her new projects and her upcoming performances at Katerina's in Chicago.

Also on the show vocalist Sam Fazio is on talking about his new recording "I Wish You Love". He also talks about how he went from being heavily involved in music and living in Vegas to starting his day career and then being pulled back into the music scene.

Marlene Rosenberg and Paul Marinaro 9/04/13

Chicago Jazz Revealed with Mike Jeffers Live from Katerina's (1920 W. Irving Park RD, Chicago) tapes live every Tuesday night from 6pm-8pm. Open to the public and no cover, this unique radio show allows listeners to learn more about the musicians and venues that help to create the Chicago jazz scene.

This week on the show Mike interviews vocalist Paul Marinaro about his new release "Without a Song" and how he was able to not only create a successful new recording but also how he tied in a tribute to his father in the process.

Also on the show bassist Marlene Rosenberg talks about how she got started in music, her years of performing with Ed Thigpen, Joe Henderson and many others. Marlene also talks about her new recording "Bassprint" and her upcoming shows in Chicago.

James Sanders and Stephanie Browning 9/18/2013

Chicago Jazz Revealed with Mike Jeffers Live from Katerina's (1920 W. Irving Park RD, Chicago) tapes live every Tuesday night from 6pm-8pm. Open to the public and no cover, this unique radio show allows listeners to learn more about the musicians and venues that help to create the Chicago jazz scene.

On the show this week Mike is joined by violinist James Sanders who talks about his new CD release "Blue Violin" and also discusses how he got started playing jazz violin. Sanders has monthly shows with his group Conjunto at Katerina's and he also discusses his touring and his future performance plans.

Also on the show is vocalist Stephanie Browning. She talks about how she got started in the music business in Chicago, her days of working at the Gold Star Sardine Bar and some future performance projects. In addition she discusses her passion for helping people through music therapy and the special techniques she has developed that are seeing some incredible results.

Charley Krebs and Alfonso Ponticelli 9/24/13

Chicago Jazz Revealed with Mike Jeffers Live from Katerina's (1920 W. Irving Park RD, Chicago) tapes live every Tuesday night from 6pm-8pm. Open to the public and no cover, this unique radio show allows listeners to learn more about the musicians and venues that help to create the Chicago jazz scene.

September 24, 2013
Mike's guests tonight include Alfonso Ponticelli who is presenting a Gypsy Jazz Festival starting October 4th-6th in Chicago. Alfonso talks about his background and the background of Gypsy Jazz. He also discusses the festival and how he has grown it over the past years to where it is today.

Mike's other guest is Chicago Jazz Magazine cartoonist Charley Krebs. Charley talks about his upcoming art shows and how he conceptualizes his cartoons that appear in the Chicago Jazz Magazine but also in may different publications throughout the area.

Scott Earl Holman and Gina Knight 9/11/13

On the show this week Mike is joined by pianist Scott Earl Holman who is talking about his new CD Release Ode featuring Ira Sullivan, John Moulder, Paul Wertico, Brian Peters, Frank Catalano, Mark Colby and Marc Berner. Mike and Scott Earl Holman talk about how all of the proceeds from the CD are being donated to help the fight against hunger in the states.

Also on the show drummer Gina Knight stops by to talk about her Drum Lessons Girl educational video, her work as a producer at Blue Flash Studio and also her upcoming gigs.

Frank Catalano and the Nia Quintet 8/28/13

Saxophonist Frank Catalano talks about his upcoming jazz weekend performances at Andy's Jazz Club on August 30th and 31st with the drummer from the Smashing Pumpkin's Jimmy Chamberlin and Bassist Percy Jones. Catalano also talks about his upcoming performance at the famous "Delmark Jazz Brunch" at 10am on September 1st and then his performance on September 1st at the "Jazz in Up the Link" in Green Lake Wisconsin. Plus much more...

Also on the Show we talk with Trumpeter Scott Anderson about his group the Nia Quintet and his new release and upcoming performance at the Chicago Jazz Festival at Chicago Jazz Magazine's "Jazz Oasis". Plus the Nia Quintet performs live on the show!

Frank Russell, Geof Bradfield and Libby York 8/21/13

August 21st Show-Chicago Jazz Revealed with Mike Jeffers

On the Show this Week:
Frank Russell, Geof Bradfield and Libby York

Bassist Frank Russell talks about his new release "Circle Without End", the concept of the recording and much more. He also talks about how he got started, his life of playing and performing in Chicago and he tells of his time working with the late great Ken Chaney.

Geof Bradfield stops by to discuss his upcoming performance at the Chicago Jazz Festival with Randy Weston. He discusses his release "Melba" which celebrates the life of Melba Liston and how he got inspired to write the composition from researching her work.

Libby York talks about how she got started, her life in Chicago, New York and Key West. She also performed live on the show!

Abigail Riccards and Tom Muellner 8/15/13

Abigal Riccards and Tim Fitzgerald perform live at Katerina's. Abigail talks about her new CD "Every Little Star" and how she is helping very worth causes with her music.

Tom Muellner talks about his weekly jam session at the Serbian Village, performing throughout Chicagoland with many different groups and even re-calls hanging out with Bill Evans.

Dee Alexander and Travis Rosenthal 8/7/13

Dee Alexander talks about how she developed her love of music, her upcoming performance at the Newport Jazz Festival, the Evolution Ensemble and her new CD "Songs My Mother Loves". Dee also talks about her upcoming performance at the Deer Park Jazz and Wine Festival August 10th.

Travis Rosenthal is the executive director of the Chicago Jazz Orchestra and talks about the CD soon to be released called "Burstin Out" as well as their upcoming performance at the Deer Park Jazz and Wine Festival.