11/05 Geoff Muldaur
Singer, arranger, composer, guitarist Geoff Muldaur has always been one of the most inspired and original musical voices on the scene, with his early work with Jim Kweskin and Paul Butterfield to his most recent double album set, His Last Letter, a collection that includes songs from the American folk and jazz-blues repertoire, as well as new original compositions. Geoff and Judy discuss this decade-long project, Geoff’s desire to always go his own way and why this album could only have been created in Amsterdam, with the very special musicians Geoff gathered to realize his vision.
11/12 Pasquale Grasso
Guitarist Pasquale Grasso grew up in the small Italian village or Ariano Irpino with two very hip, music-loving parents who played classical and jazz recordings for Pasquale and his brother Luigi throughout their young lives and took them to concerts and jazz festivals. Pasquale says that rather than put the boys in front of the TV, they would all listen to a Chet Baker record. Pasquale’s focus on musicians other than jazz guitarists has contributed to his unique sound. Combining his love for bebop, his classical guitar studies and his limitless passion for playing has made Pasquale Grasso one of the busiest, most interesting talents on the scene today.
11/19 Russ Phillips
Chicago based trombonist Russ Phillips went on the road with Louis Armstrong’s Allstars at the age of four, thanks to his father, trombonist Russ Phillips, Senior, joining that band. That early exposure to great music led Russ to his own busy career playing in a wide range of styles and settings, from jazz and rock to pit orchestras and classical ensembles. Russ and I got together onstage at the Dixon Historic Theatre in Dixon, Illinois, outside of Chicago to play together and talk about his long career and many inspirations. We were joined by guitarist Andy Brown and vocalist Petra van Nuis.
11/26 Catherine Russell
Catherine has enjoyed a long career as a backup singer with everyone from David Bowie to Jackson Browne but is now focusing on the music of her father, Luis Russell, who was music director for Louis Armstrong and led his own bands in the 20's and 30's. Catherine discusses her love of New Orleans music and early jazz and what it means to come to this music at this stage of her career. The following was recorded in 2009, early in Catherine’s pursuit of a career under her own name.