Mike Jeffers Audio Experience

Jazz Vocalist Libby York | The Importance of Phrasing, Lyrics and her new release ”Dreamland”

Mike Jeffers talks with vocalist, Libby York, about her latest release "Dreamland" and the upcoming release show at Winter's Jazz Club in Chicago on April 20, 2023. Get to know Libby as she shares insights into her background, the inspiration behind her song choices, her passion for the lyrics, phrasing and more.

 

Visit https://www.chicagojazz.com for all things Chicago Jazz

 

#musicpodcast #podcastinterviews #jazzpodcast

Previewing the UIC Jazz Festival & Jazz Prayer Series with Michael Stryker, Director of Jazz Studies at UIC, on Around Town podcast.

Michael Stryker, Director of Jazz Studies at UIC, chats with Chicago Jazz Magazine founder Mike Jeffers about the UIC Jazz Festival happening on April 19th and 20th at the Epiphany Center for the Arts with special guest Jared Schonig.

Learn more about this amazing festival and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of jazz with 2 days of performances and clinics. Michael also discusses the importance of jazz education for high school and college students and what are the crucial experiences that can help students develop into professional musicians and take their playing to the next level. Don't miss out on this informative conversation packed with valuable insights for any aspiring musician!

 

Visit for More Information about the UIC Jazz Festival

 

They also discuss the the final installment of Jazz Prayer at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Oak Park on April 21st.
Visit for More Information

 

#musicnews #chicagojazz #jazzeducation #musiceducation

Jazz Pianist Marcus Roberts - The Connection with his Trio, the Audience and Much More!

Episode 052 Around Town with Mike Jeffers

 

 

 

In this podcast episode, Mike Jeffers sits down with pianist Marcus Roberts to delve into his long-standing collaboration with his jazz trio, comprising of Jason Marsalis and Martin Jaffe. Marcus also gives us a sneak peek into his upcoming performance at the Music Institute of Chicago at Nichols Concert Hall in Evanston on April 15th.

Beyond discussing his trio's musical synergy, Marcus shares his insightful thoughts on the dynamic relationship between musicians and their audience, the changing perception of jazz in contemporary times, and the value of mentorship for aspiring musicians. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of Marcus Roberts' musical journey and the ever-evolving landscape of jazz.

 

#jazzpiano #jazzpodcast #musicpodcast

 

A Passion for Composing and Recording - Shawn Maxwell ”Story at Eleven”

Episode 051 of Around Town with Mike Jeffers features and interview with saxophonist Shawn Maxwell discussing his new release "Story at Eleven".

 

 

 

This is his 11th release and Shawn discusses recording the project in one day and setting up the process so it felt like a live performance. He discusses how he continues to have a passion to compose and record and how after 11 recordings the way he conceptualizes his music has grown and encompassed all of the genres he is influenced by.

 

Visit ShawnMaxwell.com for more information and the new recording.

 

#jazzinterview #musicinterview #chicagojazz #chicago

Immanuel Wilkins Talks ”The 7th Hand” his new relase on Blue Note Records

Blue Note Recording Artist Immanuel Wilkins is Mike Jeffers guest on Around Town Episode 049 discussing his new release "The 7th Hand" and his upcoming show on March 28th at Constellation in Chicago. Wilkins discusses how he developed the compositions for "The 7th Hand" and the concept of the recording where the goal is to allow the music to flow freely through the musicians almost like it is coming from another place. You have to watch to hear this fascinating concept!

Stream/Buy "The 7th Hand" at ImmanuelWilkins.com

 

Tammy McCann Previews Her New Release ”Do I Move You?” and the Meaning Behind It

Episode 047 of Around Town with Mike Jeffers featuring an interview with Tammy McCann talking about her new release "Do I Move You?" and her upcoming release show at Winter's Jazz Club on March 21st!

 

Visit TammyMcCann.com for her new release

Ear Training for Musicians - Donovan Mixon talks about how to Play Better by Developing your Ears!

Guitarist Donovan Mixon talks about his company Performance Ear Training which he launched during the pandemic on Around Town with Mike Jeffers. Donovan developed his ear training teaching technique while he was a professor at the Berkley College of Music. Developing the ability to play what you hear as a musician is essential to get the most out of your instrument.

 

Donovan Mixon, professional musician and music teacher, talks about the importance of ear training for musicians. He covers different ways to improve your ability to hear and play music accurately, including online ear training tools and exercises through his company Performance Ear Training. More information https://performanceeartraining.com/ https://www.chicagojazz.com/ for all things Chicago Jazz

Blueshift Big Band - Iconic Video Game Themes Re-Invented for Big Band

Episode 046 of Around Town with Mike Jeffers features an interview with Joel Baer and Chris Parsons from the Blueshift Big Band talking about their new release "Joystick Jazz" Iconic Video Game Hits reinvented for a big band. They talk in-depth about 1980's iconic video games, the theme music for the games and why they decided to arrange the theme music for big band.

The band also has monthly residences on the 1st Thursday of each month at the Fulton Street Collective and the 2nd Monday of each month at Andy's Jazz Club.

 

Get more information at BlueShiftBigBand.com

#chicago #podcast #musicinterviews

Pianist Lara Driscoll - Creating Music with Meaning & Connection on Around Town

Episode 045 of Around Town with Mike Jeffers features an interview with pianist/composer Lara Driscoll Piano ahead of her double album release at Constellation Chicago on March 10th.

 

Lara discusses her time studying in Montreal, composing and recording "Woven Dreams" her trio recording. She also discusses moving back to Chicago and forming her duo group "Firm Roots" with her husband Chris White.

Get more info Lara's Show and Music at https://www.chicagojazz.com/post/around-town-lara-driscoll

Chicago Jazz - Bonzo Squad’s Corbin Andrick on Around Town with Mike Jeffers

Bonzo Squad's Corbin Andrick Music talks with Mike on Episode 043 of Around Town now out as a video and a podcast. Andrick discusses their new recording "Pachyderm" and how the band keeps expanding their sound after all these years. Currently you can hear Bonzo Squad every Thursday Night at The ALive One starting at 10:30pm.

Visit BonzoSquad.com for details on the new recording and upcoming shows.

 

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