Episode 34: Alex Simu

Clarinettist and saxophonist Alex Simu is the lead of an international quintet, their latest project is called "Echoes of Bucharest". In this episode we discuss the clarinet and how he is contributing to the manufacture of new forms of the instrument, his love for Bucharest and the music it has inspired, as well as his approach to film composing.

Alex recommended In the search of the miraculous by P.D. Ouspensky.

Please visit Alex’s website for more information, tour dates and to purchase his music.

Music featured in the episode:

“Slowly Dancing for Peace” from the album Echoes of Bucharest.
Alex Simu - clarinets
George Dumitriu - guitar, viola
Franz von Chossy - piano
Jörg Brinkmann - cello
Kristijan Kranjčan - drums, cello

”Quiet Storm” from the album Free Fall
Alex Simu - clarinets
Lucian Ban - piano

Episode 33: Floris Kappeyne

Pianist Floris Kappeyne has just released his second trio album Synesthesia. We talk about how he dove deep into jazz tradition at a young age but then chose to study classical music, the parallel he draws between the human voice and synthesizers, and the addition of live visuals to his performances.

Floris recommended the work of audio visual artist Tarik Barri, as well as Tolstoy’sThe Death of Ivan Ilych.

Please go to Floris’ website to purchase his music and find more information.

Music featured in this episode:

“IX” and “IV” from the album Synesthesia.
Floris Kappeyne - piano, synthesizer
Tijs Klaassen - bass
Wouter Kühne - drums
Janneke Stoute - vocals

Picture by Govert Driessen

Episode 17: Kaja Draksler

In this episode, pianist and composer Kaja Draksler is my guest. We discuss her choice to study contemporary classical composition, her various projects from octet to solo, her love of vocal music and the upcoming Doek festival.

Kaja recommended reading Carl Gustav Jung, specifically Four Archetypes and Memories, Dreams, Reflections.

Please go to Kaja's website to find her tour dates, info about each of her many projects, and to purchase any of her music.

Music featured in this episode:

photo by Beata Szparagowska

"A Promise is a Promise" from the album Gledalec.
     Kaja Draksler - piano, composition
     Björk Níelsdóttir - voice
     Laura Polence - voice
     Ada Rave - reeds
     Ab Baars - reeds
     George Dumitriu - violin, viola
     Lennart Heyndels - double bass
     Onno Goveart - drums, percussion
     text by Adriana Minou

"Dusk, Mystery, Memory, Community" from the album To Pianos.
     Kaja Draksler - piano, composition
     Eve Risser - piano
    

Episode 14: Robert van der Padt

In this episode I’m joined by pianist, bandleader and booking agent/promoter Robert van der Padt. We discuss his band Tyranni Flock’s new EP, the process of recording and releasing his music, and how he founded and runs his own booking agency Bird Call Bookings.

Robert recommended Christian Scott's latest releases as part of his centennial trilogy, specifically Diaspora. For any self promoting musicians, he also recommended Matt Fripp's website Jazzfuel.com, which is full of great resources and information.

Please visit Robert's website for tour dates, info about his booking agency and to purchase his music.

Music featured in this episode:

photo by Felipe Pipi

"In Control" and "Dive in the Deep" from the EP "Tyranni Flock".
     Robert van der Padt - keyboards
     Itai Weissman - EWI
     Remi J. Edson - flutes
     Hidde Roorda - bass
     Willem van der Krabben - drums

Episode 13: Dominic J Marshall

In this episode, pianist, keyboard player and beat maker Dominic J Marshall is on the show to talk about two new releases: his beat tape Compassion Fruit, and his trio record Cave Art vol. 2. We discuss his love of hip hop and beat music, how he brings produced music from the studio to the stage, and his decision to make a record with only covers.

Dominic recommended Doris Lessing's "Re: Colonised Planet 5, Shikasta" (from her series of novels "Canopus in Argos")

Please visit Dominic's website to find more info, tour dates, and links to purchase his music.

Music featured in this episode:

"REspect" from the album "Compassion Fruit".
     Dominic J Marshall - keyboards, samples & electronics
     Jamie Peet - drums

"Kon Queso" from the album "Cave art vol. 2"
     Dominic J Marshall - keyboards & arrangement
     Sam Vicary - bass
     Sam Gardner - drums