Strictly Jazz Sounds

08/06/2026

Episode 35-Joe Lovano: Still on the Rise

Joe Lovano has been shaping the sound of modern jazz for more than five decades—and this cat is still moving forward.

On the new episode of Strictly Jazz Sounds, Grammy Award winning saxophonist Joe Lovano joins me for a deep and spirited conversation about Paramount Quartet, his latest ECM recording with guitarist Julian Lage, bassist Santi Debriano and drummer Will Calhoun.

We get into the music behind the music: the chemistry of the quartet, recording with Manfred Eicher, the contrast between Blue Note and ECM, and the power of silence, space and collective improvisation.

Joe also reflects on growing up in Cleveland under the influence of his father, tenor saxophonist Tony “Big T” Lovano; the scholarship fund created in his father’s honor; and the lessons he absorbed from masters including Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Wayne Shorter, Paul Motian and Elvin Jones.
At the heart of it all is Joe’s belief that a musician must find “the melody in your heart and your rhythm spirit.”

This is Joe Lovano—still searching, still listening and, in his own words, still “on the rise.” Listen to the full conversation on Strictly Jazz Sounds: Conversations That Let the Music Breathe. www.strictlyjazzsounds.com
Photo by Aquapio Films Ltd

07/13/2026

Episode 34-Martin Ludlow: Reclaiming LA’s Jazz Legacy

Los Angeles has long been one of America's great jazz cities, yet its place in the music's history is often overshadowed by New Orleans, Chicago, Kansas City, and New York. In this episode of Strictly Jazz Sounds, Steve Braunginn sits down with Martin Ludlow, President and CEO of Bridge Street, Inc., to discuss the vision behind the inaugural LA Jazz Festival and why he believes it's time for Los Angeles to take its rightful place on the global jazz stage.

The conversation explores the rich legacy of Central Avenue, the Dunbar Hotel, Leimert Park, and the generations of musicians who have shaped the sound of jazz—from Dexter Gordon, Charles Mingus, and Eric Dolphy to Kamasi Washington and Terrace Martin. Ludlow also explains why the festival is designed as a community-wide celebration rather than a traditional concert event, featuring more than 160 artists from over 20 countries, free performances, youth education initiatives, and programming that reaches neighborhoods across Southern California.

Steve and Martin also discuss the evolving definition of jazz, the relationship between jazz and contemporary genres, the importance of mentoring young musicians, and how festivals can strengthen both cultural identity and local economies.

Whether you’re planning to attend the LA Jazz Festival or simply care about the past, present, and future of jazz, this conversation offers an insightful look at one of the most ambitious new festivals in America. Photo by Joel Marasigan.

06/28/2026

Episode 33-Jeremy Pelt: Jazz, Leadership and Legacy

Jazz is alive, personal, and still moving forward. In Episode 33 of Strictly Jazz Sounds, Steve Braunginn sits down with jazz trumpeter Jeremy Pelt to talk about music, mentorship, leadership, legacy, and the community spirit behind Our Community Will Not Be Erased. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with one of today’s important voices in jazz. Photo by Eva Kapanadze.

06/16/2026

Happy Heavenly birthday to the great Geri Allen!

A talent snuffed out at the height of her career. I was so blessed to have spent time with her over a 4-day period in Madison, WI when Geri Allen, along with Maxine Gordon (Dexter Gordon's widow), and jazz analyst/historian Farah Jasmine Griffin came to Madison as part of the centennial birthday celebration of Mary Lou Williams sponsored by the Madison Jazz Consortium, of which I was a member. These photos belong to my photo collection, Stephen Braunginn, as I took them behind stage prior to the show Geri Allen performed at the Oscar Mayer Theater, celebrating the great Mary Lou Williams.

05/20/2026

Episode 32-Jenny Scheinman: Improvising Nature With Jazz

Tune in to my latest conversation with the phenomenally talented violinist Jenny Scheinman. The Humboldt County resident and I explore her creative process, love for jazz, and her commitment to uplifting communities through music! Listen to Jenny Scheinman and I discuss the intersection of music, nature, and community in her album "All Species Parade." Perfect for anyone who appreciates rich, immersive musical narratives. Photo by Kory Thibeault.

05/19/2026

WCBE Sunday Jazz Show Host Dr. Jack Marechbanks Recognized 2026 Jazz Hero

Steve Braunginn, host/producer of Strictly Jazz Sounds podcast, and A Tribe for Jazz executive director Stephanie Matthews (a 2025 Jazz Hero Award recipient) presented WCBE Jazz Sunday host/producer Jack Marchbanks the 2026 Jazz Journalists Association’s Jazz Hero Award on April 30, 2026, International Jazz Day, before a concert by Spanish trumpeter Milena Casado at the Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus, Ohio. ,

04/01/2026

Episode 31-Jaleel Shaw: Painter of the Invisible

Explore the deep connections between music, family, and culture with alto saxophone giant, Jaleel Shaw. Join us as we discuss his album, "Painter of the Invisible", personal influences, and the powerful stories he tells through jazz. From childhood inspirations in the Philly rich jazz culture to present-day expressions, Jaleel Shaw opens up about his journey in jazz and the emotional tapestry woven into his latest work. And, if you listen carefully, you’ll be treated to the crying sounds of his new baby. Catch this and more on Strictly Jazz Sounds with Steve Braunginn. Photo by Yusuke Yamanouchi.

11/21/2025

Episode 30-Mark Turner: Jazz and Race-Tells It Like It Is

Explore jazz and race with tenor saxophonist Mark Turner as he discusses his musical influences, early exposure to jazz and R&B, and his latest project, Reflections On: An Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man, inspired by James Weldon Johnson's book. Turner describes his process, touches on themes of identity and history, and is joined by collaborators Jason Palmer, David Virelles, Matt Brewer, and Nasheet Waits. This episode also features four album tracks courtesy of Giant Step Arts. Listen to Strictly Jazz Sounds on all major streaming platforms and now YouTube and All About Jazz. Photo by Jimmy Katz. -coloredman

05/10/2025

Episode 29-John Patitucci: The Soul, Spirit, and Sound of Jazz

John Patitucci, the 2025 Jazz Journalists Association Electric Bassist of the Year, a four-time Grammy winner, shares his journey from joining Chick Corea's bands to playing in Wayne Shorter's quartet. His "faith" profoundly influences his music and collaborations, including with Brian Blade and Chris Potter. The conversation highlights Patitucci's spiritual growth and recent recording, Spirit Fall, which was recorded in one day’s time for Edition Records. Thanks to Edition Records for the three tracks from Spirit Fall. Join me on Strictly Jazz Sounds. You can find this podcast in most streaming services or go to my website. Photo by Dave Stapleton.

05/07/2025

Strictly Jazz Sounds : John Patitucci: The Soul, Spirit and Sound of Jazz

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