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Strictly Jazz Sounds-SJS: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Stephen Braunginn
Strictly Jazz Sounds (SJS) features the finest legacy and contemporary jazz musicians and beyond. Every episode will feature an in-depth interview with current jazz musicians and their music, or jazz music producers, music critics and writers and jazz music venue owners/operators. SJS is about all things jazz. Host Steve Braunginn was on the air 20+ years for WORT89.9-FM.
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- 3 weeks ago1h 40m
Episode 36-Thelonious Monk: Wrong Is Right-Part Two
The conversation continues. In Part Two of Thelonious Monk: Wrong Is Right, Steve Braunginn returns to his extraordinary two-day conversation with T.S. Monk—Thelonious Sphere Monk III—and his son, Thelonious Monk IV. We pick up with tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse and a fascinating question: What made Rouse such a distinctive musical partner for Monk? T.S. draws a revealing distinction between the great saxophonists who played with his father. Johnny Griffin, Sonny Rollins and John Coltrane brought powerful individual voices to Monk's music. Rouse, he says, found a way to play with Monk—to understand his time, space and musical language. Then comes a remarkable Archie Shepp story, along with T.S.'s argument that Monk's harmonic influence reaches far beyond jazz. His shorthand for young musicians: "No Monk, no funk." And we hear why one of Monk's favorite sayings—"Wrong Is Right"—may tell us more about his musical revolution than a stack of textbooks. The conversation moves into the present as Thelonious Monk IV discusses joining his sister Sierre in carrying the family legacy into the digital age—preserving archival recordings, confronting bootlegs and introducing Monk to generations born long after his death. Branding the name is their future, says T.S. Monk. The excitement about future products was so present that both men were almost giddy when disclosing consumer items yet to arrive at the marketplace. Secrets were kept close to the vest but they did whisper about the wine "Legit" and beer "Brother Thelonious Belgian Ale." But some of the most revealing moments are personal. T.S. forcefully challenges the mythology surrounding his father and remembers the man he knew: a working father, a family man and, simply, "Daddy." And then there's Nellie Monk—Thelonious's lifelong partner and, in T.S.'s words, the support system without whom there might not have been a Thelonious Monk as we know him. The music continues thanks to the Monk Estate, with selections from Thelonious Monk: Live in Paris, Volume 2, released October 9th on the Rhythm-A-Ning Entertainment label. The playlist is: Epistrophy (with the opening), Blue Monk-5:15 and Oska_T-12:24. Part Two brings the journey home: Charlie Rouse, Archie Shepp, "Wrong Is Right," the future of the Monk legacy—and the family behind one of the most singular voices in American music. Strictly Jazz Sounds with Steve Braunginn—conversations that let the music breathe. Photo from Arthur R. George (Thelonious Monk with Children, T.S. and Barbara).
- Oct 4, 20261h 38m
Episode 36-Thelonious Monk:Wrong is Right-Part One
Thelonious Monk changed the language of jazz. But behind the unmistakable harmonies, rhythms and compositions was a husband, father and grandfather whose story is still being told by the family carrying his legacy forward. On this edition of Strictly Jazz Sounds, Steve Braunginn welcomes T.S. Monk—Thelonious Sphere Monk III—and his son, Thelonious Monk IV, for an expansive conversation about the man the world knows simply as Monk. T.S. remembers his father not as the mysterious, eccentric figure often portrayed in jazz history, but as "Daddy"—a deeply committed family man who always came home. He also makes the case for recognizing Monk as the father of modern jazz, whose new musical vocabulary helped open doors for other jazz giants-Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins-and generations that followed. The conversation takes a particularly revealing turn toward Charlie Rouse, Monk's longtime tenor saxophonist. T.S. explains why Rouse's sound represented something new for Monk and explores the musical connections among Rouse, Coltrane and Monk. Preserving the legacy of Thelonious Monk is what the family is all about today. The brand of Monk is their focus, says Monk IV as he and TS take us inside the continuing work of preserving the legacy. Thelonious Monk IV discusses Rhythm-A-Ning Entertainment and the challenge of bringing historic recordings to new audiences while protecting the catalog from decades of unauthorized releases, better known as bootlegs. He also gives us a peak at the merchandise they're selling to boost the brand: cabernet from Tuscany (Legit-bottled by Tolaini; imported by Banville Wine Merchants), a dark Belgian ale (Brother Thelonious Belgian Ale), even a hat and watch. The conversation also explores Monk's relationship with Paris, the restoration and release of his remarkable 1967 Paris performance, the rediscovery of archival recordings such as Palo Alto, and what Monk's live performances reveal that his studio recordings sometimes do not and could not. Most importantly, T.S. offers listeners a different way to hear his father's genius: don't listen only to Monk's solos. Listen closely to what he plays behind the other musicians—the countermelodies, rhythms and unexpected harmonies that could lift a soloist without ever getting in the way. This is Thelonious Monk through the memories of his son, the perspective of his grandson, and a family determined to carry one of America's great musical legacies into the future. Part-one closes as we learn how important Monk was to Miles Davis, leaving listeners wondering where this fantastical story goes. Part two is close behind. The music is provided by Rhythm-A-Ning Entertainment. Music from the Thelonious Monk/Live in Paris 1967, Vol. 1 playlist includes: 1. Ruby My Dear-7:08, Epistrophy-9:37, We See-07:50. Thank you for listening. Subscribe and you become one of the first to get the podcast episodes, annual top 20 jazz music playlist and jazz articles. Photo is by Olivia Monk.
- Aug 4, 20261h 29m
Episode 35-Joe Lovano: Still on the Rise
Having a virtual conversation with someone like Joe Lovano invites you to take in more than the words. You find yourself looking around the room with him — the basement, the books, the CDs, maybe a few records, family photos, and a trombone resting naked on top of a bookcase like it had just stepped away from the bandstand. Behind Joe, as we begin talking, there's a music stand with sheet music on it, though I couldn't quite make out the title. Somehow, that feels right. With Joe Lovano, there is always music in view, and always something still being discovered. Grammy Award winning tenor saxophonist and composer Joe Lovano joins Steve Braunginn for an expansive conversation about artistic growth, jazz history and his new ECM recording, Paramount Quartet. After more than 50 years of touring, recording and helping shape modern jazz, Joe Lovano says he still feels that he is "on the rise." The Paramount Quartet, different from any other that he's had, features guitarist Julian Lage, bassist Santi Debriano and drummer Will Calhoun, bringing together four musicians from different generations and musical backgrounds. Lovano explains how an initial trio performance with Debriano and Calhoun inspired him to add Lage, a former student in one of his Berklee College of Music ensembles, and create what he describes as an entirely new musical situation. Lovano takes listeners inside the recording session with ECM producer Manfred Eicher in southern France. He discusses the importance of sequencing, silence, spontaneous orchestration and approaching a composition differently each time it is played. He also contrasts the "nightclub sound" of his Blue Note years with the recital-hall atmosphere he associates with ECM. The conversation reaches back to Lovano's childhood in Cleveland, Ohio and the influence of his father, tenor saxophonist Tony "Big T" Lovano. Joe discusses the scholarship fund he created in his father's honor and reflects on Cleveland's often-overlooked contributions to jazz through artists such as Tadd Dameron, Albert Ayler, Jim Hall and Bill DeArango. Lovano also shares memories of Paul Motian, Elvin Jones, Wayne Shorter, Sonny Rollins and Charlie Haden, whose composition "First Song" opens the new album. Throughout the interview, Lovano returns to a central principle: improvisation is not about displaying everything a musician knows. It is about listening, leaving space, sharing ideas and finding "the melody in your heart and your rhythm spirit." ECM Records generously provided three tracks of music for this podcast. They are in the order played: Fanfare for Unity-4:12, Amsterdam-6:30, and Congregation-5:36. Thank you for listening to this podcast. Subscribe and you become one of the first to receive new episodes, jazz articles, photos and my annual Top 20 jazz recordings.
- Jul 11, 202634 min
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. Their 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.
- Jun 19, 20261h 25m
Episode 33 — Jeremy Pelt: Jazz, Leadership, and Legacy
When someone says jazz is dead, or that they cannot find great jazz being made today, I always think of the artists, mentors, and leaders who continue to move the music forward. Jeremy Pelt is one of those essential voices. Welcome to Strictly Jazz Sounds, the place where the music talks. I'm your host, Steve Braunginn. In this episode, I'm honored to welcome trumpeter, composer, bandleader, educator, and author Jeremy Pelt, one of the most compelling voices in contemporary jazz. With his recent work holding the number one spot on the JazzWeek chart for eight out of nine weeks, Jeremy has built a reputation as an artist deeply committed to both the tradition and the future of jazz. His trumpet playing is powerful and expressive, and his influence extends well beyond the bandstand through his recordings, writing, teaching, and mentorship. We explore the experiences and influences that shaped him, from growing up in Los Angeles surrounded by the sounds of Michael Jackson, Prince, R&B, and soul to initially considering a classical path before discovering jazz through the music of Miles Davis. What began as curiosity became a lifelong calling. Jeremy also shares his perspective on mentorship, leadership, and what it means to guide younger musicians with professionalism, presence, and respect for the music's lineage. We discuss his acclaimed 23rd album, Our Community Will Not Be Erased, a powerful statement celebrating the resilience, beauty, and enduring strength of Black communities. The project reflects Jeremy's belief that music can honor history, affirm identity, and strengthen the connections between people. Throughout the conversation, Jeremy reminds us that jazz is more than a genre. It is a living tradition, a form of storytelling, and a community built on shared experience and collective memory. Music for this episode was graciously provided by Jeremy Pelt's label, HighNote Records, from Jeremy's latest recording, Our Community Will Not Be Erased. The album was composed and produced by Jeremy Pelt (jeremypelt.net) and features Jeremy Pelt on trumpet, Orrin Evans on piano, Buster Williams on bass, Lenny White on drums, and special guest Lasse Corson on keyboards. Playlist: "Fathers and Sons" featuring Lasse Corson, "The March into Resilience," and "Fathers and Daughters,". Thank you for listening. Photo by Eva Kapanadze
- May 19, 20261h 29m
Episode 32-Jenny Scheinman: Improvising Nature Through Jazz
Today on Strictly Jazz Sounds, we enter the musical world of violinist and composer Jenny Scheinman — an artist whose music is shaped as much by landscape and community as by jazz tradition, classical music and folk. Before collaborating with musicians like Bill Frisell, Jason Moran, and Brian Blade, Jenny grew up off-the-grid in rural Humboldt County, surrounded by redwoods, wildlife, and acoustic family music. That environment taught her the art of deep listening — something that still defines her improvisational voice today. We talk about how nature, silence, and influences ranging from Ludwig van Beethoven and The Beatles to Thelonious Monk and Miles Davis's Kind of Blue shaped her musical identity. We also dive into her acclaimed double album, All Species Parade — a sweeping work inspired by biodiversity, coexistence, and community, featuring the brilliant guitarists Frisell, Julian Lage, and Nels Cline. You'll also hear music from the album throughout the program, courtesy of Royal Potato Family. The music on this show is from Jenny Scheinman's album, All Species Parade. The quintet plays throughout the album: Jenny Scheinman-violin, Bill Frisell-guitar, Carmen Staaf-piano, Tony Scherr-bass, and Kenny Wollesen-drums. Playlist: "House of Flowers" 7:56-feat. Nels Cline-guitar; "All Species Parade" 11:01 [a party to which all animals of all sizes, colors and adaptations are invited."] closes a three-part suite, said to be Ellington-inspired; "Nocturne for 2020" 11:41-feat. Julian Lage-acoustic guitar. This is a conversation about music, ecology, identity, and collective listening. Thank you for listening to Strictly Jazz Sounds as you have many other podcasts to which to listen. Strictly Jazz Sounds, conversations that let the music breathe. Photo by Kory Thibeault.
- Mar 27, 20261h 24m
Episode 31-Jaleel Shaw: Painting the Invisible in Jazz
Episode 31-Jaleel Shaw: Painting the Invisibility in Jazz Jazz for Philadelphia native and alto saxophonist Jaleel Shaw is a soulful, boundary-pushing journey. His impressive collaborations include NEA Jazz Masters Roy Haynes and Terri Lyne Carrington, Grammy Award-winning artists: bassists Dave Holland and Christian McBride, and pianists Kris Davis, Robert Glasper, and Jason Moran. Shaw's musical story emerges from his mother's insistence on raising her son in a household where diverse music was heard throughout his young years, leading to lessons on multiple instruments-piano, the drums, clarinet, violin and alto saxophone. Jaleel Shaw's mother and the rich tapestry of Philadelphia's jazz scene, where early guidance from teachers like Dennis Sandole and Lovett Hines and mentorship from legends like Roy Haynes shaped his improvisational voice and stage presence. Shaw often recalls lessons learned in dim-lit clubs and crowded rehearsals, experiences that have fueled his growth across two decades in the spotlight. It's through learning about African American history that Jaleel Shaw has been able to feel the pride of being a Black man and convey it in his music. This has enabled him to dive deeper into composing music that speaks to his emotions and the Black condition in this country. Shaw's first album in 13 years showcases an all-star quartet—Lawrence Fields (piano), Ben Street (bass), Joe Dyson (drums)—and guests Sasha Berliner (vibraphone) and Lage Lund (guitar). The project pays tribute to ancestors and victims like Tamir Rice and Breonna Taylor, addressing invisibility, grief, and community, while reflecting Shaw's advocacy against book bans and erasure of "woke" narratives. As Shaw navigates both his artistry and fatherhood, his music becomes a living testament to resilience and hope. Through "Painter of the Invisible," listeners witness not only Shaw's technical brilliance but also his deep commitment to social justice and personal storytelling. Each note and lyric echoes the journey of a musician determined to bring unseen stories and marginalized voices into the spotlight, creating a legacy that intertwines family, community, and creative exploration. Thanks to Changu Records, there are three featured tracks from Painter of the Invisible (2025) are: "Gina's Ascent, Featuring Sasha Berline-vibraphone, 9:32," "Tamir (For Tamir Rice), 10:53" and "The Invisible Man, Featuring Lage Lund, 9:32." Thank you for choosing Strictly Jazz Sounds. Photo by Yusuke Yamanouchi. #jaleelshaw #strictlyjazzsounds
- Nov 20, 20251h 27m
Episode 30-Mark Turner: Jazz and Race-Tells It Like It Is
Welcome to Strictly Jazz Sounds. In this episode, we spotlight saxophonist Mark Turner, an LA native known for his technical brilliance and soulful undertones. Turner's music is influenced by R&B and jazz from his upbringing, as well as legendary saxophonists like Warne Marsh and John Coltrane. Mark's humility and self-deprecation are evident, but his artistry shines through, especially in his latest project, Reflections On: An Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man, produced in collaboration with Jimmy Katz and Giant Step Arts. The episode explores how Turner's experiences as an African American have shaped his work in the thematic 10-part suite inspired by the novel penned by civil rights activist, author and poet, James Weldon Johnson, "An Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man." Our conversation covers Turner's compositional process, the challenges of identity and race, and the historical context behind his music. He also shares plans for future projects, including those inspired by Sci-Fi author Octavia Butler, with hopes of returning to Giant Step Arts. You'll hear four movements from the quintet: Mark Turner-tenor sax and narration, Jason Palmer-trumpet, David Virelles-piano, Matt Brewer-bass, and Nasheet Waits-drums. The featured compositions are Movement 1: Anonymous-4:04 , Movement 4: New York-12:03 , Movement 9: Identity Politics-6:11, and Movement 10: Closure-2:22 . I am grateful to Jimmy Katz and Giant Step Arts for use of the recordings. Thank you for tuning in. If you haven't subscribed yet, please do so to stay updated on future episodes, jazz news, and our annual Top 20 Jazz playlist. All the music played on this podcast has been authorized. Support jazz musicians by buying their music and support live jazz wherever you are. Now, let's begin with Movement 1. Enjoy the conversation! Photo by Jimmy Katz.
About Strictly Jazz Sounds-SJS
Strictly Jazz Sounds (SJS) features the finest legacy and contemporary jazz musicians and beyond. Every episode will feature an in-depth interview with current jazz musicians and their music, or jazz music producers, music critics and writers and jazz music venue owners/operators. SJS is about all things jazz. Host Steve Braunginn was on the air 20+ years for WORT89.9-FM.
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