Jazz Master Savvy
Engaging video interviews with jazz masters and educators.
You’re here because you want more than stories—you want insights. Practical, powerful wisdom straight from the minds and hearts of jazz masters who truly understand the music.
Jazz Master Savvy is not about where great musicians grew up or their first gig. It’s about how they think, how they play, and the real, actionable ideas that you can apply to your own music right now.
Dive into over 60 full-length interviews I conducted with jazz legends across every instrument, each packed with invaluable tips, strategies, unique perspectives, and everything else I could think to ask them that can to fuel your growth as a musician.
Start listening. Start learning.
Select to go directly to: Bass/Guitar, Drums, Trumpet, Saxophone, Trombone, Educators, Miscellaneous.
Piano
Toshiko Akiyoshi
Japanese pianist and composer Toshiko Akiyoshi used jazz—especially the expressive range of big band writing—to communicate her social and political ideas. Driven by authenticity rather than fame, she wrote music by ear and brought her vision to life with skilled musicians who understood her intent.
Richie Beirach part 1 of 2
Richie Beirach reflects on the ever-changing nature of jazz through vivid metaphor, capturing its essence as constant motion and transformation. His interviews, like his music, offer deep, articulate insights into harmony and expression that reward repeated listening.
Richie Beirach part 2 of 2
In this second part of the interview, Richie Beirach reflects on the emotional weight behind some of his most powerful compositions, written in response to personal loss. His music channels grief into profound artistic expression, revealing the deep human experiences that often inspire his work.
George Cables
George shares insights on improvisation, emphasizing the importance of musical direction and intention over static harmony. Drawing from decades of experience with legendary jazz figures, he offers a rich perspective shaped by a lifetime in the music.
LeeAnn Ledgerwood
Inspired at age 11 by a Bill Evans recording, LeeAnn Ledgerwood developed a unique harmonic voice that led her to an acclaimed career in jazz performance and education. In this interview, she discusses listening deeply, collaborating with rhythm sections, and the pivotal choices that shaped her path.
Pete Levin
Pete Levin reflects on his years with Gil Evans, emphasizing how Gil encouraged individuality and personal expression within the structure of his arrangements. The interview highlights Levin’s versatile career and the value of artistic freedom in a collaborative musical setting.
Phil Markowitz interview part 1 of 2
Phil Markowitz emphasizes listening and interaction over reading notes, sharing how his time with Chet Baker shaped his intuitive approach to jazz. In this first interview, he explores musical influence, teaching, and how players can develop a personal voice through experience and awareness.
Phil Markowitz part 2 of 2
In part two of his interview, Phil Markowitz offers an in-depth demonstration of reharmonization, drawing inspiration from classical impressionists like Ravel. He walks through voicings, substitutions, and chromatic techniques while dissecting his own arrangement of “And I Love Her.”
Bass/Guitar:
Ron Carter
Ron Carter reflects on the profound influence Miles Davis had on his understanding of the bass and its role in shaping music. In this interview, he offers thoughtful insights into his approach, highlighting the bass's power and purpose within the jazz ensemble.
Mark Egan
Mark Egan reflects on how Stanley Clarke’s samba phrasing shaped his bass style, especially during his years with the Pat Metheny Group. In this interview, he shares his musical influences, technical insights, and tributes to mentors like Jaco Pastorius and Lyle Mays.
Bobby Ferrazza
Bobby Ferrazza shares his student-centered teaching philosophy, emphasizing personal artistic development over stylistic conformity. In the interview, he discusses his influences, jazz guitar history, and how to make the most of a college education in music.
Ron McClure
Ron McClure shares insights from a storied career in jazz bass, emphasizing presence, spontaneity, and openness over rigid study. His reflections, shaped by playing with legends like Monk and Keith Jarrett, serve as a masterclass in intuitive musical interaction.
Steve Swallow
Steve Swallow offers reflective as well as surprising insights into his own playing, revealing a deep humility and curiosity about his craft. This interview explores his personal experiences with jazz legends like Paul Bley and invites listeners to engage with its nuanced perspectives again and again.
Drums
Ignacio Berroa
Ignacio shares how he fluidly blends straight-ahead jazz with Afro-Cuban rhythms, demonstrating deep rhythmic mastery. In this candid interview, he discusses education, personal growth, and life as a jazz musician from Cuba, all with his characteristic warmth and humor.
Joe LaBarbara
Joe shares his initial hesitation about joining Bill Evans’ trio, later offering a unique insider’s view into one of jazz’s most revered ensembles. The interview is filled with wisdom from Joe’s extensive playing career and his reflections on performing, teaching, and musical chemistry.
Karl Latham
Karl shares his passionate perspective on what it takes to fully commit to a life in music, urging aspiring musicians to examine their dedication. Our conversation also explores his thoughts on recording technology, influential drummers, and includes an entertaining story from the stage.
Lewis Nash live
Lewis discusses his approach to drumming with melodic phrasing in mind, drawing from his vast experience performing with jazz legends. In this live interview, he shares practical insights on time, ensemble playing, and lessons learned from masters like Betty Carter and Max Roach.
Adam Nussbaum
Adam blends humor and insight in this interview, sharing stories about fellow jazz greats and emphasizing the power of listening, history, and dedication. He reflects on how harmony shapes his drumming and reminds musicians that mastery comes from deep, repeated engagement—not luck.
George Schuller
George reflects on the disruptive brilliance of Ornette Coleman and Don Cherry at the Lenox School, capturing a pivotal moment in jazz history. The interview explores George’s musical journey, his documentary work, and the deep influence of his father, Gunther Schuller.
Lenny White
Lenny reflects on the blurred lines between art and commerce, speaking candidly about the state of music, Fusion, and Jazz Rock. With decades of experience across jazz genres, he brings sharp insight and deep passion to this thought-provoking conversation.
Trumpet
Randy Brecker
Randy Brecker reflects on the deep camaraderie within the Brecker Brothers band, sharing heartfelt memories of his brother Michael and their musical journey. The interview dives into his trumpet artistry, iconic recordings, and the creative spark behind “Some Skunk Funk.”
Randy Brecker live
In this live interview, Randy emphasizes the importance of feeling time and swing physically before expressing it through your instrument. He also shares insights on practice routines, recording with Eric Marienthal, and staying motivated during changing times in the music world.
Ingrid Jensen
Ingrid shares her relaxed yet powerful philosophy on trumpet playing, emphasizing breath and ease over effort. The interview also explores her composition process, teaching methods, and the value of touring with close friends and family.
Joe Magnarelli
Joe reflects on a turning point in his musical growth—taking personal responsibility instead of relying on gear to improve. The interview covers his deep practice habits, learning Bud Powell solos, composing for trumpet and piano, and his thoughtful advice to aspiring students at Juilliard.
Bobby Shew part 1 of 2
Bobby emphasizes that the two most valuable gifts for any jazz musician are a good ear and solid internal time. In part 1 of his interview, he details his unique breathing technique, “the wedge,” taught to him by Maynard Ferguson, along with insights on efficient practice, air support, and playing brass with an overbite.
Bobby Shew part 2 of 2
In part two of Bobby's interview, he dives into the emotional and philosophical aspects of playing. He explores how improvisation found him, the importance of being your own best teacher, and the power of leading with your musical voice instead of relying solely on technique. He ends by reflecting on the value—and limits—of imitating musical heroes.
Saxophone
Dave Liebman
In this wide-ranging interview, Dave reflects on lessons learned from playing alongside Miles Davis—especially the power of leaving space in music. Known for his deep curiosity and clarity of thought, Lieb discusses his philosophies on learning, teaching, and continuous growth as a musician. This insightful conversation reveals why Lieb believes his legacy may lie more in teaching than in performance, despite a prolific recording career.
Dave Liebman live
In this candid and thought-provoking interview, Dave opens up about the challenges of self-judgment in performance, his book A Chromatic Approach to Jazz Harmony and Melody, and his influential experiences with Miles Davis. He also explores the impact of classical music on jazz and answers deep questions from both host and audience in this engaging live session.
Dave Liebman live on finding one’s musical voice
In this live conversation, Dave shares insights from his philosophy of high-level transcription, emphasizing the deep understanding required to truly grasp another artist’s voice. He reflects on his own evolution, including his shift to soprano sax and the process of developing an authentic musical identity beyond imitation.
Joe Lovano
Joe reflects on a profound lesson learned from Wayne Shorter about musical restraint and intention—how one note per bar can express deep feeling and awareness. He shares thoughts on group dynamics, individuality in interpretation, and stories involving Miles Davis’ legacy, Michael Brecker, and Paul Motian’s lasting generosity.
Charles McPherson
Charles shares the life-changing moment of hearing Charlie Parker at age 14 and knowing instantly he had to learn that language. In this conversation, he reflects on the connection between the analytical and intuitive sides of music, explaining how deep understanding and creativity converge—tapping into both intellect and something transcendent.
Ted Nash live
Ted offers motivation and practical wisdom in this live session, urging players to remember there’s always someone out there working harder. He shares insights from his role in the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, thoughts on mastering your instrument, stories from his Grammy-winning project Presidential Suite, and his thoughtful responses to audience questions.
Lew Tabackin
Lew blends the spirit of a Zen master with the artistry of both flute and tenor saxophone. In this thoughtful interview, he reflects on jazz history, musical identity, and his own evolving artistry, sharing insights gained from performing alongside some of the greatest names in jazz.
Trombone
Conrad Herwig, part 1 of 2
Conrad Herwig bridges the practical and spiritual sides of jazz with thought-provoking insights and stories from the bandstand. He reflects on lessons learned from giants like Jack DeJohnette and Joe Henderson, and shares what jazz means to him at its core.
Conrad Herwig, part 2 of 2
In this second part, Conrad explores both the power and purpose of the trombone in big bands and Latin jazz. He also dives into the spiritual side of music, sharing what makes Coltrane’s work so impactful and why some recordings touch the soul.
Aubrey Logan
Aubrey Logan brings humor, honesty, and depth to this wide-ranging conversation. From surviving the music business to balancing jazz, pop, and opera, she opens up about staying true to herself and thriving as a creative voice across styles.
Bob McChesney
Bob talks about the mindset that’s driven his world-class trombone chops: never settling. We dig into the mechanics of doodle tonguing, the frustrations of early development, and how he keeps raising the bar. He also shares stories about performing with his wife, singer Calabria Foti, including their take on Sinatra’s Lush Life.
Jim Pugh
Jim brings the mind of a master improviser and the heart of a teacher. He reflects on playing with Steely Dan and Woody Herman, and shares insights on trombone fundamentals, jazz history, and the mindset it takes to improvise with purpose.
Bill Reichenbach
Bill helped redefine the role of bass trombone in jazz, bringing it to life as a powerful voice for improvisation. With decades of experience recording for iconic bands and Hollywood soundtracks, Bill talks about his approach to versatility, expression, and making every note count.
Fred Wesley
Fred helped define the funk trombone sound while playing with James Brown, Parliament, and beyond. In this interview, he talks about the musical path he chose, stories from the bandstand, and lessons learned about groove, timing, and staying true to your voice.
Educators
Jamey Aebersold
Jamey Aebersold revolutionized jazz education with his play-along volumes, now numbering well over 100. In this interview, he shares the unexpected beginnings of that journey, his teaching mindset, and the passion that’s driven him to help countless musicians become better improvisers.
Jamey Aebersold live
This live session shows Jamey Aebersold in full teacher mode—demonstrating ideas on sax and piano, breaking down improvisation, and answering audience questions with clarity and heart. A must-see for any developing improviser looking for real-time insight from a jazz education pioneer.
Ran Blake
This conversation with pianist Ran Blake is like sitting in on a dream. Relaxed and deeply introspective, Ran reflects on his artistic process, musical influences, and the emotional force behind his playing. From Mahler to Happy Birthday, his vision is truly one-of-a-kind.
Alan Chase
Alan Chase shares sharp insight on jazz, education, and history in this wide-ranging conversation. Drawing on his experience at Berklee and NEC, he discusses how students learn, what shapes their understanding of music, and why adventurous listening still matters.
Russell Schmidt
Russ draws from deep experience as both educator and pianist to share smart, candid reflections on jazz education, improvisation, and what students often miss about musical purpose. A rich conversation full of insight into teaching, jazz masters, and what really matters in playing music.
Anton Schwartz live
Anton Schwartz blends intellect and emotion in jazz, sharing practical insights on practice, rhythm, and honest musical expression drawn from his unique journey from AI to improvisation.
Miscellaneous
David Amram
David Amram’s life is a whirlwind of music, poetry, philosophy, and jazz history. From his friendships with Miles and Monk to conducting the New York Philharmonic, he shares stories filled with wisdom, creativity, and spirit. This interview is a window into the soul of a true musical ambassador.
Rob Arbittier live
Rob Arbittier shares hard-earned wisdom from his decades in music and tech, including advice on building a studio, choosing gear, and navigating collaboration. He also reflects on his long creative partnership with Stevie Wonder, composing for film, and developing software for Stevie Wonder—offering a masterclass in innovation and connection.
Dr. Rodney Brim
Dr. Brim offers a unique perspective on improvisation through the lens of psychology and brain science. In this interview, he explores how different parts of the brain affect how we learn and express music—and how a more right-brained, intuitive approach may unlock better, faster results for jazz musicians.
Barry Green live
Barry Green, author of The Inner Game of Music, shares how self-awareness and mental focus can unlock musical performance. We talk about relaxed concentration, harmful self-talk, and how to teach more effectively by guiding students toward discovery rather than correction.
Michael Lake connecting ear to instrument workshop
Michael Lake shares a concise but powerful approach to strengthening the link between your ear and your instrument, with practical exercises that foster true improvisation from the inside out.
