Join me as I share tales from my career, explore the art of jazz, and invite fellow musicians, friends and family for intimate conversations.
Discover the stories behind the music and the moments that shaped my journey. Tune in for a blend of inspiration, insight, and unforgettable sounds.
Get ready for an insightful episode of the Minds of Jazz Musicians podcast! Host Dave Schroeder sits down with Sallie Sanborn, sister of the legendary saxophonist David Sanborn, who passed away in 2024. Discover intimate stories about David's incredible journey in music and his triumph over health challenges. Don’t miss this heartfelt tribute to a true jazz icon—enjoy!
Join Mercedes Ellington, granddaughter of jazz legend Duke Ellington, as she shares her journey from Broadway dancer to breaking barriers on the Jackie Gleason Show in 1963 as the first dancer of color to perform weekly on television. Despite overshadowing headlines on the day of President Kennedy's assassination, her story is one of resilience and triumph. Tune in to hear the fascinating twists and turns of life as an Ellington!
Join vibraphonist, bandleader, and composer Mike Mainieri as he shares incredible stories from his remarkable musical journey. From performing with legends like Billie Holiday and Coleman Hawkins to touring with Buddy Rich and mingling with Rat Pack icons, Mike has seen it all. Now at 87, he continues to inspire with tales of his groundbreaking jazz fusion band, Step Ahead, and much more!
Saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Bob Mintzer is a towering figure in contemporary jazz. Beginning with a tenure in the Buddy Rich Big Band and the explosive rhythm of Jaco Pastorius’s Word of Mouth Big Band, before settling into a 36-year association with the legendary Yellowjackets. Despite his numerous accolades, including a Grammy win, Mintzer maintains a humble perspective, captured in his profound statement: "Music chose me." Join us for an evening of remarkable storytelling as Mintzer shares the compelling moments that solidified his commitment to music and gain unparalleled insight into the mindset of this musician who continues to shape the future of jazz. Join us!
Canadian born saxophonist and bassoonist Ben Wendel is a founding member of the band Kneebody. With an early interest in classical music, Ben has gone on to work with a diversity of artists including Bill Frisell, Terence Blanchard, Antonio Sanchez, Snoop Dogg, and the artist formerly known as Prince. He received a Grammy nomination for his 2023 album entitled "All One". During our conversation, Ben shared his musical process and vision for creating new and unique projects that clearly demonstrate his individual passion to present music from a different point of view.
At 95 years old, Sonny Rollins remains an American icon, widely recognized as one of the most important and influential jazz musicians of all time, with a recording career spanning seven decades and over sixty albums. In this rare occasion, I sit down to speak one-to-one with the Saxophone Colossus himself to explore his rich history as well as his unparalleled longevity, and more. Join me for an unforgettable and candid look into the mind of this living legend, a true national treasure.
Stan Getz, known as "The Sound," defined cool Jazz and brought bossa nova to the world, but the genius behind the saxophonist was also a deeply troubled, haunted soul. His turbulent private life—marked by addiction, intensity, and deep emotional swings—is as much a part of his legend as his music. In this landmark podcast I sat down with Bev Getz, Stan’s daughter, who is uniquely positioned to tell a side of the story as no one else can. This podcast is an essential listening experience for anyone who has ever been moved by a Stan Getz recording. The conversation is not just about music; but it’s also about Stan Getz the person, from the perspective of friends and family.
Saxophonist Billy Drewes has one of the most remarkable résumés in modern music: recording credits with Kenny Werner and John Scofield, and a four-decade tenure as a key member of the historic Vanguard Orchestra. Join me as Billy discusses his global performance history, his approach to composition, and what it’s really like playing one of the most revered stages in jazz.
The legendary guitarist and band leader Eddie Condon is connected to the Chicago jazz scene of the 1920s, later moving to New York in 1929 where he became a catalyst for the Chicago style, organizing concerts and recording sessions; Condon was groundbreaking in integrating musicians, performing with white jazz artists like Bix Beiderbecke and Black artists like Louis Armstrong and Fats Waller, making him one of the earliest leaders to break down racial barriers. For this episode, I'll be speaking with his daughter, Maggie Condon, and author Hank O'Neill about Eddie Condon's history.
