Backstage Jazz

12/20/2023

Today's episode of Backstage Jazz features an interview with pianist Adam Bodine. We discussed his music and upcoming performance at Dazzle on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. Listen to the episode here:
https://www.backstage-jazz.com/episodes/adambodineinterview

12/13/2023

Dazzle reports: "We are deeply saddened by the loss of Neil Bridge (NeilBridgeMusic) and send our condolences to Karen. Neil was a bright light within the jazz community, influencing thousands of students and entertaining audiences around the state." Backstage Jazz was honored to interview him and his wife, Karen Lee, in October. You can listen to the episode here: https://www.backstage-jazz.com/episodes/interview-with-neil-karen-lee-bridge

12/08/2023

Today's episode of Backstage Jazz features an interview with Denver guitarist, composer, and teacher J.J. Murphy. We discussed his music and upcoming performance at Dazzle on Saturday, December 16. Listen here: https://www.backstage-jazz.com/episodes/interview-with-guitarist-jj-murphy

11/29/2023

Today's episode of Backstage Jazz features an interview with Lauren Frihauf music, a rising star in the music industry whose talent has been recognized on prestigious platforms. We discussed her upcoming solo album and performance at Dazzle on December 7th. Listen here: https://www.backstage-jazz.com/episodes/lauren-frihauf-interview

11/24/2023

Today's episode of Backstage Jazz features an interview with Grammy-nominated musician Art Lande and jazz sax player Sam Williams. We discussed tracks from their current album, "Portals," and the duo’s upcoming show at Dazzle on November 26. Listen to the podcast here:

Grammy-nominated musician Art Lande and jazz sax player Sam Williams. are interviewed on this episode.

11/18/2023

Today's episode of Backstage Jazz features an interview with jazz guitarist Steve Langemo. We discussed tracks from his album "Up From The Outside" and talked about his upcoming show at Dazzle on November 24. Listen to the podcast here:

This episode features an interview with jazz guitarist Steve Langemo. We discussed tracks from his album Up From The Outside and talked about his upcoming show at Dazzle on November 24.

11/16/2023

Ronnie Foster is at Dazzle tonight!

11/12/2023

Today's episode of Backstage Jazz features an interview with jazz pianist Harold López-Nussa. We discussed his new album, "Timba a la Americana," and his upcoming show at Dazzle on Saturday, November 18. Listen to the podcast here:

This episode of Backstage Jazz features an interview with jazz pianist Harold López-Nussa. We discussed his new album Timba a la Americana, and his upcoming show at Dazzle on Saturday, November 18.

11/10/2023

This episode of Backstage Jazz features an interview with the legendary jazz/funk organist Ronnie Foster. We discussed his latest album, Reboot, and upcoming shows at Dazzle on November 14-15. Listen to the podcast here:

This episode of Backstage Jazz features an interview with the legendary jazz/funk organist Ronnie Foster. We discussed his latest album, Reboot, and his upcoming shows at Dazzle.

11/08/2023

On today's episode of Backstage Jazz, we spoke with singer, guitarist, and producer James McAndrew of Denver-based Milquetoast & Co. about the band’s upcoming show at Dazzle on Saturday, November 11 (at 7 p.m.) and their new album "Run Rant Rave." Listen to the show here:

In this episode of Backstage Jazz, we spoke with singer, guitarist, and producer James McAndrew of Denver-based Milquetoast & Co. about the band’s upcoming show at Dazzle on Saturday, November 11, and their new album Run Rant Rave.

11/06/2023

Our guest today on Backstage Jazz is pianist Andy Nevala. We discussed his musical background, influences, and upcoming show at Dazzle in Denver. Listen to the podcast here: https://www.backstage-jazz.com/episodes/interview-with-jazz-pianist-andy-nevala

11/04/2023

Today's episode of Backstage Jazz features an interview with musician, bandleader, and composer Reid Poole (Reid Poole Music). We discussed and played a few tracks from his catalog and talked about his upcoming show at Dazzle on November 8. Listen to the show here:

This episode features an interview with musician, bandleader, and composer Reid Poole. We discussed and played a few tracks from his catalog and talked about his upcoming show at Dazzle on November 8.

10/31/2023

In today's episode of Backstage Jazz, we spoke with five-time Grammy-nominated musician Weedie Braimah about his career, recent release, and upcoming shows (Nov. 5) at Dazzle in downtown Denver. In this episode, we featured “Ships Come In (A Lullaby)” and “Weediefoli.” Both can be found on his current release, The Hands of Time. Listen to the podcast here:
https://www.backstage-jazz.com/episodes/interview-with-5x-grammy-nominated-djembist-weedie-braimah

10/30/2023

Our guest on Backstage Jazz today is award-winning tuba player and composer Theon Cross. He and his band will play Dazzle on Wed, November 1, at 7 p.m. (Doors at 6 p.m.).Tickets are available now.

This episode features an interview with award-winning tuba player and composer, Theon Cross. We discussed his music and talked about his upcoming show at Dazzle on November 1.

10/27/2023

On today's episode of Backstage Jazz, we spoke with Tyler Trepp, tenor and vocal percussionist for Straight No Chaser. We discussed the group’s new holiday EP and their upcoming performances at the Paramount Theatre (Denver).

Tickets for SNC's November 4, 2023, shows at the Paramount Theatre are available on Ticketmaster.

In this episode of Backstage Jazz, we spoke with Tyler Trepp, tenor and vocal percussionist for Straight No Chaser. We discussed the group’s new holiday EP and their upcoming performances at the Paramount Theatre in Denver.

10/25/2023

We had a fun interview with Cuban pianist
Harold López-Nussa today. He'll be appearing at Dazzle on Sat, November 18, for two shows. Stay tuned for this upcoming episode.

10/24/2023

Check out our latest episode of Backstage Stage with five-time Grammy-nominated musician Weedie Braimah. Weedie will appear for two shows at Dazzle on Sunday, November 5. Listen to the episode here:
https://www.backstage-jazz.com/episodes/interview-with-5x-grammy-nominated-djembist-weedie-braimah

10/21/2023

In addition to Backstage Jazz being available on all streaming platforms, you can also find it on All About Jazz.

Interview With Jazz Saxophonist Wil Swindler article by Steven Roby, published on October 21, 2023 at All About Jazz. Find more Radio & Podcasts articles

10/19/2023

Our guest today on Backstage Jazz is Denver saxophonist/flutist Joe Anderies. He discusses his music career, jazz education programs, and his latest release, Resonance.
https://www.backstage-jazz.com/episodes/interview-with-saxophonist/flutist-joe-anderies

10/18/2023

In this episode of Backstage Jazz, we spoke with Denver-based pianist Jack Dunlevie about his music and residency at Nocturne Jazz Club.

The podcast featured the songs “Bounding Main” and “Apex.”

Listen here:

In this episode of Backstage Jazz, we spoke with Denver-based pianist Jack Dunlevie about his music and residency at Nocturne Jazz Club.

10/17/2023

Our guest today on Backstage Jazz is jazz sax player Wil Swindler. He talks about his upcoming residency at Nocturne and the recent release of "Space Bugs."

The Wil Swindler Quintet will perform at Nocturne’s Jazz Dinner Club on Saturdays starting October 7. Guests will include Remy LeBouf, Briana Harris, Adam Gang, and Dominic Lalli of Big Gigantic. Personnel: Adam Gang - guest saxophonist, Steven Denny - piano, Matt Smiley - bass, Dru Heller – drums.
Listen to the show here:

In this episode of Backstage Jazz, Wil Swindler talks about his upcoming residency at Nocturne and the recent release of Space Bugs .

10/16/2023

Herb Alpert and Lani Hall at Gates Concert Hall last Saturday.

10/16/2023

Pat Metheny last night at the Paramount Theatre.

10/14/2023

We look forward to having Tyler Trepp from the nine-member a ca****la group Straight No Chaser on Backstage Jazz soon. He'll discuss their upcoming shows at the Paramount Theatre (Denver) and a new holiday-themed EP. Stay tuned!

10/13/2023

Our guest this week on Backstage Jazz is tenor saxophonist Taylor Clay. The Taylor Clay Quartet has begun their residency at Nocturne on Sundays. Listen here: https://www.backstage-jazz.com/episodes/interview-with-tenor-saxophonist-taylor-clay

10/13/2023

Were you at Kurt Elling's Boulder Theater show last Sunday? Check out our review on All About Jazz: https://www.allaboutjazz.com/kurt-elling-and-charlie-hunter-at-boulder-theater #

Kurt Elling & Charlie Hunter at Boulder Theater article by Steven Roby, published on October 13, 2023 at All About Jazz. Find more Live Review articles

10/12/2023

We're looking forward to having singer, guitarist, and producer James McAndrew (Milquetoast & Co.) on Backstage Jazz very soon. They'll be playing Dazzle on Sat, November 11, for a 7 p.m. show. Stay tuned!

10/11/2023

Watch for our upcoming interview with Five-time Grammy-nominated musician Weedie Braimah. He and his band, The Hands of Time, will perform two shows at Dazzle on Sunday, November 5.

10/09/2023

l-r: “Orange” Julius Rodriguez (keys), Kurt Elling, Charlie Hunter, and Marcus “Stix” Finnie. Last night at the Boulder Theater.

10/06/2023

Charles Burrell's 103rd Birthday tribute at Dazzle - a three-hour performance with Purnell Steen.

10/06/2023

This week's guest on Backstage Jazz is bassist, composer, and educator Matt Smiley. He shares with us several tracks from his unreleased double CD. Listen here:

In this episode of Backstage Jazz, musician Matt Smiley shares a few tracks with us from his upcoming double CD.

10/03/2023

10/02/2023

Backstage Jazz will be covering this show. Stay tuned!

Online Ticket Office

10/02/2023

We look forward to covering this show. Stay tuned!

OCT 15 | PARAMOUNT THEATRE

10/01/2023

"Jesse Cook is currently on the mend from COVID. However, he cannot perform his show this Sunday, October 1st, in Denver (Paramount Theatre) to the standard he expects or the audience deserves. On behalf of Jesse and his team, we appreciate your understanding. The show is being rescheduled for Monday, October 23rd. All tickets purchased will be honored at the new date." - Source: Bands In Town.

"Yup! It finally got me. I thought I could avoid it, but almost 4 years after Covid arrives, it finally struck me down this past week.
Please don’t worry, I’m feeling much better. But Denver, I don’t want to go onstage and give you anything less than the best show I can. So with a heavy heart I must postpone tonight’s show to October 23, at 7pm." Source: Jesse Cook's page.

10/01/2023

In the special edition of Backstage Jazz, musician Purnell Steen pays tribute to music icon Charles Burrell in preparation for his 103rd birthday at Dazzle Jazz Club in Denver.
https://www.backstage-jazz.com/episodes/purnell-steens-birthday-tribute-for-charles-burrell

Burrell is a classical and jazz bassist and best known for being the first African American to be signed to a full-time contract in a major symphony orchestra in the United States. He is often called "the Jackie Robinson of Classical Music" for this accomplishment.

Burrell also performed with the San Francisco Symphony and later became a prominent figure in the Five Points jazz scene of Denver, sharing stages with the likes of Billie Holiday, Charlie Parker, and Duke Ellington.

The music featured in this show comes from the rare 1979 album The Two Sides of Louise Duncan (Paragon Productions). "Alice Blue Gown" was recorded in concert on 3/19/78, and "Satin Doll" was recorded on 3/16/79 at Charley O's Supper Club in Lakeside, CO. The musicians are Louise Duncan (piano), Charlie Burrell (bass), Randy Miller (guitar), and Lee Arellano (drums). Thanks to Tad Wheeler for digitizing the tracks.

Thanks for listening, and please support the artists you hear by seeing them live and online. Purchase their music so they can continue to distract, comfort, provoke, and inspire.

For over 30 years, musician Purnell Steen and the Five Points Ambassadors have been dedicated to preserving and playing the Jazz and Blues music of Denver's legendary Five Points neighborhood. In the special edition of Backstage Jazz, Steen pays tribute to music icon Charles “Charlie” Burrell in...

09/30/2023

Would you like to be a guest on the Backstage Jazz podcast? Are you a Denver jazz musician with a new or upcoming release? Do you have an upcoming show to promote in Denver? Contact us: https://www.backstage-jazz.com/contact

09/30/2023

The Backstage Jazz show is available wherever you stream podcasts and features in-depth interviews with Denver’s finest musicians. This week, we spoke with legendary jazz pianist (NeilBridgeMusic)Neil Bridge and his wife/vocalist Karen Lee Bridge about their upcoming show at Dazzle on Friday, October 6, 2023. SHOW TIME: 7:00 p.m. Listen here: https://www.backstage-jazz.com/episodes/interview-with-neil-karen-lee-bridge
Message us if you’d like to be a guest on the show.

09/28/2023

We just interviewed composer and jazz saxophonist Wil Swindler for an upcoming Backstage Jazz show. We discussed his latest release, Space Buggs, and his upcoming Nocturne residency starting October 7.