Bear's story is a fascinating one – starting in Chicago, where he first started playing bass guitar, then moving to Los Angeles, where he collaborated and recorded with some of the most illustrious names in the global music scene.
Mike Jeffers and Juan Pastor talk about the Upcoming Chicago Jazz Festival. Juan Pastor is on the Pritzker Pavilion Friday September 1 at 4:15pm.
Around Town with Mike Jeffers talking to Javier Red’s about his new release, Imagery Converter, Life & Umbrella.
Episode 073 of Around Town with Mike Jeffers features an interview with bassist Eric Hochberg previewing his upcoming performance at the 2023 Chicago Jazz Festival on Friday September 1, 2023 at 11:30am at the Von Freeman Pavilion with his group "Eric Hochberg's StringThing" featuring Mark Feldman, Larry Gray, Steve Million and Michael Raynor.
Saxophonist Chico Freeman sits down with Chicago Jazz Magazine founder, Mike Jeffers, for the October 2019 feature interview. Chico talks about growing up in a legendary Chicago musical family, the Freeman family. The son of Von Freeman, he shares stories about starting to play sax, attending Northwestern University, his decision to make music his career, moving to New York, performing with Elvin Jones, McCoy Tyner and many others.
Chicago blues legend Jimmy Burns talks about his background, his love of blues and how he rose to prominence on the Chicago Blues Scene! visit www.bluesinchicago.com http://www.bluesinchicago.com and www.chicagojazz.com http://www.chicagojazz.com for more interviews and information. #chicagoblues #bluesmusic #chicagojazz #jazzmusic
Episode 067 of "Around Town with Mike Jeffers" features an interview with the incredibly talented guitarist, Nick Moss, to delve into the making of his latest release, "Get Your Back Into It!" by The Nick Moss Band featuring Dennis Gruenling available July 14th on Alligator Records. In this interview, Mike Jeffers and Nick Moss talk about the creative process, inspirations, and concepts that shaped "Get Your Back Into It!" The collaboration with harmonica virtuoso Dennis Gruenling adds a whole new dimension to the band's sound, and Moss talks about how he first met Dennis and how the collaboration has evolved over the years. Visit https://www.bluesinChicago.com/ https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEpwcF9xNWU2b3FvV2lJMUszR0NPLWFhWFhEQXxBQ3Jtc0tuWW1DNk5OSW9OTWNGLWVLa0ttalNDTWEzTU9nbm40a2VqMzl5QmdOTzZ1elN3eHROdTdVWEVHb0lNMEI2Mmd0UXlUVTctck84TVFwWjRib2c3THZaUUtfRmNzM2pHS0EwNnZXREs3d0RqcU4tTldJTQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bluesinChicago.com%2F&v=LpEwhAry3is for more interviews Visit https://www.nickmossband.com/ https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTd4b29kY2NWcml0QXFqdDlHNktPUWc2a21vd3xBQ3Jtc0tuRXVaT0MxS2kxXy1TZDZFazl4MUt1RXFkXy10U3c5SnFNVW93bldxWFctY3MwTVh2Z3dLdUZXUDg4Q1BYTXVQOWdKbEptR0lIT0JXSnJPZ0wxN2xfaFBhMWN4NlA4MFk0NzVLRXdZaTg2U2NtZXB3Yw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nickmossband.com%2F&v=LpEwhAry3is https://www.alligator.com/ https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbkJwVEtYcDNYR3IzYjI4X0tPdmZhWjd2NWtzUXxBQ3Jtc0tuc0ZxOXVPN21Denk1QjVzMHR5NVJoZ1FwYmtvckp3QkplbVVjWE94eE04c3oxTEFGZ1dEZkhqY0lkRlBRaFJGSEc5Mndvd0hqT2pGY2tjQ0V2ZzcxblZ2R2pvUHBXUFY1WmdvNG83VzhxTTBfU0FUMA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.alligator.com%2F&v=LpEwhAry3is #chicagoblues https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/chicagoblues #bluesmusic https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/bluesmusic #bluesguitar https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/bluesguitar @mikejeffersmedia https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVnzGyxpN3k3ne0furKe9OQ
Chris Greene talks with Mike Jeffers about the Chris Greene Music https://www.facebook.com/chrisgreenejazz?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXmzYqnDAuYuz8dCVV9zCHJ7Jl97H_hSFdkk3olEwWdhPiTFLyhJGKjw25xuZO3eZQA23Sjo4A0RQyKcLzznTeuAhuXdTDp7uK_DPiPELuT4rtIB0fTNTOND4NbaKN5r6DsiAgmha3UYJZhFupSBustk8MRtrSwlM2mrH4K-Dpf_Zkd6aaDmEdGUcAjQ02Tuy0&__tn__=-%5DK-R musical journey and their upcoming performance at Evanston SPACE https://www.facebook.com/evanstonspace?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXmzYqnDAuYuz8dCVV9zCHJ7Jl97H_hSFdkk3olEwWdhPiTFLyhJGKjw25xuZO3eZQA23Sjo4A0RQyKcLzznTeuAhuXdTDp7uK_DPiPELuT4rtIB0fTNTOND4NbaKN5r6DsiAgmha3UYJZhFupSBustk8MRtrSwlM2mrH4K-Dpf_Zkd6aaDmEdGUcAjQ02Tuy0&__tn__=-%5DK-R on July 23rd on EPISODE 067 of Around Town! Visit www.ChicagoJazz.com https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ChicagoJazz.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0zyq1umiP90apoAn4C9531CgVA-tfPfFNfbck55XkgE0eincRyw2IsarU&h=AT0U6JyEuhJ5rtGRhinlQOuwaRhqeqgIfOiIAh0vhfbbS0_0EGIxxI__BPUL3CKPc9BLZWJAp6hU1jJnLjhBMauDwp_ngUxFtmT8XwHiEz9RmNPRTy2kffLirK-l_Pp6yhnJo9A&__tn__=-UK-R&c%5B0%5D=AT2R2SAM_AmDtpcxoKC-j-Dr1q__tjZ4kgDdWFtjAlcVsU3fp0-TEGOe4Q7QO5x1A9DHnLBH-eqmjtjQt4eNmtEEK5pGV1e2c31-6LZlIiRLte1VA5GcsF1Xse-mH-56AavKWkoZcclLWL9sfd5Bwa2Y-oxqFJlPBTRxj73VxKh9CxP_yojiZy01CkNDwb3lPcZap-v29H6kSgtclWzcI4DK for Interviews, Podcasts, Shows and more! #musicpodcast #chicagopodcast #jazzpodcast #mikejeffers
Vasti Jackson, 2 Time Grammy Nominee and Cultural Ambassador of Mississippi talks with Mike Jeffers back stage at the 2023 Chicago Blues Festival. They discuss the origins of blues music, Chicago blues music, Mississippi blues music and the importance it has on modern day music. Watch the entire episode here https://youtu.be/MifM4PQ9Exo Visit ChicagoJazz.com https://www.chicagojazz.com/ and BluesinChicago.com http://www.bluesinchicago.com for more Chicago music!
Chicago jazz saxophonist Eric Schneider has toured the world with the Count Basie Band, Earl "Fatha" Hines and many others. He has shared the stage with Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Sammy Davis Jr. and many others throughout his musical career. On this "Around Town Rerun Mike Jeffers talks with Eric Schneider about getting his start in music, joining the legendary Count Basie band, the things he has learned throughout his musical career and much more. Watch the full interview on Mike's Youtube channel https://youtu.be/q3-yzZ_-g4s #interview #musicpodcast #jazzpodcast #chicagopodcast
Chicago Blues Triple Threat Nigel Mack talks with Mike Jeffers about his new recording "Back in Style" and his upcoming release show at Buddy Guy's Legends https://www.facebook.com/BuddyGuysLegends?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVDfE5tUcpFWEvbjprpadtYT_ztZzYA1JE7kjda-15peVCJC6S-ATMp_WCCnqTGZrONmWbxhjOA8t7zhXiRoTQG7-z1Rr71ju_Xz7c4608r07CtqKYz5jxdj8vWXwMiyBNEIWg9HBSsX17q42Vgmg8Qiw5aqlxqxSAi3JtD-tzSWVIZiffvNzJ3aHuR1SJnFcY&__tn__=- on July 9th! Get more information at NigelMack.com https://nigelmack.com/ Watch the Interview! Subscribe to Mike Jeffers Media on Youtube Here https://www.youtube.com/@mikejeffersmedia
What a great experience talking with Sheryl Youngblood about her career in music on a new episode of "OPEN MIC". She has such a passion for music and people I hope you take a listen and check out her website www.sherylyoungbloodband.com http://www.sherylyoungbloodband.com/?fbclid=IwAR16RxZdX3purXn_XzQV0JY6fHXv_JbeupJbT6pdlOs_e-jDUEGn0VK_k60 https://www.youtube.com/@mikejeffersmedia https://www.youtube.com/@mikejeffersmedia?fbclid=IwAR3A14ocjlrUAuhkU1bwdvWjjKihX9f3z47nNhyrBtqFxeo-uxNJeTLdSqA Thanks to Buddy Guy's Legends https://www.facebook.com/BuddyGuysLegends?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZX5iY44v2PWa0zVv2WzoG55RsVcWx7PJb_6mwkbTIFHxBHLG-flVrU26DWrtPqn9xgCSzGeFBnqhaJN0t6i-VE5MDuW8wf5ifH4u9vZaJldX0NyYLDGU1-EOpCpGeX6APo7kUOltiCr5_-872vn-tCvxU-K0IFVE-t7uTeHqRmwWI8AQlWPfSsAgNwonQnrHfaSQpKv2l3mYr4ScU8jJVgJ&__tn__=-%5DK-R for hosting the interview!
Episode 061 of Around Town with Mike Jeffers features an interview with singer/songwriter/arranger Joanie Pallatto discussing her new release "Accidental Melody" featuring Fareed Haque on Southport Records. She discusses the concepts for the new recording and previews her upcoming release concert Sunday June 11th from 4pm-6pm at the Green Mill. Visit www.ChicagoJazz.com http://www.ChicagoJazz.com for all things Chicago Jazz.
Episode 062 of Around Town with Mike Jeffers features an interview with Kia S. Smith, the Executive Artistic Director of the South Chicago Dance Theatre, and Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few discussing the World Premiere of Memoirs of Jazz in the Alley at the Auditorium Theatre on June 10th at 7:30pm. Kia Smith, the daughter of the late great saxophonist Jimmy Ellis who founded Jazz in the Alley, talks about the history and process of creating this incredible show. Visit www.ChicagoJazz.com http://www.ChicagoJazz.com for all things Chicago Jazz
Open Mic with Mike Jeffers Wayne Baker Brooks previews his upcoming Chicago Blues Festival performance on June 8, 2023 and talks about growing up with his father, Chicago Blues Legend Lonnie Brooks and brother Ronnie Baker Brooks. Wayne talks about keeping his fathers legacy alive while finding his own sound and creating his own music. He shares stories about how his father, Lonnie, asked Albert King to talk him into playing the drums, meeting Muddy Waters on stage at Chicago Fest and much more. Visit www.BluesinChicago.com http://www.BluesinChicago.com for more information. #chicagoblues #chicagojazz #mikejeffers #waynebakerbrooks
Episode 001 of OPEN MIC with MIKE JEFFERS features an interview with Michael Lerich who, during the 1970's, 80's, 90's and early 2000's was one of the busiest and most successful music contractors in only in Chicago but the country. Starting out at age 22 Michael began working with bandleader Alan Kay, learning the business of contracting musical groups for private events and weddings. By 1981 he was contracting over 1800 jobs a year with numerous groups throughout the city of Chicago and employing hundreds of musicians each week. Mike Jeffers talks with Michael on how he started his business, the important things he learned when working with clients, what the keys to running a great event and much more.
Seven-time Grammy award winner, Paul Wertico Previews his "Letters from Rome Trio" and more on Around Town with Mike Jeffers. Seven-time Grammy award winner, drummer and educator Paul Wertico talks with Mike Jeffers on Episode 058 of Around Town and shares details about his upcoming shows at Andy's Jazz Club, where he'll be performing with his Letters From Rome Trio featuring Fabrizio Mocata and Gianmarco Scaglia on April 28th and 29th. Paul also previews his upcoming clinic scheduled to take place during the 32nd annual Chicago Drum Show https://www.rebeats.com/drumshows_start_page.htmlon May 20th and 21st at the Kane County Fairgrounds and he and Mike discuss the upcoming Roosevelt CCPA Jazz Festival at the Jazz Showcase https://www.jazzshowcase.com/nowplaying/ccpa111521-ewhxl-l3esn-4yj5g-m9htg-zd95h-n8pxa-6jhen-pgs9x-d6rzb-77yx2 on April 29th. Visit ChicagoJazz.com for all things Chicago Jazz #paulwertico #jazzdrums #jazzmusic #podcast
Join Mike Jeffers for a conversation with acclaimed saxophonist Chris Madsen as they delve into his latest album, "The Trio Book," featuring bassist Clark Sommers and drummer Dana Hall. Gain unique insights into Madsen's artistic vision for performing with only bass and drums as a saxophonist, and discover his innovative techniques for preparing to play in a group without a chordal instrument. Don't miss Chris Madsen's The Trio Book release show at the Epiphany Center for the Arts on Wednesday May 10th. Get Tickets Here https://epiphanychi.com/events/chris-madsen/ Get More Chicago Jazz Music News and Subscribe to our YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/chicagojazzmusic
Mike Jeffers talks with vocalist, Libby York, about her latest release "Dreamland" and the upcoming release show at Winter's Jazz Club in Chicago on April 20, 2023. Get to know Libby as she shares insights into her background, the inspiration behind her song choices, her passion for the lyrics, phrasing and more. Visit https://www.chicagojazz.com for all things Chicago Jazz #musicpodcast #podcastinterviews #jazzpodcast
Michael Stryker, Director of Jazz Studies at UIC, chats with Chicago Jazz Magazine founder Mike Jeffers about the UIC Jazz Festival happening on April 19th and 20th at the Epiphany Center for the Arts with special guest Jared Schonig. Learn more about this amazing festival and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of jazz with 2 days of performances and clinics. Michael also discusses the importance of jazz education for high school and college students and what are the crucial experiences that can help students develop into professional musicians and take their playing to the next level. Don't miss out on this informative conversation packed with valuable insights for any aspiring musician! Visit for More Information about the UIC Jazz Festival https://theatreandmusic.uic.edu/season/music-season-spring-2023/ They also discuss the the final installment of Jazz Prayer at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Oak Park on April 21st. Visit for More Information https://www.goodshepherdlc.org/jazz-prayer #musicnews #chicagojazz #jazzeducation #musiceducation
Episode 052 Around Town with Mike Jeffers In this podcast episode, Mike Jeffers sits down with pianist Marcus Roberts to delve into his long-standing collaboration with his jazz trio, comprising of Jason Marsalis and Martin Jaffe. Marcus also gives us a sneak peek into his upcoming performance at the Music Institute of Chicago at Nichols Concert Hall in Evanston on April 15th. Beyond discussing his trio's musical synergy, Marcus shares his insightful thoughts on the dynamic relationship between musicians and their audience, the changing perception of jazz in contemporary times, and the value of mentorship for aspiring musicians. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of Marcus Roberts' musical journey and the ever-evolving landscape of jazz. #jazzpiano #jazzpodcast #musicpodcast
Episode 051 of Around Town with Mike Jeffers features and interview with saxophonist Shawn Maxwell discussing his new release "Story at Eleven". This is his 11th release and Shawn discusses recording the project in one day and setting up the process so it felt like a live performance. He discusses how he continues to have a passion to compose and record and how after 11 recordings the way he conceptualizes his music has grown and encompassed all of the genres he is influenced by. Visit ShawnMaxwell.com https://shawnmaxwell.bandcamp.com/album/story-at-eleven for more information and the new recording. #jazzinterview #musicinterview #chicagojazz #chicago
Blue Note Recording Artist Immanuel Wilkins is Mike Jeffers guest on Around Town Episode 049 discussing his new release "The 7th Hand" and his upcoming show on March 28th at Constellation in Chicago. Wilkins discusses how he developed the compositions for "The 7th Hand" and the concept of the recording where the goal is to allow the music to flow freely through the musicians almost like it is coming from another place. You have to watch to hear this fascinating concept! Stream/Buy "The 7th Hand" at ImmanuelWilkins.com http://www.ImmanuelWilkins.com
Episode 047 of Around Town with Mike Jeffers featuring an interview with Tammy McCann https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063753032325&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXFeKzt7CwRkP8rNLlJFe8Jdxsddr5Wm_Bzrpw2rCl1bI5-6SwOpxBbpNWydcWvrYscRlPGvRHjkrE4GP6oG3XF454SicYXCxnI2sRo9f8ZtxBeNLDKyoWPmwUzbcVkBKGQHx2FwNOsqEshXcHfcpcehWAmaEPjdvau7Swm3jUbdUhf_O10p8uk_CyyB6pR0bY&__tn__=- talking about her new release "Do I Move You?" and her upcoming release show at Winter's Jazz Club https://www.facebook.com/WintersJazzClub?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXFeKzt7CwRkP8rNLlJFe8Jdxsddr5Wm_Bzrpw2rCl1bI5-6SwOpxBbpNWydcWvrYscRlPGvRHjkrE4GP6oG3XF454SicYXCxnI2sRo9f8ZtxBeNLDKyoWPmwUzbcVkBKGQHx2FwNOsqEshXcHfcpcehWAmaEPjdvau7Swm3jUbdUhf_O10p8uk_CyyB6pR0bY&__tn__=- on March 21st! Visit TammyMcCann.com http://TammyMcCann.com for her new release
Guitarist Donovan Mixon talks about his company Performance Ear Training which he launched during the pandemic on Around Town with Mike Jeffers. Donovan developed his ear training teaching technique while he was a professor at the Berkley College of Music. Developing the ability to play what you hear as a musician is essential to get the most out of your instrument. Donovan Mixon, professional musician and music teacher, talks about the importance of ear training for musicians. He covers different ways to improve your ability to hear and play music accurately, including online ear training tools and exercises through his company Performance Ear Training. More information https://performanceeartraining.com/ https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1NuMzVPMDhkUlR5MGpYQ3JoWnVwYTVzdFpvQXxBQ3Jtc0tsVG5vSjQzWWtCSEliOHlvbDNlVndpUjlpYTBCaTBoSGZ3b2l5VzBkLUJaUi1RUkczQS1ORGdheVcxOEh5WGVvWWFXMUZMU1hrbWlWZVF1a2VxdVVMNzlQWVptVmRxNFY5eGlEVEpPTUJzRWR5VkJCcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fperformanceeartraining.com%2F&v=L53_u5A_ELM https://www.chicagojazz.com/ https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbHhhT3R3NGNhQ0ZhX2ZQRy1sbUs5Ymt0SjY0UXxBQ3Jtc0tteEVSVHJZWHZwMENYZ1ZkM0ZtbzJKM2hjNm5oSkhaNTRXT1NuQ3EzVjBjdkFIUy1Wczd1ZVB0WjdYMVNaU2RYMUpqNktzNER1ZVVjb05rWkNnbjdyaTlXY0VrWGdIOVdweXhRNDM5STg2Vy1KRzB3dw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chicagojazz.com%2F&v=L53_u5A_ELM for all things Chicago Jazz
Episode 046 of Around Town with Mike Jeffers features an interview with Joel Baer and Chris Parsons from the Blueshift Big Band https://www.chicagojazz.com/post/iconic-video-game-themes-re-invented-for-big-band-around-town-with-mike-jefferstalking about their new release "Joystick Jazz" Iconic Video Game Hits reinvented for a big band. They talk in-depth about 1980's iconic video games, the theme music for the games and why they decided to arrange the theme music for big band. The band also has monthly residences on the 1st Thursday of each month at the Fulton Street Collective and the 2nd Monday of each month at Andy's Jazz Club. Get more information at BlueShiftBigBand.com https://www.blueshiftbigband.com #chicago #podcast #musicinterviews
Episode 045 of Around Town with Mike Jeffers features an interview with pianist/composer Lara Driscoll Piano https://www.facebook.com/laradriscollpiano?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZUWbZ626B8tngUbAAyJ6dRXMUg58RQ1ov1w0ODShETdrCz5yNRsjiqJCeoj2EWKYpkN-QVDxLffSoLasrw44S9Xg__9T9WVmVTKyJXveDMP1mhtrlIwiyJ-cEnHBpYLme3lkPL9waQf2oEkwe2cupfIno7B9WBJcu1926p0uZIEsCqSLuW4800hxwTwUxwgVh8&__tn__=-%5DK-R ahead of her double album release at Constellation Chicago https://www.facebook.com/constellationchicago/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZUWbZ626B8tngUbAAyJ6dRXMUg58RQ1ov1w0ODShETdrCz5yNRsjiqJCeoj2EWKYpkN-QVDxLffSoLasrw44S9Xg__9T9WVmVTKyJXveDMP1mhtrlIwiyJ-cEnHBpYLme3lkPL9waQf2oEkwe2cupfIno7B9WBJcu1926p0uZIEsCqSLuW4800hxwTwUxwgVh8&__tn__=kK-R on March 10th. Lara discusses her time studying in Montreal, composing and recording "Woven Dreams" her trio recording. She also discusses moving back to Chicago and forming her duo group "Firm Roots" with her husband Chris White. Get more info Lara's Show and Music at https://www.chicagojazz.com/post/around-town-lara-driscoll https://www.chicagojazz.com/post/around-town-lara-driscoll?fbclid=IwAR15cC8EDvROOdXZm-SCktiuWZq1WB0B56yhZUpM9cbwgKBJaz1feWSspG8
Bonzo Squad's Corbin Andrick Music talks with Mike on Episode 043 of Around Town now out as a video and a podcast. Andrick discusses their new recording "Pachyderm" and how the band keeps expanding their sound after all these years. Currently you can hear Bonzo Squad every Thursday Night at The ALive One starting at 10:30pm. Visit BonzoSquad.com http://BonzoSquad.com for details on the new recording and upcoming shows. WATCH THE EPISODE - SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL https://www.youtube.com/chicagojazzmusic #podcast #chicagojazz #musicpodcast
Jazz guitarist Charlie Ballantine discusses his new release "Falling Grace" his concepts on composing, what he gets our of touring and more on Episode 042 of Around Town with Mike Jeffers. Visit CharlieBallantine.com http://CharlieBallantine.com for tour dates and the new recording "Falling Grace". Watch the Full Episode at ChicagoJazz.com http://www.chicagojazz.com
Chicago Jazz Interviews on Around Town with Mike Jeffers feature stories of musicians, venue owners, promoters and music enthusiasts that keep the Chicago music scene thriving everyday. On Episode 041 Mike interviews trumpeter Markus Rutz who talks about his new recording entitled "Storybook". Just released this month, Storybook describes key moments in Markus's life through original compositions and songs that have inspired him throughout his career. For information about Markus Rutz and his new recording visit rutzmusicworks.com https://rutzmusicworks.com/pre-order-storybook