Ep. 78-Creativity from an artificial source—my conversation with Steve Lehman

In this episode, I sit down with Steve Lehman, visionary alto saxophonist and composer, to discuss his project "Ex Machina," a collaboration with the grammy-nominated Orchestre National de Jazz (ONJ). We talk in detail about his approach to composing and how the process varies according to the size of the group he's composing for—big bands versus quartets—and how he writes for other musicians so that they can shine while leaving space for his own solos. We compare classical to jazz and their differing approaches to improvisation, as well as improv in general, exemplified in his latest work, an interweaving of forms and patterns. Last but not least, we discuss his musical influences, including trombonist George Lewis and alto saxophonist Jackie McLean, with whom he studied for several years."Ex Machina" releases September 15, 2023MUSICIANS-Steve Lehman - alto saxophone, electronicsJonathan Finlayson - trumpetChris Dingman - vibraphoneMembers of Orchestre National de JazzFrédéric Maurin - direction, electronicsFanny Ménégoz - flute, alto flute, piccoloCatherine Delaunay - clarinet, basset hornJulien Soro - tenor saxophone, clarinetFabien Debellefontaine - baritone saxophone, clarinet, fluteFabien Norbert - trumpet, flugelhornDaniel Zimmermann - tromboneChristiane Bopp - tromboneFanny Meteier - tubaBruno Ruder - piano, synthesizerStéphan Caracci - vibraphone, marimba, glockenspiel, percussion, synthesizerRafaël Koerner - drumsSarah Murcia - double bassJérôme Nika - generative electronics creation & artistic collaborationDionysios Papanikolaou - IRCAM electronicshttps://www.stevelehman.com/