Podcast 607: A Conversation with Jimmy Katz

Renowned photographer and recording engineer Jimmy Katz is launching Giant Step Arts, an innovative, artist-focused non-profit organization with a very simple goal - to help jazz musicians get the support they need for their most creative work. Giant Step Arts will launch with two nights at New York City's Jazz Gallery on January 21-22, presenting four sets by The Johnathan Blake Trio featuring saxophonist Chris Potter and bassist Linda Oh Giant Step Arts will present unique live performances by some of today's most innovative jazz artists, sharing their Intimacy and emotional intensity with the audience. A renowned engineer, Katz will also record the concerts, print CDs and provide digital downloads directly to the musicians to sell themselves. In addition, the musicians will be well-compensated for their performances and own their own masters. Photography will also play a key role in every Giant Step Arts presentation with supporting slideshows or gallery exhibitions that will be focused on visually revealing the inner nature of each artist. I spoke with Jimmy as the project was coming close to fruition.  As an award-winning photographer he is no stranger to the jazz scene, having documented the lives and music of the most illustrious jazz musicians performing in New York City over the past two and a half decades. We talked about his lifetime love of jazz, and how he hopes Giant Steps Arts will be the catalyst for some of the most memorable and exciting music of the future. Giant Steps Arts is a nonprofit organization and can donate through Fractured Atlas.