City Jazz Sessions

Today's guest is John Covelli.

Today’s guest is Crunch Infinite. Visit IAmCrunch.com

Today's guest is Ron Jackson. New York Jazz 6 and 7 string master guitarist Ron Jackson is a composer, educator, and producer. Visit RonJacksonmusic.com

Today's guest is Bill Easley. Bill is a veteran celebrating is 64th year as a professional musician. He started playing professionally with his parents at the age of thirteen. The Bob Easley Combo played country clubs, dances, and nightclubs in and around his hometown of Olean, NY.

Born in St Louis Lacey is a  screenwriter and director. His influences include Steven Spielberg, the Hughes Brothers, Spike Lee, and John Singleton. Visit 4feetofftheground.com. Music by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" (Opening) and "In the Realm of Thought" (Closing) used with permission.

Cbabi (pronounced Kuh-bob-bi) birth name is Clifford Miskell, Jr., adopted his name CBABI (Creative-Black-Artist-Battling-Ignorance) during his time at Grambling State University and later adopted the last name Bayoc (Blesed-African-Youth-Of-Creativity). He is a visual artist and illustrator residing in St. Louis, Missouri. Visit CbabiBayoc.com for more... Music by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" (Opening) and "In the Realm of Thought" (Closing) used with permission.

Today's guest is Robert Eugene Nelson. Such great performers inspired 8-year-old Robert as Sammy Davis, Jr, David Ruffin, and others to seek his future in the performing arts. He’s won awards for his stage work and accolades for his singing. Visit http://WWW.IAMROBERTNELSON.COM or email [email protected]. Music by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" and "In the Realm of Thought" used with permission.

Today’s guest is Christopher McBride. Christopher, a saxophonist based in Harlem, was born in Chicago and started his professional career in 2007. His 2012 debut album is called Quatuor de Force. Visit http://www.crmcbridemusic.com for more Christopher McBride. Music by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" and "In the Realm of Thought" used with permission.

Today's guest is Joe Hanrahan. Writer, Director, and Actor also co-creator of the "Midnight" production company. He shares information about his latest masterpiece. Website: midnightcompany.com Email: [email protected] Music for the introduction and closing segments provided by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" and "In the Realm of Thought" used with permission.

Today's guest is Chuck Flowers. Chuck Flowers is a veteran singer/entertainer that has been a featured singer in his own Cabaret show at The Gaslight Theater in St. Louis, MO, The Gardenia in Los Angeles, CA and The Blue Strawberry in St. Louis!! He is also a St. Louis Entertainer nominee in 2016 and 2017 for best male entertainer! Music provided by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" and "In the Realm of Thought" used with permission.

Recent CD "Black Frequencies"Jahmal is a St. Louis native who excels as a bassist currently with the Gregory Porter band. http://www.jahmalnichols.net/ Music provided by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" and "In the Realm of Thought" used with permission.

Today's guest is Joe Hanrahan. See “St.Louis Woman” Oct 6-22nd. Metrotix.com for tix. ST. LOUIS WOMAN, a play with music starring LAKA, written and directed by Midnight’s Artistic Director, Joe Hanrahan. Visit Midnightcompany.com contact: [email protected] Music by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" and "In the Realm of Thought" used with permission.

Today's guest is Rich Pulin. He has spent seven decades honing his craft with such great bands as; the Tommy Dorsey band, Johnny Long, Richard Maltby, Bobby Morrow, and others.  He is also committed to full-time involvement in an early childhood music education program he devised and developed.

Ronnie Burrage and Laka talk about their upcoming projects.  

John overcame drug addition, alcoholism, and stage anxiety on his journey to recording "Live at the last hotel". It is available on many streaming services and you can catch more of the Hard Bop Messengers and HardBopMessengers.com.  Music by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" and "In the Realm of Thought" used with permission. 

A multi-disciplinary artist with work rooted in poetry, storytelling, sound engineering and activism, AhSa-Ti Nu utilizes her voice as a means of expressing soulful words in a contemporary context. Music by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" and "In the Realm of Thought" used with permission. 

Multiple award winner Lady J Huston has toured with Albert King, B.B. King, Etta James, and Bobby Blue Bland. She is a native St. Louisan and had settled in Las Vegas, NV where she reigned as The Las Vegas Queen of Blues. Visit www.ladyjhuston.com Music by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" and "In the Realm of Thought" used with permission. 

Today's guest is Vince Martin. Vince, a native of St. Louis, is a multi-genre performer who has appeared with great talent including, Grover Washington, Jr., Kiss, Parliament-Funkadelic, and others. For more visit Vince-Martin.com Visit City Jazz Sessions Music by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" and "In the Realm of Thought" used with permission. 

JD is an American multi-woodwind player, educator, and composer specializing in jazz and free improvisation. Visit City Jazz Sessions Music by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" and "In the Realm of Thought" used with permission.

Kelvin, a saxophonist,  lives in St. Louis and his music career extends more than 20 years. Visit http://saxophonistkelvinevans.com/.   Visit City Jazz Sessions Music by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" and "In the Realm of Thought" used with permission.

Denise Thimes is a native of St. Louis, MO, and daughter of radio icon, the late Lou “Fatha” Thimes. During her nearly 3 decades of singing, she has performed with great artists including Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, the late Clark Terry, Dr. Billy Taylor, and Benny Powell to name a few. Visit DeniseThimes.com for more Denise Thimes.  Music by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" and "In the Realm of Thought" used with permission. 

Eric Delente violinist Music by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" and "In the Realm of Thought" used with permission. 

Dave Grelle, composer/musician is a member of first-rate bands in the St. Louis area. A few include Dave Grelle's Playadors Mound City Starwolf Celebration Street Fighter  Just a few of the albums you can catch him on include:  Joanna Serenko - Best of Me  Funky Butt Brass- On Ward Hip Grease - Greasin' The Feed- Outsider  Tune in as we discuss Dave's start in music and his journey to becoming one of the most sought after keys player on the St. Louis music scene today!

St. Louis native Lynne Fiddmont graduated Boston University before attending the prestigious Berklee College of Music. She has worked with such artists as Kenny Loggins, Michael Jackson,  Whitney Houston, Kirk Whalum and Babyface. www.lynnefiddmont.com https://chinohillsfoundation.com/chino-hills-concert-series/ https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=groovy+people+lynne+fiddmont https://musicattheintersection.org/tickets/ Music by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" and "In the Realm of Thought" used with permission. 

Candice Ivory was born near Memphis, TN, to a family steeped in the musical traditions of the Mississippi Delta. She began performing professionally at 14, singing in jazz and blues bands led by Beale Street legends Billy Gibson, Calvin Newborn, and Charlie Wood.  www.candiceivory.com Music by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" and "In the Realm of Thought" used with permission. 

Music by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" and "In the Realm of Thought" used with permission. 

Katarra grew up in a musical family and began her career at an open mic. "My music ranges from emotionally explosive ballads to boom bap grooves to jazz centered Prometheans...all spilling from one place: the soul." https://katarramusic.com/  or  [email protected] Visit City Jazz Sessions Online Music by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" and "In the Realm of Thought" used with permission. 

Justin Hoskin is a singer/songwriter and a native of Collinsville, IL. In this interview, we explore his music and motivation. facebook.com/justinhoskinmusic  and [email protected] Music by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" and "In the Realm of Thought" used with permission. 

Mark Harris II is a prodigious keyboardist, multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and composer. Born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, he has always been surrounded by music. He credits his early influences to his father, a jazz enthusiast, and his church family. MarkHarrisJazz.com/ Music by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" and "In the Realm of Thought" used with permission. 

Oliver Lake is an American jazz saxophonist, flutist, composer, poet, and visual artist. During the 1960s, Lake worked with the Black Artists Group in St. Louis. He has appeared on more than 80 albums as a bandleader, co-leader, and musician. Gene Lake embodies the contradictions of modern music. He is an all-around drummer who cut his teeth on funk and jazz. He was born in St. Louis, MO, and lived there until age 14, when he moved to New York City and attended the High School of Music and Arts. Music by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" and "In the Realm of Thought" used with permission. 

Listen in as we sit down with THE Erin Bode (Indie-Jazz artist, singer-songwriter) to talk about her new album "Your Song, Vol 1", her ongoing project Your Song for Always, and upcoming performances! You will definitely want to hear this conversation with one of our St. Louis's greatest music treasures!  Host: Laka Producer: Warren Harper Production: Lion's Den Productions

Today's guest is Jahmal Nichols. He is a native of St. Louis, Missouri, also a bassist, composer, arranger, and producer. Jahmal is bringing the world a new sound, and a new voice to many genres of music. Listen to his latest BLACK FREQUENCIES. Visit JahmalNichols.net and JahmalNichols.com for more.   CityJazz Sessions is produced by Warren Harper.  Production: Lion's Den Productions Host: Al Caldwell Music by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" and "In the Realm of Thought" used with permission.

Listen in for our wonderful conversation with Quincy Troupe and Margaret Porter Troupe! Quincy has written several books. Among his most famous works are The Pursuit of Happiness and his classic memoir on Miles Davis "Miles and Me". His wife Margaret founded the The Gloster Arts Project which gives kids access to high quality arts education from well known artists. City Jazz Sessions is produced by Warren Harper.  Production: Lion's Den Productions Hosts: Ronnie Burrage  and Laka

Ron began playing the guitar at the age of 11 and played his first professional performance at the age of 15.  He has held faculty positions at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, the Wells Fargo Jazz For Teens Program, the Brooklyn–Queens Conservatory of Music, and Jazz At Lincoln Center. He is well known for his works with the 6 and 7 string guitar and bass. Listen in as we discuss his upcoming "Whatever's Open" music tour and his innovative INDIEGOGO campaign to fund his new album.    Hosts:   Warren Harper Laka   Production: Lion's Den Production Music by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" and "In the Realm of Thought" used with permission.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Caldwell started out as a clarinet player and moved on to the trumpet before learning over 20 instruments. He has played for a variety of entertainers including Vanessa Williams and works for hire on studio albums as a session musician. He has performed on a number of television shows.   Hosts: Ronnie Burrage and Laka Production: Lion's Den Production Producer: Warren Harper Music by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" and "In the Realm of Thought" used with permission.

Join us on this episode of City Jazz Sessions with our guests Niambi Jaha-Echols (inspirational speaker) and Rod Echols (Sound Therapist) as we take a dive into to deep conversations. You won't want to miss this interesting episode. Hosts: Leon Davis & Laka Production: Lion's Den Production Producer: Warren Harper Music by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" and "In the Realm of Thought" used with permission.

Join us for a conversation with Bluesman & Founder of Knox Entertainment, Mr. #IKnowTheBlues, Marquise Knox. Marquise has performed at several dozen blues festivals, performed across Europe, toured with ZZ Top, has recorded 3 albums, and also produces music events. Marquise hails from a musical family deeply rooted in the Blues. He learned to play guitar from his grandmother Lillie. He has performed with blues legends B.B. King, Pinetop Perkins, and David “Honeyboy” Edwards. Listen as Marquise answers the question, What is the Blues? and his journey as an artist and what he sees as the future of the blues genre.  We also discuss his Knox Entertainment event titled "Loop in Motion" held on the Delmar Blvd in St. Louis on September 10. The event hosts 10 music acts and several other activities to enjoy. That same weekend, Marquise performs at the Music at the Intersection festival at Grand Center. A festival with over 60 acts! The first of its kind in St. Louis.  Follow Marquise at www.marquiseknoxblues.com Hosts: Leon Davis & Laka Production: Lion's Den Production Producer: Warren Harper Music by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" and "In the Realm of Thought" used with permission.

Tune into our livestream conversation with acclaimed singer Brian Owens! We discussed the Music at the Intersection festival taking place Sept 10-12th. Brian is hosting 1 of the 6 stages at the festival, the Fox Theatre. We also catch up with Brian regarding his ever growing music and film projects along with his role as director of Life Creative!   Music and love define the artistry of singer, songwriter and dedicated community activist Brian Owens. These qualities radiate from all of his work, including his duet with five time Grammy-winning and legendary vocalist Michael McDonald on SOUL OF FERGUSON, and the heartfelt interpretation of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come". More about Brian at  https://www.lifecreativegroup.org/brianowenssoul.  Today's Hosts: Leon Davis & Laka Production: Lion's Den Productions  Producer: Warren Harper Music by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" and "In the Realm of Thought" used with permission.

Alonzo J. Townsend is a true torchbearer and carrier of the Future and The Legacy Of Blues In St. Louis. He is the youngest son of Delta blues legend and Patriarch of the St. Louis Blues, Henry James "Mule" Townsend and Blues Singer, Vernell Townsend. Alonzo has made it his passion and mission to carry the heritage and become "the voice" of St. Louis' treasured history and vibrant music scene. Alonzo Townsend, founder of Townsendx3 Agency, LLC. Alonzo continues to make significant contributions to the St. Louis music scene and beyond with his management of International recording artist and St. Louis native, Tonina, brand management for Hip-hop heavyweight and recording artist, Mvstermind and Hip-Hop/Soul Artist, LLManny.  He is answering the call to further build the legacy of great music in St. Louis music where the foundation was laid by his father the late blues legend, St. Louis Walk of Fame Inductee and Grammy Winner, Henry J. Townsend (Mule). His father recorded in every decade since 1929 making him the longest recording American blues artist. Outside of managing artists, further developing the legacy of great music in St. Louis, Alonzo is a spoken word artist in his own right. He released a notable recording, "A Letter To My City" as part of the 18 N 18 St. Louis Blues Society compilation album.  You don't want to miss this conversation as we discuss the state of the music scene in St. Louis, Alonzo's work in managing artists, his vision for our beloved city, and some tips for music industry professionals trying to make it   Music by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" and "In the Realm of Thought" used with permission. Hosts: Leon Davis & Laka Production: Lion's Den Production Producer: Warren Harper

City Jazz Sessions welcomes American Saxophonist, Eric Person. He is prolific as a composer, and ubiquitous as a musical collaborator and artist. In this episode Eric details his early struggles with making it in New York at the age of 19 after moving from St. Louis. His upbringing in faith not only helped fuel his determination to follow his dream, but also influenced many of his album recordings. Thus far, Eric has released 10 records (Duoscope, Thoughts on God, The Grand Illusion, Rhythm Edge, Reflections, Live at Big Sur, Extra Pressure, More Tales to Tell, Prophecy, and Arrival).  After a 6 year hiatus from releasing albums what Eric has on the horizon is some of his most selective work to date. Stay tuned for the release of "Blue Vision" from his label. Learn more at ericperson.com.  Hosts: Ronnie Burrage & Laka Producer: Warren Harper Production: Lion's Den Production

In this episode we talk with Russell Gunn, Pan-African Composer, producer and Trumpeter. While his initial musical interest was American Hip-Hop, he has been celebrated as a Jazz trumpeter from his early years to this day. Gunn is the founder, composer, and director of contemporary big band ‘The Royal Krunk Jazz Orkestra’, with three releases to date - Get It How You Live, Pyramids and his most recent record - The Sirius Mystery.  Listen in as we discuss his latest record among other favorite works. While Russell is grounded from his East Saint Louis upbringing, he soars beyond with his ancestral Mail roots, weaving his knowledge of space and planetary positions throughout his new records. He continues to reach higher heights as a musician, but has found his true unique gift to be composing. Russell does not define himself by his accomplishments as his inherent value has already been written in the stars. Hosts: Ronnie Burrage and Laka Producer: Warren Harper Production: Lion's Den Productions  

Hip hop and jazz pianist Chris Swan details the real life story of so many musicians who take the roles that help to pay the bills, but ultimately leave one unfulfilled. Through his struggles he came to realize that there was nothing more important than the pursuit of his dreams and the intention to live a life with as little regret as possible. From St. Louis to the Big Apple and also the twists and turns in between, he has acquired tools to pursue the life he WANTS to live. Music is not just about the sounds, but the human lives that create this beautiful energetic art and energy. Behind the music is a true human experience.  This episodes hosts: Laka, Leon Davis, Warren Harper

Tune in as hosts Ronnie Burrage and Laka interview guitarist/composer Kelvyn Bell, leader of the avant-funk band Kelvynator.  They discuss Kelvyn's experimental approach to creating music, St. Louis roots, his work as a teacher in producing some of the greatest musicians around the globe, the many avenues that his music career has taken him, influences and philosophies. Kelvyn poignantly states, "Some folks think the blues is sad but it’s actually a healing force for the community just like church.” City Jazz Sessions podcast opening and closing music is by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" used with permission.  

Listen in as we interview keyboardist, producer, songwriter/arranger, and vocalist Ryan Marquez. We discuss his newest album, Saint Unity along with his journey as an artist, his strength of collaborating with the best of the best musicians in the Lou, and most importantly the conscious in the keys! This episode of City Jazz Sessions is hosted by local singer Laka and podcaster Leon Davis Jr. City Jazz Sessions is presented by Warren Harper.

We talk with St. Louis native jazz trumpeter Keyon Harrold.  Tune in as we discuss Keyon's journey as an artist, his new role as Jazz St. Louis' creative advisor, his new music, and the Future of the Trumpet! Hosts are renown Jazz drummer Ronnie Burrage & and local soul singer Laka!  Learn more about Keyon at http://www.keyonharrold.com/ City Jazz Sessions is presented by Warren Harper Jr with technical support from Leon Davis Jr.