Show Notes
Brandon Sanders, has always cut his own unique path. Born in Kansas City but spending his formative years in Compton, Brandon grew up in a musical household. He also honed his love of Jazz at the Kansas City jazz club, Casablanca, run by his grandmother. But first, college called. After playing basketball for a junior college near Los Angeles, he enrolled at the behest of his grandmother—actually, she did the enrolling for him—at the University of Kansas. While studying communications there, Brandon became a walk-on practice player for the top-seeded team in the country where quickly gained a reputation as a dogged defender. After receiving his undergraduate degree in communications, and Master’s in social work at Kansas, Brandon dedicated himself to that field. But eventually his passion for music caught up with him. So, at age 25, he taught himself how to play drums, until a Kansas City drummer named Todd Strait, who used to play with Marian McPartland, took Brandon under his wing. And with years of intense practice, Brandon attained such a high level of proficiency that he was accepted at Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music, where he formed friendships and musical associations with future jazz greats including Warren Wolf, trumpeter Darren Barrett, and drummer Kendrick Scott. He started playing in various bands at Boston clubs including Wally’s Jazz Cafe and the Wonder Bar, gaining experience that eventually led him New York. Now living in Brooklyn, Brandon has a third album titled “Lasting Impression,” on the heels of two critically acclaimed releases “Brandon Sanders: The Tables Will Turn,” and his first titled, “Compton’s Finest.” In this episode, I talk with Brandon about his remarkable career trajectory, and the forming of collaborations with a stellar list of jazz all-stars to create a path to his musical success.
More from All That's Jazz
It is rare that a journalist or podcaster gets an opportunity to have an extended conversation with a legendary, iconic figure in the music business. Recently for me, the stars were aligned when I was offered a chance to have an engaging dialogue with the "Maestro" - NEA Jazz Master and bass virtuoso, Ron Carter. As you know, Carter is one of the most original, prolific and influential bassists in jazz who also has a prominent presence in other music genres, as well. Our discussion gives you a revealing insight into this artist who is serious and passionate about his music and, as I discovered, also has a "serious" sense of humor. We cover a variety of topics, like his popular annual October residency known as “Rontober” at Birdland Jazz Club, his recent heart-felt jazz/gospel album, ‘Sweet Sweet Spirit’ - a tribute to his late mother - and a variety of other subjects, as well.
When you think of Texas, the first thing that comes to mind is probably not jazz. But there is a man named Doc Watkins who could change all of that. Watkins is a jazz musician, club owner, entrepreneur, tech founder, pianist, singer, and bandleader who is on a mission to build community through live jazz and hospitality. Ironically, Doc Watkins earned his bachelor's degree in classical piano from Southern Oregon University and his Masters and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Texas. Initially, he could be heard in a concert hall at the piano playing music like Ravel's Rapsodie Espagnole. But it wasn't long before he realized the classical music world was not going to pay the bills. So, in his late 20's, Doc began devoting his life pursuits to music like jazz where he could even make Beethoven swing. A new musical career path was launched. Doc started by playing “dive bars” and street corner gigs, all with the goal of eventually building a business organization. He opened his first club, Jazz, TX in San Antonio, in 2016; Doc’s in Houston opened in 2025, and he has a new club scheduled for Chicago in 2027. With 10 albums to his credit, Doc also performs with his eleven-piece orchestra. Plus, he is the co-founder and CEO of TurnTable, a ticketing and marketing software company created specifically for jazz clubs. Recently, Doc added author to his resume with a new book, “Jazz, TX: A Love Letter to Live Music, Community, and the Little Club That Could,” which is part memoir, part ode to jazz, and part entrepreneurial playbook. Join me now for a wide-ranging discussion with Doc Watkins that truly doesn’t miss a beat.
This episode is Part Two of our continued conversation with the gifted and engaging jazz pianist Benny Green. In Part One, we explored the stories and insights behind the decades-long performing and recording career of this renowned artist. Our focus of this episode centers around his latest solo piano release called "Renovation" on Sunnyside Records, which was recorded live at Dizzy's Club in New York City. This album features 13 tracks that includes eight original compositions! alongside tunes by Bobby Timmons, Randy Weston, Hoagy Carmichael and Frank Loesser, and Matt Dennis and Tom Adair. In my conversation with Benny, we explore the stories and inspirations behind the remarkable tracks in this project, beginning with its unique album title.
Benny Green has been described as "a consummate jazz pianist," "a prototypical modern jazzman," and "one of the most gifted jazz pianists around." His performing and recording career covers a period of 40-plus noteworthy years primarily centered around piano-bass-drums trios. Benny’s musical path, however, is now moving in a different direction that has taken on an emphasis as a solo artist. His latest album, "Renovation," on Sunnyside Records, is his first live solo recording, and it continues a solo piano lineage that began with a collaboration with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. We recently caught up with Benny for an engaging conversation that lasted nearly two hours. As a result, we have decided to present Part One of the story exploring Benny’s fascinating history. Part Two will take a deep dive into his latest project called "Renovation," his first live solo recording from a performance at Dizzy's Club in New York City. Join us now for Benny Green Part One, as we explore the development of this gifted artist and his musical journey that began in his hometown of Berkley, California.
Juno Award-winning artist, vocalist and trumpeter Bria Skonberg, shares the breadth of her vocal expression on her latest release ‘Indigo’, the anticipated partner to ‘Brass’, her earlier 2026 trumpet-centered album. Co-produced by Skonberg and her longtime collaborator, Matt Pierson, ‘Indigo’ is a celebration of song, singing, and orchestrating for all the colors of her vocal artistry. Asked frequently whether she’s a singer who plays trumpet or a trumpet player who sings, Bria says she’s “partly neither, and both entirely.” It’s a revelation from the artist who The New York Times calls “the shining hope of hot jazz.” Join me for my conversation with Bria as we explore the significance and meaning to her of the vocal side of jazz.