Welcome to another edition of The Pace Report featuring trumpeter, educator, and composer Sean Jones. Sean was recently in New York for his weeklong stint performing new music of his new Mack Avenue Records release, "Live From Jazz at The Bistro," his first live recording recorded at The Bistro in St. Louis. The album features Orrin Evans on piano, Luques Curtis on bass, and Obed Calvaire on drums. I had a chance to speak with Sean about his new record, on why his quartet has been so successful for well over a decade, elaborate on the trumpet jazz masters and his role as an educator at Berklee.For more info on Sean's upcoming club dates or to order his latest CD, please visit him online at www.sean-jones.com

The Pace Report: "Playing To Rainbows" The Jakob Bro Interview

joelovano: Spent some time hangin' with my man Brian Pace from thepacereport after a gig at JazzStandardNYC - check it out! https://t.co/V08FXNy3X6

joelovano: Spent some time hangin' with my man Brian Pace from thepacereport after a gig at JazzStandardNYC - check it out! https://t.co/V08FXNy3X6

— Modern Jazz Daily (@ModernJazzDaily) December 20, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/ModernJazzDaily December 20, 2017 at 02:15PM via IFTTT

@fionabloom @sharoncarpenter @ayomusic @dromnyc @heybarry @abbesparks @thepacereport @wunderlust69 @nancydanino @fernfoxking ➖ 📸FOLLOW THE LINK IN MY BIO FOR MORE PHOTOS📷🔹 A freelance live performance, event, lifestyle and studio photographer with an instinct for shooting extraordinary candids #SeeLoveShoot 👀❤️📸 #seanjamar #eventphotography #concertphotogrphy #candids #liveperformance #photography #lifestyle #wardnassegallery #burlesque #pdpphotollc #nikonphotography #gigphotography #musicphotography #concert #music #eventphotographer #SeanJamarDOTcom #NikonD600 (at DROM)

The Pace Report: "The Rebirth of a Modern Jazz Pianist" The Billy Childs Interview

Welcome to a very special edition of The Pace Report featuring Three-Time-Grammy Award winning pianist and arranger Billy Childs. He was in NYC recently performing new music from his latest Mack Avenue Release "Rebirth," his first straight-ahead piano jazz project in over a decade. His weeklong sold-out sets featured Steve Wilson on saxophones, Ari Hoenig on drums, and Hans Glaweischnig on bass.

Billy has been one of the most in-demand arrangers on the popular and jazz scene working with likes of Dianne Reeves, Sting, Chris Botti, Gladys Knight, Yo-Yo Ma, and David Foster. In 2000 he formed his critically-acclaimed Jazz Chamber Ensemble. In 2015 Billy won a Grammy for Best Arrangement Instruments and Vocals, "New York Tendaberry," from his successful Laura Nyro tribute album, "Map To The Treasure Reimagining Laura Nyro."

I down with Bill during his weeklong stint at the Jazz Standard to talk about his return to straight-ahead jazz, his musical influences, and how composing helped him develop into a better pianist.

For more information on Billy's upcoming club dates or to order his latest CD "Rebirth," please visit him online at billychilds.com or on Facebook.com/Billy-Childs

The Pace Report: "The Art and Soul of Miss. Polly Gibbons" The Polly Gibbons Interview

Welcome to another edition of The Pace Report featuring UK Jazz and Soul vocalist Polly Gibbons performing new music from her Resonance Records release "Is It Me?" at the Iridium in New York City. "Is It Me?" is Polly's third release and features songs she's written as well as covers like Thomas Dolby's "Ability to Swing," Grady Tate's "Sack Full Of Dreams," and Frank Sinatra's "Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams."

Polly's music directors for her latest CD are pianist and accompanist Tamir Hendelman and James Pearson.

During Polly's performance in New York she was backed by Shedrick Mitchell on organ and keys, Paul Bollenback on guitar, Richie Goods on bass, and Mark McLean on drums.

I had a chance to sit down with Polly to talk about her new record, her musical influences, and how jazz vocalist Ian Shaw played an important role in starting her career.

For more info on Polly's upcoming club dates or to order her latest CD "Is It Me?", please visit her online at www.pollygibbons.com.

The Pace Report: "The Bad Ass and Ever Talented, Raul Midón!" The Raul Midón Interview

Guitarist, percussionist, vocalist and songwriter Raul Midón has brought a strong and authentic voice to contemporary music by way of jazz, world music, and R & B. His ninth release, 'Bad Ass and Blind,' on Artistry Music proves that honesty and playing music outside the commercial confines of the record industry can reap success on another level. Raul's new CD showcases his deep scope of his musical range and his mastering of producing and conceiving his ideas to fans all over the world.

Throughout his career he's been a session musician who's toured and recorded with the likes of Jose Feliciano, Shakira, Julio Iglesias, and DJ Louie Vega. While living in Miami he decided to move to New York City where he decided to pursue his a career as a solo artist. The late Arif Mardin produced Raul's debut recording "State of Mind" which featured performances with Stevie Wonder and Jason Mraz.

Over the last decade his music has been featured in Spike Lee's film, She Hate Me, and the film The Peaceful Warrior. He's also collaborated with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Larry Kline, Richard Bona, Bill Withers, and Marcus Miller.

I sat down with Raul while he was in New York recently for his official kick-off of his world tour as well as seminar he held at Guitar Center at Times Square.

For more info on Raul's upcoming tour dates or to order his latest CD 'Bad Ass and Blind' please visit him online at raulmidon.com

The Pace Report: "Turning A New Page" The Claudia Acuña Interview WSG Grègoire Maret

Welcome to another edition of The Pace Report featuring vocalist Claudia Acuña performing new music from her new album "Turning Pages."

Claudia was raised in Santiago, Chile and established herself as a young vocalist then made the plunge to New York City in 1995. As began to make a name for herself in New York, she was mentored by pianist Harry Whitaker. Claudia performed at some of the top jazz clubs in New York like Bradley's, Sweet Basil, and Arturo's. In a short time, she collaborated with the likes of George Benson, Joey Calderazzo, Tom Harrell, Jason Lindner, Arturo O'Farrill, Guillermo Klein, and bassist Avishai Cohen. She made her recording debut in 2000 with her critically-acclaimed recording "Wind From the South."  

On her latest release "Turning Pages" she collaborated with pianist/composer Ray Angry and features  Gregoire Maret on harmonica.

I sat down with Claudia to talk about her new album, reflections of her native Chile, and her mentors Harry Whitaker and Abbey Lincoln.

For more info on Claudia's upcoming club dates or to order her latest CD, please visit her online at www.claudiaacunamusic.com or Facebook.com/ClaudiaAcunaMusic.

The Pace Report: "Universal Joey" The Joey DeFrancesco Interview

Welcome to another edition of The Pace Report featuring legendary jazz organist, Joey DeFrancesco performing new music from his latest Mack Avenue Records release, "In The Key of the Universe."

Joey's new album features jazz and saxophone icon Pharaoh Sanders, drummer Billy Hart, percussionist Sammy Figueroa, and saxophonist Troy Roberts.

On the new record, Joey performs a new version of Pharaoh Sanders's classic, "The Creator Has A Master Plan," from his iconic album "Karma," which marks the 50th anniversary. "In The Key of the Universe" focuses Joey's spiritual growth as a musician and person channeling what jazz legend John Coltrane pioneered in the late 1960s, 'Spiritual Jazz.'

Joey performed the new music last week at The Jazz Standard after returning from a stint in Japan with is trio featuring Billy Hart and Troy Roberts. I sat down with Joey briefly to talk about his spiritual growth, his collaborating with icons Pharoah Sanders and Billy Hart, and how music has changed him as a composer and performer.

For more info on Joey's upcoming club and tour dates please visit him online at www.joeydefrancesco.com or Facebook.com/JoeyDeFrancescoFanPage. To order his latest CD, please visit MackAvenue.com or Amazon.com

The Pace Report: "Mr. Soulful Soul Fingers" The Bobby Broom Interview

Welcome to another edition of the Pace Report featuring guitarist Bobby Broom and the Organi-Sation performing music from his latest CD "Soul Fingers." The Harlem, New York native formed this new group when he was asked to open for an upcoming tour for Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, Steely Dan. The Organi-Sation features Kobie Watkins on drums and Ben Paterson on Hammond B3.

Over a span of over four decades, Bobby has had the honor to record, tour, and play with the likes of Dr. Lonnie Smith, Art Blakey, Dave Grusin, Al Haig, Sonny Rollins, Donald Byrd, and Hugh Masekela.

I sat down with Bobby last week at Dizzy's to talk about his new group, his love the organ in jazz music, and how the band stage helped him perfect his art as a guitarist.

For more info on Bobby's upcoming tour dates or to order his latest CD, please visit him online at www.bobbybroom.com

The Pace Report: "Celebrating Carnival: The Sound of a People" The Etienne Charles Interview

Welcome to another edition of The Pace Report featuring trumpeter, composer, and educator Etienne Charles. Etienne's latest project, "Carnival: The Sound Of A People," explores and showcases the past and present of the music of his native Trinidad. The project was funded through a Guggenheim Fellowship which allowed him to travel all the islands of Trinidad and Tobago to record and document the work of the musicians, dancers, performers, and costume makers that make up Carnival. The music and compositions focus on a lot of the Trinidadian culture and features some of the most important young jazz musicians in the business featuring James Francies, Luques Curtis, Christian Sands, Sullivan Fortner, David Sanchez, and Ben Williams.

In addition to Etienne's music being featured online, he also showcases a heavy video component that shows him traveling across Trinidad. I sat down with Etienne to talk about conducting the research on Carnival, explains the musical styles of Trinidad as it relates to jazz, and his role as Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at Michigan State University.

Etienne's latest recording is now available on vinyl, CD, and digital download on i Tunes, Amazon.com, and CD Baby. For more info on his upcoming tour dates please visit him online at www.etiennecharles.com and Faceboo.com/etiennejazz

The Pace Report: "Playing In The Moment" The Pat Bianchi Interview

Welcome to another edition of The Pace Report featuring jazz organist Pat Bianchi performing new music from his latest Savant Records release, "In The Moment." Pat's album has held the number one and two position on the Jazz radio since late December 2018.

Last week Pat played the Jazz Standard with his quartet featuring Joe Locke on vibes, Paul Bollenback on guitar, and Byron Landham on drums.

Over the last decade, Pat has played and recorded with the likes of Pat Martino, Lou Donaldson, Javon Jackson, Winard Harper, Alvin Queen, Mark Whitfield, Chuck Loeb.

I sat down with Pat to talk about his new album, his musical influences, and reflections on playing with jazz legends Pat Martino and Papa Lou Donaldson. For more info on Pat's upcoming club dates or to order his latest CD, please visit him online at www.patbianchi.com

The Pace Report: "Revisiting Another Earth" The Gary Bartz Interview with Pharoah Sanders & Charles Tolliver

Welcome to this special edition of The Pace Report. One of the many highlights of this year's 2019 New York City Winter Jazz Fest is Revive Music's set featuring legendary saxophonist Gary Bartz performing music of the 50th anniversary of "Another Earth" at the famed le Possion Rouge.

Released in 1968, "Another Earth" was Bartz's second release as a leader featuring Pharoah Sanders, Charles Tolliver, Stanley Cowell, and Freddie Waits. The album was produced by NEA Jazz Master and legendary jazz producer Orrin Keepnews released on Milestone Records.

Gary was in town all week for Jazz Congress, Winter Jazz Fest performances, and performed at trumpeter Roy Hargrove's memorial service.

I had a chance to sit down with Gary to talk about and reflect on "Another Earth" 50 years later, him interacting with the original musicians, and his role as a bandleader. Also, reflect on the life of Roy Hargrove, and his role as a composer and jazz educator.

Revive Music's "Another Earth" performance features Gary Bartz on alto saxophone, Pharoah Sanders on tenor saxophone, Charles Tolliver on trumpet, James King on Bass, Bruce Edwards on guitar, and Nasheet Waits on drums. #2019NYCWJF #ReviveMusic #GaryBartz #ThePaceReport #PharoahSanders 

The Pace Report: "Treasure Full of Junk" The Hailey Tuck Interview

Welcome to another edition of The Pace Report featuring the debut of vocalist Haley Tuck performing at the 2019 NYC Winter Jazz Festival at Public Arts. Haley's debut album "Junk" was produced by the legendary Larry Kline has worked with some of the most important vocalists ranging from Joni Mitchell, Julia Fordham, Tracy Chapman, and Melody Gardot.

Inspired by film actress and dancer Louise Brooks and vocalist Blossom Dearie, Haley's musical repertoire is diverse and includes songs from Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchel, Ray Davies, and Paul McCartney.

The Austin, Texas native has developed her career in France and the U.K. and has released to successful and critically-acclaimed EPs. Hailey's journey is about to being here in the States and will be playing more clubs here later during the year.

I sat down with Hailey after the performance to talk about her overseas musical background, how she's able to sing modern music versus the traditional American songbook, and how she's breaking the American market.

For more info on Hailey's upcoming club dates or to order her debut Sony Music release "Junk," please visit her online at www.haleytuckmusic.com or Facebook.com/haileytuck.

The Pace Report: "On Being Andy Milne" The Andy Milne Interview

Welcome to another edition of The Pace Report featuring pianist, composer, educator, and bandleader Andy Milne. His latest Sunnyside Records release, "The Seasons of Being," is nominated for a Grammy for Best Jazz Instrumental Recording. Milne and his band Dapp Theory recently performed the new music at the famed Jazz Gallery in New York City.

Andy Milne and Dapp Theory has been together for over a decade and showcases his hybrid of jazz, spoken word, and compositions. The album features musicians Ben Monder, Ralph Alessi, La Tayna Hall, Michael Attias, and Chris Hoffman.

Milne and I sat down for a few minutes to talk about his latest CD, reflect on his role as a Professor, pianist, and composer Muhal Richard Abrams, and his band Dapp Theory.

For more info on Andy's upcoming tour dates or to order his latest CD, please visit him online at www.andymilne.com.