Improv Exchange Podcast

Episode #170: Elio Villafranca

Born in the Pinar del Río province of Cuba, Steinway Artist, Grammy Nominated, and 2014 Jalc Millennium Swing Award! recipient pianist and composer Elio Villafranca was classically trained in percussion and composition at the Instituto Superior de Arte in Havana, Cuba.

Since he arrived in the U.S. in mid-1995, Elio Villafranca has been at the forefront of the latest generation of remarkable pianists, composers, and bandleaders. NYC Jazz Record selected his concert Letters to Mother Africa as Best Concerts in 2016. In 2015, Mr. Villafranca was among the 5 pianists hand-picked by Chick Corea to perform at the first Chick Corea Jazz Festival, curated by Chick himself at JALC. Elio Villafranca’s new album Caribbean Tinge (Motema), received a 2014 Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik Nomination by the German Records Critics Award, as well has been selected by JazzTimes and DownBeat magazines for a feature on their very competitive section Editor’s Pick. He also received a 2010 Grammy Nomination in the Best Latin Jazz Album of the Year category. In 2008 The Jazz Corner nominated Elio Villafranca as pianist of the year. That year, Mr. Villafranca was also honored by BMI with the BMI Jazz Guaranty Award. He received the first NFA/Heineken Green Ribbon Master Artist Music Grant for the creation of his Concerto for Mariachi, for Afro-Cuban Percussion and Symphony Orchestra. Finally, his first album, Incantations/ Encantaciones, featuring Pat Martino, Terell Stafford, and Dafnis Prieto was ranked amongst the 50 best jazz albums of the year by JazzTimes magazine in 2003.

Over the years Elio Villafranca has recorded and performed nationally and internationally as a leader, featuring jazz master artists such as Pat Martino, Terell Stafford, Billy Hart, Paquito D’Rivera, Eric Alexander, Lewis Nash, David Murray, and Wynton Marsalis among others. As a sideman, Elio Villafranca has collaborated with leading jazz and Latin jazz artists including: Chick Corea, Jon Faddis, Billy Harper, Sonny Fortune, Giovanni Hidalgo, Miguel Zenón, and Johnny Pacheco among others.

This year, in 2017 Elio Villafranca received The Sunshine Award, founded in 1989 to recognize excellence in the performing arts, education, science and sports of the various Caribbean countries, South America, Central America, and Africa. He is based in New York City and he is a faculty member of Temple University, Philadelphia, The Juilliard School of Music, New York University, and Manhattan School of Music in NYC.

Episode #169: Pritesh Walia

Pritesh Walia is a virtuoso jazz guitarist, accomplished composer, and dedicated educator hailing from the vibrant city of New Delhi, India. His musical journey began at the age of 13 when he immersed himself in the rich traditions of Indian Classical Music. Fueling his insatiable curiosity for music, Pritesh sought Western influences, pursuing a lifelong mastery of diverse musical styles.

Armed with an Associate of Arts Degree from the Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music, a Bachelor’s Degree from Berklee College of Music in Contemporary Jazz Performance and Jazz Composition, and a Master’s Degree in Jazz Performance from the New England Conservatory, Pritesh has honed his craft alongside some of the finest jazz musicians in the United States.

Not only has Pritesh showcased his exceptional talent on global stages, but he has also formed collaborative partnerships with prestigious brands. During his tours of India from 2015 to 2017, he proudly represented leading musical instrument retailers. Sponsored by these industry giants, Pritesh conducted master classes and clinics across India, South America, and the United States, including two appearances at the esteemed Panama Jazz Festival. Pritesh's instructional prowess is further exemplified by his lessons and packages featured on renowned guitar instructional platforms such as Licklibrary.

Currently endorsed by elite brands like Gruvgear, Chicken Picks, Collings Guitars, and Antelope Audio, Pritesh continues pushing his musical exploration's boundaries. His passion for education is evident in his role as a Jazz educator at institutions such as Bunker Hill Community College, Brookline Music School, and Excelsia College Sydney, where he guides master's students in the art of jazz.

Pritesh is poised to make significant waves in the music scene with the upcoming release of his debut album, "Hope Town," scheduled for a fall 2023 release on all streaming platforms. This album, meticulously mixed and mastered by multi-Grammy winner engineer Dave Darlington, promises to be a testament to Pritesh's artistic vision. Additionally, Pritesh is set to unveil his organ trio, "PSA," in mid-2024, followed by a Big Band record featuring the Henry Godfrey Jazz Big Band and a modern Brazilian project with strings, both slated for release in late 2024. Recognizing his contributions to the jazz genre, Pritesh has been nominated for "Best Jazz Artist of the Year" at the Boston Music Awards alongside luminaries like Terry Lynn Carrington and Grace Kelly.

Pritesh has had the privilege of studying under the mentorship of illustrious figures such as Scott Henderson, Russel Ferrante, David Fuze, Tomo Fujita, Tim Miller, Donny McCaslin, Jason Moran, Miguel Zenon, and esteemed composers like Frank Carlberg, Ben Scwendenner, and John Heiss. His collaborations include performances with the New England Jazz Orchestra, the Maria Schneider Orchestra at the New England Conservatory, and renowned jazz figures like Donny McCaslin, Bob Sheppard, and many others.

Pritesh Walia's journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to jazz, a genre that encapsulates not only his love for performance and composition but also his commitment to understanding its intricate harmony, theory, language, history, and voice. As he continues to evolve as a musician, educator, and collaborator, Pritesh's impact on the jazz world is poised to reach new heights.

Episode #168: Michael Buckley

Regarded as the most important and influential musician on the Irish jazz scene, saxophonist/flutist and composer Michael Buckley has been playing professionally since the age of six when critics hailed him as a child prodigy. Born in Dublin city in 1971 Michael first came to prominence on an International level when, aged 10, he played flute with the legendary saxophonist George Coleman in the National Concert Hall. Though largely self-taught, his obvious talent has been developed by his father Dick Buckley, and such legends as Milt Hinton. Buckley has found his unique voice playing both saxophone and flute.

Buckley has been collaborating with the World Jazz Orchestra, where Michael represented Ireland, the Edinburgh Jazz Festival Orchestra (led by Tim Hagans), and small group tours and concerts with Dave Liebman, John Abercrombie, Joey Baron, Jason Rebello, Nils Wolgram, Tom Rainey, and Chander Sardjoe, to name but a few.

Now in his early 40s, Buckley is rapidly becoming the most important producer of his generation. With countless albums ranging from jazz to traditional to hip-hop, Michael is making a name for himself internationally as a producer and engineer.

Buckley has also performed and toured in recent years with The Mingus Big Band, Jason Moran, Kurt Rosenwinkle, Edward Simon, Pete King, Badal Roy, Kenny Wheeler, Lee Konitz, Grant Stewart, Ingrid Jensen, Guy Barker, Greg Burk, Damon Brown, Kevin Dean, Florian Ross, soloist with the BBC big band, Albert Sanz, and Gerard Presencer among others. As well as frequent radio spots, Michael has made numerous television appearances, regularly works on film and television scores, and recently collaborated on recordings with Donovan, the Cranberries, The Coors, Jerry Lee Louis, and Johnny Mattis.

Episode #167: Aubrey Logan

Trombone-playing singer-songwriter Aubrey Logan hails from the picturesque surroundings near Seattle, WA. Raised by her two music-educator parents, she began her artistic endeavors as a child singing in theatre and in church, Thoughtful songwriters like Billy Joel & Carole King influenced her early childhood via her singing mother and trumpet-playing father, as well as the soulful musicianship of American horn bands such as Chicago, Earth, Wind, & Fire, Steeley Dan, and more.  Things took an intriguing turn when she picked up the trombone at the age of 12, igniting her passion for the jazz tradition.

Aubrey possesses a distinct yet truly unique voice, able to take a song from practically any era or genre and really make it her own, through surprising vocal melisma, scatt jazz interludes, and a blissful warm tone that expands over her entire catalog of originals to innovatively-arranged hits.

Her accolades are as impressive as they are extensive, from clinching victory in the prestigious Shure Montreux Voice competition in 2009 to securing a full scholarship to Berklee College of Music, where she stands as an alumna. Notably recognized as a top trombone player by Downbeat magazine, Aubrey has graced stages globally, touring alongside renowned artists like Dave Koz & Postmodern Jukebox. For as much success as Aubrey has had in her career, she doesn't take herself too seriously. You’ll catch her often making highly entertaining and humorous jabs at her own craft on stage or posts on her social platforms parodying overly serious jazz musicians, overplayed Christmas music, or social media trends.

Aubrey attained the #1 Billboard spot for contemporary jazz with the Dave Koz & the Summer Horns album, "From A to Z," alongside the success of her own album "Where the Sunshine is Expensive." Aubrey's musical footprint can be traced from Seattle to Boston to LA, and now Austin, TX, where she continues to captivate audiences with her extraordinary vocals and unmatched Jazz finesse.

A seasoned performer, Aubrey Logan has toured extensively with her band across Europe and the US, performing her music to students and fans alike through engaging clinics and performances at various institutions. Her musical prowess has also led her to collaborate with symphonies and orchestras nationwide, with both her original compositions and covers being brought to life by esteemed orchestras like the Seattle Symphony, Boston Pops, and Cincinnati Symphony.

In a recent heartwarming ode to motherhood, Aubrey is gearing up to release a single in honor of Mother's Day, reflecting her newest role as a mom. Looking ahead, she is also currently immersed in creating her debut big band album set to be unveiled in late 2024, promising yet another dimension of her artistry to be enjoyed by music enthusiasts worldwide. Exuding lively youthfulness mingled with veteran musical maturity, Aubrey has a voice that seamlessly weaves through her songs with raw and natural elegance.

Episode #166: Yaron Herman

Yaron Herman is a celebrated French-Israeli jazz pianist and composer, widely recognized for his innovative approach to the piano and his ability to blend jazz with influences from classical music, world music, and pop. Born on July 12, 1981, in Tel Aviv, Israel, he initially pursued a career in basketball before an injury led him to the piano at the age of 16. Within just a few years, Herman’s prodigious talent catapulted him into the international music scene.

After studying at the prestigious Rimon School of Jazz and Contemporary Music in Israel, Yaron moved to Paris, where his career flourished. At 21, he released his debut album, Takes 2 to Know 1, and has since built an impressive discography of critically acclaimed works, including A Time for Everything (2007), Follow the White Rabbit (2010), and Alter Ego (2012). His 2017 album Y showcased his adventurous spirit, fusing jazz with electronic and popular music elements.

Episode #165: Russell Hall

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Russell Hall migrated to the United States in 2007 where his double bass studies progressed quickly through the rigorous programs of The Dillard Center for the Arts and The Juilliard School. Russell deeply understands the jazz tradition, having studied with many of the double bass world's most renowned artists including Ron Carter and Ben Wolfe. Still, he is also an artist looking forward with his own distinct approach to the double bass.  

As a first-call bassist in New York City, Russell has performed with some of the biggest names in music including Joey Alexander, Wayne Shorter, Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Jon Batiste, Roy Hargrove, Kathleen Battle, Christian McBride, Emmet Cohen, Russell Malone, George Coleman and many more. 

Well known for his work with the Emmet Cohen Trio alongside drummer Kyle Poole, Russell also leads his own bands, including Bessie and the Rainbowkids to much critical acclaim. 

Russell Hall joined the Discover Double Bass faculty as a jazz bass specialist in 2022 where he presented his course, Bessie’s Bass Busters. 

Russell Hall is well known as a member of the Emmet Cohen Trio and bassist for the wildly popular ‘Live From Emmet’s Place’ series. In this video, he was joined by non-other than the great Christian McBride for a tasteful double bass duo.

Episode #164: Donald Vega

Donald Vega was trained classically in piano in his native Nicaragua. He emigrated to the United States at age 14 and found a musical home with the Colburn School of Performing Arts (CSPA). He began his studies there in classical piano with Teresa de Jong Pombo and Dr. Louis Lepley. Vega started to learn the language of jazz from mentor Billy Higgins at The World Stage and continued at CSPA with Jeffrey Lavner, then later with bassist John Clayton at the University of Southern California. He went on to graduate from the Manhattan School of Music and The Juilliard School where he studied with piano great Kenny Barron, Phil Markowitz, and Gary Dial. Vega currently performs internationally as the pianist for world-renowned bassist Ron Carter’s Golden Striker Trio with whom he has recorded several albums. Mr. Vega is also a professor at The Juilliard School and Hofstra University and sits on the board of BackCountry Jazz. This non-profit organization provides music education programs and performances to underprivileged youth. 

Vega’s debut album, Tomorrows, was released in 2008 to rave reviews. In his sophomore album, Spiritual Nature (Resonance Records, 2012), he was joined by the regal rhythm tandem of bassist Christian McBride and drummer Lewis Nash. Vega teamed up again with Lewis Nash on his third album, Concerning Monty, (Resonance Records, 2015) along with Hassan Shakur, the great bassist and former Monty Alexander band member, and long-time friend and Grammy-nominated artist, Anthony Wilson on guitar.  Donald recently finished recording his latest album, As I Travel (2023), with Lewis Nash on drums and John Patitucci on bass, featuring Luisito Quintero on percussion. 

Episode #163: Corey Bernhard

Keyboardist, producer, composer and house musician for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’s band, Corey Bernhard will release his sophomore solo full-length album exploring themes of faith, God, love, and loss, A Blessed Leap into Eternity via Birdbrain Records on January 24, 2025. The seven original songs on the album are a sprawling, experimental, folk jazz suite rooted in Bernhard’s love of jazz, hip-hop, improvisation, and indie rock and he worked closely with engineer Michael Cumming (Sun Ra Arkestra, Odean Pope, Lotus, Orion Sun) in the engineer’s Kensington studio, Treacle Mine. “Michael and I were constantly experimenting with different sonic textures and effects to enhance the songs and he is a big part of the sound of the project,” says the composer. “He was also very patient during the mix process as we mixed directly from the board to tape.”

Each of the songs is infused with the composer’s love of musical collaboration as he recruited many of his musician friends in to help him fully realize the tracks and their soundscapes. The album features performances in addition to Bernhard on the keys, from saxophonist and woodwind player Yesseh Furaha-Ali (Snacktime), bassist Jon Smith (played and produced on Jazmine Sullivan’s Heaux Tales), and drummer Lenny Mobley (Lauryn Hill, Jazmine Sullivan, J Brown, YG Marley, Musiq Soulchild).

“With my first solo project, Fool's Pirouette, I was inspired by a lot of musical circles I was a part of that were focused on hip-hop,” says Bernhard. “I had spent a lot of time making beats with my old band (Killiam Shakespeare) and recording at Jazzy Jeff's studio, and most of my friends and collaborators who came through my own studio in Germantown to record were rappers and R&B focused singers. I'm still really happy with how that project sounds and proud of the insane collection of artists and musicians that are part of it. These days making beats just doesn't inspire me the way it used to. I've been playing with musicians like Charlie Hall and getting more excited about indie rock and folk textures. At the same time, I'm surrounded by a band at The Late Show everyday where everyone is a virtuoso on their instrument. I'm listening to and practicing a lot of classical music.”

“I wanted to explore all of that while recording this project. Lenny, Jon, Yesseh, and I have all been playing with each other in countless situations around Philly for the past 10 years,” he continues. “They are elite musicians who aren't afraid to experiment or head into uncharted territory musically. I had a few simple sketches of some tunes, but we recorded live as a band without rehearsing anything. Later we added some extra layers of instrumentation, but the meat of the project is the four of us being in the moment together. The way things came together despite not having a real plan or goal for the sound of the album definitely reinforced the concept of faith as a central theme of the project.”

Episode #162: Benjamin Makinen

Ben Makinen is an award-winning filmmaker, music producer, composer, and percussionist with over 40 years of experience in film, television, theater, and music production. A voting member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMYS), he is known for his compelling documentaries that explore the rich interplay between music and culture.

Ben has produced two acclaimed music documentaries, JazzTown and Who Killed Jazz, while his latest film, Echoes of Tradition, which delves into the Native American influences on the birth of jazz, has secured national distribution with PBS for 2025. His works are self-distributed through his company, Bmakin Film, with JazzTown available on platforms like AppleTV, Amazon Prime, Google Play, Vudu, and Rocky Mountain PBS.

Currently, Ben is in post-production on We Are Here: Women In Jazz, a documentary that addresses the challenges women face in male-dominated industries, featuring internationally acclaimed recording artists (The Manhattan Transfer, Veronica Swift, Ingrid Jensen, Erena Terakubo, Endea Owens…) His collaborative spirit has led him to work with 11x Grammy-nominated Native American musician R. Carlos Nakai, who served as both producer and cultural advisor for Echoes of Tradition.

Beginning his professional journey as a drummer in 1980, Ben’s early influences include jazz legends Billy Wallace (pianist with Max Roach) and Joe Bonner (pianist with Pharoah Sanders). Since 1990, he has worked as a music producer and composer, and in 2001, he founded Bmakin Film, focusing on diverse projects, including music videos, experimental films, narrative works, and documentaries. Throughout his career, he has produced and performed on over 50 albums across genres, from jazz and blues to pop, rock, electronica, new age, and opera.

Passionate about teaching and mentoring, Ben founded the International Modern Film Alliance (IMFA) in 2020 to promote storytelling through the integration of music and film. He leads workshops for children and young adults in Bali, Indonesia, sharing his love for jazz and cinema. Additionally, he is organizing Bali’s first AI International Film Festival, set to launch in 2025.

Episode #161: Koki Nakano

Koki Nakano is a composer and a pianist, born in 1988 in Fukuoka, Japan.

After graduating Music High School at Toho Gakuen School of Music in Tokyo, he enrolled at the composition department of Tokyo University of the Arts.

He has performed recitals at the Louvre and the Théâtre du Châtelet (Paris), Cadogan Hall (London), Lincoln Center (New York). He released his first album Lift in 2016, in collaboration with French cellist Vincent Segal under the Paris-based label Nø Førmat!.

​In 2019, Koki took part in a research workshop at the Reborn Art Festival in the landscapes of Ishinomaki‘s bay. Accompanied by renowned visual artist Kohei Nawa, famous choreographer Damien Jalet, and few dancers, they explore different points of fusion between the human body and the landscape.

​His second album Pre-choreographed is released in April 2020. Koki mixed his classical pieces with electronic sounds and he developed this relationship between dance and music.

In 2021, Koki composed the original music for Damien Jalet’s piece ‘Brise-lames’ and performed it live at Palais Garnier for Paris Opera’s opening gala.

His third album, Oceanic Feeling is released in 2022 as well as four musical videos gathering choreographers and dancers Tess Voelker and Nicolas Huchard, Marion Motin, Mourad Bouayad.

​Koki Nakano's new album Ululō is released in October 2024, in collaboration with singers Yaël Naim, Wayne Snow and Jordy.