Interviews and Articles

Interviews Benny Carter Benny Golson Benny Powell Billy Pierce Bobby Watson Charles McPherson Frank Foster James Moody Joe Henderson Johnny Griffin Lee Konitz 10 Step Method Mel Martin (SJ) Mel Martin Interview w/ The Novato Advance 9/26/01 New Mel Martin Interview w/ Novato Advance 7/7/04 Mel Martin (Bell) Rufus Reid Stan Getz Steve Lacy Wayne Shorter Paul Desmond interviews Bird

Articles Be Careful What You Ask For Bebop and Beyond (The Concept) Clinician: To Be or Not to Be Color Me Blue Hearing is Believing How Deep Is Your Ocean? It Don't Mean A Thing Jump On The Net Parts 1-4 Listening Vs. Hearing May The Vox Be With You Rhythm Man The Art of Transcription The Concept The Melody Lingers On The Remastering of Miles and Gil The Rites of Swing The Song Is You The Zen Zone Voicings What Am I Here For? What Makes Modern Jazz Modern "The Legacy of Benny Carter" - Mel Martin on the music and influence of the legendary saxophonist and composer. My new article on the Jazz Times Web Site.

John Coltrane interviewed by Augie Blume
'Trane discusses spirituality, Monk, philosophy and Sonny Rollins.

45:00 6/15/58 Baltimore, MD

Sonny Rollins interviewed by Ralph J. Gleason
Sonny talks about his music and what he considers most important...rhythm.

8:25 3/6/63 San Francisco

Lester "Prez" Young Interview
A legendary interview with Lester Young done shortly before his passing. Unfortunately, he was drinking as the interview progressed. He liked to use...umm... colorful language so this one is 'R' rated.

31:00

Bud Powell InterviewRealAudio
A brief interview with bop great Bud Powell where he speaks of recent compositions, Monk and some of his favorite musicians..

5:00

Coleman Hawkins Interview
A long interview where he talks of his travels and early years, the making of Body and Soul, playing jazz in New York, rock and roll, and the state of jazz. He's got a wonderful speaking voice.

45:00

Max Roach Interview with Mel Martin and Dr. Herb Wong
A fascinating interview with jazz great Max Roach. We discuss the early days in New York when Max's first road gig was with Benny Carter. He was also working with Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker. Max explains why bebop became music that the audience had to sit and listen to.

42:22

Eli "Lucky" Thompson Interview with Daniel Brecker

A rare and important interview with one of the most underappreciated giants of jazz. Lucky speaks humbly and cogently about his times with Monk, Miles, Dizzy and Bird. He also alludes to why he quit playing. Done a few years ago, I believe he is still alive and, hopefully, well in Seattle.

46:34

Mel Martin Interview with Randy McElligott as recently broadcast on CHUO-FM in Ottowa, Canada

Mel Martin discusses his early years, many influences, his role in the San Francisco jazz and rock scene, his experiences with jazz masters Benny Carter, Dizzy Gillespie, McCoy Tyner, Joe Henderson and Freddie Hubbard and lots more.

59:17

Mel Martin and Tim Armacost Interview w/ Chris Cortez about The Tenor Conclave broadcast on KCSM October 13, 2004

Mel and Tim discuss the new Tenor Conclave band, the tenor tradition, working with Joe Henderson and more. 20:20

Sigurd Rascher Masterclass

This is a fantastic Masterclass by the great Sigurd Rascher, author of 'Top Tones for the Saxophone". This is a promotional film made for The Buescher Saxophone Company. This is a promotional film made for The Buescher Saxophone Company in the 1950's. Rascher discusses all the techniques in his book, performs with a full orchestra and lays out a solid basis for learning saxophone. Notice his fine use of vibrato even on overtone practice and use of the keyless saxophone. It's in three parts.
Pt.1
Pt.2
Pt.3