Hi all,

Due to some scheduling conflicts and technical difficulties the first podcast is going to be delayed by one week. The first interview with Kevin Korschgen was very rewarding and sheds a lot of light on teaching jazz at the high school level, as well as insight into what prepares a young mind for life as a professional musician. It would be a mistake to present this interview without recorded examples of these fine young musicians in performance and there lies the conflict. Also, this site is going to go through a lot of design changes in the near future, so with all of this going on, it's forcing postponement of the first podcast with a likely premier one week from tomorrow. Please stay tuned and all on the guest book will be notified. Thank you for your patience!

     On this first day, of the 11th month of the 11th year of this century, I am posting my very first blog. I thought about waiting till 11:11 p.m just to give it a feeling of incredible 1-ness.. but the truth is, I've been thinking about this site/ podcast for a long time. The fact that I took so long to get JazzTalk.net going is just  proof that I was really slow getting out of the gate. I've been battling the demons of doubt for a long time now, and finally realized I had nothing to lose and so much to gain in following this dream. Still, if it gives you, the visitor, any sense of importance, feel free to ponder all the 1's in today's date.  This is defintiely a first for me in many ways!

     It's my first website!  In it, I hope to connect the visitor with Jazz.  This site, however, will not serve as a venue for critiques of recordings or performances.  This website is about the process of jazz.  It's about the magic that takes place when "X" amount of musicians set out to perform.  It's about how so many divergent styles of playing this music can come together in one single ensemble and form a unified voice, or more accurately, come together while maintaining so many different voices!  Change one musician and you're listening to an entirely different ensemble; Democracy in the purest sense!

      It will be the first time I've reached out to jazz musicians in a way that involves something besides playing or hiring for gigs. My goal is to present to you two podcasts a week, hoping to interview anyone who is connected with jazz.  This will include musicians (obviously),singers, club owners, promoters, critics, even poets and artist. if they feel so inspired, I want their voices heard and their stories told.

     In order for me to make this website relevant to you, I need your help!  I am totally open to any input and constructive criticism you may have.  If you know people you feel would make for an interesting article, or podcast, I would love to hear from you.  I am in Chicago, and do make trips to New York on occassion. At this time I prefer my interviews to be face to face, so please keep that in mind.   I am so sure I could use a ton of help with the nuts and bolts of podcasting, and if you feel you have any ability... I mean ANY!!! please help!  I will aknowlege you big time, and won't forget the favor! I could probably even use some help proofreading...Hmmmmm????? Anyone?? Anyone???

     So, coming up, I have two interviews scheduled.  On Tuesday November 8th I am pleased to host Mr. Tom Madeja.  He is not only an incredible trumpet player, but also part owner of Brown Rice Performance Center, on Kedzie Ave. in Chicago.  We'll be talking about his space, as well as balancing different genres of music, teaching and oh, staying alive while doing all of that! My thanks to Tom for being the first.  (Someone has to do it!)

    On Saturday, November 12, please tune in, (log in,..download?) my interview with Kevin Korschgen.  Kevin is not only a fine drummer, he leads the Jazz Ensemble at the Chicago High School of the Arts.  I had the pleasure of hearing these superb young musicians rehearse under Kevin's guidance and I can't express to you enough how impressed I was with their poise and musicianship.  I hope to get a few of them to talk to me as well.  It's certainly refreshing to see such motivation and musicianship in such a young group. Kevin and I will discuss the challenges in Jazz Education, and balancing his performances with teaching.  I also am anxious to get his insight into the Thelonious Monk Institute, and other agencies in developing young talent. 

    I want to draw your attention to the calendar, as that will tell you about upcoming podcasts, and performances of the artists I have scheduled to interview, as well!  I have some other great ideas coming up very soon, so check in often.

     By all means contact me at jack@jazztalk.net if you have any input or ideas!  I'd so love to hear from you!  Oh..and most important... PLEASE VISIT THE GUESTBOOK AND SIGN IN!!! I want to keep you updated!

Jack

P.S. Special thanks to Donna Schroter for helping me with the website and the amazing logo!! It looks great!!