Chicago Jazz Audio Experience

Michael Lerich - How He Built His Wedding Music Business in Chicago

Episode 001 of OPEN MIC with MIKE JEFFERS features an interview with Michael Lerich who, during the 1970's, 80's, 90's and early 2000's was one of the busiest and most successful music contractors in only in Chicago but the country.

Starting out at age 22 Michael began working with bandleader Alan Kay, learning the business of contracting musical groups for private events and weddings. By 1981 he was contracting over 1800 jobs a year with numerous groups throughout the city of Chicago and employing hundreds of musicians each week.

Mike Jeffers talks with Michael on how he started his business, the important things he learned when working with clients, what the keys to running a great event and much more.

 

Paul Wertico Previews his ”Letters from Rome Trio” and more on Around Town with Mike Jeffers

Seven-time Grammy award winner, Paul Wertico Previews his "Letters from Rome Trio" and more on Around Town with Mike Jeffers.

 

Seven-time Grammy award winner, drummer and educator Paul Wertico talks with Mike Jeffers on Episode 058 of Around Town and shares details about his upcoming shows at Andy's Jazz Club, where he'll be performing with his Letters From Rome Trio featuring Fabrizio Mocata and Gianmarco Scaglia on April 28th and 29th.

 

Paul also previews his upcoming clinic scheduled to take place during the 32nd annual Chicago Drum Show on May 20th and 21st at the Kane County Fairgrounds and he and Mike discuss the upcoming Roosevelt CCPA Jazz Festival at the Jazz Showcase on April 29th.

 

Visit ChicagoJazz.com for all things Chicago Jazz

#paulwertico #jazzdrums #jazzmusic #podcast

 

Saxophonist Chris Madsen previews his New Release ”The Trio Book” and Playing in a Trio Setting

Join Mike Jeffers for a conversation with acclaimed saxophonist Chris Madsen as they delve into his latest album, "The Trio Book," featuring bassist Clark Sommers and drummer Dana Hall. Gain unique insights into Madsen's artistic vision for performing with only bass and drums as a saxophonist, and discover his innovative techniques for preparing to play in a group without a chordal instrument.

 

Don't miss Chris Madsen's The Trio Book release show at the Epiphany Center for the Arts on Wednesday May 10th. Get Tickets Here

 

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Jazz Vocalist Libby York | The Importance of Phrasing, Lyrics and her new release ”Dreamland”

Mike Jeffers talks with vocalist, Libby York, about her latest release "Dreamland" and the upcoming release show at Winter's Jazz Club in Chicago on April 20, 2023. Get to know Libby as she shares insights into her background, the inspiration behind her song choices, her passion for the lyrics, phrasing and more.

 

Visit https://www.chicagojazz.com for all things Chicago Jazz

 

#musicpodcast #podcastinterviews #jazzpodcast

Previewing the UIC Jazz Festival & Jazz Prayer Series with Michael Stryker, Director of Jazz Studies at UIC, on Around Town podcast.

Michael Stryker, Director of Jazz Studies at UIC, chats with Chicago Jazz Magazine founder Mike Jeffers about the UIC Jazz Festival happening on April 19th and 20th at the Epiphany Center for the Arts with special guest Jared Schonig.

Learn more about this amazing festival and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of jazz with 2 days of performances and clinics. Michael also discusses the importance of jazz education for high school and college students and what are the crucial experiences that can help students develop into professional musicians and take their playing to the next level. Don't miss out on this informative conversation packed with valuable insights for any aspiring musician!

 

Visit for More Information about the UIC Jazz Festival

 

They also discuss the the final installment of Jazz Prayer at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Oak Park on April 21st.
Visit for More Information

 

#musicnews #chicagojazz #jazzeducation #musiceducation

Jazz Pianist Marcus Roberts - The Connection with his Trio, the Audience and Much More!

Episode 052 Around Town with Mike Jeffers

 

 

 

In this podcast episode, Mike Jeffers sits down with pianist Marcus Roberts to delve into his long-standing collaboration with his jazz trio, comprising of Jason Marsalis and Martin Jaffe. Marcus also gives us a sneak peek into his upcoming performance at the Music Institute of Chicago at Nichols Concert Hall in Evanston on April 15th.

Beyond discussing his trio's musical synergy, Marcus shares his insightful thoughts on the dynamic relationship between musicians and their audience, the changing perception of jazz in contemporary times, and the value of mentorship for aspiring musicians. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of Marcus Roberts' musical journey and the ever-evolving landscape of jazz.

 

#jazzpiano #jazzpodcast #musicpodcast

 

A Passion for Composing and Recording - Shawn Maxwell ”Story at Eleven”

Episode 051 of Around Town with Mike Jeffers features and interview with saxophonist Shawn Maxwell discussing his new release "Story at Eleven".

 

 

 

This is his 11th release and Shawn discusses recording the project in one day and setting up the process so it felt like a live performance. He discusses how he continues to have a passion to compose and record and how after 11 recordings the way he conceptualizes his music has grown and encompassed all of the genres he is influenced by.

 

Visit ShawnMaxwell.com for more information and the new recording.

 

#jazzinterview #musicinterview #chicagojazz #chicago

Immanuel Wilkins Talks ”The 7th Hand” his new relase on Blue Note Records

Blue Note Recording Artist Immanuel Wilkins is Mike Jeffers guest on Around Town Episode 049 discussing his new release "The 7th Hand" and his upcoming show on March 28th at Constellation in Chicago. Wilkins discusses how he developed the compositions for "The 7th Hand" and the concept of the recording where the goal is to allow the music to flow freely through the musicians almost like it is coming from another place. You have to watch to hear this fascinating concept!

Stream/Buy "The 7th Hand" at ImmanuelWilkins.com

 

Tammy McCann Previews Her New Release ”Do I Move You?” and the Meaning Behind It

Episode 047 of Around Town with Mike Jeffers featuring an interview with Tammy McCann talking about her new release "Do I Move You?" and her upcoming release show at Winter's Jazz Club on March 21st!

 

Visit TammyMcCann.com for her new release

Ear Training for Musicians - Donovan Mixon talks about how to Play Better by Developing your Ears!

Guitarist Donovan Mixon talks about his company Performance Ear Training which he launched during the pandemic on Around Town with Mike Jeffers. Donovan developed his ear training teaching technique while he was a professor at the Berkley College of Music. Developing the ability to play what you hear as a musician is essential to get the most out of your instrument.

 

Donovan Mixon, professional musician and music teacher, talks about the importance of ear training for musicians. He covers different ways to improve your ability to hear and play music accurately, including online ear training tools and exercises through his company Performance Ear Training. More information https://performanceeartraining.com/ https://www.chicagojazz.com/ for all things Chicago Jazz