People You Should Know
Interviews with the Artist of the Underground
The world has too many musicians. Some you should hear about and do. Some you hear about and shouldn't. Most are people you don't hear about and should. So many albums are being made by great songwriters, bands, artists, or composers that they don't get all the recognition they deserve. This is a series for those guys, the people who should be heard of. People who you should know but don't. Time to get to know them!
All episodes are available anywhere you can find podcasts!
Ep. 1: Jordan Ziskin
Singer-songwriter
For the inaugural episode of this series, I chose my dear friend supremely gifted songwriter, Jordan Ziskin. He is the epitome of the person you should know. A very happy-go-lucky person by nature, he is a deeply thoughtful and surprisingly personal songwriter. After his debut EP, Rendezvous by the Liaisons, Jordan began to work on what would be come a full album and chose me to produce it. As of now, Crazy Child is in mastering and is set to be released by the end of 2018. We talk a lot about each track as well as Jordan's background, process and future plans.
Note: We did have to switch rooms toward the end so there is a bit of a sound difference.
Ep. 2: Jon Sheckler
Drummer/Composer/ Producer
Ugh....this guy. Jordan Ziskin takes me out for a drink and we get into my personal history, writing, producing, the advantages of NYC, the formation of Linden St. Connection, and some other random questions. We did this all while listening to some bangers at the Keep in Ridgewood, Queens.
Ep. 3: Sean Britt
Guitarist/Composer
I’m not great at predicting the future, but I’m sure that Sean Britt will be a part of it. On the outside, he is a happy, humble, joyful guy but once you get to know him….he is a happy, humble, joyful guy. On top of playing with him in my trio, he is the first musician invited to join Linden St. Connection and the first artist that I approached as a producer. I love this guy and it was great to get him over to the apartment and listen to his take on the creative process, the Brubeck Institute, and his upcoming record.
Ep. 4: Monquez Pippins
Soul Artist
Monquez "Q" Pippins was born to take the stage and has done just that for most of his adult life. After ten years on cruise ships, Q took his talents to NYC where he recorded his debut EP, Fine By Me, coming out in the summer of 2020. A huge voice with a bigger personality, we talk about his journey from Flint, Michigan and all the stops along the way, as well as his influences, his experience making his debut EP, and his future plans.
Ep. 5: Steve Denny
Pianist/Composer
Steve Denny and I go back almost a decade, but he continues to surprise me each and every time I see him. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Steve slowly and quietly made his way to New York for seven years. In between, he landed in Chicago, UNCO, and ran Dazzle Jazz in Denver for several years. We talk about his history, his journey from classical to jazz, his approach, his feelings about the current scene and his upcoming release, Life in New York.