Split The Sky

The first part of this week’s proGram knew a way to the other sides.

Misery and Mischief Prone- Lyal Strickland
Pioneers- Larry Keel & Jon Stickley
Train Wreck at the Bluegrass Jam- From the Dirt
Don’t Let the Devil Ride- Jimi “Prime Time” Smith


Forgotten Generation- Williamson Brothers
Green Grass and Wine- Damn Tall Buildings (live in Alaska)
Freeborn Man- Damn Tall Buildings (live in Alaska)
Disintegrate- Wild Wild Wets
Evolver- Wild Wild Wets


Tout Le Temps En Temps- Shannon McNally, Keith Frank & Molly Tuttle
Why Did You Go Last Night- Roddie Romero, Kam Franklin & A.J. Haynes


New Orleans- Geoff Mann
Repent- Phillip Lassiter (live)
Won’t You Decide- Mondo Freaks

Orquesta el Macabeo

Orquesta el Macabeo is a Puerto Rican “salsa gorda” (hard salsa) group that has been an innovative and unique presence on the Puerto Rican music scene for the last 15 years. Seeing the band live in concert is a one-off experience. Macabeo’s strong commitment to its band identity, in conjunction with its interaction with the public, makes each audience member feel like a part of the show. The band’s lyrics about everyday life, plus its varied rhythms, have made it an international conqueror, enlarging “la familia macabiónica” (the macabionic family) everywhere like never before. During its decade and a half as a band, Orquesta el Macabeo has released four studio albums, one live double album, several EPs, singles, and compilations in different physical and digital formats. In addition to its original compositions, the band has created soundtracks for films, including La Útima Gira (The Last Tour), based on the life of Puerto Rican singer Daniel Santos. What distinguishes Orquesta el Macabeo amongst today’s salsa groups is the harmony and consistency that exists among the members. As the band puts it, “We have retained almost the exact same membership over the years. We love and are touched by our blood relations, but the friendships that become our chosen family are carried in the heart, and the same is transmitted to our audience.” They put on a great show 7/16 on the Millennium Stage.

Sarah Wilson Listening Party

Acclaimed composer and trumpeter Sarah Wilson draws inspiration from visual art, brass bands and the joy of music on her spirited new album Incandescence. Out July 18, 2025 via Brass Tonic Records, the album features Wilson’s brass focused sextet Brass Tonic on an exuberant set sparked by the work of Austrian painter Thomas Reinhold. Out July 18, 2025 via Wilson’s own Brass Tonic Records and co-produced by Wilson and Grammy Award-winning producer Hans Wendl, Incandescence was commissioned by InterMusic SF’s Musical Grant Program. It draws equal inspiration from Reinhold’s bold, multi-hued abstracts and from the street-level, community-spirited traditions of brass band, marching and New Orleans parade music. In Brass Tonic, Wilson combines an all-woman horn frontline – herself, alto saxophonist Kasey Knudsen, and trombonist Mara Fox – with the buoyant rhythm section of guitarist John Schott, bassist Lisa Mezzacappa, and, for this recording, drummers Jon Arkin and Tim Bulkley.


Prickling

The final part of the proGram might have looked sharp, but it had smoooth edges.

Ancestors IV- Brittany Davis
Change Me- Brittany Davis
Ouro Preto- Will Holshouser


The Theme- Kenny Dorham (Live from the Blue Morocco, 1967)
Breaking Point- Freddie Hubbard (Live from the Blue Morocco, 1967)


Brother Payton (BAM)- Marques Carroll
***pre-recorded conversation with Marques Carroll***
The Ancestors’ Call Upon Us- Marques Carroll

KARMA- Eljuri
Yensoro- Kimi Djabaté
Gunshot- Frankie Paul
Evil Eyes- Carl Meeks


We Nah Leave (7-inch Version)- John Holt & Roots Radics
Bicho Preguiça (The Sloth)- BABO MORENO
Famo keta- Kadialy Kouyate

Whom Goes There

The middle part of the proGram wondered who was around the corner checking it out.

Kalaboncoro- Ginton, Richard Bona & Salif Keita
Dark Will Fall- Bonobo Ft. Jacob Lusk
Sonova System- Sonova
Slipstream- Sonova
Luoyang- Tian Qiyi Ft. Jah Wobble
The Route Of Desire- Tian Qiyi Ft. Jah Wobble


R&P- Igmar Thomas’ Revive Big Band
PLAY IT BACK- Igmar Thomas’ Revive Big Band Ft. Dr. Lonnie Smith, Cory Henry & Grégoire Maret
Groovy People- Allan Harris (Live at Blue LLama)
Tip Toe- Sean Nelson & New London Big Band
Sweet Georgia Brown- Sean Nelson & New London Big Band


Everyday I Have The Blues- Tyreek McDole Ft. dylan band & Caelan Cardello
Tell ‘Em The Truth- Keith LaMar & Albert Marquès (LIVE FROM DEATH ROW)
Tumbling Down- Peter Smith Ft. Rickey Woodard

Juice In

The first part of the proGram knew if you just give it a little squeeze.

There’s A feeling in Music- Cole Quest and The City Pickers
All Work Together- Cole Quest and The City Pickers Ft. Arlo Guthrie
Catfish- Ryan Lee Crosby Ft. Jimmy “Duck” Holmes


A Woman Scorned (Bar Room Mix)- Eva Carboni
All Night Lover- Robert Randolph
Sinner- Robert Randolph
You Used To Call Me- John Hiatt, Sonny Landreth & Roddie Romero
Ay Ai Ai- Ruben Ramos with Los Texmaniacs & Augie Meyers


Flat Tire- Kendra Morris
Palestinian Children- Peyoti for President
My Body My Choice- Peyoti for President
No Way- Fat Produce
Into Orbit- Sababa 5
Sab- Sababa 5

Two Times With Marques Carroll

A bold performer, soulful composer & passionate educator, Trumpeter Marques Carroll is dedicated to preserving the authentic culture of Jazz and spreading his holistic love of music around the world. He has been drawing national attention since 1996, having worked & shared the stage with today’s most celebrated artists & ensembles including Carmen Bradford, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Etienne Charles, Christian McBride, Jon Faddis, Meshell Ndegeocello, Randy Weston, Jimmy Heath, Jeff Hamilton, Randy Brecker, Nicholas Payton, Tom Harrell, Bob Brookmeyer, Bobby Watson, the Count Basie Orchestra, The Temptations, Chicago Jazz Ensemble, The O’Jays, The Four Tops, May Wilson & Aretha Franklin. Born into a musical family in St. Louis, Marques fell in love with the trumpet when he was only 8 years old. His grandfather worked with Jazz legend Clark Terry, who became an influence on him and his musical growth. Marques also developed a lifelong friendship with Wynton Marsalis who has become one of his greatest supporters. Marques studied at DePaul University where he earned his Bachelor’s & Master’s Degrees in Jazz Studies Performance. A storyteller at heart, he uses his experience and mastery of multi-genre vocabulary to break down barriers between genres writing evocative music that speaks directly to the soul. Rooted in the tradition of Black American Music (BAM), Marques is consciously challenging norms of genres such as Blues, Funk, Soul, Neo-Soul, & Hip-Hop, expanding and pushing into new places of expression & mastery. Marques Carroll captures and shares this journey with his audiences through his own compositions, The Ancestors’ Call and most recently released album, Foundations. The Ancestors’ Call, a GRAMMY© considered album for 2021’s Best Jazz Album, is a soulful exploration of culture & consciousness that reflects upon the African Diaspora through a balance and attention to detail encouraging its audience to feel, reflect, & celebrate. The sequel to the Ancestors’ Call, Foundations, is a tribute album that pays respect to his mentors & supporters from all walks of life including artists, teachers, family & friends. Marques is co-founder of JMarq Records and is the leader of his self-titled quintet featured in both of his albums, The Ancestor’s Call and Foundations released by JMarq Records.

I had the pleasure of spending a little time with Marques ahead of two dates upcoming in Madison. Friday, July 18th at North Street Cabaret and aGain on August 13th as part of Jazz At Five. We give props to the folks that’ll be playing with him as part of the Quinet for these events (including our pal, Pawan Benjamin), what type of scene this music, these people will attempt to create as a play to gather and be. We dive head first into the new live album(s) he is going to be dropping soon. He documents the notorious Jazz clubs in Chicago that helped form and develop the scene there, places he has adopted as a home and the people that helped make them grow and survive. It’s a thank you card to that scene. I had to give a shout out to a tune that really helps me turn any boxed in corners – check out which track and will it be on the new albums? We also talk about his friend, mentor and colleague, (friend of this program, Mr. Wynton Marsalis) and get some stories about the person he is and what things have rubbed off on Marques. It is always soothing to talk it up with someone who inspires you, and they just add to that feeling with their words and energy.

House Of Waters – Get Some

Nominated for Best Contemporary Instrumental album at the 2024 Grammy Awards®, House of Waters is at the forefront of musical innovation. Its intricate compositions & electrifying live performances create an unforgettable experience, guiding listeners into a realm of limitless musical exploration. With its GroundUP Music recording, On Becoming, friend of the proGram Max ZT and Moto Fukushima are joined by first-call accompanists: drummer Antonio Sanchez, guitarist Mike Stern, and vocalist Priya Darshini. “There are no musical boundaries,” said hammered dulcimer virtuoso Max ZT, “We incorporate elements of world, jazz, indie rock, and classical music creating our own unique sound.” Moto Fukushima added, “We strive for openness married to accessibility.” House of Waters has scored an Emmy®-winning documentary (ESPN) and recently rescored three French Dadaist-Era silent films in partnership with Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. The band has received the South Arts Jazz Road Grant and has an extensive touring history around the world with label mates, Snarky Puppy. They graced the Millennium Stage on the 5th of July to open minds and ears to who and what they are. Watch it here.

Daily Herbed

The final part of this week’s proGram freshly picked itself out just for you(s).

La Danza de Los Mirlos- Gio Chamba
Ya Coladera- Freh Khodja


Israelites- The Kingston Lions
Johnny Too Bad- The Kingston Lions & MitchdiSinga
I Won’t Back Down- The Mighty Rootsmen Ft. Mike Campbell
Fly Like An Eagle- The Mighty Rootsmen Ft. Steve Miller


Dharma- Tian Qiyi
Mongolian Dub- Tian Qiyi
Come Back To Joy- Sonova


Cacti Traveler- BABON
Shaken Or Stirred- Ursula 1000
Thursday Disco- CARRTOONS Ft. Haile Supreme


Broken Crayons (outro)- Sio x Tesfa Williams
Yay Yay Yay- Joe Alterman & Mocean Worker
Immortals- Erik Deutsch Ft. Mauro Refosco & Mike McGinnis

Star Alignment

The middle part of the proGram looked to what is right there.

Joey- Paul Schalda
Before You Realize It- The Mystery Lights
Cerebral Crack- The Mystery Lights
Abbatoda- Ouzo Bazooka
Maagalim- Ouzo Bazooka


Hot Sauce- Charles Kynard
No More Sunflowers- Frollen Music Library
Good People- Rodina Ft. The Filthy Six
Lumin Rain- Arc De Soleil
Hypno Sun- Arc De Soleil


Bebinca Beat- The Near Jazz Experience Ft. Mike Garson & Matt Johnson
Astro Disco- The Near Jazz Experience Ft. Mike Garson & Matt Johnson
El Diamante- Adrian Quesada
Te Vas y Yo Te Dejo- Adrian Quesada Ft. Gepe & Zoe Gotusso
The Fool- Steven Bamidele Ft. Sly5thAve

Budding Birth

The first part of this week’s proGram was about to go for it and re-enter the world.

Dead Canary- Vandoliers
In the Midnight Hour- Charley Pride
You Can Love Yourself (Acoustic)- Mississippi MacDonald


Mr.Lucky- The Hogtown Allstars
Chain Of Fools- The Bluesmasters Ft. Cassie Taylor
Respect Yourself- The Bluesmasters Ft. Cassie Taylor
Spanish Moon- Victoria Cardona


Peace to the World- Devon Allman Ft. Robert Randolph
King Karma- Robert Randolph Ft. Margo Price
Gravity- Robert Randolph
Zydeco Sont Pas Salés- The Rolling Stones Ft. Steve Riley
Hot Rod- David Hidalgo Ft. CJ Chenier


Duchess (And The Proverbial Mind Spread)- Primus {Live from the Mann Music Center, Philly}
Mild Plus- Matt Jalbert Ft. Wil Blades

Bubble Landing

The final part of the Friday Fourth Fill-in proGram created art land.

Down The Rabbit Hole- Pete McGuinness Jazz Orchestra
Buster’s Last Stand- Ryan Truesdell (Live at Jazz Standard)
Flood Stage- Jimmy Greene


When fortune laid the Trojans low- Dickson & Familiar
Breaking Point- Brandee Younger
Reflection Eternal- Brandee Younger
Ducks Night Out- Dave Sharp Worlds Quartet


we still wanna dance- Theo Croker Ft. D’LEAU
up frequency (higher)- Theo Croker Ft. MADD


RSJ- Heat On

Smoke Screams

Did a little Friday Fourth fill-in proGram with a jazz voice.

Intent- Adam Rudolph, Dave Liebman, Billy Hart
Floating River Requiem (for Patrice)- Wadada Leo Smith w/Vijay Iyer


Escape Velocity- Jane Ira Bloom Ft. Mark Helias & Bobby Previte
Space Rangers- Jane Ira Bloom Ft. Mark Helias & Bobby Previte
I. The Cakewalk Dilemma- Isaiah J. Thompson
Questar- Rez Abbasi’s Acoustic Quintet


Baldwin’s Blues- Jaleel Shaw
Year Of The Globe- John Sturino
Points of Departure- Sumi Tonooka w/Johnathan Blake & Alchemy Sound Project
Casino Night Zone- The 8-Bit Big Band

Fantastic Negrito Brought It

Fantastic Negrito released his highly anticipated album, Son of a Broken Man, on October 18, 2024, via his own Storefront Records. The album sees Fantastic Negrito encapsulating his inimitable style, from hard-hitting guitar riffs to expressive ballads, with the unexpected twists that have become his trademark. It stands as one of his most personal works to date, exploring family, deception, and the human desire to hide the true self as he dives deep into the struggle between father and son. Born Xavier Amin Dphrepaulezz, Fantastic Negrito’s story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of music. By now, much has been made of Negrito’s unique story—growing up in an orthodox Muslim household, a doomed major label deal, the near-fatal car crash that permanently damaged his guitar playing hand—as well as the remarkable redemption arc that began in 2015, when he won the first-ever NPR Tiny Desk Contest. He has since earned three Grammy Awards® for Best Contemporary Blues Album and shared stages with everyone from Sturgill Simpson to Chris Cornell to Bruce Springsteen. He has collaborated in the studio with the likes of Sting, E-40, and Tank and The Bangas, performed on countless headline world tours and at festivals such as Lollapalooza, Glastonbury, Newport Folk, and WOMAD, and founded the Revolution Plantation, an urban farm aimed at youth education and empowerment. On July 3rd at the Mellininum Stage, What Fantastic Negrito is known for was brought in full force. Watch the entire performance here.

Phil DeGruy at Snug Harbor

Phil DeGruy is a true gem in the world of music, seamlessly blending technical brilliance with boundless creativity and humor. His custom-built “guitarp,” an ingenious fusion of an electric guitar and electric harp, sets him apart as a singular force in the guitar world. Whether playing solo or collaborating with fellow virtuosos like Cranston Clements, Jimmy Robinson, and John Rankin, DeGruy’s performances are always a journey of musical innovation and entertainment. With accolades from guitar legends like Danny Gatton and Larry Coryell, DeGruy’s artistry continues to leave an indelible mark. His ability to intertwine wit and musical prowess ensures that his performances are as engaging as they are virtuosic. Phil DeGruy played a brilliantly fun set on July 2nd at Snug Harbor. Check out the video of the set here.

Prey Wait

The final part of the proGram this week was thinking of anything it could do.

spin cycle- Yaya Bey
end of the world- Yaya Bey Ft. Nigel Hall & Butcher Brown
get down on it rmx- Young Franco & Kool & The Gang


light as a feather- Theo Croker Ft. Gary Bartz & Natureboy Flako
More Than Love- Samantha Schmutz & Adrian Younge
How I Became a Madman- Ami Taf Ra Ft. Kamasi Washington
Ancestors III- Brittany Davis
Black Thunder- Brittany Davis
Back 2 Back- Chief Adjuah Ft. Elena Pinderhughes


Learning The Cha Cha (Freddy Fresh Remix)- Argueso & His Orchestra
Isla Grande- Ron Korb Ft. Hilario Duran
Desire- Ron Korb Ft. Muthu Kumar


Jamba dongo- Kadialy Kouyate, Davide Mantovani, Mamadou Sarr & Abdoulaye Samb

And Poof

The middle part of the program showed up like maGic.

Sufa- Ouzo Bazooka
Seeds- Ouzo Bazooka
Hak Dellali- Sinouj
Zaragoza- Pierpont & Helgeson


Phantom Power- The Mighty Mocambos
Where Did Peace Go- Larry Saunders
The Bump- Alvin Cash & The Crawlers
Smiling Faces Sometimes- Charles Kynard


Cut & Rewind- Say She She
Humble Me- Reinel Bakole & Helocim
Jazz ‘n’ Stuff- Esbe


Do Don’t- B:Dum B:Dum Sound
Tyson Dub Mix- Jah Wobble
Tragic Slavic Dub- Jah Wobble
Life (In The Deep End)- Eric Hilton

deComposing

The first part of this week’s proGram made new outta it.

Just a Holler Over- Sister Sadie & The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys
American Romance- Lukas Nelson
Only Human- Jack Barksdale


How Blues Is That- Buddy Guy Ft. Joe Walsh
Hangman- Larry McCray
Crazy World- Larry McCray
Broke Down Lines- Left Lane Cruiser


She Said She Said- The Feelies
Shame- Charlie Nieland
The Soul Of Patrick Lee- Terry Riley & John Cale
ONE BIG FAMILY- Babal


All We Are- Kyle Hollingsworth
Dueling on Tobacco Road- Tobin Mueller Ft. Niels van der Steenhoven, Amit Erez & Roy Agee


Tell- Sababa 5
Flesh and Soul- BALTHVS
Kilig- BALTHVS
Open at Noon- Yuuf

In This Day

The final part of this week’s proGram knew it was only happening here in this moment.

Sound By Your Side- Jr. Thomas & Eraserhood

Black Water- Wolves & Sheep (Tyler Durdin) Ft. Beth Kile & Erik Kjelland
Taxi- Skinny Hightower & Tyler Gauldin
Arrow Root- Above The Clouds, Kidkanevil & Magic Manfred
Breath March- Brian Eno & Beatie Wolfe


***pre-recorded conversation with Dixie Longate***

Korafola- Képa
Give Me Your Love (45 dub mix)- Soul Sugar meets Dub Shepherds Ft. Jolly Joseph
Afrotrip- Afrodream
Burkina Faso- Eric Hilton


Reckoning- Brandee Younger
End Means- Brandee Younger Ft. Shabaka
Nobel Rise- Lakecia Benjamin Ft. Immanuel Wilkins
Space Seas- Gerald Clayton
Count M- Gerald Clayton

It ‘s Up In There

The mid part of the proGram was just in your imagination.

Midnight Flight- Little Feat
Bayou Mama- Little Feat


Miss You- The Jack Moves
In Memory Of (John)- WITCH ( We Intend To Cause Havoc)
Machiriso- WITCH ( We Intend To Cause Havoc)
Name the Missing Word- Charles Kynard
Rock Steady- Charles Kynard
Path Of Man- Leroi Conroy


Layla- Ouzo Bazooka
Kapaim- Ouzo Bazooka
Spinning- The Mighty Mocambos
Can’t Stop This Fire (Instr)- The Mighty Mocambos
Brighter The Days- Omar
On My Own- Omar Ft. Paul Weller


Police Man- Gegè Munari Percussion Modern
Mambo Ravioli- Vico Anthony and his Percussion Paesanos