City Jazz Sessions

In this episode we talk with Russell Gunn, Pan-African Composer, producer and Trumpeter. While his initial musical interest was American Hip-Hop, he has been celebrated as a Jazz trumpeter from his early years to this day. Gunn is the founder, composer, and director of contemporary big band ‘The Royal Krunk Jazz Orkestra’, with three releases to date - Get It How You Live, Pyramids and his most recent record - The Sirius Mystery.  Listen in as we discuss his latest record among other favorite works. While Russell is grounded from his East Saint Louis upbringing, he soars beyond with his ancestral Mail roots, weaving his knowledge of space and planetary positions throughout his new records. He continues to reach higher heights as a musician, but has found his true unique gift to be composing. Russell does not define himself by his accomplishments as his inherent value has already been written in the stars.

Hosts: Ronnie Burrage and Laka

Producer: Warren Harper

Production: Lion's Den Productions

Hip hop and jazz pianist Chris Swan details the real life story of so many musicians who take the roles that help to pay the bills, but ultimately leave one unfulfilled. Through his struggles he came to realize that there was nothing more important than the pursuit of his dreams and the intention to live a life with as little regret as possible. From St. Louis to the Big Apple and also the twists and turns in between, he has acquired tools to pursue the life he WANTS to live. Music is not just about the sounds, but the human lives that create this beautiful energetic art and energy. Behind the music is a true human experience. 

This episodes hosts: Laka, Leon Davis, Warren Harper

Tune in as hosts Ronnie Burrage and Laka interview guitarist/composer Kelvyn Bell, leader of the avant-funk band Kelvynator.  They discuss Kelvyn's experimental approach to creating music, St. Louis roots, his work as a teacher in producing some of the greatest musicians around the globe, the many avenues that his music career has taken him, influences and philosophies. Kelvyn poignantly states, "Some folks think the blues is sad but it’s actually a healing force for the community just like church.” City Jazz Sessions podcast opening and closing music is by Ronnie Burrage: "Spling-a-ding" used with permission.  

Listen in as we interview keyboardist, producer, songwriter/arranger, and vocalist Ryan Marquez. We discuss his newest album, Saint Unity along with his journey as an artist, his strength of collaborating with the best of the best musicians in the Lou, and most importantly the conscious in the keys!

This episode of City Jazz Sessions is hosted by local singer Laka and podcaster Leon Davis Jr.

City Jazz Sessions is presented by Warren Harper.

We talk with St. Louis native jazz trumpeter Keyon Harrold.  Tune in as we discuss Keyon's journey as an artist, his new role as Jazz St. Louis' creative advisor, his new music, and the Future of the Trumpet! Hosts are renown Jazz drummer Ronnie Burrage & and local soul singer Laka!  Learn more about Keyon at http://www.keyonharrold.com/

City Jazz Sessions is presented by Warren Harper Jr with technical support from Leon Davis Jr.