Songs & Stories

This is an interview with jazz vocalist Jocelyn Medina, conducted by host Steve Roby on the Backstage Jazz Show. Jocelyn discusses her musical journey, including her transition from classical to jazz, influences like Herbie Hancock and Brazilian music, and her upcoming album to be recorded in Rio de Janeiro. She also shares insights into her previous album, Common Ground, and her u

This episode of the Backstage Jazz Show features an interview with Linda Theus-Lee. She discusses her extensive musical career, education, and community involvement. She shares insights into her songs “Don't Stop the Music” and “You Make Me Smile,” highlighting the personal significance and inspiration behind the lyrics. Linda also details her upcoming show at Dazzle i

In this episode of Backstage Jazz, host Steve Roby interviews trumpeter Jason Klobnak, the leader of J's Ruckus. They delve into Jason's impressive music background, discussing his early days playing in church and community jazz organizations. Jason shares that he originally hails from Des Moines, Iowa. He moved to Denver in 2004 to pursue his master's degree at the Un

This episode, Backstage Jazz, features an engaging conversation between host Steve Roby, Grammy-nominated singer Tierney Sutton, and jazz pianist Tamir Hendelman. The duo delves into their musical journeys, from Tierney's discovery of jazz in college to Tamir's camaraderie and love for performing together. The episode also highlights their collaborative efforts during the

In this episode of Backstage Jazz, host Steve Roby interviews Aldo Pantoja, the lead singer of Don Chicharrón, Denver's only chicha band. Aldo explains the origins and influences of chicha music, a style of cumbia from Peru that blends elements of punk, surf, jazz, and salsa. He also discusses the band's formation and introduces two of their songs, “Sábado Gigante” an

When a jazz musician rolls into Denver for a performance, it's not often that a documentary film and immersive art exhibition await them. But jazz-great Eddie Henderson is no ordinary musician, nor has he led an ordinary life. A few hours before Henderson played a two-show set at Denver’s premier jazz venue, Dazzle, an exhibit called Time and Spaces: The Life of Eddie Henders

Today, we're diving deep into the vibrant jazz scene keeping Denver swinging. So, sit back, relax, or swing along as we unravel the best of Denver's live music spots and events jazzing up the city. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/backstagejazz/message

In this episode of the Backstage Jazz Show, host Steve Roby interviews arranger, composer, and pianist Dave Hansen. The discussion delves deep into Dave's musical journey, from his beginnings in saxophone performance to his vast experience composing for various artists and ensembles, including the Boston Pops. It also highlights his fascinating career as a music educator that

Jazziz magazine writes that Nelson Rangell is “an artist of depth, a master of song, and an improviser non pareil.” The Times of London notes “his extraordinary facility on a range of instruments” and Rangell’s “considerable crowd-pleasing power.” Saxophone Journal writes, “He commands the alto saxophone with such authority there can be no denying that Rangell is a

After playing the blues for the first time in his Middle School Jazz band, Sean Applebee was in awe at the sensation of spiritual healing he had never experienced before. From this moment forward, Sean sought to learn everything he could about what he had experienced, however he still struggled to find an answer. Eventually, Sean met world-renowned trumpeter Brad Goode at the Univ