Songs & Stories

Backstage Bay Area
  • 4.8 (9)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Backstage Bay Area is an exclusive podcast that explores San Francisco’s jazz music scene in depth. It features intimate interviews with emerging and established artists. The program also offers a unique glimpse into the artists' creative processes, inspirations, and upcoming projects.

  1. Javon Jackson: From Dylan’s Poetry to Miles’ Precision

    5H AGO

    Javon Jackson: From Dylan’s Poetry to Miles’ Precision

    Show Notes: Host Steve Roby sits down with celebrated saxophonist Javon Jackson to explore two landmark projects: his new album Jackson Plays Dylan — a jazz reimagining of Bob Dylan's songbook — and his upcoming live tribute to Miles Davis's Kind of Blue at SF Jazz.   Episode Highlights: Discovering Bob Dylan through jazz — How Art Blakey's attorney first introduced Javon to Dylan's catalog in his twenties, and why he heard the songs as jazz-friendly love poetry rather than folk or rock musicA dual tribute to two poets — The story behind Jackson Plays Dylan, originally conceived with the late poet Nikki Giovanni, who planned to write new poetry and even reach out to Dylan himself before her passing in 2024. The album is dedicated to her memory."Hurricane" — the single — Javon breaks down his soulful, boogaloo-inflected arrangement of Dylan's 1976 protest song about boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, featuring Fender Rhodes and drummer Ryan Sands"Gotta Serve Somebody" — featuring Bay Area favorite Lisa FisherThe cross-fade concept — How each track on the album teases the next, creating a continuous listening experienceKind of Blue at SF Jazz — Javon discusses stepping into the role John Coltrane held on the original 1959 recording and what it means to honor that legacy without imitationArt Blakey's lesson — "Don't worry about Wayne Shorter — just be you." How that advice shapes Javon's approach to all tribute performancesMiles Davis and the power of silence — Blakey's 200-words vs. 10-words parable as a way of understanding Miles's minimalist geniusThe all-star ensemble — Dr. Eddie Henderson (a Miles associate), Lenny White (Bitches Brew), Buster Williams, Donald Harrison, and Patrice Rushen Links: Javon Jackson: jevonjackson.comKind of Blue Tribute at SF Jazz — Minor Auditorium, Saturday, March 21stAfternoon show: 4:00 PM | Evening show: 7:30 PMTickets: sfjazz.orgJackson Plays Dylan — available now (singles: "Hurricane," "Gotta Serve Somebody")Backstage Bay Area hosted by Steve Roby  Visit: https://www.backstagebayarea.com

    24 min
  2. Flying High, Still Soaring: A Celebration of Jazz's Leading Ladies

    MAR 3

    Flying High, Still Soaring: A Celebration of Jazz's Leading Ladies

    In this special episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steve Roby sits down with Suzanne Wadowski, founder and executive director of Jazz at the Ballroom and the Songbook Ink label, and Champian Fulton, pianist, vocalist, and musical director, to discuss their upcoming concert and new album celebrating the legendary female vocalists of the swing era and 1950s jazz.   Episode Highlights: • The origins of Jazz at the Ballroom, which began as an intimate salon series in Suzanne's Hillsborough home—once owned by Bing Crosby—and grew into a nationwide concert series • How the album focuses on the pivotal 1950s shift when singers stepped away from big bands into smaller, more intimate musical settings   • The importance of highlighting women not just as interpreters but as composers and architects of jazz, featuring songs like "Just for a Thrill" by pianist and composer Lil Harden Armstrong • A look at the high-energy track "Swing, Brother, Swing," originally recorded by Billie Holiday, performed by rising vocalist Tahira Clayton • The creative vision behind the March 15th concert at the historic Presidio Theater—a venue with deep roots in the era, where servicemen once gathered for live performances   • The resilience and artistic integrity of female jazz pioneers who faced significant obstacles yet profoundly influenced popular music   Featured Songs: "Just for a Thrill" "Swing, Brother, Swing" All music provided by the artists and used with their permission.   Show Details: Experience Flying High, Still Soaring live at the Presidio Theater in San Francisco on Sunday, March 15th at 2:00 PM.   Tickets: https://www.presidiotheatre.org/show-details/flying-high-still-soaring

    24 min
  3. From Sideman to Spotlight: Roger Glenn's 50-Year Journey to "My Latin Heart"

    FEB 21

    From Sideman to Spotlight: Roger Glenn's 50-Year Journey to "My Latin Heart"

    After five decades as jazz's best-kept secret, multi-instrumentalist Roger Glenn steps into the spotlight with his first solo album in 50 years. In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steve Roby sits down with the son of jazz royalty to discuss Latin jazz, life lessons from legends, and why 2025 was finally the right time to share his story.   Episode Highlights Growing Up in Jazz Royalty: Roger shares stories of his father, Tyree Glenn, and the legendary musicians who shaped his musical education—from Count Basie's Joe Jones to Miles Davis's Winton KellyThe Great Day in Harlem: Roger reveals he skipped the iconic 1958 photo shoot, only to later perform with many of those same jazz giants, including Mary Lou Williams18 Instruments and Counting: How Roger became a multi-instrumental wizard, mastering everything from flute to vibraphoneThe 50-Year Wait: Why COVID, economic downturns, and Grammy category eliminations delayed the release of "My Latin Heart"Cultural Fusion: The deep meaning behind tracks like "Zambos Mambo" and "Congo Square," exploring the African and European roots of American musicBeyond Music: Roger's parallel passions as a multi-engine pilot, helicopter pilot, and sailor—and how they inspire his compositionsFeatured Tracks Zambos MamboShowcasing Roger's incredible flute work (currently charting on Jazz Week)Congo SquareA tribute to cultural fusion featuring Roger's vibraphone masteryAll music used on the podcast was supplied by the musicians and used with there permissionUpcoming Shows Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society - Half Moon BaySunday, March 8th at 4:30 PMFeaturing special guest Ray Obito on guitar🎟️ Limited tickets remaining📺 Live streaming availableGet Tickets May House - Palo AltoThursday, March 27th Links & Resources Roger Glenn Official WebsiteBach Dancing and Dynamite SocietyStream "My Latin Heart" (available now on all platforms)  About Roger Glenn Roger Glenn is a multi-instrumentalist virtuoso who has spent decades elevating the music of icons such as Dizzy Gillespie, Taj Mahal, and Mongo Santamaria. The son of Tyree Glenn (who played in Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong's orchestras), Roger has mastered more than 18 instruments and is now celebrating his first album as a leader in 50 years. "My Latin Heart" has charted on Jazz Week for 23 weeks, peaking at #14. Backstage Bay Area celebrates the vibrant music scene of the San Francisco Bay Area. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

    30 min
  4. Jack West on Innovation, Invention, and the “Acoustic Spank"

    FEB 19

    Jack West on Innovation, Invention, and the “Acoustic Spank"

    Guest: Jack West   In this episode, host Steve Roby welcomes guitarist, composer, and inventor Jack West, whose unique sound NPR once described as "a whole new sub-genre of jazz." After more than two decades away from the recording studio, Jack returns with two major projects: the stunning new album Guitars on Life (a duet collaboration with Walter Strauss) and Essential Curvature, a retrospective compilation of his best work from the 1990s and 2000s.   Episode Highlights:   Jack discusses his musical roots in rural Alabama and his decision in 1993 to leave rock bands and focus exclusively on acoustic guitar The story behind his collaboration with Walter Strauss and how they wrote most of Guitars on Life in just one week Jack's innovative "acoustic spank" technique, which allows him to simultaneously play guitar, bass, and percussion His invention of a specialized thumb pick that enables rapid-fire triplet strikes in both directions The eco-friendly PET plastic vinyl alternative used for the Guitars on Life release A preview of his upcoming Gliss Guitar - a revolutionary acoustic guitar with motorized pitch control on every string   Music Featured:   "More Guitar" from Guitars on Life "Double Bounce" from Guitars on Life All music featured in this episode was supplied by Jack West and used with his permission.   Upcoming Show: Catch Jack West live at the Freight & Salvage in Berkeley on Thursday, February 26th at 8:00 PM for a special double bill featuring:   The Jack West Slide Guitar Ensemble (featuring Josh Jones on drums, Gary Brown on bass, and Lalo Crane on marimba) The Walter Strauss & Jack West acoustic guitar duo Tickets and more information: https://secure.thefreight.org/15495/15496-jack-west-walter-strauss-260226   Learn More: Visit Jack West's official website: https://www.jackwestguitar.com

    30 min
  5. Lisa Mezzacappa and the Art of "Tight Looseness"

    FEB 18

    Lisa Mezzacappa and the Art of "Tight Looseness"

    Show Notes: Bassist and composer Lisa Mezzacappa joins host Steve Roby to discuss her latest project, the flexible ensemble Lisa Mezzacappa Five-ish, and their new album Otherworldly. For over two decades, Lisa has been a cornerstone of the Bay Area's experimental jazz scene, crafting adventurous music inspired by speculative fiction, cosmic landscapes, and the art of spontaneous collaboration.   In this episode, Lisa reveals how her sextet (yes, it's called Five-ish) came together, blending longtime collaborators such as saxophonist Aaron Bennett and drummer Jordan Glenn with newer voices, including oboist Kyle Bruckman and vibraphonist Mark Clifford. She discusses her unique compositional approach—writing for improvisers as individuals rather than as a uniform ensemble—and how she translates literary and ecological concepts into sonic terrain. Lisa also shares insights into the album's standout tracks, including the urgent opener "Life is Running Out" and the expansive closer "The Dream, the Reality." She explains the concept of "tight looseness"—the sweet spot where precision meets spontaneity—and what audiences can expect from her upcoming performances at SF Jazz's intimate Joe Henderson Lab. Plus, Lisa reveals she's just completed an ambitious project: 12 album releases in 12 months on her own Queen Bee Records label. Featured Music: "Life is Running Out" by Lisa Mezzacappa Five-ish "The Dream, the Reality" by Lisa Mezzacappa Five-ish All music was supplied by the artist and used with their permission.   Show Info & Links: Upcoming Performance: Lisa Mezzacappa Five-ish at the Joe Henderson Lab, SF Jazz Sunday, February 22nd | Two shows: 6:00 PM & 7:30 PM Doors open 30 minutes before showtime (arrive early for best seating—general admission) Tickets: sfjazz.org   More Information: Lisa Mezzacappa's website: lisamezzacappa.com Queen Bee Records on Bandcamp: queenbeerecords.bandcamp.com Album: Otherworldly by Lisa Mezzacappa Five-ish (available now)   Backstage Bay Area is your window into the vibrant arts and music scene of the San Francisco Bay Area. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

    34 min
  6. Sarah McKenzie: A Love Letter to San Francisco

    FEB 17

    Sarah McKenzie: A Love Letter to San Francisco

    The "breezy technical style" and "lyrical sense of swing" that have made Sarah McKenzie a global jazz fixture are returning to Northern California this March. Although her upcoming tour dates stay just outside the San Francisco city limits, the "Paris of the West" remains the emotional anchor of her latest creative chapter. Sarah McKenzie will be performing live this March, and the tour includes March 18th at Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz, March 20th at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek, and March 22nd at the Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society in Half Moon Bay.  For more on Sarah’s music, recordings, and tour dates, visit https://www.sarahmckenzie.info

    27 min
  7. Omar Sosa: "SFJAZZ is the Best Place on the Planet to Play Jazz"

    FEB 17

    Omar Sosa: "SFJAZZ is the Best Place on the Planet to Play Jazz"

    The visionary pianist and SFJAZZ Resident Artistic Director returns for a multi-night residency that fuses Afro-Cuban roots with global sounds, which he calls the ultimate "Temple of Jazz." Show Highlights: A Week of Musical Evolution Sosa’s residency at SFJAZZ offers an insight into his diverse musical pursuits across four distinct nights. Thursday, Mar 5: Sosa joins the Stanford Jazz Orchestra to perform music from the album Es:Sensual.Friday, Mar 6: Following an Open Soundcheck, Sosa performs with the Aguas Trio, featuring Yilian Cañizares, a collaboration that previously earned him a Premios LUCAS for Best Song Video.Saturday, Mar 7: The focus shifts to the Omar Sosa Quarteto Americanos.Sunday, Mar 8: The residency closes with the Suba Trio, showcasing material from their 2021 album SUBA—a "hymn to hope" for a post-pandemic world.If You Go Who: Resident Artistic Director Omar Sosa Dates: Thursday, March 5 – Sunday, March 8, 2026 Times: 7:30 PM (Thu-Sat); 7:00 PM (Sun); 4:30 PM (Fri Soundcheck) Venue: SFJAZZ Center, Miner Auditorium Address: 201 Franklin Street, San Francisco, CA 94102Tickets: https://www.sfjazz.org

    30 min
  8. Oscar Peñas: From Barcelona to Brooklyn – A Journey Through Jazz, Tradition, and Spontaneity

    FEB 14

    Oscar Peñas: From Barcelona to Brooklyn – A Journey Through Jazz, Tradition, and Spontaneity

    Episode Description: Guitarist, composer, and bandleader Oscar Peñas joins host Steve Roby to discuss his musical journey from classical guitar in Barcelona to the vibrant jazz scene of Brooklyn. Originally from Spain and based in New York since 2007, Peñas brings a unique voice to contemporary jazz—one that blends American jazz language with Spanish heritage and classical roots. In this intimate conversation, Oscar shares stories about discovering jazz through cassette tapes in the late '80s, the magic of recording with the legendary Ron Carter, and what it means to be truly locked in with his trio on stage. He also discusses the evolving landscape for independent jazz artists, his upcoming suite "Remote Hoods" (a tribute to New York's diverse neighborhoods), and what audiences can expect from his return to SFJAZZ's Joe Henderson Lab.   Songs Featured: "Ballad of the Fishermen" (from Almadraba, 2022) – featuring Ron Carter "Traveling Through Waters" (from Almadraba, 2022) – featuring Ron Carter All music supplied by and used with permission from Oscar Peñas.   Show Details: Oscar Peñas Trio Venue: Joe Henderson Lab at SFJAZZ Date: Saturday, February 21st Showtimes: 7:00 PM & 8:30 PM Tickets: sfjazz.org For more about Oscar's music, recordings, and tour dates, visit oscarpeñas.com Photo: Jimmy Katz

    27 min
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4.8
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Backstage Bay Area is an exclusive podcast that explores San Francisco’s jazz music scene in depth. It features intimate interviews with emerging and established artists. The program also offers a unique glimpse into the artists' creative processes, inspirations, and upcoming projects.

Information

  • Creator
    Backstage Bay Area
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    315
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Backstage Bay Area
  • Show Website
    Songs & Stories