Brent Wallarab in Conversation with CJ Shearn

For this edition of the podcast taped in May 2016, I interviewed trombonist and educator Brent Wallarab of Indiana University in advance of the release of Basically Baker, Volume 2 (Patois Records, 2016). The giant of jazz education David Baker, who had worked in George Russell’s ensemble making it one of the most distinctive in the music gave his all to his fellow students. In particular Baker’s writing is special, and the music on the new album from the Buselli-Wallarab Jazz Orchestra is a crack group made up of musicians who had personal connections with Baker. Among the musicians are Dave Stryker and Randy Brecker, and they contribute to a terrific unified whole. This podcast went perhaps deeper on the subject of jazz education than any other episode of this podcast and Mr. Wallarab is extremely articulate in expressing his passion. Additional thanks to Braithwaite and Katz for coordinating the interview.