In this latest episode, I talk with South African saxophonist and composer Linda Sikhakhane, who honors and pays homage to the great elders and master musicians, including Brian Thusi. Sikhakhane, who was raised in Umlazi township, talks about the cultural aspects of being Zulu and the importance of preserving his culture. He shares about his time attending The New School, learning from the likes of Billy Harper and Reggie Workman; he touches on his relationship with mentor and fellow South African Nduduzo Makhathini, a jazz pianist. African cosmology is discussed. Finally we land on his latest album, iLadi, available now on Blue Note Records.

https://lindasikhakhane.com

After seeing Grammy-winning pianist and composer Kris Davis, live at the Village Vanguard, I knew I wanted to sit down with her and dive into jazz. Here we discuss her philosophy of improvisation and her energy and passion for performing live. The Canadian-born artist fell in love with jazz at an early age, studied jazz piano at the University of Toronto, and cites the legendary Don Pullen as a major influence. Along the way, as she shares, she’s played with innovative performers such as J.D. Allen, Dave Holland, Terri Lyne Carrington, Tyshawn Sorey, and John Zorn. Before our conversation winds down, we talk albums and which speak to her the most.

In my first-ever interview with an audience, I sat down with Lynel Allen III for the third installment of “The seat of my soul.” We revisited topics from our prior conversations (Episodes 79 and 81) while discussing his childhood in greater depth. He touched on personal issues such as his heavy drug use, the loneliness of incarceration, and when he decided to turn his life around. Finally, we discussed his current “Bounce Back” recovery program, which helps formerly incarcerated persons adjust to life after prison.

To celebrate the 100th episode of this podcast, a podcast inspired by the concept of roots, I offer you a tribute to Highland Park. In San Diego, when I was young, this park was Mecca—the place where kids met every day after school and for entire summers. The friendships I forged there lasted; most, I still call friends today. For this episode I called on peers and on the OG’s we looked up to, who showed us the way. Together we share stories about what we learned there. The late 80s brought drugs and gang culture, and with that, the whole neighborhood was changed. But I remember the paradise it was, and others do, too. Here, we offer that to you. Volume 2 is scheduled for summer 2025. Enjoy.

Azikiwee Anderson founded his San Francisco bakery, Rize Up, as a way to heal. In the wake of George Floyd’s murder, Anderson began channeling his feelings one loaf at a time in his home kitchen; from there he became a household name in the city’s sourdough movement. In this episode, we discuss his humble beginnings, his mother’s profound influence, his logo, and the power of imagery. “Z,” as his staff calls him, freely shares his determination to make a difference. If he can inspire black bakers to think outside the box, Rize Up and the wild yeasts populating his starter will have changed the world!

https://rizeupsourdough.com

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Corcoran Holt before his performance with the Kenny Garrett group, at the world-famous Blue Note. The jazz bassist, composer, and educator discussed the early influences of African drum and dance and learning about African culture from his parents. We also talked about djembe player Mamady Keïta’s influence on the drumming scene in DC; meeting and connecting with Kenny Garrett; and his musical relationship with jazz drummer Kweku Sumbry. Lastly, we considered the significance of his song "Raven's Wing," from his album THE MECCA.

https://www.corcoranholt.com

In 1984, Bishop Cornelius Bowser experienced a major transition: he decided to leave gang- and street-life behind and turn his life over to Christ. In this episode, we talk about the years that preceded and the years that followed that momentous decision. We cover his growing up in The Coast—a neighborhood in San Diego that was the home of the West Coast Crips, the gang he was heavily involved with in the 70s and early 80s—and the process of opening his own church. Drawing on his roots and his sense of mission, he worked with local gang members and became involved in several intervention programs, becoming a certified drug prevention specialist along the way. Finally, we discuss his current work, including No Shots Fired and Seasons of Peace, both focused on gun violence prevention.

https://www.corneliusbowser-gangs.com

In this episode, I talk with DJ Nu-Mark, world-renowned producer, turntablist, and member of the legendary hip-hop group Jurassic 5. He has a brand-new cookbook/memoir out, called Amu Nu. In describing the book, he offers some stories about his beloved mother and extended family, and we talk about how it all came together. He also touches on his time in Jurassic 5, and we bond over our love for comedy and our favorite comedians.

https://djnu-mark.com