On this podcast episode, I’m talking to Chris Pitsiokos, musician living in Berlin and member of the 7 person collective running Richten25, a venue in Wedding. Amongst other things, we talk about the role of DIY venues in the scene and challenges faced by such places, the role community plays in the jazz and improvised music scene, the value of live music, as well as which responsibilities both musicians and venues have going forward in order to create a sustainable basis for the live presentation of this music.
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53:26
Freedom for the Mind, Part 2
In a special edition of B:jazz, I'm really happy to be able to present part 2 of an interview from Jazzwoche 2023 with Michaël Attias. We discuss finding the mystery within the fundamentals, keeping humble intentions, urgency, commitment and purpose through performance, plus how socialisation affects the approaches of musicians based in Europe versus New York. We also talk about the possibilities and drive created by artistic resources and archives alongside the desire and focus to experience it personally, extrinsic versus intrinsic motivation, branding and pressure on younger generations, how communication happens with audiences, growth through self-promotion via publication, and the difference between making political music and making music politically and locally.
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41:42
Visibility: Journalism
In episode 26 of B:jazz, I am discussing visibility in the context of music journalism with journalist, musician, curator and moderator Sophie Emilie Beha. We discuss the importance of open minded listening and the responsibilities of moderating, curating and programming, actual visible change versus tokenism and diversity washing, discovering our own blind spots and leaning into discomfort. We also talk about balancing entertainment and information mediums by telling stories, institutional attitudes to visibility and diversity, and the effectiveness of EDI panel discussions.
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38:23
Visibility: Union Representation
In episode 25 of B:jazz, I talk to Camille Buscot, manager of the Deutsche Jazzunion, about the relevance and importance of unions. How do unions act as the contact point between the scene, institutions and politicans? What are some of the previous successes and upcoming challenges of the unions, and how do they work to represent the interests and lives of their members? We discuss how conflict can be a catalyst for action, the importance of diversity of experience, and the balance of individual ethics with community action.
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42:49
Visibility: Academisation of Jazz
Episode 24 of B:jazz features vocalist, composer and teacher Cansu Tanrıkulu. We discuss the academisation of jazz in the context of visibility, the theme for Jazzwoche Berlin this year. How are both historic and contemporary figures included in teaching a new and often younger generation of future professional jazz and improvising musicians, what are the positives and negatives of the music moving into the academic space? We also discuss how important role models are to students, balancing what is required for a course of study with what is most tailored for individual development, and how educators can make their students feel seen, heard and visible.
Willkommen beim Podcast "B:jazz" - eurer Tür zur pulsierenden Jazzszene Berlins!
Bei uns gibt es in jeder Folge eine Welt voller faszinierender musikalischer Begegnungen und persönlicher Geschichten renommierter Akteur:innen unserer Szene.
Der offizielle Podcast der IG-Jazz Berlin bietet euch eine einzigartige Gelegenheit, die Vielfalt und den kreativen Geist unserer Stadt zu entdecken.
Darüber hinaus bietet "B:jazz" einen tiefen Einblick in die aktuelle Arbeit der IG Jazz.
Vorstandsmitglied- und Vokalistin Caro Olbertz und Bassist James Banner informieren alle zwei Wochen abwechselnd über aktuelle Themen und geben Hintergrundwissen zu den Entwicklungen in der Jazzszene Berlins.
B:jazz versteht sich als offenes Sprachohr aus- und für die Berliner Jazzszene.
Welcome to the "B:jazz" podcast - your gateway to the vibrant jazz scene of Berlin! In each episode, we bring you a world filled with fascinating musical encounters and personal stories from renowned figures in our jazz community.
As the official podcast of IG-Jazz Berlin, "B:jazz" offers you a unique opportunity to explore the diversity and creative spirit of our city. Moreover, it provides deep insights into the current work of IG Jazz.
Hosted by board member and vocalist Caro Olbertz, as well as bassist James Banner, "B:jazz" delivers biweekly updates on current topics and offers background knowledge on the developments within Berlin's jazz scene.
"B:jazz" serves as an open platform for the voices of and for the Berlin jazz scene, listening attentively to its pulse and embracing its essence.