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PODCAST

Songs & Stories

Backstage Bay Area

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.

music music interviews

All Episodes

00:29:15

Freedom, Community, and Jazz: KCSM’s 60 Years on the Air

Songs & Stories ·

2025/10/18

Episode overviewKCSM 91.1 FM has been a lifeline for Bay Area jazz for six decades. Station Manager Dr. Robert Franklin joins Steve to talk about the station’s live-curated sound, its massive library and preservation work, and the new documentary celebrating KCSM’s history and community impact.Dr. Robert “Bob” Franklin — Station Manager, KCSM 91.1 FM; Executive Producer of KCSM: 60 Years of Broadcasting and Jazz.KCSM is one of the nation’s last full-time jazz stations. Its curator-driven

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00:34:10

Amaro Freitas on Enchantment, Ancestry, and the...

Songs & Stories ·

2025/10/10

Backstage Bay Area – Episode with Amaro FreitasGuest: Amaro Freitas, acclaimed Brazilian jazz pianist and composerHost: Steve RobyEpisode Highlights:Introduction to Amaro Freitas, his Afro-Brazilian roots, and his unique approach to jazz piano.Amaro discusses his musical beginnings in Brazil, learning piano in church, and the influence of family and local musicians.Deep dive into Amaro’s rhythmic style, blending African, Brazilian, and jazz traditions.Influences: Amaro shares how Chick Corea and

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00:20:01

Lines in Motion: Nicole McCabe’s Groove-Driven...

Songs & Stories ·

2025/10/08

In this episode, host Steve Roby sits down with saxophonist and composer Nicole McCabe, co-leader of the genre-blending project Dolphin Hyperspace. Nicole shares her journey from growing up in Marin County, where she was inspired by both jazz and electronic music, to collaborating with bassist/producer Logan Kane. The conversation covers her musical influences (from Cannonball Adderley to Skrillex), the creative process behind Dolphin Hyperspace, and the stories behind tracks like "Minuscule

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00:20:58

Ivan Neville on Dumpstaphunk’s Groove for a Divided Time

Songs & Stories ·

2025/10/07

Episode Summary:In this episode, host Steve Roby sits down with Ivan Neville of Dumpstaphunk for a deep dive into the band’s New Orleans roots, their message of unity, and the making of their latest music. Ivan shares stories about the band’s evolving lineup, the inspiration behind their single “Let’s Do It,” and the enduring power of collaboration. The conversation also covers their take on Buddy Miles’ “United Nations Stomp,” the importance of social messages in their music, and what fans can

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00:27:48

Martha Redbone Brings Congregational Soul to Miner...

Songs & Stories ·

2025/10/02

Episode SummaryOn this Backstage Bay Area episode, host Steven Roby sits down with Afro‑Indigenous singer and composer Martha Redbone to talk about her Harlan County roots, Brooklyn upbringing, and the call‑and‑response spirit she brings to the stage. We cover the stories behind her blend of Appalachian folk, gospel‑soul, blues, and jazz; the community‑minded ethos she calls “congregational music”; and what San Francisco can expect when she and her sextet turn Miner Auditorium into a Sunday‑night

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00:23:54

Two Voices, One Room: Hervey & Mason Reframe Monk at...

Songs & Stories ·

2025/10/01

SummaryTrumpeter Anthony Hervey and pianist Sean Mason unpack the soul-and-blues core behind their duo chemistry—why a Monk program belongs in an intimate room, how Hervey’s “Du-Rag” reframes ragtime language for now, and why Mason’s “Open Your Heart” asks players and listeners to lead with emotion. We talk repertoire choices for the Joe Henderson Lab, the living-room vibe they aim for, and how spontaneity shapes their sets.Anthony Hervey — official site: anthonyherveymusic.com. ANTHONY HERVEYAlbum

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00:33:35

Threading Folk and Jazz: Becca Stevens’ Quiet Fire

Songs & Stories ·

2025/09/26

Episode summaryGRAMMY-nominated songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Becca Stevens joins us to explore the craft of writing and arranging for intimate settings, how open tunings and guitar shapes influence her harmony, and the emotional core behind Maple to Paper — a voice-and-guitar project that values vulnerability, presence, and truth. She also speaks openly about motherhood on the road and the real-world adjustments venues and presenters can make to better support touring

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00:49:51

Idris Ackamoor: Building a Future You Can Dance To

Songs & Stories ·

2025/09/17

Episode SummarySaxophonist, composer, and theater-maker Idris Ackamoor joins us to talk about Afrofuturism, ensemble storytelling, and why his performances are designed as communal happenings—part ritual, part dance-floor communion. We get into the craft behind his “artistic being” approach, the power of spoken word in jazz contexts, and how rhythm, memory, and movement drive his music.Idris Ackamoor is a Chicago-born, Bay Area–based bandleader and co-founder of Cultural Odyssey and The Pyramids. A

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00:22:54

Yilian Cañizares on Roots, Ritual, and the Road to...

Songs & Stories ·

2025/09/10

Episode summaryViolinist–vocalist Yilian Cañizares joins Backstage Bay Area to talk about the musical DNA that powers her work—classical discipline, Afro-Cuban tradition, and the open-ended spirit of jazz. She reflects on the new single “Ore,” the cross-Atlantic pulse of “Habana-Bahia,” and the next chapters: a fall EP and her full-length album Vitamina Y. Along the way, Yilian opens up about freedom, ritual, collaboration, and how she wants audiences to feel when the trio takes the

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00:12:34

Bach, Bebop & Bay Area: Paquito D'Rivera’s Jazz Odyssey

Songs & Stories ·

2025/09/09

Show Notes:On this episode of the Backstage Bay Area Podcast, host Steve Roby sits down with the legendary Paquito D'Rivera—multi-Grammy-winning saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer—for a lively conversation that bridges continents, genres, and generations.Paquito shares the inspiration behind his acclaimed album, Jazz Meets the Classics, revealing how his father’s classical roots and his own love for improvisation shaped a project that reimagines European and New World composers through a jazz

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00:31:39

Lineage, Lift-Off: Sarah Hanahan’s Alto Speaks in the...

Songs & Stories ·

2025/09/06

Show Notes:In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steve Roby sits down with acclaimed alto saxophonist Sarah Hanahan. Sarah shares her musical upbringing, the influence of jazz legends, and the story behind her debut album, "Among Giants." The conversation explores her approach to honoring jazz tradition, building stamina as a performer, and the creative process behind her original compositions.You’ll also hear about Sarah’s upcoming performances at the Joe Henderson Lab at SFJAZZ,

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00:17:03

An Evening with Andy Summers: Sound, Vision, and...

Songs & Stories ·

2025/09/04

Episode Summary:Legendary guitarist and multimedia artist Andy Summers (The Police) joins Steve Roby on Backstage Bay Area to discuss his innovative one-man show, which focuses on live guitar, storytelling, and evocative photography. Andy shares insights into his creative process, the evolution of his performance, and the threads connecting his music, visual art, and writing.Highlights:Andy’s multimedia show: A blend of live guitar, narration, and a curated sequence of his photography, creating an

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00:34:36

Arturo O’Farrill: “The Arts Belong to the People”

Songs & Stories ·

2025/09/03

Show Notes:Welcome to Backstage Bay Area! In this episode, host Steve Roby sits down with Grammy Award-winning pianist, composer, and bandleader Arturo O’Farrill for a deep dive into the intersections of music, activism, and community.About the Guest:Arturo O’Farrill is a celebrated figure in the world of Afro-Latin jazz, founder of the nonprofit Lango, and a passionate advocate for social change through music. From his early days with the Carla Bley Band to his leadership of the Afro Latin Jazz

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00:27:25

OKAN: Joy as Resistance, Rhythm as Home

Songs & Stories ·

2025/09/02

Show NotesBackstage Bay Area welcomes the vibrant Afro-Cuban duo, OKAN—Elizabeth Rodriguez and Magdelys Savigne—for an inspiring discussion about music, identity, and resilience.In this episode, host Steve Roby dives deep with OKAN as they share:Their humble start at making music in a Toronto basement and finding their creative voices.The meaning behind the name "OKAN" and how honoring their roots and heart shapes their sound.Balancing life as musicians, partners, and parents on the

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00:25:07

Dominique Fils-Aimé: Jazz as Freedom, Healing, and...

Songs & Stories ·

2025/09/01

Show NotesBackstage Bay Area welcomes Montreal-based, award-winning singer-songwriter Dominique Fils-Aimé. In this episode, Dominique shares her creative journey, the healing power of music, and the inspiration behind her latest works, including her new single "Keep On Shining" and her first live album, Live at the Montreal International Jazz Festival.Host Steve Roby and Dominique discuss:Her unique approach to jazz and improvisationThe influence of artists like Nina Simone, Billie

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00:26:54

LabRats at SFJAZZ: Groove Experiments and the...

Songs & Stories ·

2025/08/26

Show NotesOn this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steve Roby chats with Jacob Swedlow, drummer and band leader of Sacramento’s jazz fusion group, LabRats. Jacob shares the story of how the band formed, their improvisational origins, and how the Sacramento music scene has influenced their sound. The conversation explores the creative process behind tracks like “Jeff Costello Shot a Man” and “Loading Screen,” and discusses how the band combines hip-hop, jazz, and experimental styles.Jacob also

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00:25:23

Lady Day Reimagined: Stella Heath’s Jazz Story

Songs & Stories ·

2025/08/23

Episode Summary:In this episode, host Steve Roby welcomes singer Stella Heath for an intimate look at the Billie Holiday Project—a heartfelt tribute to Lady Day’s music and legacy. Ahead of her performances at SF Jazz, Stella shares her journey from a musically rich upbringing in Petaluma, California, to her deep dive into jazz and acting, and how these experiences shape her storytelling on stage.Key Topics & Highlights:Stella’s early musical influences included Louis Armstrong, Edith Piaf, and

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00:32:14

ELEW: From Camden to ELEW Plays Sting at SFJAZZ

Songs & Stories ·

2025/08/21

Episode SummaryPianist Eric Lewis (ELEW) joins Backstage Bay Area to trace a path from a five-piano childhood in Camden, New Jersey, to the creation of Rockjazz, a career-shaping stint with {{Elvin Jones}}, and his latest project, ELEW Plays Sting. We explore how he translates songs like “Message in a Bottle” and “Walking on the Moon” for solo piano, why Sting’s writing resonates with him, and what to expect from his upcoming shows at the Joe Henderson Lab at SFJAZZ.Origin story: a four-generation

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00:44:31

Anthony Wilson on House of the Singing Blossoms (Live...

Songs & Stories ·

2025/08/14

Guest: Anthony Wilson — guitarist, composer, bandleaderEpisode focus: Anthony’s new live double LP House of the Singing Blossoms (recorded at Sam First), the return of his nonet, and his upcoming SFJAZZ shows (Sept. 4–5; two shows nightly) in the Joe Henderson Lab.Episode SummaryGuitarist–composer Anthony Wilson joins host Steve Roby to talk about reviving the nine-piece band that shaped his early voice and powers his new live album, House of the Singing Blossoms. Wilson digs into arranging for

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00:17:17

Silverset Shines with New Single 'Akamea' and...

Songs & Stories ·

2025/08/05

This week on Backstage Bay Area, Steve Roby sits down with Nikki Fruth and Jon Stenz from Silverset, a rising San Francisco indie rock trio making waves with their dreamy, energetic sound. The band, rounded out by guitarist Grant Hespeler, has quickly gained attention with their debut single “Wherever You Are, Wherever You Go,” which has already surpassed 10,000 Spotify streams.In this episode:The origin story of Silverset: how Nikki, Jon, and Grant came together and found instant musical

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