Interview: Bela Fleck

One measure of Bela Fleck’s incredible musical skills on the banjo – and his diverse musical sensibilities – is that he has been nominated for a Grammy Award in more musical categories than anyone else in history. And he has won 15 times, including a Latin Grammy for the 2007 collaboration album The Enchantment with jazz pianist Chick Corea. A true innovator, Fleck continues to expand the possibilities that the banjo can offer.

This interview was for the 9/15/15 concert by Bela Fleck and Chick Corea at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara. It was done by email, with answers received on 8/17/15. (C. Taylor Crothers photo, 2015 copyright Chick Corea Productions)

Interview: Airto Moreira

Airto Moreira is widely regarded as one of the greatest living percussionists. He is best known for playing on several groundbreaking jazz fusion albums including Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew, Weather Report’s first album, and Return to Forever’s first two albums. He has also contributed to recordings with Cannonball Adderley, Dizzy Gillespie, Wayne Shorter, John McLaughlin, Al Di Meola, Keith Jarrett, Stanley Clarke, Stan Getz, Carlos Santana, Paul Simon, Mickey Hart, his wife Flora Purim, and many others. Add to all this a couple dozen solo albums and numerous live performances, and you can begin to appreciate the mark that Airto has left on music.

This interview was for a preview article for Airto’s performance with Eyedentity on 9/4/14 at SOhO in Santa Barbara. It was done by phone on 8/8/14. (Janis Wilkins photo)

Concert Review: Five Peace Band featuring John McLaughlin and Chick Corea

Review of Five Peace Band concert on 3/20/09 featuring John McLaughlin and Chick Corea, Campbell Hall, UC Santa Barbara