Best Vijay Iyer Podcasts (2024)

1
Episode #35 - Oded Tzur: My Prophet 24:44

14d ago24:44

24:44

In the 35th episode of the ECM podcast we're joined by saxophonist Oded Tzur, whose third recording for the label features an altered version of his quartet, with Nitai Hershkovits on piano, Petros Klampanis on bass and new arrival Cyrano Almeida on drums. "My Prophet" was recorded at Studios La Buissonne, in Southern France, and produced by Manfre…

1
Episode #34 - Fred Hersch: Silent, Listening 24:08

3M ago24:08

24:08

In the 34th episode of the ECM podcast we're joined by pianist Fred Hersch, whose solo-debut for ECM Records, "Silent, Listening", was recorded in Lugano, in 2023 and produced by Manfred Eicher.In the conversation, Fred talks about the close collaboration with Manfred Eicher, the serendipity of life and how special this album is to him.…

1
Episode #33 - Arve Henriksen & Harmen Fraanje: Touch of Time 33:40

3M ago33:40

33:40

In the 33rd episode of the ECM podcast we're joined by Arve Henriksen and Harmen Fraanje, whose duo debut "Touch of Time" presents the musicians in both freely improvised forms and carefully wrought themes, picking up and finishing each other's phrases. They talk about their approach to improvising, how "Touch of Time" presents exactly where they m…

1
Episode #32 - Vijay Iyer Trio: Compassion 23:59

5M ago23:59

23:59

In the 32nd episode of the ECM podcast we're once again joined by Vijay Iyer, whose new album "Compassion" is the pianist's second outing with his trio of Linda May Han Oh on bass and drummer Tyshawn Sorey and was co-produced with Manfred Eicher. Vijay talks about the state of the world, the bond created when making music in collaboration with othe…

1
Episode #31 - Matthieu Bordenave: The Blue Land 15:14

5M ago15:14

15:14

In the 31st episode of the ECM Podcast we're joined by the French Saxophonist Matthieu Bordenave, whose second leader-date for ECM, "The Blue Land" features a quartet with Florian Weber on piano, bassist Patrice Moret and new addition James Maddren on drums. The album was produced by Manfred Eicher.Matthieu talks about the inspirations behind the m…

1
Episode #30 - Nils Økland & Sigbjørn Apeland: Glimmer 37:12

7M ago37:12

37:12

In the 30th episode of the ECM Podcast we're joined by Nils Økland & Sigbjørn Apeland, whose second duo recording with ECM, Glimmer, showcases their special musical chemistry in a trans-idiomatic context. On the album the violinist and harmonium player equally draw from traditional folks songs and contemporary music.Nils and Sigbjørn talk about the…

1
Episode #29 - Nitai Hershkovits: Call on the old wise 20:36

8M ago20:36

20:36

In the 29th episode of the ECM Podcast we're joined by pianist Nitai Hershkovits, whose leader-debut for ECM Records is an impressive piano-solo album, recorded in Lugano and produced by Manfred Eicher.In our conversation, Nitai talks about his inspirations, the old wise ones in his life, the recording of this album and the magic of music.…

1
Episode #28 - Sinikka Langeland: Wind And Sun 23:36

8M ago23:36

23:36

In the 29th episode of the ECM Podcast Sinikka Langeland joins us to talk about her new album "Wind And Sun", featuring a Norwegian cast of ECM-stalwarts including trumpeter Mathias Eick, saxophonist Trygve Seim, bassist Mats Eilertsen and Thomas Strønen on drums. Sinikka talks about nature, sounds and poetry.…

1
Episode #27 - John Scofield: Uncle John's Band 24:25

9M ago24:25

24:25

In the 27th episode of the ECM Podcast we are joined by John Scofield, whose newest recording, the double-album "Uncle John's Band" - the guitarist's third leader-date for the label - features Vicente Archer on bass and Bill Stewart on drums.John talks about the music he loves, the joy of playing with friends and how to turn anything into a jazz so…

1
Episode #26 - Wolfgang Muthspiel: Dance of the Elders 40:20

10M ago40:20

40:20

In the 26th episode of the ECM Podcast we met up with Austrian guitarist/composer Wolfgang Muthspiel to talk about his new trio recording "Dance of the Elders" with Scott Colley on bass and Brian Blade on drums. On the album the group's interplay has grown even more fluid.Wolfgang takes us through the album song by song and talks about the collabor…

1
Episode #25 - Maciej Obara Quartet: Frozen Silence 23:58

11M ago23:58

23:58

In the 25th episode of the ECM Podcast Polish alto-saxophonist Marciej Obara joins us to talk about his new album "Frozen Silence", recorded with his long-standing quartet of Dominik Wania on piano, Ole Morten Vågan on bass and drummer Gard Nilssen. It is the group's third album for the label and perhaps the quartet's strongest musical statement to…

1
Episode #24 - Elina Duni: A Time To Remember 23:19

1y ago23:19

23:19

In this 24th episode of the ECM Podcast we're joined by Elina Duni to talk about her new recording "A Time To Remember", which sees her continuing her intimate musical conversations with Rob Luft on guitar, Fred Thomas on piano and percussion as well as Matthieu Michel on flugelhorn.Elina talks about images, sounds, exile, water and love.…

1
Wang Lu: onward, wayward 8:26

1y ago8:26

8:26

The premiere of Wang Lu's onward, wayward performed by pianist Vicky Chow and percussionist Russell Greenberg. Commissioned by Miller Theatre at Columbia University for the Mission: Commission podcast. Missioncommissionpodcast.comBy wang lu, Vicky Chow, Russell Greenberg

1
Ann Cleare: gravity dreams ii 7:45

1y ago7:45

7:45

The premiere of Ann Cleare's gravity dreams ii performed by pianists Laura Barger and Julia Den Boer. Commissioned by Miller Theatre at Columbia University for the Mission: Commission podcast. Missioncommissionpodcast.comBy ann cleare, laura barger, julia den boer

1
Miguel Zenón: Layer Upon Layer 9:01

1y ago9:01

9:01

The premiere of Miguel Zenón's Layer Upon Layer performed by pianist Matt Mitchell and guitarist Miles Okazaki. Commissioned by Miller Theatre at Columbia University for the Mission: Commission podcast. Missioncommissionpodcast.comBy Matt Mitchell, Miles Okazaki, Miguel Zenón

1
6: Final Measures 28:41

1y ago28:41

28:41

The composers have reached the last stages of writing the piece - what more remains to be done before the music can finally take on a life of its own? Visit missioncommissionpodcast.com for a full listing of pieces, performers, and recordings included in this episode.By Wang Lu, Miguel Zenón, Melissa Smey, Ann Cleare

1
5: Working Title 35:41

1y ago35:41

35:41

The pieces have taken on a definitive shape, and a life of their own. How do composers communicate their vision - to the musicians, and to the audience? And how do they choose a name for their creations? Visit missioncommissionpodcast.com for a full listing of pieces, performers, and recordings included in this episode.…

1
Episode #23 - Jacob Young: Eventually 27:29

1y ago27:29

27:29

In this 23rd episode of the ECM Podcast, guitarist Jacob Young joins us to talk about his new trio recording "Eventually", with Mats Eilertsen on bass and Audun Kleive on drums.Jacob talks about the process of writing and recording his first guitar trio album, about other guitarists and guitar trio records that inspired him and about the influence …

1
4: Decisions, Decisions 35:50

1y ago35:50

35:50

We’ve reached that point in the creative process where hard decisions need to be made: keep, cut, continue, end – or maybe even start again? Which direction will the piece take? Visit missioncommissionpodcast.com for a full listing of pieces, performers, and recordings included in this episode.By Melissa Smey, Wang Lu, Ann Cleare, Miguel Zenón

1
3: Piano +1 37:01

1y ago37:01

37:01

This season, the composers are writing music for piano plus one other instrument. We hear about their relationship with the piano, and their different approaches in composing for this instrument. Visit missioncommissionpodcast.com for a full listing of pieces, performers, and recordings included in this episode.…

1
2: Origin Story 36:45

1y ago36:45

36:45

Where do musical ideas and inspiration come from? In hearing these origin stories, we also learn more about the composers themselves. Visit missioncommissionpodcast.com for a full listing of pieces, performers, and recordings included in this episode.By Wang Lu, Ann Cleare, Miguel Zenón, Melissa Smey

1
Episode #22 - Ralph Alessi: It's Always Now 23:37

1y ago23:37

23:37

In the 22nd episode of the ECM Podcast, trumpeter Ralph Alessi talks about his new quartet recording "It's Always Now", on which he is joined by pianist Florian Weber, bassist Bänz Oester and Gerry Hemingway on drums. The album was produced by Manfred Eicher.Ralph gets into the differences of being a musician in the US and Europe, talks about educa…

1
1: The Composers (Season 3) 42:33

1y ago42:33

42:33

An introduction to our composers: Ann Cleare, Wang Lu, and Miguel Zenón, as they begin their creative journey to compose new pieces of classical music in 6 weeks for Mission: Commission. Visit missioncommissionpodcast.com for a full listing of pieces, performers, and recordings included in this episode.…

1
Episode #21 - Zsófia Boros: El último aliento 29:52

1y ago29:52

29:52

In the 21st episode of the ECM Podcast, Zsófia Boros joins us to talk about her new album "El último aliento".The Vienna-based, Hungarian guitarist recorded the album at the Auditorio Stelio Molo in Lugano, with Manfred Eicher producing. On the record Zsófia interprets contemporary Argentinian compositions from Carlos Moscardini, Joaquín Alem, Quiq…

1
Introducing Mission: Commission Season 3 2:39

1y ago2:39

2:39

What do you see when you hear music? Once you know the story behind the music, and the person behind the story, you’ll listen to music in a completely different way. Season 3 follows the creative journey of three world-class composers, Ann Cleare, Wang Lu, and Miguel Zenón. Over 6 weeks, listen as the very first ideas and notes grow and evolve into…

1
Episode #20 - Ralph Towner: At First Light 47:26

1+ y ago47:26

47:26

In the 20th episode of the ECM podcast, we are joined by acclaimed American guitarist Ralph Towner, who has been with ECM since back in 1973, when his debut for the label was released. On his new solo album, “At First Light”, recorded in Lugano in 2022, the guitarist presents new and familiar original compositions as well as a couple of songs from …

1
Episode #19 - Sebastian Rochford/Kit Downes: A Short Diary 21:16

1+ y ago21:16

21:16

In this 19th episode of the podcast, we are joined by British drummer and composer Sebastian Rochford, whose leader-debut for ECM, “A Short Diary”, was just released and finds him in intimate performances of deep feeling and hymn-like clarity, together with pianist Kit Downes. The album is dedicated to Rochford’s father, Aberdeen poet Gerard Rochfo…

1
Episode #18 - Mette Henriette: Drifting 26:54

1+ y ago26:54

26:54

In this 18th episode of the podcast, we are joined by the Norwegian saxophonist-composer Mette Henriette, whose sophomore recording for the label, “Drifting”, was just released and finds her in an intimate trio setting with Johann Lindvall on piano and Judith Hamann on violoncello.Mette talks about the relationship between improvisation and composi…

1
Episode #17 - Benjamin Lackner, Mathias Eick, Jérôme Regard, Manu Katché: Last Decade 19:28

1+ y ago19:28

19:28

In this 17th episode of the ECM Podcast we got together with German-American pianist Benjamin Lackner, whose ECM debut “Last Decade” features Mathias Eick on trumpet, Jérôme Regard on bass and drummer Manu Katché.Benjamin talks about the recording of the album at Studios La Buissonne, about his past ten years and why they ended up as the album’s ti…

1
Episode #16 - Jakob Bro & Joe Lovano: Once Around The Room - A Tribute To Paul Motian 37:11

1+ y ago37:11

37:11

For this 16th episode of the ECM Podcast we met up with both Joe Lovano and Jakob Bro whose new album “Once Around The Room” is a tribute to Paul Motian and features bassists Thomas Morgan, Larry Grenadier and Anders Christensen as well as both Joey Baron and Jorge Rossy on drums.Joe and Jakob talk about the influence of Paul Motian in their music …

1
Episode #15 - Julia Hülsmann Quartet: The Next Door 30:44

1+ y ago30:44

30:44

In this 15th episode of the ECM Podcast, we get together with German pianist Julia Hülsmann, whose new album “The Next Door”, was just released. It’s the second album by her quartet lineup with Uli Kempendorff on saxophone, Marc Muellbauer on bass and Heinrich Köbberling on drums.Julia talks about her different approaches to creating new music, wha…

1
Episode #14 - Gard Nilssen Acoustic Unity: Elastic Wave 26:22

2y ago26:22

26:22

In this 14th episode of the ECM Podcast we’re joined by Norwegian drummer and composer Gard Nilssen, whose ECM leader-debut, “Elastic Wave”, features André Roligheten on saxophone and Petter Eldh on bass. Together the three are known as Acoustic Unity.Gard Nilssen talks about his new album, his influences – such as Ornette Coleman and Louis Moholo …

1
Episode #13 - Enrico Rava & Fred Hersch: The Song Is You 26:58

2y ago26:58

26:58

In this 13th episode of the ECM Podcast, we meet up with Enrico Rava and Fred Hersch to discuss their duo album “The Song Is You”, produced by Manfred Eicher.We talk about friendship in music, the dynamic of this duo and the music they love to play together.By Enrico Rava, Fred Hersch

1
Episode #12 - Steve Tibbetts: Hellbound Train 35:48

2y ago35:48

35:48

In this 12th episode of the ECM podcast we’re joined by the acclaimed American guitarist and long-time ECM recording artist Steve Tibbetts, whose discography-spanning anthology „Hellbound Train“ was released in July 2022. The double album comprises music from eight albums recorded over 40 years, from as early as his debut for the label, Northern So…

1
Episode #11 - Oded Tzur: Isabela 29:38

2y ago29:38

29:38

In this 11th episode of the ECM podcast, we’re joined by saxophonist, bandleader and composer Oded Tzur, who released his latest ECM album “Isabela” alongside Nitai Hershkovits on piano, Petros Klampanis on bass and Johnathan Blake on drums.Oded talks about love, classical Indian music, rhythms and inspirations.…

1
Episode #10 - Mathias Eick: When We Leave 21:12

2y ago21:12

21:12

In this 10th episode of the ECM Podcast, we’re joined by trumpeter Mathias Eick, whose latest record, “When we leave” features his band with violinist Håkon Aase, Andreas Ulvo on piano, bassist Audun Erlien, Stian Carstensen on pedal steel guitar as well as drummers Torstein Lofthus and Helge Andreas Norbakken.In our conversation Mathias talks abou…

1
Episode #9 - John Scofield 33:09

2y ago33:09

33:09

In this ninth episode, we meet guitar legend John Scofield to talk about his first-ever solo album, “John Scofield”, released on May 6. In our conversation, John talks about his solo work, what inspires him and how to stay fresh.By John Scofield

1
Kate Soper: Telephone 11:15

2y ago11:15

11:15

The premiere of Kate Soper's Telephone. Performed by Kate Soper and the Parker Quartet. Commissioned by Miller Theatre at Columbia University for the Mission: Commission podcast. Missioncommissionpodcast.comBy kate soper, parker quartet

1
Vijay Iyer: Room for Ghosts 14:25

2y ago14:25

14:25

The premiere of Vijay Iyer's Room for Ghosts. Performed by Vijay Iyer and the Parker Quartet. Commissioned by Miller Theatre at Columbia University for the Mission: Commission podcast. Missioncommissionpodcast.comBy vijay iyer, parker quartet

1
Oscar Bettison: all keens and slow airs... 16:20

2y ago16:20

16:20

The premiere of Oscar Bettison's all keens and slow airs... . Performed by the Parker Quartet. Commissioned by Miller Theatre at Columbia University for the Mission: Commission podcast. Missioncommissionpodcast.comBy oscar bettison, parker quartet

1
6: What we make is who we are 36:35

2y ago36:35

36:35

As the creative journey comes to an end, we hear reflections on genre, and hear why these pieces defy categorization. Visit missioncommissionpodcast.com for a full listing of pieces, performers, and recordings included in this episode.By Melissa Smey, Oscar Bettison, Kate Soper, Vijay Iyer

1
Episode #8 - Tord Gustavsen: Opening 26:10

2y ago26:10

26:10

In this eight episode, we catch up with Norwegian pianist and composer Tord Gustavsen, whose newest trio record, “Opening”, was released on 8 March. On the album, Tord is joined by his longtime collaborator Jarle Vespestad on drums and new addition Steinar Raknes on bass. Tord talks about what happens when you’re able to channel spontaneous inspira…

1
5: Blu Tack, Growls, and M&Ms 40:12

2y ago40:12

40:12

The composers rehearse or prepare for rehearsal with the Parker Quartet, and the pieces start to come to life. Visit missioncommissionpodcast.com for a full listing of pieces, performers, and recordings included in this episode.By melissa smey, kate soper, oscar bettison, vijay iyer

1
Episode #7 - Mark Turner: Return From The Stars 20:04

2y ago20:04

20:04

In this seventh episode, we are joined by saxophonist, bandleader and composer Mark Turner, whose new album, “Return from the Stars”, was released on 25 March. The album features Mark’s quartet with Joe Martin on bass, trumpeter Jason Palmer and Jonathan Pinson on drums. Mark talks about his fascination for sci-fi novels, the titles of his composit…

1
4: Answering the call 41:49

2y ago41:49

41:49

The composers are deep in the work: writing, rewriting, tinkering with the myriad details that make the piece what it is, and what it will be. But what guides their decisions about how to shape the piece, or what direction to take it in? Visit missioncommissionpodcast.com for a full listing of pieces, performers, and recordings included in this epi…

1
3: What even is form? 32:20

2y ago32:20

32:20

To navigate the terrain of classical music, you need some trail markers, and that’s where form comes in. It’s the underlying structure of the way things happen in music. Composers today don’t always want to follow the age-old rules of form. How do our composers think about form as they work on their pieces? Visit missioncommissionpodcast.com for a …

1
2: Dear Diary... 30:44

2y ago30:44

30:44

Mission: Commission takes us into the inner worlds of our three composers so you can understand more about the real people making the music. We go deeper in understanding how each composer thinks as they document their process through audio diaries–sometimes words, sometimes music, sometimes both. Visit missioncommissionpodcast.com for a full listi…

1
1: The Composers 36:02

2+ y ago36:02

36:02

An introduction to our composers—Oscar Bettison, Vijay Iyer, and Kate Soper—as they begin their creative journey to compose a new piece of classical music in 6 weeks for Mission: Commission. Visit missioncommissionpodcast.com for a full listing of pieces, performers, and recordings included in this episode.…

1
Introducing Mission: Commission Season 2 2:28

2+ y ago2:28

2:28

How does classical music actually get made? In season 2, the podcast follows the creative journey of three world-class composers, Oscar Bettison, Vijay Iyer, and Kate Soper, as they compose new works and unpack their creative process in real time. Over a period of 6 weeks, listen as the very first ideas and notes grow and evolve into vibrant new pi…

1
Episode #6: Avishai Cohen: Naked Truth 21:49

2+ y ago21:49

21:49

In this sixth episode, we meet with Israeli trumpet player, composer and arranger Avishai Cohen, whose fifth album as a leader for ECM Records, “Naked Truth”, was released on February 25th. The album features his long-time comrades: pianist Yonathan Avishai, bassist Barak Mori and drummer Ziv Ravitz.Avishai talks about the inspirations and the proc…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Vijay Iyer Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide