Episode 11-Jon Irabagon: Always Moving Forward

Strictly Jazz Sounds

Episode 11- Jon Irabagon: Always Moving Forward

Jon Irabagon is always driving ahead whenever he wants to make a statement with a new recording. With his saxophones facing forward, Jon’s bold and articulate improvisations draw on his singular drive to create a pathway for the future of jazz. He draws on the forces of the hand-chosen musicians, each becoming a lifelong ally in the music business.

Jon is first-generation Filipino American, and the father of two girls. Jon is influenced more by the individualistic philosophies and accomplishments of the Chicago-based organization, the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians, or AACM. These mixed complex-compositional ensembles, highly influenced by the works of John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, and Albert Ayler, are the basis for Jon’s work but it’s the future of this music that he seeks to play, not the rehashing of the music of the past.

Jon Irabagon ’s life story begins in Chicago, the town of the tenor sound. It was in high school in the Chicago north suburbs when he was driven to seek out the music of the tenor titans: John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins and an alto titan, Sonny Stitt. After earning a Bachelor of Music from DePaul University, Jon went on to earn a Master of Arts from the Manhattan School of Music and then post-graduate studies at Julliard. In 2008 Jon went on to win the Thelonious Monk Saxophone Competition and years later the Philippine Presidential Award.

Jon prefers to look ahead, seeking the future of the music, of the sound of jazz. For him, it’s all about what’s next. This is the main driving force for him. He’s fortunate to have a gaggle of musicians with whom he can play the music. Furthermore, Jon has his own label, Irabbagast Records which gives him a label to publish music that may be considered more challenging to other commercial labels. Jon also accommodates his friends who are true to the music and the sound they prefer to play.

In this episode we hear story after story about Jon and his music, his family, the creation of a record label so he can have a place to record his music, spreading the music as an instructor, and when Jon went to stay with his in-laws in South Dakota at the beginning of the pandemic lockdown intending an eight-week stay and winding up living with them for eight months, spending countless hours playing to the canyons, and so much more. The stories insistently pique your interest. So, strap yourself in for this ride.

This will be the opening episode, complete with two tracks of music. There is a bonus episode that completes the full episode. The interview weaves great tales and the music wraps it all up tightly. In the opening episode you will find this music. Thanks to Jon Irabagon for all the music. Please remember to subscribe if you haven’t already.

The music tracks in Episode 11 include the following and with the noted personnel: Anchors (Outright! Innova Recordings, 2008) 8:27

Jon Irabagon-alto saxophone, Russ Johnson-trumpet, Kris Davis-piano, Eivind Opsvik-bass, Jeff Davis-drums

Mammoth (Rising Sun, Irabbagast Records, 2022) 11:59

Jon Irabagon-tenor saxophone, Adam O’Farrill-trumpet, Matt Mitchell-piano, Chris Lightcap-electric bass, Dan Weiss-drums

When you’re done with this episode, listen to the bonus episode complete with more music. Enjoy the conversation with Jon Irabagon, the sax player who’s always looking forward. Here on Strictly Jazz Sounds. Thanks for listening.

Steve Braunginn