The Jazz Session

Jason Crane launched The Jazz Session in 2007, making it one of the oldest continuously running jazz interview podcasts in existence. Over 700 episodes later, Crane has spoken with saxophonists, pianists, vocalists, composers, and bandleaders spanning the full spectrum of contemporary jazz. The format is straightforward: one host, one guest, and a substantive conversation about music, creativity, and the daily realities of life as a jazz musician. Crane is known for doing his homework before each recording, which allows him to ask questions that go well beyond the standard promotional talking points. Guests have noted that his interviews feel more like genuine musical conversations than press appearances. Recent episodes have featured artists like saxophonist Jon Irabagon and pianist Benjamin Lackner, reflecting the show's continued focus on active, touring musicians who are pushing the music forward. A Patreon-supported bonus series called This I Dig Of You invites guests to discuss their non-musical passions, adding another dimension to the archive. The show updates weekly, so the backlog grows steadily and serves as a living oral history of 21st-century jazz. With a 4.8-star rating and nearly two decades of episodes to explore, The Jazz Session is essential for anyone who wants to understand how working jazz musicians think about their art and their careers.