Meet our friend Kent Heckman. The proprietor of Red Rock Studio in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, Kent is a renowned audio engineer. His client list reads like a “Who’s Who” of the jazz world, including saxophonist Phil Woods, composer Bob Dorough, drummer Sherrie Maricle, and pianist Keith Jarrett. Our co-hosts enjoy a lively conversation with Kent, who shares stories from his career including the eclectic singer Nellie McKay, the Canadian folk group The Wailin’ Jennys, and a live date with Jarrett.

Be sure to check out Kent’s work on the Jennys’ award-winning album, Live at the Mauch Chunk Opera House, as well as Keith Jarrett’s two live CDs recorded at the Deer Head Inn on ECM records.

Theme music: "All Thumbs" from Faith in a New Key, Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet
Music used by permission from Presbybop Music (BMI)
Announcer: Chris Norton
(c) Presbybop Music

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We welcome the immensely talented Warren Cooper to our podcast. Warren is a jazz vocalist, a recording artist, and an advocate for peace and justice. A lifelong resident of Philadelphia, he counts the city’s finest jazz musicians as his colleagues and friends. Warren tells us about his latest projects, including a reboot of the classic tune, “Take Five” to counter gun violence. Check this out.

Music: “Take Five: Stop the Violence,” available online at https://take5stoptheviolence.com/ Used by permission of Warren Cooper.

Music: “Welcome Home” from Welcome Home, Bill Carter and Warren Cooper
Theme music: "All Thumbs" from Faith in a New Key, Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet
Music used by permission from Presbybop Music (BMI)
Announcer: Chris Norton
(c) Presbybop Music

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Jeff Kellam and Bill Carter introduce the 12th recording of the Presbybop Quintet. It's called "Brand New Day." This collection of fresh jazz performances is guaranteed to improve the quality of your life!

To see the video that accompanies this podcast, click here.

To hear samples of the album or download it, click here.

All music from Brand New Day, Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quintet
Music used by permission from Presbybop Music (BMI)
Announcer: Chris Norton

© Presbybop Music.

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Here is a live episode! Bill and Jeff meet at the Riverow Bookshop in Owego, NY to have a conversation about Bill’s recent book, Thriving on a Riff: Jazz and the Spiritual Life. They have discussed the book in previous episodes but are still digging up fresh soil. Thanks to Riverow Bookshop for hosting this event!

Learn more about Riverow Bookshop by clicking here.

Theme music: "All Thumbs" from Faith in a New Key, Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet
Music used by permission from Presbybop Music (BMI)
Announcer: Chris Norton

© Presbybop Music

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Music may come from the imagination – but there must be funding if anyone is ever going to hear it. Bill and Jeff have an honest conversation about the money that makes music heard. They discuss the importance of creating a community of supporters who support the music-making, especially for the recordings of Presbybop Music. A special shout-out to Fractured Atlas, our fiscal sponsor. They make donations possible for our work.

Theme music: "All Thumbs" from Faith in a New Key, Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet
Music used by permission from Presbybop Music (BMI)
Announcer: Chris Norton

© Presbybop Music.

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Jeff and Bill return to talk about the art of composition. Where do composers find the inspiration for their music? Jeff asks, Bill ponders. Along the way, we hear a couple of clips from Bill’s new compositions.

Featured music: “Bright Sorrow” and “Celestia,” composed by Bill Carter (yet unreleased)

“Dancing Girl,” composed by Bill Carter, from Dancing Day, Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet.

Theme music: "All Thumbs" from Faith in a New Key, Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet
Music used by permission from Presbybop Music (BMI)
Announcer: Chris Norton

© Presbybop Music.

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Jeff and Bill are back to discuss Bill's memory of the "top five" jazz concerts he attended. As they banter back and forth, they share brief snippets of amazing musicians that have shaped Bill's musical imagination.

Music: snippets of five great musical ensembles, all recorded live.

Theme music: "All Thumbs" from Faith in a New Key, Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet
Music used by permission from Presbybop Music (BMI)
Announcer: Chris Norton

© Presbybop Music.

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Today, we offer a quick recap of an annual jazz worship service in Clarks Summit, PA. Co-host Bill Carter is the longtime pastor of First Presbyterian Church – and its resident jazz musician. With very little encouragement from Jeff Kellam, Bill shares a recording of his sermon for that service. Brazilian music was featured, so it’s a good opportunity to reflect on the multicultural nature of jazz. It’s also a good opportunity to make more room for others

Music: improvisations on a Brazilian tune, as performed live by the Presbybop Quartet.

Theme music: "All Thumbs" from Faith in a New Key, Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet
Music used by permission from Presbybop Music (BMI)
Announcer: Chris Norton

© Presbybop Music.

Support the show