Ridgeway Radio Presents: On The Scene Sfo

Vadim Neselovskyi joins us this time.  The Ukrainian pianist reveals his process as composer, solo performer, and bandleader, to arrive at dazzling displays of virtuosity and memorable melodicism. His skills as an improvisor and composer continues the thread of his own mentors, and collaborators, in the field: Vibraphonist, Gary Burton, and Pianist, Fred Hersch.  A Professor at Berklee College of Music, Vadim still enjoys a full schedule of collaboration and performances throughout the world.  While fervent duets with Bassist, Jeff Denson, or Flugelhorn player, Acardy Shilkoper, can be heard on his itinerary, it is his trio, 'Agricultural Dreams', with Isreali Drummer, Ronen Itzik, and Bassist, Dan Loomis, that he is most excited to present.  A new recording with the trio can be expected in 2016/17.    

We speak with Composer, Arranger and Bassist, Marcus Shelby. His Marcus Shelby Orchestra is a long time San Francisco Bay Area Institution with numerous appearances, commissions and recordings. In a special two part series of episodes, we start with a 2016 discussion surrounding his work with 'Beyond the Blues: A Prison Oratorio' that highlights music, art, poetry, and lecture to act as an agency of change in ending the prison industrial complex. Then we return to a 2011 conversation at the time he recorded and released material featuring new arrangements of familiar spirituals and protest songs as well as original music inspired by the 1960's Civil Rights era, called 'Soul of the Movement'. Buckle in, and stay tuned for Part 2!

A tireless performer, educator, and beloved figure throughout the jazz community, Saxophonist, Dayna Stephens, has established himself as a distinct voice amongst his generation. His stage and studio experiences span across contemporaries and legends, including Taylor Eigsti, Julian Lage, Gerald Clayton, Linda Oh, Aaron Parks, Gretchen Parlato, Becca Stevens, Brad Mehldau, Brian Blade, John Scofield, Herbie Hancock, and many more. Dayna recently overcame a rare kidney disease after securing a transplant in 2015.  He discusses this and other topics of everyday performing, composing, leading and creating in the jazz idiom.