The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt

The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt-2025 Recap of Season

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 18:00:00 -0500

As this season of The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt comes to a close I would like to personally extend deep gratitude and thanks to all that took time out of their very busy and active schedules to stop by. A very special thanks goes out to all of the listeners that tune in to listen while you navigate your day be it through long morning commute, a trip to the coffee shop to return emails, or in your place of residence relaxing and listening reminiscent of the living room radio experience. See you on the other side of next year and until then you know what to do. Music composed and performed by James Hurt.

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The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt-Toni Blackman-From Cultural Ambassador of Hip-Hop to Becoming

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 21:00:00 -0400

Cultural Ambassador of Hip-Hop, author, and creative Toni Blackman stopped by The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt to share her origin story in her own words. Toni recounts the earliest instance of experiencing creativity and moves through the memories leading up to her East Coast arrival. Toni and the host engaged one another about their shared cultural backgrounds and experiences growing up in diverse communities across America. They discussed Toni's journey from her hometown to Howard University, where she found self-worth and built a valuable network, while also exploring themes of personal growth, accountability, and the challenges faced by Black Americans in education and career advancement. The conversation concluded with discussions about Toni's work as a Hip-Hop artist and cultural ambassador, including her experiences with Freestyle Union and her efforts to blend hip-hop with education and diplomacy. Background music composed and performed by James Hurt.

The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt-Yunie Mojica-Multifaceted Dreams Personified

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 21:00:00 -0400

Saxophonist, composer, singer, and events tastemaker Yunie Mojica stopped The Sit-Down Podcast to share her origin story in her own words. While coming from a family immersed in both educational athletic endeavors Yunie was exposed to the many flavors of music through her home listening culture that she credits her dad with. Growing up the city of Hartford, Connecticut Yunie shares how she made peace with identity politics via the Transatlantic Slave Trade route by self-identifying as Black, Dominican, Puerto Rican, and a New York cultured individual. This reconing has taken Yunie on several twists and turns on the road to becoming a musician steeped in the Jazz tradition as taught through the Jackie McLean Institute in addition to all of the electronic music subsets of the time as heard as a young child from Celia Cruz to early Disco Latin Salsa-Soul (Salsoul), and ultimately leading her ear to Sonny Stitt and a willingness to capture that 'feeling' know and often referred to as 'Jazz'-the great American art form. With a Bachelors degree in both Jazz studies and Music Management Mojica has been contributor for such events as Summer Stage and Jazz at Lincoln Center's Dizzie's Club Coca Cola. Yunie continues to amaze with her duo project co-led with brother, DJ Acemo who are currently carving out a sonic space in the world of creative experimental electronica. Yunie also served as co-host of the podcast "Make Music Trill Again" with vocalist Melanie Charles. Background music composed and performed by James Hurt.

The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt-Carole Alexis-Cultural Identity Through the Lens of Artistry

Mon, 12 May 2025 21:00:00 -0400

Carole Alexis, Choreographer and Director of Ballet Des Ameriques, takes time out of her busy and active schedule to stop by the Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt and discuss her origin story in her own words. Having had multiple levels of training and expertise in several disciplines Carole takes the listener on a journey that begins in her homeland of the French-Caribbean territory of Martinique, early formal training in Africa (with primary focus on Dakar, Senegal), France, through the ultimate choice to relocate to the United States (settling in New York City's Harlem) in search the common thread of the human experience-beauty through artistic expression. The conversation also highlights the contributions of activism through an artistic lens and such pioneers from the Négritude movement poets such as Aimé Césaire, Léopold Sédar Senghor, and Léon-Gontran Damas. The notion of circularity as an integral part of the diaspora was extensively utilized to compliment the notion of linearity as it relates to art and culture. Gender roles and how they began to expand the boundaries to include women in dance as recently as the 17th Century were also discussed as one of the earliest forms of the 'constraint-freedom' dance (pun intended) towards transcendence in search of beauty and perfection however untenable. Background music composed and performed by James Hurt.

The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt-Val Jeanty-Sound Chemist

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Sound Chemist, drummer, percussionist, and turntablist, Val Jeanty stops by The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt to share an origin story which begins in her native land-The Republic of Haiti. From immersion in ceremonies of drum and dance as a young child, exposure arts across multiple disciplines, the shift towards instability and the decision to migrate to the USA, to an awareness of the different levels of social metrics to include race as a leading determinant of 'how' one moves through such a system labeled as a Democracy yet structured as a Republic, becoming drawn to the new sounds of urban youth's unique voice through the music of Hip-Hop, utilizing electronic instruments such as turntables and samplers as an extension of both sonic-creativity and cultural-preservation, navigating the journey of sound healing as a Sound Chemist, and offering a word of encouragement to aspiring sonic explorers and the like. This episode is dedicated the continued struggle and enduring spirit of the people of Haiti. Background music composed and performed by James Hurt.

The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt-Chad Anderson-Sense of Urgency

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 23:00:00 -0500

Visual artist, educator, and spontaneously-creative drummer Chad Anderson stops by the Sit-Down Podcast to share both his origin story and musical journey in his own words. This episode takes us to the state of Mississippi and into the city of Starkville. Chad recounts his first interests in art and music in particular, coming from a family of educators, radio as a first instrument, earliest drum rivalry, the legacy of John Reese, Alvin Fielder's impact on his drum philosophy, visual artist Bart Galloway, I-95-from Jackson to Memphis, meeting Kelley and Chris Parker, and working with the trans-generational creative music visionary Chad Fowler. This episode is dedicated to the memory, legacy, and impact of the musical advocacy of violinist, creative thinker, and creator of the Black Arts Music Society (BAMS), John Reese. Background music composed and performed by James Hurt.

The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt-Heidi Martin, Kim Lake & the Abbey Lincoln Estate

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 19:00:00 -0500

Creative Vocalists and songwriters Heidi Martin and Kim Lake stop by The Sit-Down Podcast to share their latest musings on the craft of songwriting, the mystique surrounding the 'magic' behind a great song, and gaining access to the Abbey Lincoln estate. This one promises to be a thriller with lots of twists and turns relative one of the most under-discussed aspects of creative music-the song as a vehicle for imagination. The time that they spent together dates back to 1993-94 when there were literally thousands of artists across several disciplines descending onto the Metropolis with big visions and a willingness to bring their visions forward. Martin and Lake recount all of the pivotal periods leading up to the discovery of the journals of Abbey and share how they inform future endeavors moving forward relative song structure, imagination, and creative permission. Background music performed and composed by James Hurt.

© 2025 James Hurt. All rights reserved.

The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt-George Sluppick-A Life on the Road

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 20:00:00 -0500

Drummer and storyteller George Sluppick stops by the Sit-Down Podcast to share his origin story in his own words. In addition Sluppick gives the listener a glimpse into his long and fruitful relationship relationship with the road and his love for music has taken around the world. His journey begins with a keen curiosity that was rather organic and involved a box of animal krackers. The rest, as they say, is history. George hold distinction as one of a handful of several so-called child prodigies that were peppered throughout Memphis in either family bands or as featured individuals and has played on streets and stages with some of the most revered Blues, Gospel, Country, Rock and Roll, Jazz, and Singer-Songwriter bands throughout the United States and Europe. The Memphis Bluffs, with it's steam-paddle-boats, electric street trolleys, the world famous Beale Street, The National Civil Rights Museum, "The Museum of Rock 'N' Soul", and the sweet smell of summer Barbeque in the air, birthed such art and cultural festivals as "Africa in April" and "Memphis in May" while also filling the atmosphere with music of varying styles all while maintaining an identity as the "Home of the Blues" and "Birthplace of Rock and Roll". This episode is dedicated to the legacy of all of the neighborhoods, churches, universities, contributing artists, recording studios, mentors, schools, teachers, club owners, street and club musicians, parks and recreation, The Blues Foundation and 'Big George'-Slupp's Dad, Staxx Academy, the Memphis Arts Council, the Memphis Empowerment Initiative of Memphis, with distinction given to Rev. Sonja Walker and Family, the Lee Sisters Family of Civil Rights Activists, Dr. Lulah McEwen Hedgeman-Choral Director-Overton High School of the Performing Arts (and the best music theory instructor who changed my life introducing me to key signatures and ultimately piano), Judy Peiser-The Center for Southern Folklore, the "Queen of Beale Street"-Ruby Wilson, the undisputed "Queen of Jazz"-Joyce Cobb, (of whom I had the pleasure of performing with at her venue on historic Beale Street), Dr. Bill Hurd, Errol Thomas, and Tom Lonardo (for allowing me to solo way too long on modal tunes), Isaac Hayes and Cybill Shepherd for stopping in to hear us during 'Happy-hour-Fridays', Jazz Vocalist and Entrepreneur Debra Sweeney and her "Sunset Jazz at Court Square Square" series, The Fieldstones, Candice Ivory-"Queen of Avant Soul" and her latest-When the Levee Breaks: The Music of Memphis Minnie-featuring Charlie Hunter (with George Sluppick), Black Radio-WDIA and WLOK, Rufus Thomas, Herman Green, Bill Tyus, "Flying Calvin" and Phineas of the Newborn Family (for allowing 'Junior' to bless both the world and our home piano), Gerard Harris (with whom drove with to New York City in 1993 in a Datsun 280z! Love to you big Brother), Sal Crocker, Scott Thompson, Anthony Reedus-RIP (who told me to get to New York ASAP), everyone who doubted me, and most notably Mrs. Edith Hurt (Mom), who showed Kelley, Frederick, and I this great city with style and grace, Sue and "The Little Tea Shop" for it's excellence throughout the years, and the city we call the "Bluff City", aka "1-Town", aka "Memphis-10", the place more and people are calling home from around the world. Music composed and performed by James Hurt.

© 2024 James Hurt. All rights reserved.

The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt-Lamy Istrefi-Seeing the Sparkles

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Drummer and 'Sound Ambassador' Lamy Istrefi stops by the Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt to discuss his musical journey in which he recounts the early years as the son of an academic family of scholars in the occupied territory of his homeland Kosovo, earliest experiences with a musically gifted older brother who encourages his music curiosities, experimenting with several instruments before settling on the drums, meeting saxophonist and clinician David Leibman and trailblazing drummer Cindy Blackman, seeing Miles Davis' Tutu music video as a catalyst of artistry, traveling to the Austrian Jazz Festival of Music that afforded him the opportunity to see drummers Peter Erskine, Al Foster, Vinnie Colaiuta and fortified and long and fruitful relationship with drummer Idris Mohammed, bassist Dennis Erwin, saxophonists Joe Lovano and George Garzone. Lamy endures coming to the US on a recommendation, leaves, and returns with a newfound commitment to get from Chicago to New York City where his musical maturation develops for his artistic vision as a bandleader. This episode is dedicated to memory of the beautiful artists bassist and mentor Dennis Irwin and drummer and Detroit native Lawrence Leathers. Background music composed and performed by James Hurt.

© 2024 James Hurt. All rights reserved.

The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt-David Servoss-Sensibilities, Sensitivities, and the Quest for Creativity

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 22:00:00 -0400

Career Creative and Experimental Artist David Servoss stops by the Sit-Down Podcast to discuss sensibilities, sensitivities, and the quest for creativity. Though it could be aptly titled "The Case for Creativity" it seemed the natural way to go with 'quest' as it more represents an ongoing occurrence rather a thing that may come to some sort of conclusionary end. David shares his unique origin story beginning with his multi-ethnic origins and the first instances of an awareness of the creative environment within solitude which would inform his artistic identity and philosophical perspective as an only child and 'Latch-key Kid'. David also offers a deep dive into usefulness of one's ability (as a non-creative) to develop sensibilities and sensitivities becomes a catalyst for how to relate to one another at the human level in addition to how it helps in a creative environment. Background music composed and performed by James Hurt.

© 2024 James Hurt. All rights reserved.

The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt-Goussy Celestin-Haitian-New Yorker

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 21:00:00 -0400

Composer, pianist, vocalist, dancer, and educator Goussy Celestin, born of Haitian parents, visits The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt to discuss her origin story of becoming a multidimensional artist through the rich community of resources provided through her family homes in both Brooklyn and Queens, Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, Dr. Billy Taylor's "Jazz Mobile", Barry Harris' Jazz Workshop, Bertha Hope, the New York Underground through "The University of the Streets", the "Village Gate", "Fareta School of Dance & Drum, Leslie Dance and Skate", musician and educator Arnie Lawrence (New school Jazz Founder-1986), and "Smalls Jazz Club" (in West Village). Celestin is currently a "WeBop" educator (JALC) introducing Jazz to yet another generation of curious minds of the future. This episode is dedicated to all of the unmentioned men and women of song, dance, and music who worked tirelessly to assist Goussy in becoming the expansive artist she is today. Upon relocating here in 1994 by train, meeting Goussy was key in shaping my friendships with hundreds of artists that migrated to the city from around the world during this vibrant period of creativity and sense of community. Background music composed and performed by James Hurt.

© 2024 James Hurt. All rights reserved.

The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt-Victor Gould-A Musical Journey

Sat, 17 Aug 2024 14:00:00 -0400

Pianist and composer Victor Gould stops by The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt to discuss his origin story and his musical journey. The layers of the proverbial onion began to expose themselves in this gifted artist as we deep dive into the notions of composition, improvisation, and the quest for how great art, and the case for music, needs to strike a balance between the two. Gould takes us through his early years as the son of an amatuer jazz musician in his father, a piano introduction, child piano recitals, attending the LACHSA of Performing Arts, and how his family's record collection and the church community served as stepping stones into the world of creative music and ultimately the process of becoming a leader with his own musical vision. The recurring theme of the episode raises the philosophical question as to whether improvisation has always served as the conduit to composition with strong examples of the case for creativity leading the process. With a strong foundation in classical music and improvised music, Victor has positioned himself as a unique voice of the creative music community. Background music composed and performed by James Hurt.

© 2024 James Hurt. All rights reserved.

The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt-Adrian Harpham-Visualizing Music

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 18:00:00 -0400

The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt-Darrian Douglas-Executive Decision

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 15:00:00 -0400

Drummer and Executive Director of Secondline Arts Collective, Darrian Douglas, stops by the Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt to discuss his origin story. Douglas takes us back to his birthplace, the first time he was exposed to drums though a musical legacy, meeting Alvin Fielder through a live performance at his elementary school, performing with Dr. London Branch, professional development through playing live music in several musical situations, and the challenges that contributed to starting the Secondline arts Collective along with co-founder and Artistic Director Gregory Agid. Background music composed and performed by James Hurt.

© 2024 James Hurt. All rights reserved.

The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt-Concurrence-The Vision

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 18:00:00 -0400

This episode speaks to the month of June as instrumental in shaping popular culture through the lens of the contributions of pioneers in art and culture. To highlight a unit which is in the process of becoming seemed fitting and no other unit seemed more poised for this than Concurrence-a duo of bassist Greg Bryant and pianist Paul Horton Jr. Concurrence stopped by The Sit-Down to discuss their latest project entitled Indivisible. Follow them on social media and be sure to grab their latest release. Background music by James Hurt.

© 2024 James Hurt. All rights reserved.

The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt-Susanne Alt-Saxophonist and Composer

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 18:00:00 -0400

German-born Amsterdam-raised alto saxophonist and composer Susanne Alt joins us remotely for the next Episode of the Sit-Down Podcast to share her origins story of becoming an artist beyond compromise. The segment takes us from the earliest beginnings of Susanne as a young child with two educator parents that also happen to be musicians. From early experiences with music in the most holistic way in her home environment, to learning demands and expectations, Susanne takes us through the challenges of being taught by one's parents while also revealing through experience how learning styles can be drastically differ between young girls and boys. The layers continue as we explore the way in which saxophone informed Susanne's interest beyond the canon of classical music and into areas of American music such as gospel and later funk, soul, and jazz. A new recording celebrating Roy Hargrove, Royalty for Real, reveals a heavy influence the trumpeter had on the world, the Netherlands, and Susanne directly. Susanne also shares insights as to how one may realize one's full potential as a person who wears many hats as bandleader, marketeer, booking agent, producer, musician, and indie record label executive. Background music by James Hurt.

© 2024 James Hurt. All rights reserved.

The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt-Marc Cary-Native New Yorker

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 21:00:00 -0500

Keyboardist, composer, and educator Marc Cary joins the Sit-Down Podcast to discuss his origin story and how the 'district' shaped his musical trajectory. Although his birthplace was Harlem in New York City, Cary spent time in several areas on the Eastern Seaboard to include his parents home state of Rhode Island before relocating to the District of Columbia. Tune in as Marc weaves a thread of all of his earliest experiences from his family of talented musicians to frequent encounters with the progenitors of the Golden Era of Jazz often invited into his home while growing in Washington, D.C. such as Dizzie Gillespie, Tommy Flanagan, and Sarah Vaughan. Bassist, arranger, and composer Mickey bass, responsible for several luminaries in Jazz across several generations, is cited as the educator responsible for creating a path to learn the language of Jazz through his diminished-whole-tone concept. Special attention is also devoted to the original indigenous American beat which emerged from the D.C. area known as Go-Go as being instrumental in Cary's development as a young band leader under the direction of Chuck Brown also known as the 'Godfather' of Go-Go. The pivotal moment for Mark was performing in the Dizzie Gillespie Jazz Youth Orchestra which created a path for the younger generation of musicians to cary the music forward. The influence of Cary's breadth of musicianship can be felt through his current unit Focus Trio. Background music by James Hurt.

© 2024 James Hurt. All rights reserved.

The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt-Candice Ivory-Memphis Minnie Reimagined

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 19:00:00 -0500

Multi-talented Candice Ivory, Queen of Avant Soul, wears many hats as a festival symposium curator for the long-standing King Biscuit Festival, educator of Applied Music, Voice, Jazz and Contemporary Music at Washington University at St Louis Missouri, a devoted visual artist & painter, and a lifelong student of the craft of songwriting. Candice stops by to discuss her whirlwind schedule coming off a new release of new music honoring the legacy of trailblazing songstress and cultural pioneer Memphis Minnie through reimaging her body of work with the premier conceptualist Charlie Hunter. The new release, When the Levee Breaks: The Music of Memphis Minnie, is on her Little Village label and delivers stunning interpretations of Minnie's classics. The project includes Atiba Rorie & Brevan Hampden on percussion, George Sluppick on drums, and DeShawn Hickman on lap and pedal steel. We explore the possible landscape of the future of songs, the potential impact of AI, and the way in which one can pay homage to influences without the need to stop at the 'sounds-like' phase of one's artistic developmental journey. This episode is dedicated to the region in the United States referred to as the Delta which spreads it's reach over state lines and into the hearts and minds of the people the deep south. Background music composed and performed by James Hurt.

© 2023 James Hurt. All rights reserved.

The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt-James Carter-Study the Music (Ancestral Technology)

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 17:00:00 -0400

Multi-reed & woodwind specialist, instrument repair technical wizard, clinician, student of music, and consummate musician James Carter stops by the Sit-Down to discuss his early origins as the youngest sibling who had a burning desire to perform with his diverse musical family of both soulfully & classically-trained musicians. James' keen ear and expansive musical interests take him on a journey backwards and forwards through the decades of American music before circumstances place him in the cross-hairs of his first encounter with a family friend's saxophone, private lessons with his musical mentor Donald Washington, early symphonic music training and multi-instrumentalism, auditions which led to his musical experiences at both Blue Lake and Interlochen, performing with Ralph "Buzzy" Jones & Yusef Lateef, touring with Wynton Marsalis (while in high school) & Lester Bowie (New York City), Kid Dynamite-Lodewijk Rudolf Arthur Parisius (and the Dixieland Manifesto), Detroit's Afro-futurists synthesists "The Electrifying Mojo", William "The Wiz" Tandy, and house to Techno. Shoutouts to all the all my drumline 'Whallas', aka The 'Rat Patrol', from the 'D' who came down to the "Hill" (TSU) in Nashville, to go forth and serve-change the world. This episode is dedicated to all the Michiganians on both branches of my family tree in Detroit, Big Rapids, Grand Rapids, Greenwood, and to the legacy of Afro-Futurist, Educator (Ferris State University), Organic Chemist, youth leader, and devoted husband (Uncle) Dr. Charles Raymond Hurt (1932-2017) who pioneered research for arthritic & metabolic diseases in addition to his work with Goodard Space Flight Center and NASA. Background music composed and performed by James Hurt.

© 2023 James Hurt. All rights reserved.

The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt-Rodney Jordan-Bassist and Educator

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 18:00:00 -0400

Consummate bassist and educator Rodney Jordan stops by The Sit-Down Podcast to discuss art and culture in addition to his origin story. We touch on his early live in Memphis, early music exposure and influences, music educators that shaped his trajectory, university and moving to Mississippi, the deep Alvin Fielder influence, the Wynton Marsalis-Terance Blanchard effect on the last century, the Marcus Roberts experience, and advice for the new generation of performers and educators of the future. Background music composed and performed by James Hurt.

© 2023 James Hurt. All rights reserved.

The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt Episode 4-Heidi Martin

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Singer-Songwriter Heidi Martin visits The Sit-Down to discuss her origin story, traveling abroad, discovering Jazz, and much more! This is the first episode that explores the 1990s 'Lost generation' of creative musicians (and artists of several disciplines) that came to New York City between the years of 1990 to 2000 by the thousands. This episode focuses on the early 90s, the proximity to the Golden Era Jazz Masters, and Heidi (and her becoming) as one of the songstresses that would shape music for the next twenty years or more along with the challenges facing them to include the peer-to-peer file-sharing movement that transformed the community into the monetization paywall of today. Heidi takes us on a deep dive into the White-American experience as a Washington D.C. native who came from lower-middle class beginnings, experienced socio-economic elitism, and found her voice through experimentation and adventure. Background music composed and performed by James Hurt.

© 2023 James Hurt. All rights reserved.

The Sit-Down with James Hurt Episode 3-Candice Ivory-Southern-Melanated-American Renaissance Woman

Wed, 31 May 2023 15:00:00 -0400

This segment is a rebroadcast of the multi-talented and multi-faceted visual artist, singer/songwriter, events curator and arts advocate Candice Ivory. Grab a nice beverage of your choosing, find a comfortable seat, and listen to the origin story unfold as told through Candice's voice in her own words. Background music provided by James Hurt.

© 2023 James Hurt. All rights reserved.

The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt-Episode 2-Tony Suggs

Sun, 07 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Pianist and Composer Tony Suggs stops by the Sit-Down to discuss his journey from his birth place of Mississippi, growing up in East St. Louis, IL, the decision to choose music, his time at sea, living in Japan, and The Count Basie Orchestra experience. The segment is filled with bak-stories and pieces to the puzzle that will that make up the artist. Background music provides by James Hurt.

© 2023 James Hurt. All rights reserved.

The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt-Episode 1-Kelley Hurt and Chris Parker

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 21:00:00 -0400

The episode helps to kick off the first day of spring 2023. Vocalist and song stylist Kelley Hurt and pianist and composer Chris Parker stop by the podcast for a spirited conversation. We start off with the big question. Why music? Later we unpack their biggest musical influences, early life as musicians, music together in varying configurations, leaving Memphis, and their latest large-scale work referencing the events of the "Little Rock Nine" entitled the "No Tears Suite" initially funded by Oxford American.

© 2023 James Hurt. All rights reserved.

The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt-Episode 10-Dara Starr Tucker and Greg Bryant

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 07:00:00 -0500

Singer, Songwriter, social commentator, and satirist Dara Starr Tucker and host of Sirius XM's "Real Jazz" Greg "The Watchman" Bryant stop by to discuss art and culture and in this episode we explore varying stages of cultural appreciation. Examples are provided that present a case for sourcing the artist that led to the advancement of the music of the Americas that may have been influential to one's artistic trajectory. Music provided by James Hurt.

The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt-Episode 9-Nancy Goudinaki

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 18:00:00 -0400

The Sit-Down Podcast welcomes Classical guitarist, composer, educator, and jazz vocalist Nancy Goudinaki. James and Nancy unpack the earliest beginnings of a musical journey that would have her family relocate from her birthplace of Drama, and relocated to Thessaloniki to study with famed Classical guitarist, consummate performing artist, and instructor Costas Cotsiolis. The journey brings Nancy to the states upon leaving Amsterdam where she settles in New York City where she embarks on journey of artistry as a jazz vocalist studying with several luminaries of the jazz tradition. Nancy-G is here to stay and to win! Background music provided by James Hurt.

© 2022 James Hurt. All rights reserved.

The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt-Episode 8-Kebbi Williams

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 18:00:00 -0400

The Sit-Down Podcast welcomes Grammy-Award winning saxophonist, community arts advocate, and founder of Gallery 992 located in Atlanta Georgia. James and Kebbi explore community as the springboard to how an economically-challenged area was faced with the challenges of cultural-deserting and what he did to solve the problem by offering a solution. In addition Kebbi reflects on how he continues to become the artist that he wants to be as a shining example of how future generations can also gain access to the creative endeavors through stories of how some of his earliest influences were and the musical situations that shaped him. Background music provided by James Hurt.

© 2022 James Hurt. All rights reserved.

The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt Episode 7-Hanka G-Universal Ancestry

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0400

Slovak traditional folk singer, dancer, eclectic soul, jazz, and gospel music visionary Hanka joins James Hurt to discuss her earliest musical influences, memories of her first performance, the expansive nature of her music, and how perseverance led to self-releasing her latest CD in the USA under her newly formed label next on the Sit-Down. Background Music composed and performed by James Hurt.

© 2022 James Hurt. All rights reserved.

The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt Episode 6-CD Release-Spontaneous Creativity-2020, The Black Chamber, Part 2-Panel Discussion

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 14:00:00 -0400

Listen to Part 2 of the discussion as Spontaneous Creativity celebrates the release of their latest CD-2020, The Black Chamber, Part 1. Also joining the Podcast is a group of multi-generational special guests Including Monique Ngozi Nri (The New York City Jazz Record & Sister’s Place), Ahmed Abdullah (Sister’s Place-Brooklyn, NY & Sun Ra Arkestra), Candice Ivory (Singer—Songwriter, composer, producer, festival organizer), Alan Palmer (Pianist-Jackie McClean, Founder-United Institute of Music Science and Art), and Greg Bryant (XM Sirius Radio, Dara Star Tucker). The panel discusses several topics surrounding art and culture while examining the challenge of legacy-building through trans generational connectivity. Episode Music provided by Spontaneous Creativity.

© 2022 James Hurt. All rights reserved.

The Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt Episode 5-Nigel Hall-Singer, Keyboardist, and Producer of the Black Music Continuum

Sun, 24 Jul 2022 08:00:00 -0400

Grammy Award winning singer, keyboardist, and producer Nigel Hall visits the Sit-Down before his performance at the Aretha Franklin Arena in Detroit, Michigan to share insights into his musical mastery with the listeners. Having a foundation in several territories of the United States Nigel reverse engineers his earliest influences, his life's challenges, George Duke, and the ability to realize his artistic potential at the highest level beyond, religious belief, material possessions, and Idolatry. Background Music composed and performed by James Hurt.

© 2022 James Hurt. All rights reserved.

The Sit Down Podcast with James Hurt Episode 4-CD Release-Spontaneous Creativity-2020, The Black Chamber, Part 1-Panel Discussion

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 19:00:00 -0400

Spontaneous Creativity celebrates the release of their latest CD-2020, The Black Chamber, Part 1. Also joining the Podcast is a group of multi-generational special guests Including Monique Ngozi Nri (The New York City Jazz Record & Sister’s Place), Ahmed Abdullah (Sister’s Place-Brooklyn, NY & Sun Ra Arkestra), Candice Ivory (Singer—Songwriter, composer, producer, festival organizer), Alan Palmer (Pianist-Jackie McClean, Founder-United Institute of Music Science and Art), and Greg Bryant (XM Sirius Radio, Dara Star Tucker). The panel discusses several topics surrounding art and culture while examining the challenge of legacy-building through transgenerational connectivity. Episode Music provided by James Hurt.

© 2022 James Hurt. All rights reserved.