Strut’s Got the Jazz

On this episode of The Music Room, Newark-based band Strut stopped by the WVUD Live Lounge to speak with Liz Webb and perform some original music. What started out as a jam session between a few friends developed into a Jazz/Funk Fusion five-piece, featuring bassist Chris Leich, guitarist Eric Emory, vibraphonist Ian Kurlan, trumpeter Ryan Nylander, and drummer Seth Chizeck.

With appearances at the UD Jazz Chamber Concert and WVUD’s Battle of the Bands, Strut have made a name for themselves across the UD campus. By blending elements of both jazz and funk, Strut establishes their own unique sound with a groove that is sure to get you moving.

From Left to Right: Ian Kurlan, Eric Emory, Seth Chizeck, Liz Webb, Chris Leich, and Ryan Nylander.

Listen to the interview below to learn more about Strut and to hear their performance of four funky jams in the WVUD Live Lounge.

The Interview

Strut, Host: Liz Webb, Recorded April 4, 2017, originally aired April 11, 2017.
31:35
60.6 MB

The Music

Artist Song Source
Strut  Something About Dreams WVUD Session, April 4, 2017
Strut  Le Cane Train WVUD Session, April 4, 2017
Strut  Alluvium WVUD Session, April 4, 2017
Strut  Lake Brain WVUD Session, April 4, 2017

Saxophones and Birthday Parades: Jeremy Danneman

This week on The Music Room, we chatted with Jeremy Danneman to discuss his new album, “Honey Wine.” Jeremy, a Newark native, has appeared on The Music Room twice in the past. “Honey Wine” has been in the works since 2010, and it will be released on March 10th, 2017. Jeremy collaborated with Sophia Nzayisenga, one of the only female inanga players from Rwanda.

Jeremy is known for being quite unconventional. In 2009, instead of throwing himself a birthday party, he gave himself a parade. For 11 hours, he marched around the boroughs of New York City, playing his saxophone and welcoming anyone who wanted to join. Jeremy has also brought his music to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Rwanda, where he enjoys playing in local street markets. “Honey Wine,” according to Jeremy, contains elements of  his international travels, with Western melodies.

The Interview

Jeremy Danneman hosted by Mandorichard. Recorded live on Feb. 28th, 2017.
32:30
62.4 MB

About Our Guests

Jeremy Danneman is a Delaware native who enjoys spreading his musical message across boarders. He met Sophie Nzayisenga while traveling in Rwanda in 2009. The two began playing music over there, and eventually Sophie made her way to the United States. Jeremy, playing the saxophone, and Sophie, playing the inanga, combine their different cultures into beautiful melodies in their music. Jeremy is a founder of the Parade of One Project, which is responsible for engaging international communities in music in public spaces, recording, and educational programming. Jeremy has played in Toyko, Berlin, Rwanda, Zanzibar, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Dominican Republic. Currently, he lives in New York and works as a teaching artist for Midori and Friends.

The Music

Artist Song Album Year
Jeremy Danneman No Problem Honey Wine 2017
Jeremy Danneman Angry Woman Honey Wine 2017

Learn More


Credits:
Mandorichard: Producer, host, recording engineer
Rachel Silva: Audio editor
Sam O’Donnell: Web page author and editor

Ola Onabule

ola_pictureOn September 5, 2016, British-Nigerian singer/songwriter, Ola Onabule Skyped in to WVUD’s The Music Room to talk about his most recent album It’s The Peace That Deafens. Ola’s career, spanning over two decades, has been a testament to his dedication and determination. After giving up an education in law in order to pursue music, Ola chose not to work with big record labels, but instead to create his own label Rugged Ram Records.

According to his website, this most recent work is both an exploration and a declaration with songs about identity, reconciliation and nostalgia. During our conversation, Ola passionately spoke about his Nigerian roots and how they inspired him to make this album. He tells Mandorichard the story of seeing James Brown perform in Lagos, and talks about how growing up in both Nigeria and London has shaped his musical path.

Through the experience of creating his new album, Ola discovered the willingness of his fans to experiment with him and be receptive to his new music. Ola’s humble and positive attitude powerfully came through in his conversation with Mandorichard and his passion for music is what will take this new album to wider audiences around the world.

Learn more about Ola and his new record by checking out the podcast!

The Interview

Ola Onabule hosted by Mandorichard. Recorded Sept. 5, 2016. First aired Sept. 26, 2016.
29:37
56.8 MB

The Music

Artist Song Album Year
Ola Onabule Lagos Boy Ambitions for Deeper Breadth 2002
Ola Onablue Soul Town In Emergency, Brake Silence 2005
Ola Onabule Soul Town (CW Remix) Soul Town (remix) – Single 2015
Ola Onabule It’s the Peace That Deafens It’s the Peace That Deafens 2015