Alto saxophonist Mike DiRubbo is coming to town to play with a Vancouver quartet at Frankie's! Mike (who joins at 01:50) is a soft-spoken, phenomenal musician. The New Haven, Connecticut native studied at the Hartt School at the University of Hartford, the school known for Jackie McLean's jazz program. He's now based in New York. I brought him to Vancouver in past years to play with Larry Willis, Harold Mabern, and Steve Davis.

We talk about his studies with JMac in a formative time, we continue to remember Jim Rotondi, and we enjoy a brief hang. Mike DiRubbo plays with Tilden Webb on piano, David Caballero on bass, and Jesse Cahill on drums this Friday, July 26th and Saturday, July 27th.

This is Frankie's Backstage: Tune in as Frankie's artistic director, Cory Weeds, sits down with upcoming performers to discuss their journeys & their music. Get to know some of the performers who will be gracing our stage at Vancouver, BC's premier jazz club.

This episode originally aired on Instagram @frankiesjazz on July 23, 2024.

Credits: Hosted and produced by Cory Weeds. Edited and mixed by Will Chernoff. Theme music: "Blues de Troye" from Day by Day by Cory Weeds.

Jazz Office Hours: the Cellar Music Group podcast, together with Chernoff Music.