JAZZIZ Travel is a new podcast series hosted by JAZZIZ online editor Matt Micucci that explores jazz and creative music in all four corners of the globe. In this series, you will hear conversations with artists and people talking about the significance of jazz as an art form, the influence of folk music traditions of different cultures and backgrounds, or simply sharing their thoughts, ideas and insight on their multicultural projects.
Sunny Jain is an innovative percussionist/composer and master of the double-sided Indian dhol drum, known for combining his Punjabi roots with his love of post-bop, jazz, fusion, psychedelic rock and more. He first earned critical success with his brass and drum ensemble Red Baraat and has worked with several of the greats throughout his career. Wild Wild East, his 2020 album, explored the myth of the American cowboy through the lens of an immigrant.
During the pandemic lockdown, Jain began to work on Phoenix Rise, a project combining art, music, photography, food and a “belief in global citizenship by supporting social justice movements.” The 10-track album will be released on May 21 via Sinj Records and aside from several guest collaborations, it comes with a 72-page “planet-based” cookbook.
We spoke with Sunny Jain about this fascinating multi-disciplinary project, all proceeds from which will go to the Center for Constitutional Rights, in our new episode of JAZZIZ Travel. You can listen to the podcast via the player below and you can click here to pre-order Phoneix Rise.
Featured photo by Ebru Yildiz.
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