Producer David Rubinson traces his path from directing theater at Columbia and boldly recruiting Leonard Bernstein for an Off-Broadway production into a decades-long career shaping the sound of artists like Herbie Hancock, the Pointer Sisters, and Santana—while reflecting on the philosophy of capturing live, spontaneous synergy over studio perfection.

In this installment of Liner Notes, Amanda–the PhDJ–dives into Medeski Martin & Wood’s beloved album Shack-man, a cohesive, accessible masterpiece that opened the door for many fans to appreciate the trio’s infectious grooves and experimental, funk-infused jazz sound.

In this reflective conversation, guitarist Calvin Keys charts his 65-year musical journey from sneakily practicing on his uncle’s guitar in an Omaha basement to recording seminal albums for Black Jazz Records and touring the world alongside icons like Ray Charles and Ahmad Jamal.

In this career-spanning interview, musician and producer Leroy Burgess recounts his formative years in Harlem, his evolution from the soul group Black Ivory to becoming a pioneer of dance-music architecture, and the vital, irreplaceable role of human emotion in musical creation.

Luis Gasca’s career took him from a scholarship at Berklee to sharing stages and studios with the likes of Mongo Santamaría, Janis Joplin, and Santana—a journey through jazz, Latin music, and rock and roll marked equally by triumphs and personal struggle.

Raised in Laredo, Texas, and fueled by the Golden Age of MTV, Adrian Quesada channeled his diverse musical roots into a series of genre-bending side projects and a Grammy win, eventually skyrocketing to international fame as the co-founder of Black Pumas.

Darryl “DMC” McDaniels on the comic-book roots of his artistic alter ego, the sacrifices behind Run-D.M.C.’s rise, and why authenticity outlasts every trend the industry tries to sell.

From their origins as The Loved Ones in the mid-60s to their transformation into 1984 Love Machine, keyboardist Raphael Iaccarino shares a bit of the band’s history, local roots in the Davenport, Iowa music scene, and the story behind their cult-classic soul/funk 45.

Stix Hooper on the discipline of the pocket, the evolution of jazz-funk, and why true musicianship transcends the marketing-driven trends of the modern era.

Drummer Mel Brown chronicles his journey—spanning from childhood efforts with makeshift sticks to his iconic Motown tenure and a lifelong commitment to mentoring Portland’s jazz community—while detailing the philosophy that defines his signature rhythm.