Big Ears: Conversations About Music

In this episode of Big Ears: Conversations About Music, Big Ears founder Ashley Capps sits down with saxophonist, composer, and producer Josh Johnson to explore his inspired guest curation for this year’s festival. Josh and Ashley dig into their feelings on context, discovery and the irreplaceable human element of curation. They discuss the constellation of creative artists Johnson describes as “exceeding the frame,” refusing to be contained by genre or expectation — including Cleo Reed, Qur’an Shaheed, Will Graefe, Chicago Underground Duo, Marquis Hill, Twin Talk, and DeAntoni Parks. This intimate talk reveals some of the secret sauce behind Big Ears' curation and how deep listening is at the heart of everything we do.

Today we have an incredibly rare interview with NEA Jazz Master Pat Metheny, who appears for the first time ever at Big Ears 2026 with his Side-Eye project. One of the most prolific and influential guitarists, bandleaders and composers, Metheny has spent the last 50 years making music with the likes of Gary Burton, Ornette Coleman, Chick Corea, Joni Mitchell, David Bowie, Antonio Carlos Jobim, John Zorn and Meshell Ndegeocello. Here we present him in conversation with WRTI's Nate Chinen. The 20-time Grammy winner is a lyrical and versatile musician who has seemingly played with almost everyone. In this insider's interview, Pat discusses his collaborations with legends of yesteryear: Burton, Jaco Pastorius, Jack DeJohnette, and Roy Haynes. He discusses his contemporary tribe including Brad Mehldau, Antonio Sanchez and Christian McBride; and a new generation of players, particularly drummers, Joe Dyson and Marcus Gilmore. Metheny reflects on the recent growth of his band-leading concept, his admiration for sincerity in music and how truly difficult it is to write one good song. He also opines about Big Ears as a world-renowned pilgrimage destination for serious music heads.

In this special edition of Big Ears: Conversations About Music, four deeply engaged listeners -Ayana Contreras, Piotr Orlov, Liz Pelly, and Steve Smith - survey the sounds that moved them in 2025—offering a preview of just a few of the highlights in store for Big Ears 2026. The conversation encompasses a fiercely prolific Downtown innovator (John Zorn), a wide embrace of the contemporary classical landscape (JACK Quartet, Hania Rani); fiercely independent rock bands (Deerhoof, YHWH Nailgun); folk music deeply rooted in history and identity (Haley Heynderickx, Ryan Davis & The Roadhouse Band) gospel music ripe for the dance floor (Annie & The Caldwells), two vastly different fusions of electronics and improvisation (Patricia Brennan & Flying Lotus) and two trumpeters from Baltimore & Chicago whose sound is deeply informed by local community and collaborators (Brandon Woody & Marquis Hill). This episode offers the kind of snapshot of outsider music scenes that only Big Ears can offer. Explore the common and contrasting musical DNA that defines our ethos. Give it a listen!Tracks Played in this Episode:Annie & the CaldwellsI Made ItDon’t You Hear Me CallingMarquis HillI Promise to ListenThe CoolBrandon WoodyReal Love, Pt. IWe, Ota BengaJohn Zorn (Masada / related works)Jachin (Masada Quartet – Live at Tonic 2001)Sacred Beasts (John Zorn & Dave Lombardo – Memories, Dreams & Reflections)JACK QuartetConjurations (from Necronomicon, Complete String Quartets)Spectral Waves (from Waves & Particles)Hania RaniChilling Bambino (from Ghosts)Piano Concerto “Non-Fiction”: IYHWH NailgunPenetratorCastrato Raw (Fullback)Flying LotusIngo SwannArkestryPatricia BrennanPalo de Oros (Suit of Coins)AntiliaDeerhoofKingtoeHaley HeynderickxSong for AliciaThis Morning I Am Born AgainRyan Davis & the Roadhouse BandNew Threats From the Soul (Studio)New Threats From the Soul (Live in Cambridge)