Tenor saxophonist Rich Perry might be most recognized from his long term associations with both the Maria Schneider and Vanguard Jazz Orchestras, but where he truly shines is fronting his quartet with pianist Gary Versace, bassist Jay Anderson, and Vanguard band mate John Riley on drums and cymbals. In this episode of LINER NOTES we discuss the mus…

Known for his many exploratory projects, percussionist Adam Rudolph’s latest recording, Beingness, features saxophonist Dave Liebman and drummer Billy Hart. The music was recorded over two nights from a residency at New York City’s Stone and captures three venerated musicians in selfless conversation. In this episode of LINER NOTES Adam shares insi…

Meet David Toste, or "Toast" as we call him at Dirty Freehub, and Michelle Taylor. In this episode, Toast, Michelle, and Kira Corbett of Dirty Freehub take a ride along the Deschutes River Trail in Biggs, soaking in the stunning views of the gravel route while also connecting with the experience of being fully present in their bodies. Both David an…

All Access Episode #3 In this episode of The Connection, we sit down with Giselle Distad to hear her inspiring story of recovery and resilience after donating a kidney to her father. She shares how cycling became a vital part of her healing process, reconnecting her with nature, art, and the community in Central Oregon. Giselle opens up about the p…

All Access Episode #2 In this inspiring episode of The Connection, Geoff Babb shares his journey of overcoming a life-changing stroke and the challenges of adapting to outdoor adventures with a disability. He discusses the creation of the AdvenChair and his groundbreaking expedition through the Grand Canyon, featured in the film Dream Boldly. Geoff…

All Access Episode #1 In this episode of The Connection, we chat with professional photographer and cyclist, Don Miller, to discuss the joys and challenges of cycling with age. Don shares insights on the benefits of e-bikes, gravel cycling, and the importance of maintaining a social, enjoyable pace while riding. Tune in for a conversation about all…

Pianist Eric Reed calls on tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander, trumpeter Nicholas Payton, bassist Peter Washington, and drummer Joe Farnsworth to join him on his new recording Out Late on Smoke Sessions Records. The record, which will be available on May 16, features seven originals that were intended to get this group of well-known musicians out of …

In this episode of The Connection , we speak with Michael Orwick, an oil painter whose work is deeply inspired by the unique light and atmosphere of the Pacific Northwest. Michael shares his artistic journey, from studying illustration at the Pacific Northwest College of Art to transitioning into landscape painting. He describes his creative proces…

On this Episode of the Connection we tune in with Dr. Jim Rivers as he provides an insightful conversation about the marbled murrelet, a fascinating seabird with unique behaviors and a complex relationship with both ocean and forest ecosystems. Dr. Rivers explains how this small seabird, the size of a robin, flies long distances inland to nest in o…

AI-labor saving tool or existential threat? On his new recording Server Farm, saxophonist and composer Jon Irabagon contemplates the potential threat and promise of this omni-present technology. For this recording Irabagon augments his regular quartet consisting of keyboardist Matt Mitchell, bassist Chris Lightcap, and percussionist Dan Weiss with …

Drummer and composer Allison Miller begins 2025 with several diverse and exciting projects. Big and Lovely, a recording of her original music with the University of North Texas One O’Clock Lab Band was released on January 10. On February 2 at 3pm at the 92nd Street Y in NYC Allison will present Rivers In Our Veins, an ambitious multi-media work fea…

In this episode, we dive deep into the history of the Monterey Cypress with Nancy Appling Salucci of the Heritage Tree Committee and Beth Dehn of Oregon Travel Information Council. What makes this unique tree so special, and why did it stand out in a world of towering giants? We explore its origins, the man who planted it, how this impressive tree …

2024 has been a productive year for LA based pianist and composer John Beasley. He released three new recordings, two of which are up for GRAMMY awards. Nominated in the category of “Best Latin Jazz Album” is El Trio on Challenge Records which features bassist Jose Gola and drummer Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez. The second nomination in the category…

In this episode, we sit down with Tony Bixler, the President of Local Ocean Seafoods, a popular restaurant and fish market in Newport, Oregon. Tony shares the story of how Local Ocean was founded in 2005 by Laura Anderson and Al Pazar, focusing on sustainable, local seafood from the Oregon coast. He discusses the restaurant’s changes to improving o…

Love Is is guitarist John Hart’s sixth trio recording for SteepleChase records. For this recording producer Nils Winther wanted to mix things up for John and suggested keeping the trio format, but with a different instrumentation. This recording finds John playing with bassist Carlo DeRosa and cornetist Kirk Knufke. Carlo is a long-time collaborato…

When it comes to cycling in rural areas, there is a chance you may cross paths with dogs..most likely livestock dogs. How do you know if they are aggressive? What happens if you get bit? We join two different perspectives - a K-9 officer and a veterinarian with a background in canine behavior. Glen Scruggs, a retired Oregon police officer has worke…

30 Minutes Over Oregon tells the true, powerful story of reconciliation after war. In WWII, a Japanese pilot bombed the continental U.S.—the only enemy to do so—and returns 20 years later to offer a heartfelt apology. This children's nonfiction book, illustrated by author and illustrator Melissa Iwai, blends history with beautiful watercolor artwor…

In the summer of 2023 saxophonist Wayne Escoffery found himself in Europe processing changes in his personal life while at the same time nursing a broken finger that prohibited him from playing his horn. He used this time of reflection to compose the music presented on his new record Alone on Smoke Sessions Records, which features pianist Gerald Cl…

A carnivorous plan you say? The Cobra Lily, also known as Darlingtonia californica may look like a snake poised to strike but is actually a carnivorous plant that contains unique characteristics. Throughout the episode, our guest Haleigh Martin from Klamath-Siskiyou Wild (KS Wild) emphasizes the significance of personal connections to nature, advoc…

Two stunning geological formations in Central Oregon offer a wealth of insights into the beauty and complexity of these balancing or “ghost” rocks. Shaped by volcanic activity and erosion over millions of years, our resident “rock doctor” Dr. Kim Ely explains how the cliffs were formed, highlighting four distinct geological formations. Dr. Ely also…

On his new recording, Something About Believing tenor saxophonist Tim Armacost is joined by trumpeter Tom Harrell and baritone saxophonist Gary Smulyan as well as the outstanding rhythm section of bassist John Patitucci and drummer Al Foster. Listening to the music one is struck by the comfortability of master improvisers doing what they do best, h…

Uncover the fascinating history behind this unique landmark with Ryan Parker, a beach ranger from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. In this episode, we discover how a massive Cascadia earthquake in 1700 led to the preservation of ancient trees, whose stumps now emerge from the sand at low tide. Through these geological processes, the ghos…

Creating illusion through color - from an artist's perspective. We delve into the world of local Pacific Northwest artist, Spencer Reynolds, whose stunning coastal paintings are a reflection of the raw beauty and power of the Oregon coast. We speak with Spencer about his unique artistic style and the inspiration he draws from the rugged landscapes …

The shoes that grace the cover of Orrin Evans’ new record are special shoes from his childhood that were necessitated by being born with neurofibromatosis. The record is called Walk a Mile in My Shoe, and the shoes are a reminder of his condition and the impact that this neurological disorder has had on him. However, Evans yearns to move past the i…

Dr. Win McLaughlin, a geology professor at Southwestern Oregon Community College, provides us with a deep understanding of the geology, history, and ecology of the Oregon coast. The Oregon coast is filled with unique geology which is characterized by its young age and the presence of sand dunes formed during the ice ages. She describes how the sand…

We delve into the intricacies of weather patterns along the Oregon coast with Dr. Paul Loikith, an Associate Professor of Weather and Climate Science at Portland State University. Dr. Leuketh provides valuable insights into heavy storms called atmospheric rivers, emphasizing their significance in influencing extreme weather events like heavy precip…

After several decades of creating music in a manner that was beginning to feel routine, guitarist Miles Okazaki was searching for a fresh way to make music. He examined the processes of artists Ed Ruscha, Sol Lewitt, and Ken Price as templates for creating. In possession of these new ideas gleaned from these artists, he went into the studio with a …

Join us as we explore the intersection of gravel cycling and public land access, uncovering the untapped potential of landlocked areas for outdoor enthusiasts. Our GIS Specialist, Ben Purcell, who has been working with the Bureau of Land Management since 2017 happens to be a bit of a map enthusiast himself and delves into the potential benefits and…

In this episode of The Connection, we delve into the rich history and cultural significance of the Nez Perce homeland through the insightful perspectives of Katie Harris Murphy, Vice Chair / VP of Board, Wallowa Band Descendant and Joshua Sigmund, Facilities and Grounds Director at the Nez Perce Valhalla Homeland. Located in Eastern Oregon, the Nez…

The colors black, white, brown, beige, and blue have all had a prominent place in music, but in the eyes and ears of saxophonist Troy Roberts the color green piqued his interest due to its ambiguity. Not only can the color green convey greed and envy or rot and decay, it can also represent nature and tranquility. Troy embraces green as an impetus t…

This episode is part of our logging series which covers topics in safety, education, and what we need to know as recreationalists in active logging areas. In this episode, we connect back with Jennifer Beathe, Forester and Outreach manager of Starker Forests and Austin Finster, owner and operator of Finster Forestry. We have an open discussion abou…

In this episode, the Dirty Freehub team goes on a tour to Alder Creek Tree farm with Jennifer Beathe, Forester and Outreach Manager of Starker Forests. During the ride to Alder Creek Tree farm in Corvallis, Oregon, we dive into identifying the recreational and rider safety around logging operations, the dangers involved in this type of work, what t…

In this episode, the Dirty Freehub team goes on a tour to Alder Creek Tree farm with Jennifer Beathe, Forester and Outreach Manager of Starker Forests. During the drie to Alder Creek Tree farm in Corvallis, Oregon, we dive into identifying the recreational and rider safety around logging operations, the dangers involved in this type of work, what t…

If you've ever cycled through Oregon, you might have passed under the canopy of a Red Alder tree. In this episode, we chat with Glenn Ahrens, an extension forester from Oregon State University, about everything related to alders and conifers. We'll also explore various tree species native to Oregon, learn how to identify them, and discover what a f…

Saxophonist Jon Gordon’s new recording, 7th Ave South takes its name from the iconic club owned by the Brecker Brothers that closed its doors in 1987. The title of the album is emblematic of a time that shaped Jon as a musician as a high school student in NYC in the 80s. In this episode of LINER NOTES he pays homage to the people, the musicians, an…

Jason Kirchner joins us from Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife in Newport, Oregon to dive into one of nature’s most enigmatic creatures: the wolverine. As the District Wildlife Biologist, he answers questions like: What are wolverines? What do they look like? How do they behave? Where do they reside? Separating fact from fiction, we will revea…

Located in Harney Basin in eastern Oregon, Malheur Lake sits within the 187,000 acres of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, an area that is an important wildlife habitat. Aquatic Biologist, Dominic Bachman, at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge shares insights into whether this body of water is really a lake or not, ecology, history, and conservation …

Slow Water is the latest release from bassist and composer Stephan Crump. In this ambitious 67 minute work, Crump explores how society uses water and addresses the question “What does water want?” as proposed by Erica Gies in her 2022 book Water Always Wins. For this project he assembled a new ensemble comprised of musicians with which he had littl…

Did Oregon even have black pioneers? Listen to our interview with Zachary Stocks, Executive Director of Oregon Black Pioneers (a non profit which preserves the history of Black Oregonians) to find out more about this whole topic. When did black pioneers arrive in Oregon? What were some of the places where we ride bicycles today that were utilized b…

This month we join in congratulating pianist Luis Perdomo for his recent GRAMMY award for El Arte del Bolero vol. 2 in the category of Best Latin Jazz Album. In this episode of LINER NOTES, Luis recounts the musical journey from his native Venezuela and then coming to New York initially to study before transitioning into one of the most in demand p…

Riding next to scenic terrain, such as the Wallowa Mountains, are often in very remote and rural areas. Many of these rural areas in Oregon are active rural areas so while you may be out for a Sunday morning gravel ride, there are many ranchers actively working. Listen in on Eric Makela, the Vice President of the Wallowa Mountains Bicycling Club, a…

Discover the mysteries of the Newberry Caldera and its volcanic activities spanning half a million years. Whether you are riding Creek to Peak or looking for thermals, Ranger Randy and Dr. Daniel Macakay of University of Oregon answer many of your questions about this geological formation in Central Oregon. In this podcast, they also discuss the fe…

Welcome to Pine Mountain Observatory, nestled in the serene landscapes of Oregon about 34 miles southeast of Bend. In this episode, we unveil the highlights of the night sky with our guest, "astro monk" Alton Luke, Head of Operations at Pine Mountain Observatory and a key figure in the University of Oregon's Physics Department. Today we get to peer…

The week of March 5 guitarist Peter Bernstein brings a quartet to the Village Vanguard in New York City that includes pianist Sullivan Fortner, bassist Doug Weiss, and the iconic drummer Al Foster. In this episode of LINER NOTES Peter expresses a genuine gratitude for being able to play music. He also offers insights on how he personally approaches…

Have you ever encountered a jumping cacti? More specifically, the jumping cholla cactus in Arizona? If you have ridden our Rock Art or Bring a Fork routes in Arizona then you have dodged more than a few of these spiky cacti. Today we interview Peter Breslin who holds his Ph.D. in Environmental Life Sciences and focuses his research on evolution, bi…

Do you ever see some bright green, shrubby looking creature on a gravel ride? This organism is likely Letharia Vulpina (and no it does not have magic or poisonous powers like a spell) which is also knows as Wolf Lichen. Bryologist, mycologist, and lichenologist Tim Wheeler works to dedicate his life studies towards nonvascular plants and over the l…

As an improviser, trombonist Joe Fiedler describes himself as living half in the inside world and half in the outside world. This is evident in his new recording Will Be Fire. For this project, Fiedler collaborates with guitarist Pete McCann, tuba virtuoso Marcus Rojas, and percussionist Jeff Davis, in an elegant instrumentation that pays homage to…

Where do beavers live? What's their impact on other wildlife? How do they impact the surrounding property where they live? When should we reintroduce them? Can you relocate a beaver? Are they a protected species in Oregon? How have the laws recently changed about beavers? Listen to our interview with Maureen Thompson, the Manager of the Beaver Work…

They may be cute ... but are wild burros actually helpful or harmful? Dr. Erick Lundgren who is an ecologist with a lot of research concerning wild burros, horses, and other introduced megafauna discusses the topic of wild burros (which are also called wild donkeys). He addresses perspectives that might encourage you to look at these animals a litt…

Travel Oregon recently announced they will fund the nonprofit Dirty Freehub to create 20 to 25 gravel cycling All Access Ride Guides across the state of Oregon. These electronic guides are designed to help adaptive athletes, ebikers or other cyclists such as the 75 year old athlete with aerobic challenges, the person who got busy with life and gain…