The Jazz Links Ensemble's mission is simple: it connects young, aspiring musicians to some master jazz types. The program is sponsored by the Jazz Institute of Chicago. The mentors and their protégés gather once a month at the Chicago Cultural Center to develop their Bebop chops and other forms of jazz. The ensemble has a new album out called, The Drive. WBEZ’s Richard Steele recently sat down with two of its members--mentor Robert Irving III and Zakiya Powell, a former Jazz Links mentee--for some music and conversation.
