Fresh Coast Jazz Backstage

Guitar virtuoso Eric Essix takes us on a musical journey through his illustrious career.

Carl Brown welcomes the transcendent saxophonist Kirk Whalum, who shares his harmonious journey from the challenges faced during the pandemic to the creation of his latest studio album, "Epic Cool." Dive into the melodic stories behind the song "MF," written by Whalum's drummer Marcus Finney, and explore the album's genre-defying tracks scheduled for release this spring. Kirk opens up about his re...

Dive into a melodious blend of family, tours, and tunes in this inspiring episode of Fresh Coast Jazz Backstage. Host Carl Brown is joined by contemporary jazz sensation Kim Scott, chatting about the sweet harmony of hard work and recognition in the music world. From family celebrations to the realities of touring life, Kim gives a candid look at her world. The episode kicks into high gear with a...

Join us on a soulful ride with the chart-topping saxophonist Boney James, as he sits down with Carl to share the melodies and milestones of his illustrious career. From his humorous origins in Scandinavia to hitting the top 3 contemporary jazz artists of the decade, Boney gives us an intimate backstage look at his life in notes. Dive deep into the rhythm of Boney's creative process, the dedication...

Join us for an intimate backstage pass with contemporary jazz giants Nathan Mitchell and Ryan LaVellett. Host Carl Brown delves deep into their illustrious careers, heartfelt tributes, and the flavorful stories behind their success. Not only do we pay homage to the late Nick Colione through the powerful "Bossman," but we also travel through the intricate process of crafting set lists and performan...

Welcome back to Fresh Coast Jazz Backstage, where we dive deep into the hearts and minds of the artists who are shaping the contemporary jazz scene. In today's episode, we're thrilled to have the phenomenal Andrea Lisa joining our host Carl Brown for an invigorating chat. Andrea, a remarkable artist teeming with talent, not only serenades us with her soulful jazz but also captivates us with her di...

In this energizing episode of Fresh Coast Jazz Backstage, we dive into the power of community and commitment with Carl Brown and Podcast Producer, Suzanne Singh. Hear about the tireless work and commitment that makes the Fresh Coast Jazz Festival a reality. We discuss some exciting behind-the-scenes details and announce the artists who will bring the music and the magic to the 2024 Fresh Coast Jaz...

In this energizing episode of Fresh Coast Jazz Backstage, we dive into the power of community and commitment with Carl Brown and Podcast Producer, Suzanne Singh. Hear about the tireless work and commitment that makes the Fresh Coast Jazz Festival a reality. We discuss some exciting behind-the-scenes details and announce the artists who will bring the music and the magic to the 2024 Fresh Coast Jaz...

Jazz Tales and Inspirations with Steve Carrington In this soul-stirring episode, host Carl Brown delves deep into the life and experiences of the extraordinary saxophonist, Steve Carrington. As a beacon of inspiration for jazz enthusiasts, Carrington shares poignant anecdotes, his musical influences, and the intricate connection between his music and faith. Tune in for a riveting discussion that w...

Catch the vibrant beats of the phenomenal multi-talented contemporary jazz artist Rebecca Jade as shares her nostalgic favorites with Carl and igniting our musical souls with timeless records. She also discusses her multi-faceted interests such as acting, modeling, playing basketball, and being a car and motorcycle enthusiast. Rebecca has two albums under her belt and she shares her experiences wi...

Get ready for an electrifying conversation with the dynamic duo, Lemek and Quintin Gerard W! In this riveting episode, they delve into their unique approaches to music, the significance of audience connection, and the exhilarating journey of collaboration. Discover how Quintin's resurgence in music synchronizes with Lemek's blossoming career in what Quentin calls a "double whammy of goodness". The...

In this energizing episode of Fresh Coast Jazz Backstage, we dive into the power of community and commitment with Carl Brown and Podcast Producer, Suzanne Singh. Hear about the tireless work and commitment that makes the Fresh Coast Jazz Festival a reality. We discuss some exciting behind-the-scenes details and announce the artists who will bring the music and the magic to the 2024 Fresh Coast Jaz...

In this episode, Carl talks to Lemek, an emerging guitarist and New Orleans-based musician, whose father is veteran saxophonist Quintin Gerard W. Beyond simply using a different instrument, what makes this generational hand off unique is the way Lemek builds upon the soul and jazz foundation of his father yet takes his own music into new directions. They talk extensively about Lemek's musical jour...

In this episode Carl is joined by Kim Scott, one the hottest contemporary jazz artists on the scene right now. Her billboard #1 charting album, Shine, has been a mainstay on smooth jazz radio for the last few months. She has 5 albums to her credit, she has collaborated with some of the top names in the business and she is also a member of the all-female super group Jazz in Pink. She is a smooth ja...

In this episode, Carl speaks with guitarist Andrea Lisa, a new artist to the American smooth jazz scene. She sings with passion, conviction, and purpose. She shares the story of how she got started in music at 15, starting a band in 2011, moving from New Zealand to Australia, and what it was like to leave everything to chase her passion. Andrea talks about the musicians who influenced her music an...

In today's episode, Carl talks to Quintin Gerard W., who has made quite a splash in the music scene, as an amazing saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist from Louisiana. His single "Broken Promises" reached the top five on all major smooth jazz charts, and that's not even mentioning how both he and his son, Lemek, have been at number one simultaneously. They discuss the importance of recording and...

 It takes a lot of faith to go out and be the artist that you wanted to be. But, when opportunity comes along your way, be sure to grab it like Nathan Mitchell did. Nathan shares how having the right blend of being a great performer and an amazing musician is necessary in the industry. Listen as he shares his other passions when he is not doing music and find out how being a good performer an...

Carl speaks with Ryan La Valette, a multi-instrumentalist and rising star in the smooth jazz scene from New Zealand, whose debut album on Trippin' N Rhythm Records produced two Billboard number one hits: "Let It Flow" and "Highway 10." Ryan shares the story of how his interest in music began at an early age, and how he was naturally drawn to musical instruments, with a particular obsession with gu...

Delve into the captivating world of saxophonist Jason Jackson, as he shares his musical voyage since retiring from the U.S. Navy band in 2021. From childhood inspiration drawn from the iconic "Blues Brothers" saxophone solo to learning invaluable lessons from collaborators, Jason's passion for music is palpable. Jason emphasizes over-delivering and striving for excellence in every project. His pro...

In this captivating episode, immerse yourself in the world of contemporary jazz with none other than Grammy-award winner saxophonist, Andy Snitzer. With an impressive portfolio of eight Billboard Top 20 hits and eight albums to his name, Andy's musical journey is nothing short of remarkable. He shares anecdotes of touring with music icons like the Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, Jay Z, George Michael,...

Step into the world of contemporary jazz with the incredible Ragan Whiteside. Renowned for eight Billboard Top 10 songs and six albums, Ragan's musical prowess is unmatched. Influenced by genres ranging from Johnny Mathis to classical, her innovative approach to songwriting takes shape in surprising places - even the shower! Join Ragan as she shares her creative process, from melody sketches to st...

Join us on an extraordinary musical journey with today's guest, the phenomenal Matthew Whitaker. As a prodigious piano and keyboard virtuoso, Matthew's talents have graced iconic venues and jazz festivals worldwide. With influences ranging from the legendary Art Tatum to Chick Corea, his music transcends genres, blending jazz, gospel, classical, and pop. Matthew shares profound insights on the pow...

Our guest for this episode is none other than the multi-talented Demetrius Nabors, who is a Grammy-nominated producer, pianist, composer, and arranger. His journey is a vibrant mix of diverse influences, including gospel, R&B, and fusion - all culminating in the contemporary jazz we know and love. Discover his creative process, and learn about the unique rituals that ignite his inspiration. Th...

Dive into the vibrant world of music with Patrick Lamb, a distinguished artist with Billboard chart-toppers and collaborations with legends like Bobby Caldwell and Gino Vannelli. Discover his unconventional entry into saxophone at 14 and his meteoric rise after touring with Diane Schuur. But Patrick's talent isn't confined to melodies. He's a dynamic entrepreneur. From sound companies to concert p...

In this episode, Carl talks to Lemek, an emerging guitarist and New Orleans-based musician, whose father is veteran saxophonist Quintin Gerard W. Beyond simply using a different instrument, what makes this generational hand off unique is the way Lemek builds upon the soul and jazz foundation of his father yet takes his own music into new directions. They talk extensively about Lemek's musical jour...