Jazz Flyte Podcast

Welcome back to The Jazz Flyte Podcast! I’m honored to be joined by the legendary Michael Paulo, one of the most versatile and cosmopolitan saxophonists in contemporary jazz, soul, and pop for nearly five decades. You’ve heard his iconic “saxpertise” alongside greats like Al Jarreau, Kenny Loggins, James Ingram, Jeff Lorber, and many more. Now, Michael shares the untold stories behind the music—an...

This week on The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with saxophonist J. Saxx, also known as John Watkins, who takes us deep into the grooves of his musical journey—from childhood curiosity to sold-out shows across Ohio. J. Saxx grew up surrounded by musicians—his father, Rev. John C. Watkins, his uncle Lamar Gaines, and his grandfather Charles Pace—all shaping his early relationship with music. We tal...

Welcome back to The Jazz Flyte Podcast. I’m your host, Darrell Scott, and this week I’m joined by legendary composer, producer, and keyboardist Tim Heintz—a true behind-the-scenes force in the world of music and sound design. Tim takes us on a journey that began with him playing organ as a child and blossomed into a career that’s spanned decades and genres. From the soulful stylings of Chaka Khan...

This week on The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with multi-instrumentalist and smooth jazz artist Rob Zinn, whose path to the stage wasn’t your typical tale of musical prodigy turned star. Born into a household of discipline—his father was in the FBI—Rob was urged to pursue a more "secure" path. But music kept calling. After years of playing trumpet in big bands and keeping music on the back burne...

This week on The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I’m joined by the brilliant Omar Sosa, whose piano playing and compositions transcend borders and awaken the spirit. Omar takes us deep into his musical philosophy—one rooted in ancestral voices, global rhythms, and spiritual expression. We talk about his upcoming trio project “Outside the Box,” which features Jovani Terry and Julia Miltenberg, and will debut i...

Welcome back to The Jazz Flyte Podcast! This week, I’m excited to bring back one of the most dynamic forces in contemporary jazz—Ragan Whiteside. Known for her powerful stage presence and mastery of the flute, Ragan is no stranger to innovation. In this episode, she shares her latest musical venture Chopped and Flutted and why she’s on a mission to bring real flute sounds back into jazz production...

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I had the absolute joy of sitting down with the radiant force that is Avery Sunshine. If you’ve ever wondered what sunshine sounds like, tune in—because Avery brings it. We talk about everything from the origin of her stage name to her Grammy win, and how her journey from a musical household in Chester, PA shaped her unforgettable voice and message. Avery...

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I take a virtual flight to London to sit down with keyboardist, composer, and producer Oli Silk — one of the most celebrated figures in contemporary jazz and often dubbed the UK’s Smooth Jazz Ambassador. Oli’s story starts with the jazz-funk duo Sugar & Silk, which led to a solo career packed with Billboard hits — including the iconic Chill or Be Chil...

In this special episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I had the honor of sitting down with the iconic Maysa—a voice that has shaped the sound of contemporary soul and jazz for more than three decades. With her unmistakable honey-toned mezzo-soprano and magnetic presence, Maysa opens up about her unforgettable audition for Stevie Wonder, her time with Wonderlove, and the fateful moment she got the cal...

In this week’s episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I’m joined by the sensational Jessy J—one of the most sought-after saxophonists in contemporary jazz today. With eight Billboard-charting albums, 13 top singles, a global fanbase, and a performance history that spans over 17 years, Jessy J brings not just skill, but soul to every note. Jessy started playing saxophone at nine, pivoting from piano an...

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I had the joy of sitting down with world-class drummer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Eric Valentine—but this conversation goes far beyond the beats. Known for his work with artists like Richard Elliot, Peter White, Stephanie Mills, Lindsey Webster, and even rock icons like Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, Eric steps out from behind the kit to talk about...

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with master guitarist, composer, and educator Richard Smith—a man who’s been shaping smooth jazz from every angle for decades. Born in Detroit and raised in Eugene, Oregon, Richard’s musical journey began with a spark from a Chick Corea concert at just 14 years old. That one moment set the stage for a life of passion, discipline, and bold choic...

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I’m joined by internationally acclaimed guitarist JJ Sansaverino—a man whose career spans more than three decades, five albums, and over 50 tour dates a year. You might know him from his Billboard #1 hit or his fiery blend of smooth jazz, traditional jazz, reggae, blues, and R&B. But behind the strings is a story that started with a turntable, a Santa...

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with producer, pianist, and songwriter Michael Broening—a man behind more than 65 contemporary jazz hits, including 25 number-one singles. You’ve probably heard his work even if you didn’t know his name. From George Benson and Al Jarreau’s Grammy-winning track “Mornin’” to chart-toppers with Marion Meadows, Lemek, and Althea René, Michael’s inf...

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I take a virtual trip to Switzerland with internationally acclaimed guitarist Fabio Mignola. From the accordion at age seven to classical guitar, and eventually to smooth jazz, Fabio's journey is as melodic and diverse as the music he creates. Trained in classical music but inspired by artists like Pat Metheny, Jimi Hendrix, and Carlos Santana, Fabio carv...

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I welcome one of the most celebrated names in contemporary jazz—Boney James. With four GRAMMY nominations, multiple gold records, and the historic milestone of 20 number-one Billboard Smooth Jazz singles, Boney’s career is both legendary and evolving. We revisit Boney’s first professional gig with Morris Day and how that experience shifted his understandi...

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I’m joined by PJ Spraggins, a self-taught drummer and producer whose journey is a masterclass in determination and purpose. PJ dreamed of touring the world, and in 2023, that dream became reality. Now he’s on the road with two-time Grammy winner Peabo Bryson, fresh off performances on the Soul Train Cruise and the Bahrain Jazz Festival with Jeff Bradshaw....

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I had the honor of speaking with Marcus Miller—a two-time Grammy Award winner, UNESCO Artist for Peace, and one of the most influential bassists in jazz, R&B, and fusion. You’ve heard his unmistakable groove on hits by Bill Withers, Luther Vandross, Chaka Khan, Miles Davis, and Aretha Franklin—but now you’ll hear the story behind the sound. Marcus ope...

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I’m joined by one of the most respected names in smooth jazz bass, André Berry. You may know him from the stage alongside Dave Koz, Mindi Abair, Gerald Albright, or Peter White—but behind the bass is a journey of reinvention, hustle, and heart. André grew up in Cleveland, where the dream of starting a band began in his early teens. After switching from gu...

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with the legendary Jonathan Butler—an artist whose music has not only transcended genres but also political boundaries. Born under the harsh reality of apartheid South Africa, Jonathan became the first non-white artist to be played on national radio and television. Nelson Mandela himself credited Jonathan’s music as a source of inspiration duri...

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with the legendary Gorden Campbell, a drummer whose resume reads like a Hall of Fame roster. From growing up in a small suburb in New York and learning music in church, to playing alongside icons like Beyoncé, Earth, Wind & Fire, George Duke, and Whitney Houston, Gorden’s journey is a masterclass in dedication, adaptabil...

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I had the honor of speaking with multi-instrumentalist and composer Evan Taylor—a gifted trumpet player whose journey began in a small Michigan town and has since taken him to stages and studios across the globe. From playing hymns in church to recording for BET, HGTV, and Warner/Chappell Music, Evan’s path is a masterclass in talent, humility, and creati...

What do you get when you mix a seven-year-old piano prodigy, a drummer-turned-keyboardist, and a career that spans more than 50 years of world-class jazz? You get David Garfield. In this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with the multi-talented David Garfield—keyboardist, composer, arranger, producer, label owner, and musical director whose impact on the jazz and world music scene is i...

In this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I had the pleasure of flying deep into rhythm with world-class bassist and songwriter Roberto Valley. His story starts in New York City, where vinyl records and opera melodies first sparked his love for music. But it wasn’t just a hobby—it was a calling. Roberto walks me through his early steps in music: teaching himself piano and guitar, discovering the...

From Switzerland to Berklee, from jazz clubs to world tours, Greg Manning’s musical journey is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose. On this episode of Jazz Flyte Podcast, Greg takes us inside his evolution from a drummer to a sought-after pianist and producer, sharing how a Stevie Wonder song changed his life, his early struggles with acceptance in the Swiss music scene, and the leap of fait...