Jazz Flyte Podcast

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...

If there’s anyone who can carry on the legacy of Al Jarreau, it’s Chris Walker. In this episode of Jazz Flyte, I sit down with the powerhouse musician who spent over 20 years as Al’s musical director, co-vocalist, and bassist. Chris takes us on a journey through his career—from learning Al’s music by ear to leading his band and performing worldwide. Chris also opens up about working with legends l...

What does it take to break barriers in jazz? On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast , I sit down with the incomparable Terri Lyne Carrington —a four-time Grammy-winning drummer, composer, and educator who’s reshaping the future of jazz. From receiving a full scholarship to Berklee at just 11 years old to sharing the stage with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Esperanza Spalding, Terri’s journ...

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with the one and only BillyRay Sheppard, a saxophonist whose smooth jazz sound has captivated audiences for decades. From his early inspirations—listening to The Crusaders and Grover Washington Jr.—to becoming a first-call performer in the industry, BillyRay’s journey is a testament to passion and perseverance. We dive deep into the story behin...

Music is more than just notes—it’s about connection, commitment, and carving out your own sound. On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast , I sit down with Tony Pulizzi, an in-demand guitarist who has spent over a decade performing in Los Angeles. With a career spanning performances with Smokey Robinson, Natalie Cole, Tito Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and more, Tony’s story is one of versatility and p...

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Andrew Neu, one of today’s most dynamic and multi-genre musicians. A master saxophonist, arranger, and composer, Andrew has toured the world with Bobby Caldwell, Diane Schuur, Norman Brown, and Smokey Robinson, sharing the stage with icons like Elton John, Patti LaBelle, and The Temptations. Andrew’s passion for mu...

Building a career in music takes more than talent—it takes heart, resilience, and an unwavering love for the craft. On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast , I sit down with JC Sol, a powerhouse vocalist whose love for R&B and the classic Philly sound has helped her carve out a space in the world of independent music. From singing as a child to performing Top 40 hits, JC takes us through her...

Rock Hendricks shares with Darrell about the song "Echoes Rising" and his collaboration with Paul Hardcastle. Catch the Full Interview Here: https://youtu.be/zuGfUsAD3uY

Some people hear music. Rock Hendricks sees it. Born in Texas with a rare congenital eye disease, Rock spent his early years navigating the world through sound alone. That sharpened his ears, and when he first heard the sweet cry of a saxophone, he knew it wasn’t just an instrument—it was his voice. From picking up his first sax at nine years old to playing in high school jazz ensembles, Rock foun...

Some artists play music. Others live it. On this episode of Jazz Flyte , Darrell sits down with South African-born, New Zealand-raised musical powerhouse Andréa Lisa. A singer, guitarist, composer, and producer, Andréa has crafted a sound that blends jazz, soul, and reggae with deeply personal storytelling.  From accidentally picking up a guitar at 14 to working with the legendary Kirk Whalum, And...

Forty years. Countless shows. One unforgettable sound. In this special episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast , host Darrell sits down with Lem Adams and Gary Stevenson of Forecast , Cleveland’s legendary contemporary jazz band. Blending jazz, funk, rock, reggae, and pop, Forecast has spent four decades crafting a sound that resonates across generations. But what’s the secret to their longevity? Lem an...

This week on The Jazz Flyte Podcast, Darrell is joined by the incomparable Eric Essix, a jazz icon with over three decades of experience and 28 albums under his belt. Eric opens up about his passion for storytelling through music, his philosophy that "if you call yourself a recording artist, you have to record," and how his career has evolved with the times—from recording in traditional studios to...

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, Darrell welcomes the legendary keyboardist and composer Brian Simpson, whose career has been a masterclass in jazz excellence. After graduating from Northern Illinois University, Brian moved to Los Angeles, where he worked his way up the industry ladder, performing with icons like Gerald Albright, Norman Brown, and Teena Marie. Brian’s talent eventually l...

The Jazz Flyte Podcast takes flight this week as host Darrell welcomes Lindsey Webster, a powerhouse in jazz, R&B, and pop whose soulful voice has redefined the genre. Lindsey made history as the first vocalist since Sade to hit #1 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart with "Fool Me Once," proving her unique sound resonates deeply in a primarily instrumental space. In this heartfelt episode, Lind...

Step into the soulful world of Castella on this captivating episode of the Jazz Flyte Podcast. Host Darrell sits down with the award-winning vocalist to uncover the inspiring journey behind her music, legacy, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.   From her breakout hit "No Ordinary Love," which climbed the Smooth Jazz Charts, to her deep-rooted family legacy in music, Castella opens up abo...