Make Jazz Trill Again Podcast

In this live episode, Melanie and Yunie sit down with the iconic drummer, composer, and educator Terri Lyne Carrington for a deeply inspiring conversation. Terri Lyne takes us all the way back to her beginnings and the early exposure that sparked a lifelong journey of creative exploration. She offers gems on how her perspectives, approach and activism has evolved through out the years. Tap in to h...

In this episode, Melanie (Dflower) and Yunie (YunieMo) dive into having an "attitude of gratitude" year-round, not just during the holidays. They talk about the struggles of balancing work and life in the music biz, where constant travel and long hours can lead to burnout. The key? Taking time to rest and recharge — even if it’s just a day or two — to keep the creative energy flowing. They also ch...

In this special live episode of the Make Jazz Trill Again podcast, host Melanie Charles and co-host Yunie Mojica (a.k.a. YunieMo) are joined by the incredibly talented Satar'ra Troutman at Cafe Erzulie in Brooklyn. With DJ Oochild on the decks, the vibes are set for an unforgettable conversation. Satar'ra, a multifaceted musician, vocalist, songwriter, producer, and healer, opens up about her jour...

Join Melanie and Yunie as they reunite for another lively episode, diving into their must-reads, the latest music, and beloved classics that have shaped their tastes. They’ll also share their must-see movies and highlight exciting upcoming gigs and projects. Whether you’re looking for your next great read or some fresh music, this episode has something for everyone. Tap back into the pod for a fun...

In this episode, MJTA Host Melanie Charles aka DFlower has an intimate conversation with Grammy Award-winning artist Corinne Bailey Rae—a multi-talented guitarist, singer, composer, producer, and beloved sister, mother, daughter, and friend. Melanie has shared the stage with Corinne on multiple tours, first as an opening act and then again after the release of her 2023 album, Black Rainbows. Follo...

✌🏾 & ❤️ Ya'll!  This episode is a live podcast that celebrates the release of ​​Zacchae'us Paul’s debut album, JAZZ MONEY. Who is also part of team MJTA.  It was a wonderful day in Brooklyn in July, where Melanie and Yunie were able to talk about Zach’s process and album, along with a few laughs and Trill Trivia.  So sit back, grab your tea, coffee or wine, whatever your flavor is… and enjoy...

Yunie Mo and Melanie are back after a whirlwind summer! In this episode, the ladies catch up on all the new music they've been vibing to, must-read books that have left a lasting impression, and the importance of “returning to the shed” to refine their craft. They also share stories about hanging with the legendary Gary Bartz, discuss the importance of unionizing for artists, and keep the conversa...

Peace and love, beautiful people! MJTA Podcast is back with reflections on the recent rap beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake.  DJ OOOChild joins the conversation while they review Kendrick Lamar’s historic “Pop Out” concert, discuss who could possibly do the same on the east coast, relevance in today’s Jazz scene and the fine line of Jazz interpretations Vs. karaoke jazz covers and more! This i...

L'rain and Melanie speak about Meredith Monk's influence on their artistic journey as well as their personal role in preserving and supporting the work of the artists who have paved the way for them. In our current climate what is the role of the artist? For more information on Meredith's body of work and information on how to support the House Foundation visit  www.meredithmonk.org .   To see L'R...

Orange Coffee aka Kat Rodriguez is a beautiful multitalented, grammy nominated complete musician in all of its many splendors. She is an incredible singer, saxophonist, songwriter, vocalist, and educator who has been touring, performing with everyone from Boyncé to Jay-Z, to Jill Scott and Erykah Badu to name a few. Her dedication and passion for music, movement, and education has inspired both Me...

Melanie, Yunie and Special Guest Jerome Jennings get into the flaws of the Jazz Education system.  They cover other topics, catch up and even get to some Trill Trivia, but this one right here is what you came for... Get into it, cause it's a problem that needs to change. Let's discuss. And you know we need a part 2! We need your feedback! Please let us know your thoughts and what you'd like to hea...

Lady Moon, the front woman of The Eclipse is a composer, vocalist, designer, healer, hair artist and all around creative being. She is invested in reminding us of our resilience and magic through her cosmic music and style.  Join us in conversation with Lady Moon and at her live performance with her group Lady Moon and the Eclipse at the Sultan Room, NYC on Thursday, March 21st ! We need your feed...

Mel and Yunie chat about everything from Pop culture, sports, good reads, jam session culture, new music and even Beyonce.  Why? Because Jazz girls [and Jazz folks] are not a monolith, and neither is this podcast.  So get into it! Trill Reads: The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron Trill Tracks: "If We Praise, We Are Beautiful" Sean Mason "Trigger" Stout   We need...

Melanie and Yunie sit down with the one of a kind Tap dancer, Jazz Hoofer, musician and band leader Michela Lerman.  They cover her story from mentorship to her direction of artistry and sound.  Many people think of tap dancers from the broadway and dance company perspective, but Michela comes from the school of hoofers.  Interacting and creating collectively with musicians, incorporating dance, p...

Sup y'all? You missed us?! Make Jazz Trill Again Podcast is back and here for season 2! Melanie and Yunie catch up on life and share their takes on topics from Jonathan Majors, Andre 3000's new album to the color purple and Taraji P. Henson's outpour on Black women being paid fairly.  Also, they share their trill tracks, Yunie's trill sports minute, and what we've been listening to and reading lat...

Melanie and Yunie sit down with artist, musician and songwriter, Jack Fuller.  They discuss the many facets of gender and gender identity. As many of us have seen in the ethers, blogs, YouTube and internets, the cultural war between our transgendered sisters and cis gendered sisters.  In this special episode with Jack Fuller, recorded during pride month,  Melanie and Yunie sought out to create a s...

It's been a little while, but we're back! Mel and Yunie chop it up, catch up, talk about everything from music, movies, tv, basketball and what's happening this summer -- SummerStage, Tour, gigs, all that that good stuff. Stay tuned new episodes with some amazing guests!! Follow Melanie Charles: @melaniecharlesisdflower | melaniecharles.com    Follow Yunie Mojica: @Yuniemo   Questions / comments?...

In this Episode your hosts Melanie and Yunie catch up with their long time friend, colleague and fellow musician, Raynel Frazier.  Raynel shares her experiences as an arts administrator, and musician, all while studying for her doctorate in Organizational Development and Change.  She’s a Trill superwoman to say the least!! The ladies also get into some interesting conversations about the “trendy”...

If you don’t know who Endea Owens is, you are about to find out!  Trill hosts, Melanie Charles and Yunie Mojica sit down with Detroit native, NYC Bassist, Endea Owens and chat about her humble beginnings, journey to New York, the support received and the challenges she endures as a black woman.  Endea Shares her faith in God, successes, challenges, inspirations, new music, fashion and her initiati...

In this episode, Melanie and Yunie catch up with their friend who happens to be one of the most in-demand drummers on the scene, Savannah Harris!  These ladies get into so many key topics around being a musician in today’s ever changing times.  From the importance of mentorship, touring as a drummer, fashion, femininity as a musician and even dating.  Savannah shares the impactful mentorship she’s...

We got a very special guest in the house ya’ll!! The legendary Philly bassist, band leader, festival curator and Grammy award winning recording artist, THEE Christian McBride aka DJ Brother Mister!!! Your hosts, Melanie and Yunie kick it with McBride in the realest most trillest way, chatting about the legendary album Parker’s Mood, how he became a DJ, what it’s been like being the Artistic Direct...

Mel and Yunie catch up and continue the conversation around Festival Season!  The ups and downs, the history, a behind the scenes look at touring, booking, programming, and even budgets and pay💰!!  I mean, where does all this money come from anyway?!  Come chill with the Trill girls and get into this podcast! Remember, whatever you do… remember to Make Jazz Trill Again!! Presented with support fr...

Make Jazz Trill Again Podcast is back! Instead of comin to you live at a Trill event, Mel and Yunie are bringing you the podcast in true podcast form, remote from the east and west coasts.  Tap in and get a chance to catch up with the Trill girls about Summer Festivals reemerging, their hot takes on the “Jazz Police”, industry topics around music, Jazz, deals and contracts and so much more. Get in...

In this episode, Melanie and Yunie get a chance to sit down with the multi-talented vocalist, musician, composer, VJ and radio personality, China Moses!  They get deep into China’s childhood stories, lessons, music, the everyday life of being an artist, and some Trill Trivia! If you missed out on this live experience, now’s a chance to catch the vibe here!  Presented with support from Winter Jazz...

In this episode, MJTA hosts Melanie and Yunie are live in LA!!!! Recorded at the new performing arts venue, 2220 Arts + Archives with a special guest Author, Poet and Activist and Resident Programmer of 2220 Arts + Archives, Harmony Holiday. They celebrate Holiday’s most recent release of her book Maafa, and get deep into multiple topics about Harmony’s research and book on Abbey Lincoln, storytel...