Jazz Flyte Podcast

Jazz Flyte Podcast

Welcome to “The Jazz Flyte Podcast, where we will dive into the lives and careers of the Jazz Legends who’ve left a rhythmic imprint on the world. Be prepared each week to reminisce on the highs and the lows of their musical journey, and the trials that sculpted their timeless musical gems. We’ll preserve the legacy of these extraordinary maestros and find inspiration in the melodies of their lives. Subscribe now and never miss a beat!

Episodes

June 22, 2025 31 mins
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 carved out his own space blending Latin...
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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 understanding of music from passion to paycheck...
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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.

PJ takes us back to where it all be...
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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 opens up about falling in love with the...
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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 guitar to bass at 16, he found his gro...
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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 during his imprisonment, a testament to...
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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, adaptability, and passion for the craft.

Gord...
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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 creative evolution.

We dive into how a sec...
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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 impossible to measure.

David takes us b...
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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 bass in third grade thanks to an une...
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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 faith that led him to Berklee College o...
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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 like Frankie Beverly and Regina Belle...
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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 journey is nothing short of legendary. We t...
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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 behind his song “Moscato Moon,” a piece i...
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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 passion.

Tony’s love for music began a...
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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 music runs deep—growing up in a family...
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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 journey—from early influences like L...
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February 19, 2025 3 mins
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
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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 found his groove studying legends like Ch...
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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, Andréa shares the unexpected turns that sh...
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