EP 104: When the Music Calls: Rob Zinn’s Journey to Jazz Fame

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 burner, Rob made a bold pivot nearly a decade ago: he decided to go all in. With the guidance of fellow artist and former Jazz Flyte guest Andrew Neu, he found his rhythm in the smooth jazz world—and hasn’t looked back.

We talk about his early records like Yesterday Again, to working alongside Grammy-winning producer Paul Brown on Walk The Walk—which landed on the Grammy ballot for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. His latest album, Anything Can Happen, released in 2023, features collaborations with top-tier talent like Greg Manning, Roberto Vally, and Adam Hawley. Rob opens up about how he never imagined writing his own music, and how co-writing has completely transformed his creative process.

We explore what it takes to manage multiple producers, plan recording schedules, and stay emotionally connected to every performance. Rob shares stories behind tracks like “Weekend Games” featuring Michael Paulo, and the process of learning how to be more than just a musician—how to be an entertainer. From stage presence to what he wears, he knows that a great show is about creating moments.

Rob reflects on powerful influences like Chuck Mangione, Jeff Lorber, and Nick Colionne, and how he brings those threads into his live sets today.

If you’ve ever felt like it’s “too late” to chase your passion, Rob Zinn’s story proves that with the right people, the right timing, and a fearless mindset—anything really can happen.

Connect with Rob: https://robzinn.com/