Easy Jazz Spotlight

In this episode of Easy Jazz Spotlight, host Ken Boyd talks with Vancouver singer and songwriter Amanda Wood. Amanda tells Ken what it was like being a performer during the pandemic, working with jazz artist Jeff Goldblum, and why it's important as an artist to perform in as many places as possible.

Easy Jazz Spotlight host Ken Boyd speaks with biographer James Gavin, author of "Deep in a Dream - The Long Night of Chet Baker" about the tragic life of famous jazz trumpeter Chet Baker. In this fascinating interview, Ken asks James what he thinks really happened to Baker when the jazz artist was found dead on an Amsterdam sidewalk in 1988 after falling from a 3rd story hotel room. The conversation begins on the topic of James's writing career and his ability to do meticulous research.

This is Easy Jazz Spotlight, produced by Easy Jazz FM Radio. The life of Sergio Mendes is proof that being positive and doing what you love goes a very long way. You can feel his positive energy in this episode with host Ken Boyd. Ken asks Sergio what he attributes to his successful longevity in the music business. But first, Ken talks about a 2020 documentary called "In the Key of Joy" which looks at Sergio's early career and his return to the charts, performing with the Black Eyed Peas and John Legend.

She's worked with the best - including Burt Bacharach, Carol King and Neil Diamond - appeared on the Perry Como show, once sang the warm-up for Dave Brubeck, produced jingles and commercials, and had her own great albums starting in 1959. The multi-talented Anne Phillips is in conversation with Easy Jazz Spotlight special guest host and jazz artist John Armato about: music and live TV in the 1950s, 60s and 70s; her amazing career; current role as a vocal coach for aspiring singers; and her creation of New York City's Christmas pageant "The Jazz Nativity".

Host Ken Boyd speaks with rising Montreal jazz star and guitarist Samuel Bonnet about his early days of classical guitar and reggae, moving to Paris, and falling in love with Montreal.

Easy Jazz Spotlight guest host Stefan Zaichkowski talks with international recording artist and song writer JC Sol who says music is therapy. The conversation focuses on touring, coming up with song ideas, and life as an independent artist.

In this episode, host Ken Boyd talks to long-time bassist Don Bradshaw of the jazz group "The Geometrics" based in Edmonton, Alberta. Don has played with some of the greats in the jazz world, including Charlie Rouse and John Hicks - plus singers Mark Murphy and Diana Krall. Ken asks Don what it was like performing for Diana Krall, and where jazz is headed in today's world.

Host Ken Boyd talks to jazz drummer John Armato about his debut album "The Drummer Loves Ballads" which was 40 years in the making. John brought together 25 jazz musicians, including the legendary Houston Person. Learn how John got started and the inspiration for his songs on the album.