Fresh Coast Jazz Backstage

Spyro Gyra Founder Jay Beckenstein sits down with Carl to share their 5 decade journey from bar band to global icons.

Global star Jonathan Butler sits down with Carl to discuss his career, his kinship with his band and his desire to pay it forward through his music.

Carl Brown sits down with the incomparable Kandace Springs to discuss her career evolution.

Fresh off an incredible new album and tour, Jarrod Lawson and Carl discuss the sounds that influence his music.

Vocalist and saxophonist Marqueal Jordan shares the arc of his career from Cali to Chi town to stardom.

Love the stories, music, and artists you hear on Fresh Coast Jazz Backstage? Now experience them live.

Join us August 20–22, 2026, at the historic Pabst Theater in downtown Milwaukee for the 7th Annual Fresh Coast Jazz Festival.

Three unforgettable days of world-class contemporary jazz, incredible energy, and a true party with a purpose.

Your ticket does more than secure your seat. Festival proceeds help support student scholarships, school music programs, and community healthcare initiatives.

Don’t just listen from backstage. Come experience the music live.

Get your tickets now at FreshCoastJazz.com.

Guitar virtuoso Eric Essix sits down with host Carl Brown to share his unique style of southern groove jazz.

Love the stories, music, and artists you hear on Fresh Coast Jazz Backstage? Now experience them live.

Join us August 20–22, 2026, at the historic Pabst Theater in downtown Milwaukee for the 7th Annual Fresh Coast Jazz Festival.

Three unforgettable days of world-class contemporary jazz, incredible energy, and a true party with a purpose.

Your ticket does more than secure your seat. Festival proceeds help support student scholarships, school music programs, and community healthcare initiatives.

Don’t just listen from backstage. Come experience the music live.

Get your tickets now at FreshCoastJazz.com.

Carl Brown welcomes the transcendent saxophonist Kirk Whalum, who shares his harmonious journey from the challenges faced during the pandemic to the creation of his latest studio album, "Epic Cool." Dive into the melodic stories behind the song "MF," written by Whalum's drummer Marcus Finney, and explore the album's genre-defying tracks scheduled for release this spring.

Kirk opens up about his relationship with Whitney Houston, the influence she had on his music, and the powerful vision that led him to write a book about her funeral. As he reflects on turning 60, Kirk recounts his international aspirations and the experiences that shaped his unique sound—an intertwining of Memphis roots, gospel, and global influences.

Soak up the wisdom of Kirk's marriage insights and enjoy tales of his global adventures in France and South America.

This episode is not just a conversation; it's a heartfelt symphony of life experiences, encouraging us to find our voice and contribute our verse to the world's melody.

Feel the rhythm of Kirk's life story and the sincerity weaving through each note played. Press play and be a part of this melodious conversation that resonates with grace, gratitude, and the undeniable groove of jazz.

Episode Highlights:

10:35 - It's all about the the the legacy of virtuosity that we wanna be on that page. So, we wanna always be chasing after that thing so that the day we check out of here, we will something as it were.

21:13 - Do what you do, put your stuff out there and don't worry about whether or not they're gonna like it because they're either or they're not, but not gonna ever know if you don't put it out.

39:26 - You wanna always be humble about this because, you know, it can be taken away in a minute.

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Fresh Coast Jazz Festival

Kirk Whalum

Dive into a melodious blend of family, tours, and tunes in this inspiring episode of Fresh Coast Jazz Backstage. Host Carl Brown is joined by contemporary jazz sensation Kim Scott, chatting about the sweet harmony of hard work and recognition in the music world. From family celebrations to the realities of touring life, Kim gives a candid look at her world.

The episode kicks into high gear with a snippet of Kim and her family's cruising escapades, while also touching on the careful orchestration of her tour dates around family commitments and audience engagements.

Kim discusses her process for crafting new music, with her album set for 2025 and singles queuing up for a 2024 release, and we get a first taste of her new single "Like Butter". As they delve into the industry, Kim offers nuggets of wisdom on the importance of business savvy for musicians.

Looking ahead, she eagerly anticipates her performance at the Fresh Coast Jazz Festival and her love for her stand-out track "Magic City Streets". Kim's rooted in her artistic and personal life, ensuring that each performance is an authentic experience for her audience.

Episode Highlights:

02:30 - The Complexity of Music Production: "I mean, from beginning to end, you know, the easy part is playing our instrument. And even that part is because we spend hours and hours practicing and refining and writing and writing, you know. But to actually, you know, finish the the song and then choose a producer. And then, you know, if it's not your band to record with, choose the musicians that are gonna be on that recording. And then thinking about who's gonna mix it, who's gonna master it, what does the image look like for branding, and who's gonna push the record. I mean, there's so many parts, you know, and, you know, really when you're writing with someone, you know, you're putting your baby in their hands."

17:51 - Understanding Celebrities Beyond the Spotlight: "You know, he you you meet him and you think he's kinda Mhmm. That person is kinda off, you know, not off, so he doesn't want to interact. But one of them, he is so kind and so down to earth, he and his wife."

21:31- Humility in the Spotlight: "As far as me personally, and I like to try to stay humble. I try to be as grounded as possible, you know, to the point that sometimes when I wake up in the morning, my husband goes, are you excited? You know, because we would have just gotten a great call or a great ask. And I'm like, he was like, well, why are you not like and I said, well, I had that moment on the inside, and I'm very grateful. I prayed about it, and I thank god for it, but I want to stay grounded. So I got work to do, and I'm just gonna keep going."

46:09 - Balancing Career and Family: "I look into all of those things because I have a full time job, I have to be selective about that as well and because I still have a child at home. My son will graduate this year, so it'll be different next year. But there's a lot to manage because that family is important to us and I wanna make sure, you know, we have that time as well."

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Fresh Coast Jazz Festival

Kim Scott

Join us on a soulful ride with the chart-topping saxophonist Boney James, as he sits down with Carl to share the melodies and milestones of his illustrious career. From his humorous origins in Scandinavia to hitting the top 3 contemporary jazz artists of the decade, Boney gives us an intimate backstage look at his life in notes.

Dive deep into the rhythm of Boney's creative process, the dedication behind each album, and how staying true to his core has kept his sound fresh through the years. With a history degree in his pocket and almost taking a legal path, Boney instead chose to follow his true passion, and he's got some sage advice for his 13-year-old self (and us all).

Savor his thoughts on the inspirations for his music, his dream barbecue dinner party guests, and his admiration for collaboration in music production. Our latest Fresh Coast Jazz Backstage episode offers an up-close encounter with the man whose saxophone has enchanted millions. Plus, you might just find out why he'd pick a sedan over a sports car any day.

Episode Highlights:

05:24 - The Touring Musician's Process: "I would say when I'm on the road touring, I never write songs. I mean, that's that's a fact. Just because it's you know, being on the road is its own thing. You know?"

09:10 - Artistic Autonomy and Self-Production: "But, you know, since since I've been producing the records myself and I've got my studio at the house, and and I can just work on it as long as I want to until I feel like it's ready. And and I've developed more confidence in my own opinion about things. I know that when I put a record out that I love it and that, you know, in terms of what other people are gonna think, that's something you can never say. And I tried very hard not to try and get into the head of the quote, unquote audience, you know, when I'm making music. I'm just trying to please myself."

36:18 - Touring Strategy of Musicians: "It depends. I mean, you know, we just go where the gigs are, and and and we try and make smart decisions about gigs. And and and if we get a gig that's a good gig, we will try and find other shows around it to surround it... But for the most part, it's just, you know, very dependent on the offers and, and how the calendar works out."

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Fresh Coast Jazz Festival

Boney James

Join us for an intimate backstage pass with contemporary jazz giants Nathan Mitchell and Ryan LaVellett. Host Carl Brown delves deep into their illustrious careers, heartfelt tributes, and the flavorful stories behind their success. Not only do we pay homage to the late Nick Colione through the powerful "Bossman," but we also travel through the intricate process of crafting set lists and performances that resonate with jazz enthusiasts. Get a sense of Milwaukee’s jazz fervor and prepare for thrilling upcoming performances from our guests, who have forged their unique paths in the music industry.

From a rising star category selection by Sea Breeze for Ryan to the rigors of balancing personal life with superstardom for Nathan, this episode unlocks the passion and dedication behind the melodies. Witness the intersection of inspiration and practicality as these artists share their love for cars, health routines on the road, and setting boundaries outside their music careers. Plus, Nathan and Ryan provide prudent advice to their younger selves, reflect on their journeys, and hint at exciting new projects soon to unfold.

Immerse yourself in the harmonious and challenging world of jazz as we explore beyond the music. Whether it’s Nathan’s continued learning from the masters or Ryan’s gratitude for serendipitous moments in his career, each story offers insights into the genuine drive and hustle needed to shine in the international jazz scene.

Episode Highlights:

07:20 - The Influence of Culture on Music: "Everything about my music and the way that I sound has been very, it may sound cliche, but American sounding, my music."

26:59 - Live Music Performance Strategy: "if people wanna, you know, listen to the record, they'll go home and and put it on. You know, when they're coming out to a show, you play the hits of course, but he said, you know, you got to weave things in there too to to get them excited. You know, you want some energy out there."

32:36 - Establishing Personal Boundaries in the Digital Age: "I think it's important as an artist that you establish your boundaries and your and I made a post about this a little while ago about trying to have that balance. If there's something else that you really enjoy aside from music, whether it is, you know, having that Virgo like Nathan said and chilling by yourself, or you have another hobby where you can kind of re occupy your brain. Because too much of any good thing, even if you love it, is not good for you. Too much of it is not good."

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Fresh Coast Jazz Festival

Nathan Mitchell

Ryan LaVellett