Fresh Coast Jazz Backstage

Carl Brown is joined by the talented and soulful Kevin Whalum. Get a peek behind the curtain to learn more about Kevin Whalum as an artist and performer through his interesting stories and the conversation he and Carl share in this episode. 

Listen to find out how Kevin pulls people in not only with his music but by pouring his heart out and his gift for relaying positive affirmations to change the lives of people, especially the youth. Hear more of how his music and words break barriers that not only go in the ears but also go straight to the heart. 

Highlights

02:42 I want to pull in the listeners to an environment that you don’t need a lot to groove. You don’t need a whole lot of instruments or computers or sounds and all of that. 

04:00 I was playing as I was singing which is not something I normally do. I don’t normally play anything while I’m singing. I can play bass but I don’t play bass when I perform so it was all new. It was new, new for me, new for the audience and I want them to come with me, trust me.  

15:40  A lot of people don’t understand music, they don’t respect it as a real thing which is how you see people just expecting to take your music for free and don’t expect you to worry about it. That’s my intellectual property. 

26:03 When 2021 came, I was put into what I call a season of solitude. I call it actually the beautiful season because it was extraordinarily painful and extraordinarily clarifying for me. It made me confront myself. It made me answer to my mistakes, to my poor decisions in life. 

33:56 My gift is already present. I just need to use it in a certain way. 

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Fresh Coast Jazz Festival

In this very first episode of Fresh Coast Jazz Backstage podcast, your host Carl Brown welcomes one of the most successful artists in all of contemporary jazz, Najee, a multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated saxophonist and flautist with six No. 1 albums, and five No. 1 singles. Najee shares about his career, songs and albums, plans, playing with some great musicians, like Shaka Khan, Prince, and others. He is universally respected and loved by other artists. In the 'Bout It or Doubt It segment of the show, Najee answers the questions under the Rides category – and he explains why he does not like motorcycles and helicopters. Enjoy this interesting conversation and take a quick listen to Betcha Don't Know from Najee’s Theme album, Tokyo Blue, and Face to Face from Center of the Heart. 

Episode Highlights

01:45 - It is the spirit of being a jazz musician by nature, you get bored with what you do, and you are always looking for new avenues to express that through. Fortunately for me, I had the pleasure to work with so many great artists and being able to collaborate with so many artists over the years.

15:33 – Fortunately, I did get to play in a lot of the big bands. When I was a youngster, I attended Jazzmobile in Harlem. And that was where I got formal jazz training, studying under Jimmy Heath, Frank Foster and Ernie Wilkins. My training has served me well. 

20:20 – There are so many stories, I do not know if I can name one.  One of the hallmark experiences was the opportunity to play for president Nelson Mandela when he was president, and to have personal time with him. 

22:40 – My principle is - I do not work with people I do not like. 

42:18 – The recording process has its own mental space, but there is nothing like playing for people. I cannot say one is better than the other. I love them both. 

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Najee Official

In this episode, your host Carl Brown welcomes Marcus Adams, a saxophonist, and a vocalist. His latest project Reset is reflective of what everybody is going through right now. His career was started and rooted in the church. Gospel music was his first love. He describes himself as a Soul/Jazz artist. Marcus is a school teacher and also a mental health advocate. In this episode, he describes his music, talks about the process for creating music, collaboration with other musicians, and his top musical influences. In the 'Bout it or Doubt it segment, he gives his opinion about All Night After Parties and Rollercoasters, from the Fun and Leisure category. In the last segment of the show, you can hear about the artists he would like to work with, three people he would like to invite to a dinner party, what are his plans for the rest of 2021 and 2022, and more. You can listen to Simple, Long Way from Home, and Sounds of Art from his album Reset.  

Episode Highlights

02:44 – I released two projects; I have two pandemic CDs. The first one is Love Letters, released last year, 2020, July 4th. And then, after that, coming out of the pandemic, Reset. 

13:27 –– The process for writing in the industry nowadays with the advent of the loop - that is the industry standard - now the loop dictates the song. But with Reset, I let the voice dictate the song. 

26:58 – When I hear music, I see colors. Each song has a mood, has a color. When I’m playing, that’s what I’m trying to produce. I was choosing a certain sound to produce a certain vibe and a mood in a moment. 

32:00 – I believe that in the African American community, mental health is one of the most understated things that we deal with. There is no health more important than mental health. 

55:26 – I’m starting a couple of business ventures. One of them is, I’m trying to create a space in the City of Milwaukee for artists like myself. Nothing big, just something that is intimate and something that allows us to evolve and speak that soul-jazz.  

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Marcus Adams

Today’s guest has one of the most beautifully distinctive voices in contemporary jazz. Her first US project Wanting catapulted her onto the jazz charts, and she has continued to make some of the most special music in contemporary jazz to this day. Ms. Gabriela Anders was born in Argentina and moved to New York when she was 18.  She grew up listening to Miles Davies, Dexter Gordon, Cuban music, Duke Ellington, Brazilian rhythm, and she liked that kind of music. She is a musician. She likes writing, composing, arranging. She is more of an intimate singer, and her passion comes from all the stuff she lived.  She talks about her life, music, collaboration with other musicians, and new projects. In the ‘Bout it or Doubt it segment, Gabriela answers two questions from the Science and Technology category and gives her opinion on UFOs and Artificial Intelligence. Listen to this episode and enjoy some of her music - Fire of Love (Wanting), Shattered Love (The Ring), and I Ain’t Got Nothing But The Blues (Los Dukes). You can see Los Dukes live on their tour starting in November.  

Episode Highlights

18:52 – I’m always trying to look for different rhythms to make it more exciting. And if I like it a lot, then I say – OK, this song will be on the next project. It’s more of a feeling thing. 

20:46 – I have never imagined that not performing would be so difficult. I had recorded some songs with three great pianists just before the pandemic. What saved me through the pandemic was working on that project (The Ring). 

28:27 – With big labels, you reach a lot of people because big labels have the power to connect with the world. Wanting was a good CD. Without a big label, it would have been a nice local CD, but it would not have reached Spain, Russia, and others the way it did. The problem with big labels is that they decided on the songs. 

32:36 – ‘Bout it or Doubt it segment.

36:02 – Los Dukes project. Three years ago, I was asked to do the Latin jazz night at a jazz club in New York.  I started off doing typical songs, Latin jazz standards. Then I started to write some arrangements. And I got interested in writing for a bigger ensemble.  

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Gabriela Anders

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In today’s episode, your host Carl Brown is joined by Shayna Steele. Her colleagues praise her ability, dedication and drive to perfecting her craft as a professional singer and knockout performer. With a voice that the London Jazz News says “unleashes enough voltage to light up the West End”, Shayna Steele has made her mark as an in-demand vocalist in the studio and on the stage.

Shayna shares how she started her career and experiences that forged her to be a great artist. She also reveals interesting things about herself. In the ‘Bout It or Doubt It' segment, you’ll hear her answers about Food. Tune in to this episode and hear more stories about Shayna Steele.

Highlights:

How does the music making process work for you? Where does it start and how do you go about bringing a song to life?

09:58 – Well it changed over the years like I always say that there was before I became a mother and after I became a mother and my writing style changed quite drastically.

Where were you the first time you heard one of your songs in public? Do you remember what that feeling was like?

18:00 – I don`t remember it because I put the records out and then I moved on. I listened to it a million times and while we're doing comps and editing things but once the record comes out it's time to move on.

You have accomplished so much already, what do you want your career arc to be like going forward

21:22 – I`m a pretty open book when it comes to my career and myself. I said the other day to my husband “I really don’t know what I want to do next”. I know I have a new record coming out in September but as far as what do I want from this today, right now, I couldn't even tell you because the way that the music business has changed so much because of the pandemic.

So, what are you like just before you walk out on stage?

31:43 – I'm pretty chill before I go on stage, I`m pretty relaxed. I'm usually hanging out with my band and obviously I'm doing a vocal warm up.

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Shayna Steele

In today’s episode, your host Carl Brown is joined by Vandell Andrew. Hailing from the "Birthplace of Jazz" New Orleans, Vandell Andrew is a part of the new generation of the jazz genre. With two commercially released albums, 8 Billboard Top 25 singles, a #1 Ranking on Billboard's Smooth Jazz Chart and a 2014 Soul Train Award Nomination for "Best Contemporary Jazz Performance", Vandell is no stranger to success in the music industry.

Vandel shares his musical experience throughout his journey, like who taught him how to play a saxophone, describing his music, musical inspiration and much more. In the ‘Bout It or Doubt It' segment, you’ll hear his answers about Sports. Tune in to this episode and hear more surprising stories from Vandell Andrew.

Highlight:

Where does your musical inspiration come from?

02:23 – Definitely life, my family life mainly. There's always something that sparks some inspiration while I’m out or anything that makes me feel good about life.

Talk to us about your career evolution.  How you got to where you are today and what you see for your career’s future.

05:25 – I realized that anytime I’m chasing something, whether it's music or not, there`s something that does not feel authentic. It just doesn't come off as authentic.

What would you say is the most rewarding thing about being a musician?

18:25 – It's always being able to touch people, being able to impact people, it's a power that is greatly unappreciated and sometimes abused. To me I feel honored that they considered listening to my music during hard times.

How do you know when a song is ready to be released to the world?

27:04 – Every time I release a song, I think about what I could`ve done, what I could`ve edited. In a sense the song is never done but when I feel it's ready to be released it has to feel good.

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Vandell Andrew

In today’s episode, your host Carl Brown is joined by Kirk Whalum. Kirk was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He attended Melrose High School and Texas Southern University, where he was a member of the renowned Ocean of Soul Marching Band. In addition to singing in his father's church choir, he learned to love music from his grandmother, Thelma Twigg Whalum, a piano teacher. Kirk has recorded a series of well received solo albums and film soundtracks, with music ranging from pop to R&B to smooth jazz.

Kirk shares how he continues to have so much success and stay at the top of his game. He also talks about how he prepares for a live show. In the ‘Bout It or Doubt It' segment, you’ll hear his answers about Self Driving Vehicles and Space Travel. Tune in to this episode and hear more about Kirk Whalum.

Highlights:

How have you continued to have so much success and stay at the top of your game for all this time?

02:58 – I heard something the other day, someone said to be relevant you just have to be willing to change, you have to be willing to adapt and to reinvent yourself.

What are you like just before you go on stage?

27:26 – I'm excited to get out, I`m prayerful, I try to focus and having tea helps me focus, especially green tea.

Who would you say are some of your top musical influences?

33:52 – The biggest was my Uncle Peanuts. He was the first person I heard play the saxophone up-close and personally who was really good at it.

What is it like when you all get together as a family, is there a concert at the house?

48:55 – There is almost no music when we get together as a family. We just go eating and talking and playing cards or whatever. Except my son, he's the curator of any kind of music, he's always turning us on to new stuff.

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Kirk Whalum

In today’s episode, host Carl Brown is joined by Adam Hawley, Adam was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. At a young age, he developed a keen interest in music, taking up piano lessons at eight and guitar lessons a year later. He eventually attended the University of Southern California where he graduated with a Ph.D. in Music.

Adam shares how he became successful at an early age in his career. He also shares who inspired him in his journey. In the ‘Bout It or Doubt It' segment you`ll hear Adam`s answer about T.V shows.  Listen to this episode and enjoy some of his music – Risin’ Up, Escape feat. Rick Braun, and Gotta Get Up. 

Highlight

How old were you when you started working professionally as a musician?

06:07 - I started playing at 8 or 9 and pretty early on, I would say I was about 11, when I started touring and I was touring all over Oregon and Washington and I was in the Bluegrass Band.

Having worked with so many stars, do you ever get star struck anymore?

11:20 - I have only been star struck once and it is not because I`m not appreciating the greatness of all these incredible artists but the one time I got lost for words is when meeting Chick Corea.

What are you like before you go on stage?

31:26 - I`m usually very calm just because I`ve been doing this so long, I`ve been on the road now for 26-27 years.

How do you know when a song is ready to be released to the world

40:21 - I think there's an important thing in deadlines. I think deadlines are very important because at some point you have to turn the record in.

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Adam Hawley

Carl is joined by Lao Tizer. Lao is keyboardist and band leader who has been making records since the 1990s. He was named the best new smooth jazz artists in 2002 and he and his band have continued to be staples on smooth jazz radio and the touring scene. His music is an ever-evolving melding of jazz, classical, fusion and more.

Lao shared his experiences in his career. He explained the difference between being a solo artist and being a bandleader. In the ‘Bout It or Doubt It' segment, you’ll hear his answer for Parachuting and Zip lining. Listen to this episode and enjoy some of his music – Metropolis, 16th Heaven and Forever Searching.

Highlight

What was it that made you want to start playing at such an early age?

04:33 – When I was actually 5 years old, my parents got a piano from a friend of theirs originally from my sister who's 2 years older than me. And I just got a natural interest in it.

How do you know how the group needs to evolve from time to time from project to project?

26:43 – For the most part it feels like it's pretty organic to me the way things go so the fact that adding Tita to the group and doing these vocal arrangements got me all inspired and started writing music.

How did Covid impact your ability to do what you do?

33:48 – Musically I was not inspired for quite a long time. I mean I did write some stuff but it was a pretty dark time.

How do you feel when you walk out on the stage?

39:10 – The less you’re thinking the better, when it's just flowing and totally intuitive it's always the best show. 

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Lao Tizer Band

In today’s episode, your host Carl Brown is joined by Catie Waters. Catie Waters is an up-and-coming American actor/singer/songwriter. From a very young age, she has trained to be a leading force in the arts. She grew up in both Arkansas and Texas and now resides in Los Angeles, California.

Hailing from Arkansas, breakout artist, Catie Waters, is fulfilling her dreams by becoming a multi-hyphenate singer-songwriter. She immersed herself in Gospel, Jazz, Blues, Soul, and R&B music—sounds that shaped her unique style of writing, singing, and performing in front of tens of thousands of people.

Catie shares her experiences in her career at a very young age, she also shares her experiences living in L.A. In the ‘Bout It or Doubt It' segment, you’ll hear her opinion on movie genres. Listen to this episode and enjoy some of her music – Crazy, Sanctuary, and Mountain Sound.

Highlights:

What was it like to be trusted in the spotlight at such a young age?

01:16 – I think it was a learning experience. Being surrounded by wonderful musicians and getting to see people do their thing on the stage. I think that really helped me be able to create an album.

How would you say that you changed as an artist between that first release and your most recent release?

03:45 – I just grew up. I think I had a lot more experiences living in L.A going through different sounds and hearing different types of music. I think it's part of growing up, you shift and you evolve. 

Where were you the first time you heard one of your songs on the radio?

15:36 – I was in L.A when I heard it going across the radio station. I had people texting me “You’re on a radio now” and I think it's always a blessing to be able to see your dreams and I'm thankful for the moment and I'm here for the ride.

Is there a person that you`re thinking that you would like to collaborate with?

34:05 – 100% If I hear somebody and I get excited by the song.

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Fresh Coast Jazz Festival

Catie Waters