Fresh Coast Jazz Backstage

In today’s episode, your host Carl Brown is joined by Steve Oliver. With a career spanning over 25 years in music, multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and producer Steve Oliver is still being heard each day on contemporary and smooth jazz radio around the world.

His career has produced multiple #1 hits on the Billboard charts and countless radio staples over nearly two decades - including with his latest album “Unified” (2020) - a collaboration with keyboardist Brian Simpson that has reached the #1 spot on the Billboard and Amazon jazz sales charts.

Steve shares his experiences throughout his entire career, he differentiates being in a group and being a frontman. In the ‘Bout It or Doubt It' segment, you’ll hear his opinion about FUN and LEISURE. Listen to this episode and enjoy some of his music – High Noon, Illuminate, and Slingshot.

Highlight

How have you gone about crafting your sound over the years?

03:17 – I look at my voice like a horn, like a saxophone or a trumpet, because when I play the note on the guitar I'm singing it right at the same time and adding color to the tune.

Where is your inspiration coming from?

08:07 – In life. Every day is a new day to create.

What is it like for you when you're on stage?

24:42 – I enjoy that. I love seeing people grooving. I’ve always been a performer who loves to interact, get people to sing, get people to stand up, and I'm enjoying every moment.

What is Steve Oliver feeling after a great show?

28:25 – We usually meet the fans. One on one with people if they wanted to get something signed or buy a CD. I love hanging out with the musicians at the hotel.

What's the difference between being a frontman vs being in a group?

49:09 – That experience for me is one of the best experiences. I love being in a band. I`ve always been in a band and seeing how they work, I got thrown into it. 

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Fresh Coast Jazz Festival

Steve Oliver

In today’s episode, Carl is joined by Tom Braxton. Tom has been making an impact in the smooth jazz scene for over two decades. His music has been on all major smooth jazz charts and he’s been a regular on smooth jazz radio and the touring scene over the years. He’s a saxophonist and composer from Texas.

This episode is about Tom’s dad sparking his interest in jazz, practicing, performing a show, working with artists, preparation for a stage show, and what he wants his fans to experience while watching him. Carl and Tom talk about Tom’s achievements, and what kind of music he listens to. In the ‘Bout It or Doubt It' segment, you’ll hear his opinion on sports cars and trains. In this episode they play Hope for Tomorrow, Looking Up, and Sharon’s Groove.

Episode Highlights:

Did you know you want to be a musician at an early age?

03:02 No, I didn’t. I had a lot of interests. I was an athlete, I was in track, I played basketball, I love academics. I didn’t know if I was going to be a doctor or whatever. It was about in senior year in High School, I said, you know, I think I’m going to be a music major and that’s kind of when it hit.

What are some of the things you do to hone your craft and keep your skills sharp?

03:44 Practicing is an interesting skill because I teach privately and I tell my students all the  time, “it’s not just what you practice but how you practice it”.

What else inspires your music?

06:59 I have a wonderful family, they’re amazing. Life is a great inspiration.

What’s your favorite part of the muic making process

12:21 It’s a lot of work. I like seeing something go from a creative concept or idea to actually hearing it.

19:52 It’s important for me that the flow of the show is great. I program music that I think will touch people, that they’ll enjoy and they’ll get to see who I am, that it’s fun.

24:40 There’s joy in the music, I want there to be a bit of unpredictability at times.

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Tom Braxton

In today’s episode, your host Carl Brown is joined by Chris Standring. Chris is a guitarist and composer and is one of the most successful artists on the smooth jazz scene. He has 14 CDs to his credit and he’s had 13 billboard top ten singles including 6 billboard number one hits. His music is a blend of jazz, soul, retro, pop. He has one of the most distinctive sounds out there. When you hear his guitar, you know it’s him.  

Carl and Chris talk about Chris growing up on a farm and starting studying classical guitar at age six, his defining moments, cultivating his sound and style over the years, and writing.

They discuss performing again, traveling, what he’s like before going on stage, and running a record company. In the ‘Bout It or Doubt It' segment, you’ll learn more about his interest in coffee and sushi. Listen to this episode and enjoy some of his music – Change the World, How Insensitive, Shake it up.

Episode Highlights

01:37 I remember having toy guitars from age two and when I was six, I was old enough and big enough to hold a classical guitar. My parents sent me to have guitar lessons. It was very torturous as it always is but it’s a good foundation and once I started getting into rock and roll and pop music, it was a foundation that was already there. Playing the guitar and everything was just playing music.

What is it about guitar that captivated you so much?

02:24 I remember some defining moments, I remember being up in my room and my parents called me down and said “there’s this guy playing a guitar on the tv, come and check him out”. And I saw this guy playing solo guitar and it was just amazing. It turned out it was Glen Campbell, playing guitar on his own on a TV show, black and white. Totally defining moment for me. I thought, “this is amazing”.

How do you know when one of your songs is ready to be released to the world?

28:53 When I write a piece of music, I’ll write something but if it doesn’t speak to me it doesn’t get finished. When I know something’s good, it comes pretty much right away. 

Tell us about running a record company

32:36 It’s intense during certain parts of the process. Once the record is done then I have to set it up for release, do marketing, radio and publicity. It seems like the to-do list never ends.

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Fresh Coast Jazz Festival

Chris Standring

In today’s episode, your host Carl Brown is joined by Judah Sealy who started playing music in middle school. He's a billboard charting saxophonist and keyboardist. He released his first smooth jazz album entitled "The Arrival" in 2015 and his song “Stylish” in September of 2021 cracked the billboard Smooth Jazz Top 10. Judah is a very much in-demand musician that plays in various groups around his hometown and Western New York. In addition to being a recording artist and bandleader, he also has a passion for Music Education as well as Music Ministry.

This episode is about Judah’s passion for music, working with well-known artists, being an educator, being a music director at church, and what people would be surprised to know about him.  Carl and Judah also talk about their admiration and encounters with their favorite artist Kirk Whalum. In the ‘Bout It or Doubt It' segment, you’ll hear his opinion on space travel and  cryptocurrency. In this episode they play Off The Charts, Stylish, and Showtime. 

Episode Highlights

What made Judah decide to concentrate on smooth jazz

01:31 I grew up listening to the first record that I’ve heard with saxophone on it was the Bodyguard soundtrack and my mom had that in the house and everyone knows “I will always love you” and Kirk Whalum is my all time favorite saxophonist.

How he describes his music and what he’s looking for when creating music

03:34 The songs that mean the most to me that I create are songs that are feeling. How can I make a song that makes me feel a certain way or a song that represents a feeling.

When did you know that you wanted to be a professional musician?

15:34 I didn’t know that was in the cards for me. When I was making music in middle school and high school it was just something that I loved to do. I would write songs, perform those songs and it seems that it’s such a far off thing. It didn’t seem like an attainable dream. It was just like “this is what I love to do”.

What are your most favorite and most challenging parts about the music-making process?

19:27 In the studio that is the only place in my life that I’m in control of. 

30:00 When everyone is on the same page, it's wonderful work. You’re serving people and serving with people who are all serving the same thing.

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Judah Sealy

In today’s episode, Carl interviews Oli Silk. Oli is a UK-based keyboardist, producer and composer, and a part time DJ. He released his first album 2000 and continues to establish himself as a top contemporary jazz artist. He’s had several songs that reached the billboard Top 10 and multiple number 1 hits and he’s played many of the big smooth jazz events and is a regular in Smooth Jazz radio.

This episode explores how Oli started playing music, he describes his music, who influenced his music, and people he’s worked with. He shares what he misses the most about being on the stage, his travels pre-COVID, what drives him, and what he wants his fans to feel when listening to his music.

In the ‘Bout It or Doubt It' segment, we’ll find out a sport that Oli likes, and his opinion on American football. Oli shares the things he still wants to accomplish and his three favorite albums of all time. Listen to this episode and enjoy some of his music – At Your Service, Music Without Sound, and Out to Lunch.

Episode Highlights

How he started playing music

01:18 I started playing music when I was about eleven years old on a piano that we had and called the attention of a family friend who said to my parents “maybe you should look into some 

lessons for Oli because he seems to have a natural talent for picking tunes by ear.”

What about smooth jazz music that he gravitated towards

03:31 It seems natural to me, it’s the music that I loved when I was young

9:18 At Your Service by Oli Silk

How being a composer, producer, and performer impacted his process for making music

13:15 If you’re deep buried into production then you spin in the production play

21:32 Music Without Sound by Oli Silk

28:22 If I find myself on a negative path with music, I have to bring myself back, listen to music again and remind myself why I love music so much.

41:48 Out to Lunch by Oli Silk

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Fresh Coast Jazz Festival

Oli Silk

In today’s episode, your host Carl Brown is joined by Jazmin Ghent, a multi-awarded national smooth jazz and gospel recording artist as well as a proud music educator. She is fast becoming a sought after name in the jazz scene with 4 studio albums and multiple Billboard chart topping singles. She won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Album, “The Story of Jaz,” in 2019 and is again nominated in 2022 for the same award.  On top of that, she is currently working on her PhD as well. 

This episode explores the balance between Jazmin as a musician and just Jazmin. The first half explores what inspires her to write her songs, how she balances her studies and music, and her passion for education. They also talk about her journey in becoming a jazz musician and her evolving musical inspirations. 

Jazmin and Carl talk about being an artist in the time of Covid and what she loves to do when she is offstage. Listen as she shares her own starstruck stories and fondly remembers Nick Colionne’s support for her.  In this episode they play Kickin’ It Up, Get Ready and Baile de Jazmin.

Episode Highlights

On what inspires her to write her music

01:23  I write in hopes to connect with everyone in whatever journey they're experiencing in life.

On balancing studies and her performances

02:59 You always hear the term juggling but there truly is balance. 'Cause I want to be 100 in everything. It's a constant lesson.

On how to continue to keep your music and stage show interesting

11:19 That’s constant evolving, constant learning and studying. Whether it’s from other artists, whether it’s from improving and the desire, cause I always want to make sure in order to form those connections I'm writing music where people just have a good time.

On preserving time to be creative or allow creativity to evolve

17:01  I think there are different ways of being creative and I’m learning that now through my studies... .. I have some outlets other than singing to be creative.

On remembering Nick Colionne

35:35 He was just so supportive to up and coming artists.

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Fresh Coast Jazz Festival

Jazmin Ghent

In today’s episode, your host Carl Brown is joined by Derwin Daniels who started his great musical journey when he was six years old. Derwin performed five years on saxophone with the Legendary “Sugarfoot” and the Ohio Players. He started on the clarinet and later played drums. He has played all around the world from Japan to Brazil and he’s now making his mark on the Smooth Jazz world. 

Derwin shares his journey in the musical world and he describes his music as a mix of what he heard when he was growing up. He was heavily influenced by his band directors and his dad who he got a chance to play with at a very young age. Derwin also shares that his career started out as a firefighter working 9-5 where he would play music on the side. 

Carl and Derwin talk about how music can really change a person. Derwin talks about the challenges of being a musician, the process of creating his music and much more. In the ‘Bout It or Doubt It segment, you’ll hear his opinion on Sitcoms and The Sopranos from the category TV Shows. Listen to this episode and enjoy some of his music – Sweet Sticky Thing, Going Home and In Your Eyes. 

Episode Highlights

04:44 I was heavily influenced by my band directors and people growing up, but my dad, I got a chance to start playing with him at a very early age. 

06:59 Starting out, I was a 9-5 firefighter and later fire inspector and investigator but I always played on the side. I was working and doing other things but growing up, I was just around a lot of musicians. 

09:17 My basic goal in music is, I want music to take me around the world. The plan for me is to go into that realm and go all over playing music because I enjoy it. 

14:27 Emotions are there and when I write songs, I always think about the different chords and their different meanings. They have different meanings to me; minor chord is sad and major chord is happy. I am thinking about all of these different chords and the emotions that they bring out.

24:39 If I get it as close as I can to whatever I hear in my head, sometimes I record it. I hear something in my head and it's a little bit different, but if I could get it as close to that, then I feel like I'm ready. I'm ready to put this out there. 

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Fresh Coast Jazz Festival

Derwin Daniels 

In this episode, host Carl Brown welcomes Taylor Moore who is dubbed the Princess of Percussion. Taylor is a member of the Kandace Springs band and she is a drummer, a DJ, a comedian, a motivational speaker and a follower of God. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign where she received her Bachelor’s in Music Performance and Production. Taylor has an unwavering passion in anything that she does. 

Taylor shares her journey as a musician. She shares the reason behind her connection with the audience. She also talks about how she got started in music and the instruments she’s been playing. Taylor also gives us a glimpse of what it’s like working with other artists. In the ‘Bout It or Doubt It segment, she shares her opinion on Steak and Chocolate in the Food and Drink category. At the end of the episode, you’ll hear about the other things that Taylor has been doing such as being a motivational speaker and comedian. She also shares her favorite albums of all time, the people who are coming to her dinner party and many more. You can listen to Sissy Strut, Late Nights and Straight, No Chaser. 

Episode Highlights

02:43 You definitely hit the nail right on the head when you say that I also display my faith. I'm very adamant about being vocal about where all my help comes from and knowing that all my help comes from above, which is the Lord Jesus Christ, who is my Lord and Savior and I know that’s who has kept me, that's who has sustained me who has protected me in this industry and being an entertainer.

07:45 The only time I would move is when I heard music, she specifically speaks to two songs that I would move to all the time.

12:03The energy that they bring to the stage, it's always different, you know, always different types of electric shocks.

16:35 God has, in his own sovereign way, just presented them on a platter that was like, wow, I would have never thought of that, I couldn't even fathom, you know, so I'm at a point in my life where, wherever He leads me, I will follow up.

27:18 I have always taken the Bible to be an acronym for Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. 

33:30 No man can close any door that God has opened and no man can open any door that he has shut. 

41:56 The big word is just evolution, you know, and just growing and developing.

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Fresh Coast Jazz Festival

Taylor Moore

Host Carl Brown talks with Nick Colionne who’s the only artist in Smooth Jazz with 5 consecutive Billboard #1 hits from the same album. He’s been playing professionally since he was 14 and Carl affectionately describes him as “the best dressed man in all of music”.

Nick spends a lot of time volunteering his time hanging out with kids to help guide them through their lives. Carl and Nick emphasize the importance of giving back, being part of the community, and making a difference in the lives of young people. 

Nick shares why he prefers to be on stage performing over recording in the studio and how he feels when he hears his songs on the radio. His 11th album, Finger Painting, came out in 2020 and his new release, Just Like That, will be released in Spring 2022.

Find out what Nick thinks about “Cribs” in the Bout It or Doubt It segment, and his top three albums of all time. 

Highlights:

04:11 I basically play from the heart. I feel like if I play from the heart, I’ll touch somebody’s heart and that’s better than touching their ears because if it goes in one ear, then it’s out the other one. 

07:38 I see music in colors. When you’re creating music, you’re painting a picture for people to see. So, I figured I’m painting a picture with my fingers, so, Finger Painting.

16:01 Things are opening up, and hopefully they’ll keep opening up if people do what they’re supposed to do to keep themselves and the rest of us safe. 

16:53 I have the same feeling every time I hear one of my songs on the radio. The radio will be down really low and I’ll hear it in the background, and like, whoa, that’s me. And I’ll get that same silly smile on my face every time. 

21:11 I believe that most young people are inherently good, and if they get a chance to see possibilities, then that can change their lives. 

Contact:

Fresh Coast Jazz Festival

Nick Colionne

In today’s episode of Fresh Coast Jazz Backstage, host Carl Brown chats with Chris Crain, a musical chameleon who is a vocalist, keyboardist, songwriter, and producer. Chris has been playing since he was seven years old and has a passion for raising up the next generation through his Better Project Awareness Foundation, which provides free summer music camps. He transitions effortlessly between blues, R & B, gospel, and jazz standards. 

Chris talks about his adventures traveling around the country, international opportunities in the U.K. and Japan, and the benefits and satisfaction of working without a major label. He reflects on his new level of success in 2021 and the perseverance and hard work it’s taken to get to that point, despite his doubts along the way. 

Take a listen to Chris Crain’s Madam Queen, Ain’t No Sunshine, and 3 Days Ahead.

Highlights:

01:38 It’s a good thing when you don’t see success early because it gives you the time to develop and to learn patience. 

05:45 I’m glad you didn’t quit either and I can’t tell you how happy I am to see the success you’re having because you stuck with it and I think sometimes this music business, it looks so glamorous on the outside to people, but people don’t understand all the hard work and all the effort that goes into it. 

08:44 I’m not chasing fame. I’m not trying to become famous. I’m doing this because it’s who I am and music called me and I couldn’t walk away from it. 

14:52 It fulfills me, man. I take solace in knowing that when I’m done with a record, I’ve given it my all.

21:40 What I did, I relaxed. I started to focus on my family, so that I can be in a peaceful place and then that opened my mind so I can write. I wrote the Glow album in 2020.

27:48 When I took this step back, and I stopped chasing, then the world opened up. I’m able to see that one of the best things I could have done was to take the time to ask myself the hard questions, and then to give myself the hard answers that we are taught to mask.

Contact:

Fresh Coast Jazz Festival

Chris Crain