Fresh Coast Jazz Backstage

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.  

Contact

Fresh Coast Jazz Festival

Gabriela Anders

BANDCAMP

Instagram

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. 

Contact

Fresh Coast Jazz Festival

Najee Official

In today’s episode, your host Carl Brown introduces us to Phil Denny who has been making hits for about 10 years now. He’s got 5 releases to his credit, and he’s had 10 songs hit the Billboard charts. Phil has also worked with some of the top emerging artists in the genre. He found out that music is his true calling at a very young age and his journey has been very inspiring. 

Phil talks about Phil Denny and Friends Christmas Collective where he performs on stage to celebrate the spirit of Christmas with his fans. He also talks about how he started his music career, his musical inspirations, his journey in making music for the past 10 years and his music-making process. In the ‘Bout It or Doubt It segment, you’ll hear his opinion on Do-It-Yourself Projects and Collecting from the Hobbies category. In the last part of the segment, Phil talks about his hobbies, his plans for the holiday season, his 2022 goals and much more. You’ll hear Urban Troubadour, Tough Get Going, and Switch Up. 

Episode Highlights

3:39 I enjoy the creative concepts, putting all the things together and the finished product. When people leave and they say they had a great time, that makes it all worthwhile. 

5:39 We’re inspired by the people that we listen to. We study people that really move us and we hope that someday we establish our own sound, our own identity. 

7:25 So when I went to my first fine arts camp on a scholarship, that's where I really learned about the traditional jazz cats. 

10:27 I just took from my experience and started writing from the heart and from all around me which is a fun creative process. 

17:00 At the end of the day, we want to be out sharing our music, performing the music that we write in the studio for the people. 

32:01 I always find creative ways to enjoy the time, the downtime. Spend time with family and friends. 

Fresh Coast Jazz Festival

Phil Denny

In today’s episode, your host Carl Brown introduces us to Lin Rountree who has 16 singles on the Billboard Jazz charts. He is a soul/urban jazz trumpeter, record producer and composer. He has numerous collaborations with some of the industry’s top R&B/Contemporary Jazz artists to his credit and he is poised to be one of the most renowned artists of his generation. 

Lin talks about his journey with music and how he cultivated his sound. He shares about a collective of musicians that help each other be successful in the industry. He also talks about how he got started with being a jazz trumpeter, his collaboration with certain artists and how he crafts his music. In the ‘Bout It or Doubt It segment, he shares his opinion about The Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Lakers from the Sports category. Lin was also able to share his musical inspirations and his after-show routine. You can listen to Me For Me, Fluid and Release. 

Episode Highlights

2:59 What I actively set forth to do in my career is to carve a niche for myself. 

3:38 I tried to refine my sound, I tried to make it sound soulful while at the same time not sounding too basic. 

11:09 The collective that I’m talking about are like-minded musicians. We’re at the same level and we use each other as inspiration. 

17:50 He said he learned in life that just because somebody else is winning does not mean he’s losing. 

33:25 I decided that a second way I write is from the bassline because I love that I can play and hear what the bass is doing and feel it, play and interpret it to the audience. 

36:25 Creating a studio, as frustrating and as monotonous as it can sometimes be, when you finish that product and you can listen back to what you’ve done, it’s amazing. 

Contact:

Fresh Coast Jazz Festival

Lin Rountree 

In today’s episode, you host Carl Brown introduces us to Jeff Ryan who is one of the Smooth Jazz world’s breakout new artists. His debut single Up and Up reached number one on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart. He’s gone on to release several other songs that many smooth jazz fans know and love. In 2020, he was named Billboard’s number one Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year. He has played some of the biggest stages with some of the brightest stars in Smooth Jazz. 

Jeff talks about his success and what he went through on his journey. He also shares how he got into the Smooth Jazz genre and the inspirations he had throughout the years. He talks about his music making process and the feeling he has whenever he performs on stage. In the ‘Bout It or Doubt It segment, he shares his opinion about Motorcycles and Public Transportation from the Rides category. In the last part of the show, Jeff shares the music he’s listening to now, his favorite albums of all time, his plans for next year and much more. You can listen to Sentimental Soul, Embrace and New Day. 

Episode Highlights

02:29 It’s personal expression to be able to give it your all and to have it received by many. That really makes everything. 

04:24 It’s a lot of practicing. You’re constantly trying to improve. I know there’s always a segment where you can’t reach perfection but that’s what we’re all striving for. 

12:15 It’s really that the shows are great because the recording process is enjoyable but there’s nothing like performing and really connecting with people. 

26:16 I think I would say to somebody that it’s music that you have to feel, it is smooth, it is laid back. It’s not super edgy but it’s about the feel and that’s the most important part. 

Fresh Coast Jazz Festival

Jeff Ryan 

In today’s episode, your host Carl Brown introduces us to David P. Stevens who’s an LA Bass Guitarist with 8 albums in his credit and who's worked with some of the top artists in the genre. He has played some of the country’s top jazz festivals and is becoming known for his high energy stage shows. 

David talks about his love of music and how it started when he was young. He also shares some of his musical inspirations and influences throughout his career. He gives us a little sneak peek on how he creates his music and the process that he goes through. In the ‘Bout It or Doubt It segment, he gives his opinion about Eggnog and Pumpkin Pie from the Food and Beverage category. In the last segment of the show, David shares his inspirations, his hobbies, favorite holiday and much more. You can listen to Shake It Off, Brighter Days and I Just Can’t Wait. 

Episode Highlights:

01:41 I started out in church, my father was a pastor and whoever didn’t show up is the instrument that you play that Sunday. 

02:33 I was one of those kids who was consumed by music. It was every genre and it didn’t matter. 

09:39 My process is different every time, sometimes it’ll be a melody, sometimes it may even be a drum pattern. 

11:25 I usually know what statement I want to make by the beginning of the song so once I’ve reached it at the end, I can say that was good. 

28:17 I went to school and got my Master’s Degree in Business with an Entertainment and Music Focus. 

Contact:

Fresh Coast Jazz Festival

David P. Stevens

In today’s episode, your host Carl Brown introduces us to Roberto Restuccia who’s a serious up and comer in this genre. He is a UK based guitarist who is quickly becoming a musical force. Roberto’s debut release in 2021 featured the song Arrival which was one of the most added songs according to Billboard Smooth Jazz airplay chart. 

Roberto talks about his journey with music and art. He shares his creative process for making music, how he started, his musical inspirations and his artwork and painting skills. In the ‘Bout It or Doubt It segment, he shares his opinion about Scuba Diving and Bungee Jumping from the Adventure category. In the last segment of the show, he talks about his love for Blues, the last concert he saw, his hobbies and much more. You can listen to the songs Arrival, With Every Turn and Love Crazy. 

Episode Highlights:

01:58 I think we all have sounds in our heads, where we will have sounds and feelings. I’m just trying to stay true to me and have it appeal in the context of smooth jazz. I’m just trying to let things work out naturally. 

11:11 The producer eye thing is such a different thing. It’s great to have that facility of getting your songs out but there comes a point where you need someone to shine those cracks that will bring everything out. 

14:40 The time of Covid allowed me to regroup. It allowed me to let everything sink in. I carried on working with my first album when it first hit. 

23:58 I think to be better at music or anything, you’ve got to take a hard look at yourself. If you’re good at something, you could improve it. You definitely have to work on that. 

36:56 So many people have trouble picking up the guitar, but me, getting away from the guitar is the difficulty. 

Fresh Coast Jazz Festival

Roberto Restuccia

In today’s episode, your host Carl Brown introduces us to Rob Zinn who first picked up a trumpet when he was only nine years old. He has honed his craft by playing a wide variety of musical styles, everything from swing to rock and roll to funk and contemporary jazz. He landed in the contemporary jazz scene back in 2016. He is very serious about his craft and gives music a different flare. 

In today’s episode, Rob talks about his experience being in the contemporary jazz scene, his journey playing with other artists and his music-making process. In the ‘Bout It or Doubt It Segment, he gives us his opinion on Electric Vehicles and Climate Change from the Science and Technology category. In the last segment of the show, he answers questions relating to his upcoming album, his hobbies and much more. You can listen to All In, Take That and Wherever You Are. 

Episode Highlights:

02:49 Smooth Jazz is different, the expression as a jazz musician is still there but it’s a little bit more focused. It’s within the realm of melodies compared to Coltrane stuff. 

04:03 Everyone has a different writing process but for me it’s about emotions and feelings. 

08:20 What I took from the event was, you have to be careful as a sideman, especially for someone well known. Never do anything that you’ll regret later. 

10:46 I am nothing without my fans, the ones who enjoy my music. 

12:49 When you hit that stage, it’s 100% entertainment; deliver a show no matter what’s going on. 

23:46 I kind of felt this is what I’m supposed to be doing in my life. It is my passion and I’m so glad I started. 

28:19 All I can do is be true to myself as an artist. 

42:36 My new album is a representation of who I am as an artist. 

45:27 I also think that people have to create what they want. 

Fresh Coast Jazz Festival

Rob Zinn

In this episode, your host Carl Brown introduces us to Tony Exum Jr who is a saxophonist that is starting to make a name for himself in the smooth jazz world. He has a couple albums in his credit already and is working on his third. He is a multi-talented man hosting a radio show in his hometown in Colorado Spring. He’s a global brand ambassador and is also acting in an independent film. Mr. Exum started his career as a saxophonist when he was young and pursued playing as he grew older. 

In this episode, he talks about how he develops his music, his journey as a saxophonist, how he handles all the other things in his life and how the other stuff impacts his music creation. In the ‘Bout It or Doubt It Segment, he gives his opinion about Romantic Movies and Star Wars from the Movies Category. In the last segment of the show, he talks about the importance of vibing with other artists, a unique fact about him and much more. You can listen to Get at You, Don’t Run From Love and My Name’s Tony. 

Episode Highlights:

2:39 I define my music as rhythm and smooth. 

3:24 Melodies are always a virtue. The first thing that I come up with starts with melodic ideas. 

4:40 I get inspiration from influences from other players, listening to different types of genres.

9:19 I tell people that smooth jazz is more of a radio format. At one point in time it was a musical one but it became a musical format because of all the great music that has been played on the radio. 

14:31 When you come to festivals, it’s not all about the music, it’s the experience. 

19:43 Music grabbed me when I was 15 or 16. 

32:12 With radio, I get to support all of my peers in the genre and support my heroes. 

Fresh Coast Jazz Festival

Tony Exum Jr. 

In this episode, host Carl Brown introduces us to two guests, Greg Manning and Paula Atherton. They both have been at the top of the contemporary jazz charts over the several months. Greg is a composer, producer and keyboardist. He was born in Nigeria and was raised in Switzerland. He moved to Los Angeles in 2002 and has had an incredible career. He is a multi-faceted musician who loves to play with various genres. Meanwhile, Paula is a Saxophonist and Flutist who has enjoyed a long and varied career in contemporary and mainstream jazz. She has shared the stage with various contemporary jazz notables. 

In this episode, they both answer questions about their journey as musicians. They talk about the inspiration for their success, the things that have changed in their journey and the kind of work they do outside music. In the ‘Bout it or Doubt it segment, they share their views on Camping and Alaska from the Travel and Leisure category. In the last segment of the show, they both talk about their favorite albums of all time, who’s at their dinner party and much more. You can listen to ‘Can You Feel It’ and ‘Summer Song’ by Paula Atherton and ‘Sunrise Boulevard’ and ‘The Calling’ by Greg Manning. 

Episode Highlights:

01:42 I think every performer, no matter how long they’ve been performing, they still have a little bit of nervousness or apprehension before you get with the audience. But once you get out there and start communicating with them, you get in the zone. 

04:57 One night I heard on the radio the song “Isn’t She Lovely” and it just changed my life. I was so intrigued by everything by his voice, the composition, the instrument, the Fender Rhode piano. I’ve never been the same since. 

08:04 I work for a company that’s called Music that Heals and we play music for cancer patients, people in hospice and things like that. 

09:02 I think music and art education is vital. 

20:02 I think I’m like a sponge, anything can influence me. 

Fresh Coast Jazz Festival

Greg Manning

Paula Atherton