Fresh Coast Jazz Backstage

In this Bonus 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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Oli Silk

In this Bonus episode, 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 this captivating episode, we delve into the extraordinary career of Walter Beasley, a renowned professor, recording artist, and composer. With 26 albums, 12 educational DVDs, and a cookbook to his name, Walter's passion for music shines through. From his early start at 13 to his graduation from Berklee College of Music, he shares valuable lessons on hard work, diligence, and sacrifice.

Staying relevant in the music industry requires continuous learning, and Walter emphasizes the importance of adapting to industry changes. His music reflects his life experiences, creating an authentic connection with listeners. He discusses his process of selecting collaborators and creating music, sharing the inspiration behind his song "Nice and Easy." He also highlights the shift in the industry, where artists now have greater control over their royalties through streaming platforms.

Walter uses music as a form of ministry, healing pain, and bringing joy to others. With meticulous preparation and dedication, Walter ensures exceptional experiences for his audience. Join us on this enchanting episode as we explore the timeless journey of Walter Beasley, a true musical virtuoso whose passion and talent inspire and uplift. Experience the power of music and the magic that lies within every note.

Episode Highlights:

23:37 - What happened after the record companies kind of imploded, now we as artists get a chance to be the master. So, we can record our own music, write it wherever we want to do, and transfer that into the master. The master now belongs to us, and we get 100% of the royalties that we're owed when the song is played by other people.

29:52 - Before I go on stage, I make it a two-day process. I'm practicing and stuff like that, but also make sure that I don't do much. I don't talk much. I don't say much. I just kind of relax the day before. Just make sure that I'm on point musically and logically. And then the day of the show, make sure that I'm ready to go in the morning. So, depending on what happens during the day, like sometimes our sound checks run long, sometimes you don't get a sound check, but I'm prepared for the show by 9 AM.

46:00 - Because of the upbringing that I had, because of the community I came from, whatever I would have chosen, I would have been successful in it. I give all praises and all honor to the people who helped raise me, all of them. Because I do believe that whatever I would have chosen, I would have been okay and because of what they put inside me.

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Walter Beasley

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Discover the vibrant world of Milwaukee's Cosmic Endeavors as they take the jazz scene by storm, blending jazz, hip hop, and funk into a unique and captivating sound. Join Carl Brown as they dive into the inspiring journey of this music collective and explore the power of music to move and inspire.

Milwaukee's Cosmic Endeavors recently claimed victory at the Fresh Coast Jazz Hometown All-Stars Showcase at No Studios, mesmerizing the audience with their eclectic mix of jazz and funk. The group, consisting of Julian Singh on drums, Yishay Levin on bass, Josh Koch on trumpet, Cameron Spann on keyboard, Casimir Riley on saxophone, Josh Trimble on guitar, Liam Phillips on bass, and Demetri Rogers as vocalist, has quickly gained recognition for their innovative and energetic performances.

Tune in to learn about the backstory of Cosmic Endeavors, discovering their roots and creative process. They emerged as a music collective during the pandemic, driven by Julian Singh's desire to play with other musicians once again. Julian and Yishay discuss the importance of chemistry when performing together and how everyday life experiences subconsciously influence their music. They reveal their diverse musical influences and share their personal interests.

Cosmic Endeavors will be opening the Fresh Coast Jazz Festival on August 25th, promising an energetic and unforgettable performance filled with fresh and unreleased music, specially crafted arrangements, and a whole lot of fun.

Episode Highlights:

09:55 - Our music is more of like an influence of everything that we listened to kind of put into one because honestly, I feel like Cosmic is not really trying to fit like a genre necessarily. We're not like, oh, let's be a jazz fusion slash hip hop band. We're just like, "Oh, cool. Let's write something that feels good."

27:12 - The thing that I want to be able to do with my music is create a space for people to feel safe enough to let down their walls, to allow themselves to experience something and let it really hit them, let down their wall so they can let the music actually take over them.

30:43 - When I see someone in the audience really getting into it, maybe dancing, doing something that really shows me that they're engaging with it and really enjoying it, that's the best feeling. It makes me play better and makes me give more. It's just like a feedback loop.

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Cosmic Endeavors

Join us for an exclusive interview with legendary guitarist, Larry Carlton. We discuss his incredible career, from playing on over 250 million records sold to performing with some of the greatest musicians of all time. He has been nominated for 19 Grammys and won the award four times.

Larry gives insight into his style that has set him apart and how he approaches new sessions as a servant rather than trying to imitate others. We also explore his experiences while touring across the world, including Japan, and even hear what he is most proud of in his career thus far. As well as sharing three favorite albums, Larry tells us who would be at dinner if he hosted one himself and menu choices!

Learn more about the upcoming Fresh Coast Jazz Festival where Larry will open alongside Paul Brown before doing a solo set. This show should definitely not be missed! Get ready for stories about career highlights plus music from Larry Carlton.

Episode Highlights

08:54 - I was always a good music reader, but not a great music reader. There were some challenges in my early career when I would show up for a motion picture day, and the written parts for the movie were challenging me.

20:29 - I don't have to fight against it. I'm sure, as I reflect back on my young life and to my mids, I'm sure there were some ego problems I had at certain times as part of growing up as a man and hopefully, we correct those. Hopefully, where we end up is in some kind of a better perspective, but being a little more humble.

21:13 - I'm so thankful for it, especially after all these years. Now, I'm 75 this year and when I walk out and on that stage, if I see the audience actually came to hear me play my guitar, still after all these years, I get a little burst in my heart, a little smile in my heart.

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Larry Carlton

Today, we're going to be discussing the life and career of Paul Brown. A two-time Grammy Award-winning musician and producer, Paul Brown has been in the music business for almost five decades and is still producing hit records with some of today’s biggest stars.

We will also look into his production style which combines soulful R&B influenced instrumentation with lead instruments that “sound like a superstar". Paul Brown continues to be a highly sought-after music producer, arranger and engineer. His production style, which is rooted in the soulful R&B influences he has been exposed to, sets him apart from others in the field. He has a knack for utilizing different instruments and bringing out their nuances to create an intricate soundscape of musical excellence.

In addition to his successful career, Paul has found time to pursue other passions, such as writing songs and collaborating with other artists. Paul also shares his thoughts on artificial intelligence and self-flying airplanes, plus details about his other interests such as golfing and wine tasting. Come join us on this journey through time as we explore the life of Paul Brown!

Episode Highlights

11:04 - We're just trying to make ourselves happy. Luckily, the stuff that we liked seems to be embraced by radio and at the moment, it used to be that we were selling just gobs of records. But now. people aren't really selling records.

12:01 - Treating the lead instrument in a way to make it sound like a superstar, and that's something that I pride myself in, something that I developed and something that I am good at, and people appreciate it. When they hear themselves back on the headphones, they're like, "Whoa, okay, this is really special." It inspires them to play better, and so the whole thing is a little bit more inspiring.

17:24 - I'd already been producing for about 15 years and already had a lot of success at radio. A lot of the radio programmers and promoters knew who I was because of my production. When I came out with my first record in '04, they already were like, "Okay, we know who this is." So, I had some name value.

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Paul Brown

Join us for an episode filled with artistic inspiration as Carl interviews the multi-talented Ryan Montano, a musician, writer, actor, model, and filmmaker. Let's explore Ryan's journey into smooth jazz and his aspirations to perform more, along with the inspiration behind his soulful songs.

Ryan talks about his favorite albums, memorable jazz concert experiences, and his advice on focusing on strengths. He shares upcoming projects, including performances, new releases, and a full-length album. Learn about Ryan's philosophy on time, sacrifice, and creating a fulfilling life, as he shares the importance of authenticity and a focus on health and nutrition. So, prepare to be surprised by his hidden talent for hitting golf balls and his dedication to honing his skills.

Discover what makes his trumpet playing style so unique and captivating. Find out how his diverse background in acting, modeling, and filmmaking has shaped his music career. Tune in and let the rhythm of Ryan Montano's music sweep you away. Whether you're a music enthusiast, aspiring artist, or seeking inspiration, this episode is a must-listen. Get ready to be inspired, entertained, and uplifted by Ryan's extraordinary talent. Listen now and join the rhythm of his artistic journey.

Episode Highlights

17:30 - At the end of the day, I was guided by the sails of truth, so to speak. I knew what was in my heart. I knew that I had to get it, and I sought that out in a truthful and honest way. And then the path revealed itself. I don't think it's coincidental that an avenue opened up to where I could support myself music-wise. I sought that out from a place of authenticity, and it worked out.

30:31 - The songwriting process is different every time. There's no one specific formula. Sometimes the genesis of a song can be a trumpet lick that have been stuck in the back of my head, and that turns into a melody. Sometimes it could be a drum groove that I really resonate. Sometimes it could be a chord progression. Every song is different.

32:07 - It was important that the music that I created was honest and felt good and was rooted in something that I can't describe it other than you feel it in your gut that this is the right thing. For me, that's what I always try to do whenever I create my songs.

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Ryan Montano

Get ready to be swept away by the mesmerizing sounds of JJ Sansavarino, a contemporary jazz guitarist extraordinaire. In this episode, Carl talks to JJ about his music, his influences, and the creative process behind his chart-topping hits. JJ explains how his musical journey began, from his early days as a child to his education at the prestigious Berklee School of Music. He tours across the US and Europe, where he spreads the blessing of love through his angelic guitar skills.

JJ shares his insights on making beautiful art without boundaries and striking a balance between commercial success and bringing more love and goodness to his listeners. He also talks about his influences and his appreciation for the joys of discovering musicianship through old albums. Be inspired by his work ethic, patience, and unwavering dedication to finishing what he starts and helping others.

Let's delve into JJ's personal anecdotes, from his love for baseball and basketball to the camaraderie of golfing and the appreciation of God's creation on the course. Tune in to this captivating episode filled with soul-stirring melodies, timeless wisdom, and a reminder to carry as much love as possible in your journey. Listen now and let his enchanting music take you on a journey of love, joy, and inspiration.

Episode Highlights

06:16 - There's no place I'd rather be than on stage. I love recording and I love producing my music. I love so many aspects of the music business. But by far, I love being on stage. So, before showtime, I'm so excited to rip it up.

09:03 - I've been touring now for 34 years. The millions and millions of people that I've played in front of, you don't know whose life you may have saved out there. I know it sounds like over the top and dramatic, but it's facts. You don't know what people are going through in their life.

17:58 - I used to save my money to buy vinyl. You would go to the record shop, and you might buy a record just because the cover looked cool. You might get that and then something else you've been looking for. You'd go back, get in your spot, get your chair, and put that music on. You dig in, look at the album cover, and read the liner notes. When you drop that needle on something for the first time, something you maybe never heard, and you experience something the first time, it was game changing. I missed that, and I feel sorry for kids in the younger generation who don't have that experience.

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JJ Sansavarino

This week's podcast episode features Chris "Big Dog" Davis, an award-winning writer, producer and performer who has collaborated on a range of projects that challenge and diversify his creativity. He shares his journey and experiences, from his first big hit as a producer and his current projects.

Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, with a background in classical composition from Yale University and a stint in the Marine Corps. As a musician/producer, he has worked with top contemporary jazz artists, constantly pushing the boundaries of his creativity. He also talks about his creative process, which involves finding inspiration in movies and TV shows.

Listen to Chris share personal anecdotes, such as his humble beginnings as a security guard, providing relatable and inspiring moments and emphasizes the value of forging personal connections when producing music and imparts invaluable advice to his younger self. Explore the fascinating world of music production when you tune in to this episode and immerse yourself in the creative journey of a remarkable artist.

Episode Highlights

04:28 - The music industry changes. Even in this little small genre, we do. Pop and everything, the big songs and everything, but even in this genre, the tide changes. So, my goal was first just to produce people that I love their music. I thought it was so exciting to dream of that.

08:47 - People always ask, "So, how do you get there?" There's a lot of categories during my day and what I do. I will say I watch a lot of TV. I watch a lot of movies. I'm like a current events guy. I watch the stuff for a reason, my process and music. I gather everything, new movies. I watch the movie, but I'm listening to the score of the movie. When I watch commercials, I'm always listening to the music.

19:44 - The dream thing is, you're by yourself. Sometimes you're by yourself. People go, "Yes, I understand," but not really. When it comes to life, the odds are it's like, "You're a great keyboard player, but we need milk for your kids." So, being good and great doesn't evaluate at that point.

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Chris "Big Dog" Davis

Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of captivating music as host Carl Brown welcomes the talented music artist Riley Richard to the show. Riley's musical journey began at a young age, starting to play the saxophone at just 10 years old. From his debut song "Family Ties" spending weeks on the Billboard chart to performing with renowned artists, Riley's career is a testament to his dedication and passion.

Throughout the episode, Riley shares his influences and opens up about his personal and musical growth, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself while creating story-based music. Riley's advice and reflections provide valuable insights for aspiring musicians. He shares his experience building a studio during the pandemic and navigating the business side of the music industry with patience and humility.

Listen to hear Riley discuss his plans for the future, including collaborations with talented artists, upcoming music releases, and further development as a saxophonist. Don't miss the chance to experience Riley Richard's soul-stirring music. Tune in to this episode and immerse yourself in his melodic world.

Episode Highlights

01:32 - At the time, my manager was doing shows here, and Najee was one of the shows that was brought here. She went up to Najee and she said, "Hey, I want you to hear this guy." Najee, the person he is, said, "Sure. Bring him up and we'll have him sit in." I sat in. It was a great time and the rest is history.

14:21 - What I like about being a musician is the uniqueness. You have opportunity to be one of a kind, which is really interesting in the grand scope of things. What I don't like or what I dislike is the mental struggle that the artist has. Us, as artists and being creative people, we always have that fight in us in our minds, if it's good, if it's great. Will people like it? Will people not like it? It's that constant struggle and you really have to have someone on the outside looking in and say, "Hey, relax," and approach it that way.

28:28 - If we're talking about the business in itself, it can be daunting, for sure, because it's based off of relationships and established relationships. Some people have 34 years worth of the relationships aren't ready. So, the understanding for me is to just be patient. Everything in the music business doesn't happen overnight. You can be considered an up and coming artist but been in the business for a long time, just because it's not your turn yet. So, as long as you remain patient and humble, everything will be fine.

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Riley Richard