Fresh Coast Jazz Backstage

Carl speaks with Ryan La Valette, a multi-instrumentalist and rising star in the smooth jazz scene from New Zealand, whose debut album on Trippin' N Rhythm Records produced two Billboard number one hits: "Let It Flow" and "Highway 10." Ryan shares the story of how his interest in music began at an early age, and how he was naturally drawn to musical instruments, with a particular obsession with guitars. He also talks about some of his diverse musical influences, including George Benson, Grover Washington Jr., and Motown.

Ryan talks about his experience as an emerging artist, the struggles he faced before establishing his career, and his dream of becoming a successful performer and producer, stressing the importance of being single-mindedly focused to achieve greatness.

Listen to hear Ryan gives listeners a glimpse into the life and journey of a talented rising star in the smooth jazz world, and offers insights and advice on creative processes, producing, and pursuing one's dreams. Listen to this episode and enjoy some of his music.

Episode Highlights

07:04 I think it was on Richard Edwards’s radio podcast, and that was about or that was long before I got signed. That was 2018, when he played my single I had out at the time called Dreaming of You, featuring Donald Hayes. And just hearing your name getting mentioned on the waves and hearing it being talked about and seeing all the comments below, all the love from fans, it was really quite a surreal feeling, which is for sure.

24:13 A lot of people don't really realize a lot of the struggles that we have to go through as artists. Many of us, we have to go through the stages before we have established careers. We do have to work a regular job to survive and pay bills. As long as other emerging artists keep this in mind and they realize that they're not the only ones who have had to do this, they'll be okay. It's all part of the process.

49:43 That’s the beauty of, I think, just jazz in general. You can hybridize this music with anything, make it sound great.

59:14 I think a lot of my current success is still very much underground. I think there's still kind of a lot of curiosity about who I am and everything because I'm not quite on the scene yet, but I'm totally cool with that. It's all part of the process, and I just continue to hustle and grind and work on my craft, and when the time comes where my name finally surfaces, I'll be ready to go. That's the way I look to it.

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Ryan La Valette

Carl interviews Danish-born saxophonist Michael Lington, a multi-talented musician and entrepreneur. Michael shares his passion for music and his journey from playing the clarinet at age 7 to releasing his first album in 1997. Michael's music has made it to the charts 25 times, and he is a serial entrepreneur running a record label, wine company and cigar company. With an impressive career that spans decades, including success with his hit single, "Soul Appeal," spending 16 weeks at number one on the Billboard chart, Michael creates music that elevates certain genres while still considering commercial appeal.

Discover Michael's policy of following his internal barometer when it comes to creating music, his love for jazz and funk music, and his latest album, "Looking Ahead," which was created during a period of intense personal changes for him. Plus, hear how his passion extends into Italian and French cuisine, as well as James Bond movies. You won't want to miss this unique conversation with the inspiring Michael Lington. Tune in now!

Episode Highlights

12:05 - I've been lucky because I had people approach me to partner with them on my own line of cigars and wine. So, it wasn't like I one day woke up saying, "Let me start a wine." They said, "Hey, I know you have a cigar company. How great would it be if you had a line of wines?"

24:35 - When I was younger, I enjoyed the travel part more because you're getting on an airplane, you're on tour, it feels very legit. I think you get older, the early mornings, the layovers in the airports, the missed planes, the checking in at 12:30 at night into a hotel in the middle of nowhere, and sleeping at different – it's not that exciting, the travel part. And then you go to the gig, and as we talked about, you walk in and everybody, "Yeah!" Great! It's totally worth it.

59:21 - Study, craft, figure out what you want to do, and then be really good at it. In the process of that, be nice, be courteous to everyone. Get your studies and get your education, and you can always pursue what you want.

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Michael Lington

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 Bonus episode, 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.

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Fresh Coast Jazz Festival

Lin Rountree 

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

Suzanne, the producer of the show, talks to Carl about a special announcement. The 2023 Fresh Coast Jazz Festival will take place on August 25 and 26 at the Historic Pabst Theater in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Carl also announces the fantastic lineup for the festival including artists with Grammy nominations and awards, with some producing more than 100 hit songs.

The festival is known to be a "Party With A Purpose," a vibrant celebration of the best contemporary jazz around – two days full of incredible music, infectious energy, and mouth-watering eats! Not to mention all kinds of other exciting activities.

This amazing festival does more than just provide good music and experiences; it has a lasting impact on the community by providing college scholarships, sending kids to musical camps, offering grants for school programs focusing on music education, donating financially towards literacy among youth communities as well as medical research initiatives targeting childhood cancer patients. Listen to find out about the special offer for the festival!

Episode Highlights

06:49 - It all started shortly after I lost my father to cancer. Just before I lost my father, my dad was giving me instructions for how to move forward in life without him. He said to me, "Son, I want you to remember to always think of others more highly than yourself."

43:41 - Before we even go to night two, the party doesn't end with the last concert. We have something that we call the "nightcap." So, after the last concert at the Pabst Theater, we all go back to the host hotel and we have live music that goes 'til about one o'clock in the morning. Often times, the artists that were on stage that night will come and hang out with the guests in the lobby of the hotel, too.

01:05:08 - Our goal is to raise a million dollars to do philanthropic work through this festival over time

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Fresh Coast Jazz Festival

Suzanne Singh

Join us for an exciting episode with multi-talented, professional musician and music teacher, Carl Cox, who plays a variety of wind instruments, such as the saxophone. He was taught by his grandfather and grew up listening to contemporary jazz. He talks about how he got his start in the music industry. His unique sound and infectious funk style have earned him several collaborations.

Find out more about his upcoming album release titled "Universal Language," which combines new material along with some of his previous releases. Hear why he believes that music is a universal language and learn the best advice he gives to young players just starting out. Plus, find out what Italian food or alcohol would make it onto Carl's dream dinner party and what he does in his spare time.

Carl looks forward to growing both as an artist and performing live at big festivals this year. Don't miss this fascinating discussion where we dive deep into Carl's life in music.

Episode Highlights

13:07 - They're edgy and they're contemporary. I thought they had this tune on there. I think it was called Sunny Moon. Real upbeat joint and I'm like, "Oh, I'm feeling this and it's kind of vibing through my soul." And I said, "I need to come up with a vibe similar to this," because I just got inspired by something I had heard.

15:01 - I don't think people realize, they see you on stage but they don't know the journey that took you to get there, and the daily grind of continuing to develop your craft as an artist.

19:13 - When you're the artist, all eyes on you. They want to see the great musicianship first and foremost, but a dynamic interaction with the crowd that you can work the crowd and you can get them involved with what you're doing, and you encompass everybody with you on the stage. It's not you just viewing music to the crowd. You're bringing them in with you.

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Fresh Coast Jazz Festival

Carl Cox

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.

Vincent Ingala is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, and radio host who has made a name for himself playing saxophone. After being exposed to music from an early age – his father was a mobile disc jockey and his family often attended concerts and gatherings with music – Vincent honed his craft across various instruments, including drums, guitar, keys, and bass. His passion for creating music allows him to capture the hearts of people everywhere by crafting his show with peaks and valleys that are sure to move you emotionally.

In addition to playing music professionally, Vincent also enjoys cooking as he relates it to creating music in the studio due to combining different elements. When traveling, he speaks with locals to find out the best places to eat and prefers minimal ingredients for his dishes. His favorite song that he created is Shadow Dancer, which came together quickly when inspired by a good groove.

Tune in to hear Vincent talk about his journey into music as well as some of his favorite albums. He shares some advice for young people not to stress about small things but rather to look at the bigger picture. He also shares insight into what he does when not up on stage showing off his musical skills. Don't miss out on your chance to hear great music from one of today's most dynamic performers.

Episode Highlights

07:57 - You don't really necessarily know what's involved until you get your hands on it, but I think consistency is the thing. That's why you got to stay up with this because it comes natural after a while and you feel at home where your fingers go. Even for the most advanced musicians, if they don't play for a while, you'll lose that lubricated feeling like everything's working and you just feel so tight. You got to maintain it.

16:34 - There's a lot that goes into shows. There's the material, first of all, that you're going to play. Then it's the little things again like, what you said before that people don't think about, the song order of the show. You can't just take 15 songs and throw them up and just randomly play. There's ebbs and flows of the show.

32:28 - With Shadow Dancer, that's just one of those instances where the track just really came together. Other songwriters will tell you this. They don't remember writing them. They don't know where they came from. They just pour out of you. It happened. It just immediately clicked. When you get inspired by a good groove, usually very quickly you'll start hearing a melody that just kind of makes sense.

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Vincent Ingala