What happens when a trombone placed in your hands at five years old becomes the instrument that takes you all the way to the Grammys?

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with trombonist Hank Bilal for a conversation about gospel roots, jazz, mentorship, and building a career around an instrument that deserves a little more attention.

Hank grew up in a musical family where church played an important role in developing his sound. He started playing trombone at five, continued studying music throughout school, and eventually majored in music in college. But one of the biggest moments of his career came much earlier. At just 17 years old, Hank performed during the gospel portion of the Grammy Awards alongside Aretha Franklin.

We talk about how that experience affected a young musician coming from rural South Carolina and how gospel gave Hank the musical foundation and confidence he would later bring into jazz.
Hank also explains why he believes the trombone is one of music's most expressive instruments and how its ability to mimic qualities of the human voice gives it a sound unlike anything else.

Our conversation also explores mentorship and collaboration. Hank talks about his relationship with Gerald Albright, who has become both a collaborator and trusted musical mentor, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people whose opinions you respect.

Beyond performing, Hank is also an educator introducing another generation to music. We discuss what his students think about seeing their teacher perform, his approach to music education, and why exposing young people to instruments like the trombone can change what they believe is possible.

From church to the Grammys to contemporary jazz, Hank's journey is a reminder that sometimes the instrument people overlook is the one capable of making you stand out.

Connect with Hank: https://www.hankbilalmusic.com/

What happens when the dream starts becoming real, but you're still doing the work nobody sees?
On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with saxophonist Kyle Schroeder for a conversation about becoming an artist, building an independent music career, and finding your own place in contemporary jazz.

Kyle takes me back to the beginning, from learning guitar and oboe to discovering the saxophone in high school. Seeing Eric Darius perform helped him realize what was possible, while artists including Dave Koz, Gerald Albright and David Sanborn would influence the musician he was becoming.

One of the defining moments of Kyle's journey came while he was cleaning pools for a living. With his headphones on, listening to SiriusXM Watercolors, he suddenly heard “Let's Get Up,” the first song from his album Get With It that he had promoted to radio. It was a milestone that showed him his music was beginning to reach people beyond his immediate circle.

We also talk about what audiences don't always see behind an independent music career. Kyle explains why independence means taking responsibility for everything from radio promotion and branding to CDs, artwork, logistics and assembling the right team. It's more work, but for Kyle, having greater control over his career makes that responsibility worthwhile.

Kyle also shares why the people surrounding an artist matter, how he chooses musicians for his recordings, and why personal chemistry can be just as important as musical ability.

We close with another side of Kyle's vision: giving back. His Christmas on the Farm event brings music back to the community where he grew up while supporting local children and families during the holidays.

Kyle is still writing his story, and that's exactly what makes this conversation interesting. We're getting a look at what it takes to build a career while you're still building it.

Connect with Kyle: https://www.kyleschroedermusic.com/

What if the opportunity you walked away from wasn't the end of your story, but the beginning of finding your own path?

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with Erin Stevenson for a conversation about taking chances, trusting your instincts and building a career that doesn't follow a traditional blueprint.
Erin takes me back to her early days with Girls’ Tyme, the group that would eventually become Destiny’s Child. She had the contract in her hand and made the decision to leave. She went on to college, earned degrees in marketing and communications, pursued music and eventually chose the stability of working at NASA.

Then she made another decision that changed everything.

During a period of layoffs, Erin walked into her boss's office with her CD and asked to be let go. The very next day, she received the call that would send her on the road with Janet Jackson.
We talk about what happened next and the lessons Erin learned while touring with artists including Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Lopez and Duran Duran. She explains why talent can get you through the door, but professionalism, consistency, kindness and work ethic are what help create longevity in the music business.

Erin also opens up about something audiences might never expect from watching her perform: she still gets scared. Rather than waiting for fear to disappear, she has learned how to move through it.
We also discuss her transition into creating music on her own terms and the decision to take complete control of “Smooth Soul.” Despite being told that smooth jazz wasn't made for vocalists, that she was too soulful and that she shouldn't write and produce the record herself, Erin did it anyway. The song reached number 14 on the Billboard charts.

This conversation is about more than music. It's about knowing when to listen, knowing when to ignore the rules and having enough faith in yourself to try.

Sometimes you don't need to know exactly where the next decision will take you. You just have to go.

Connect with Erin: https://www.erinstevensonmusic.com/

What does it take to become the musician that some of the biggest names in music trust when it's time to record?

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with guitarist Paul Jackson Jr. for a conversation about the musicians, lessons, and decisions that shaped his extraordinary career.

Paul takes me back to his early years, when Patrice Rushen became a mentor and helped introduce him to musicians who would open doors into the session world. Those relationships, combined with his ability to read music, adapt to different styles, listen, and take direction, helped establish him as a guitarist artists and producers could depend on.

We talk about working with legendary names including Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones, and Paul explains one of the principles behind his longevity: when you're hired for someone else's project, you're there to serve the music. It's a lesson that goes far beyond knowing how to play guitar.
Paul also takes us inside his educational series, This Is How I Did It, where he breaks down the guitar parts he created for recordings including Michael Jackson's "P.Y.T.," "Dirty Diana," "Another Part of Me," and "Heartbreak Hotel."

We also discuss Jazz Funk Soul, his work alongside Jeff Lorber and Everette Harp, and why decades of success haven't stopped him from practicing, listening, and becoming a better musician.
Paul's career is proof that talent may open the door, but preparation, humility, relationships, and the willingness to keep learning are what help you stay in the room.

Connect with Paul: https://www.pauljacksonjr.net/

What if greatness isn't about talent alone, but about the discipline to improve every single day?

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I welcome Skinny Hightower for a thoughtful conversation about creativity, leadership, and the mindset behind building a lasting career in music.

Skinny shares how his journey began as a drummer before expanding into bass, piano, production, and composition. We discuss his philosophy of continual growth, why preparation often matters more than performance, and how he structures years of planning before recording a single note.

Our conversation also explores his role as a producer, where he explains how serving another artist requires listening first, understanding their vision, and helping them become the best version of themselves rather than imposing his own ideas. We also discuss chart success, artistic integrity, and why creating meaningful work requires devotion long before recognition arrives.

This episode is about more than smooth jazz. It's about consistency, intentional living, and understanding that excellence is built one decision at a time.

Connect with Skinny Hightower:
https://www.skinnyhightower.com/

What happens when you stop asking what an instrument is supposed to do and start asking what it could do?

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I welcome bassist E. Pruitt for a conversation about creativity, innovation, and building a musical identity that's entirely your own.

E. shares how hearing melodies beyond the traditional role of the bass inspired him to embrace the seven-string bass, allowing him to combine rhythm, harmony, and lead lines into a single instrument. We discuss the misconceptions surrounding extended-range basses, why musicians should never be afraid to challenge convention, and how staying true to your artistic vision often means taking a different path.

We also talk about his influences, including George Benson, Stanley Clarke, and Wayman Tisdale, his work as a performing artist and clinician, and the journey behind his album Bass Graffiti. Throughout our conversation, E. reminds us that great musicians don't simply master their instrument. They redefine what's possible with it.

Whether you're a bassist, a jazz fan, or someone passionate about creative expression, this episode offers a fascinating look at what happens when talent meets fearless innovation.

Connect with E. Pruitt: https://www.epruittbassist.com/

What separates a great musician from a lasting legacy?

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I have the privilege of sitting down with Patrice Rushen for an inspiring conversation about excellence, preparation, and the lifelong pursuit of mastering your craft.

Patrice reflects on growing up in Los Angeles, discovering music at an early age, and how a community that valued education, discipline, and artistic excellence shaped her career. We discuss the influence of artists like Earth, Wind & Fire, the importance of developing real musicianship, and why success is built through consistency rather than shortcuts.

Our conversation also explores her work as a composer, producer, educator, and musical director for the NAACP Image Awards, the Primetime Emmy Awards, and the Grammy Awards. Patrice shares what it takes to lead world-class musicians, prepare major live productions under demanding deadlines, and build a career that spans decades.

We also talk about mentorship, why today's musicians should study those who came before them, and how finding your own artistic voice begins with mastering the fundamentals.

Whether you know Patrice Rushen from "Forget Me Nots," her film and television work, or her contributions to music education, this conversation is filled with timeless lessons on leadership, creativity, and building a career that lasts.

Connect with Patrice Rushen: https://patricerushen.com/

Catch Patrice Live in Cleveland: https://cainpark.com/event/the-legends-of-jazz-4-yellow-jackets-patrice-rushen-hiroshima/cain-park-evans-amphitheater/cleveland-heights-ohio/

What happens when music becomes more than entertainment? What happens when it becomes identity, culture, and a bridge between communities?

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I welcome Dan Kuramoto and June Kuramoto of Hiroshima for a conversation about the band's extraordinary journey and the lasting impact of their music.

We discuss how Hiroshima emerged during a time when Asian American artists had few opportunities in the music industry and why they refused to compromise their identity, even when record labels suggested changing the band's name. Dan shares how the group was deeply influenced by social justice, multiculturalism, and the belief that music could bring people together.

June reflects on immigrating from Japan as a young child, discovering the beauty of the koto, and finding the courage to introduce the traditional Japanese instrument into contemporary jazz despite criticism from both cultures. Together, they explain how blending Eastern traditions with American jazz, funk, and R&B created the signature Hiroshima sound that audiences have embraced for more than four decades.

This conversation is about perseverance, purpose, and proving that authenticity will always outlast trends. Hiroshima didn't simply create a unique style of music. They created a legacy built on culture, community, and the courage to stay true to who they are.

Connect with Hiroshima: https://www.hiroshimamusic.com/

Catch Them Live in Cleveland: https://cainpark.com/event/the-legends-of-jazz-4-yellow-jackets-patrice-rushen-hiroshima/cain-park-evans-amphitheater/cleveland-heights-ohio/

Some artists create timeless songs. Others create timeless collaborations. George Benson has done both.

On this special edition of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I celebrate the extraordinary career of George Benson by highlighting a collection of memorable duets that showcase the depth and versatility of one of jazz's most influential artists.

Rather than focusing on his biggest solo hits, I revisit some of Benson's collaborations with musical legends including Joe Sample, Chaka Khan, Al Jarreau, Earl Klugh, Aretha Franklin, and Patti Austin. Together, these performances reveal another side of George Benson's artistry as a guitarist, vocalist, and collaborator.

If you've only heard George Benson's chart-topping classics, this episode offers a chance to rediscover the music that helped shape his remarkable legacy.

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with saxophonist, keyboardist, composer, and recording artist D.S. Wilson for a conversation about second chances, musical reinvention, and what it means to fully commit to your calling.

D.S. shares how his musical journey began with piano lessons as a child before discovering the saxophone and eventually spending years performing in rock bands and church music. After stepping away from his jazz ambitions for a time, he found himself drawn back to the music and decided to pursue the dream with renewed purpose.

We talk about the unexpected opportunities that came from attending the Dave Koz Cruise, where conversations with artists and producers helped launch new creative partnerships and opened doors throughout the smooth jazz world. D.S. explains how those relationships led to collaborations with respected musicians and producers while helping him develop his own voice as an artist.

We also discuss the realities of being an independent musician today. From songwriting and recording to social media, marketing, booking performances, and building an audience, D.S. shares what it takes to balance creativity with entrepreneurship.

Most importantly, this conversation is about purpose. It's about refusing to let age, timing, or circumstance stop you from pursuing what matters most. D.S. Wilson proves that sometimes the dream isn't over. Sometimes it's just getting started.

Connect with D.S. Wilson: https://www.dswilsonmusic.com/