Welcome back to The Jazz Flyte Podcast! This week, I’m excited to bring back one of the most dynamic forces in contemporary jazz—Ragan Whiteside.

Known for her powerful stage presence and mastery of the flute, Ragan is no stranger to innovation. In this episode, she shares her latest musical venture Chopped and Flutted and why she’s on a mission to bring real flute sounds back into jazz production. Ragan opens up about juggling life as a mom, artist, and radio host—hosting both WCLK Atlanta and the syndicated Get Down with Ragan.

We talk about her voiceover success (including landing a CBS gig), her journey from corporate life to chasing her dreams, and the inspiration behind her song Fancy Footwork. She even opens up about her kids being musicians and what it’s like raising them in the spotlight.

With over 50 songs in the vault, a new album on the way, and a passion for creating unforgettable live shows—Ragan continues to show why she’s one of the genre’s most influential voices.

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I had the absolute joy of sitting down with the radiant force that is Avery Sunshine. If you’ve ever wondered what sunshine sounds like, tune in—because Avery brings it. We talk about everything from the origin of her stage name to her Grammy win, and how her journey from a musical household in Chester, PA shaped her unforgettable voice and message.

Avery shares how growing up with a literal soundtrack in the background—from the beauty salon in her house to family jam sessions—laid the foundation for the artist she is today. She dives into how music has always been her compass, guiding her through creativity, marriage, motherhood, and everything in between. She opens up about the soulful collaboration with Boney James on their song Honestly—and how it took locking herself in a closet to finish it.

We laugh, we reflect, and we explore the importance of team, time, and trusting your voice. Avery gives us a sneak peek of what fans can expect from her upcoming Cleveland show on August 23rd, and the energy she brings every time she takes the stage.

This episode is full of warmth, wisdom, and inspiration—just like Avery herself. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering her, you'll walk away with a little more sunshine in your soul.

Connect with Avery Sunshine: https://averysunshine.com/

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I take a virtual flight to London to sit down with keyboardist, composer, and producer Oli Silk — one of the most celebrated figures in contemporary jazz and often dubbed the UK’s Smooth Jazz Ambassador.

Oli’s story starts with the jazz-funk duo Sugar & Silk, which led to a solo career packed with Billboard hits — including the iconic Chill or Be Chilled, which stayed on the Smooth Jazz charts for over a year.
We dive into how smooth jazz “chose him,” his love for sax players, and how the UK’s scene shaped his sound. From influences like The Crusaders, Joe Sample, and George Duke to collaborations with Gerald Albright and Peter White, Oli shares how his sound evolved over time.

He gets real about songwriting — admitting he has more unfinished grooves than completed tracks — and what it really takes to bring a hook to life. You’ll hear the backstory behind songs like New Bounce (with Vincent Ingala) and how even ironing boards double as rehearsal tools while on tour.

As a father of two, Oli also reflects on balancing family, touring, and remote producing for artists around the world. We explore the shift from full albums to EPs, the modern jazz landscape, and the power of staying disciplined — with or without a keytar.

Whether you're a jazz enthusiast, producer, or someone chasing their creative rhythm, this episode is packed with inspiration and behind-the-keys wisdom.

Connect with Oli: https://www.instagram.com/olisilkmusic/?hl=en

In this special episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I had the honor of sitting down with the iconic Maysa—a voice that has shaped the sound of contemporary soul and jazz for more than three decades. With her unmistakable honey-toned mezzo-soprano and magnetic presence, Maysa opens up about her unforgettable audition for Stevie Wonder, her time with Wonderlove, and the fateful moment she got the call to join Incognito: “You got the gig. We don’t want anybody else.”

Maysa reflects on the challenges of navigating the industry as a woman who didn’t fit the conventional image—yet stayed grounded in her voice, her faith, and her calling. We talk about her musical inspirations like Al Jarreau, Sarah Vaughan, and Anita Baker, and how they helped shape the artist she is today.

She gets real about survival, raising her son, and how music kept her anchored. Maysa also gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming Ohio performance on August 30th and shares what fans can expect. And yes—she even dishes on Kitchen Karaoke (Aretha Franklin was a fan).

Whether you’re a musician, a dreamer, or simply someone who needs a reminder that you are not alone, this conversation is for you.

Connect with Maysa: https://www.maysa.com/

In this week’s episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I’m joined by the sensational Jessy J—one of the most sought-after saxophonists in contemporary jazz today. With eight Billboard-charting albums, 13 top singles, a global fanbase, and a performance history that spans over 17 years, Jessy J brings not just skill, but soul to every note.

Jessy started playing saxophone at nine, pivoting from piano and becoming the only saxophonist in her elementary school band. By 15, she was performing at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. We dive into how early exposure to LA jazz camps and a scholarship to USC’s world-class jazz program shaped her desire to become a studio musician—and how that dream evolved into a solo jazz career, launched by her debut album Tequila Moon in 2008.

Jessy opens up about working with icons like Paul Brown and Steven Tyler, her deep admiration for Grover Washington Jr., and her commitment to honoring her Mexican heritage through music. She shares how motherhood, femininity, and faith in her purpose as a musician continue to guide her work—including her latest release, Terranova, which celebrates her 10th studio project.

This episode is rich with stories about persistence, purpose, and passion. Whether you’re a jazz fan or a fellow artist, Jessy’s journey will inspire you to keep playing your own tune—no matter the key.

Connect with Jessy J: https://www.jessyj.com/

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I had the joy of sitting down with world-class drummer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Eric Valentine—but this conversation goes far beyond the beats. Known for his work with artists like Richard Elliot, Peter White, Stephanie Mills, Lindsey Webster, and even rock icons like Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, Eric steps out from behind the kit to talk about the heartbeat behind the groove: love, intuition, and service.

Eric shares the story of how he was “chosen” by rhythm, tapping beats on Quaker Oats containers long before he ever got his first drum set. From training on the treadmill to build performance stamina to building a musical home alongside his wife and vocalist B. Valentine, Eric opens up about how music is both his profession and ministry.

We discuss his creative process on his album Velvet Groove, producing from intuition, and how his approach to service and gratitude has shaped his work and relationships in the music industry. He reminds us why being present, listening deeply, and treating people well will always matter more than any spotlight.

This episode is for anyone who believes music is more than sound—it’s soul in motion.

Connect with Eric: https://velvetgroovemusic.com/

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with master guitarist, composer, and educator Richard Smith—a man who’s been shaping smooth jazz from every angle for decades. Born in Detroit and raised in Eugene, Oregon, Richard’s musical journey began with a spark from a Chick Corea concert at just 14 years old. That one moment set the stage for a life of passion, discipline, and bold choices—including skipping school, landing a record deal, and eventually becoming a professor shaping the next generation of jazz musicians.

From his early days sneaking into shows to studying the intricacies of tango in Argentina, Richard’s story is filled with color, rhythm, and sharp turns. He shares how jazz clubs in Eugene opened his ears, how a phone call to his girlfriend turned into a fork in the road, and why he never looked back.
We dive deep into his influences—Pat Metheny, Robben Ford, Larry Carlton—and what it means to write music that actually moves an audience. Richard also takes us inside his creative space, talks about why discipline is everything, and how teaching is its own kind of performance.

He breaks down the power of the first 8 bars in smooth jazz, why Adam Hawley’s success makes him proud, and how composing is more than playing—it's building with geometry and feeling. Whether you’re an artist, educator, or a lover of musical storytelling, Richard’s perspective will leave you inspired to create, refine, and stay true to your sound.

Connect with Richard: https://www.richardsmithguitar.com/

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I’m joined by internationally acclaimed guitarist JJ Sansaverino—a man whose career spans more than three decades, five albums, and over 50 tour dates a year. You might know him from his Billboard #1 hit or his fiery blend of smooth jazz, traditional jazz, reggae, blues, and R&B. But behind the strings is a story that started with a turntable, a Santana record, and a kid learning by ear.

JJ takes us on a journey through his roots in New York, growing up surrounded by music, faith, and baseball. From his grandmother’s operatic voice to his grandfather’s singing legacy, JJ was born into a rhythm that never stopped. Influenced by greats like George Benson, Prince, and Jimi Hendrix, JJ shares how practicing what challenges you builds the muscle that sets you apart.

We talk about his unique approach to performance, the energy he brings into every room, and the intention behind staying physically and mentally sharp while touring. He opens up about collaborating with fellow Jazz Flyte guest Lin Rountree on their new single “Keep Your Head Up,” and what it means to create music that moves people—literally and spiritually.

With over 50 unreleased tracks ready to go and a mission to release 10 songs a year, JJ is far from slowing down. He’s a true road warrior, a craftsman of his genre, and proof that movement is life—on and off the stage.

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with producer, pianist, and songwriter Michael Broening—a man behind more than 65 contemporary jazz hits, including 25 number-one singles. You’ve probably heard his work even if you didn’t know his name. From George Benson and Al Jarreau’s Grammy-winning track “Mornin’” to chart-toppers with Marion Meadows, Lemek, and Althea René, Michael’s influence in smooth jazz runs deep.

Michael opens up about the evolution of his career—from a touring musician and teacher to running his own studio, The B-Hive, in Phoenix, Arizona. He walks me through his creative process: letting artists take his initial melodies and make them their own, keeping collaboration honest, and ensuring the heart of the music reflects the artist’s soul.

We talk about how the pandemic shifted the recording process, how he balances being a devoted husband and father of two with producing at a high level, and what makes a studio recording stand out over digital shortcuts. Michael also reflects on his deep love for the piano, his background in finance, and how inspiration can strike anywhere—even in the grocery store.

He shares his thoughts on the challenges of songwriting, the joy of co-creation, and the satisfaction of hearing everything finally click. With new projects on the way and a growing label under his belt, Michael Broening isn’t just making music—he’s shaping the future of the genre one track at a time.

Connect with Michael: https://www.michaelbproductions.com/

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I take a virtual trip to Switzerland with internationally acclaimed guitarist Fabio Mignola. From the accordion at age seven to classical guitar, and eventually to smooth jazz, Fabio's journey is as melodic and diverse as the music he creates. Trained in classical music but inspired by artists like Pat Metheny, Jimi Hendrix, and Carlos Santana, Fabio carved out his own space blending Latin, Brazilian, and American influences.

We talk about what it means to make jazz in a country without smooth jazz clubs, and how digital platforms helped his music reach American radio waves—something he never expected. Fabio also shares how collaboration with musicians like Rock Hendricks and Elena Martynova was made possible through technology, and why he's now focused solely on creating, not teaching.

Fabio opens up about the evolution of his craft, his new passion for piano and the hang drum, and his latest Brazilian-influenced project featuring tenor vocals and saxophone. He explains why he doesn't revisit his published recordings, and how he trusts the audience to be the final judges of his sound. For anyone wondering how music can transcend borders and genres, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Connect with Fabio: http://www.fabiomignola.com/