If there’s anyone who can carry on the legacy of Al Jarreau, it’s Chris Walker. In this episode of Jazz Flyte, I sit down with the powerhouse musician who spent over 20 years as Al’s musical director, co-vocalist, and bassist. Chris takes us on a journey through his career—from learning Al’s music by ear to leading his band and performing worldwide.

Chris also opens up about working with legends like Frankie Beverly and Regina Belle, sharing how a missed mic check unexpectedly launched his full-time singing career. He dives into the power of faith, the importance of character in the music industry, and the intense discipline he maintains—like cycling 15 miles while singing an entire set—to keep his voice strong.

Plus, he tells the story behind his tribute to Al Jarreau, his work with TMF, and how he effortlessly plays a right-handed bass upside down. Tune in for a masterclass in perseverance, musicianship, and honoring a legendary legacy.

Connect with Chris: https://chriswalkersmusic.com/

What does it take to break barriers in jazz? On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with the incomparable Terri Lyne Carrington—a four-time Grammy-winning drummer, composer, and educator who’s reshaping the future of jazz.

From receiving a full scholarship to Berklee at just 11 years old to sharing the stage with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Esperanza Spalding, Terri’s journey is nothing short of legendary. We talk about the moment she got her first big gig with Clark Terry, how her father and grandfather shaped her musical path, and why she felt called to return to Berklee as a professor and the founder of the Jazz and Gender Justice Institute.

Terri opens up about the challenges women face in jazz, the toxic masculinity she’s working to dismantle, and her vision for a more inclusive industry. Plus, we break down the stories behind "Respected Destroyer" and "Wind Flower", dive into her creative process, and get a sneak peek at her new album.

And for my Cleveland listeners—Terri is coming to town soon! She shares what to expect from her live performance and why this tour is so special. Don’t miss this powerful conversation. Hit subscribe and join me on The Jazz Flyte Podcast!

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with the one and only BillyRay Sheppard, a saxophonist whose smooth jazz sound has captivated audiences for decades. From his early inspirations—listening to The Crusaders and Grover Washington Jr.—to becoming a first-call performer in the industry, BillyRay’s journey is a testament to passion and perseverance.

We dive deep into the story behind his song “Moscato Moon,” a piece inspired by the Texas wine country and the luminous beauty of a full moon.

Beyond the music, BillyRay’s Second Sunday Smooth Jazz Series has become a staple for jazz lovers, blending incredible performances with a mission to give back. And if that’s not enough, he’s gearing up for his 8th Smooth Jazz Cruise in November 2025, promising an unforgettable experience for jazz enthusiasts.

Join us for an episode filled with storytelling, soulful sounds, and the passion that makes smooth jazz an unshakable force.

Connect with BillyRay: https://www.billyraysheppard.com/

Music is more than just notes—it’s about connection, commitment, and carving out your own sound. On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with Tony Pulizzi, an in-demand guitarist who has spent over a decade performing in Los Angeles. With a career spanning performances with Smokey Robinson, Natalie Cole, Tito Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and more, Tony’s story is one of versatility and passion.

Tony’s love for music began at just nine years old, first on piano, inspired by his mother. But a poster changed everything, sparking his lifelong love affair with the guitar. He credits great teachers and an unexpected gift of books from an airline pilot for shaping his early growth. Though a rock fan at heart, jazz found its way into his playing, leading him to develop a signature sound through years of practice and study.

We dive into his time on American Idol and Dancing with the Stars, where he learned the fast-paced world of live TV. Tony also shares what it was like to uproot his life, move to LA in the middle of raging wildfires, and hustle to find his place in a highly competitive music industry. He reflects on the people leaving LA, how he balances his time with the support of his wife, and why music remains his true calling.

Beyond the guitar, Tony’s passion for singing and rock music shines through, and he shares his plans for new acoustic projects and vocal-driven performances. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to sustain a career in music while staying true to your sound, this episode is for you.

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Andrew Neu, one of today’s most dynamic and multi-genre musicians. A master saxophonist, arranger, and composer, Andrew has toured the world with Bobby Caldwell, Diane Schuur, Norman Brown, and Smokey Robinson, sharing the stage with icons like Elton John, Patti LaBelle, and The Temptations.

Andrew’s passion for music runs deep—growing up in a family of musicians, he found his groove in big band jazz, using it as a way to connect with others. From starting out on clarinet to falling in love with the saxophone, he shares his musical influences, from Cannonball Adderley and Grover Washington Jr. to David Sanborn and Maynard Ferguson.

We also talk about the art of arranging for big bands, the highs and lows of being a musician, and the importance of sincerity in show business. Plus, Andrew walks us through the inspiration behind his track Night of the Mojito and gives us a sneak peek into his new single with Rick Braun.

Connect with Andrew: www.andrewneu.com

Building a career in music takes more than talent—it takes heart, resilience, and an unwavering love for the craft.

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with JC Sol, a powerhouse vocalist whose love for R&B and the classic Philly sound has helped her carve out a space in the world of independent music. From singing as a child to performing Top 40 hits, JC takes us through her journey—from early influences like Lena Horne and Sarah Vaughn to performing across the U.S. and Europe.

JC opens up about the realities of life on the road, from missing family to the challenge of constantly being on the move. She shares how stepping into the corporate world for a time gave her a new perspective and how she found her way back to music, recording covers before stepping into original songwriting. Her track Our Groove became a defining moment in her career, reflecting her commitment to building a brand rooted in positivity.

She also dives into the challenges of being an independent artist, including Canada’s strict radio play quotas that often favor bigger names. But despite the industry’s barriers, JC recalls the unforgettable moment of hearing her song on the radio—a dream come true.

As we talk about her songwriting process, JC compares crafting a song to raising a child—filled with joy, pain, sunshine, and rain. She shares the emotional highs and lows of creating music, the temptation to compare oneself to other artists, and how she stays true to her own creative journey.

And with exciting projects on the horizon—including a duet set for release this spring and plans for an upcoming EP—JC is just getting started.

Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about perseverance, self-discovery, and the power of independent artistry.

Rock Hendricks shares with Darrell about the song "Echoes Rising" and his collaboration with Paul Hardcastle.

Catch the Full Interview Here: https://youtu.be/zuGfUsAD3uY

Some people hear music. Rock Hendricks sees it.

Born in Texas with a rare congenital eye disease, Rock spent his early years navigating the world through sound alone. That sharpened his ears, and when he first heard the sweet cry of a saxophone, he knew it wasn’t just an instrument—it was his voice.

From picking up his first sax at nine years old to playing in high school jazz ensembles, Rock found his groove studying legends like Charlie Parker and John Coltrane. But he wasn’t just learning—he was shaping his own sound, a sound that would take him to the top of the jazz world.

In this episode of Jazz Flyte, Rock opens up about: 

His early years and the Motown magic he witnessed firsthand

Being near Marvin Gaye on the day of his tragic passing 

His unexpected collaboration with Paul Hardcastle—over 30 songs recorded without ever meeting in person 

Why finding your own sound is the key to jazz mastery 

His latest work on Jazzmasters Volume 8 

Rock’s journey is more than music—it is about perseverance, passion, and the pursuit of something greater than yourself. 

This is an episode you do not want to miss. 

Connect with Rock: https://www.rockhendricks.com/

Some artists play music. Others live it.

On this episode of Jazz Flyte, Darrell sits down with South
African-born, New Zealand-raised musical powerhouse Andréa Lisa. A singer, guitarist, composer, and producer, Andréa has crafted a sound that blends jazz, soul, and reggae with deeply personal storytelling. 

From accidentally picking up a guitar at 14 to working with the legendary Kirk Whalum, Andréa shares the unexpected turns that shaped her career.

She breaks down the creative process behind her standout tracks—Tribe, inspired by the warmth of human connection and Vortex, influenced by Abraham Hicks, Andrea also gives us a peek behind the curtain of her songwriting process, the emotions that fuel her music, and how her album Silver Lining came together. Whether she’s making people laugh or making them feel, Andréa Lisa is an artist whose journey is as powerful as her sound.

Don’t miss this deep dive into music, emotion, and the art of storytelling through song.

Forty years. Countless shows. One unforgettable sound. In this special episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, host Darrell sits down with Lem Adams and Gary Stevenson of Forecast, Cleveland’s legendary contemporary jazz band. Blending jazz, funk, rock, reggae, and pop, Forecast has spent four decades crafting a sound that resonates across generations. But what’s the secret to their longevity?

Lem and Gary open up about the dedication, discipline, and love for the craft that has kept Forecast thriving. From navigating generational shifts in music to the lessons learned from jazz greats like Kirk Whalum, this episode is a masterclass in passion and perseverance.

Gary, the band’s bass player, dives into the importance of discipline, leadership, and knowing your role in the band’s foundation. He also shares the personal challenges he’s overcome—both on and off the stage—to keep the music alive.

Lem takes us behind the scenes, from meticulous gig preparation to the high-energy grind of performing 40 shows in 30 days.

They reflect on the music industry's evolution, from the rise of streaming to near-missed deals that could have cost them their band’s name. Through it all, one truth remains: You can’t do it unless you love it.