Jazz Flyte Podcast

Welcome back to The Jazz Flyte Podcast. I’m your host, Darrell Scott, and this week I’m joined by legendary composer, producer, and keyboardist Tim Heintz—a true behind-the-scenes force in the world of music and sound design.

Tim takes us on a journey that began with him playing organ as a child and blossomed into a career that’s spanned decades and genres. From the soulful stylings of Chaka Khan and Michael McDonald, to the intricate soundscapes he crafts for Disney theme parks and Universal Studios, Tim shares the artistry, organization, and soul behind his music. He opens up about what it takes to log those 10,000 hours, why there are no shortcuts in music, and how learning to “forget everything and just play” changed his creative game.

We talk about his orchestral project 4 Days in November—born from tragedy and created with musicians in Budapest—and how music continues to be his tool for emotional storytelling. Whether you’re a jazz lover, film buff, or Disney fan, this episode will give you a deeper appreciation for the people behind the magic.

He even drops hints about his return to the smooth jazz scene and current solo piano work.
If you’ve ever wondered how cinematic moments are scored, or how the magic behind a Disney production is created—Tim pulls back the curtain.

Connect with Tim: https://www.timheintz.com/

This week on The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with multi-instrumentalist and smooth jazz artist Rob Zinn, whose path to the stage wasn’t your typical tale of musical prodigy turned star. Born into a household of discipline—his father was in the FBI—Rob was urged to pursue a more "secure" path. But music kept calling.

After years of playing trumpet in big bands and keeping music on the back burner, Rob made a bold pivot nearly a decade ago: he decided to go all in. With the guidance of fellow artist and former Jazz Flyte guest Andrew Neu, he found his rhythm in the smooth jazz world—and hasn’t looked back.

We talk about his early records like Yesterday Again, to working alongside Grammy-winning producer Paul Brown on Walk The Walk—which landed on the Grammy ballot for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. His latest album, Anything Can Happen, released in 2023, features collaborations with top-tier talent like Greg Manning, Roberto Vally, and Adam Hawley. Rob opens up about how he never imagined writing his own music, and how co-writing has completely transformed his creative process.

We explore what it takes to manage multiple producers, plan recording schedules, and stay emotionally connected to every performance. Rob shares stories behind tracks like “Weekend Games” featuring Michael Paulo, and the process of learning how to be more than just a musician—how to be an entertainer. From stage presence to what he wears, he knows that a great show is about creating moments.

Rob reflects on powerful influences like Chuck Mangione, Jeff Lorber, and Nick Colionne, and how he brings those threads into his live sets today.

If you’ve ever felt like it’s “too late” to chase your passion, Rob Zinn’s story proves that with the right people, the right timing, and a fearless mindset—anything really can happen.

Connect with Rob: https://robzinn.com/

This week on The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I’m joined by the brilliant Omar Sosa, whose piano playing and compositions transcend borders and awaken the spirit. Omar takes us deep into his musical philosophy—one rooted in ancestral voices, global rhythms, and spiritual expression.

We talk about his upcoming trio project “Outside the Box,” which features Jovani Terry and Julia Miltenberg, and will debut in New York and Cleveland. Omar reflects on his journey across cultures, the spiritual significance of the carcava (a metal instrument that shifted his musical consciousness), and how he embraces first takes in recording—channeling raw emotion and divine energy without overthinking.

He opens up about his deeply personal song “New Love in Love,” written for Juliet Madison, a former partner and the daughter of architect Peter Madison.

Omar reminds us that true peace comes from within, not from any destination. Whether he’s referencing Thelonius Monk, Coltrane, or his Cuban classical upbringing, Omar lives and breathes the message that silence, spirit, and sound are all connected.

Join us as we celebrate Omar’s message of unity, peace, tradition, and freedom—through music that moves beyond borders.

Omar will be making a stop in Cleveland on Sept. 10th, 2025.  - https://www.clevelandart.org/events/omar-sosa-trio-outside-box-featuring-yosvany-terry-and-julian-miltenberger

Connect with Omar: https://omarsosa.com/

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/