Jazz Flyte Podcast

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/

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I welcome one of the most celebrated names in contemporary jazz—Boney James. With four GRAMMY nominations, multiple gold records, and the historic milestone of 20 number-one Billboard Smooth Jazz singles, Boney’s career is both legendary and evolving.

We revisit Boney’s first professional gig with Morris Day and how that experience shifted his understanding of music from passion to paycheck. But when the creative fire wouldn’t leave him alone, he made a bold move: he stepped into the spotlight to make music that truly moved him. That choice changed everything.

Boney shares his journey from sideman to solo artist, the early days of producing music out of his apartment, and how a chance meeting with Paul Brown—another Jazz Flyte alum—sparked a lifelong creative collaboration. Together, they helped shape the sound of smooth jazz, with Boney eventually going on to produce 19 of his own records.

We talk about his writing process, why he considers himself his own first audience, and what keeps him inspired after 30 years on the road. From working with Bobby Caldwell to creating his latest album Slow Burn, Boney reflects on how staying in tune with his body—through naps, mindful eating, and rest—is key to his longevity. Touring may be exhausting, but for Boney, the gig is the reward.
This conversation is about more than milestones. It’s about rediscovering joy, protecting your creative energy, and never forgetting why you started in the first place.

Connect with Boney James: https://boneyjames.com/

Purchase Tickets to the August 23rd Show in Cleveland: https://www.axs.com/events/931226/18th-annual-multi-music-fest-tickets

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I’m joined by PJ Spraggins, a self-taught drummer and producer whose journey is a masterclass in determination and purpose. PJ dreamed of touring the world, and in 2023, that dream became reality. Now he’s on the road with two-time Grammy winner Peabo Bryson, fresh off performances on the Soul Train Cruise and the Bahrain Jazz Festival with Jeff Bradshaw.

PJ takes us back to where it all began—sitting in front of a record player, mesmerized by the Clark Sisters. He shares how church shaped his early rhythm, how he tore up his first drum set in a single day, and why he still holds on to the original kit his mother bought him at age eight.

We talk about what it means to listen as a drummer. PJ walks me through his habit of recording gigs to evaluate his performance and how he learned to adjust his volume to serve the music, not overpower it. He stresses that if you can’t hear the band, you’re not playing with them—you’re playing over them.
We also dive into the artists who shaped him—from Chuck Morris to Phil Collins—and how he plays open-handed despite being right-handed. PJ shares lessons from 20 years of writing and producing, how he balances studio work with live shows, and why he works on one artist’s project at a time to preserve the integrity of the groove.

From high school jazz band to his first studio session, from driving a school bus to sharing memories with Kim Scott, Eric Essix, and Gerald Albright—PJ’s story is full of soul, discipline, and inspiration.

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I had the honor of speaking with Marcus Miller—a two-time Grammy Award winner, UNESCO Artist for Peace, and one of the most influential bassists in jazz, R&B, and fusion. You’ve heard his unmistakable groove on hits by Bill Withers, Luther Vandross, Chaka Khan, Miles Davis, and Aretha Franklin—but now you’ll hear the story behind the sound.

Marcus opens up about falling in love with the bass at 13 and why he saw it as the heartbeat of every band. Though classically trained on clarinet and piano, it was the bass that brought him to life. He reflects on his upbringing in Jamaica Queens, his musical influences from Motown’s James Jamerson to Stanley Clarke, and how street playing shaped his raw, instinctive style.

We revisit the early days of his career, including his breakthrough gigs and the moment he earned Miles Davis’ respect. Marcus shares what it was like scoring for House Party and Boomerang, working alongside legends like David Sanborn and Luther Vandross, and how fatherhood inspired him to stay grounded in a high-flying career.

This episode is a masterclass in groove, humility, and legacy. Marcus speaks on the importance of listening—really listening—and why musical language goes beyond technique. We also talk about his current projects, including a new album in the works and his satellite radio show that keeps the beat going.

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I’m joined by one of the most respected names in smooth jazz bass, André Berry. You may know him from the stage alongside Dave Koz, Mindi Abair, Gerald Albright, or Peter White—but behind the bass is a journey of reinvention, hustle, and heart.

André grew up in Cleveland, where the dream of starting a band began in his early teens. After switching from guitar to bass at 16, he found his groove and never let go. Influenced by legends like Larry Graham and Louis Johnson, André eventually found himself filling in for Louis—an experience that was as humbling as it was defining.

He walks me through how a simple recommendation led to his first jazz gig with Rick Braun and opened doors to work with icons across the genre. We reflect on his move from Cleveland to Los Angeles, the winding path that led him to The Busboys, and how building authentic relationships helped him stay in motion when others stopped playing.

André gets personal about the turning point that made him take music seriously again and how David Sanborn challenged him to stop imitating and start creating. That moment reshaped André’s philosophy on sound, purpose, and artistic freedom. He also talks about his upcoming project with his new trio, DAP, whose first release is slated for September.

This episode is about more than career milestones—it’s a look into what happens when you lean into your lane, trust your network, and answer the wakeup call to honor your gift.

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with the legendary Jonathan Butler—an artist whose music has not only transcended genres but also political boundaries. Born under the harsh reality of apartheid South Africa, Jonathan became the first non-white artist to be played on national radio and television. Nelson Mandela himself credited Jonathan’s music as a source of inspiration during his imprisonment, a testament to the depth and reach of his voice and spirit.

We explore Jonathan’s early years in Cape Town, where he began performing in a family variety show as a child, drawing his own posters and singing Tom Jones’ “Delilah” before even understanding the power of his gift. He shares memories of his mother’s singing, his father’s banjo, and the steel-drum community gatherings where music was woven into everyday survival. Though self-taught and left-handed, Jonathan has mastered his instruments and learned to channel divine inspiration through them.

Jonathan opens up about the spiritual depth behind his songwriting, particularly the now-iconic “Falling in Love with Jesus,” which came to him during a moment of prayerful solitude. He shares how that very day, Kirk Whalum—who was working on a gospel album—called him out of the blue. That synchronicity helped shape one of the most beloved worship songs of our time.

We also dive into his rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Superwoman,” his relationship with Marcus Miller, and the unforgettable moment he received Stevie Wonder’s blessing—complete with a personal voicemail and a feature on the track. Jonathan reflects on his most recent trip to South Africa, where he wrote and recorded new material with local artists, reconnecting with the soil and spirit that birthed his musical journey.

From Whitney Houston to Eric Clapton, from gospel to jazz, Jonathan’s journey is more than a career—it’s a calling. His music continues to inspire across generations and cultures, grounded in faith, love, and the relentless belief that music is meant to flow through us and out into the world.

Connect with Jonathan: https://jonathanbutler.com/

See Jonathan Live in Cleveland: https://bit.ly/4jYg1mI

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with the legendary Gorden Campbell, a drummer whose resume reads like a Hall of Fame roster. From growing up in a small suburb in New York and learning music in church, to playing alongside icons like Beyoncé, Earth, Wind & Fire, George Duke, and Whitney Houston, Gorden’s journey is a masterclass in dedication, adaptability, and passion for the craft.

Gorden talks about his early exposure to music as the son of a pastor, his time as a jazz major at Howard University, and the ways he prepared for different gigs—like buying a Rascal Flatts album to fully understand country rhythms before playing for Jessica Simpson. He explains how every genre has its own vocabulary and why it’s critical for musicians to not just play, but truly listen to the music they want to master.

We discuss the differences between funk, gospel, country, and jazz, and how drummers need to be fluent in each musical language. Gorden shares stories from the road, including how most of his major opportunities came while he was still in college. He also opens up about his love for teaching, how he stays inspired by younger drummers, and why evolving with the times is essential for longevity in the music world.

He reflects on his experience forming The Rhythm Alliance and speaks candidly about competition in the industry—not just between drummers, but in the broader space of earning respect from artists. Gorden’s insights into discipline, study, and staying connected to the music make this conversation essential listening for anyone who’s ever dreamed of a career in the arts.

Whether you're a musician, an aspiring creative, or simply someone who appreciates the work behind great music, this episode offers a powerful look into the rhythm of a life built on sound, soul, and skill.

Connect with Gorden: https://gordencampbell.com/

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I had the honor of speaking with multi-instrumentalist and composer Evan Taylor—a gifted trumpet player whose journey began in a small Michigan town and has since taken him to stages and studios across the globe. From playing hymns in church to recording for BET, HGTV, and Warner/Chappell Music, Evan’s path is a masterclass in talent, humility, and creative evolution.

We dive into how a secondhand trumpet from his uncle became the key to a lifelong passion. Evan shares how the voices of Miles Davis, Roy Hargrove, and Louis Armstrong shaped his sound, and why the trumpet, to him, can speak just like the human voice. He opens up about discovering jazz, his love for arranging, and the discipline it takes to write by hand, sharpen his ear, and constantly push his musicianship forward.

We explore the power of music in healing, including the profound story of Evan playing alongside Kirk Whalum after the passing of his father. He reflects on how artists like Dave Koz, Najee, and Chris Johnson influenced his life and career. From the Dave Koz Cruise to releasing his single “Shining” on Adam Hawley’s label, Evan continues to grow while keeping his faith and purpose at the core.

Whether you're a musician, music lover, or just someone chasing your purpose, Evan’s story is one you’ll want to hear. His passion for giving back, staying rooted, and letting his trumpet speak volumes is nothing short of inspiring.

Connect with Evan: https://evantaylortrumpet.com/