Jazz Flyte Podcast

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.

This week on The Jazz Flyte Podcast, Darrell is joined by the incomparable Eric Essix, a jazz icon with over three decades of experience and 28 albums under his belt. Eric opens up about his passion for storytelling through music, his philosophy that "if you call yourself a recording artist, you have to record," and how his career has evolved with the times—from recording in traditional studios to building his own creative haven at home.
 
Eric discusses his latest work, including his 2022 album STRiDE and his upcoming single dropping February 3rd, as he prepares for the release of his 30th album in 2024. He also reflects on his collaboration with Ruben Studdard on a rendition of "Ain’t No Sunshine," sharing his admiration for Bill Withers and the journey that brought him and Ruben together.
 
Throughout the episode, Eric shares personal insights on creativity, time management, and his love for Chuck Taylors, offering listeners a glimpse into the mind of a prolific artist who has never stopped refining his craft. Whether discussing his time at Berklee College of Music, his thoughts on the impact of technology, or his occasional longing for the camaraderie of studio collaborations, Eric's stories are as captivating as his music.
 
Tune in for an inspiring conversation about legacy, artistry, and the relentless drive to create.

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, Darrell welcomes the legendary keyboardist and composer Brian Simpson, whose career has been a masterclass in jazz excellence. After graduating from Northern Illinois University, Brian moved to Los Angeles, where he worked his way up the industry ladder, performing with icons like Gerald Albright, Norman Brown, and Teena Marie. Brian’s talent eventually landed him a spot on Janet Jackson’s world tour, and a pivotal phone call from George Duke in 1990 cemented a decade-long collaboration with the jazz great.
 
Brian reflects on his musical journey, sharing insights from his time with George Duke, James Norman Brown, and Boney James. He dives deep into the art of music arrangement, the importance of teamwork, and how he has maintained his unique sound using the same piano and pre-amps since 1995.
 
In this episode, Brian also explores the realities of touring, the joy of working with local musicians, and his philosophy of elevating the band’s overall sound. As he prepares for a stop in Cleveland this January, Brian gives us an exclusive glimpse into his upcoming music projects and shares personal anecdotes that highlight his unwavering passion for jazz.
 
Tune in for a fascinating conversation packed with inspiration, music history, and practical wisdom for musicians and fans alike.

The Jazz Flyte Podcast takes flight this week as host Darrell welcomes Lindsey Webster, a powerhouse in jazz, R&B, and pop whose soulful voice has redefined the genre. Lindsey made history as the first vocalist since Sade to hit #1 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart with "Fool Me Once," proving her unique sound resonates deeply in a primarily instrumental space.

In this heartfelt episode, Lindsey opens up about her musical roots, from playing the cello to her love of open mic nights, where her voice found its wings. A true lyricist and poet at heart, Lindsey reveals how her influences, like Mariah Carey and even her brother’s punk rock tastes, shaped her eclectic sound.

But the journey hasn’t been without hardship. Lindsey shares the devastating loss of her baby at six months pregnant and how she navigated the shock and pain to rediscover her passion for music. Through it all, her creativity remains unstoppable—she and her partner Keith are crafting a new album with deeply personal songs like “Home Wrecker.”

From the joy of performing live to the intimacy of studio recording (even remotely!), Lindsey invites listeners into her world of resilience, gratitude, and unshakable love for her craft.

 Tune in for an episode that celebrates the highs and lows of artistry and the healing power of music.

Connect with Lindsey:
https://www.lindseywebstermusic.com/

Step into the soulful world of Castella on this captivating episode of the Jazz Flyte Podcast. Host Darrell sits down with the award-winning vocalist to uncover the inspiring journey behind her music, legacy, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
 
From her breakout hit "No Ordinary Love," which climbed the Smooth Jazz Charts, to her deep-rooted family legacy in music, Castella opens up about her influences—icons like Sarah Vaughan and Dianne Reeves—and how her faith and church upbringing shaped her sound. Listeners will gain insight into her early days working with producer Darryl Swann, her studio experiences, and the wisdom she received about preparing an entire project before releasing her music.
 
Castella also shares how her corporate background helped her navigate the complexities of the music industry, emphasizing the power of relationships, networking, and self-confidence.
 
The episode explores her favorite church song, “I Go to The Rock,” and dives into her artistic choices, including her rendition of “Nights Over Egypt” featuring Ragan Whiteside.
 
Looking ahead, Castella teases her upcoming 2025 EP, her live performances, and her ongoing passion for songwriting and cover projects.
 
Whether you're an artist, jazz enthusiast, or someone chasing a dream, this episode is packed with inspiration, soulful stories, and heartfelt wisdom from a woman who embodies passion, legacy, and perseverance.

This week on The Jazz Flyte Podcast, Darrell is joined by saxophonist and flutist Paula Atherton, a powerhouse in contemporary and mainstream jazz. With a career spanning stages shared with David Sanborn, The Rippingtons, and Bob James, Paula’s music continues to inspire. Her single “Can You Feel It” held the #1 spot on Billboard for three weeks straight.
 
In this candid conversation, Paula opens up about her musical journey—from playing flute at age 9 to discovering her love for jazz saxophone after being inspired by Charlie Parker and David Sanborn. She shares her creative process for songwriting, from laying down chords to capturing ideas on voice memos.
 
Paula also talks about leading her own record label, the realities of being a woman in jazz, and the stories behind hits like “Moonlight Drive.” Plus, she reflects on memorable fan encounters and hints at exciting new music and upcoming shows.
 
Hit play and let Paula’s story move you up the musical ladder!

In this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, Darrell welcomes celebrated Brazilian guitarist and vocalist Moises Borges for a soulful dive into the world of Brazilian jazz. Born in Bahia, Brazil, and now a prominent figure on Cleveland's jazz scene, Moises has charmed audiences with his fusion of Samba, Bossa Nova, and Brazilian rhythms. They discuss Moises’ journey from Brazil to Ohio, his entry into the Latin Grammy Recording Academy, and his creative process behind the new album, Baiano. 

Moises shares his story of moving from Miami to Cleveland for family, his love for the city’s vibrant yet close-knit music community, and how he’s kept Brazilian culture alive through unique music programs in schools. With Darrell, he reflects on the inspiration behind songs like “Voltar Pra Salvador,” and the Brazilian legends, like Sergio Mendes, who shaped his sound. From skydiving near volcanoes to performing at iconic venues like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Moises shares personal stories and the joys of a life spent making music. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation that blends culture, rhythm, and inspiration. 

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, host Darrell welcomes contemporary jazz icon David Benoit, a GRAMMY®-nominated pianist, composer, and arranger whose contributions have shaped the genre for over 40 years.

David takes us back to his early years, learning piano at six by ear, and his leap of faith into the music industry after dropping out of college. He recounts working with musical legends like Patti Austin, Dave Koz, and Brian McKnight, and creating chart-topping albums like Freedom at Midnight and Shadows.

Beyond jazz, David shares his passion for orchestral conducting, including performing Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, and his work scoring films and TV, including Charlie Brown - This is America and Clint Eastwood’s productions.

But David’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. He speaks candidly about his decade-long battle with kidney disease, the life-changing transplant he received from his wife, and how he overcame adversity to emerge healthier than ever at 71.

David also gives us a peek into his ongoing projects: a late-night solo piano album and Timeless, a big band masterpiece co-written with Nathan East. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and the timeless power of music.