In this episode of the JAZZIZ Podcast, we have the distinct pleasure of sitting down with the immensely talented trumpeter and composer, Cindy Bradley, whose powerful and charismatic presence has carved her a special place on the airwaves and on the contemporary jazz festival circuit. Fresh off the release of her latest album, Promise, Bradley shares with us the journey that led to this remarkable creation that, after four years of anticipation, showcases various facets of her artistic personality. Throughout our conversation, we'll also delve into defining moments from her formative years that have helped shape her sound and influences, and her unwavering love for her primary instrument of choice.

Join us on this soulful and inspiring episode of the JAZZIZ Podcast, as we sit down with the exceptionally talented guitarist Dan Wilson. Throughout his musical journey, Wilson has remained rooted in the love and support of his family and the guiding light of the gospel church that ignited his passion for music. In his latest album, Things Eternal, he takes us on a heartfelt ride, drawing from the wisdom of his mentors, like Joey DeFrancesco and Christian McBride, and reflecting on life's losses and the profound impact they leave on us. We'll delve into the rich sources of inspiration that have shaped Wilson's artistry, from the nurturing bonds of family to the enduring influence of jazz legends.

Welcome to today’s episode of the JAZZIZ Podcast, where we are honored to have the exceptionally talented trumpeter/vocalist, Matt Von Roderick, as our special guest. Renowned for his extraordinary musical flair, Matt seamlessly weaves together classic lush tones with audacious experimentation, incorporating multiphonics, melodic vocals, and even hints of spoken word poetry. In this captivating interview, Matt takes us on an enchanting journey through his musical experiences and profound insights. Moreover, we delve deep into his latest masterpiece, Celestial Heart, an album that has recently taken the world by storm. Through this musical expedition, he presents his distinctive compositions and original interpretations of beloved standards and classics, leaving listeners spellbound with every note.

Jonathan Butler's musical journey is a remarkable tale that spans from humble beginnings to global stardom, and he graciously shares some of it with us on the latest episode of the JAZZIZ Podcast. Born and raised in apartheid-era South Africa, Butler embarked on a professional career as a touring musician at a remarkably young age. As a teenager, he recorded local hits that struck a chord with a nation yearning for change. Over time, Butler's talent propelled him to international acclaim, as he skillfully blended R&B, gospel, jazz and pop into a soulful fusion that captivated audiences around the world.

His music left an indelible mark on the hearts and souls of listeners and became a beacon of hope and unity, embracing a greater purpose. Notably, even the great Nelson Mandela found solace and strength in Butler's music during his imprisonment. Today, as a celebrated vocalist, guitarist and composer, Butler continues to uplift and inspire. His latest album, Ubuntu, produced by Marcus Miller and released via Mack Avenue, stands as a potent message of love, peace and unity, drawing from a life shaped by adversity and witnessing the triumph of good over evil.

This week’s JAZZIZ Podcast features a conversation with the exceptionally talented singer/songwriter Dara Starr Tucker, where we dive into the world of her eagerly awaited sixth record, which holds a special significance as her self-titled album and most personal work to date. In this remarkable collection, Tucker unveils a treasure trove of six vibrant original compositions, complemented by captivating renditions of both modern and classic songs. With her unique fusion of jazz and roots influences, she leaves an indelible mark on every note. Yet, Tucker’s impact extends far beyond the realm of music, as her influential voice resonates as a prominent social media commentator on vital subjects like race, cultural equity, music and film. Today, we embark on a deep exploration of the wellsprings of inspiration, confront the challenges faced and celebrate the triumphant moments that have shaped her artistic path.

In this episode, we have the pleasure of sharing a conversation with the talented and virtuosic guitarist Roberto Restuccia. Hailing from Britain, Restuccia has already turned heads with his previous albums, including Exposure from 2016, When the Smoke Clears from 2017 and With Every Turn from 2021. In his latest release, Lounge Katz, Restuccia takes us on a captivating journey into the realm of smooth jazz, helped by some high-octane guest collaborators, including Greg Manning, Mel Brown and Eric Valentine, to name but a few. During our conversation, Restuccia emphasizes the fusion of different styles and genres that have influenced his musical palette. We delve into the origins of his interest in jazz and explore the diverse sources that inspire his creative process. It becomes evident that Restuccia's music transcends easy categorization, offering a unique and personal expression that sets him apart from conventional labels.

Join us in this latest episode of JAZZIZ Travel as we dive into the upcoming Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, set to captivate audiences from June 29-July 8. The 10-day extravaganza will bring together legendary performers and emerging talents, including Buddy Guy, Diana Krall, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Melody Gardot, Herbie Hancock and George Benson, among many more, showcasing their unparalleled artistry.

Our special guest for this episode is Maurin Auxéméry, the festival's new director of programming. Together, we explore the carefully curated program for this year's edition and uncover the rich history of this renowned annual event. As Auxéméry shares his insights, we gain a deeper understanding of the festival's significance and its role as one of the largest jazz festivals in the world.

Meet Jakob Dreyer, a German-born, New York City-based musician and composer who is swiftly establishing himself as one of the most promising jazz bassists of our time. Though he initially embarked on a musical journey with the piano, it was at the age of 14 that he discovered his true calling—the bass. Since then, it has become his instrument of choice, allowing him to shape a distinctive and deeply personal style.

In his remarkable debut as a bandleader, Dreyer presents Songs, Hymns and Ballads, a captivating two-volume project comprised of original compositions performed in an intimate quartet setting. The synergy created by the talented musicians in his band—Jason Rugby, Jon Cowherd, and Jimmy McBride—brings his vision to life, infusing each note with passion and soul.