EP 17: Sax, Shyness, and Stardom with Riley Richard

In this engaging episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, Darrell sits down with Riley Richard, an internationally acclaimed Billboard jazz saxophonist and a member of the ensemble Forecast. Riley takes us through his 28-year musical odyssey, beginning with his early days on the piano and flute, inspired by his father's love for jazz, and transitioning effortlessly to the saxophone.Riley shares intimate details about his influences, including jazz legends like Gerald Albright, Dave Koz, and Cleveland’s own greats. He dives into his personal struggle with shyness, revealing how jazz became his medium for freedom of expression. Listen as Riley recounts his growth from playing in the shadows to commanding the stage with confidence.Riley also highlights the critical skill of reading the room during performances, learning to gauge audience response beyond immediate reactions. He reflects on the invaluable mentorship he received from Najee, including memorable experiences like playing on stage with him.The conversation then turns to Riley's approach to mastering his instrument, focusing on breathing techniques like "long tones" for building consistency and enhancing performance. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in his practice.With numerous awards to his name and a hit single "Captivate Me" that soared on the Billboard charts, Riley discusses his approach to releasing music in today's digital world of streaming and singles. He shares insights into his support system, the pressure of the music industry, and his aspirations to produce a full CD of his music.Tune in to this episode for an inspiring look at a musician's journey from shy beginnings to international acclaim.