EP 69: Blowing Past Limits with Paula Atherton

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!