Prince of Soul Jazz: Nick Stefanacci on Quitting, Quincy Jones, and Saying Yes

Nick Stefanacci on Saying Yes, Leaving Teaching, and Building Sweet Lion MusicHost Becky Boyland interviews saxophonist Nick Stefanacci on Second Verse about his one-word philosophy—“yes”—and how saying yes to gigs and opportunities shaped his career. Nick shares his origin story: growing up in a musical New Jersey family, choosing saxophone in fourth grade, early jazz performances, and mentorship from teacher J. Chuck Sastre, whose death led Nick to launch a memorial scholarship funded by a benefit concert that raised over $20,000. He discusses teaching music for 15 years, resigning mid-year in his 40s for mental health and to pursue music full-time, and reconnecting with faith during the transition. Nick explains his creative approach of continually changing sounds, starting to write his own music after being told he didn’t fit, founding Sweet Lion Music after labels rejected him, and details his album Right Here, Right Now, including a reimagined “Oye Como Va” featuring Santana vocalist Tony Lindsay.https://youtu.be/KZTPMlMLKtQConnect with Nick Stefanacci:https://www.instagram.com/nickstefanaccimusic/https://www.facebook.com/musicofnickstefanaccihttps://open.spotify.com/artist/52iQrk2ojVRjvyQ5CTyoYn?si=tNiCuV28SJOb6j5VZZvl5whttps://www.youtube.com/@nickstefanaccimusichttps://www.nickstefanaccimusic.com/Sponsors:Attitude Creativity: https://attitudecreativity.comShe Produces Music: https://www.sheproducesmusic.comFeatured Song:”Midnight Affair” by Nick Stefanacci, written by Nick Stefanacci (used with permission).Timestamps:00:00 Teaser: Nick Stefanacci Interview00:35 Introduction01:44 Welcome and Origins03:48 Spotlight and Mentors06:16 Teaching Career Starts06:56 Mentor Loss and Giving Back10:15 Leaving Teaching for Music16:08 SPONSOR: Attitude Creativity16:41 SPONSOR: She Produces Music17:16 New Full Time Chapter18:41 How He Writes Music24:56 Breaking Rules and Labels31:01 Arts Pipeline Like Sports34:39 Advice to Just Say Yes38:09 New Album and Singles43:03 Where to Follow and Closing46:17 Coda47:36 Featured Song: "Midnight Affair" by Nick StefanacciStream all the released music from Second Verse any time! Add the official Songs from the Second Verse Podcast playlist to your Spotify now! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5lPUAY9uBYVVg9fmy03Bj3?si=5211c2db80334285Or to your Tidal now!https://tidal.com/playlist/c84934ad-2723-4d1a-919e-2aebd4b4974dStarting your own podcast? Sign up with Captivate to host your show today! https://fas.st/t/ZHbLxEpe (affiliate link)