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PODCAST · music

Easy Jazz Spotlight

by Easy Jazz FM

Easy Jazz Spotlight is produced by the popular soft jazz Internet radio station, Easy Jazz FM, featuring conversations with today's jazz music creators. We talk with jazz musicians, composers and historians about jazz music and its role in this chaotic world. Listeners will gain an appreciation for the genre and how it can contribute to their sense of well-being.

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Episodes

  1. From Instrumentals to the Spoken Word - Deepspawn_Logic

    After going through a period of loss between 2018 and 2020 in which her grandmother, mother, other people close to her - and even her dog - all passed away, jazz artist Deepspawn_Logic was at a low point. Her husband gave her a keyboard and told her to just "create" and create she did! Her first...

  2. Focused and driven, with a calm smile: Ron Carter

    He's the most recorded jazz bassist in history. Ron Carter, also known as "maestro" has won three grammy awards and was part of Miles Davis's "Second Great Quintet" from 1963 to 1968. Since then, Ron has performed with a wide range of major jazz stars. But, as our host Kerilie McDowall found out…

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  3. "There's the bitter, there's the sweet" - the emotionally charged music of Halie Loren

    Award-winning jazz singer and songwriter Halie Loren was raised listening to the Great American Songbook from her mother's record collection. She started writing songs at age 13 and recorded her first album "Full Circle" at age 19. Since then, Halie has performed all over the world with her music...

  4. "I was too shy to sing" - Juno Award Winner Bria Skonberg

    Canadian trumpeter, vocalist and songwriter Bria Skonberg has been described as the "shining hope of hot jazz" by the New York Times and "one of the most versatile and imposing musicians of her generation" by the Wall Street Journal. The Juno-award winner's debut album reached number five on the...

  5. The "Sheer Will and Daring" of Jazz Impresario Cory Weeds

    Known as the hardest working man in the jazz business, saxophonist and entrepreneur Cory Weeds successfully ran his own jazz club for 14 years. Downbeat Magazine acknowledged that Vancouver's "Cellar Jazz Club" was among the best in North America. But Cory has been far more than a club owner. His...

  6. 50 Years on the Bass - Rick Kilburn

    Rick Kilburn of Vancouver, British Columbia has enjoyed a 50-year career as a jazz bassist. Over the years, Rick has worked with the top names in jazz - including Dave Brubeck, Chet Baker, Gerry Mulligan, Paul Desmond, Diana Krall and many more. In this fascinating interview - Rick talks to our...

  7. We're Here for a Good Time (Not a Long Time) - Clayton Hill from Trooper

    Clayton Hill is a Canadian rock drummer best known as a long-time member of the iconic Canadian rock band Trooper. In this animated interview - Hill tells our host, Ken Boyd, that he remembers the days he was eating beans out of a can and made very little money in music. But it was a last-minute...

  8. American Jazz Singer / Songwriter Halie Loren

    Halie Loren is an international, award-winning jazz singer/songwriter. Her multi-genre and multi-lingual musical blend across her ten albums to-date has earned several national and international awards in multiple genres as well as significant critical and chart success along the way, with her...

  9. Award-winning Canadian Saxophonist, composer and music educator Christine Jensen

    Award-winning Canadian Saxophonist, composer and music educator Christine Jensen has led a distinct voice to the creative jazz scene for the last twenty-five years with her large and small ensembles. In this interview with host Kerilie McDowall - Christine reveals what she teaches her students,...

  10. R&B/Hip-Hop artist Chlo

    Introducing "Chlo", an R&B/Hip-Hop artist from New Westminster, British Columbia whose unique tones and bold energy light up every stage she touches. Chlo says she learned, from her musician father, that taking risks can lead to great things. Interviewer Ken Boyd sat down with the new young…

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  11. Canadian Jazz Star Laila Biali

    She's one of the biggest jazz stars in Canada who performs worldwide. Multi-award winning Laila Biali is a singer, pianist and host of a national CBC music show (called Saturday Night Jazz). Laila has headlined many jazz festivals and venues - including New York's Carnegie Hall and Beijing's...

  12. KK The Drummer

    Kelvin Harrison, known as KK the Drummer, took to the drums like a fish takes to water. In this interview with host Stefan Zaichkowski, KK (who has recorded with a range of major artists) explains his philosophy on drum playing and music in general - emphasizing that it's about creating a…

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  13. Can't Get a Job as a Jazz Artist? Start a Jazz Club!

    Al and Erica Wong had trouble getting jobs as musicians. So they decided to just open up their own jazz club and hire themselves! That's exactly what they did and their new club, called Jazz at 248 in downtown Ottawa Canada is creating a buzz in the city's jazz community. The couple explained to...

  14. Great Jazz with Varying Styles from AFJP

    AFJP stands for "Annam's Family Jazz Project" - a Quebec-based jazz band created in 2014 when four passionate musicians met at University. Led by composer Annam Nguyen, the band set out to express jazz using different styles to reach a larger audience. Annam sat down to speak with our host Stefan...

  15. The Amazing Piano of Søren Bebe

    Danish jazz pianist Søren Bebe started playing the piano at age 9 but stopped shortly thereafter because he says “I found it boring.” Thankfully for us, Soren went back to the piano and today is a leading pianist on the European jazz and contemporary music scene. He talks about his life and music...

  16. Jazz Singer Angela Verbrugge says Live Your Dreams Now

    Years ago, BC jazz singer and composer Angela Verbrugge moved west from Ontario to pursue an acting career in Vancouver. She would then end up in a car accident, get lost in a remote area of Belize, and survive cancer. Despite those challenges, Angela pursued jazz with a passion. This is her…

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  17. Castella - From Boardroom to Stage

    In this edition of Easy Jazz Spotlight, host Britney Dea speaks with California award winning vocalist and song writer Castella. The jazz, soul and R&B performer talks about: her transition from being an executive in the corporate world to an international recording artist; the importance of…

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  18. The Amazing Fluteman - Darryl Evan Jones

    He describes himself as a soul singer who can't sing. But "Fluteman" Darryl Evan Jones of Memphis, Tennessee is one incredible jazz artist who plays the flute in a style that combines the classic sound of artists who came before him with his own rich, modern melodic style. In this interview with...

  19. The Amazing Yosef Gutman Levitt

    He desperately wanted to be a jazz artist, moving to New York City. But bass guitarist Yosef Gutman Levitt (originally from South Africa) found that success doesn't come easily. To support himself, Yosef had to work in restaurants. He did other odd jobs as well - all the while, performing in…

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  20. Ron Carter Turns 87

    The legendary jazz bassist Ron Carter, who performed with Miles Davis and many other great jazz artists for decades, turned 87 years old on May 4, 2024. To help celebrate Maestro's birthday, our jazz radio host Ross Morgan (who is also a jazz guitarist) spoke with Ron about his approach to music...

  21. Jazz singer / songwriter John Korbel

    In this episode of Easy Jazz Spotlight, host Ken Boyd talks with jazz songwriter and singer John Korbel. John's song "Bourbon Street Taps" which is featured in this interview at 13:38, hit number one on iTunes. The video was filmed during the Covid crisis in New Orleans - a big advantage for...

  22. Popular Toronto Jazz Guitarist Rob Tardik

    In this edition of Easy Jazz Spotlight, host Stefan Zaichkowski talks with veteran Toronto jazz guitarist Rob Tardik. Rob tells Stefan that in his early days, he played in a rock band, but also played classical guitar and jazz on the side. Today, Rob's music has made it to the top of the…

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  23. Veteran Trumpeter Bill McGee

    In this episode of Easy Jazz Spotlight, host Stefan Zaichkowski talks with Virginia trumpeter and educator Bill McGee. Bill talks about his long and varied career, and takes a historical look at the changes in the music industry over the years. Bill tells Stefan that he could see the rise of...

  24. Jazz Fusion Artist Deepspawn Logic

    On this episode of Easy Jazz Spotlight, we feature jazz fusion artist Deepspawn Logic. Deepspawn, who is from Brooklyn, New York - tells host Stefan Zaichkowski that she underwent a period of depression during the pandemic. But her music helped her get through it. In her words: "My brain just...

  25. Los Angeles Vocalist Staci Griesbach

    In this episode of Easy Jazz Spotlight, California musician and host John Armato talks with Los Angeles vocalist, songwriter and producer Staci Griesbach who combines her passion for country music with jazz. Staci talks about overcoming the challenges of recent years. John also asks Staci: how…

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  26. Innovative Jazz Bassist Bryan Anderson

    In the Easy Jazz Spotlight today is contemporary jazz bassist, recording artist and producer Bryan Anderson from Baltimore. Bryan has 11 albums to his credit, but he's not done yet with other projects in the works. Our host Stefan Zaichkowski learns why Bryan prefers smaller, intimate venues for...

  27. The Amazing Trumpeter CTK

    He's performed with some of the greats, including Ike Turner, Sade and Chicago. Clarence T Kyle, known simply as CTK, is a trumpeter, keyboardist and composer whose album "The 2ND Coming" is a mix of smooth jazz, R&B, Hip Hop and Funk. And as our Easy Jazz Spotlight host Stefan Zaichkowski...

  28. Jazz Artist Craig Thumper Samuels

    In this edition of Easy Jazz Spotlight, jazz artist Craig Thumper Samuels from Omaha, Nebraska speaks with host Stefan Zaichkowski about how he got started playing music, his amazing efforts with philanthropy - helping people with his music - and, how he managed to get the name "Thumper."

  29. Smooth Jazz Artist Carol Albert

    In this Easy Jazz Spotlight, host Ken Boyd speaks to well known smooth jazz pianist and composer Carol Albert who has a string of hits to her credit. Carol tells Ken how she comes up with ideas for writing music, the time she got “freaked out” when asked to play piano professionally, her career…

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  30. Toronto Award Winning Jazz Pianist Nick Maclean

    In this edition of Easy Jazz Spotlight, host Stefan Zaichkowski talks with award-winning Toronto pianist Nick Maclean whose Quartet features another award-winning jazz artist: trumpeter Brownman Ali. Nick talks to Stefan about the talented members of his band, his musical compositions, the...

  31. Jazz Vocalist Lisa Henry

    In this edition of Easy Jazz Spotlight, host John Armato speaks with jazz vocalist, ambassador and educator Lisa Henry who began singing at age six, and turned professional at age 17 in the nightclubs of Kansas City. Lisa has been on tour with the great Herbie Hancock and has also performed with...

  32. Rising Jazz Star Brendan Rothwell

    In the Easy Jazz Spotlight today is Calgary bassist, composer and producer Brendan Rothwell. Brendan's career is taking off with millions of streams across all major digital platforms. Host Ken Boyd learns why Brendan chose the bass as his musical instrument of choice, the great artists he's now...

  33. Award Winning Jazz Artist Heather Christine

    In this edition of Easy Jazz Spotlight is Mississauga award-winning jazz vocalist, producer and composer Heather Christine. Heather, who originally didn't appreciate her own talent, talks to host Ken Boyd about playing the roles of Karen Carpenter and Patsy Kline in musical theatre, learning to...

  34. Smooth Jazz Innovator Christian de Mesones

    Veteran jazz artist and bass player Christian de Mesones has been performing for four decades and has worked with some of the biggest names in smooth jazz, including Dave Koz and Bob James. Christian's love of the bass came after he saw a concert by Kiss and watched Gene Simmons. A former rocker,...

  35. International Jazz Singer June Garber

    Tragedy struck her life as a young child, but singer June Garber not only recovered, she has thrived as a popular jazz singer, adored by a legion of fans all over the world. Originally from South Africa, June came to Canada and now resides in Australia. June's band performed in Las Vegas…

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  36. The Young Crooner Noah Kosta

    A 17 year old crooner? It's true. Toronto's Noah Kosta began winning singing contests at that age, and today - 2 years later - he continues to turn heads as he puts a new twist on old jazz standards once made famous by the likes of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. A powerful voice, calm demeanor…

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  37. Emerging jazz singer Lucy Wijnands

    In this episode of Easy Jazz Spotlight, host John Armato speaks to emerging jazz singer Lucy Wijnands from Kansas City. Lucy has performed throughout the world, perfecting her craft. In the interview, she reveals to John that she feared her career was coming to a crashing end when the pandemic...

  38. Toronto Jazz Singer Linda Carone

    In this episode of Easy Jazz Spotlight, host Ken Boyd speaks to Toronto singer Linda Carone. Linda is producing some amazing videos and tells Ken that she also works as a graphic designer, creating her own album artwork. The interview begins with Linda describing herself as a vintage jazz artist.

  39. Toronto singer Paula Letang

    In this episode of Easy Jazz Spotlight, guest host Stefan Zaichkowski talks with singer and radio personality Paula Letang. Paula is originally from the Caribbean island of Dominica but has grown up in Canada. She's been influenced by a wide range of musical styles and has combined them to form…

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  40. Why Lena Horne disappeared in her later years according to biographer James Gavin

    Welcome to Easy Jazz Spotlight brought to you by the popular online jazz station Easy Jazz FM. In the spotlight today is best selling biographer James Gavin, who wrote "Stormy Weather: The Life of Lena Horne" and "Is that all there is? The strange life of Peggy Lee". In this interview by host Ken...

  41. Jazz singer and songwriter Halie Loren shakes up the jazz world

    Welcome to another edition of Easy Jazz Spotlight. Today, the spotlight is on a unique jazz singer and songwriter who made it to the top of the charts in Japan, has a growing list of award-winning albums, and performs all over the world, even singing in different languages. In this interview with...

  42. Jazz Sensation Jhavali

    In the Spotlight today is "Jhavali", an Atlanta keyboardist and arranger, who, despite having never performed live in front of an audience, is making waves in the jazz business for her uniquely smooth, upbeat compositions. Jhavali started singing and writing music at a very young age - and in…

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  43. Toronto Jazz Duo Dizzy and Fay

    In this episode of Easy Jazz Spotlight, guest host Stefan Zaichkowski talks with the popular Toronto jazz duo Dizzy and Fay. The two musicians, whose real names are Mark and Amanda, explain how and why they came up with the catchy names Dizzy and Fay. They discuss what it's like performing in a...

  44. The legendary Ava Cherry on her remarkable career and life philosophies

    Welcome to another edition of Easy Jazz Spotlight. In this episode, we speak with the legendary Ava Cherry. It was in the early 1970s that Cherry met singer David Bowie who brought Cherry into professional music and collaborated with her for several years. In addition to her work with Bowie, Ava...

  45. Jazz singer Libby York

    Welcome to Easy Jazz Spotlight, brought to you by Easy Jazz FM Radio. In this episode, guest host John Armato talks with jazz band leader and singer Libby York from Chicago. A veteran of jazz standards, Libby talks to John about her new album "Dreamland", what inspires her, being a performer…

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  46. Guitarist and composer Jason Goessl

    Welcome to another edition of Easy Jazz Spotlight. He's one of the busiest people in jazz. Guitarist and composer Jason Goessl of Wisconsin is coming out with his first album entitled "The Shakedown" - 11 enchanting tracks of instrumental jazz. His band, called "Jason and the Jazzerknots"…

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  47. Grammy nominated jazz singer and composer Marilyn Scott

    Welcome to another edition of Easy Jazz Spotlight, produced by Easy Jazz FM (https://easyjazz.fm). In this edition, we feature Grammy nominated jazz singer and composer Marilyn Scott. Scott talks to guest host John Armato, himself a jazz musician, about her new album "Landscape" which she says is...

  48. Portuguese Bassist Cicero Lee

    Cicero Lee of Lisbon, Portugal is growing a large fan base around the globe. In this interview with guest host Stefan Zaichkowski, Lee reveals how he overcomes nervousness before performing - and talks about being introduced to music from the day he was born.

  49. Montreal jazz guitarist Adel Jouini

    He started as a child by playing with a toy drum, has created his own musical instruments, was inspired by George Benson, Stevie Wonder and Pat Metheny - and in our latest podcast interview, admits that when he performs on stage, his mind is in another world. Guitarist Adel Jouini, originally…

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  50. Vancouver jazz singer and songwriter Amanda Wood

    In this episode of Easy Jazz Spotlight, host Ken Boyd talks with Vancouver singer and songwriter Amanda Wood. Amanda tells Ken what it was like being a performer during the pandemic, working with jazz artist Jeff Goldblum, and why it's important as an artist to perform in as many places as possible.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Easy Jazz Spotlight is produced by the popular soft jazz Internet radio station, Easy Jazz FM, featuring conversations with today's jazz music creators. We talk with jazz musicians, composers and historians about jazz music and its role in this chaotic world. Listeners will gain an appreciation for the genre and how it can contribute to their sense of well-being.

HOSTED BY

Easy Jazz FM

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Easy Jazz Spotlight have?

Easy Jazz Spotlight currently has 57 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Easy Jazz Spotlight about?

Easy Jazz Spotlight is produced by the popular soft jazz Internet radio station, Easy Jazz FM, featuring conversations with today's jazz music creators. We talk with jazz musicians, composers and historians about jazz music and its role in this chaotic world. Listeners will gain an appreciation for...

How often does Easy Jazz Spotlight release new episodes?

Easy Jazz Spotlight has 57 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Easy Jazz Spotlight?

You can listen to Easy Jazz Spotlight on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Easy Jazz Spotlight?

Easy Jazz Spotlight is created and hosted by Easy Jazz FM.
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