Get ready to be swept away by the mesmerizing sounds of JJ Sansavarino, a contemporary jazz guitarist extraordinaire. In this episode, Carl talks to JJ about his music, his influences, and the creative process behind his chart-topping hits. JJ explains how his musical journey began, from his early days as a child to his education at the prestigious Berklee School of Music. He tours across the US and Europe, where he spreads the blessing of love through his angelic guitar skills.JJ shares his insights on making beautiful art without boundaries and striking a balance between commercial success and bringing more love and goodness to his listeners. He also talks about his influences and his appreciation for the joys of discovering musicianship through old albums. Be inspired by his work ethic, patience, and unwavering dedication to finishing what he starts and helping others.Let's delve into JJ's personal anecdotes, from his love for baseball and basketball to the camaraderie of golfing and the appreciation of God's creation on the course. Tune in to this captivating episode filled with soul-stirring melodies, timeless wisdom, and a reminder to carry as much love as possible in your journey. Listen now and let his enchanting music take you on a journey of love, joy, and inspiration.Episode Highlights06:16 - There's no place I'd rather be than on stage. I love recording and I love producing my music. I love so many aspects of the music business. But by far, I love being on stage. So, before showtime, I'm so excited to rip it up. 09:03 - I've been touring now for 34 years. The millions and millions of people that I've played in front of, you don't know whose life you may have saved out there. I know it sounds like over the top and dramatic, but it's facts. You don't know what people are going through in their life. 17:58 - I used to save my money to buy vinyl. You would go to the record shop, and you might buy a record just because the cover looked cool. You might get that and then something else you've been looking for. You'd go back, get in your spot, get your chair, and put that music on. You dig in, look at the album cover, and read the liner notes. When you drop that needle on something for the first time, something you maybe never heard, and you experience something the first time, it was game changing. I missed that, and I feel sorry for kids in the younger generation who don't have that experience.ContactFresh Coast Jazz FestivalJJ Sansavarino

This week's podcast episode features Chris "Big Dog" Davis, an award-winning writer, producer and performer who has collaborated on a range of projects that challenge and diversify his creativity. He shares his journey and experiences, from his first big hit as a producer and his current projects.Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, with a background in classical composition from Yale University and a stint in the Marine Corps. As a musician/producer, he has worked with top contemporary jazz artists, constantly pushing the boundaries of his creativity. He also talks about his creative process, which involves finding inspiration in movies and TV shows. Listen to Chris share personal anecdotes, such as his humble beginnings as a security guard, providing relatable and inspiring moments and emphasizes the value of forging personal connections when producing music and imparts invaluable advice to his younger self. Explore the fascinating world of music production when you tune in to this episode and immerse yourself in the creative journey of a remarkable artist. Episode Highlights04:28 - The music industry changes. Even in this little small genre, we do. Pop and everything, the big songs and everything, but even in this genre, the tide changes. So, my goal was first just to produce people that I love their music. I thought it was so exciting to dream of that.08:47 - People always ask, "So, how do you get there?" There's a lot of categories during my day and what I do. I will say I watch a lot of TV. I watch a lot of movies. I'm like a current events guy. I watch the stuff for a reason, my process and music. I gather everything, new movies. I watch the movie, but I'm listening to the score of the movie. When I watch commercials, I'm always listening to the music. 19:44 - The dream thing is, you're by yourself. Sometimes you're by yourself. People go, "Yes, I understand," but not really. When it comes to life, the odds are it's like, "You're a great keyboard player, but we need milk for your kids." So, being good and great doesn't evaluate at that point. ContactFresh Coast Jazz FestivalChris "Big Dog" Davis

Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of captivating music as host Carl Brown welcomes the talented music artist Riley Richard to the show. Riley's musical journey began at a young age, starting to play the saxophone at just 10 years old. From his debut song "Family Ties" spending weeks on the Billboard chart to performing with renowned artists, Riley's career is a testament to his dedication and passion.Throughout the episode, Riley shares his influences and opens up about his personal and musical growth, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself while creating story-based music. Riley's advice and reflections provide valuable insights for aspiring musicians. He shares his experience building a studio during the pandemic and navigating the business side of the music industry with patience and humility.Listen to hear Riley discuss his plans for the future, including collaborations with talented artists, upcoming music releases, and further development as a saxophonist. Don't miss the chance to experience Riley Richard's soul-stirring music. Tune in to this episode and immerse yourself in his melodic world. Episode Highlights01:32 - At the time, my manager was doing shows here, and Najee was one of the shows that was brought here. She went up to Najee and she said, "Hey, I want you to hear this guy." Najee, the person he is, said, "Sure. Bring him up and we'll have him sit in." I sat in. It was a great time and the rest is history.14:21 - What I like about being a musician is the uniqueness. You have opportunity to be one of a kind, which is really interesting in the grand scope of things. What I don't like or what I dislike is the mental struggle that the artist has. Us, as artists and being creative people, we always have that fight in us in our minds, if it's good, if it's great. Will people like it? Will people not like it? It's that constant struggle and you really have to have someone on the outside looking in and say, "Hey, relax," and approach it that way. 28:28 - If we're talking about the business in itself, it can be daunting, for sure, because it's based off of relationships and established relationships. Some people have 34 years worth of the relationships aren't ready. So, the understanding for me is to just be patient. Everything in the music business doesn't happen overnight. You can be considered an up and coming artist but been in the business for a long time, just because it's not your turn yet. So, as long as you remain patient and humble, everything will be fine.ContactFresh Coast Jazz FestivalRiley Richard

Carl speaks with Ryan La Valette, a multi-instrumentalist and rising star in the smooth jazz scene from New Zealand, whose debut album on Trippin' N Rhythm Records produced two Billboard number one hits: "Let It Flow" and "Highway 10." Ryan shares the story of how his interest in music began at an early age, and how he was naturally drawn to musical instruments, with a particular obsession with guitars. He also talks about some of his diverse musical influences, including George Benson, Grover Washington Jr., and Motown. Ryan talks about his experience as an emerging artist, the struggles he faced before establishing his career, and his dream of becoming a successful performer and producer, stressing the importance of being single-mindedly focused to achieve greatness. Listen to hear Ryan gives listeners a glimpse into the life and journey of a talented rising star in the smooth jazz world, and offers insights and advice on creative processes, producing, and pursuing one's dreams. Listen to this episode and enjoy some of his music.

Carl interviews Danish-born saxophonist Michael Lington, a multi-talented musician and entrepreneur. Michael shares his passion for music and his journey from playing the clarinet at age 7 to releasing his first album in 1997. Michael's music has made it to the charts 25 times, and he is a serial entrepreneur running a record label, wine company and cigar company. With an impressive career that spans decades, including success with his hit single, "Soul Appeal," spending 16 weeks at number one on the Billboard chart, Michael creates music that elevates certain genres while still considering commercial appeal. Discover Michael's policy of following his internal barometer when it comes to creating music, his love for jazz and funk music, and his latest album, "Looking Ahead," which was created during a period of intense personal changes for him. Plus, hear how his passion extends into Italian and French cuisine, as well as James Bond movies. You won't want to miss this unique conversation with the inspiring Michael Lington. Tune in now!

In this Bonus episode, Carl Brown introduces us to Jeff Ryan who is one of the Smooth Jazz world’s breakout new artists. His debut single Up and Up reached number one on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart. He’s gone on to release several other songs that many smooth jazz fans know and love. In 2020, he was named Billboard’s number one Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year. He has played some of the biggest stages with some of the brightest stars in Smooth Jazz. Jeff talks about his success and what he went through on his journey. He also shares how he got into the Smooth Jazz genre and the inspirations he had throughout the years. He talks about his music making process and the feeling he has whenever he performs on stage. In the ‘Bout It or Doubt It segment, he shares his opinion about Motorcycles and Public Transportation from the Rides category. In the last part of the show, Jeff shares the music he’s listening to now, his favorite albums of all time, his plans for next year and much more. You can listen to Sentimental Soul, Embrace and New Day.

In this Bonus episode, Carl Brown introduces us to Lin Rountree who has 16 singles on the Billboard Jazz charts. He is a soul/urban jazz trumpeter, record producer and composer. He has numerous collaborations with some of the industry’s top R&B/Contemporary Jazz artists to his credit and he is poised to be one of the most renowned artists of his generation. Lin talks about his journey with music and how he cultivated his sound. He shares about a collective of musicians that help each other be successful in the industry. He also talks about how he got started with being a jazz trumpeter, his collaboration with certain artists and how he crafts his music. In the ‘Bout It or Doubt It segment, he shares his opinion about The Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Lakers from the Sports category. Lin was also able to share his musical inspirations and his after-show routine. You can listen to Me For Me, Fluid and Release.

In this Bonus episode, Carl interviews Oli Silk. Oli is a UK-based keyboardist, producer and composer, and a part time DJ. He released his first album 2000 and continues to establish himself as a top contemporary jazz artist. He’s had several songs that reached the billboard Top 10 and multiple number 1 hits and he’s played many of the big smooth jazz events and is a regular in Smooth Jazz radio. This episode explores how Oli started playing music, he describes his music, who influenced his music, and people he’s worked with. He shares what he misses the most about being on the stage, his travels pre-COVID, what drives him, and what he wants his fans to feel when listening to his music. In the ‘Bout It or Doubt It' segment, we’ll find out a sport that Oli likes, and his opinion on American football. Oli shares the things he still wants to accomplish and his three favorite albums of all time. Listen to this episode and enjoy some of his music – At Your Service, Music Without Sound, and Out to Lunch.

Suzanne, the producer of the show, talks to Carl about a special announcement. The 2023 Fresh Coast Jazz Festival will take place on August 25 and 26 at the Historic Pabst Theater in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Carl also announces the fantastic lineup for the festival including artists with Grammy nominations and awards, with some producing more than 100 hit songs. The festival is known to be a "Party With A Purpose," a vibrant celebration of the best contemporary jazz around – two days full of incredible music, infectious energy, and mouth-watering eats! Not to mention all kinds of other exciting activities. This amazing festival does more than just provide good music and experiences; it has a lasting impact on the community by providing college scholarships, sending kids to musical camps, offering grants for school programs focusing on music education, donating financially towards literacy among youth communities as well as medical research initiatives targeting childhood cancer patients. Listen to find out about the special offer for the festival!

Join us for an exciting episode with multi-talented, professional musician and music teacher, Carl Cox, who plays a variety of wind instruments, such as the saxophone. He was taught by his grandfather and grew up listening to contemporary jazz. He talks about how he got his start in the music industry. His unique sound and infectious funk style have earned him several collaborations. Find out more about his upcoming album release titled "Universal Language," which combines new material along with some of his previous releases. Hear why he believes that music is a universal language and learn the best advice he gives to young players just starting out. Plus, find out what Italian food or alcohol would make it onto Carl's dream dinner party and what he does in his spare time. Carl looks forward to growing both as an artist and performing live at big festivals this year. Don't miss this fascinating discussion where we dive deep into Carl's life in music.