Easy Jazz Spotlight

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 National Centre for the Arts. Our host Stefan Zaichkowski caught up with Laila as she was working in the mountains of Banff - to speak with her about her career and music. The interview starts with a discussion about Laila's 2026 Grammy nominated album "Wintersongs".

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 "feeling" and having fun. Be sure to listen to KK's song "Dinner and a Move" at the end of the interview.

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 host Stefan Zaichkowski that they wanted a club where jazz artists of all kinds - beginners included - can jam and practice in front of an audience.

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 Zaichkowski. Be sure to hear the band at 59:47 in the interview.

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 with host Stefan Zaichkowski. Be sure to see Soren’s “Evening Song” composition at the end of the video.

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 story - one of hope and inspiration as uncovered by host Ken Boyd.

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 having mentors; and how she got her stage named "Castella". Following the interview, we play Castella's latest release "Hurt So Bad" with permission from Castella Music (April 2025).

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 our host Stefan Zaichkowski, Darryl says he studied the playing of French classical flautist Jean-Pierre Louis Rampal. Jean-Pierre, who died in 2000, was popular in the US and Japan from the 1960s to the 1980s and was said to be technically perfect on the flute.

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 local venues. Still, real success eluded him. He took a break to reflect on his approach to music, then landed a job as a producer on the Oprah Winfrey show. He also became very good at software programming, creating his own tech company. It was in 2009 that Yosef left the US to live with his family in Israel. In 2014, the giant website company "GoDaddy" purchased his tech firm. It wasn't until just a few years ago, in 2018, that Yosef went back to his first love of music. This time, he worked on a unique approach - combining hasidic melodies with jazz, latin, classical and Middle Eastern influences. And bang - success! Yosef Gutman Levitt, through ingenuity and determination, rose to prominence in the music world. In this interview with host Stefan Zaichkowski, Yosef admits that for years, he was a "lousy musician" but adds, that today, that has become an advantage because he can more easily spot weaknesses. Hear Yosef's music at 54:40.

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 and working with other artists. Towards the end of the interview, Ross asks Ron if he'd mind doing a liner for Ross's radio show. Ron agrees, but then asks Ross for a favor as well.

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 filming says John, because: "There weren't too many people around." John is a former rock and roller who tells Ken that he writes all of his own music.

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 Billboard smooth jazz charts. During the interview at 36:30, Rob decides to grab his guitar and start playing! Be sure to also check out Rob's music video at 1:05:50.

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 digital music as far back as the early 1990s - and, he reveals why he stepped away from producing albums for a long stretch of time.

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 exploded." Deepspawn talks about her unusual style of music, and says there is an audience for every song she produces. Hear a sample of her work at 46:05 in the podcast.

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 she got started; how she plans her albums; the differences between working in the corporate world and being an independent artist; and what lessons she's learned in her growing career.

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 his live shows; how Bryan creates his music; and what his strategies are for success.

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 discovered, CTK believes you've got to have funk!

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."

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 as a music teacher, and her new album entitled “Magic Mirror”.

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 challenges of working in a recording studio, communicating with audiences and the band's new album "Convergence".

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 the likes of Anita Baker, Rosemary Clooney, Roy Hargrove, Wayne Shorter, Lou Rawls and many others. The legendary jazz guitarist Kenny Burrell said of Lisa: "Some got it, and some ain't. She's got it!". John talks to Lisa about her career, working with jazz legends, and surviving a brain aneurysm. But the interview starts with Lisa remembering her mentor, the late great Kansas City pianist and bandleader Everette DeVan.

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 working with, and about his latest album "Destiny".

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 play the drums, and becoming a virtual music coach and teacher during the pandemic. Heather believes that singing can be good for our health. In the interview, she also reveals that her great grandfather was a jazz musician who knew and played with jazz legends including Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie.

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, he recently released a solo album called "They Call Me Big New York" - a collection of funk, soul and R & B to rave reviews, more than 2 millions streams on Spotify and a number of top-10 singles. One of the songs, "Hispanica" reached number one on Billboard's smooth jazz chart. Christian talks to our host Stefan Zaichkowski about his music, the issues facing today's artists, and why he doesn't conform to the "template" used by many other smooth jazz artists.

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, Atlantic City and Toronto. She tells host Ken Boyd that jazz wasn't her only love.

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 and distinctive style have created the right brand to attract more and more fans of all ages. In this interview with host Stefan Zaichkowski, Noah talks about his remarkable journey in music which he says began from the day he was born.

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 began. But she learned how to survive, and thrive. John also discovered that Lucy is multi-talented, making a name for herself not only as a jazz singer, but as a painter as well. Discover the art, music and life philosophies of Lucy Wijnands.

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.

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 her own unique style. In this interview, Paula explains her life philosophy of being open to all possibilities. In her words - there are no limits to creativity.

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 Boyd, James talks about the disappearance of jazz singer Lena Horne in the last 10 years of her life and why she chose to leave the limelight. James also talks about the great Peggy Lee who he says had lived in a kind of dreamland. Ken begins the interview by discovering that James Gavin was an oddball kid who loved old music.

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 host Ken Boyd, Halie Loren - who came from a small town in Alaska to shake up the jazz world - explains what she loves about performing in Japan, and why she feels jazz is so popular there.

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 this interview with host Ken Boyd, explains why she has not yet performed on stage, sticking only to the recording studio.

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 different persona, the experience of singing, being vulnerable as a performer, and the true purpose of music.

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 Cherry also worked extensively with singer and record producer Luther Vandross. Cherry has also worked as a fashion model and solo performer, with jazz being part of her repertoire. Today, the energetic performer is soon to launch an acting career. A firm believer in always trying new things no matter your age - Ava Cherry was pleased to discuss her career and life philosophies with guest host Stefan Zaichkowski.

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 during the pandemic, her approach to jazz - and learning from the great jazz artist Abbey Lincoln.

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" performs throughout the US playing "accessible jazz" to appeal to a variety of music lovers. On top of it all, Jason runs his own record label with his wife. Host Ken Boyd talks with Jason about his journey, starting when he was very young and disliked jazz music.

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 about finding peace in nature - especially important in today's chaotic world. Scott adds: "We need to take nature seriously. And we're losing it." She believes many people today are discouraged and don't know what to do with their lives, but, she insists, the one thing that can give solace is nature. Here now is John Armato in conversation with the very soulful and insightful Marilyn Scott.

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.

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 from Tunisia, is an experienced and renowned star on the Montreal jazz scene. In this final episode, Season 1 of Easy Jazz Spotlight, guest host Stefan Zaichkowski talks with Adel about the pressures, and joys, of performing live on stage - how Adel creates his incredible music - and his determination to succeed.

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.

Easy Jazz Spotlight host Ken Boyd speaks with biographer James Gavin, author of "Deep in a Dream - The Long Night of Chet Baker" about the tragic life of famous jazz trumpeter Chet Baker. In this fascinating interview, Ken asks James what he thinks really happened to Baker when the jazz artist was found dead on an Amsterdam sidewalk in 1988 after falling from a 3rd story hotel room. The conversation begins on the topic of James's writing career and his ability to do meticulous research.

This is Easy Jazz Spotlight, produced by Easy Jazz FM Radio. The life of Sergio Mendes is proof that being positive and doing what you love goes a very long way. You can feel his positive energy in this episode with host Ken Boyd. Ken asks Sergio what he attributes to his successful longevity in the music business. But first, Ken talks about a 2020 documentary called "In the Key of Joy" which looks at Sergio's early career and his return to the charts, performing with the Black Eyed Peas and John Legend.

She's worked with the best - including Burt Bacharach, Carol King and Neil Diamond - appeared on the Perry Como show, once sang the warm-up for Dave Brubeck, produced jingles and commercials, and had her own great albums starting in 1959. The multi-talented Anne Phillips is in conversation with Easy Jazz Spotlight special guest host and jazz artist John Armato about: music and live TV in the 1950s, 60s and 70s; her amazing career; current role as a vocal coach for aspiring singers; and her creation of New York City's Christmas pageant "The Jazz Nativity".

Host Ken Boyd speaks with rising Montreal jazz star and guitarist Samuel Bonnet about his early days of classical guitar and reggae, moving to Paris, and falling in love with Montreal.

Easy Jazz Spotlight guest host Stefan Zaichkowski talks with international recording artist and song writer JC Sol who says music is therapy. The conversation focuses on touring, coming up with song ideas, and life as an independent artist.

In this episode, host Ken Boyd talks to long-time bassist Don Bradshaw of the jazz group "The Geometrics" based in Edmonton, Alberta. Don has played with some of the greats in the jazz world, including Charlie Rouse and John Hicks - plus singers Mark Murphy and Diana Krall. Ken asks Don what it was like performing for Diana Krall, and where jazz is headed in today's world.

Host Ken Boyd talks to jazz drummer John Armato about his debut album "The Drummer Loves Ballads" which was 40 years in the making. John brought together 25 jazz musicians, including the legendary Houston Person. Learn how John got started and the inspiration for his songs on the album.