Easy Jazz Spotlight

Easy Jazz Spotlight

by Easy Jazz FM

Music Commentary Music History Music Interviews

Season 2

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 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.

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

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

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 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.

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

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" 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.

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 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.

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.

Season 1

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 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.

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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