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Jazz Flyte Podcast

Jazz Flyte Podcast

Written by: Darrell Scott
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About this listen

 Welcome to “The Jazz Flyte Podcast, where we will dive into the lives and careers of the Jazz Legends who’ve left a rhythmic imprint on the world. Be prepared each week to reminisce on the highs and the lows of their musical journey, and the trials that sculpted their timeless musical gems. We’ll preserve the legacy of these extraordinary maestros and find inspiration in the melodies of their lives. Subscribe now and never miss a beat!Copyright Darrell Scott Music
Episodes
  • 119: The Memphis Sound Explained: Why Soul Can’t Be Taught

    119: The Memphis Sound Explained: Why Soul Can’t Be Taught
    Jan 18 2026
    Welcome back to The Jazz Flyte Podcast. On this episode, I’m joined by Donald Hayes, a Memphis-born saxophonist, arranger, composer, and creative force whose sound is rooted in gospel, blues, funk, and soul. Donald has played on stages around the world, worked with some of the biggest names in music, and scored for film and television, yet he’s never lost the essence of where he comes from.

    We dive deep into what makes the Memphis sound so unmistakable and why soul music isn’t just a genre, but a feeling, a skill set, and a way of life. Donald shares how growing up in church shaped his musical instincts, how the saxophone chose him, and why life experience matters just as much as theory. We talk about learning discipline, knowing when not to play, and how serving the song is always more important than showing off technique.

    Donald also opens up about what he’s learned from working with artists like Marcus Miller, Robin Thicke, Wayman Tisdale, and Kirk Whalum, from songwriting and practice habits to connecting with an audience on a deeper level. We explore his approach to composing for film, how tempo and visual storytelling guide his creative process, and the personal meaning behind his album Soul Searchin’.

    This conversation is about more than music. It’s about groove, purpose, mentorship, and pressing on even when the journey gets heavy. If you love stories that live at the intersection of soul, jazz, and lived experience, this one is for you.

    Connect with Donald: http://www.donaldhayesmusic.com/site/
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    31 mins
  • 118: The Birth of Touch: When Jazz Became Personal

    118: The Birth of Touch: When Jazz Became Personal
    Jan 11 2026
    On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I had the honor of sitting down with one of jazz’s true pioneers—John Klemmer. From the first few moments of our conversation, I could feel the weight of his experience, passion, and humility. John shares how his journey started with a guitar at five years old, and how he eventually found his voice through the saxophone, playing in Chicago jam sessions before most kids knew what jazz even was.

    We talk about his early days with Cadet Records, how Eddie Harris and other Chicago legends shaped his foundation, and his signing with the iconic Impulse Records. But what really moved me was hearing how Touch came to be—not just as a record, but as a spiritual moment in his life. John opens up about creating music that reflects internal change, why humility is the greatest lesson he learned from the jazz elders, and what Maurice White once shared with him before founding Earth, Wind & Fire.

    He also talks about staying creative today, his Jazz on the Patio video series, and his newest project Chateau Love. From producing songs with Minnie Riperton to watching Maya Rudolph grow up, John’s life is a timeline of incredible moments in music history.

    If you love music that moves the soul and stories that dig deep, you don’t want to miss this conversation.

    Connect with John: http://www.johnklemmer.com/bio/index.html
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    29 mins
  • 117: Antoine Knight on Purpose, Perseverance, and Sound

    117: Antoine Knight on Purpose, Perseverance, and Sound
    Jan 3 2026
    On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with the incredible Antoine Knight—a powerhouse saxophonist and military veteran who's making serious waves on the Smooth Jazz charts. You’ve heard “Step 2 Me Baby,” now hear the story behind it and the man who co-wrote it with multi-award-winning guitarist Adam Hawley.

    From grooving to Junior Walker on 8-tracks as a kid to playing the tenor sax in candlelit jazz clubs, Antoine takes us on a soulful ride through his journey. We talk about how military discipline helped shape his music career, why relationships are everything in this industry, and how he’s using modern tech—like the electronic wind instrument (EWI)—to push the boundaries of jazz.

    Whether he’s lighting up Hartfield-Jackson Airport with sax solos or laying down tracks with legends like Gail Johnson, Antoine’s story is rich with passion, perseverance, and purpose. Tune in as we explore how one man found his voice through sound—and why he carries more than one horn on the road.

    Connect with Antoine: https://antoineknightmusic.com/
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    35 mins
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