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Jazz Flyte Podcast

Jazz Flyte Podcast

Written by: Darrell Scott
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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
  • 140: Building a Music Career Without Limits

    140: Building a Music Career Without Limits
    Jun 14 2026
    Most people associate the violin with classical music. Karen Briggs changed that perception one note at a time.

    In this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with world-renowned violinist Karen Briggs to explore the extraordinary path that took her from a junior high school orchestra program in Virginia to stages across more than 50 countries around the world.

    Karen shares how an inspiring music teacher opened the door to the violin and why she quickly realized her musical voice lived beyond the traditional boundaries of classical performance. Growing up surrounded by jazz, R&B, fusion, and soul music, she developed a style that brought emotion, energy, and authenticity to an instrument many people only associated with orchestras and concert halls.

    We talk about her early experiences performing jazz, competing internationally, and discovering that music is ultimately a cultural expression. Karen reflects on the moment she decided to embrace her own artistic identity rather than trying to fit into someone else's definition of success.

    The conversation also explores her career-defining opportunities with Soul II Soul, Patrice Rushen, Yanni, Diana Ross, and countless other artists who recognized the unique voice she brought to the violin. Along the way, she shares stories of perseverance, unexpected opportunities, and why she continues to say yes whenever the music calls.

    We also discuss her powerful composition A Survivor's Theme, inspired by the global pandemic and the resilience of people around the world. The piece became one of her most impactful releases and serves as a reminder of music's ability to heal, inspire, and connect us during difficult times.
    This conversation is about more than music. It's about purpose, courage, cultural identity, and trusting the gifts you've been given.

    Connect with Karen: https://www.karenbriggsviolin.com/
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    46 mins
  • 139: Why Cleveland's Jazz Scene Is Thriving Again

    139: Why Cleveland's Jazz Scene Is Thriving Again
    Jun 7 2026
    What happens when a Cleveland native, poet, drummer, and arts leader is handed the keys to one of the most respected jazz festivals in the country?

    In this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with Orlando Watson, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland, for a conversation about music, community, leadership, and coming home.

    Orlando shares his journey from growing up in Cleveland to working behind the scenes at the Youngstown Jazz Festival, helping lead the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, and ultimately returning to Northeast Ohio to take the helm of the Tri-C JazzFest.

    We talk about his vision for the festival, why it's important to spotlight artists with Ohio roots, and how Cleveland continues to produce world-class musicians who leave their mark around the globe.

    We also preview the 2026 Tri-C JazzFest lineup, including Sheila E., Spyro Gyra, Kurt Elling, Ron Carter, Ohio Players, Dominic Farinacci, John Thomas, Lauren Talese, Chris Dave and The Drumhedz, MonoNeon, and many more. Orlando explains how this year's programming celebrates jazz while embracing funk, soul, Latin influences, and the broader legacy of Black American music.

    Perhaps most importantly, Orlando discusses his commitment to making the festival more accessible to the community through free outdoor performances and creating opportunities for audiences to experience nationally recognized artists right here in Cleveland.

    If you love jazz, live music, Cleveland culture, or want a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to produce a world-class festival, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

    Purchase Tickets to the Jazz Festival: https://www.tri-c.edu/jazzfest/
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    31 mins
  • 138: The Untold Story Behind “Pacific Coast Highway”

    138: The Untold Story Behind “Pacific Coast Highway”
    May 31 2026
    In this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with Nils to talk about his journey from Germany to becoming one of the most recognizable names in contemporary jazz.

    Nils shares how growing up on rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple eventually led him toward funk, fusion, and artists like Earth, Wind & Fire, Herbie Hancock, Larry Carlton, and Steps Ahead.

    We talk about the success of “Pacific Coast Highway,” how his sound evolved over the years, and why understanding what audiences connect with changed the way he approaches writing and producing music.

    Nils also opens up about the realities of today’s music business, including touring, producing for other artists, teaching, streaming, social media, and why modern musicians must think like entrepreneurs.

    We also discuss his approach to covering classic songs like “That’s the Way of the World,” the challenge of honoring legendary music while still making it your own, and what continues to inspire him creatively after all these years.

    This conversation is honest, insightful, and a real look behind the curtain at what it takes to build longevity in contemporary jazz.

    Connect with Nils: https://www.nilsmusic.com/
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    35 mins
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