Épisodes

  • Pete Christlieb: From Deacon Blues to the Next Gig
    Jan 30 2026

    Episode 19:

    Pete Christlieb is a legendary saxophonist whose powerful sound and fearless improvisation continue to shape both jazz and commercial music. He rose to international prominence as a longtime featured soloist with the Doc Severinsen–led Tonight Show Band, where his commanding tenor voice and electrifying presence became instantly recognizable. Christlieb’s recording legacy includes some of the most iconic saxophone moments in popular music, including his lyrical solo on “Deacon Blues” by Steely Dan and his elegant playing on “Unforgettable” by Natalie Cole. Equally respected in the jazz world for his collaborations with Warne Marsh and Chet Baker, Christlieb continues to perform and inspire, embodying a rare blend of virtuosity, soul, and authenticity that resonates across generations.

    ►about Pete Christlieb: https://petechristlieb.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

    ►Key Moments:
    0:00 - Introductions
    1:47: Drag racing, Valley College (Los Angeles), First road gig with Si Zentner
    6:00: The art of playing dance music
    9:01: Gerry Mulligan, Chet Baker, Ray Brown…
    16:50: Las Vegas, Jerry Gray, Tex Beneke, Peggy Lee, Lou Levy
    26:00: Cannonball Adderley
    30:30: Louie Bellson, Woody Herman
    31:50: Tom Scott, Glenn Campbell Show, and Marty Paich…
    34:24: “Play horn, get check”
    41:20: Snooky Young, The Tonight Show…, and Steely Dan
    44:45: “Deacon’s Blues”
    51:13: Warne Marsh collaboration
    1:00: Violin to saxophone…
    1:05:35: Saxophone sounds…Stan Getz, Sonny Rollins, Sonny Stitt…
    1:13:35: The pinnacle is the next gig, payola, and back to the Warne Marsh collaboration, back to Johnny Carson and The Tonight Show…
    1:26:00 New chapter of life in Washington
    1:28:00 Stravinsky, Schoenberg, Michael Brecker, and woodwind doubling…
    1:37:00 Closing graitude

    ►Follow John Daversa Online:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndaversa/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnDaversaMusic/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/johndaversamusic
    Website: http://www.johndaversa.com

    ►Credits
    Host and Producer: John Daversa
    Video Capture: Yang Yang
    Audio Capture: Yang Yang
    Video and Audio Editing: Izzi Guzman
    Graphic Design: Izzi Guzman

    Recorded in Coral Gables, FL, November 18, 2024

    Support the show

    ►Credits
    Host and Producer: John Daversa
    Video: Max Nierlich
    Audio: Dudley Merriam
    Additional Audio: Jake Sonderman
    Video and Audio Editing: Yang Yang
    Izzi Guzman: Graphic Design

    Recorded in Miami, FL

    ►Music
    "The John Daversa Podcast"
    "Moonlight Muse"
    "Junk Wagon"


    All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa
    Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 43 min
  • Sean Jones: Eternal Consciousness, The Last Album, and the 3 "Enough's"
    Sep 24 2025

    Episode 18: Sean Jones

    ►about Sean Jones: https://peabody.jhu.edu/faculty/sean-jones/

    Book References:

    • The War of Art, Steven Pressfield
    • A Return to Love, Marrianne Williamson
    • Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome, Dr. Joy DeGruy
    • The Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle
    • A New Earth, Eckhart Tolle

    Quotes:

    • “Eternity is in love with the creations of time” ~William Blake
    • “Many are called, but few are chosen”.
    • ”My teacher saved my life, man”. ~Sean Jones
    • “Every ending is a new beginning”
    • “Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen”.
    • “The trumpet is the mirror of the mind” ~Bill Fielder
    • “Eradicate the “t” off of “can’t”, and say I can” ~Bill Fielder
    • Ego: “I becomes bigger than “we”… ~Sean Jones


    ►Key Moments:
    0:00 - Introductions

    2:50: Taking risk and staying uncomfortable, resistance, The War of Art, by Steven Pressfield

    10:18: A Return to Love, by Marrianne Williamson, eternal consciousness, One mind.

    12:51: Patience and compassion.

    15:30: Fatherhood and learning how to take a step back, breaking generational chains. Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome, Dr. Joy DeGruy

    18:57: Being “called”. “Many are called, but few are chosen”.

    20:40: Growing up in the church in Warren, Ohio. Wanting to be a teacher and having great teachers. ”My teacher saved my life, man”.

    26:30: Navigating racism and ignorance.

    27:50: Return to an elevated human consciousness. “Every ending is a new beginning”

    29:52: Unity and the illusion of separation, Herbie Hancock’s mission

    34:28: Faith: “You become what you believe”. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen”.

    39:00: Words are so powerful. “The trumpet is the mirror of the mind” ~Bill Fielder, “Eradicate the “t” off of “can’t”, and say I can”~Bill Fielder

    41:07: Mistakes and intuition.

    42:34: Patience, and a Gonzalo Rubalcaba story

    44:40: The Power of Now, A New Earth, by Eckhart Tolle, surrender

    46:46: What makes you laugh?

    49:40: The misfortune and blessing of loss

    50:10: A divine experience and spirit. Eternal consciousness.

    52:18: Fasting and sacrifice to clear the mind’s eye.

    55:20: Define ego: It’s when “I becomes bigger than “we”…

    The illusion is always there along with the truth

    57:44: “My last album”, and what’s next

    1:00:00 Resistance to barriers and programs. “The resources are there”.

    1:04:04: The 3 “enoughs” of life

    ►Follow John Daversa Online:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndaversa/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnDaversaMusic/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/johndaversamusic
    Website: http://www.johndaversa.com

    ►Credits
    Host and Producer: John Daversa

    Video Capture: Yang Yang

    Audio Capture: Yang Yang

    Video and Audio Editing: Izzi Guzman

    Graphic Design: Izzi Guzman

    Recorded in Coral Gables, FL, October 7, 2024

    ►Music
    "The John Daversa Podcast"
    "Moonlight Muse"
    "Junk Wagon"

    All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa
    Daversafications Publications (ASCAP),

    #seanjones #peabody #peabodyinstitute #jazztrumpet #trumpet #johndaversa #johndaversapodcast #jazzpodcast #jazzeducat

    Support the show

    ►Credits
    Host and Producer: John Daversa
    Video: Max Nierlich
    Audio: Dudley Merriam
    Additional Audio: Jake Sonderman
    Video and Audio Editing: Yang Yang
    Izzi Guzman: Graphic Design

    Recorded in Miami, FL

    ►Music
    "The John Daversa Podcast"
    "Moonlight Muse"
    "Junk Wagon"


    All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa
    Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 6 min
  • Dr. Marshall Hawkins: L.O.V.E. and Life Mission
    Aug 11 2025

    Episode 17: Dr. Marshall Hawkins

    Idyllwild Arts Academy Jazz Program Founder, Bassist with Richie Cole, Miles Davis Quintet, Betty Gray, Donny Hathaway, Lena Horne, Roberta Flack, Manhattan Transfer, and more…

    ►about Dr. Hawkins: https://idyllwildarts.org/people/marshall-hawkins/

    Selected quotes from our podcast:

    · “Pay attention to your subject matter. Your subject matter is your life”

    · “I think about that first note that I’m going to play. I think about that note with such reverence, that I may never get a chance to play that note again”.

    · “Don’t let anyone get in the way of you and the love in your heart”. “Don’t get in the way of my love. I will fight you”.

    · “You have to be careful what you wish for because you’re going to get it. So, you’ve got to be prepared”.

    · “I’ve never, never thought about money”.

    ►Key Moments:
    0:00 - Introductions

    2:16: Earliest memories, gift of memory, and “second childhood”

    5:07: Growing up in Washington D.C. in the 1940’s, “Victory Gardens”, church, being humble, “C Jam Blues”, the Boy Scouts, model airplanes, glee club, and the building of Frederick Douglass Junior High School.

    15:30: Brown vs. Board of Education (1954) and exposure to racism. Being a track star and la musica as passports, “U.S. History”, and scout master.

    21:40: Voices above the crowd and becoming a professional musician.

    26:58: L.O.V.E. and not taking the “J” out of joy.

    31:49: Louis Armstrong: “what are you going to do to leave a legacy for humanity”?

    33:20: Giving and receiving

    34:45: Playing the bass and becoming a professional musician overnight.

    38:52: Betty Gray (first gig at the Bohemian Caverns in DC), Lena Horne and Travelin’ Light (1965), and Miles Davis

    41:53: Working with Miles Davis

    44:08: Idyllwild Arts and numerical configuration (1978)

    47:58: Tanzania, respect for elders, Maasai ancestral lineage, “we know who you are”

    55:50: Advice for young musicians: “Silence is golden!”

    59:03: Marshall and John improvise “All the Things You Are”

    ►Follow John Daversa Online:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndaversa/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnDaversaMusic/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/johndaversamusic
    Website: http://www.johndaversa.com

    ►Credits
    Host and Producer: John Daversa

    Video and Audio Capture: Justin Holmes

    Video and Audio Editing: Izzi Guzman
    Graphic Design: Izzi Guzman

    Recorded in Idyllwild, CA, July 3, 2024

    Special Thank you to:

    Idyllwild Arts Academy

    Pamela Jordan

    Rose Colella

    Tom Hynes


    ►Music
    "The John Daversa Podcast"
    "Moonlight Muse"
    "Junk Wagon"

    All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa
    Daversafications Publications (ASCAP),

    Except “All the Things You Are” by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II

    #drmarshallhawkins #idyllwildarts #idyllwildsummerarts #jazzbass #bass #milesdavis #milesdavisquintet #johndaversa #johndaversapodcast #jazzpodcast #jazzeducator


    Support the show

    ►Credits
    Host and Producer: John Daversa
    Video: Max Nierlich
    Audio: Dudley Merriam
    Additional Audio: Jake Sonderman
    Video and Audio Editing: Yang Yang
    Izzi Guzman: Graphic Design

    Recorded in Miami, FL

    ►Music
    "The John Daversa Podcast"
    "Moonlight Muse"
    "Junk Wagon"


    All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa
    Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 5 min
  • Michel Camilo: Creative flow, no ego, and commitment to practice!
    Jun 13 2025

    Episode 16: Michel Camilo, Grammy, Latin Grammy, and Emmy Winning Pianist, Composer, and Bandleader

    ►Michel Camilo website: https://www.michelcamilo.com

    ►Key Moments:
    0:00 - Introductions

    1:28: Attention to detail and standards of excellence, and learning never ends

    8:05: Where does the motivation come from?

    9:40: Refusing mediocrity

    12:10: Magnetism and engaging the audience

    15:05: Creative flow, no ego, and commitment to practice!

    20:39: What do you practice?

    24:30: Is there a difference between entertainment and artistry?

    32:00: What are you working on now?

    ►Follow John Daversa Online:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndaversa/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnDaversaMusic/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/johndaversamusic
    Website: http://www.johndaversa.com

    ►Credits
    Host and Producer: John Daversa

    Video Capture: Max Nierlich

    Audio Capture: Jake Sonderman

    Video and Audio Editing: Izzi Guzman
    Graphic Design: Izzi Guzman


    Recorded in Coral Gables, FL, April 24, 2024

    ►Music
    "The John Daversa Podcast"
    "Moonlight Muse"
    "Junk Wagon"

    All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa
    Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)

    #michelcamilo #michelcamilotrio #piano #jazzpiano #johndaversa #johndaversapodcast #jazzpodcast #jazzeducator


    Support the show

    ►Credits
    Host and Producer: John Daversa
    Video: Max Nierlich
    Audio: Dudley Merriam
    Additional Audio: Jake Sonderman
    Video and Audio Editing: Yang Yang
    Izzi Guzman: Graphic Design

    Recorded in Miami, FL

    ►Music
    "The John Daversa Podcast"
    "Moonlight Muse"
    "Junk Wagon"


    All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa
    Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    38 min
  • Anat Cohen: Creativity, Acknowledging Fear and Developing Trust
    May 27 2025

    Episode 15: Anat Cohen: Grammy-Nominated Clarinetist, Saxophonist & Composer

    ►Anat Cohen website: https://www.anatcohen.com

    ►Key Moments:
    0:00 - Introductions
    1:32: A discussion about collaboration and bandleading

    8:00: the challenges of the “hang”

    10:30: Listening to your own recordings through other’s ears.

    14:35: The possibility of a solo clarinet album!

    20:45: The vulnerability of playing duo

    23:43: navigating the business stuff and the necessity of self-promotion

    27:30: Lyrics, words, and languages

    32:20: Acknowledging fear and developing trust

    42:00: Creativity: Structure and Imagination

    44:44: Honest and pure approaches to improvisation

    47:20: Planning career intentions (?) and doing it NOW.

    51:45: Music has to mean something.


    ►Follow John Daversa Online:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndaversa/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnDaversaMusic/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/johndaversamusic
    Website: http://www.johndaversa.com

    ►Credits
    Host and Producer: John Daversa

    Video Capture: Max Nierlich

    Audio Capture: Jake Sonderman

    Video and Audio Editing: Izzi Guzman
    Graphic Design: Izzi Guzman


    Recorded in Coral Gables, FL, April 19, 2024

    ►Music
    "The John Daversa Podcast"
    "Moonlight Muse"
    "Junk Wagon"

    All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa
    Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)

    #anatcohen #clarinet #saxophone #johndaversa #johndaversapodcast #jazzpodcast #jazzeducator

    Support the show

    ►Credits
    Host and Producer: John Daversa
    Video: Max Nierlich
    Audio: Dudley Merriam
    Additional Audio: Jake Sonderman
    Video and Audio Editing: Yang Yang
    Izzi Guzman: Graphic Design

    Recorded in Miami, FL

    ►Music
    "The John Daversa Podcast"
    "Moonlight Muse"
    "Junk Wagon"


    All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa
    Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    57 min
  • Marcus Miller: Miles Davis, Luther Vandross, Grover Washington, Jr., Wynton Kelly, Filmscoring...
    Mar 15 2025

    Episode 14: Grammy-Award Winning Multi-Instrumentalist, Producer, Composer, and Music Icon, Marcus Miller

    ►Marcus Miller website: https://www.marcusmiller.com

    ►Key Moments:

    0:00 - Introductions

    1:49: John’s “Fat Time” car accident story

    3:21: Producing Miles Davis’ Tutu, Siesta, and Amandla and more…

    19:40: The bass clarinet

    23:20: Miles Davis mentorship

    33:55: The recording of Grover Washington Jr.’s “Just the Two of Us”

    38:30: The recording of Donald Fagen’s “The Nightfly”

    42:10: Luther Vandross

    48:30: Scoring for films

    55:55: The acoustic bass

    56:55: Wynton Kelly

    57:18: Funk and Fusion, and “you gotta learn jazz”

    1:01:47: The Jazz Cruises and communicating with audiences.

    1:07:42: “What are you excited about now?”


    ►Follow John Daversa Online:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndaversa/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnDaversaMusic/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/johndaversamusic
    Website: http://www.johndaversa.com

    ►Credits
    Host and Producer: John Daversa

    Video Capture: Max Nierlich

    Audio Capture: Jake Sonderman

    Video and Audio Editing: Yang Yang
    Graphic Design: Izzi Guzman


    Recorded in Coral Gables, FL, March 4, 2024

    ►Music
    "The John Daversa Podcast"
    "Moonlight Muse"
    "Junk Wagon"

    All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa
    Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)

    #marcusmiller #electricbass #filmscore #johndaversa #johndaversapodcast #jazzpodcast #jazzeducator #amandla #thenightfly “justthetwoofus #milesdavis

    Support the show

    ►Credits
    Host and Producer: John Daversa
    Video: Max Nierlich
    Audio: Dudley Merriam
    Additional Audio: Jake Sonderman
    Video and Audio Editing: Yang Yang
    Izzi Guzman: Graphic Design

    Recorded in Miami, FL

    ►Music
    "The John Daversa Podcast"
    "Moonlight Muse"
    "Junk Wagon"


    All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa
    Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 11 min
  • Jeff Babko: Work Ethic, Navigating Creativity, Film and Television, and Touring
    Feb 11 2025

    Episode 13: Jeff Babko, Keyboardist, Musical Director, Producer, Composer, Arranger, (Jimmy Kimmel, Toto, James Taylor, Steve Gadd, Sheryl Crow, Martin Short, and more!)

    ►Jeff Babko website: https://www.jeffbabko.com

    ►Key Moments:
    0:00 - Introductions
    1:56: Back at University of Miami

    4:26: Vinyl collection

    6:06: How do manage consuming music?

    10:55: 1990’s Jazz fusion, the young lions, and the gig with Julio Iglesias

    19:05: Joining drummer/producer Simon Phillips

    22:00: Work ethic, discipline, details, and the love…

    27:55: Robben Ford, Toshi Yanagi, blue hair, and auditioning for the Martin Short Show

    32:55: The Wayne Brady Show, touring with Marty Short and Wayne Brady, and joining the Jimmy Kimmel Show. “Everyone working is a good thing”.

    36:12: Navigating tours with Toto, James Tayler, Steve Gadd, Steely Dan, Steve Martin and Martin Short, while playing the Jimmy Kimmel Show.

    38:27: The character of the comedic accompanist

    41:06: Julio Iglesias story (and the “wrong notes”). Be aware, read the situation.

    44:37: What’s coming next? Managing finances

    47:37: Transitioning into the role of the “seasoned veteran”, and mentor.

    51:16: Jeff and John play some D dorian model duo…


    ►Follow John Daversa Online:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndaversa/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnDaversaMusic/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/johndaversamusic
    Website: http://www.johndaversa.com

    ►Credits
    Host and Producer: John Daversa

    Video Capture: Max Nierlich

    Audio Capture: Jake Sonderman

    Video and Audio Editing: Yang Yang

    Graphic Design: Izzi Guzman


    Recorded in Coral Gables, FL, March 1, 2024

    ►Music
    "The John Daversa Podcast"
    "Moonlight Muse"
    "Junk Wagon"

    All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa
    Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)

    #jeffbabko #jazzpiano #johndaversa #johndaversapodcast #jazzpodcast #jazzeducator #jimmykimmelshow


    Support the show

    ►Credits
    Host and Producer: John Daversa
    Video: Max Nierlich
    Audio: Dudley Merriam
    Additional Audio: Jake Sonderman
    Video and Audio Editing: Yang Yang
    Izzi Guzman: Graphic Design

    Recorded in Miami, FL

    ►Music
    "The John Daversa Podcast"
    "Moonlight Muse"
    "Junk Wagon"


    All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa
    Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    57 min
  • Bob Sheppard: Creative Community, L.A. Recording, Curiosity, and Freddie Hubbard
    Jan 17 2025

    Episode 12: A conversation with renowned jazz artist and educator, Bob Sheppard

    ►Bob Sheppard website: https://www.bobsheppard.net

    ►Key Moments:
    0:00 - Introductions
    1:33 – Playing with the JD Big Band
    2:15 – Bob’s studio and cultivating a creative community in Los Angeles
    14:15 –Being on the scene, practicing, merit, and the social scene…
    27:50 – Thoughts and observations about practicing
    37:15 – Recording work in L.A.
    40:10 – Teaching, curiosity, sound, trying different equipment, and practicing the ends of notes
    56:43 – Truth telling and caring for students.
    59:15 – Playing with Freddie Hubbard
    1:18:26– Bob and John play a little free duo.

    ►Follow John Daversa Online:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndaversa/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnDaversaMusic/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/johndaversamusic
    Website: http://www.johndaversa.com

    ►Credits
    Host and Producer: John Daversa
    Video Capture: Max Nierlich
    Audio Capture: Jake Sonderman
    Video and Audio Editing: Yang Yang
    Graphic Design: Izzi Guzman

    Recorded in Coral Gables, FL, February 28, 2024

    ►Music
    "The John Daversa Podcast"
    "Moonlight Muse"
    "Junk Wagon"

    All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa
    Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)

    #bobsheppard #jazzsaxophone #johndaversa #johndaversapodcast #jazzpodcast #jazzeducator


    Support the show

    ►Credits
    Host and Producer: John Daversa
    Video: Max Nierlich
    Audio: Dudley Merriam
    Additional Audio: Jake Sonderman
    Video and Audio Editing: Yang Yang
    Izzi Guzman: Graphic Design

    Recorded in Miami, FL

    ►Music
    "The John Daversa Podcast"
    "Moonlight Muse"
    "Junk Wagon"


    All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa
    Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 21 min