When a smooth jazz version of Purple Rain arrived in my inbox I knew it would be either a brilliant cover of Prince’s iconic track or a cheesy damp squib. Instrumental covers of classic tracks are either one or the other – there is no middle ground. Thankfully, I wasn’t […]
Spotlight Interviews
7 posts
Leading jazz performers talk with Steve Hart.
Evan Carydakis is an acclaimed Jazz saxophonist, residing in Tasmania. Born in Melbourne, Victoria, Evan first picked up the saxophone at the age of 15. Initially inspired by Branford Marsalis’s ‘Royal Garden Blues’, it was his family’s influence and love of all music that set Evan on his stylistic journey. […]
On Saturday 24 April I was lucky enough to chat with 26-year-old Michigan-based singer, songwriter and pianist Hannah Baiardi about her career and new album Straight From The Soul. This interview features in Just Jazz show 21. I began by asking Hannah which instrument she first played… You can find […]
I grew up listening to Earth, Wind & Fire’s dance music and played plenty of it as a club DJ in the 1980s. Lots of the group’s music is still doing the rounds thanks to remixed versions bringing them up to date with added drums, percussion and synth embellishments – […]
I got to interview Chicago-based jazz musician Markus Rutz (pronounced roots) for my jazz radio show in April 2020. Broadcasters are welcome to use the interview free of charge – the intro and outro have been written for you… Chicago jazz musician Markus Rutz [pronounced ‘roots’] has just released his […]
Rick Habana is a producer, songwriter, engineer and composer. In this interview Rick tells Steve Hart about his passion for blending music genres to create his unique smooth jazz sound. Born and raised in California, Rick has succeeded in creating a sound that has landed him numerous music placements with […]
Lars Taylor began his musical career in the 1990s; moving from his native Switzerland to work as a popular and versatile session guitarist and keyboard player in Berlin. Back then he was known as Lars Rüetschi (his real name) and was kept busy in the studio – playing on many […]