Explore every episode of the podcast John Daversa Podcast
Dive into the complete episode list for John Daversa Podcast. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
Sean Jones: Eternal Consciousness, The Last Album, and the 3 "Enough's"
24 Sep 2025
01:05:37
Episode 18: Sean Jones
âșabout 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:
âEternity is in love with the creations of timeâ ~William Blake
âMany are called, but few are chosenâ.
âMy teacher saved my life, manâ. ~Sean Jones
âEvery ending is a new beginningâ
âFaith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seenâ.
âThe trumpet is the mirror of the mindâ ~Bill Fielder
âEradicate the âtâ off of âcanâtâ, and say I canâ ~Bill Fielder
Ego: âI becomes bigger than âweâ⊠~Sean Jones
âșKey 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 âcalledâ. âMany are called, but few are chosenâ.
20:40: Growing up in the church in Warren, Ohio. Wanting to be a teacher and having great teachers. âMy teacher saved my life, manâ.
26:30: Navigating racism and ignorance.
27:50: Return to an elevated human consciousness. âEvery ending is a new beginningâ
29:52: Unity and the illusion of separation, Herbie Hancockâs mission
34:28: Faith: âYou become what you believeâ. âFaith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seenâ.
39:00: Words are so powerful. âThe trumpet is the mirror of the mindâ ~Bill Fielder, âEradicate the âtâ off of âcanâtâ, and say I canâ~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 mindâs eye.
55:20: Define ego: Itâs when âI becomes bigger than âweââŠ
The illusion is always there along with the truth
57:44: âMy last albumâ, and whatâs next
1:00:00 Resistance to barriers and programs. âThe resources are thereâ.
1:04:04: The 3 âenoughsâ of life
âșFollow John Daversa Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndaversa/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnDaversaMusic/ YouTube:Â https://www.youtube.com/johndaversamusic Website: http://www.johndaversa.com Â
âșCredits 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
âșMusic "The John Daversa Podcast" "Moonlight Muse" "Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa Daversafications Publications (ASCAP),
âșCredits 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
âșMusic "The John Daversa Podcast" "Moonlight Muse" "Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)
Dr. Marshall Hawkins: L.O.V.E. and Life Mission
11 Aug 2025
01:04:50
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 moreâŠ
âșabout Dr. Hawkins: https://idyllwildarts.org/people/marshall-hawkins/
Selected quotes from our podcast:
·   âPay attention to your subject matter. Your subject matter is your lifeâ
·   âI think about that first note that Iâm going to play. I think about that note with such reverence, that I may never get a chance to play that note againâ.
·   âDonât let anyone get in the way of you and the love in your heartâ. âDonât get in the way of my love. I will fight youâ.
·   âYou have to be careful what you wish for because youâre going to get it. So, youâve got to be preparedâ.
·   âIâve never, never thought about moneyâ.
âșKey Moments: 0:00 - Introductions
2:16: Earliest memories, gift of memory, and âsecond childhoodâ
5:07: Growing up in Washington D.C. in the 1940âs, âVictory Gardensâ, church, being humble, âC Jam Bluesâ, 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, âU.S. Historyâ, and scout master.
21:40: Voices above the crowd and becoming a professional musician.
26:58: L.O.V.E. and not taking the âJâ out of joy.
31:49: Louis Armstrong: âwhat are you going to do to leave a legacy for humanityâ?
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 Travelinâ 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, âwe know who you areâ
55:50: Advice for young musicians: âSilence is golden!âÂ
59:03: Marshall and John improvise âAll the Things You Areâ
âșFollow John Daversa Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndaversa/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnDaversaMusic/ YouTube:Â https://www.youtube.com/johndaversamusic Website: http://www.johndaversa.com Â
âșCredits 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
âșMusic "The John Daversa Podcast" "Moonlight Muse" "Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa Daversafications Publications (ASCAP),
Except âAll the Things You Areâ by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II
âșCredits 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
âșMusic "The John Daversa Podcast" "Moonlight Muse" "Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)
Michel Camilo: Creative flow, no ego, and commitment to practice!
13 Jun 2025
00:37:50
Episode 16: Michel Camilo, Grammy, Latin Grammy, and Emmy Winning Pianist, Composer, and Bandleader
âșCredits 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
âșMusic "The John Daversa Podcast" "Moonlight Muse" "Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)
Anat Cohen: Creativity, Acknowledging Fear and Developing Trust
âșCredits 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
âșMusic "The John Daversa Podcast" "Moonlight Muse" "Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)
Marcus Miller: Miles Davis, Luther Vandross, Grover Washington, Jr., Wynton Kelly, Filmscoring...
15 Mar 2025
01:10:32
Episode 14: Grammy-Award Winning Multi-Instrumentalist, Producer, Composer, and Music Icon, Marcus Miller
âșMarcus Miller website: https://www.marcusmiller.com
âșKey Moments:
0:00 - Introductions
1:49: Johnâs âFat Timeâ car accident story
3:21: Producing Miles Davisâ Tutu, Siesta, and Amandla and moreâŠ
19:40: The bass clarinet
23:20: Miles Davis mentorship
33:55: The recording of Grover Washington Jr.âs âJust the Two of Usâ
38:30: The recording of Donald Fagenâs âThe Nightflyâ
42:10: Luther Vandross
48:30: Scoring for films
55:55: The acoustic bass
56:55: Wynton Kelly
57:18: Funk and Fusion, and âyou gotta learn jazzâ
1:01:47: The Jazz Cruises and communicating with audiences.Â
1:07:42: âWhat are you excited about now?âÂ
âșFollow John Daversa Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndaversa/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnDaversaMusic/ YouTube:Â https://www.youtube.com/johndaversamusic Website: http://www.johndaversa.com Â
âșCredits 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
âșMusic "The John Daversa Podcast" "Moonlight Muse" "Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)
âșCredits 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
âșMusic "The John Daversa Podcast" "Moonlight Muse" "Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)
Jeff Babko: Work Ethic, Navigating Creativity, Film and Television, and Touring
11 Feb 2025
00:56:43
Episode 13: Jeff Babko, Keyboardist, Musical Director, Producer, Composer, Arranger, (Jimmy Kimmel, Toto, James Taylor, Steve Gadd, Sheryl Crow, Martin Short, and more!)
âșJeff Babko website: https://www.jeffbabko.com
âșKey Moments: 0:00 - Introductions 1:56: Back at University of Miami
4:26: Vinyl collection
6:06: How do manage consuming music?
10:55: 1990âs 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 loveâŠ
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. âEveryone working is a good thingâ.
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 âwrong notesâ). Be aware, read the situation.
44:37: Whatâs coming next? Managing financesÂ
47:37: Transitioning into the role of the âseasoned veteranâ, and mentor.
51:16: Jeff and John play some D dorian model duoâŠ
âșFollow John Daversa Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndaversa/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnDaversaMusic/ YouTube:Â https://www.youtube.com/johndaversamusic Website: http://www.johndaversa.com Â
âșCredits 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
âșMusic "The John Daversa Podcast" "Moonlight Muse" "Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)
âșCredits 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
âșMusic "The John Daversa Podcast" "Moonlight Muse" "Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)
Bob Sheppard: Creative Community, L.A. Recording, Curiosity, and Freddie Hubbard
17 Jan 2025
01:20:59
Episode 12: A conversation with renowned jazz artist and educator, Bob Sheppard
âșKey Moments: 0:00 - Introductions 1:33 â Playing with the JD Big Band 2:15 â Bobâs studio and cultivating a creative community in Los Angeles 14:15 âBeing on the scene, practicing, merit, and the social scene⊠27:50 â Thoughts and observations about practicing 37:15 â Recording work in L.A. 40:10 â Teaching, curiosity, sound, trying different equipment, and practicing the ends of notes 56:43 â Truth telling and caring for students. 59:15 â Playing with Freddie Hubbard 1:18:26â Bob and John play a little free duo.
âșFollow John Daversa Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndaversa/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnDaversaMusic/ YouTube:Â https://www.youtube.com/johndaversamusic Website: http://www.johndaversa.com Â
âșCredits 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
âșMusic "The John Daversa Podcast" "Moonlight Muse" "Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)
âșCredits 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
âșMusic "The John Daversa Podcast" "Moonlight Muse" "Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)
Michael Mayo: Professionalism, Showing up for Yourself, "2 Strikes", and Gaming
05 Oct 2024
00:54:01
Episode 11: A conversation with acclaimed singer, songwriter, (and gamer!), Michael Mayo
âșMichael Mayo website: https://www.michaelmayomusic.com
âșKey Moments: 0:00 - Introductions 2:51 â Musical upbringing and influences 5:40 â Learning about professionalism 8:08 âMore about professionalism and boundaries: â2 strikesâ. Know your worth. 12:00 â The âshedâ mentality 14:20 â Practicing âGiant Stepsâ and the small, tiny details 19:04 â Being a singer in an instrumental world. (Proving âthemâ wrong). 23:56 â The voice has moods and the musical self has moods. Showing up for yourself. 26:00 â How to deliver notes with a positive spirit. 27:13 â Influential mentors and the Thelonious Monk/Herbie Hancock Institute. Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter (and the movie, The Langoliers). 36:49 â âDesert islandâ records and musical influences. 41:42 â Pandemic time, going âin the caveâ. 43:00: Gaming and how itâs become a âshedâ for music. 48:04: Exploring instruments you donât play. âSometimes it can be easier when you donât have the chopsâ 49:05: New album! 51:05: Back home in L.A. 52:10: Where can people find you?
âșFollow John Daversa Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndaversa/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnDaversaMusic/ YouTube:Â https://www.youtube.com/johndaversamusic Website: http://www.johndaversa.com Â
âșCredits Host and Producer: John Daversa
Video Capture and Editing: Max Nierlich Audio Capture: Jake Sonderman and Dudley Merriam Graphic Design: Izzi Guzman
Recorded in Coral Gables, FL, February 17, 2024
âșMusic "The John Daversa Podcast" "Moonlight Muse" "Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)Â
âșCredits 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
âșMusic "The John Daversa Podcast" "Moonlight Muse" "Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)
Ari Hoenig: Composing and Playing, Dedication, and "Why the Drums"?
04 Sep 2024
00:54:38
Episode 10: A conversation with jazz drummer, composer, educator, and entrepreneur, Ari Hoenig
Ari Hoenig is a jazz drummer, composer, and educator known for his unusual and intense approach to drumming emphasizing complex rhythms in direct harmony with other group members. Ari is widely noted particularly for his drumming not being relegated to just keeping tempo, or being a side issue to the music he plays in, but rather for elevating drumming as an indispensable part of the performance.
âșKey Moments: 0:00 - Introductions 2:20 â Musical upbringing and influences 7:53 â Teaching practices and philosophies 12:47 âWhy the drums? 18:00 â The decision to be a professional musician. Career day! âI wanna be a drummerââŠor a âfruit visionaryâ. 23:50 â Going to North Texas⊠30:28 â Composing 36:02 â How playing and composing influence each other 40:22 â Where does your dedication derive from? 44:40 â How do you approach new musical situations? 48:40 â Where can we find you? 49:31 â Ari Hoenig and John Daversa Duo !!
âșFollow John Daversa Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndaversa/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnDaversaMusic/ YouTube:Â https://www.youtube.com/johndaversamusic Website: http://www.johndaversa.com Â
âșCredits Host and Producer: John Daversa Video Editing: Max Nierlich Video and Audio Capture: Dudley Merriam Graphic Design: Marcus Sasseville Additional Graphic Design: Izzi Guzman Recorded in Coral Gables, FL, February 19, 2024
âșMusic "The John Daversa Podcast" "Moonlight Muse" "Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)
âșCredits 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
âșMusic "The John Daversa Podcast" "Moonlight Muse" "Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)
Jazzmeia Horn: The Teacher Mission
04 Aug 2024
00:52:02
Episode 9: A conversation with Multi-Award Winning Artist, Educator, and Entrepreneur, Jazzmeia Horn
âHorn is among the most exciting young vocalists in jazz, with a proud traditionalism that keeps her tightly linkedto the sound of classic figures like Nancy Wilson and Betty Carter, but a vivacity of spirit and conviction that places her firmly in the presentâ
~The New York Times
~Jazzmeiaâs mother
âWhat do you do with what you know how to do?
~Jazzmeia Horn
âșKey Moments: 0:00 - Introductions 2:25 â The teacher mission 5:20 â Harriet Horn, Jazzmeiaâs grandmother 8:51 âMusical beginnings in Dallas and the âpeeweeâ choir 14:25 â Early experience with music school 19:55 â The move to New York City 25:43 â âBattle Scarsâ 32:40 â Bandleading styles (balancing feminine and masculine) 37:14 â Empress Legacy Records 44:33 â Whatâs next? 46:28 â The writing process (and Garage Band example)
âșFollow John Daversa Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndaversa/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnDaversaMusic/ YouTube:Â https://www.youtube.com/johndaversamusic Website: http://www.johndaversa.com Â
âșCredits Host and Producer: John Daversa
Video Editing: Max Nierlich
Video and Audio Capture: Dudley Merriam Graphic Design: Marcus Sasseville
Additional Graphic Design: Izzi Guzman
Recorded in Coral Gables, FL, November 6, 2023
âșMusic "The John Daversa Podcast" "Moonlight Muse" "Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)
âșCredits 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
âșMusic "The John Daversa Podcast" "Moonlight Muse" "Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)
Ben Williams: Mentors, Vulnerability, and Social Consciousness
01 Jul 2024
00:59:10
Episode 8: A conversation with Grammy Award winning bassist, composer, singer, bandleader, and producer, Ben Williams
âșBen Williams website: https://www.benwilliamsofficial.com
âWhat makes everybody special is that they are one of one. Nobody can do what you do, and you canât do what anybody else doesâ. ~Ben Williams
âșFollow John Daversa Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndaversa/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnDaversaMusic/ YouTube:Â https://www.youtube.com/johndaversamusic Website: http://www.johndaversa.com Â
âșCredits Host and Producer: John Daversa Video Editing: Max Nierlich Video and Audio Capture: Dudley Merriam Graphic Design: Marcus Sasseville Additional Graphic Design: Izzi Guzman
Recorded in Coral Gables, FL, October 27, 2023
âșMusic "The John Daversa Podcast" "Moonlight Muse" "Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)
âșCredits 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
âșMusic "The John Daversa Podcast" "Moonlight Muse" "Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)
âMy favorite thing to do is to listenâ ~Luciana Souza
âșKey Moments: 0:00 - Introductions 3:22 â Growing up in Brazilian musical culture 8:40 â Godfather, Hermeto Pascoal 11:38 â âthe musicianâs musicianâ. 14:13 â Dorival Caymmi 17:42 â Leaving space in the music 20:54 â Listening and reverence for nature 25:45 â Soul Confidence 29:48 â Whatâs the mission now? 32:34 â Everybody goes to samba school 34:14 â Trumpet players and singing 36:45 â Evolution from fear 37:57 â Protecting soul innocence and nurturing creative music 42:47 â Dafnis Prieto 45:00 â Scheduling the summer, feeding soul confidence, and following the seasons 51:36 â Connecting to the body 53:29: Writing from improvisation
âșFollow John Daversa Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndaversa/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnDaversaMusic/ YouTube:Â https://www.youtube.com/johndaversamusic Website: http://www.johndaversa.com Â
âșCredits Host and Producer: John Daversa
Video Editing: Max Nierlich
Video and Audio Capture: Dudley Merriam Graphic Design: Marcus Sasseville
Additional Graphic Design: Izzi Guzman
Recorded in Miami, FL, April, 2023
âșMusic "The John Daversa Podcast" "Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)
âșCredits 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
âșMusic "The John Daversa Podcast" "Moonlight Muse" "Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)
Sara Gazarek: Merit as Currency, Launching a Career, and Creative Expression
06 May 2024
00:50:41
Episode 6: A conversation Sara Gazarek
âșSara Gazarek website: https://saragazarek.com
Born and raised in Seattle, WA, GRAMMY AwardÂź winning jazz vocalist Sara Gazarek reigns as one of the most creative voices of her generation, and one âwho may well turn out to be the next important jazz singerâ (Los Angeles Times). Collaborating with jazz legends Fred Hersch, Billy Childs, Kurt Elling, and more, and with 6 critically-acclaimed albums under her belt at the age of 40, Gazarek often tours internationally as a soloist/band leader, and as a co-founder of the vocal collective, sĂ€je, whose debut album earned a GRAMMY AwardÂź for Best Arrangement Instruments and Vocals. Sara is a 2023 Chamber Music of America New Jazz Works grant recipient, serves on the LA Chapter Board of Governors for the Recording Academy, and works as an Associate Professor of Jazz Voice at the Eastman School of Music (University of Rochester) where she is currently designing and leading their new jazz voice program. Saraâs full length nonet project, an expansion of her critically celebrated EP Vanity, is set to release in Fall of 2024.
Humanity is at the core of this artform, I am human, everyone is human. If Iâm not embracing the spectrum of humanity, what am I doing with this genre that Iâve dedicated my life to?â ~Sara Gazarek
âșKey Moments: 0:00 - Introductions 4:13 â Seattle, in the beginningâŠÂ 5:48 â given permission to be myself/having respect for the music 7:40 â feeling embarrassed about âthings I didnât knowâ. 10:30 â âEven if I donât know, Iâm going to keep on goingâ. No imposterâs syndrome 13:25 â Launch of a career⊠18:18 â Merit as currency 19:13 ââYou canât control why people write good or bad reviewsâ ~John Clayton 25:00 â âEverything I do, I throw 100% of myself into itâ. 25:37 â No barriers to creative expression 29:19 â Being ok with what we canât control 33:00 â sĂ€je 37:50 â Values and Intentions in music making 43:10 â Thirsty Ghost
âșFollow John Daversa Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndaversa/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnDaversaMusic/ YouTube:Â https://www.youtube.com/johndaversamusic Website: http://www.johndaversa.com Â
âșCredits Host and Producer: John Daversa Video Editing: Max Nierlich Video and Audio Capture: Dudley Merriam Graphic Design: Marcus Sasseville Additional Graphic Design: Izzi Guzman
Recorded in Miami, FL, April, 2023
âșMusic "The John Daversa Podcast" "Moonlight Muse" "Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)
âșCredits 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
âșMusic "The John Daversa Podcast" "Moonlight Muse" "Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)
Maria Schneider: Tough Love, Musical Risk Taking, Bob Brookmeyer, Gil Evans, and David Bowie
28 Mar 2024
01:09:19
Episode 5: A conversation with composer, Maria Schneider.
In this episode with Multi-Grammy Winner, NEA Jazz Master, composer and musician advocate, Maria Schneider, we discuss her new âDecadesâ project, Bob Brookmeyerâs âtough loveâ, a mystical dream with Gil Evans, balancing preparation with letting go, and much moreâŠ
âWhen you do what you love, it telegraphsâ. ~Maria Schneider
âșKey Moments: 0:00 - Introductions 2:58 â âLife StuffââŠTaking care of the aging. 6:40 â The vinyl experience, Mariaâs retrospective âDecadesâ project, and life pivot points 14:33 â Bob Brookmeyer âs âtough loveâ 16:29 â Balancing preparation and letting go, musical risk taking, and some astrology stuff. 27:00 â How do you know when a piece is finished? 28:38 â Doing what you love 30:55 âThe insignificance and significance of a human being. 34:30 âAlchemy through music. 35:24 â How do you help someone to discover their greatness? 40:25 â Ivan Lins story 41:24 â Looking back at your musicand its evolution⊠44:35: Visions and intuition 51:22: Following that âgutâ feeling 57:40: A dream with Gil Evans 1:01:11: Fear of death 1:06:41: A lesson from David Bowie
âșFollow John Daversa Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndaversa/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnDaversaMusic/ YouTube:Â https://www.youtube.com/johndaversamusic Website: http://www.johndaversa.com Â
âșCredits Host and Producer: John Daversa Video Editing: Max Nierlich Video and Audio Capture: Dudley Merriam Graphic Design: Marcus Sasseville
Additional Graphic Design: Izzi Guzman
Recorded in Miami, FL, April 19, 2023
âșMusic "The John Daversa Podcast" "Moonlight Muse" "Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)
âșCredits 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
âșMusic "The John Daversa Podcast" "Moonlight Muse" "Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)
Regina Carter: Detroit, Setting Boundaries, Wynton Marsalis, and Freedom
03 Mar 2024
00:46:12
A conversation with violinist, Regina Carter. âșRegina Carter website: https://reginacarter.com
In this episode with MacArthur Fellow, Doris Duke Artist Award Winner, and Multi-Grammy Nominee, violinist, Regina Carter, we discuss mentorship, sisterhood, setting boundaries, and a new horizon as an end-of-life doula (and more...)
"Dying is about as real as it gets!"Â ~Regina Carter
âșKey Moments: 0:00 - Introductions 2:46 - Reginaâs mother, Grace Carter 8:32 - Yehudi Menuhin 9:12 - The responsibility of being a role model 12:03 - Musical influences, Detroit and beyond 21:26 - Getting permission to say ânoâ 24:27 - Setting boundaries 26:15 - Mentors and sisterhood 31:01 - Wynton Marsalis 33:47 - Freedom 36:52 - Training to be an End-of-Life Doula 43:52 - Thank you! Following instinctsâŠ
âșFollow John Daversa Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndaversa/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnDaversaMusic/ YouTube:Â https://www.youtube.com/johndaversamusic Website: http://www.johndaversa.com Â
âșCredits Host and Producer: John Daversa Audio: Dudley Merriam Marcus Sasseville: Graphic Design
Recorded in Miami, FL, February 20, 2023
âșMusic "The John Daversa Podcast" "Moonlight Muse" "Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)
âșCredits 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
âșMusic "The John Daversa Podcast" "Moonlight Muse" "Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)
Gonzalo Rubalcaba: Timelessness, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Haden, Separation and Unity.
30 Jan 2024
01:06:14
A conversation with Gonzalo Rubalcaba âșGonzalo Rubalcaba website: https://www.gonzalorubalcaba.com
âThe concert is the moment of joy, the work is behind thatâ ~Gonzalo Rubalcaba
âșKey Moments 0:00 Introductions 3:56 Tempo and Time (tiempo), and family influence 15:08 Superman, Flash, and âTimelessnessâ 17:00 Connect, take your time: Itâs not the tempo, itâs the message 19:07 Spaces of separation and unity 19:38 Dizzy Gillespie stories and insights 24:19 Sound, intention, and unique, personal touch 33:03 Dedication to practice. âThe concert is the moment of joy, the work is behind thatâ 37:46 Charlie Haden and Dizzy Gillespieâs mentorship and friendshipâthe responsibility of returning the gift. 55:30 Recognizing when to watch and listen, and thatâs it, âThereâs nothing to doâ. 56:52 Advice for the âlittleâ Gonzalo: âCarefully, but do it again". 59:03 What is talent? 01:01:49 Gonzaloâs motherâs guidance 01:04:40 Thank you for lowering all of our heartbeats, Gonzalo (Flash)!
âșFollow John Daversa Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndaversa/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnDaversaMusic/ YouTube:Â https://www.youtube.com/johndaversamusic Website: http://www.johndaversa.com Â
âșCredits Host and Producer: John Daversa Video: Max Nierlich Audio: Dudley Merriam Marcus Sasseville: Graphic Design
Recorded in Miami, FL, February 15, 2023
âșMusic
"The John Daversa Podcast", composed and arranged by John Daversa
"45", composed by Jay Daversa arranged by John Daversa From Cuarentena: With Family at Home
"Junk Wagon" composed and arranged by John Daversa From Junk Wagon: The Big Band Album
âșCredits 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
âșMusic "The John Daversa Podcast" "Moonlight Muse" "Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)
Dick Oatts and Terell Stafford: Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Dedication, Keep Love Always In the Game
17 Jan 2024
00:53:53
A conversation with Dick Oatts and Terell Stafford.
In this episode with Vanguard Jazz Orchestra veterans, Dick Oatts and Terell Stafford, we discuss "tough love", inspiration, dedication, moms, and the "New York standard", (and much more...)
"Why don't you say "yes" and watch what happens. There's inspiration everywhere you look!" -Dick Oatts
âșKey Moments: 0:00 - Intro 1:32 â Dedication, discipline, routine, and the âNew York standardâ. 10:11 â Humility, Integrity, and Service. 13:51 â When Terell joined the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra⊠16:30 â When challenges push usâŠand Moms are the best! 20:27 â When Dick met Duke Ellington, Johnny Hodges, and Mel Lewis 23:40 â How committed are you? 25:22 â âBudâ Herseth, âthe worldâs greatest trumpet playerâ 30:44 â âStrength equals weakness. Weakness equals strengthâ (Arnold Jacobs) 31:40 â Clark Terry 36:45 âThe next generation of students 44:09 â âArt Blakey was a mirrorâ⊠46:18 â âThe farther you go forward, the father you gotta go backwardsâ 48:36 â You gotta hear Dick Oatts! 50:29: Jon Faddisâ tough love 52:44: Closing
âșCredits 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
âșMusic "The John Daversa Podcast" "Moonlight Muse" "Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)
Jihye Lee: Positivity, Inner Strength, Playfulness, and the Game of New Worlds
07 Dec 2023
00:39:08
Jihye Lee, Brooklyn-based composer, arranger, and conductor. âșJihye Lee website: https://jihyemusic.com
In this episode with composer, Jiyhe Lee, we discuss culture shock, inner strength, love of big band music, K-pop, and more!
âșKey Moments: 0:00 - Intro 2:45 - Musical Values, Intentions, and Inspirations 5:48 - Jihyeâs mission 9:12 - Positivity, Inner Strength, and the Game of New Worlds 12:51 - Falling in love with the Big Band 14:10 - Playfulness, The World Will Be Kind To Me, You, and Everyone 14:55 - Challenges and Struggles 19:28 - Bringing the life stories to the music 25:14 - Korean Pop and Beyond 32:00 - Culture Shock 34:50 - Can Music Be Taught?
âșCredits 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
âșMusic "The John Daversa Podcast" "Moonlight Muse" "Junk Wagon"
All compositions composed and arranged by John Daversa Daversafications Publications (ASCAP)