Pivoted: Recent Episodes
WUCF FM
In this eight-part podcast series called Pivoted, we talk to many of our beloved Central Florida music makers about how their creative work lives have evolved since the COVID shutdown of music venues and performance spaces.
Jeff Rupert, Carol Stein, Benoit Glazer, and Sisaundra Lewis are some of the artists featured in this fascinating look at how music creation continues in their lives and communities.
Jazz and America concludes as UCF's Director of Jazz Studies, saxophonist Jeff Rupert, gives us an even deeper dive into the world of jazz.
As a music arranger and musician, Nat Adderley Jr. has certainly carried on the family legacy left by his father and uncle. Nat joins us today to tell us all about his life and career.
Although he grew up in a musical family, John Tomorowitz doesn't need to play an instrument to know all about jazz. John shows us how important music is to him through his own personal stories.
Champian Fulton is very familiar with WUCF's studio, having performed in our program Live From Studio A. In this episode, she tells us what it was like to grow up surrounded by jazz and how music still fuels her life today.
Patrick McDonald, jazz fan and trumpet player, sits down with us to share his favorite musical moments and memories.
Bassman Nelson Placa may be young- but that hasn't stopped him from learning all about the history of jazz. This UCF Jazz Studies student knows as much about jazz culture as he does about playing.
Long-time professional musician Dan Jordan has a lot to say about jazz, and he's certainly qualified- having toured with musicians like Natalie Cole, Maynard Ferguson, and Paul Anka, he's played with some of the best of the best.
Richard Sloane doesn't just listen to jazz... he's lived it! As a young man, Richard "took the A train" to work every morning. Duke Ellington would be proud!
This week's guest has quite the connection to jazz... she's the daughter of world-famous trumpet player Nat Adderley! Alison Adderley shares how her relationship with jazz has changed from her childhood to now.
Doctor of Ministry Jim Merritt is a master of more than just divinity. Having spent time as a choir director, organist, and minister of music, this jazz fan knows his way around the music world.
Chuck Archard, Senior Artist in Residence at Rollins College, brings the past into the present as he regales us with the good old days of jazz.
WUCF listener and musician Ronald Williams is no stranger to the world of jazz- with plenty of personal anecdotes about his saxophone and piano playing, Ronald's musical journey has been quite an interesting one.
The Piano Lady herself steps into Studio A to deliver her stories of jazz across the airwaves! Carol Stein shares her wealth of knowledge about America's classical music with us.
Byron Barr is a listener and a reader… of liner notes that is! Byron gives a rundown of some of his favorite jazz stories.
This week's guest comes to us straight from the renowned Glenn Miller Orchestra! Trumpet player Joe Young IV talks jazz and why the genre is so distinctly American.
This one's a real WUCF Jazz fan favorite... it's pianist, vocalist, and host of 'Jazz Inspired' Judy Carmichael! Judy brings her love of jazz to the main stage once again as she inspires us to dive deeper into the musical world.
Introducing Sims Kline, a jazz fan who really knows his stuff. As a pianist, his knowledge brings a new perspective on jazz as he tells all about the experiences that have made him the musician and jazz listener he is today.
Imer Santiago isn't just bringing jazz to the Central Florida area through his own playing. As Director of Bands at St. Cloud Middle School, he's helping countless young musicians grow into passionate jazzmen and women.
Joanne Granberry is a big-time lover of jazz and WUCF, and she has the stories to back it up! Joanne gets into her personal connection to jazz and the role it has played in her life.
WUCF Jazz has fans all over the place- even outside of the country. Dedicated listener and trombone player Graeme Arklie tells us why jazz is so important to him.
Hailing from New York, piano man Michael Kramer came down to Orlando as more than just your average jazz fan; as an educator and performer, he sure has left his mark.
High school band veteran Shelli Browning loves everything jazz. A fan of names like Stan Getz, Antonio Carlos Jobim, and David Sanborn, Shelli knows all about the music she loves!
Gerald Law II is a jazzman who not only lives and breathes music - but forms the backbone of it as a drummer. Gerald gives a musician's insight into the story of jazz.
Pianist Andrew Yuska, winner of the Central Florida Jazz Society Scholarship, tells us about his experiences performing in band and what jazz means to him.
Robyn Austin, former host of WUCF's Jazz Most Wanted, shares her vast knowledge and stories of the music she loves- jazz!
The first episode of Jazz and America kicks off with UCF's Director of Jazz Studies and host of Jazz and The American Spirit on 89.9 WUCF Jazz - Jeff Rupert.
Kayonne Riley catches up with Grammy award winning keyboardist Jeanine McAdams who founded Divas of Jazz and can be seen this weekend at the 13th Annual Mayor's Jazz in the Park on March 8! She recalls anecdotes about working with Prince, Janet Jackson, Jacqueline Jones and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis...and how gospel has always been her guide.
She came into our station to speak on her love for the Orlando scene, how Michelle Mailhot played a huge role in her studies and how she has harnessed the process of songwriting. From her first EP in 2015 to her latest release "Glory" in 2025 - a lot has happened in ten years. We love getting to spotlight the amazing artists here in our city, and so does Hannah. She tells us about Song Stringer Presents and her gratitude for places like Judson's Live.
Kayonne Riley speaks with Matt Catingub ahead of WUCF FM's 45th anniversary 'Jazz That Rocks' event.
Jesse Morgado sits down with the legendary George Benson whose career spans over 60 years. This ten-time Grammy winner is a guitarist and singer/songwriter who has transcended jazz, blues, soul, pop, funk, r&b and more. His album ‘Breezin’ is one of the best-selling jazz albums of all time. He is one of the greatest artists of our time and a NEA jazz master.
Kayonne Riley speaks with Champian Fulton about her latest album...or is it two albums?!
What better way to celebrate 45 years than to speak with some of our most integral peers who have helped shape WUCF FM into what it is today? In part two of this captivating two part series, Kayonne speaks with Bob Kelley, Lyman Brodie and Robyn Austin. Tune in for a nostalgic journey through cherished memories and discover what makes Orlando truly exceptional.
What better way to celebrate 45 years than to speak with some of our most integral peers who have helped shape WUCF FM into what it is today? In part one of this captivating two part series, Kayonne speaks with Jeff Rupert, Alan Rock, Alex Diaz and Jen Cook. Tune in for a nostalgic journey through cherished memories and discover what makes Orlando truly exceptional.
Jesse speaks with Dave Meder ahead of his Timucua Arts Foundation appearance on January 19, 2024.
Jesse Morgado catches up with legendary pianist Bob James about his latest record "Jazz Hands", his collaborations, and sampling throughout hip hop history.
Kendra Weaver speaks with Dee Daniels about her involvement in JEN and the conference in Orlando January 2023.
Kendra Weaver speaks with Jeff Coffin and Chuck Owen about their involvement in JEN and the conference in Orlando January 2023.
Kendra Weaver speaks with Socrates Garcia about his involvement in JEN and the conference in Orlando January 2023.
Kendra Weaver speaks with Carl Allen about his involvement in JEN and the conference in Orlando January 2023.
Kayonne Riley had the pleasure of sitting down with the legendary pianist Les McCann- both a masterful sideman as well as leader. They are joined by pianist Joe Alterman - who shares a special friendship with McCann as well as having him as a mentor for the past decade. Alterman's latest album features collaboration with McCann.
Chris talks about what it was like to grow up with Dave Brubeck as his dad, his own musical projects and their family's legacy.
Did you know Judy Carmichael is celebrating her 20th anniversary on the air with her show Jazz Inspired? Kendra recently caught up with Judy to talk about life, music and her future plans. Her memoir is nothing short of amazing!
In this vulnerable and eye opening interview, Kendra and Judy talk about her illustrious career.
"We really like playing to an audience and we do have a great fan base. The people do support what I do and my family and so it's been a wonderful life for me." Hear from our Latin Jazz Artist of the Month Pete Escovedo about his new album on WUCF 89.9 HD2 Latin Jazz.
Kayonne Riley speaks with the multi-Grammy winning Brazilian artist Eliane Elias about her new album “Mirror Mirror” featuring Cuban pianist Chucho Valdés and the late Chick Corea.
Episode 8 of "Pivoted" features soulful singer songwriter Beth Mckee. As head of the Swamp Sistas, she has found a home here in Orlando with many other talented and inspiring women. Mckee discusses new discoveries during quarantine, staying engaged and moving forward.
Episode 7 of "Pivoted" features the driving force behind Central FL Jazz Society, The Orlando Jazz Orchestra and the Glenn Miller Orchestra - Greg Parnell. We talk about coping with things going from 100 to 0, reflecting and what the future looks like for the orchestras.
Episode 6 of "Pivoted" features Hammond B-3 organist and previous on-air announcer Caesar Frazier. He talks about his life as an artist, being in no rush to produce content without quality behind it, and what people can do to pivot in a positive way.
Episode 5 of "Pivoted" features vocalist, arranger and educator Michelle Mailhot. Complete with an unconventional online final exam, a venture into virtual reality and what Orlando built within her to this day - there is something for everyone to latch on to. Mentoring young artists may be her day job, but for Michelle - it's an embodiment and we are lucky to speak with her!
Episode 4 of "Pivoted" features the creator of Timucua Arts Foundation Benoit Glazer. He wears many hats as a conductor, arranger, multi-instrumentalist, educator and more. Find out how busy he's been - working to produce content online weekly, the advantages of home also built for work, and how he continues to support artists in any way that he can. Quarantine may have slowed down life externally, but for Benoit - this is a transition period.
Episode 3 of "Pivoted" features vocalist, director, and choreographer for Céline Dion and previous "The Voice" contestant...Sisaundra Lewis. Find out how she's taken coaching to an online platform, used this time to focus on the 'back burner', and relied on her faith. With a beautiful uplifting personality and vocal range to back it up - Lewis is a star even in her own home.
Episode 2 of "Pivoted" features UCF's Jazz Studies Director Jeff Rupert! He fills us in on how the students have been transitioning to remote education, working with the Florida Youth Jazz Orchestra, creating at home in his yard, and what the Orlando community has done for him personally. He has touched a lot of lives and continues to do so in 2020. Thank you for all that you do!
The first episode of our new podcast "Pivoted" features "The Piano Lady" Carol Stein! With a heart of gold, infectious energy, and positivity oozing from her take on life - the next 25 minutes are bound to make your day. We learn how being furloughed doesn't stop her days...in fact, she's taken up new activities and even bought an RV to travel the country. "Make lemons into lemonade" may be her calling!