Shows
Spotlight ConversationsSpotlight Conversation with Nikki GiovanniIn Tribute to the legendary writer, poetess, educator and friend Nikki Giovanni, who transitioned on December 9, 2024, I want to share the very first Spotlight Conversation that I was honored to have with this legend back in 2006. Nikki invited me down to Virginia Tech for this interview which quite frankly, put SOJPRadio on the map! Enjoy the wisdom and knowledge of Nikki Giovanni
2024-12-121h 59
Spotlight ConversationsSpotlight Conversation with Fabien EngerI am pleased to have with me today a young man who stands out as one of the most promising new voices in the emerging French jazz wave, excelling as a trumpeter, improviser, bandleader, educator, and composer. His remarkable journey between the United States and Europe demonstrates his exceptional talent, making his artistry authentic, grounded, and creative. I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing his unique artistry at an engagement at the Black Squirrel Club here in Philadelphia, and to say the least he was remarkable.
2024-11-2437 min
Spotlight ConversationsSpotlight Conversations with Toni Momma T CurtisI had a wonderfully laid back discussion with one of the featured artists on SOJP's upcoming Fall event "Autumn Leaves," Toni “Momma-T” Curtis. Singer Songwriter Poet Director and ProducerMomma-T has a flair for putting words together and an expansive range of thoughts that makes her poetry soar.
2024-10-071h 00
Spotlight ConversationsSpotlight Conversations with Deborah SmithIt was indeed a pleasure to have a conversation with a young Lioness in the world of jazz. My guest today is a trombonist, educator, composer/arranger, bandleader and a undergrad student at Temple University's Boyer College of Music.
2024-10-0656 min
Spotlight ConversationsSpotlight Conversation with Kavita ShahI had the pleasure of having an enjoyable conversation with Kavita Shah, an award-winning vocalist, composer, researcher, and educator who makes work in deep engagement with the jazz tradition, while also addressing and advancing its global sensibilities. A lifelong New Yorker of Indian origin hailed for possessing an “amazing dexterity for musical languages.
2023-10-121h 07
Spotlight ConversationsSpotlight Conversation with Bethlehem RobersonI had the chance to speak with Bethlehem Roberson a multi-talented singer, poetess and "Vocussionist." If you've never heard the term Vocussionist, Bethlehem will break it down for us. She's truly an amazing artist and we're so glad that she had the time to speak with us.
2023-08-011h 03
Spotlight ConversationsSpotlight Conversation with Lizeth Dunn aka LGD Poet"Lizeth Dunn (Aka Lgdpoet) was born on April 27, 1979 in Guayaquil, Ecuador to her Ecuadorian parents who immigrated to the United State when she was the tender age of two. She is the eighth of eleven children and has a twin sister. She grew up in an environment where abuse echoed in her home. Yet she found ways to cherish the good moments in her youth. She discovered her love for poetry twenty-five years after her first heartbreak. Lizeth continued to write in silence keeping her stories close to her heart. After the end of a long-term relationship and the...
2023-06-0952 min
Spotlight ConversationsSpotlight Conversation with Monet' CheriseWhat a wonderful conversation I had with Monet, whose musical repertoire is diverse with influences drawn from jazz, soul, latin, classical, folk, house and funk. Fundamentally, however, her sound is purely rooted in organic soul. The influences are a glorious amalgamation of Marvin Gaye, Joni Mitchell, Bob Marley, Sade and Hubert Laws. Surrounded by multiple genres of music by both parents - her mother a doo-wop singer and her father a manager of jazz and Latin artists. Monet's - musical roots run deep. A little known fact is that she was accepted to the prestigious Cornell University at the...
2023-03-171h 03
Spotlight ConversationsSpotlight Conversation with Linda SikhakhaneLinda Sikhakhane is a South African born saxophonist, composer and arranger. He was born in Umlazi Township near Durban where his love for music was triggered at an early age. In keeping with the tradition of Spotlight Conversations, we had a very laid back, informative conversation that I hope you will enjoy.
2022-10-0145 min
Spotlight ConversationsSpotlight Conversation with Poeticc SerenityyI had the pleasure of welcoming poetess L.N. Mallory aka Poeticc Serenityy as a guest on Spotlight Conversations. She's the author of Tears of a Butterflyy Poetry Collection. Mallory enjoys expressing her thoughts and feelings through words. Her passion for writing came about after the passing of her mother in 2018. Mallory needed a way to release her emotions. True tears escaped on paper and created her poetic words. After a year of writing Mallory decided to write her first poetry book, Tears of a Butterflyy. This is only the beginning of her journey as a poet and writer...
2022-08-0647 min
Spotlight ConversationsSpotlight Conversation with KimpedroAuthor, Educator, Visionary, Illustrator, Drummer and Creative Consultant KIMPEDRO stopped by the SOJP Studio for a rousing conversation about his artistic pursuits, the arts and community involvement.
2022-07-091h 12
Spotlight ConversationsSpotlight Conversation with Aziza MillerAziza Miller knows New York. It's her home. The pulse and the energy of the city manifests in her fusion of funk, jazz, soul, Latin, and spoken word. New York also knows Aziza. Some of the city's most prestigious venues have welcomed her to standing room-only crowds. Whether headlining at Joe’s Pub, The Blue Note, Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar, The Metropolitan Room, Brooklyn Academy of Music's BAM Café, or any number of other celebrated haunts, Aziza spellbinds audiences with her original compositions and peerless musicianship. And it's not just New Yorkers who thrill to Aziza's soulful yet sophisticated mel...
2022-06-0637 min
Spotlight ConversationsSpotlight Conversation with Champian FultonJoining me in this Spotlight Conversation all the way from Copenhagen, Denmark Champian Fulton is considered one of the most gifted, pure Jazz musicians of her generation. She grew up with music in the home; her mother and father (Jazz trumpeter and educator Stephen Fulton) recognized her fascination with music at an early age. The presence of her father’s musician friends, including Clark Terry and Major Holley, inspired her focus on Jazz. ENJOY!
2022-03-1931 min
Spotlight ConversationsSpotlight Conversation with Dee Dee McNeilBorn in Detroit, Michigan, Dee Dee McNeil's first published poetry was in the early 60's. She became a part of the legendary Motown Record Company on West Grand Blvd as a Contract Songwriter, (singing and playing piano)and is still receiving royalty money for tunes she penned on The Four Tops, Edwin Starr, Diana Ross & the Supremes, Gladys Knight & the Pips, David Ruffin, Kiki Dee and more. Later, she had hit records on Bob Marley's wife Rita (The Beauty of Gods Plan) and a big seller on Nancy Wilson, (There'll Always Be Forever). In 1970 she relocated to the Los...
2022-02-2355 min
Spotlight ConversationsConversation with the legendary Pat Martino When Spotlight On Jazz & Poetry was created in 2008, I was honored to have a conversation with the legendary guitarist Mr. Pat Martino. The conversation was amazing considering that in 1980 Pat had a near fatal brain aneurysm and then recovered to regain his stature as one of the best to ever play. Afterwards we became friends and stayed in touch. On November 1, 2021 Pat Martino crossed over after a lengthy illness.
2022-01-1848 min
Spotlight ConversationsSpotlight Conversation with Rod TateI had the pleasure of having a conversation with saxophonist/songwriter, producer Rod about his craft, the importance of jazz and poetry to our culture and the impact of this COVID 19 pandemic on his artistry.
2021-12-1249 min
Spotlight ConversationsSpotlight Conversations with Odean PopeJoin me for a down to Earth conversation with a legend of jazz. A fiery and often intense tenor saxophonist, Odean Pope emerged from the great Philadelphia jazz tradition that birthed players from Khan Jamal and Jimmy Heath to Archie Shepp, Rufus Harley, and Byard Lancaster -- not to mention John Coltrane (whom he replaced in Jimmy Smith's band at the great saxophonist's suggestion, when Trane joined the Miles Davis quintet). Pope is also a composer, arranger, and musical theorist. His trademark sound integrates the gospel of the Southern Baptist Church he was reared in, bop, modal, and free...
2021-11-2145 min
Spotlight ConversationsSpotlight Conversation with Irene JalentiI had a wonderful conversation with Italian-born, Baltimore-based jazz vocalistIrene Jalenti. I witnessed her LIVE in concert at Keystone Korner in Baltimore, MD. on October 21, 2021, and she is a dynamic, soulful, and passionate performer and composer who brought the art of storytelling on stage with her performance. Her naturally deep tone and an impressively wide range is just incredible!
2021-11-0750 min
Spotlight ConversationsSpotlight Conversation with LyriQMarie Grady, affectionately known in the entertainment world as LyriQ, is a painter, an author, a spoken word artist, and a custom clothing and apparel designer.
2021-10-2557 min
Spotlight ConversationsSpotlight Conversation with Orustus AdeI had the opportunity to have a conversation with Orustus Ade aka The Spoken One. This brother is an absolute poetic beast. The only thing that can eclipse his writing is his dynamic delivery.
2021-10-101h 02
Spotlight ConversationsSpotlight Conversation with BRIA SKONBERGJoin Bigtrigger for a very cool conversation with Bria Skonberg, who has become the shining hope of hot jazz, on the strength of a clarion trumpet style indebted to Louis "Pops" Armstrong, a smooth purr of a singing voice inspired by Anita O’Day, and the wholesome glow of youth. “...a mature, versatile musician who sings and plays with confidence in any style she wants, from country to modern jazz.” - All About Jazz
2021-09-2642 min
Spotlight ConversationsClayton Bigtrigger Corley, Sr. FRONT & CENTERFor this maiden voyage of Spotlight Conversations; Clayton Bigtrigger Corley, Sr., CEO, Host/Producer of the award winning online program Spotlight On Jazz & Poetry, was interviewed by poetess, host/producer of the internet program Bodies at Rest, Donna Kirven aka Celestial Dancer. Donna is also the cofounder of SOJPRadio.
2021-09-091h 03
LINER NOTESClick the artists name or picture below and listen toSPOTLIGHT CONVERSATIONS with Clayton "Bigtrigger" Corley featuringRONI BEN-HUR
2013-10-1342 minLINER NOTESSpeaking Life's Truth'sLAINI MATAKAWanda Robinson better known as Laini Mataka was born and raised in Baltimore, Md., one of 10 children, and was raised by her Grandmother. She's been writing poetry since the age of thirteen. Her first paid writing gig was composing letters, at a quarter apiece, for girls whose boyfriends were being sent to Vietnam. She wrote about, she says, "things I knew nothing about": "it was all about love- 'oh, he broke my heart!'"As the war progressed and she entered college, her work became more political. After hearing R&B...
2013-10-0642 min