Castella - From Boardroom to Stage

Castella - From Boardroom to Stage

Author: Easy Jazz FM May 22, 2025 Duration: 29:09

In this edition of Easy Jazz Spotlight, host Britney Dea speaks with California award winning vocalist and song writer Castella. The jazz, soul and R&B performer talks about: her transition from being an executive in the corporate world to an international recording artist; the importance of having mentors; and how she got her stage named "Castella". Following the interview, we play Castella's latest release "Hurt So Bad" with permission from Castella Music (April 2025).


Produced by the team behind the popular soft jazz internet radio station, Easy Jazz Spotlight brings the microphone into the room with the people who shape the sound. This isn't a lecture or a history lesson, though you'll certainly pick up plenty of that along the way. Instead, each episode unfolds as a genuine conversation with a working musician, a thoughtful composer, or a historian who connects the dots. We get into the craft behind the chords and the stories behind the standards, but we also explore why this particular form of expression feels so necessary now. The discussions naturally circle back to jazz's unique role in our often chaotic world-how its improvisational heart and collaborative spirit can offer a different kind of logic, and even a sense of calm and well-being, for those who listen closely. Tune in to hear artists explain their process, share personal inspirations, and reflect on what the genre means to them and to us. You'll come away from this podcast with a deeper appreciation not just for the music itself, but for the quiet resilience and creative joy it represents. Easy Jazz FM created this series to extend the feeling of their radio channel, offering a more intimate, voice-driven companion where the focus is on the creators and the thoughtful space their work inhabits.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 47

Easy Jazz Spotlight
Podcast Episodes
Jazz Sensation Jhavali [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In the Spotlight today is "Jhavali", an Atlanta keyboardist and arranger, who, despite having never performed live in front of an audience, is making waves in the jazz business for her uniquely smooth, upbeat composition…
Toronto Jazz Duo Dizzy and Fay [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:07
In this episode of Easy Jazz Spotlight, guest host Stefan Zaichkowski talks with the popular Toronto jazz duo Dizzy and Fay. The two musicians, whose real names are Mark and Amanda, explain how and why they came up with…
Jazz singer Libby York [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:24
Welcome to Easy Jazz Spotlight, brought to you by Easy Jazz FM Radio. In this episode, guest host John Armato talks with jazz band leader and singer Libby York from Chicago. A veteran of jazz standards, Libby talks to Jo…
Guitarist and composer Jason Goessl [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:06
Welcome to another edition of Easy Jazz Spotlight. He's one of the busiest people in jazz. Guitarist and composer Jason Goessl of Wisconsin is coming out with his first album entitled "The Shakedown" - 11 enchanting trac…
Grammy nominated jazz singer and composer Marilyn Scott [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:23
Welcome to another edition of Easy Jazz Spotlight, produced by Easy Jazz FM (https://easyjazz.fm). In this edition, we feature Grammy nominated jazz singer and composer Marilyn Scott. Scott talks to guest host John Armat…
Portuguese Bassist Cicero Lee [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:34
Cicero Lee of Lisbon, Portugal is growing a large fan base around the globe. In this interview with guest host Stefan Zaichkowski, Lee reveals how he overcomes nervousness before performing - and talks about being introd…
Montreal jazz guitarist Adel Jouini [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:14
He started as a child by playing with a toy drum, has created his own musical instruments, was inspired by George Benson, Stevie Wonder and Pat Metheny - and in our latest podcast interview, admits that when he performs…
Vancouver jazz singer and songwriter Amanda Wood [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:09
In this episode of Easy Jazz Spotlight, host Ken Boyd talks with Vancouver singer and songwriter Amanda Wood. Amanda tells Ken what it was like being a performer during the pandemic, working with jazz artist Jeff Goldblu…
What Really Happened to Chet Baker? Author James Gavin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:45
Easy Jazz Spotlight host Ken Boyd speaks with biographer James Gavin, author of "Deep in a Dream - The Long Night of Chet Baker" about the tragic life of famous jazz trumpeter Chet Baker. In this fascinating interview, K…