Best Cooolcat Podcasts (2024)

1
Coool CAT Episode 177 - Randy Jacobs (The Boneshakers) 29:28

4d ago29:28

29:28

Randy Jacobs grew up in the Motown city launching a career as a songwriter and guitarist. As a member of Was (Not Was) in the early 1980's he honed his musical skills. In the early 1990's Randy played on an album of all-star musicans called Soul Mission. Shortly afterwards, he formed The Boneshakers. Randy shares his insights with award-winning pro…

1
Coool CAT Episode 176 - Ivan Neville 31:15

16d ago31:15

31:15

Ivan Neville grew up with music from his relatives including his uncles Charles, Art, Cyril and of course his Dad - Aaron. Throughout his years Ivan's recorded five solo albums and four more with his band Dumpstaphunk. You'll also find him playing on many New Orleans based compilation albums and films. You may not know that Ivan has also recorded w…

1
Coool CAT Episode 175 - Nathan Mitchell 29:07

1M ago29:07

29:07

Nathan Mitchell is a rising star in contemporary jazz and soul music genres. A composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Nathan is Grammy nominated and has three #1 Billboard songs so far in his career. Multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Nathan during rehearsal in November 2023 to capture his insights on his music, su…

1
Coool CAT Episode 174 - Lindsey Webster 31:10

2M ago31:10

31:10

Lindsey Webster, a jazz, R&B, and Pop singer, has been gaining worldwide fame, since launching on the national music scene in 2013. This rising star's first single "Fool Me Once," reached number one on the smooth jazz charts making her the first vocalist since Sade to have a #1 vocal song in the primarily instrumental format. Lindsey's landed a hal…

1
Coool CAT Episode 173 - Greg Carmichael (Acoustic Alchemy) 30:58

2M ago30:58

30:58

Greg Carmichael is a co-founding member of the Grammy award nominated contemporary jazz group, Acoustic Alchemy. SInce the mid-1980's the band has released over 20 albums. Multi-award winning program director Ray White went backstage at the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival in October of 2023, before the band hit the stage, to talk to Greg about the uni…

1
Coool CAT Episode 172 - Rick Braun 30:16

3M ago30:16

30:16

Rick Braun is a dynamic trumpeter, composer and producer with over 20 #1 smooth jazz hits. Along with his 15 plus studio albums, you'll find Rick collaborating with Richard Elliot, Boney James and Kirk Whalum & Norman Brown in BWB. On this episode multi-award winning program director Ray White hangs out with Rick backstage and they discuss Rick's l…

1
Coool CAT Episode 171 - Eric Essex 30:06

3M ago30:06

30:06

Eric Essex is an incredible contemporary jazz guitarist who has released 29 full length albums since the late 1980's. During his early years he recorded four well received albums and earned a degree from Berklee College of Music. A Warner Brothers distributed label signed Eric in 1998 and his career took off. In the early 2000's, he launched his ow…

1
Coool CAT Episode 170 - Joanne Shaw Taylor 30:37

4M ago30:37

30:37

Joanne Shaw Taylor is a blues guitarist/vocalist/songwriter to keep your eyes on! Her career has skyrocketed since hanging with Joe Bonamassa and Dave Stewart. With over 10 albums released, you'll find her songs charting with each new album. In 2010, Joanne won Best Female Vocalist at the British Blues Awards. In February of 2024, multi-award winni…

1
Coool CAT Episode 169 - Grainger Brothers (Paul Reed Smith Eightlock) 28:35

4M ago28:35

28:35

The Grainger Brothers are two of the hardest working musicians around. From the Baltimore, Maryland area Gary (Bass) and Greg (Drums) can be found as the rhythm section for Acoustic Alchemy and for the Paul Reed Smith band. They also lead their own bands including Grainger, Pockets and several tribute ensembles. Their latest work is with Paul Reed …

1
Coool CAT Episode 168 - Phil Perry 31:24

5M ago31:24

31:24

Phil Perry is among the elite R&B singers in the country. In the R&B Hall of Fame, his vocal talents can be heard on albums by Dave Grusin, George Duke, Najee, Chaka Khan, Fourplay and many more. Phil's solo career has been filled with over a dozen marvelous albums. In this interview, from November of 2014, Coool CAT's Ray White caught up with Phil…

1
Coool CAT Episode 167 - Jay Beckenstein (Spyro Gyra) 33:08

5M ago33:08

33:08

Jay Beckenstein co-founded Spyro Gyra in 1974, and ever since the group has been among the elite music bands in contemporary jazz. Throughout the years the band has garnered numerous Grammy nominations and was tapped for the prestigious George Benson Lifetime Achievement Award. Multi award-winning program director Ray White hung out with Jay at his…

1
Coool CAT Episode 166 - Christian de Mesones 30:02

6M ago30:02

30:02

Christian de Mesones has been playing the bass for over 40 years, gaining national and international acclaim starting in 2017 with several singles and his They Call Me Big New York album. Previously, you could hear him with the Groove Skool Band. His years of performances and recordings propelled him to the top of Billboard's Smooth Jazz Airplay ch…

1
Coool CAT Episode 165 - Norman Brown 31:14

6M ago31:14

31:14

Norman Brown is a guitarist who's been called "a culmination of Jimi Hendrix and George Benson with some Wes Monthgomery thrown in," by Jazz Times magazine. His prowness as a musician and genre-bending facility has made him one of the most sought after internationally renowned musicians in contemporary jazz! Multi award-winning program director Ray…

1
Coool CAT Episode 164 - Holiday Special 2023 28:52

7M ago28:52

28:52

This year we feature the amazing Jonathan Butler and guitarist Randy Jacobs, founder of The Boneshakers, who are winding down the 2023 Dave Koz Christmas Tour. They'll provide insights into their recent holiday projects as we finish up the year with our celebration. In our showcase segment, we bring you more holiday cheer from Joe Bonamassa with Di…

1
Coool CAT Episode 163 - Dave Koz 29:53

7M ago29:53

29:53

Dave Koz is among the elite saxophonists and entertainers in the music industry today. Throughout the year you'll find him on his global sea cruises, with his "Summer Horns" or out on his Christmas Tour - headlining with other world-class musicians. Throuhout the years, Dave's been nominated for numerous Grammy awards in the "Best Pop Instrumental …

1
Coool CAT Episode 162 - Brent Carter (Average White Band) 28:21

8M ago28:21

28:21

Brent Carter has been the lead vocalist for the Average White Band since 2011. Before then, he was the frontman for Tower of Power. Multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Brent backstage to talk about his days with Tower of Power and how he hooked up with AWB. He also shared his insights on Average White Band's latest sudio a…

1
Coool CAT Episode 161 - Bob James 31:26

8M ago31:26

31:26

Bob James, is known worldwide as a premier composer/producer/keyboardist. A multi-Grammy award winner, Bob was also bestowed with the George Benson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. Ray White, the CAT's multi-award winning program director, caught up with Bob backstage before his concert to talk about his early years in music, changes in recordin…

1
Coool CAT Episode 160 - Guy Allison (Doobie Brothers) 31:05

9M ago31:05

31:05

Guy Allison, keyboardist/composer/producer, is best known as a touring member of The Doobie Brothers for 19 years. His career started off in jazz having secured a place in the coveted Monterey All-Star Jazz Band. Through the late 1970's and today, you'll find him in several rock bands, but returned to jazz on his excellent latest album - A Designed…

1
Coool CAT Episode 159 - Eric Benet 28:47

9M ago28:47

28:47

Eric Benet has talent that transcends the music industry. The four-time Grammy nominee is also gifted in the areas of acting, producing and business. Multi-award winning program director Ray White sat down backstage with Eric to talk about his music and diverse interests and television projects during their June of 2023 interview. In our showcase s…

1
Coool CAT Episode 158 - Rick Braun 29:37

10M ago29:37

29:37

Rick Braun is a dynamic trumpeter, composer and producer with over 20 #1 smooth jazz hits. Along with jazz, you'll find him collaborating with rock/pop superstars like Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, Tom Petty and REO Speedwagon too! During COVID he launched the highly successful Rick's Cafe Live show. On this episode, multi-award winning program directo…

1
Coool CAT Episode 157 - Jimmy "Bo" Horne 30:19

11M ago30:19

30:19

Jimmy Bo Horne played an integral part in defining dance, disco and popular music during the 1970's. More than a half-dozen of his songs hit the charts through 1980. The Top 10 hit, "Dance Across The Floor," was certified double gold. With Jimmy having been featured on American Bandstand and Soul Train, multi-award winning program director Ray Whit…

1
Coool CAT Episode 156 - Willie Bradley 30:08

11M ago30:08

30:08

Willie Bradley, a two-time Grammy nominee, is a trumpeter who's steadly worked his way towards the top of the charts. In 2021, Beats Magazine named Willie their "Jazz Artist of the Year." Coool CAT's Ray White caught up with Willie who provided insights into his career launching days, his latest album - It's My Time and upcoming album, too! In our …

1
Coool CAT Episode 155 - The Wooten Brothers 28:52

12M ago28:52

28:52

The Wooten Brothers (Victor, Roy, Joseph and Regi) have played music together since their early years. in 1985, they released The Wootens on Arista Records, which launched their careers collectively and individually. Today you'll find them touring together when bass phenom Victor is not touring or in the studio, Joseph isn't on the road with Steve …

1
Coool CAT Episode 154 - Alex Bugnon 29:28

1y ago29:28

29:28

Alex Bugnon has been a mainstay and energetic force on the contemporary jazz scene for over three decades. His global appeal to listeners and his piano stylings can be found on nearly a dozen albums released throughout the years. Multi-award winning program director Ray White hung out with Alex in June of 2022 and talked with him about his record l…

1
Coool CAT Episode 153 - Brian Lenair 30:49

1y ago30:49

30:49

Brian Lenair stands out among many contemporary jazz sax musicians by playing straight saxophones. Starting his career over 25 years ago, he caught notice of fans and jazz aficionados alike as a member of the group Spur of The Moment. In 2004, Brian released his first solo CD and has also played with the likes of George Benson, Grover Washington, J…

1
Coool CAT Episode 152 - Mel Waiters 34:56

1y ago34:56

34:56

Mel Waiters, a southern soul stalwart musician, was a singer/drummer who passed away on May 28, 2015. It's fitting that we look back on his career from his days as a DJ, entertaining our troops and his recording years from the 1970's until his passing - including his last studio album True Love. In our showcase segment your "Hostess with the Mostes…

1
Coool CAT Episode 151 - Boney James 28:02

1y ago28:02

28:02

Boney James, saxophonist/songwriter/producer is among the elite contemporary jazz performers of his time. He is a 4-time Grammy nominee and in 2009, Billboard magazine named him one of the Top 3 Contemporary Jazz Artists of the Decade. His latest album Detour, is a chart-topping album that takes a subtle stylistic turn from his previous commercial …

1
Coool CAT Episode 150 - Best of Coool CAT: Vol. 3 29:27

1y ago29:27

29:27

The late (and great) Nick Colionne (Episode 118), Bill Heller of the Rippingtons (Episode 113), bass legend Jeff Berlin (Episode 143) and bluesman Tab Benoit (Episode 133) are featured on this very special episode! Your "Hostess with the Mostest," Lisa Davis, and show creator and producer, Ray White, share highlights from Episodes 101-149, as we ce…

1
Coool CAT Episode 149 - Marcus Anderson 30:12

1y ago30:12

30:12

Marcus Anderson is a Grammy nominated saxophonist whose career has included performing with Prince and Stevie Wonder along with many others. With 15 albums on his list of accomplishments, the fusion jazz artist brings R&B, Pop, Rock and Funk together to make his awesome sound. During November, 2022 multi-award winning program director Ray White cau…

1
Coool CAT Episode 148 - Jeanette Harris 30:56

1+ y ago30:56

30:56

Jeanette Harris is a rising star among smooth jazz saxophone players. A Berklee music school graduate, with a half-dozen albums out, you can find Jeanette playing fesivals and venues worldwide. Multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Jeanette in June of 2022 as she was coming off stage to talk about the early years of her care…

1
Coool CAT Episode 147 - Frank McComb 31:52

1+ y ago31:52

31:52

Frank McComb is a vocalist/keboardist/producer that's collaborated with Prince, Chaka Khan, George Duke and many others. He's received several music industry accolades throughout his career. Whether it's Soul, R&B, Smooth Jazz or Gospel, you'll find Frank right in the mix. Multi-award winning program manager Ray White spent time with Frank talking …

1
Coool CAT Episode 146 - Elan Trotman 28:37

1+ y ago28:37

28:37

Elan Trotman is a Barbados born saxophonist who blends caribbean rhythms with his skillful horn textures. You'll find his music in several movies, supporting a who's who of vocalists and playing the national anthem at numerous sporting events. Coool CAT producer Ray White caught up with Elan before he hit the stage in November of 2018 to talk about…

1
Coool CAT Episode 145 - Najee 30:08

1+ y ago30:08

30:08

Najee, a chart topping saxophonist and flutist, is a contemporary jazz pioneer. The Grammy and NAACP award-winning musician has been one of the brightest starts in the genre for nearly four decades. Coool CAT's producer, Ray White, sat down with Najee in November of 2022 who talked about his latest album Savoir Fare - that was produced during Covid…

1
Coool CAT Episode 144 - Keiko Matsui 28:39

1+ y ago28:39

28:39

Keiko Matsui is an internationally acclaimed pianist and composer whose sonic cultural exchange has reached the hearts and minds of fans throughout the world. She's released over two dozen solo albums and many more in collaboration with other musicians, who are a "who's who" in the music industry. In our June of 2022 interview, Keiko shares the beh…

1
Coool CAT Episode 143 - Jeff Berlin 31:20

1+ y ago31:20

31:20

Jeff Berlin is one of the most innovative electric bassists of the 20th and current centuries. Known for his unique tone, jaw dropping technique and dynamic approaches to the bass, he's helped establish the electric bass as a solo instrument well deserving of its place in modern music. He's released a dozen solo albums and you'll also find him on a…

1
Coool CAT Episode 142 - Keith Killgo (The Blackbyrds) 30:22

1+ y ago30:22

30:22

Keith Killgo co-founded The Blackbyrds in 1973. The group featured some of the legendary trumpeter Donald Byrd's students. This R&B and Jazz/Funk band received a Grammy nomination for their 1975 hit "Walking in Rhythm" that has sold over a million copies. The band still tours today and their last studio album was Gotta Fly. Multi-award winning prog…

1
Coool CAT Episode 141 - Holiday Special 2022 26:54

1+ y ago26:54

26:54

Contemporary Jazz stalwarts Dave Koz and Rick Braun join us on this holiday special! Dave Koz and Friends (David Benoit, Rick Braun, Peter White and Rebecca Jade) have recently released Christmas Ballads - 25th Anniversary Collection. Dave and Rick share their insights on the Christmas tours and holiday albums that have been produced throughout the…

1
Coool CAT Episode 140 - Pieces of a Dream 29:48

1+ y ago29:48

29:48

Curtis Harmon and James Lloyd co-founded Pieces of a Dream in 1976. At the forefront of the contemporary jazz genre, they sat down and talked with our multi-award winning program director Ray White. The guys shared their insights into their new album Fired Up!, life during the COVID pandemic and their new protege - Justin Lee Schultz. Be sure to he…

1
Coool CAT Episode 139 - Jackiem Joyner 29:14

1+ y ago29:14

29:14

Jackiem Joyner is a dynamic saxophonist who has released 8 solo projects during his career. Since hitting the road, he's toured or recorded with Keiko Matsui, Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, and Jonathan Butler - just to name a few. Jackiem has had several songs reach the top of the contemporary jazz charts. In addition, he has authored several novels whi…

1
Coool CAT Episode 138 - Will Downing 29:52

1+ y ago29:52

29:52

Will Downing is Mr. Sophisticated Soul, having recorded 25 albums over the past 35 years. His distinctive baritone voice has attracted fans worldwide and carved a unique niche in Soul and R&B music. Multi-award winning program director Ray White sat down with Will after his soundcheck to talk about his two latest albums Sophisticated Soul and The S…

1
Coool CAT Episode 137 - Adam Hawley 26:54

1+ y ago26:54

26:54

Adam Hawley is an awesome guitarist, composer and producer. During his emerging career, this "rising-star" musician has already had eleven #1 hits! Multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Adam after soundcheck in June of 2022 to talk about the beginning of his career, supporting many major stars in the music business, musician…

1
Coool CAT Episode 136 - Rick Braun 27:20

2y ago27:20

27:20

Rick Braun is one of the world's premier trumpet players. He also plays flugelhorn and other instruments too and has released 19 albums since 1992. His collaborations, R&R and BWB, has broadened his appeal among contemporary jazz fans. Also a composer and producer, Rick has over 20 #1 smooth jazz hits during his career. Multi-award winning program …

1
Coool CAT Episode 135 - Eric Gales 29:49

2y ago29:49

29:49

Eric Gales started playing guitar in blues competitions when he was 11 years old. By the time he was 16, he secured a major recording contract. Guitar World named Eric the "Best New Talent" in 1991. He also performed with Carlos Santana at Woodstock '94. Over the years Eric released 19 albums and you'll also find him on many compilation releases. M…

1
Coool CAT Episode 134 - Paul Taylor 30:16

2y ago30:16

30:16

Paul Taylor has developed a stellar career of over 25 years blowing smooth jazz sounds on his alto and soprano saxophones. All 12 albums he's released has landed on Billboards's Top Jazz Charts. Multi-award winning program director Ray White hung out with Paul in June of 2022 to talk about his latest album And Now This, recording all musicians on t…

1
Coool CAT Epsiode 133 - Tab Benoit 29:02

2y ago29:02

29:02

Tab Benoit is a master of the delta blues. An amazing guitarist, you'll find him on many of the "best of" lists as one of the top guitarists living today. Since the early 1990's he's released over a dozen albums and, along with a Grammy nomination, Tab has won several Blues Music Awards. Tab's also been a strong advocate for environmental issues an…

1
Coool CAT Episode 132 - Nelson Rangell 29:17

2y ago29:17

29:17

Nelson Rangell is a superb saxophonist and also outstanding playing the piccolo. As a student he won Best Jazz and Best Pop/Rock instrumental soloist in Down Beat magazine's National Student Recording Awards. Nelson's career took off in the late 1980's when he signed with GRP record company. In November of 2021 Ray White, producer of Coool CAT, cau…

1
Coool CAT Episode 131 - Chieli Minucci (Special EFX) 30:40

2y ago30:40

30:40

Chieli Minucci co-founded Special EFX in the early 1980's, producing excellent compositions that blended Latin Rhythm and Contemporary Jazz music. Solo or with Special EFX, Chieli has released nearly three dozen albums throughout his career. You'll also find his guitar work on songs by Lionel Richie, Jennifer Lopez, Lionel Hampton, Marc Anthony and…

1
Coool CAT Episode 130 - James Lloyd (Pieces of a Dream) 31:00

2y ago31:00

31:00

James Lloyd is keyboardist and co-founder of Pieces of a Dream. He was only a senior in high school when his first album was released. James also has written and/or produced songs for dozens of other recording artists aside from Pieces. You'll find performances by him on television and film too. Multi-award winning program director Ray White caught…

1
Coool CAT Episode 129 - Maysa 28:45

2y ago28:45

28:45

Maysa Leak is at the top of her game as one of the leading R&B/Jazz female vocalists today. She's been honored as a recipient of many awards including Soul Train's first Centric Award in 2009 and garnered her first Grammy nomination in 2014. In 2018, Maysa became the founder/owner of her own record label, Blue Velvet Soul Records. Her latest releas…

1
Coool CAT Episode 128 - David Benoit 30:26

2y ago30:26

30:26

David Benoit is a three-time Grammy nominated pianist who has charted over 25 albums since 1980. He has arranged, conducted and performed music for many popular jazz and pop artists including David Sanborn, Patti Austin, Kenny Loggins and Brian McKnight. In our December of 2012 interview with David, he shares with our executive producer Ray White i…

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