Best Cooolcat Podcasts (2025)

1
Coool CAT Episode 198 - Althea Rene 29:24

12h ago29:24

29:24

Althea Rene, a flautist, hails from Detroit and plays a soulful type of contemporary jazz music. You'll find her out playing from coast-to-coast and on several of the Jazz cruises. She's released nealy a dozen albums throughout her illustrious career with her latest album titled 18 Carat. You'll find many of her songs landing on the top smooth jazz…

1
Coool CAT Episode 197 - Paul Nelson (Johnny Winter) 28:08

15d ago28:08

28:08

Paul Nelson, a Grammy award winning producer elevated his career as a guitarist /songwriter/producer for the legendary bluesman Johnny Winter. Paul also played with many of the world's iconic guitarists including Eric Clapton and Buddy Guy. A member of the New York Blues Hall of Fame, Paul left his mark on the blues genre. A sudden heart attack, to…

1
Coool CAT Episode 196 - JJ Sansaverino 29:43

28d ago29:43

29:43

JJ Sansaverino is a high-energy guitarist that has had multiple Billboard charting songs over the past several decades. With 5 solo albums to his credit, you'll find him touring throughout the U.S. in 2025. Multi-award winning program director Ray White hung out backstage with JJ in November of 2024 to talk about the start of his dynamic career, pl…

1
Coool CAT Episode 195 - Jeff Kashiwa 34:18

1M ago34:18

34:18

Saxophonist Jeff Kashawa has developed into one of the top smooth jazz performers since his days with The Rippingtons. Back in 2004, he founded the dynamic band The Sax Pack. As a solo artist, Jeff recently released his 11th studio album. In our August of 2024 interview, multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Jeff backstage t…

1
Coool CAT Episode 194 - Four80East 30:54

2M ago30:54

30:54

Four80East hails from Canada and plays a unique style of electro-jazz. Their debut album hit the charts back in 1997 and they have built a dedicated following ever since. The band has scored several top-ten hits and you can find them playing at festivals and clubs throughout the U.S. Multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Fou…

1
Coool CAT Episode 193 - Eric Marienthal 31:43

3M ago31:43

31:43

Eric Marienthal is a multi-award Grammy winning saxophonist in the jazz and pop world. As a solo artist, he's released well over a dozen albums since the 1980's. In addition, you'll find him on releases by Chick Corea's Elektric Band, Big Phat Band, The Rippingtons, Brian Culbertson and David Benoit, just to name a few. Multi-award winning program …

1
Coool CAT Episode 192 - Paula Atherton 29:47

3M ago29:47

29:47

Saxtress Paula Atherton has had numerous songs on the smooth jazz charts during recent years, featuring her dynamic sax, flute and vocal work. Having released 7 albums throughout her career, this Long Island native can be found touring throughout the U.S. for much of the year. In her December of 2024 interview with multi-award winning program direc…

1
Coool CAT Episode 191 - Marc Broussard 29:31

4M ago29:31

29:31

Marc Broussard, singer/songwriter/guitarist grew up around music as his dad is an acclaimed musician, too. They're both in the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. Marc's career launched on the national scene with his 2004 album Carencro, featuring his Bayou Soul style music mixing the great sounds of funk, blues, R&B, rock and pop. He's performed for man…

1
Coool CAT Episode 190 - Anders Osbourne 30:56

4M ago30:56

30:56

Anders Osborne, born in Sweden, has spent many of his years in the deep south of the USA. Touring throughout the country since 1995, his music has elements of Blues, Americana and R&B. Throughout the years he's recorded 17 studio albums as a solo artist. You'll typically find Anders performing at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. He consist…

1
Coool CAT Episode 189 - (Hawley, Atherton, Ingala) 28:54

5M ago28:54

28:54

Adam Hawley, Paula Atherton and Vincent Ingala join us on our 8th Annual Holiday Special, brought to you by your friends at Classic Artists Today. Great insights and well wishes from these dynamic contemporary jazz musicians, along with their christmas music of course! You'll hear from the phenominal Dave Koz too, as his 27th Annual Christmas Tour …

1
Coool CAT Episode 188 - Jonathan Butler 30:48

5M ago30:48

30:48

Jonathan Butler is an amazing vocalist and guitarist who is at the top of his game in the contemporary jazz and gospel genres. Playing publicly as a child in South Africa, he's gained worldwide attention throughout the years, landing on the music charts starting in 1985. Multi-award winning program director Ray White sat down with Jonathan in Decem…

1
Coool CAT Episode 187 - George Porter, Jr. (Meters/Runnin' Pardners) 31:06

6M ago31:06

31:06

George Porter, Jr. is one of New Orleans' music royalty! A Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award member, he was co-founder of the phenomenal Funk/Soul/R&B/Blues band The Meters. You'll find him as an integral member of The Funky Meters, too! Today George's legacy is continuing to be made heading up the Runnin' Pardners Band, whose latest album is Cryin…

1
Coool CAT Episode 186 - Brian Bromberg 30:34

6M ago30:34

30:34

Brian Bromberg is among the elite bass players in the world today. Playing both acoustic and electric basses, he's a world-renowned record producer too. Iconic saxman Stan Getz hired Brian, at the age of 19, and his career took off from there. Throughout his illustrious career, he's released over 2 dozen albums and has played with a who's who in th…

1
Coool CAT Episode 185 - Chris Standring 29:15

7M ago29:15

29:15

England's Chris Standring is a superb guitarist whose had over a dozen Top 10 contemporary jazz hits with a half-dozen reaching Number 1. Moving to the United States in 1991, Chris has become a prolific performer playing throughout the country. Coool CAT's producer Ray White caught up with Chris in May of 2024 to chat about his musical influences, …

1
Coool CAT Episode 184 - Pieces of a Dream 29:07

7M ago29:07

29:07

Pieces of a Dream have been playing great contemporary jazz, R&B and funk music since forming in 1976. Releasing over 20 albums, you'll find tunes on the top music charts throughout their illustrious career. On this episode, multi-award winning program director Ray White catches up with Curtis Harmon, James Lloyd and their newest official member To…

1
Coool CAT Episode 183 - Tab Benoit 33:36

8M ago33:36

33:36

Tab Benoit is an amazing blues guitarist/singer/songwriter hailing from Louisiana Since the early 1990's Tab has released well over a dozen albums and has won numerous blues awards, keeping a busy touring schedule too. Be sure to listen to more from Tab on Episode 133. Music aficionado and Classic Artists Today's founder Ray White caught up with Ta…

1
Coool CAT Episode 182 - Christian de Mesones 31:12

8M ago31:12

31:12

Bassist Christian de Mesones has honed his musical skills throughout his adult life while working various jobs to make ends meet. In 2021, this rising star garnered the attention of Dave Koz and landed on several jazz charts and Sirius XM's Watercolors. His latest album is You Only Live Twice and features his first #1 hit. Multi-award winning progr…

1
Coool CAT Episode 181 - Lao Tizer (Lao Tizer Band) 30:09

9M ago30:09

30:09

Lao Tizer is a keyboardist/producer who blends together elements of various genres of music in developing his own brand of contemporary jazz. His band members comes from multiple music backgrounds which makes Lao's band unique in many ways. With over a half-dozen albums released since the early 1990's, he can be found playing festivals and shows th…

1
Coool CAT Episode 180 - Chieli Minucci (Special EFX) 30:00

9M ago30:00

30:00

Chieli Minucci formed Special EFX with George Jinda in 1982. With George's passing, Chieli has carried on the great music and heritage of the band and incorporated some of the top contemporary jazz musicians and vocalists in the country for his live shows and some albums. In June of 2024 Coool CAT's producer, Ray White, caught up Chieli out on tour…

1
Coool CAT Episode 179 - Steve Oliver 29:39

10M ago29:39

29:39

Guitarist Steve Oliver has been a mainstay on the contemporary and smooth jazz charts for over 25 years. During this period he's landed over a dozen songs in the Top 20. His dynamic live performances have ignited fans from coast-to-coast. Multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Steve at the 2023 Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival to…

1
Coool CAT Episode 178 - Steve Cole 30:22

10M ago30:22

30:22

Saxophonist Steve Cole launched his national music career in 1998 when his first album release was produced by contemporary jazz stalwart Brian Culbertson. Growing up in Chicago, Steve brings elements of bebop, pop, funk and gospel to his contemporary jazz platform. He's also been on-stage or recorded with jazz and blues legends like: Larry Carlton…

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

11M 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

11M 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

12M 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

12M 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

1y 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

1y 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

1y 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

1y 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

1y 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

1+ y 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

1+ y 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

1+ y 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

1+ y 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

1+ y 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

1+ y 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

1+ y 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

1+ y 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

1+ y 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

1+ y 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

1+ y 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

2y 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

2y 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

2y 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

2y 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

2y 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

2y 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

2y 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

2y 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

2y 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…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Cooolcat Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen