Make Jazz Trill Again Podcast

It’s for the streets, it’s for the people and it’s to dance to. It’s anti-institutional. Jazz and Black Music was birthed in the streets and we can’t forget that. Join hosts, Vocalist, flautist, and producer, Melanie Charles and Yunie Mojica, Saxophonist, producer and GRAMMY nominated composer, as they converse with fellow musicians, creators, movers and shakers.

SZN 3 Episode 5 | Live with Satar'ra Troutman

In this special live episode of the Make Jazz Trill Again podcast, host Melanie Charles and co-host Yunie Mojica (a.k.a. YunieMo) are joined by the incredibly talented Satar'ra Troutman at Cafe Erzulie in Brooklyn. With DJ Oochild on the decks, the vibes are set for an unforgettable conversation. Satar'ra, a multifaceted musician, vocalist, songwriter, producer, and healer, opens up about her journey from fresh-out-of-college days to the powerhouse artist she is today. The episode delves into her latest single, her deep connection to New York, a city that holds special memories for her, and discusses the personal significance behind her new music and so much more! Join the crew for an intimate and inspiring conversation, full of reflections on growth, and artistry.

11-11
58:18:00

SZN 3 Episode 4 | Tuning In: Must Reads, Music, Film Picks

Join Melanie and Yunie as they reunite for another lively episode, diving into their must-reads, the latest music, and beloved classics that have shaped their tastes. They’ll also share their must-see movies and highlight exciting upcoming gigs and projects. Whether you’re looking for your next great read or some fresh music, this episode has something for everyone. Tap back into the pod for a fun-filled catch-up you won’t want to miss!

11-04
52:16:00

SZN 3 Episode 3 | One on One with Corinne Bailey Rae

In this episode, MJTA Host Melanie Charles aka DFlower has an intimate conversation with Grammy Award-winning artist Corinne Bailey Rae—a multi-talented guitarist, singer, composer, producer, and beloved sister, mother, daughter, and friend. Melanie has shared the stage with Corinne on multiple tours, first as an opening act and then again after the release of her 2023 album, Black Rainbows. Following an extraordinary performance at SummerStage on June 17, 2024, the two delve into a heartfelt discussion about a wide range of topics, from music and production to love and sobriety. Don’t miss this engaging exchange—tune in and enjoy! 🖤🤎 We need your feedback! Please let us know your thoughts and what you'd like to hear on the podcast! ❤️ Follow: @makejazztrillagainoffical Email: makejazztrillagainpodcast@gmail.com  Follow: @melaniecharlesisdflower / @Yuniemo

10-14
01:03:49

SZN 3 Episode 2 | Zacchea'us Paul's JAZZ MONEY Album Release Live Podcast

✌🏾 & ❤️ Ya'll!  This episode is a live podcast that celebrates the release of ​​Zacchae'us Paul’s debut album, JAZZ MONEY. Who is also part of team MJTA.  It was a wonderful day in Brooklyn in July, where Melanie and Yunie were able to talk about Zach’s process and album, along with a few laughs and Trill Trivia.  So sit back, grab your tea, coffee or wine, whatever your flavor is… and enjoy the listening party and live podcast hosted by Melanie Charles and Yunie Mojica. Purchase the Album: JAZZ MONEY Don’t forget to follow, like, subscribe & comment. ✌🏾 We need your feedback! Please let us know your thoughts and what you'd like to hear on the podcast! ❤️ Follow: @melaniecharlesisdflower / @yuniemo / @makejazztrillagainoffical / @whatsgoodzach

09-30
54:28

SZN 3 Episode 1 | Third Season's the Charm...

Yunie Mo and Melanie are back after a whirlwind summer! In this episode, the ladies catch up on all the new music they've been vibing to, must-read books that have left a lasting impression, and the importance of “returning to the shed” to refine their craft. They also share stories about hanging with the legendary Gary Bartz, discuss the importance of unionizing for artists, and keep the conversation lively with plenty of laughs along the way. Tune in for an insightful and fun-filled episode that blends passion, purpose, and a lot of heart. Don’t forget to follow, like, subscribe & comment. ✌🏾 We need your feedback! Please let us know your thoughts and what you'd like to hear on the podcast! ❤️ Follow: @melaniecharlesisdflower / @yuniemo / @makejazztrillagainoffical Email: makejazztrillagainpodcast@gmail.com

09-17
52:00

SZN 2 Episode 8 | They Not like us… with DJ OOOChild, Melanie Charles & YunieMo

Peace and love, beautiful people! MJTA Podcast is back with reflections on the recent rap beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake.  DJ OOOChild joins the conversation while they review Kendrick Lamar’s historic “Pop Out” concert, discuss who could possibly do the same on the east coast, relevance in today’s Jazz scene and the fine line of Jazz interpretations Vs. karaoke jazz covers and more! This is a fun one ya’ll! So tap in and don’t forget to follow, like, subscribe & comment. ✌🏾 We need your feedback! Please let us know your thoughts and what you'd like to hear on the podcast! ❤️ Follow: @melaniecharlesisdflower / @yuniemo / @djooochild / @makejazztrillagainoffical Email: makejazztrillagainpodcast@gmail.com

06-28
57:53:00

SZN 2 Episode 7 | Art Can Melt Walls Not Build Them: A Spotlight on Meredith Monk with artist L'Rain

L'rain and Melanie speak about Meredith Monk's influence on their artistic journey as well as their personal role in preserving and supporting the work of the artists who have paved the way for them. In our current climate what is the role of the artist? For more information on Meredith's body of work and information on how to support the House Foundation visit www.meredithmonk.org.   To see L'Rain in a city near you, visit https://www.lrain.info/tours   Interview with Meredith Monk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R36Vh37-OQ4&t=274s   We need your feedback! Please let us know your thoughts and what you'd like to hear on the podcast! ❤️ Follow: @melaniecharlesisdflower / @makejazztrillagainoffical Email: makejazztrillagainpodcast@gmail.com

05-03
44:22:00

SZN 2 Episode 3 | The Duality of Pop Culture & Jazz Culture

Mel and Yunie chat about everything from Pop culture, sports, good reads, jam session culture, new music and even Beyonce.  Why? Because Jazz girls [and Jazz folks] are not a monolith, and neither is this podcast.  So get into it! Trill Reads: The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron Trill Tracks: "If We Praise, We Are Beautiful" Sean Mason "Trigger" Stout   We need your feedback! Please let us know your thoughts and what you'd like to hear on the podcast! ❤️ DM: @makejazztrillagainoffical Email: makejazztrillagainpodcast@gmail.com  Follow: @melaniecharlesisdflower / @Yuniemo  

03-15
41:10:00

SZN 2 Episode 2 | Michela Lerman: Roots of a Hoofer

Melanie and Yunie sit down with the one of a kind Tap dancer, Jazz Hoofer, musician and band leader Michela Lerman.  They cover her story from mentorship to her direction of artistry and sound.  Many people think of tap dancers from the broadway and dance company perspective, but Michela comes from the school of hoofers.  Interacting and creating collectively with musicians, incorporating dance, polyrhythms, percussion and rhythm. This is such a great episode, so get into it!!     We need your feedback! Please let us know your thoughts, likes, and what you'd like to hear on the podcast! ❤️ DM: @makejazztrillagainoffical Email: makejazztrillagainpodcast@gmail.com  Follow: @melaniecharlesisdflower / @Yuniemo / @michelataps

02-02
01:07:38

SZN 2 Episode 1 | New Year, Same Podcast

Sup y'all? You missed us?! Make Jazz Trill Again Podcast is back and here for season 2! Melanie and Yunie catch up on life and share their takes on topics from Jonathan Majors, Andre 3000's new album to the color purple and Taraji P. Henson's outpour on Black women being paid fairly.  Also, they share their trill tracks, Yunie's trill sports minute, and what we've been listening to and reading lately.  Tap in and get into it!    Trill Tracks: “Solid Plan” Larry June, Action Bronson, The Alchemist   “Is It a Crime” Sade   Must reads: I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Rimit Sethi New York Times Article: The Great Experiment That Is ‘The Color Purple’ by Salamishah Tillet   We need your feedback! Please let us know your thoughts, likes, and what you'd like to hear on the podcast! ❤️ DM: @makejazztrillagainoffical Email: makejazztrillagainpodcast@gmail.com  Follow: @melaniecharlesisdflower / @yuniemo   

01-19
57:32:00

Episode 10 | I Don’t Break, I Bend and Snap Back! - Special Guest Endea Owens

If you don’t know who Endea Owens is, you are about to find out!  Trill hosts, Melanie Charles and Yunie Mojica sit down with Detroit native, NYC Bassist, Endea Owens and chat about her humble beginnings, journey to New York, the support received and the challenges she endures as a black woman.  Endea Shares her faith in God, successes, challenges, inspirations, new music, fashion and her initiative to feed communities in need throughout the New York, the “Community Cookout”.  We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we do! Presented with Support for Winter Jazz Fest (January 12-18, 2023) Winter Jazz Fest Promo code: WJF15 - 15% OFF ALL MARATHON TICKETS Manhattan Marathon Fri. Jan 13 | Brooklyn Marathon Sat. Jan 14 Endea Owens & The Cookout  Winter Jazz Fest performance: Friday, Jan. 13 | Zinc Bar NYC | 7:30PM Follow Endea Owens: @endeatheebassbae | Website | Music Follow Melanie Charles: @melaniecharlesisdflower | melaniecharles.com   Follow Yunie Mojica: @Yuniemo  Questions / comments? Email us at makejazztrillagainpodcast@gmail.com 

01-09
01:02:04

SZN 2 Episode 6 | With Special Guest Orange Coffee A.K.A. Kat Rodriguez

Orange Coffee aka Kat Rodriguez is a beautiful multitalented, grammy nominated complete musician in all of its many splendors. She is an incredible singer, saxophonist, songwriter, vocalist, and educator who has been touring, performing with everyone from Boyncé to Jay-Z, to Jill Scott and Erykah Badu to name a few. Her dedication and passion for music, movement, and education has inspired both Melanie and Yunie for years, so to sit down with Kat on this episode was joyful, inspirational and nostalgic all at the same time. Tap in to this conversation with Katty and PLEASE go do yourself a favor check out her movement class on April 18 at the Ladies of Hip Hop Dance Studio at 8pm.     **This episode is dedicated in loving memory to Casey Benjamin 💔 🎷🕊May he rest in peace and his music and legacy live on for years to come.** We need your feedback! Please let us know your thoughts and what you'd like to hear on the podcast! ❤️ Follow: @melaniecharlesisdflower / @yuniemo / @orangecoffee DM: @makejazztrillagainoffical Email: makejazztrillagainpodcast@gmail.com

04-15
01:05:14

SZN 2 Episode 5 | Jazz Education & The Root of the Problem with Special Guest Jerome Jennings

Melanie, Yunie and Special Guest Jerome Jennings get into the flaws of the Jazz Education system.  They cover other topics, catch up and even get to some Trill Trivia, but this one right here is what you came for... Get into it, cause it's a problem that needs to change. Let's discuss. And you know we need a part 2! We need your feedback! Please let us know your thoughts and what you'd like to hear on the podcast! ❤️ DM/Follow: @makejazztrillagainoffical Email: makejazztrillagainpodcast@gmail.com  Follow: @melaniecharlesisdflower / @Yuniemo / @iamjeromejennings

03-29
01:26:47

SZN 2 Episode 4 | The Constellation of Art with Special Guest Lady Moon

Lady Moon, the front woman of The Eclipse is a composer, vocalist, designer, healer, hair artist and all around creative being. She is invested in reminding us of our resilience and magic through her cosmic music and style.  Join us in conversation with Lady Moon and at her live performance with her group Lady Moon and the Eclipse at the Sultan Room, NYC on Thursday, March 21st! We need your feedback! Please let us know your thoughts and what you'd like to hear on the podcast! ❤️ DM: @makejazztrillagainoffical Email: makejazztrillagainpodcast@gmail.com  Follow: @melaniecharlesisdflower / @Yuniemo / @Ladymoonandtheeclipse

03-20
01:06:02

Episode 13 | Is Every Cis A Sista?... With Special Guest Jack Fuller

Melanie and Yunie sit down with artist, musician and songwriter, Jack Fuller.  They discuss the many facets of gender and gender identity. As many of us have seen in the ethers, blogs, YouTube and internets, the cultural war between our transgendered sisters and cis gendered sisters.  In this special episode with Jack Fuller, recorded during pride month,  Melanie and Yunie sought out to create a safe space where they can air out misunderstandings, confusions and even our traumas.  At the end of the day we all want to me seen, heard, understood, and we all just want love and safety.  We hope you listen with an open mind and open heart <3 Follow Jack Fuller and their Podcast: The aNvKai Tree Follow Melanie Charles: @melaniecharlesisdflower | melaniecharles.com   Follow Yunie Mojica: @Yuniemo  Questions / comments? Email us at makejazztrillagainpodcast@gmail.com 

08-02
01:18:40

Episode 12 | Back like we never left! Melanie & Yunie Chop it up!

It's been a little while, but we're back! Mel and Yunie chop it up, catch up, talk about everything from music, movies, tv, basketball and what's happening this summer -- SummerStage, Tour, gigs, all that that good stuff. Stay tuned new episodes with some amazing guests!! Follow Melanie Charles: @melaniecharlesisdflower | melaniecharles.com   Follow Yunie Mojica: @Yuniemo  Questions / comments? Email us at makejazztrillagainpodcast@gmail.com   

06-09
52:30:00

Episode 11 | Aligning Diversity Values with Artistic Programming with Special Guest Raynel Frazier

In this Episode your hosts Melanie and Yunie catch up with their long time friend, colleague and fellow musician, Raynel Frazier.  Raynel shares her experiences as an arts administrator, and musician, all while studying for her doctorate in Organizational Development and Change.  She’s a Trill superwoman to say the least!! The ladies also get into some interesting conversations about the “trendy” corporate topic – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in relation to belonging. We learned A LOT but also had some laughs along the way, so get into this episode with us! About Raynel Frazier Raynel Frazier started her career in the arts as a trombonist studying Jazz Studies at the Hartt School of Music, Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz, and received her master’s in arts administration from American University and resides in New York City where she has worked as manager of programming at Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC) and was responsible for booking Dizzy’s Club, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s world-renowned Jazz Club. Raynel was also a tour manager for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, traveling around the world to expand the global community of Jazz. Raynel is currently the Programs Producer at Chelsea Factory and a doctoral student at Bowling Green State University, pursuing a Doctorate in Organization Development and Change. She hopes to use her degree to help arts organizations thrive to produce art that inspires communities.   Raynel’s Article: Aligning Diversity Values with Artistic Programming by Raynel Frazier Raynel’s Recommended Book to find your purpose:  Live Your Calling: A Practical Guide to Finding and Fulfilling Your Mission in Life by Kevin Brennfleck and Kay Marie Brennfleck   Melanie Charles Live at Blue Note NYC: Monday, February 27 | 8pm | 10:30pm | Tickets Here Follow Raynel Frazier: @ray_fraz  Follow Melanie Charles: @melaniecharlesisdflower | melaniecharles.com   Follow Yunie Mojica: @Yuniemo  Questions / comments? Email us at makejazztrillagainpodcast@gmail.com   

02-17
01:02:22

Episode 9 | Give the Drummer Some! - Special Guest Savannah Harris

In this episode, Melanie and Yunie catch up with their friend who happens to be one of the most in-demand drummers on the scene, Savannah Harris!  These ladies get into so many key topics around being a musician in today’s ever changing times.  From the importance of mentorship, touring as a drummer, fashion, femininity as a musician and even dating.  Savannah shares the impactful mentorship she’s had with the late great Geri Allen, the process of being in Christian McBride’s band, and of course… a round of Trill Trivia!   Presented with support from Winter Jazz Fest Follow Melanie Charles: @melaniecharlesisdflower | melaniecharles.com   Follow Yunie Mojica: @yuniemo  Follow Savannah Harris: @savvyknows Questions / comments? Email us at makejazztrillagainpodcast@gmail.com

10-21
01:13:32

Episode 8 | The Real Side of Christian McBride

We got a very special guest in the house ya’ll!! The legendary Philly bassist, band leader, festival curator and Grammy award winning recording artist, THEE Christian McBride aka DJ Brother Mister!!! Your hosts, Melanie and Yunie kick it with McBride in the realest most trillest way, chatting about the legendary album Parker’s Mood, how he became a DJ, what it’s been like being the Artistic Director of the Newport Jazz Festival, stories about the late great Roy Hargrove and so much more. They even get Christian to spill some tea and indulge in the infamous Trill Trivia. You don’t want to skip this episode, because here, you get the real side of Christian McBride! Come chill with the Trill girls and get into this podcast! Remember, whatever you do… remember to Make Jazz Trill Again!! Presented with support from Winter Jazz Fest Follow Melanie Charles: @melaniecharlesisdflower | melaniecharles.com   Follow Yunie Mojica: @Yuniemo  Follow Christian McBride: @chrmcbride | @brothermisterproductions

09-23
01:20:28

Episode 7 | Summer Recap: Jazz Festivals Part II

Mel and Yunie catch up and continue the conversation around Festival Season!  The ups and downs, the history, a behind the scenes look at touring, booking, programming, and even budgets and pay💰!!  I mean, where does all this money come from anyway?!  Come chill with the Trill girls and get into this podcast! Remember, whatever you do… remember to Make Jazz Trill Again!! Presented with support from Winter Jazz Fest Follow Melanie Charles: @melaniecharlesisdflower | melaniecharles.com   Follow Yunie Mojica: @Yuniemo Links mentioned: AceMo Album Release “Wanna Play House”: https://acemo.bandcamp.com/album/wanna-play-house

09-09
54:49:00

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