In-Flyte with Darrel Scott
September 2002
- Darrell Scott –


Darrell is the host of “Jazzflyte”, the Cleveland, Ohio-based Smooth Jazz television magazine (currently on hiatus), and an exceptional voice-talent, with one of the most distinctive broadcast voices in that market, and can be heard in various commercial advertisements in that region.

He has over 25 years of broadcasting experience, beginning in 1977 at WJMO, where Darrell was the first host of Cleveland’s “Quiet Storm”. His move to WABQ, though, is where he began his love of Jazz.

While at “The Q”, Darrell was the afternoon drive air personality for “Soft Soul and All That Jazz” and had the good fortune to interview many of the artists – Herbie Hancock, Roy Ayers and Stanley Turrentine, to list a few – who are responsible for the development of the music stylings we now know as Jazz Fusion, Techno-Jazz, Caribbean Jazz and the genre we embrace today-- Contemporary/Smooth Jazz.

Darrell continued the tradition when asked to host “JazzFlyte 108” at the city’s first Urban Contemporary Jazz station – WDMT, where, for the next seven years, JazzFlyte was one of the most popular and successful programs in Cleveland radio. With JazzFlyte, he kept his Cleveland-area audiences up-to-date with new music releases, artist info – including rising stars, and “What’s Happening… Where to Go… What to Do” for the best in Jazz in Cleveland. Scott later moved on to WDOK, where in the tradition of “JazzFlyte”, he hosted “New Horizons”.

We call this segment, “In Flyte” – because Darrell will take you soaring on a musical journey in the discovery of all that’s good in the genre. Darrel looks forward to helping readers expand their music libraries as a contributing writer and "Smooth Notes and News" feels Darrel’s exceptional talents and creativity will enlighten and stimulate readers – making him a uniquely qualified asset to our team.














Gerald Albright – Groovology


An “ology” is the study of a science. Is this case, the science is the jazz groove of saxophonist Gerald Albright.

Gerald Albright’s latest is titled “Groovelogy” and with it, once again, he educates us to a style that is uniquely his own. Albright is deep into the groove with the title cut. Groovology has a funky groove. Albright’s sax is bright and energetic. Maurice Fitzgerald’s bass and Marvin McQuitty’s drums, with Gerald on alto, baritone and tenor sax makes this track an A+.

“Old School Jam” is just that. Once again, Albright’s sax is lively and sassy. Gerald surrounds himself with a few friends, Ricky Lawson on drums, Chuckii Booker on keys and Paul Jackson Jr. on bass. I’ve always said good friends make good music.

One of the Albright staples is to do his interpretation of a pop tune. Groovology is no different. Albright covers Eric Clapton’s “Change the World” and “We Fall Down”. Both are outstanding covers with Albright displaying his interpretive skills. “ We Fall Down” opens mysteriously with light vocals. Albright takes his time working himself into the flow. Albright’s sax mingles betwixt and between the backing vocals, for a harmonious musical mixture.

If you are looking to take a music class, start with “Groovology”, with Professor Gerald Albright.


-Darrel Scott




Marion Meadows - In Deep

Have you ever wanted to get a sample of all the flavors of Jazz? Some artists may try to do it, though not many have, successfully…until now. I think you’ll find that Marion Meadows’ latest release “In Deep” (Heads Up International), meets the criteria of serving up a tasty jazz smorgasbord.

Your appetizer begins with “Tales of a Gypsy”, a medium tempo groover that will make that rush hour drive so much smoother.

Michael Broening’s keyboard work is outstanding. Remember that name, because he and Meadows pen eight of the thirteen songs. Need a little spice in this musical dish? Take a listen to the Hip-Hop influenced “Yeah Baby”. Meadows’ sax is funky. The underlying rhythm will put some swivel in your hips and creak in your neck. Along the same line is “Slow Motion”, featuring Meadows on both the tenor and soprano sax. Meadows’ playing is distinctive and robust. Yet there is a certain amount of passion.

Dido’s “Thank You” is another flavor. Meadows’ interpretation is smooth, yet rhythmic. In the past, Meadows has always displayed quality writing skills and his penmanship on 10 of the 13 tracks is top–notch. Sample “Is This You”, “Flava” and make sure you have a serving of “Soul Food”.

In the sea of quality sax players, Marion Meadows may be one of those sax players who don’t get a lot of musical recognition. “In Deep” may be-- no, should be that breakout disc for him. You may not have heard much of Marion Meadows but after you check out “In Deep”, I’m sure you will add the rest of the Marion Meadows catalogue to your jazz library.


-Darrel Scott




Steve Oliver – “Positive Energy” CD Release Party:
Aubergene Grill, San Diego, CA July 24, 2002

Cool and comfortable– a typical San Diego summer night. That’s one of the many blessings for the residents of that coastal paradise. The weather never seems to cause any problems, but – even San Diego can’t escape a hot, sultry July night.

That was the case as Smooth Jazz 98.1(KIFM) listeners arrived at the intimate Aubergene Grill, in the city’s Gaslamp Quarter nightclub district, for a CD release party, featuring guitarist Steve Oliver. This night was a celebration of his newest work, “Positive Energy”. (Native Language)

The warm evening already made it a memorable night for San Diegans. But by the close of the night – Steve Oliver’s exuberant performance – and not the weather forecast – was going to stay with those who were lucky enough to catch Oliver’s two sets.

It’s very evident that Oliver, a native of Northern California who now resides near Palm Springs, has been influenced by a myriad of different types of music. That was most evident as Oliver, and his band showcased songs from the new album, and his very successful first solo release from 1999, “First View.” (Native Language)

Oliver launched his first set with the up-tempo, “Mr. Hipster” from
“Positive Energy”, which features his newly released single, “High Noon.” Oliver even highlighted music that hasn’t made it onto any of his albums, including the whimsically titled “My Flamingo” a distinctly Latin-flavored cut.

Oliver says that his musical influences have come from just about everywhere – and that’s evident. If you listen closely, his music reveals so many different genres – as traditional Latin classical guitar blends into the sound of scat-masters like Al Jarreau and Bobby McFerrin, while bumping into Manhattan Transfer, and Pat Metheny. It all comes together in Oliver’s very personal style.

His touring band, features Hans Zermuehlen on keyboards, Christian Poezach on drums, and Lenny Sciacca on drums.
They get quite a workout with Steve, who is on the road for some 200 dates a year. Not only that, but Oliver confided he will be touring with Jeff Kashiwa.

Steve Oliver is an artist who is just beginning to make his mark in the world of Smooth Jazz. If you have the opportunity to catch his act in an intimate venue, don’t miss it. You’ll long remember his performance – regardless the weather.


-Mark Zegan




The Rhythm of Love Tour
Gerald Albright, Patti Austin and Will Downing
Allen Theatre, Cleveland, Ohio - Thursday, August 1, 2002


I didn’t have the feeling that this was going to be a good night. All day long it was hot. I mean 90 degrees or better. As a matter a fact, I checked the temperature across our grand old US of A and every city from the Midwest to the east coast was above 90. I arrived at the Allen Theater a little early so I could get comfortable and cool off a bit from the heat of the day. After a short time, the lights dimmed and out came Gerald Albright wearing a sleeveless dark blue suit. His first set started with the up-tempo “Don’t Look Back” from his latest “Groovology”. Playing both old and new material, Gerald had masterfully made me forget about the heat and the jazz groove was on. As he played “Bermuda Nights”, I closed me eyes and went to Bermuda in my mind. It was just that cool. On the Funky “Ain’t no Stoppin” Gerald took off his sax and bedazzled us with his bass-playing prowess.

Out comes, Patti Austin. Personally, I think Patti Austin has one of the best voices in all music, so I knew I would not be disappointed with that. Not only did she deliver an outstanding vocal performance but also her witty repartee was reminiscent of some of the best comedians around. Patti easily versed “Razzamatazz”. On her interpretation of “The Ability to Swing”, she was just flat out smooth. As she segued from one song to the other, Patti inflected banter about taking time to find herself. The language was spicy, saucy and to the point. She spoke her mind when she said, “the young artists today need to be marinated more”. Patti closed her first set with the poignant “In and Out of Love”.

Will Downing's entrance to the set began with him singing-- off stage and unseen. Women were expressing their pleasure in Will’s voice by screaming loudly, while some men were wishing for a voice like his. He smoothly performed “I Can’t Help It”, “Don’t Talk to Me”, Paul Davis’ "I Go Crazy" and “Wishing on Star”- where he displayed not only the bass and baritone range but also his falsetto vocalizations.

At this point that would have been enough for me; however, each artist came out, after a 15-minute intermission, launching the audience into “phase two.” The second set opened with Gerald taking the romantic route. Luther’s “So Amazing”, Johnny Gill’s “My, My, My” were exquisite but “Georgia” was the highlight of the night. He eased us in slowly using a bluesy style and before you knew it we were up on our feet waving our hands. The house was a-rockin’!

With audience at a fever pitch, I wondered how Patti would keep the groove flowing. She spoke of a time not so long ago, when young ladies were going out on a date. Your date pulls up and blows his horn... your dad hearing this says: “You’re not going out there until he comes in, he’s going to treat you like a lady!” However, you manage to sneak out anyway… as you approach the car, you hear on the radio, The Flamingos, singing “I Only Have Eyes For You”…

Patti was outstanding. On “Mr. Paganini” (the Italian composer and violinist- Niccolò Paganini), she scatted like Ella. You could hear a pin drop the audience was so quiet. In the audience, someone’s cell phone was ringing as Patti grooved into Roberta Flack’s “(Something’s Telling Me) It Might Be You” – from the film “Waiting to Exhale”. Her voice was crystal clear.

Another highlight of the evening was Patti singing both parts of her hit with James Ingram- “Baby, Come to Me”. Her impressions of James were priceless!

Will eased back on the stage. Crooning “Is This Love” and “Cool Waters”, from his latest CD, “Sensual Journey”. With one of the female background singers, Will performed the sexy, very intimate- “Nothing Has Ever Felt”. Both singers showcased their incredible ranges, but the song just seemed to take too long.

The 3-hour performance concluded with all on stage, providing the background vocals to Professor Albright’s moving rendition of “We Fall Down”.

At the end of the night, the thermometer had spiraled upwards once again…the humidity had returned… only this time, I didn’t seem to mind.


-Darrel Scott


Want to know his opinion about an upcoming release? Make your In-Flyte reservations at: darrel@smoothnotesandnews.com.









©2002 Smooth Notes and News