WUSF
Welcome to WUSF Studio Sessions, a jazz podcast featuring intimate performances from talented Florida jazz musicians. Recorded live at the WUSF Performance Studio in Tampa, Florida, this series showcases a diverse range of sounds and styles from all eras and subgenres of jazz music.
Goes straight to the publisher. podnod takes nothing.
Bela Souza is a seasoned singer living in St. Pete, FL. She has been performing in the Tampa Bay area since 2011. Bela studied Musical Theatre at the University of Tampa, which led her to pursue a career in music and vocal coaching. Her sultry, soulful sound and Brazilian roots have influenced her love for singing jazz and bossa nova.
Meet Chuck Owen. He is a jazz composer, arranger, conductor, and educator. Best known as the leader of the big band The Jazz Surge, which he founded in 1995, Owen has earned five individual Grammy nominations for his evocative and genre-bending compositions. He is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus from the University of South Florida, where he taught for 40 years, and serves as the founding President of the International Society of Jazz Arrangers & Composers (ISJAC). I hope you enjoy this conversation.
Daniela Soledade is a rising star among legends in the Brazilian music scene. Downbeat Magazine calls Daniela a “master of classic samba and bossa nova.” An heir to the Bossa Nova legacy, Soledade is highly acclaimed for her poignantly expressive vocal style and intimate aesthetic.. With a tremendous talent for paying tribute to her musical heritage while staying true to her own artistry, Soledade is a mix of authentic bossa nova, samba, MPB, and American Popular Song. "JazzTimes calls him a 'masterful guitarist,' Nate Najar has emerged as one of America's finest modern jazz exponents. From his Billboard chart topping hit ‘Groove Me’ to the critical and commercial acclaim of ‘Jazz Samba Pra Sempre,’ Najar amalgamates his varied experience into a diverse and interesting body of work spanning live performance, recording and visual media. Currently on tour with Daniela Soledade, his partner in love, life and music the guitarist/arranger/producer/engineer continues spreading Love & Bossa Nova at venues all across the globe."
The Nick Peters Quartet is a dynamic jazz ensemble led by pianist Nicholas Peters, who has been performing since age four and immersed in jazz since middle school. Based in the Tampa Bay area, Nicholas has performed at renowned venues such as the Straz Center, Ruth Eckerd Hall, the Clearwater Jazz Festival, the Mahaffey Theatre, Crowbar, and Sparkman Wharf. Alongside his quartet, he delivers vibrant, soulful jazz that captivates any audience.
Golden Flower is a progressive jazz quintet that’s pushing traditional genre boundaries. Their unique sound is rooted in a wide range of influences including Jazz, Funk, Afro-Latin, Indian Classical, Grunge, and Experimental Music. The ensemble consists of Shawn Villanueva on trumpet, Caitlin Pequignot on violin, Cameron Gholami on drums, Brandon Miller on bass, and Patrick Moreno on keys. Personnel: Warren Buchholz - video/editing Jackson Harpe - sound
With The Palladium closed for renovations through 2027, local musicians are losing valuable performance space. Green Light Kitchen & Lounge in downtown St. Pete is helping fill the gap, hosting free jazz performances and weekly jam sessions featuring some of the area's top talent. Owner Michael Hazlett hopes the venue can serve as a welcoming hub for artists, film lovers, and music fans while supporting the local jazz community during the Palladium's hiatus.
Mutant Fusion Collective (MFC), the jazz/rock sonic conquistadors, have set sail from Dunedin, FL. Fronted by guitarist and bandleader Kirk Yates, MFC has earned a reputation for its genre-blending prowess. Their signature sound seamlessly melds original compositions with classic jazz standards and ‘90s alt-rock anthems. Known for their bold bond of jazz’s improvisational freedom and grunge rock’s raw energy, MFC delivers performances marked by intricate solos, tight rhythms, and a palpable passion. Quin Killin' is a poet, advocate, educator, and performer reppin’ Liberty City, Miami on their back while residing in Volusia County, Florida. They have had their works featured on platforms such as Anomalous Press, African Writer, The Bitchin’ Kitsch, WUSF Arts Axis Florida, Button Poetry, and Voices in Power. They are also an avid comic panelist with speaking and performance experiences Tampa Bay Comic Con, Blerd Con, Dream Con, Holiday Matsuri, and Orlando MegaCon. With an MFA in Creative Writing from Stetson University, they live life as a part-time Blerd, a full-time AuDHD, introverted Negro, and moonlights as a comedic, smart mouth in intimate spaces and Substack essays. Video recorded by Suite E Studios. ------ Last year, WUSF lost all of its federal funding. We turned to our community—and you stepped up to support the local, fact-based journalism, music, and cultural programming you love. As a thank-you, we’re excited to invite you to Jazz on the Block, a free celebration in honor of members like you. During Mental Health Awareness Month, live jazz offers a meaningful way to support well‑being by reducing stress, uplifting mood, and bringing people together through shared experience. WUSF and Suite E Studios presented Jazz on the Block, a vibrant community event hosted at Suite E Studios in St. Petersburg, sponsored by the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg and partnered with Freeman Sound. This free, five‑hour celebration took place on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
Led by bassist and founder Holly Cordero, Steamin' Jazz is a dynamic ensemble hailing from Central Florida. Known for their versatile performances, they blend jazz standards, Brazilian rhythms, funk grooves, and jazz-infused renditions of pop tunes. With a rotating lineup that includes configurations like the Steamin' Quartet, Trio, or Duo, the group brings a fresh and engaging experience to every show. Dennis Rodney (D-Rod the Poet) is a Tampa-based spoken word artist and poet known for performances featuring lyrical and rhythmic content. He is the host of "Poetry Is..." on WMNF 88.5. Video recorded by Suite E Studios. ------ Last year, WUSF lost all of its federal funding. We turned to our community—and you stepped up to support the local, fact-based journalism, music, and cultural programming you love. As a thank-you, we’re excited to invite you to Jazz on the Block, a free celebration in honor of members like you. During Mental Health Awareness Month, live jazz offers a meaningful way to support well‑being by reducing stress, uplifting mood, and bringing people together through shared experience. WUSF and Suite E Studios presented Jazz on the Block, a vibrant community event hosted at Suite E Studios in St. Petersburg, sponsored by the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg and partnered with Freeman Sound. This free, five‑hour celebration took place on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
In the pursuit of finding a voice in his art, Jose Pineiro has grasped tightly the evocative and emotional genre of Jazz. Burgeoning from a fertile music scene in Gainesville, FL honed his discovery of a true musical identity. Jumping the gap between peace and mania, the Jose Pineiro Trio means to reach the depths of human interactions to relay the beauty in life. Keshia Banks is a poet who has released Book of Rhymes :: Soulor System, the first book in a series, which is a self published concept of life's poetic perspectives. A book of poetry. A book of thoughts. A book of perspections. A book of rhymes. Video recorded by Suite E Studios. ------ Last year, WUSF lost all of its federal funding. We turned to our community—and you stepped up to support the local, fact-based journalism, music, and cultural programming you love. As a thank-you, we’re excited to invite you to Jazz on the Block, a free celebration in honor of members like you. During Mental Health Awareness Month, live jazz offers a meaningful way to support well‑being by reducing stress, uplifting mood, and bringing people together through shared experience. WUSF and Suite E Studios presented Jazz on the Block, a vibrant community event hosted at Suite E Studios in St. Petersburg, sponsored by the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg and partnered with Freeman Sound. This free, five‑hour celebration took place on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
As a collective of Tampa based musicians and songwriters that started as a jam band in an auto shop, Tha Banned are committed to spreading the spirit of live music and community. Tha Banned plays every genre of music and specializes in improvisational jazz. They play events at venues across the Tampa Bay area including Rock the Park at Curtis Hixon and the St. Pete Saturday Morning Market. Tha Banned operates as a collective and often plays as a supporting band for its members' solo performances. Freemansound.org and the MINDSET Series strive to raise awareness and funds to support local organizations that provide services to help individuals navigate the effects of mental illness and the stigma often associated with it. The goal is to create a positive mindset, reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness, support community mental health awareness, and prevent suicide. Audio recorded by Suite E Studios. ------ Last year, WUSF lost all of its federal funding. We turned to our community—and you stepped up to support the local, fact-based journalism, music, and cultural programming you love. As a thank-you, we’re excited to invite you to Jazz on the Block, a free celebration in honor of members like you. During Mental Health Awareness Month, live jazz offers a meaningful way to support well‑being by reducing stress, uplifting mood, and bringing people together through shared experience. WUSF and Suite E Studios presented Jazz on the Block, a vibrant community event hosted at Suite E Studios in St. Petersburg, sponsored by the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg and partnered with Freeman Sound. This free, five‑hour celebration took place on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
Music is therapy. Live jazz offers a meaningful way to support well‑being by reducing stress, uplifting mood, and bringing people together through shared experience. In this episode, Warren talks about using music as therapy and speaks with different therapists and musicians on the topic.
In this episode, Warren Buchholz sits down with Eric Mullins and Jimmy Michaud, co‑founders of Swamp Sounds Florida, a Florida‑rooted vinyl collective dedicated to preserving music, history, and community through records. The conversation explores their journey into vinyl culture, the origins of Swamp Sounds Florida, and their commitment to education through workshops, events, and hands‑on experiences. Eric and Jimmy also share the story behind their annual Vinyl Record Crawl, held on Record Store Day, which blends music history, record grading education, and visits to independent record stores across the Tampa Bay region. Together, they discuss the power of vinyl as a social connector and their vision for giving “Old Florida” a lasting home in the record space.
Host: Warren Buchholz, Jazz Brand Manager, WUSF Guests: Rita Batiste – Sommelier / Wine Attendant, Piccolo Buco Alex – Brand Manager, The Zest Location: Piccolo Buco, Tampa, FL In this special on-location episode of Studio Sessions, WUSF Jazz Brand Manager Warren Buchholz sits down with Sommelier Rita Batiste at Piccolo Buco in Tampa to explore the sensory connection between classic jazz albums and carefully selected wines. Each pairing is designed to mirror the mood, texture, and emotional depth of iconic jazz recordings, blending music appreciation with wine education in a relaxed, conversational setting. Jazz and wine share the same language—emotion, structure, improvisation, and personal taste. There is no “right” pairing, only what resonates with the listener and drinker. Album & Wine Pairings 🍾 Thelonious Monk – Monk's Dream → Camille Brilliant Champagne (France) 🍷 Miles Davis – Kind of Blue → Petite Sirah 🍓 Oscar Peterson – Night Train → Strawberry Rhubarb Spritzy Sangria 🍷 Nina Simone – Gifted and Black → Vin Velouté Wine 🍷 Frank Sinatra – My Way → Super Tuscan Blend 🍾 Ella Fitzgerald – Like Someone in Love → Riesling 🍷 Dave Brubeck – Time Out → Cabernet Sauvignon & Zinfandel Blend Recorded by: Natalie Jarrin
Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Gustavo Matamoros is a sound artist and composer who has lived and worked in Miami since 1979. His compositions have earned two Venezuelan music awards and have been performed by prestigious ensembles in his home country. His sound art installations have been commissioned and exhibited throughout the U.S. and Europe by notable institutions, including the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), Miami-Dade Art in Public Places, Atlantic Center for the Arts, the Polk Museum of Art, and the Deering Estate. Matamoros has performed at prominent venues such as the Dali Museum, the Lloyd Foundation, and the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery in West Florida, as well as Roulette and Experimental Intermedia in New York City, the Experimental Sound Studio in Chicago, and LAXart and Mills College in California. Since 1988, Gustavo Matamoros has served as the artistic director of the Subtropics Organization. The college campus is located at 6605 5th Ave. North in St. Petersburg. Funded by St. Petersburg College & EMIT.
Led by founder Holly Cordero, Steamin’ Jazz is made up of players from the Central Florida area with a sense of New York Flair. Steamin’ Jazz plays tunes from jazz standards to brazilian to Funk to arrangements of pop tunes in a Jazz fashion. Holly received her Master’s in Jazz Performance from New York University playing with Jazz greats such as Kenny Werner, Chris Potter, Jean Michel-Pilc, Brad Shepik, Tony Moreno, among others. She learned under the tutelage of Mike Richmond who tours with the Mingus Big Band. She now resides in Florida continuing to compose and arrange, constantly learning more from the jazz idiom. She continues to be a strong force in the jazz world performing with multiple ensembles and for multi styled events from Burlesque to Symphony to Country to Funk. Mike Harris - Sax Joe Barone - Piano Ken Shadrake - Drums Holly Cordero - Bass/composer/bandleader Camera/Editor - Warren Buchholz Audio Engineer - Jackson Harpe Assistance / Setup - Chandler Balkcom Learn more about Studio Sessions at wusfjazz.org. Studio Sessions is made possible by WUSF, Community Foundation Tampa Bay, and viewers like you. Thank you for your support!
Consisting of Chris Kottke on trumpet, John Wheatley on tenor sax, Jim Lemli on guitar, Don Colladay on bass (Steve King on bass substituting on the Arts Axis Studio Session recording) and Pete Szujewski on drums. The SRQuintet is committed to carrying on the tradition of the great jazz quintets of the last 60 years. Playing everything from songbook standards to bebop classics, blue note gems, bossa nova favorites, and many new original tunes, the quintet is a can't-miss feature of the Sarasota jazz scene.
Don Was has left his mark on music, producing the Rolling Stones, playing bass for Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Grateful Dead, and leading Blue Note Records. He joins us ahead of his Clearwater show with Don Was & The Pan-Detroit Ensemble to discuss new music, collaborations and stories from his career. This was originally broadcasted on WUSF 89.7fm as part of the Florida Matters episode dated February 9, 2026.
Established in 2022, Sokołowski Trombone Project is a Trombone Band made up of 4 trombonists and 3 rhythm section players. The band’s goals consist of promoting innovative arrangements for the trombone of popular jazz standards, while also aiming to contribute original and modern music in various styles. STP recently won the International Trombone Association’s "Kai Winding Jazz Trombone Ensemble Competition" as well, where the group was given a featured performance at the International Trombone Festival in Salt Lake City.
Meet Al Di Meola. He’s a GRAMMY® Award-Winning American jazz fusion and Latin jazz guitarist/composer, working as a solo artist on hit albums like Casino and Land of the Midnight Sun and performed with Chick Corea’s Return to Forever. He recently released a new album Twenty Four and is currently on tour where he’ll be performing at the Nancy & David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre in Clearwater on January 17 at 8pm.