In this episode, Melanie (Dflower) and Yunie (YunieMo) dive into having an "attitude of gratitude" year-round, not just during the holidays. They talk about the struggles of balancing work and life in the music biz, where constant travel and long hours can lead to burnout. The key? Taking time to rest and recharge — even if it’s just a day or two — to keep the creative energy flowing. They also chat about the importance of surrounding yourself with people who truly support your vision. In the same breath, they reflect on the recent losses of some of our musical giants — Quincy Jones, Roy Haynes, Benny Golson, and Lou Donaldson. While these legends lived long, fruitful lives, their passing still hits hard. Melanie and Yunie emphasize how important it is to honor our icons while they're still here, appreciating the legacy they leave behind. Tap into this deep, wide-ranging conversation about self-care, gratitude, and the people who help keep us inspired. We need your feedback! Please let us know your thoughts and what you'd like to hear on the podcast! ❤️ Reggie Workman’s Indiegogo: Immortal The Musical Crusade of Reggie Workman Follow: @makejazztrillagainoffical Email: [email protected]  Follow: @melaniecharlesisdflower / @Yuniemo

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.

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!

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: [email protected]  Follow: @melaniecharlesisdflower / @Yuniemo

✌🏾 & ❤️ 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

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]  

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]  Follow: @melaniecharlesisdflower / @Yuniemo / @iamjeromejennings

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: [email protected]  Follow: @melaniecharlesisdflower / @Yuniemo / @Ladymoonandtheeclipse

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: [email protected]  Follow: @melaniecharlesisdflower / @Yuniemo  

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: [email protected]  Follow: @melaniecharlesisdflower / @Yuniemo / @michelataps

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: [email protected]  Follow: @melaniecharlesisdflower / @yuniemo   

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 [email protected] 

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 [email protected]   

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 [email protected]   

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 [email protected] 

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 [email protected]

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

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

Make Jazz Trill Again Podcast is back! Instead of comin to you live at a Trill event, Mel and Yunie are bringing you the podcast in true podcast form, remote from the east and west coasts.  Tap in and get a chance to catch up with the Trill girls about Summer Festivals reemerging, their hot takes on the “Jazz Police”, industry topics around music, Jazz, deals and contracts and so much more. Get into it here with Yunie and Mel, and 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  Next Performances: Melanie Charles - Mondriaan Jazz Festival, Den Haag, Netherlands Tickets - Saturday, Oct. 8, 8pm  Melanie's Tour & Performance Schedule Yunie Mojica - Sonic Messengers (w/ AceMo) @ Public Records (Brooklyn, NY) Tickets - Saturday, Sept. 3, 11pm   

In this episode, Melanie and Yunie get a chance to sit down with the multi-talented vocalist, musician, composer, VJ and radio personality, China Moses!  They get deep into China’s childhood stories, lessons, music, the everyday life of being an artist, and some Trill Trivia! If you missed out on this live experience, now’s a chance to catch the vibe here!  Presented with support from Winter Jazz Fest Recorded Live at: Nublu | 151 Loisaida Ave, New York, NY 10009 Follow and Find China Moses here: http://chinamoses.com/  (IG: @chinamoses)  

In this episode, MJTA hosts Melanie and Yunie are live in LA!!!! Recorded at the new performing arts venue, 2220 Arts + Archives with a special guest Author, Poet and Activist and Resident Programmer of 2220 Arts + Archives, Harmony Holiday. They celebrate Holiday’s most recent release of her book Maafa, and get deep into multiple topics about Harmony’s research and book on Abbey Lincoln, storytelling, censorship, sampling, and other masters such as Max Roach, Amiri Baraka, and Charles Mingus.  If you missed out on this live experience back in April 2022, now’s a chance to catch the vibe here!  Presented with support from Winter Jazz Fest Recorded Live on April 19, 2022 at  2220 Arts + Archives | 2220 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90057 Follow Melanie Charles: @melaniecharlesisdflower | melaniecharles.com   Follow Yunie Mojica: @Yuniemo  ind out more about 2220 Arts + Archives: https://www.2220arts.org/ Follow and Find Harmony Holiday Here: Twitter: @Harmony_Holiday Bio: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/harmony-holiday Purchase the book "Maafa" by Harmony Holiday Harmony's LA Times Article on Sun Ra: May the ghost of Sun Ra return to lift the 50-year curse he cast on Los Angeles

In this episode, Melanie and Yunie sit down with not one but two special guests! DC native, Radio personality, writer for New Music NPR and fellow podcaster, Keannna Faircloth and  Jazz, R&B, Funk, Neo-Soul vocalist and activist, Jeanette Berry. They get deep into multiple topics on music selection, influences, mentorship, being an underdog, and of course.. Trill Trivia!  If you missed out on this live experience back in February, now’s a chance to catch the vibe here!  Presented with support from Winter Jazz Fest Recorded Live at: Nublu | 151 Loisaida Ave, New York, NY 10009 Follow and Find Keanna Faircloth here: https://www.artimacy.org/  IG: @jazzygirlrockin / @artimacypodcast Follow and Find Jeanette Berry here: https://jeanetteberry.com/  IG: @jb_solivagant