The Paul Leslie Hour

Are you here? If you’re here, your work is done! All you have to do now is listen. So, we saw in the paper that Manilow is talking about his first new pop album in years. Which is the perfect segue for this: We’ve got an interview queued up from the archives, one of Paul’s all time favorites. It’s also the interview that has received the most emails from people who tuned in. 
A great newspaper journalist named Brandee A. Thomas was interviewing Paul back in 2011. Paul told her: “Probably my favorite interview of all times was with a lyricist named Marty Panzer. He wrote ‘Through the Years’ for Kenny Rogers and he wrote a lot of songs for Barry Manilow.” So who is Mr. Panzer? Marty Panzer is a great lyricist who has songs known all over the world. He began writing songs with his friend Barry Manilow when they worked in the CBS-TV mailroom. They wanted a career in music so they began writing commercial jingles. From there, you could say Marty Panzer’s songs have more than taken off–he wrote songs for Barry Manilow like “It’s a Miracle,” “This One’s for You,” “All the Time,” and “Even Now.” Not only has Marty Panzer written songs for Barry Manilow, but he wrote the Kenny Rogers classic “Through the Years.” His songs have been recorded by the likes of Dionne Warwick, Frankie Valli, Gladys Knight, Julio Iglesias, Dusty Springfield, and others. Marty Panzer has 35 gold and platinum records, four BMI million play awards, a 3 million play award, and record sales in excess of 70 million units. Impressive, isn’t it? There’s also a live event called “An Evening with Marty Panzer,” featuring songs, stories and performances by many guest composers and artists. Paul saw “An Evening with Marty Panzer” in 2012, and we’ll tell you that story soon. Stay tuned. Real quick, just remember that The Paul Leslie Hour is made possible by people just like you. Just go to thepaulleslie.com/support and we thank you for being a patron of the spoken word. Okay. The songs of Marty Panzer are loved by many, and the host of this show is no exception. It is our pleasure to present a great and passionate lyricist, a man who says he is about … “things that last.” The Marty Panzer interview was played on the radio many times, and now it’s available on all of the new media like Spotify, Apple, iHeartRadio and more. It is our hope that what you are about to hear will find a way into your heart and soul. Let’s pull out that precious tape. Let’s listen together.

Are you here? Oh! Now, where are you? Some of you are in Key West, no doubt about it. Some of you are … somewhere else. Wherever you are, welcome to The Paul Leslie Hour. We’ve got a really quick somewhat impromptu interview with singer-songwriter, author, actor and spoken word artist Marshall Chapman. Now, this is the third interview on this show with Marshall Chapman. Paul called her up to talk about her time with Jimmy Buffett. The catalyst was the somewhat obscure, but brilliant song she co-wrote “Beyond the End,” from Buffett’s album Last Mango in Paris. They didn’t waste any time getting into the question and answer. You’re going to love this casual talk with Miz Marshall. Check out her website would you? It’s tallgirl.com Oh and please keep in mind folks, The Paul Leslie Hour is made possible by viewers and listeners like you. Just go to thepaulleslie.com/support And we thank you for being a patron of stories and the spoken word. Okay, let’s listen together. If you wonder what they talked about, you’re about to find out.

Are you here? I know you’d tell me if you were here. I trust you. You trust me. Let’s get this show going, okay? It is The Paul Leslie Hour. This show has been going for 19 years. Helping people tell their story is the name of the game here. We want to recognize someone real quick. Yes! Mr. Caleb Miller? Are you with us Caleb? Take a bow, sir! He’s a young man, but an old fashioned kinda guy. Whether it’s magic or being a stunt performer, Caleb Miller is one to watch for. Don’t get bashful Caleb. Seriously. We see what you do. We’re proud of you. Okay, just wanted to get this out there. Now, here’s an interview from the archives that went out on the radio a few years back. It most certainly did. This was the interview where stunt coordinator and actor Mark Kubr shared his story with Paul E. Leslie your host and interviewer. Kubr worked on the opening scene of the film “La-La Land.” Mark has many credits to his name. Yeah, that was thanks to Mark Kubr. Got a second? This is fast and free to do and a big help. Please, please go on YouTube and look up Paul Leslie. Would you subscribe to the YouTube channel? We’re trying to double our number of subscribers before we hit 20 years in October 2023. You can also help keep The Paul Leslie Hour. Just go to thepaulleslie.com/support and we thank you for helping the spoken word and independent media! I just decided what I’m going to do. I’m going to tell Paul to queue up the interview and unleash it, like…right now.

Are you here? Are you here….now? If you’re here, and you’re here now, then that means it’s happening. That means you’re listening to The Paul Leslie Hour. For that, we give our heartfelt thanks. What we’ve got for you all is an interview from the archives. It’s one of those short and sweet ones from the radio days. Actress, dancer, and writer Louisa Kendrick joined The Paul Leslie Hour to talk about her adventures in film, on the Broadway stage, television and as a dancer with Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band. Louisa Kendrick is a lovely woman. You’ll get that from this fun chat. Now, if we could have your attention for one moment. The Paul Leslie Hour is made possibly by listeners like you. We depend on people to listen to the show, but also some folks have been kind enough to be patrons of the spoken word. To do that, you just go to thepaulleslie.com/support And with that announcement out of the way, I’ll go ahead and give Paul the thumbs up, which he always knows means “Roll tape, buddy.” Let’s listen…together.

Are you here? When you’re here, and we’re here we have both parts of the equation that make up The Paul Leslie Hour. We’ve got quite an archive of interviews here, getting closer and closer to one thousand of them. We’ve got one of them, recorded for the radio with a bona fide show business legend: Leslie Uggams. Film, Television and Broadway Actress and sublime Singer, the legendary Leslie Uggams was interviewed by the host Paul Edward Leslie. Leslie Uggams is known playing the role of Kizzie Reynolds in the acclaimed television miniseries “Roots,” and also appearances in the musical Hallelujah, Baby! In recent years she appeared in the Deadpool movies. When Paul had the chance to speak with Leslie Uggams, she had just released her album “Uptown Downtown.” Have you heard it? Leslie Uggams is a phenomenal singer, but if you want to listen to “Uptown Downtown,” you’ve got to get the CD… that way you can listen to “Uptown Downtown,” morning or night. Okay, I think it’s important we tell you that we need some more reviews on Apple Podcasts. If you listen to the show, and you like it - please give The Paul Leslie Hour a good review. We sure would appreciate it. And now, let’s delve into that chat Paul Leslie had with the legendary Leslie Uggams.

Are you here? You’re tuned in to The Paul Leslie Hour. If you’re here, listening is always free. We welcome you. We’ve got an interview from the archives with ukulele performing and recording artist Jake Shimabukuro goes back to 2005. Jake Shimabukuro’s star was just rising. These days, he’s still at it and has worked with some real heavyweights, both in the studio and on stage. The Hawaiian-born Jake talks about his life, oh, and playing with that Jimmy Buffett fellow. Now, this interview was a phoner, the call took place just prior to Jake boarding an airplane. We apologize for the audio interruptions from the airport announcements, but we’ve done our best to improve the sound quality, okay? We’ve got an enormous archive at The Paul Leslie Hour. If you can contribute, it will help us greatly in these efforts. Just go to thepaulleslie.com/support, and we thank you. Okay, folks. Let’s listen to the first Jake Shimabukuro interview. The second one is…forthcoming. Enjoy the conversation!

Are you here? If you’re here, would you let me know? Look, I like knowing that it’s you and that you’re here! This is The Paul Leslie Hour, whether you know that or not. Okay, we’ve got an interview from our audio and radio archives. This was when Jazz Singer & Recording artist Vanessa Racci joined Paul Edward Leslie to talk about her debut album "Italiana Fresca.” If you look at the song titles on that album you’ll notice words that…well, aren’t English. You see, Vanessa Racci’s album “Italiana Fresca” features her interpretations of songs from the Italian-American Songbook. We’d like to remind you that The Paul Leslie Hour will be hitting 20 years of interviews this October. We can’t do this without you, the listeners. Please go to thepaulleslie.com/support and we thank you. Okay, let’s hear from Vanessa Racci. It sounds like a good idea to me.

Are you here? If you’re here, it’s kind of a miracle. That’s what we think anyway. This show has been bringing people together for a long time. Going on 20 years. The interview you’re about to hear with singer-songwriter Tom Freund is from our radio archives. Paul was just a pup. This Tom Freund interview was recorded the evening of August 1, 2005 backstage at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, Georgia. Tom was kind enough to allow us to play a live recording of "Copper Moon” from that very night, for your listening enjoyment. This is what the audience including Paul heard that night, and then after the show the interview you’re about to her took place. We want to note that the song “Cooper Moon” included in this episode is the intellectual property and copyright of Tom Freund and is included here by permission of Tom Freund. Please support him go to tomfreund.com f-r-e-u-n-d. You got that? Seriously, if you haven’t check out his excellent work. Also, please subscribe to The Paul Leslie Hour on YouTube. We’re trying to push the show as we roll into 20 years. Plus you get to stay updated with awesome content just like this. Thank you. Let’s hear the Tom Freund interview. It’s time enough.

Are you here? I only know if you’re here, if I can hear you. In all seriousness, you’re tuned in to The Paul Leslie Hour — coming at you from the Coast of Carolina, this show has been helping people tell their stories for 19 years and counting. We’ve got an interview from our archives with Miss Tina Gullickson, singer Hemp advocate and native Californian. Before we get the interview crankin’ - maybe you’d do us just a wee favor. Subscribe to your Paul Leslie’s YouTube channel. Won’t you do it? Okay, this interview with vocalist Tina Gullickson was recorded at a swanky hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. Most of you know Tina for her many performances as a backup singer with Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band since 1995. Now, Paul has done a lot of interviews with the Coral Reefers. But, get this: the broadcast with Tina Gullickson is the one that received the most attention through the years. Somethin’ isn’t it? Well, it’s worth noting that Tina Gullickson is a lovely, charming woman. On Christmas Day 2022, Jimmy Buffett will be turning 76 years old. That’s part of the inspiration for us releasing this interview today. Join us in wishing Mr. Buffett the happiest birthday ever. Just keep in mind, The Paul Leslie Hour is made possible by listeners just like you. Be a patron of the spoken word. Go to thepaulleslie.com/support and we thank you. And now, we’d be honored if you listened to the Tina Gullickson interview, right here on The Paul Leslie Hour.

Are you here? Here to listen? Here to hear? Welcome to The Paul Leslie Hour, you’re here and that’s good enough for us. We’ve got a super short interview from the archives. This was an impromptu backstage interview with Tim Finn, completely off the cuff. Tim Finn has had quite a career, from his time with Split Enz, Crowded House, the Finn Brothers and then there’s his solo work. This interview went down at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, Georgia. Tim Finn touches on his early days, his solo record “Imaginary Kingdom.” Finn also talks about the inspiration behind the Crowded House song “Weather with You,” which he co-wrote with his brother Neil Finn. Since I have your attention, I wonder if you’d subscribe to The Paul Leslie Hour on YouTube. It not only helps you keep up to date with our interviews, but also helps us out a whole lot. And while you’re there, ring the bell. Thank you! It’s a real quick interview on this episode of The Paul Leslie Hour, but I think it’s time to start. So let’s start.

Are you here? I know that if you just heard that question, it’s really not possible for you to be anywhere, but here. So what do we got for ya today? It’s an interview from the archives with Thom Tollerson. The Kindred Spirit was a folk trio featuring Thom Tollerson, Phil Rolleston and Deborah McColl. Thom Tollerson is a very musical man. In addition to being a music teacher, guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, Thom Tollerson also operates the 106 West live music venue and music school which is where this interview was recorded. And by the way, that’s at 106 West Athens St. in historic Winder, Georgia. This interview was recorded to document the 40th anniversary reunion concert of The Kindred Spirit folk trio. Hey, if you haven’t already can you subscribe to The Paul Leslie Hour? It’s a great way to stay up to date with all of the interviews and reviews we do, and it’s absolutely 100 % free. It’s the right thing to do. Let’s play the interview with Thom Tollerson.

Are you here? Being here is the prerequisite to each and every episode of The Paul Leslie Hour. What do we have for you today? This is an interview from the archives with Susanne Rostock. So, Susanne Rostock is a filmmaker who has been defined as an aural and visual poet. Did you hear about Harry Belafonte being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? At 95 years old he’s the oldest living person to earn an induction. Well, Susanne Rostock wrote and directed the documentary film “SING YOUR SONG,” which tells the untold story of singer, actor and activist Harry Belafonte. You can help The Paul Leslie Hour a whole lot and it’s free to do so. Just find the Paul Leslie channel on YouTube and subscribe. Ring the bell while you’re there. It’s a big, big help and it doesn’t cost you a penny. Now if you do have a few pennies you’d like to donate to keep the show going, that’s okay too. Just go to thepaulleslie.com/support We thank you for subscribing, supporting and just for listening. Yes, this is all true. All right, if Paul is okay with queuing up the interview, it’s about that time. Okay?

Are you here? You’re probably here. I’m guessing you’re in the right place, and you’re tuned in to The Paul Leslie Hour, that much is certain. What do we have for you, here? An interview from the archives with Susan Egan, most likely. Oh yes, definitely… it’s Paul’s interview with actress, singer, concert performer, recording artist and dancer Susan Egan. She came on to talk about her album "The Secret of Happiness" and other topics. It's one of those light-hearted, but heartfelt interview. This was a telephone interview, or as they say in the biz a phoner. Susan was on the West Coast, but rumor has it she lives in Nashville these days. Now, you may probably want to support The Paul Leslie Hour by making a small, medium or large contribution. Just go to thepaulleslie.com/support I think it’s quite possibly time to start the interview. Let’s do it, daddy-o.

Are you here? Sure, you’re here….listening to The Paul Leslie Hour. Paul Leslie, hmmm kind of a blue collar Larry King, huh? As a lot of you know, The Paul Leslie Hour, has quite an extensive archive of Radio interviews. Some of them are what they call phoners. That is, telephone interviews. This is an interview today with guitar virtuoso Steve Kimock. He’s been heavily compared to Jerry Garcia, but he really is his own deal. Your host Paul Edward Leslie had the chance to see him in concert. It blew his mind. In this very short, casual phone interview, guitar legend Steve Kimock talks about his influences and some of the great artists he’s worked with from Bernie Worrell to Bruce Hornsby. This interview has been digitally remastered for your listening enjoyment. So I think it’s important to let you know that we do take contributions to keep the show going. Things like the digital remastering and the hosting do cost money. Just go to www.thepaulleslie.com/support And now ladies and gents, it’s time to bring out the Steve Kimock interview. I feel like we owe it to you. Let’s let the show begin. We want to hear that phoner.

Are you here? If I know you, you’re here. I’m here. So what do we have here? We’ve got an interview from the archives. Shari Belafonte is a woman who has accomplished quite a lot in her life. A model, photographer and writer. Like her famous father, Harry Belafonte, she’s also worked as an actor and singer. Shari Belafonte made for a lively, interesting interview with your host Paul E. Leslie. This was originally broadcast on the radio and got quite a reaction. Side note, did you hear that Harry Belafonte was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame…in the Early Influence Category? At 95 years old, he’s the oldest living individual to have earned that honor. Did you also know that The Paul Leslie Hour is made possible by people like you? Simply go to thepaulleslie.com/support and we thank you. If you’d like to help the show, there’s also a free way to do so. Go on YouTube and look up the Paul Leslie channel. Click subscribe and ring the bell. It’s free and is a big help to our mission. I think it’s time to hear that interview with Shari Belafonte. If you agree, say: “DAY-O!”

Are you here? Here, you, are! How do you do? What I’m really saying is… I love you. Hey, isn’t that a lyric? Ohhh that’s right, it was in that famous song recorded by one of the all-time greats. Louis Armstrong. Well some called him Louie. He was also Satchmo, Satch and to some he was Pops. He was some artist. A trumpeter, singer and recording artist, he was one of the all-time most influential jazz artists, but really couldn’t be defined by a single genre. Yes, good ol’ Louis Armstrong. So we present a Louis Armstrong-related interview from the archives. Paul E. Leslie did this on his birthday, with Rick Riccardi, one of the great experts on Louis Armstrong. Ricky Riccardi is the author of "What a Wonderful World: The Magic of Louis Armstrong's Later Years" and he’s the archivist for the Louis Armstrong House Museum. He talks a lot about "Pops" with Paul Leslie here, coming right up. Something we want to beg you to do, go to youtube and find the Paul Leslie YouTube channel and subscribe. Don’t forget to ring that bell. We’re trying to double our YouTube subscribers before we hit that 20 year mark. And could you help us keep this content coming to you? Just go to thepaulleslie.com/support and we thank you for helping independent media and the spoken word! Today it’s all about Louis Armstrong. Just like every day. It’s Louie’s world. Let’s get this going. Gentlemen?

Are you here? That’s right, you are! Welcome to The Paul Leslie Hour, a place to listen to interviews with fascinating people. We’ve got a great interview from the archives with Richard Maltby, Jr. This was recorded for the radio and a pleasure to present to you all. Lyricist Richard Maltby, Jr. wrote many successful songs with composer David Shire as well as other composers like Andrew Lloyd Webber. Now, quite a few of the Maltby & Shire songs were even recorded by Barbra Streisand. He’s got quite an interesting story. Maltby is the son of the late famed bandleader Richard Maltby, Sr. As you’ll soon hear, our guest Richard Maltby, Jr. is an interesting man. We’re trying our best to grow our YouTube channel. Subscribe to Paul Leslie’s YouTube channel to keep apprised of all of our interviews. I think it’s time. This is a rare, candid interview with Richard Maltby, Jr. Let’s listen together.

Are you here? You’re here, because this is the place to be baby! You’ve come to the place with the laidback pace. We’re talkin’ about your Hour of Hours, with the host who won’t boast… I’m talkin’ of course about my man, Paul Leslie. This is the announcer, the golden Dan Gold, gettin’ this listen fest underway so you can get your dose of inspiration, communication and just a little bit of fuel for your aspirations, you know exactly what I mean, cuz you just know the show. We’ve got a tape from the wayback “press play” machine, an interview with music man Randy Edelman. Hailing from Teaneck, New Jersey and known from coast to coast…. Randy’s done some fabulous things with sound. LIKE WHAATTT? You may be askin’, if you didn't know about the Randy Edelman magic touch already! Well he’s a film and television composer, putting the perfect, pristine, marvelous, musical touches to go with what your eyeballs are peepin’ on screens at home or at the theatre. We liked the music he added to that Last of the Mohicans movie. Hey, the music may have been the best part of that flick! We mean that in a good way, since that’s the only way we mean anything. Then there’s our man Randy Edelman the singer-songwriter and recording artist. Some of you not only saw him on stage, you got the wax too. Randy wrote some luscious songs. We gotta tip our hat for his song “Weekend in New England.” Yess, son! Even our chum Barry Manilow flipped over that tune. He covered it on his fourth disc. Uhhh-huh. We got no age limits on this interview, young or old we just ask you think about hittin’ that subscribe button for The Paul Leslie Hour on YouTube! Can ya do it, baby? If you’re old enough to be on YouTube, you’re old enough to get a subbie and we’d really dig it if you rang that bell, ya hear? So enjoy this in-depth interview with Randy Edelman. This one hit the laidback radio airwaves quite a few years back, when he’d come out with his album “The Pacific Flow to Abbey Road.” Whether you’re in Malibu or Maui, or your mama’s place - we hope you enjoy this eppy-soda. It’s for you baby. Until next time Danny Gold is gonna prop his feet up and listen right along with you. I’ll catch you on the flip side. Have a ball, baby.

Are you here? It sure seems like you are. Yep, you’re here listening to The Paul Leslie Hour. What do we have for you? It’s an interview from the archives with folkie Phil Rolleston. The Kindred Spirit was a folk trio featuring Phil Rolleston, Thom Tollerson and Deborah McColl. In 1968, a recording was made of one of their live concert, using one microphone. In 2008, the tape of that recording was resurrected and the audio cleaned up. It was that recording that provided the inspiration for the band to have a reunion 40 years later. The three members of the trio were interviewed by Paul E. Leslie the night before their reunion concert. Phil Rolleston was the first to be interviewed. You’re about to hear the recording of that interview. The YouTube channel is growing inch by inch. Please consider subscribing to The Paul Leslie YouTube channel. It helps us a lot, and it’s free to do so. I think the best move now is that we all listen to the Phil Rolleston interview.

Are you here? I’m going to hope you’re here because if you weren’t here, who knows where you are. Welcome to The Paul Leslie Hour. Look, I’m the announcer of the show. I’m just going to announce today’s episode and then go about my day if that’s all right with you. Today we present an interview with Paul Alexander Nolan. Sometimes your host, Paul Leslie talks to a person and just thinks from the beginning, “here we go. This is going to be good. More on Paul Alexander Nolan in a moment, but I’d like to invite you to subscribe to Paul Leslie’s YouTube channel and The Paul Leslie Hour on Facebook. It really helps us in our work of helping people tell their stories. Now, what you’re about to listen to is theatre actor, singer, guitarist and recording artist Paul Alexander Nolan sitting down with Paul Leslie to talk about his career as a thespian. Nolan has appeared in quite a few Broadway and Off-Broadway productions as well as film & television. Of interest to a lot of you, Paul Alexander Nolan was cast as Tully Mars for the Broadway music "Escape to Margaritaville" musical. At the present time, you can see Paul reprise his role as Hugh Dorsey on Broadway in a new production of “Parade.” Okay, I’m going to introduce the show. Take over Paul’s. Both of you.

Are you here? If you’re here, we’re thrilled, honored and proud to welcome you to another episode of The Paul Leslie Hour. This interview with musician Oteil Burbridge aired on the radio back in the day - ehh around the year 2005. Ever since it’s been sitting around on tape just waiting to get out into the world, and we’re excited about it. Oteil Burbridge is a multi-instrumentalist, most known for his phenomenal bass playing. Oteil has worked with some great acts on stage and in the studio. He’s well known as a member of the Allman Brothers Band from 1997 to 2014. Oteil was also a founding member of Dead & Company, the Tedeschi Trucks Band and the Aquarium Rescue Unit. He’s worked with everyone from Colonel Bruce Hampton to Derek Trucks. When the interview went down with Oteil Burbridge he was performing with his band, Oteil and the Peacemakers. Your host Paul was way into the three albums from Oteil and the Peacemakers and was thrilled to sit down with Oteil. Oh, oh, oh folks! Dead and Company, with today’s guest Oteil Burbridge will be headlining the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival this year. You’re going to want to be there, May 6th. Get your tickets at nojazzfest.com that’s n-0-j-a-z-z-f-e-s-t dot com. Real quick, subscribe to The Paul Leslie Hour on YouTube it’ll help you keep up with more interviews just like this. Now let’s take you to that evening in Athens, Georgia. When Paul sat down for a laidback, heartfelt and at times humorous conversation with Oteil Burbridge. Happy listening, everyone.

Are you here? I’m not going to not ask. You realize that, right? I’m going to ask you if you’re here, because it’s what I do. Why? Because this is The Paul Leslie Hour. That’s why. All of this just means that I want to warmly welcome you to another episode. Thank you for listening to our second interview with singing Radio & Television personality Oleg Frish. In our ever-present past we featured the first interview, but on this second one he dropped in to talk about his album entitled "Duets with My American Idols.” This record features Oleg singing with legendary artists like Ben E. King, B. J. Thomas, Melissa Manchester, Peggy March, Tony Orlando, Gary US Bonds and many others. It’s something isn’t it? You’ll just have to listen. Now, listen for just a moment if you will. This show has been going for 19 years and counting. We just want to thank you for listening and also encourage you to help out if you can. Just go to thepaulleslie.com/support You can be a patron of independent media and the spoken word. Thank you. Let’s hear from Oleg Frish. Gentlemen?

Are you here? Really, I want you to answer. Oh, you don’t have to. It’s just the question I ask at the beginning of every episode of… The Paul Leslie Hour, a show that’s been going strong for 19 years. How are ya? This particular show is something very special. Mailboat Records recording artist, singer and entertainer Nadirah Shakoor came into the studio to talk about her record, Nod to the Storyteller. She did some great material on the album, including a lot of Jimmy Buffett songs. That album come out on Mailboat Records. Do you have it? Have you heard it? It’s a beauty. Many of you know Nadirah Shakoor as one of the great vocalists in Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Bands. There’s no telling how many people she has touched with her singing. Now, Nadirah didn’t just come in to do an interview. She also sang a few songs, including a couple not on the record. Wait till you hear her performance of “Over the Rainbow,” which she dedicated to Jimmy Buffett. Keep in mind we’ve got tons of interviews and specials like this that still have yet to come out. They’re tucked away in the archives. If you’d like to contribute some dough to keep these efforts going, just go to thepaulleslie.com/support and we we thank you. Here it is folks, we hope you enjoy. Let us know what you think, okay?

Are you here? We think it’s better that you’re here than somewhere else! Thank you for cruising in. Welcome to The Paul Leslie Hour. We have an interview from the archives with Jazz Saxophonist Mike Smith, a native of Chicago. Before we tell you more about Mike Smith, can you do us a quick favor? Subscribe to The Paul Leslie Hour on YouTube. It’s easy to find, free to do and once you do ring that bell. Please. Now, more about today’s interview…Chicago saxophone legend Mike Smith has performed all around the world and worked with more than 100 greats of music: Nat Adderley, Jimmy Heath, Clark Terry, Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole, Linda Ronstadt, Diane Schuur, Harry Connick Jr, Nancy Wilson and Frank Sinatra. 

Mike Smith toured with Frank Sinatra Jr. until the very end of Frankie’s life. That’s how we got connected with Mike Smith. And we’re very glad we did. Real quick, The Paul Leslie Hour depends on listeners and viewers like you. Please consider contributing, it keeps the operation going. Go to thepaulleslie.com/support and we thank you. And now ladies and gents, it’s the Mike Smith interview. It’s time.

Are you here? What do you say we get this rolling? Oh, as the announcer I should tell you that this is The Paul Leslie Hour. It’s an interview show. Been going for 19 years. If it’s your first time: welcome. Thank you for tuning in. So, this is a very brief interview. It’s an impromptu episode with returning guest Michael Utley. Michael Utley has been the musical director and keyboardist with Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band since 1973. He’s far too humble to admit this, but he’s an authority on Jimmy Buffett. He played on every single album since A White Sport Coat and a Pink Crustacean. Mr. Utley also happens to be an incredibly nice man. That’s just the way it is. So, it can be a strange thing that reunites people. In this case, Utley called Paul to comment about the country song “When the Wild Life Betrays Me,” that he co-wrote with Jimmy Buffett and Will Jennings. It appeared on Buffett’s 1984 album “Riddles in the Sand.” Utley was just about to do a sound check. You see, the evening of this interview he was just about to take the stage with Jimmy and the band in Key West, Florida. They talk about that and a little more. We’re really working on growing the Paul Leslie YouTube channel. Please subscribe for more exclusive content like this. Yes, folks. It’s free and quick. And we thank you. Let’s get right into it with a masterful musician, Mr. Michael Utley.