Our final episode of this limited series features UCF's very own Richard Drexler. He's no stranger to WUCF and his work with Jeff Rupert is always one to watch. From working with Jazz royalty to his obsession with lobsters - we get down to the nitty gritty. Florida is honored to house such a talented individual!

Memphis is home to many iconic musicians. Its best kept secret may just be Susan Marshall! Known for her studio and stage work with Lynyrd Skynyrd, Lucinda Williams, Toy Caldwell, Lenny Kravitz and more. From her vocal beginnings to Itta Bena - we find out about it all.

This trumpeter, singer, songwriter and rapper has gone on to back multiple award-winning artists. Getting the call to back Bruno Mars would be one of them and change his life forever. Growing up in Atlanta, church shaped his artistic path. We learn how he landed on trumpet, why he studied jazz as a postgraduate, and what it was like working with John Legend.

Caitlin opens up about her orchestra to folk/pop trajectory and how so far...her life has outwritten her wildest dreams. Speaking of Wildest Dreams, Evanson found herself next to arguably the leading culturally significant songwriter of our generation - Taylor Swift. We get the scoop on what it was like behind the scenes and how being at the center of it all is something she'll cherish for life.

Cat started out with classical music. Although discouraged to pursue other genres while studying jazz in college, she really found her stride in New York City where she sought out punk, Irish, bluegrass and reggae. The transition from upright to electric bass was hard, but she found her groove. From Jack White to Ryan Adams and the Cardinals to Puss n Boots – Cat has continued to prove she can rock with the best of them.

With equal sense of wonder and diligence, G.E.’s love of guitar led him to work with people like Hall & Oates, Mick Jagger and Bob Dylan. We get an inside look at what life was like for him growing up in Pennsylvania, the moment he received his first electric guitar and the rigorous schedule as the bandleader of Saturday Night Live. With guitar in hand, he happily recalls the moments that shaped him as an artist. 

Saul Dautch knows a thing or two about transitioning from jazz student to a career in music. Under Jeff Rupert’s direction, he learned a lot and played with the Flying Horse Big Band. Making the move to NYC, Saul continued his studies at Rutgers where he now is an instructor.

Hearing Max Roach for the first time changed Cindy Blackman Santana’s outlook. Studying under jazz greats such as Art Blakey, Alan Dawson and Jackie Mclean – she got to know jazz at its roots. This would prove both helpful and useful when it came to auditions and gigs down the line. Whether it was playing onstage every night with Lenny Kravitz or Santana – her connection to music surpasses the physical sense.