Episode 81: Chicago Bluesman Toronzo Cannon

Episode 81: Chicago Bluesman Toronzo Cannon

Join host Dawn Burns on The Sauce for a conversation and electrifying live performance from Toronzo Cannon & The Chicago Way, joined by The Jack Whittle Trio, recorded at The Acorn in Three Oaks, Michigan. A leading voice in contemporary blues, Toronzo Cannon is celebrated for his deeply personal songwriting, fiery guitar playing, and soulful vocals. Drawing inspiration from legends such as Muddy Waters, Elmore James, Albert King, and Jimi Hendrix, Cannon has forged a distinctive sound that honors the blues tradition while pushing it forward. Tune in for an unforgettable mix of conversation, storytelling, and live music from one of today's most innovative blues artists. Photo credit Sandra Miller

Episode 80: RIP Billy Foster Jazz Pianist, Composer & Educator

Join host Dawn Burns on *The Sauce* for a conversation recorded in 2022.with acclaimed jazz pianist, composer, educator, and radio host Billy Foster. With a career spanning more than 35 years, Foster has performed with jazz greats including Art Farmer, James Moody, Jimmy Heath, and Ernie Watts. A longtime educator at Valparaiso University and Indiana University Northwest, he has helped shape generations of musicians while continuing to perform and record with the Billy Foster Trio, featuring vocalist Renee Miles-Foster. Foster also hosts the popular *Billy Foster Jazz Zone* on WGVE 88.7 in Gary, Indiana. Tune in for an engaging conversation celebrating jazz, education, and a lifetime of musical excellence.

Episode 79: RIOPY Pianist, Vocalist & Composer

Join host Dawn Burns on “The Sauce” for a conversation with Jean-Philippe Rio-Py — known worldwide as RIOPY. RIOPY’s far-reaching music has surpassed 1.3 billion streams and filled concert halls across Europe, North America and Asia — but behind the success is a deeper story of recovery. Be Love was born from a profoundly personal battle: the fight to recover when illness nearly silenced him. For RIOPY, that struggle sparked a return to singing — a lifelong fear turned necessity — which he later transformed into his first-ever vocal tracks: ‘Long Way [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyyp-govZxY] Home [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyyp-govZxY]’ and ‘Come With Me [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZGhoauwA9g]’.

Episode 78: Kobie Dozier Saxophonist, Composer & Producer

Join host Dawn Burns on *The Sauce* for a conversation with rising saxophonist, composer, and producer Kobie Dozier. Raised in Los Angeles and shaped by the rich Leimert Park music community, Kobie studied with legendary saxophonist Ricky Washington and was inspired by jazz mentor Reggie Andrews. A graduate of The New School, Kobie is building momentum with his genre-blending sound rooted in jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and funk. Following his successful “For The People” tour, he’s preparing to release his highly anticipated 2026 project, *N’namdi*—and yes, the album cover is stunning.

Episode 77: Joshua Achiron-Guitarist, Composer & Educator

Join host Dawn Burns on The Sauce for a conversation with Chicago-based guitarist, arranger, composer, and educator Joshua Achiron. Blending jazz and classical traditions, Joshua studied at the Eastman School of Music and earned his master’s degree from the Berklee Global Jazz Institute under Danilo Pérez, Joe Lovano, and John Patitucci. In 2024, Joshua received the prestigious Luminarts Jazz Fellowship and now teaches at Harper College.