You Can’t Do It Unless You Love It with Forecast

Forty years. Countless shows. One unforgettable sound.
In this special episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, host Darrell sits down with Lem Adams and Gary Stevenson of Forecast, Cleveland’s legendary contemporary jazz band. Blending jazz, funk, rock, reggae, and pop, Forecast has spent four decades crafting a sound that resonates across generations. But what’s the secret to their longevity?
Lem and Gary open up about the dedication, discipline, and love for the craft that have kept Forecast thriving. From navigating generational shifts in music to the lessons learned from jazz greats like Kirk Whalum, this episode is a masterclass in passion and perseverance.
Gary, the band’s bass player, dives into the importance of discipline, leadership, and knowing your role in the band’s foundation. He also shares the personal challenges he’s overcome-both on and off the stage-to keep the music alive.
Lem takes us behind the scenes, from meticulous gig preparation to the high-energy grind of performing 40 shows in 30 days.
They reflect on the music industry's evolution, from the rise of streaming to near-missed deals that could have cost them their band’s name. Through it all, one truth remains: You can’t do it unless you love it.
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