Hello, I’m Sandy Kaye. A freelance broadcaster, journalist and producer who has spent more than 35 years on both sides of radio and television microphones. I’ve worked with every TV network in Australia, have produced and presented for countless radio stations around the country and have hosted my own commercial radio talk-back show. I’ve even held the distinction of being Sydney’s first female newsreader on radio – way back when!
Today my passion is A Breath of Fresh Air which allows me to immerse myself in one of my favourite things – music. I just love all kinds of music and am fascinated by the people who make it. In particular, it’s the music of the '60s '70s and '80s that takes me back to my youth and means so much to me.
As a journalist, I’m all about digging deep into the classic hits of our time.
I bring you intimate, warm, fireside chats with the artists who tell us about their lives both then and now.
We learn about what makes them tick, who they are in their professional and private lives and how they went about making the soundtrack to our lives.
'A Breath of Fresh Air’ is exceptional - exceptional not because of me, but rather because of the stories that some of the best-known musical artists choose to share with me.
I created this podcast to honour them. It’s all about THEIR lives, THEIR stories, THEIR music, told now, in THEIR voices, before they’re lost forever.
I see my podcast as a personal labour of love, but also as an archival Legacy for music fans and practitioners alike, both current and future, who otherwise might never know of the amazing people who helped build the industry.
I really hope you enjoy each and every episode of A Breath of Fresh Air.
Recent Content
Chris White is a highly respected British saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist, best known for his significant contributions to Dire Straits during the band's most commercially successful era.Bo…
Chris White is a hig…
Chris White is a highly respected British saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist, best known for his significant contributions to Dire Straits during the band's most commercially successful era.Born in Bristol, England, Chris's musical journey began at a young age, with a deep appreciation for jazz and blues music.Inspired by saxophone legends like John Coltrane and Charlie Parker, he honed his craft throughout the '70s and early '80s, becoming a sought-after session musician for both jazz and pop artists. His skill on the saxophone, combined with his ability to play multiple instrume…
Chris White is a highly respected British saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist, best known for his significant contributions to Dire Straits during the band's most commercially successful era. Born …
Chris White is a hig…
Chris White is a highly respected British saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist, best known for his significant contributions to Dire Straits during the band's most commercially successful era. Born in Bristol, England, Chris's musical journey began at a young age, with a deep appreciation for jazz and blues music. Inspired by saxophone legends like John Coltrane and Charlie Parker, he honed his craft throughout the '70s and early '80s, becoming a sought-after session musician for both jazz and pop artists. His skill on the saxophone, combined with his ability to play multiple instruments, s…
Chris White says the 'Brothers in Arms' tour was the happiest time in his life. Equal only to what he experiences today leading his band, The Dire Straits Experience.
Chris White says the…
Chris White says the 'Brothers in Arms' tour was the happiest time in his life. Equal only to what he experiences today leading his band, The Dire Straits Experience.
Chris White is a highly respected British saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist, best known for his significant contributions to Dire Straits during the band's most commercially successful era. Born …
Chris White is a hig…
Chris White is a highly respected British saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist, best known for his significant contributions to Dire Straits during the band's most commercially successful era. Born in Bristol, England, White's musical journey began at a young age, with a deep appreciation for jazz and blues music. Inspired by saxophone legends like John Coltrane and Charlie Parker, he honed his craft throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, becoming a sought-after session musician for both jazz and pop artists. His skill on the saxophone, combined with his ability to play multiple instruments,…
Spencer Davis was a British rock musician and bandleader who became a major figure in the 1960s British Invasion, most notably as the founder of The Spencer Davis Group.Born in Swansea, Wales, Da…
Spencer Davis was a …
Spencer Davis was a British rock musician and bandleader who became a major figure in the 1960s British Invasion, most notably as the founder of The Spencer Davis Group.Born in Swansea, Wales, Davis began his musical journey at a young age, inspired by American blues, jazz, and skiffle music. After moving to Birmingham to attend university, Davis immersed himself in the city's burgeoning music scene, forming the Rhythm and Blues Quartet in 1963, which quickly evolved into The Spencer Davis Group.The band’s classic lineup—featuring Spencer Davis on guitar and vocals, Steve Winwood …
Spencer Davis was a British rock musician and bandleader who became a major figure in the 1960s British Invasion, most notably as the founder of The Spencer Davis Group. Born in Swansea, Wales, Davis…
Spencer Davis was a …
Spencer Davis was a British rock musician and bandleader who became a major figure in the 1960s British Invasion, most notably as the founder of The Spencer Davis Group. Born in Swansea, Wales, Davis began his musical journey at a young age, inspired by American blues, jazz, and skiffle music. After moving to Birmingham to attend university, Davis immersed himself in the city's burgeoning music scene, forming the Rhythm and Blues Quartet in 1963, which quickly evolved into The Spencer Davis Group. The band’s classic lineup—featuring Spencer Davis on guitar and vocals, Steve Winwood on key…
Spencer Davis was a British rock musician and bandleader who became a major figure in the 1960s British Invasion, most notably as the founder of The Spencer Davis Group. Born in Swansea, Wales, Davis …
Spencer Davis was a …
Spencer Davis was a British rock musician and bandleader who became a major figure in the 1960s British Invasion, most notably as the founder of The Spencer Davis Group. Born in Swansea, Wales, Davis began his musical journey at a young age, inspired by American blues, jazz, and skiffle music. After moving to Birmingham to attend university, Davis immersed himself in the city's burgeoning music scene, forming the Rhythm and Blues Quartet in 1963, which quickly evolved into The Spencer Davis Group.The band’s classic lineup—featuring Spencer Davis on guitar and vocals, Steve Winwood on key…
Coco Montoya is a celebrated American blues guitarist and vocalist, recognized for his passionate performances and mastery of the blues genre. Born in Santa Monica, California, Montoya began his music…
Coco Montoya is a ce…
Coco Montoya is a celebrated American blues guitarist and vocalist, recognized for his passionate performances and mastery of the blues genre. Born in Santa Monica, California, Montoya began his musical journey as a drummer, and his career took a pivotal turn when he met the legendary Albert Collins in the 1970s. Albert Collins became his mentor, teaching him the fundamentals of the blues and urging him to transition to guitar. Coco Montoya's left-handed, upside-down playing style and emotional phrasing became his signature, blending fiery intensity with heartfelt soul. In the 1980s, Montoya j…
Coco Montoya is a celebrated American blues guitarist and vocalist, recognized for his passionate performances and mastery of the blues genre. Born in Santa Monica, California, Montoya began his music…
Coco Montoya is a ce…
Coco Montoya is a celebrated American blues guitarist and vocalist, recognized for his passionate performances and mastery of the blues genre. Born in Santa Monica, California, Montoya began his musical journey as a drummer, and his career took a pivotal turn when he met the legendary Albert Collins in the 1970s. Albert Collins became his mentor, teaching him the fundamentals of the blues and urging him to transition to guitar. Coco Montoya's left-handed, upside-down playing style and emotional phrasing became his signature, blending fiery intensity with heartfelt soul. In the 1980s, Montoya j…
Coco Montoya is a celebrated American blues guitarist and vocalist, recognized for his passionate performances and mastery of the blues genre. Born in Santa Monica, California, Montoya began his musi…
Coco Montoya is a ce…
Coco Montoya is a celebrated American blues guitarist and vocalist, recognized for his passionate performances and mastery of the blues genre. Born in Santa Monica, California, Montoya began his musical journey as a drummer, and his career took a pivotal turn when he met the legendary Albert Collins in the 1970s. Albert Collins became his mentor, teaching him the fundamentals of the blues and urging him to transition to guitar. Coco Montoya's left-handed, upside-down playing style and emotional phrasing became his signature, blending fiery intensity with heartfelt soul. In the 1980s, Montoya…
Tito Jackson passed away very recently at the age of 70. Here he joins me in conversation where he shares stories about his childhood and the experience of joining his siblings as they became one of t…
Tito Jackson passed …
Tito Jackson passed away very recently at the age of 70. Here he joins me in conversation where he shares stories about his childhood and the experience of joining his siblings as they became one of the biggest named musical acts in the world. Tito tells us how his father drove the kids hard; how he had made a conscious decision to be a stay-at-home dad for his own offspring and how his latest Blues album was such a personal project for him. As you'll see from this interview, TIto admits he was the quiet, shy member of the group and it was only in later life that he developed the confidence t…
Charlie Musselwhite and Elvin Bishop, two towering legends in the blues world, have carved their places in music history through decades of innovation, collaboration, and a shared love for the blues. …
Charlie Musselwhite …
Charlie Musselwhite and Elvin Bishop, two towering legends in the blues world, have carved their places in music history through decades of innovation, collaboration, and a shared love for the blues. Both emerged from the heart of Chicago’s thriving 1960s blues scene, though they took distinct paths that would eventually lead to an unforgettable partnership. Musselwhite, born in Kosciusko, Mississippi, and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, grew up surrounded by the rich musical traditions of Delta blues, country, and gospel. Moving to Chicago in the early 1960s, he quickly became part of the cit…
Charlie Musselwhite and Elvin Bishop, two towering legends in the blues world, have carved their places in music history through decades of innovation, collaboration, and a shared love for the blues. …
Charlie Musselwhite …
Charlie Musselwhite and Elvin Bishop, two towering legends in the blues world, have carved their places in music history through decades of innovation, collaboration, and a shared love for the blues. Both emerged from the heart of Chicago’s thriving 1960s blues scene, though they took distinct paths that would eventually lead to an unforgettable partnership. Musselwhite, born in Kosciusko, Mississippi, and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, grew up surrounded by the rich musical traditions of Delta blues, country, and gospel. Moving to Chicago in the early 1960s, he quickly became part of the cit…
So terribly sad to hear of the passing of one of the world's most creative, most inspirational and nicest musical legends. A true gentleman and an absolute genius. The bandleader and composer is best …
So terribly sad to h…
So terribly sad to hear of the passing of one of the world's most creative, most inspirational and nicest musical legends. A true gentleman and an absolute genius. The bandleader and composer is best known for the buoyant Latin pop hit Mas Que Nada, and putting Brazilian twists on English songs such as The Look Of Love and The Beatles' The Fool On The Hill. Mendes recorded more than 35 albums, many of which went gold or platinum in the US; and received an Oscar nomination in 2012 for co-writing the song Real in Rio from the animated film Rio. No official cause of death was given, however the f…
The Allman Brothers Band, established in 1969 in Macon, Georgia, stands as a cornerstone of Southern rock and American music history. Founded by brothers Duane and Gregg Allman, along with Dickey Bett…
The Allman Brothers …
The Allman Brothers Band, established in 1969 in Macon, Georgia, stands as a cornerstone of Southern rock and American music history. Founded by brothers Duane and Gregg Allman, along with Dickey Betts, Butch Trucks, Berry Oakley, and Jai Johanny "Jaimoe" Johanson, the band was instrumental in blending rock, blues, jazz, and country music into a genre-defining sound. Their innovative use of dual lead guitars and extended improvisational jams set them apart, creating a live experience that was both powerful and deeply emotional. Throughout the 1970s, the Allman Brothers Band produced …
The Allman Brothers Band, established in 1969 in Georgia, stands as a cornerstone of Southern rock and American music history. Founded by brothers Duane and Gregg Allman, along with Dickey Betts, Butc…
The Allman Brothers …
The Allman Brothers Band, established in 1969 in Georgia, stands as a cornerstone of Southern rock and American music history. Founded by brothers Duane and Gregg Allman, along with Dickey Betts, Butch Trucks, Berry Oakley, and Jai Johanny "Jaimoe" Johanson, the band was instrumental in blending rock, blues, jazz, and country music into a genre-defining sound. Their innovative use of dual lead guitars and extended improvisational jams set them apart, creating a live experience that was both powerful and deeply emotional. Tragically, Duane Allman’s death in a motorcycle accident in 1971 was a…
How did a young Australian director get John Hinckley to agree to share his story on film? Many have tried and failed but Queenslander, Neil McGregor came with a fresh attitude and carried no baggage …
How did a young Aust…
How did a young Australian director get John Hinckley to agree to share his story on film? Many have tried and failed but Queenslander, Neil McGregor came with a fresh attitude and carried no baggage around the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan in 1981. He hadn't even been born then. This movie shows all sides of the man John Hinckley is. After serving 35 years in a mental institution, he's trying to carve out a life for himself as a musician. And a darn good one he is at that. But will the American public allow him to do this? Are they able to move on from his crime and for…
Burton Cummings is that rare artist who transcends time, genres, and generations with a body of work that continues to resonate with fans both old and new. His voice has been rated among the finest in…
Burton Cummings is t…
Burton Cummings is that rare artist who transcends time, genres, and generations with a body of work that continues to resonate with fans both old and new. His voice has been rated among the finest in rock music. Burton continues at the top of his game as performer, singer, songwriter, and recording artist.With a Winnipeg Community Centre and Performing Arts Centre named in his honor, Burton is a candidate for Canada’s most beloved rock ‘n’ roll son, yet he also enjoys a level of world-wide stature shared by only a handful of other Canadian artists.As lead singer and songwriter for C…