The Louis Dowdeswell Podcast

• EP 5: Jazz Legend Bobby Shew on The Importance of Internalisation, Rhythm & Playing with Emotion

  Trumpet legend Bobby Shew joins me for one of the most honest, eye-opening conversations I’ve ever had. From his early days sneaking into jazz clubs, to bleeding on stage with Buddy Rich, to walking away from the L.A. studio scene—Bobby shares it all.   We talk about: Finding your voice as a musician The myth of perfection Why most players overblow The importance of internal rhythm and relative pitch How emotion—not just mechanics—shapes your playing His views on education, mouthpieces, and mentorship This isn’t just for trumpet players. It’s for anyone trying to make music with honesty. Highlights: 00:03 — “I didn’t grow up in a musical family. But there was a trumpet in a closet—and that changed my life.” 09:12 — “Most musicians don’t realise: music came before language. It’s about vibration, not perfection.” 21:05 — “A good relative pitch ear and internal rhythm—that’s what you want. Not perfect pitch.” 26:42 — “It’s not the drummer. It’s the bass player who makes it groove.” 36:09 — “Practicing without emotion teaches you to play without emotion.” 43:57 — “If a teacher can’t explain why you’re doing something—don’t do it.” 48:30 — “Play free. No bar lines. No rules. Just play what you feel.” 55:22 — “The biggest mistake in education? Teaching from the page instead of from the soul.” 01:01:18 — “Every dollar I made after 1982 came from doing what I loved: teaching and jazz.” 01:09:45 — “You can impress people or you can touch people. Choose.” 01:18:52 — “The mouthpiece is a mirror. If you can’t play it, you can’t play the horn.” 01:26:14 — “Overblowing and playing too tight—that’s what kills most chops.” 01:36:22 — “Start beginners on smaller mouthpieces. It’s not about tradition—it’s about physiology.” 01:45:10 — “Play with feel. Not just volume. Especially if you’re second trumpet.” 01:52:05 — “You don’t need perfect teeth to sound great. Just listen to Al Porcino.”

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• EP 4: Ryan Quigley: Chops, Chaos, and Coming Good

  In this episode, Louis sits down with his longtime friend and trumpet powerhouse Ryan Quigley. Broadcasting from Prozone Music, they unpack Ryan’s remarkable journey from growing up in Glasgow’s East End to touring with legends like Quincy Jones and Robbie Williams. With stories of family, fiery playing, and finding musical identity, Ryan opens up about the path that shaped him—from salsa nights in Edinburgh to lessons from his dad and early gigs with Louis himself. A must-listen for anyone passionate about music, friendship, and forging your own path.

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• EP 3: Frank Brodahl: The Art of Musical Intention & Norwegian Jazz Legacy

  Step into the world of Norwegian jazz with acclaimed trumpeter Frank Brodahl as he shares his profound insights on musical intention and artistic expression. In this enlightening conversation with host Louis Dowdeswell, Frank opens up about his journey from discovering jazz through his father's vinyl collection to becoming a pivotal figure in the European jazz scene. Frank delves deep into: • The evolution of Norwegian jazz and its unique characteristics • Finding the delicate balance between technical proficiency and musical expression • His philosophy on teaching and guiding aspiring musicians • The art of intentional performance and musical storytelling • The importance of cultural influences in jazz development Whether you're a trumpet player, jazz enthusiast, or music educator, this episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of technical mastery and artistic intention. Frank's approach to music education and performance provides a fresh perspective on how we can all deepen our musical expression. About Frank Brodahl: A respected figure in European jazz, Frank brings decades of performance and teaching experience to this conversation. His unique approach to musical intention has influenced countless students and performers across the continent. About The Louis Dowdeswell Podcast: Join professional trumpeter and educator Louis Dowdeswell as he explores the artistry, technique, and philosophy of world-class musicians. Each episode brings you closer to mastering your craft through intimate conversations with leading performers and educators. Connect with Louis: 🎺 Join the Trumpet Academy: louisdowdeswell.com 📱 Instagram: @louistpt 🎵 YouTube: Louis Dowdeswell Tags: Jazz Trumpet, Music Education, Norwegian Jazz, Performance Tips, Musical Expression

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• EP 2: Greg Spence on Mastering the Mind: Learning, Trumpet, and Healing Neurological Disorders

  My guest today is the great trumpeter, psychologist, and golfer, Greg Spence. Greg currently lives in Coolum Beach, just north of Brisbane, Australia, and has been a transformative figure in the world of brass and wind playing. Through his online platform Mystery to Mastery, he’s helped thousands of musicians develop better technique, overcome performance issues, and reconnect with their instruments in healthy and sustainable ways. Greg's expertise goes far beyond trumpet playing. He has become a trusted resource for musicians and performers suffering from neurological disorders such as Bell’s Palsy, focal dystonia, embouchure issues, and performance anxiety. His approach is both scientific and compassionate, blending neurological insight with a deep understanding of learning processes and human psychology. In this episode, we explore: - The three tiers of learning and why most people never reach true mastery. - How to train the brain and body to work together effectively. - The role of intention, visualization, and feeling in skill development. - How Greg overcame his own challenges through experimentation and innovation. - His work with people suffering from performance-related neurological conditions. And finally, a beautiful and powerful conversation about altruism, personal values, and why Greg shares his knowledge so freely This is a rich and inspiring conversation for musicians, athletes, educators, and anyone interested in how we learn, grow, and help others do the same. Please visit my online academy if you'd like to hear more from Greg --> https://www.skool.com/louis-trumpet-academy-6100   Please enjoy!

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• EP 1: Wayne Bergeron - Our Joint Journey, Motivations, Intuition vs Technique and much more!

  The first episode kicks off with the incredible Wayne Bergeron! A little over a decade ago, I met my trumpet hero, so it seemed like a good time to reflect on that and announce my new podcast with him. We discuss how our journeys crossed, the past 10 years of our relationship, a little on the terrifying Southern CA fires and then a nice juicy series of questions that I came up with, discussing all sorts of playing/business/mental challenges. I hope there is something in here for everyone. Wayne is a fountain of knowledge and wisdom on the trumpet and he has been an incredible mentor for me. Please enjoy!

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