The Quartet Jazz Standards Podcast

• Episode 18. Alan Skidmore (Saxophone) - 'Blues in E Flat'

  In the tranquil setting of Hertfordshire, England, Geoff sits down with the legendary tenor saxophonist Alan Skidmore, a musical force whose extraordinary career spans nearly seven decades. At 83, Alan's recollections are sharp, his stories captivating, and his legacy in jazz undeniable.The conversation begins with Alan's reluctant entry into music. After failing his school qualifications and enduring what he describes as "dodgy day jobs", the 15-year-old Skidmore finally turned to the saxophone his father had given him two years earlier. What follows is a fascinating account of his father's strict teaching methods – forcing him to practice scales for hours, developing his sound through “long notes”, and immersing him in the music of Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young. This rigorous foundation launched a lifetime devoted to jazz.The narrative takes a profound turn when Alan recounts witnessing John Coltrane perform live in 1961. Just 19 years old at the time, he watched in awe as Coltrane played ‘My Favourite Things’ on soprano saxophone for an entire hour. This transformative experience solidified Coltrane's position as "the greatest saxophone player I've ever heard in my life" in Alan's estimation.Perhaps the most moving segment comes when Alan shares his experience playing with Coltrane's drummer, Elvin Jones, at Ronnie Scott's. His description of Jones as "such a lovely person" and "an unbelievable nice, genuine, decent guy" offers a heartwarming glimpse into the character behind the legendary musician. Equally remarkable is the story of Michael Brecker thanking Alan because it was Skidmore's solo with John Mayall and Eric Clapton on ‘Have You Heard’ (‘The Beano album’) in 1966 that inspired Brecker to play saxophone – a testament to Alan's influence on even the greatest players of subsequent generations. Alan tries out the Quartet app for the first time with a spontaneous Blues in E Flat.The conversation weaves through Alan's session work, including recording with The Beatles, his fifty-year stint with Georgie Fame, and his critically acclaimed six-CD anthology that was voted box set of the year in New York. Throughout it all, Alan's humility shines, whether discussing his musical weaknesses or sharing wisdom about encouraging fellow musicians.This episode offers more than just a journey through jazz history – it's a masterclass in musical lineage, the power of influence, and the human connections that define a life in music. Whether you're a jazz aficionado or simply appreciate remarkable life stories, Alan Skidmore's experiences will resonate, educate, and inspire. Presenter: Geoff GascoyneSeries Producer: Paul SissonsProduction Manager: Martin SissonsThe Quartet Jazz Standards Podcast is a UK Music Apps production.

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• Episode 17. Martin Hathaway (Saxophone) - 'How Deep Is The Ocean?'

  Geoff has a visit from an old friend – the wonderful jazz saxophonist, composer and educator Martin Hathaway. What does it take to forge a path in jazz that spans performing, teaching, and leading one of the UK's most prestigious jazz education programs? In this captivating conversation, Martin opens up about his musical journey from curious child to influential jazz pedagogue.Martin's story begins with a recorder, an innate ability to play by ear, and an uncle who introduced him to the sounds of West Coast jazz through cherished vinyl records. These early experiences of recording jazz albums onto cassette tapes from the library and learning solos by ear would later form the foundation of his approach to jazz education. There's something wonderfully authentic about his recollection of performing Gerry Mulligan's ‘Walkin’ Shoes’ as a school assembly solo - cobbling together improvisations he'd learned from recordings without truly understanding the theory behind them.The conversation delves deep into the art of teaching jazz improvisation, with Martin reflecting on his years leading the Guildhall School of Music's jazz program. He thoughtfully explores the tension between academic approaches to jazz education and the more organic, ear-based learning that characterised his own development. His balanced perspective acknowledges multiple pathways to improvisation - from melody-based approaches inspired by Louis Armstrong to vocabulary-building "licks" methods - offering invaluable insight for players at any stage of development.Martin demonstrates his improvisational approach to the 1930s Irving Berlin standard ‘How Deep is the Ocean?’ (accompanied by the Quartet app of course), revealing how an experienced improviser navigates harmony in real-time while maintaining melodic coherence. His reflections on career highlights - from debut performances at Ronnie Scott's to sharing stages with heroes like Harry Beckett - remind us that jazz is ultimately about human connection and the passing of a torch from one generation to the next. Whether you're a jazz student seeking guidance or a seasoned player looking for fresh inspiration, Martin's journey offers both practical wisdom and the reassurance that even the most accomplished musicians continue learning throughout their careers. Presenter: Geoff GascoyneSeries Producer: Paul SissonsProduction Manager: Martin SissonsThe Quartet Jazz Standards Podcast is a UK Music Apps production.

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• Episode 16. Nigel Price (Guitar) - 'All The Things You Are'

  In this episode Geoff catches up with the award-winning jazz guitarist Nigel Price.Nigel’s remarkable journey from infantry service to jazz mastery provides a fascinating window into the development of a truly unique musical voice.Nigel reveals how his three years in the army unexpectedly prepared him for life as a bandleader—discovering parallels between commanding a four-man military section and leading a jazz quartet. This disciplined approach extended to his practice regime, where he spent "three hours a day for seven years" developing his voice-leading technique within systematically organised fret positions.Rather than simply copying jazz legends, Nigel focused on understanding harmonic foundations to create his own language. "I'd sort of hear something and work it out and then try and twist it around and try and make it my own," he explains. This philosophy was reinforced by mentor Jim Mullen's advice that “…it’s far more interesting when someone's worked it out for themselves."The conversation delves into Nigel’s ingenious "jazz wheel" practice method, his custom-designed Fibonacci guitar, and his approach to composition. We're treated to stunning demonstrations of his technique, including a masterclass in playing the challenging 1930s Hammerstein/Kern standard ‘All the Things You Are’ (accompanied by the steadfast Quartet app of course) while restricted to just five frets! Between technical insights, Nigel shares candid stories about struggling with sight-reading ("a guitarist’s disease"), weeping on stage after selling out Ronnie Scott's, and watching Jaws 47 times!Whether you're a jazz guitarist seeking practice inspiration or simply fascinated by the creative process, Nigel’s methodical yet deeply musical approach offers valuable lessons about finding your unique voice through disciplined exploration. Ready to revolutionise your practice routine? Listen now and discover how military precision transformed one guitarist's musical journey.Presenter: Geoff GascoyneSeries Producer: Paul SissonsProduction Manager: Martin SissonsThe Quartet Jazz Standards Podcast is a UK Music Apps production.

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• Episode 15. Steve Fishwick (Trumpet) - 'Stella By Starlight'

  Geoff is on tour in Holland with the internationally renowned trumpet player Steve Fishwick. In a dressing room before the gig, they catch up on all things jazz improvisation.Growing up in Manchester during the UK's jazz boom of the late 1980s, Steve recalls his first encounters with jazz through television documentaries and live performances, including a memorable Dizzy Gillespie concert that ignited his passion. What makes this discussion particularly valuable is Steve's honesty about the challenges of learning improvisation without today's resources. His description of "groping in the dark" with mail-order jazz books and painstakingly transcribing solos by ear offers a stark contrast to today's learning landscape. Yet there's something profoundly important about that struggle – it forced a deep listening practice that became the foundation of his musical identity. Steve shares pivotal moments that shaped his development: advice from saxophonist Jim Tomlinson about arpeggiating chords in time, discovering the power of transcription through Steve Waterman's example, and transformative guidance from Lew Soloff about breathing techniques. His reflections on studying with the legendary Arnold Jacobs of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra reveal the cross-pollination between classical and jazz traditions that enriches his teaching at institutions like Leeds Conservatoire and Trinity College London. The conversation takes fascinating turns as Steve demonstrates Lee Morgan's distinctive trumpet techniques and discusses the challenge of being an introvert in an art form that demands extroverted expression.  Steve shows his improvisational prowess through Victor Young/Ned Washington’s 40s standard ‘Stella by Starlight’ accompanied by the trusty Quartet app of course! His career highlights – recording with Cedar Walton, performing with Anita O'Day, and being mentored by jazz legends – illustrate how dedication to craft eventually opens remarkable doors. If you're passionate about jazz, trumpet playing, or the artistic journey itself, this episode offers both practical insights and inspiring wisdom. Listen as we explore the delicate balance between technical mastery and authentic expression, and discover why playing for the love of music – rather than competition – remains Steve's guiding principle.Presenter: Geoff GascoyneSeries Producer: Paul SissonsProduction Manager: Martin SissonsThe Quartet Jazz Standards Podcast is a UK Music Apps production. 

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• Episode 14. Ian Shaw (Vocals) - Ain't Misbehavin'

  Geoff is in London’s Waterloo district to meet with the multi award-winning jazz singer, broadcaster, producer, actor and comedian Ian Shaw.What does it take to build a career spanning jazz vocals, comedy, acting, and broadcasting? In this intimate conversation, Ian invites us into his creative world, tracing a fascinating journey from Welsh choir boy to one of Britain's most versatile artists.He reveals how an unconventional audition in full punk regalia launched his early career in piano bars before discovering jazz through the most unexpected source—David Bowie's album ‘Hunky Dory’. With refreshing candour, he shares how this discovery led him to explore the jazz vocal tradition through Betty Carter, Mark Murphy, and Billie Holiday, developing a unique approach to improvisation that continues to evolve even at the age of 63.The conversation takes fascinating turns as Ian discusses balancing multiple creative pursuits throughout his career. From his classical training and brass band beginnings to recent work with contemporary classical composer Mark-Anthony Turnage, he demonstrates an artistic curiosity that refuses to be confined to a single genre.Perhaps most revealing are Ian’s reflections on career highlights—performing with Quincy Jones, touring with Cedar Walton, sharing the stage with jazz legends he once only knew through vinyl discoveries. When asked about musical weaknesses, he confesses to secretly practicing flugelhorn “…into the pillow," a charming glimpse into the continued growth of an artist who never stops evolving.Whether discussing his favourite chord (E13 with a flat 9) or demonstrating his spontaneous improvisational skills on Fats Waller's ‘Ain't Misbehavin’’ (with music accompaniment from the Quartet app and ‘lyrics’ courtesy of Andrew O’Hagan’s novel ‘Caledonian Road’ open at page 112!),  Ian displays the versatility and genuine passion for music that has made him a beloved fixture on the UK jazz scene.Whether you’re a jazz aficionado, an aspiring musician or you just love stories of passion pursued without compromise by hardworking artists, this episode offers rare insights into the creative mind of a true musical polymath.Presenter: Geoff GascoyneSeries Producer: Paul SissonsProduction Manager: Martin SissonsThe Quartet Jazz Standards Podcast is a UK Music Apps production.  

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