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 Gascoyne
Series Producer: Paul Sissons
Production Manager: Martin Sissons
The Quartet Jazz Standards Podcast is a UK Music Apps production.