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.

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

Geoff steps into the rich musical world of Brazilian guitarist Luiz Morais as he shares his fascinating journey from the vibrant northeast of Brazil to becoming an accomplished performer, composer, and bandleader in London.

The conversation delves into the intricate world of Choro music - Brazil's first truly urban musical style that blends European harmonic sophistication with African-derived rhythms. Luiz illustrates his Bossa Nova improvisation on Jobim’s 1960s standard ‘Wave’ followed by a masterful demonstration of comping techniques showcasing the subtle complexity behind these seemingly simple rhythmic patterns.

Luiz shares pivotal moments in his musical development - from his move to Rio de Janeiro to immerse himself in the heart of Brazilian musical culture, to his relocation to London in 2010 seeking artistic expansion. We hear about his compositional approach ("red carpet for the melody"), his recent big band project at London’s Pizza Express Jazz Club, and the beauty behind "Waltz for Us Two," a piece written for his wedding that blends Brazilian sensibilities with Indian classical vocals.

For anyone fascinated by Brazilian music traditions, jazz guitar, or cross-cultural musical fusion, this conversation offers valuable insights from a musician who embodies the sophisticated melodic and harmonic language that Brazil has contributed to global music…and download the Quartet iOS app to take your jazz play along even further.

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