The Quartet Jazz Standards Podcast

This week Geoff is in Suffolk to catch up with the fabulous jazz pianist, singer, composer and author Chris Ingham.

Sitting at Chris’s piano in Suffolk, we trace how a kid who refused lessons became a singer-pianist, bandleader and repertoire obsessive who builds shows people actually want to hear. Chris takes us from The Beatles and Sinatra to Hoagy Carmichael and Dudley Moore, revealing why “themes” hook audiences, why standards a...

In this episode, Geoff catches up with the wonderful trumpet player and educator Martin Shaw.

Born into a household where music constantly filled the air—his mother a classical pianist, his father a jazz improviser—Martin's story reveals how these dual influences created the perfect foundation for his development.

Martin shares the pivotal moment when, as a schoolboy faced with the choice between heading to the tuck shop or tryi...

Geoff travels to the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in the heart of the City of London to meet with the wonderful guitarist and educator Chris Allard.

Growing up in a musical family with roots stretching back to The Juilliard School in New York, Chris recalls his path from classical piano lessons to discovering rock guitar through Hendrix and Led Zeppelin, before Pat Metheny's ‘Letter From Home’ (1989) opened the door to...

Geoff travels to London’s West End to catch up with the legendary jazz guitarist Jim Mullen. 

The conversation offers a masterclass in authentic musical development as Jim recounts his journey from Glasgow's jazz clubs to becoming one of Britain's most distinctive guitarists. Approaching his 80th birthday, he reflects on the transformative experiences that shaped his musical identity – witnessing jazz titans like John Colt...

Geoff is in Finchley, North London to catch up with the wonderful saxophonist, flautist and composer Theo Travis.

Theo takes us on a captivating journey through his remarkable musical career, from classical beginnings to jazz excellence and groundbreaking prog rock collaborations. This conversation feels like eavesdropping on two musicians sharing secrets about their craft, filled with moments of genuine musical insight and discover...

Geoff is in Greenwich, London to meet with the renowned saxophonist and composer Mark Lockheart.

Mark's story begins with the heartwarming image of waking up to his father's jazz records and following his dad into saxophone playing at age eleven. What follows is a rich narrative of musical discovery that spans decades.

Mark vividly recalls the American record club that delivered formative jazz recordings to his family home,...

Geoff travels to Honor Oak Park in South London to meet with an old friend – the British composer and pianist Simon Wallace. 

Simon opens a portal into jazz's rich tapestry through personal stories that span from his childhood in South Wales to the vibrant scenes of New York City and London. This conversation reveals how a secondary school music teacher sparked what he beautifully describes as discovering “…a magic window into ...

Geoff gets a visit from the wonderful pianist and composer Andrea Vicari who opens up about her rich musical journey inspired by her jazz pianist father and a house filled with the sounds of jazz legends like Louis Armstrong.

Andrea shares fascinating insights into her improvisation process, demonstrating how pentatonic scales and fourth-based voicings – influenced by McCoy Tyner and Chick Corea – shape her approach to standards lik...

Geoff is at the Troubadour club in London with the highly acclaimed jazz drummer Sebastiaan de Krom.

When a jazz bassist and drummer have played together for 25 years, there's a musical telepathy that can't be taught—it can only be earned through countless gigs, recording sessions, and miles on the road. In this revealing conversation, Sebastiaan opens up about his remarkable journey from banging on pots and pans as a todd...

Geoff sits down with the award-winning jazz vocalist Anita Wardell.

In this intimate conversation, Anita shares how music became her sanctuary during a difficult childhood and continues to be her healing force while recovering from a stroke suffered 16 months prior. "Music was where I kind of got myself together," she reflects, describing how discovering jazz gave her focus and purpose at a crucial time in her life.

Anita r...

Geoff is in Box Hill, Surrey to meet with the legendary jazz saxophonist, composer and educator Stan Sulzmann.

Stan takes us on a captivating journey through his remarkable career as one of Britain's most respected jazz saxophonists. From his unexpected start with a secondhand Selmer tenor saxophone to playing alongside jazz royalty, the interview reveals both musical insights and deeply personal reflections.

The conversation op...

Geoff heads east to Essex to catch up with an old friend — the award-winning jazz saxophonist, bandleader, arranger, and recording engineer Derek Nash.

What happens when a lifelong love of saxophone meets decades of sound engineering expertise? Derek Nash's musical journey provides the perfect answer.

From the moment 12-year-old Derek heard the Pink Panther theme played by a tenor saxophonist during his father's BBC radio b...

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...

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 inn...

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...

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.
 
Wh...

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 ...

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 illustrat...

Geoff travels to Acton in West London to meet the visionary alto saxophonist, bandleader and composer Camilla George.

Born in Nigeria before moving to the UK, Camilla's musical foundation was built on Sunday afternoons spent with her jazz-enthusiast father, listening to his extensive vinyl collection featuring legends like Sonny Rollins and Sonny Stitt.

What emerges throughout the conversation is how powerfully Camilla's Ni...