Trumpet legend John Thirkell joins Louis Dowdeswell to share stories from Buddy Rich to Jamiroquai, plus insights on practice, confidence & business.

 

⏱️ Timestamp Highlights

00:00 – Facing fears & growth as a musician

02:10 – Introducing John Thirkell: trumpet & flugelhorn legend

06:45 – Discovering the trumpet at school in the North East

14:20 – Failing auditions but finding another path

19:00 – QE2 gigs: sight-reading, cabaret & lessons learned

25:40 – Moving to London & joining the BBC Big Band

32:10 – Touring with Buddy Rich & high-pressure band life

42:00 – Staying calm under pressure: Caruso lessons & mindset

52:30 – Teaching methods: Bill Adam, Bob Becka & mental game

1:03:00 – Touring with Lisa Stansfield & Swing Out Sister

1:12:20 – Studio session life in the 80s & 90s boom

1:23:00 – Creating passive income & the Two Camels business

1:35:00 – Productivity, planning & tackling hard tasks first

1:48:00 – Balancing trumpet practice with business life

1:57:00 – On confidence, comebacks & playing after 8 years off

2:08:00 – Elite Music Camps in Spain: beyond the notes

2:18:00 – Final thoughts: execution over ideas & looking ahead

 

 

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