Journeys In Jazz

Jazz pianist Jack is still working today aged 91. He talks of his house being bombed by a doodlebug in WWII, his first job as a song plugger, working as Vera Lynn's MD and his wife's shopping trips with Dizzy Gillespie. Jack's is a story you don't want to miss!

The positives and negatives of jazz degree courses, representation for women in jazz and the financial challenges of writing, recording and releasing original music. London based double bassist Charlie Pyne chats to Fliss. 

The excitement of jazz versus the predictability of pop music, why young people enjoy jazz gigs, and how it's important for them to hear authentic jazz. 
Raised in Oman, Jordan and Cornwall Sara talks of her fascinating journey into jazz. From leaving home at 12 to attend music college as a classical cellist, to working as a primary school teacher in Bradford, to winning 'Best Vocalist' in the British Jazz Awards 2019. Sara's journey is well worth a listen. 

Hungarian heritage, growing up in Northampton UK, why we shouldn’t learn violin as children, all night jazz gigs in the 80s & why jazz degree courses work. Oh, and how he escaped Birmingham by submarine....
This week I am joined by highly acclaimed bassist Arnie Somogyi. 

An interview with Canadian jazz vocalist Lauren Bush. Lauren talks of growing up in Ontario, Texas & Vancouver Island, her first gigs, how she chooses repertoire and her determination to continue to grow and learn as a jazz musician. 

Italian heritage, migration, child slavery, monkeys & organ grinders and the Northern club circuit in the 1960s. British jazz trumpet legend Enrico Tomasso talks to Fliss about his life, from being mentored by Louis Armstrong as a child, to why jazz continues to thrive today. 

Music for old people, pretentious music for the middle classes, complex music for young intellectuals or something we can all appreciate & enjoy? 

With the contribution of musicians in and around her community Fliss delves into the jazz genre to discuss why it continues to thrive amongst all generations.