In this episode of The Louis Dowdeswell Podcast, I sit down with the phenomenal saxophone player and fellow music school alum, Sean Payne.

We go deep—from our early gigs and pub chats to intense topics like perfect pitch, internalising music, composition philosophies, circular breathing, and the psychology of practice. Sean shares what it means to be a "serial learner" and why musical breakthroughs often come from reducing things to their simplest forms.

You'll hear us talk about:

The myth of perfect pitch and how it can actually be developed

Writing jazz melodies without rhythmic crutches

The emotional reason most people don’t improve

How listening habits shape your entire sound

Why Sean refuses to slow solos down when transcribing

And what Michael Brecker, Wayne Shorter, Joey Calderazzo & Cannibal Adderley all taught him indirectly

This one's a goldmine for sax players, jazz musicians, teachers, and anyone obsessed with getting better at their craft—no fluff, just real talk from the trenches.

🧠 Real musicianship. Real learning. Real stories.

📍 Timestamps / Highlights:

00:00 – Welcome & intro to Sean Payne

In this very special conversation, trumpet legend Simon Gardner opens up to Louis about his personal spiritual experience during the final weeks of his late wife's life. What starts as a simple chat turns into one of the most powerful, vulnerable, and hope-filled stories we've ever shared on this channel.

Simon talks about:

Coping with terminal illness as a partner

Going sober through grief

Witnessing unexplained spiritual phenomena

What he believes happens after we die

The comfort and peace that carried him through unimaginable pain

Whether you're spiritual, religious, or simply curious—this story is for anyone seeking comfort in the face of loss.

👉 Join the Trumpet Academy: https://www.skool.com/louis-trumpet-a...

⏱️ Timestamps:

#SimonGardner #SpiritualExperience #LifeAfterDeath #GriefJourney #TrumpetCommunity #LouisDowdeswell #HopeAfterLoss #FaithAndMusic #HealingThroughGrief #TrumpetPodcast #MusicAndSpirit #LossAndLove #FindingPeace

In this powerful episode of the Louis Dowdeswell Podcast, legendary British lead trumpet player Simon Gardner shares untold stories from decades on the London music scene. From playing with Derek Watkins to discovering Maynard Ferguson, Simon reveals his journey from school band to West End pit, along with heartfelt advice for the next generation.

Whether you're chasing a Super C or just trying to survive 8 shows a week, this chat is packed with practical wisdom, hilarious tour stories, and brass geekery you won’t hear anywhere else.

Topics Include:

Simon’s first trumpet—won by singing a scale

Playing along to Glenn Miller, Sinatra, and Maynard

Learning by ear vs traditional practice

Recording tips for section blend & feel

The reality of West End gigs & balancing family life

Creating the Super C Big Band in tribute to Derek Watkins

🎧 Listen now and get inspired to embrace your own sound—with all its imperfections.

🕒 Timestamps / Highlights:

👉 Join the Trumpet Academy: https://www.skool.com/louis-trumpet-a...

Join Louis and Sam Walters (founder of Vibrantics) as they dive into belief, humility, and storytelling in creative growth. They discuss fear, taking leaps, building the Trumpet Academy, and why humility—not ego—unlocks real progress. Perfect for musicians, creators, and entrepreneurs seeking clarity and inspiration.

0:00 – Welcome & Introduction

2:35 – Who is Sam Walters?

5:40 – Why This Conversation Matters

8:05 – What Sam’s Agency Does

10:45 – Overcoming Fear & Taking the Leap

13:22 – Why Belief is Everything

16:50 – The Limiting Beliefs Creators Face

19:40 – Learning Through Imitation

23:00 – The Power of Storytelling

26:30 – What Makes a Great Story?

29:20 – Louis on Humility vs. Self-Belief

33:15 – Golf, Trumpet, and Being Bad First

36:50 – Paradigms and Questioning Beliefs

40:40 – Objective Truth vs. Relativism

43:55 – What’s Next for Louis?

📱 FOLLOW LOUIS:

#LouisDowdeswell #TrumpetAcademy #SamWalters #MusicianMindset #CreativeGrowth #Storytelling #Humility #Belief #ArtistJourney #EntrepreneurMindset

Trumpet legend Bobby Shew joins me for one of the most honest, eye-opening conversations I’ve ever had. From his early days sneaking into jazz clubs, to bleeding on stage with Buddy Rich, to walking away from the L.A. studio scene—Bobby shares it all.

We talk about:

Highlights:

00:03 — “I didn’t grow up in a musical family. But there was a trumpet in a closet—and that changed my life.”

09:12 — “Most musicians don’t realise: music came before language. It’s about vibration, not perfection.”

21:05 — “A good relative pitch ear and internal rhythm—that’s what you want. Not perfect pitch.”

26:42 — “It’s not the drummer. It’s the bass player who makes it groove.”

36:09 — “Practicing without emotion teaches you to play without emotion.”

43:57 — “If a teacher can’t explain why you’re doing something—don’t do it.”

48:30 — “Play free. No bar lines. No rules. Just play what you feel.”

55:22 — “The biggest mistake in education? Teaching from the page instead of from the soul.”

01:01:18 — “Every dollar I made after 1982 came from doing what I loved: teaching and jazz.”

01:09:45 — “You can impress people or you can touch people. Choose.”

01:18:52 — “The mouthpiece is a mirror. If you can’t play it, you can’t play the horn.”

01:26:14 — “Overblowing and playing too tight—that’s what kills most chops.”

01:36:22 — “Start beginners on smaller mouthpieces. It’s not about tradition—it’s about physiology.”

01:45:10 — “Play with feel. Not just volume. Especially if you’re second trumpet.”

01:52:05 — “You don’t need perfect teeth to sound great. Just listen to Al Porcino.”

In this episode, Louis sits down with his longtime friend and trumpet powerhouse Ryan Quigley. Broadcasting from Prozone Music, they unpack Ryan’s remarkable journey from growing up in Glasgow’s East End to touring with legends like Quincy Jones and Robbie Williams. With stories of family, fiery playing, and finding musical identity, Ryan opens up about the path that shaped him—from salsa nights in Edinburgh to lessons from his dad and early gigs with Louis himself. A must-listen for anyone passionate about music, friendship, and forging your own path.

Step into the world of Norwegian jazz with acclaimed trumpeter Frank Brodahl as he shares his profound insights on musical intention and artistic expression. In this enlightening conversation with host Louis Dowdeswell, Frank opens up about his journey from discovering jazz through his father's vinyl collection to becoming a pivotal figure in the European jazz scene.

Frank delves deep into:

Whether you're a trumpet player, jazz enthusiast, or music educator, this episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of technical mastery and artistic intention. Frank's approach to music education and performance provides a fresh perspective on how we can all deepen our musical expression.

About Frank Brodahl:

About The Louis Dowdeswell Podcast:

Connect with Louis:

Tags: Jazz Trumpet, Music Education, Norwegian Jazz, Performance Tips, Musical Expression

My guest today is the great trumpeter, psychologist, and golfer, Greg Spence. Greg currently lives in Coolum Beach, just north of Brisbane, Australia, and has been a transformative figure in the world of brass and wind playing. Through his online platform Mystery to Mastery, he’s helped thousands of musicians develop better technique, overcome performance issues, and reconnect with their instruments in healthy and sustainable ways.

Greg's expertise goes far beyond trumpet playing. He has become a trusted resource for musicians and performers suffering from neurological disorders such as Bell’s Palsy, focal dystonia, embouchure issues, and performance anxiety. His approach is both scientific and compassionate, blending neurological insight with a deep understanding of learning processes and human psychology.

In this episode, we explore:

- The three tiers of learning and why most people never reach true mastery.

- How to train the brain and body to work together effectively. - The role of intention, visualization, and feeling in skill development.

- How Greg overcame his own challenges through experimentation and innovation. - His work with people suffering from performance-related neurological conditions.

And finally, a beautiful and powerful conversation about altruism, personal values, and why Greg shares his knowledge so freely This is a rich and inspiring conversation for musicians, athletes, educators, and anyone interested in how we learn, grow, and help others do the same.

Please visit my online academy if you'd like to hear more from Greg --> https://www.skool.com/louis-trumpet-academy-6100

Please enjoy!

The first episode kicks off with the incredible Wayne Bergeron! A little over a decade ago, I met my trumpet hero, so it seemed like a good time to reflect on that and announce my new podcast with him. We discuss how our journeys crossed, the past 10 years of our relationship, a little on the terrifying Southern CA fires and then a nice juicy series of questions that I came up with, discussing all sorts of playing/business/mental challenges. I hope there is something in here for everyone. Wayne is a fountain of knowledge and wisdom on the trumpet and he has been an incredible mentor for me. Please enjoy!