Monday 31 May 2021

'Dance Little Lady, Dance Little Man' from Sam Braysher

It was a pleasure to interview East London sax player Sam Braysher for the latest  episode of Harmonious World.


    Sam's second album is called Dance Little Lady, Dance Little Man and Sam explained where  that title came from, as well as how he selected the tracks. 

    Thanks to Sam for allowing me to play extracts from  Dance Little Lady, Dance Little Man alongside our conversation.



Friday 28 May 2021

'If I Knew' - latest single from Jo Harrop

The latest  episode of Harmonious World features UK singer Jo Harrop.

    After a critically acclaimed album - Weathering the Storm - with guitarist Jamie McCredie, Jo's next album is due out in the autumn and it promises much. The first song from the album is If I Knew and it's released now. Our conversation covers both albums, lockdown, gigs and especially the prospect of 'Jazz On a Summer's Day' at the Cadogan Hall on 5 June. Click here to book your seat for the live stream.  

    Thanks to Jo for allowing me to play extracts from both Weathering the Storm and the end of If I Knew alongside our conversation.


Monday 24 May 2021

An interview with clarinettist Richie Hawley

It's not just because Richie Hawley is a great clarinettist and has some fascinating ideas and techniques for bringing music to our ears, but this was a great conversation for the latest episode of Harmonious World.

    Richie's latest album is with pianist Conor HanickA Gentle Notion includes the clarinet sonatas of Aaron Copland, Jennifer Higdon and Pierre Jalbert, together with Joan Tower's stunning Wings.  

    Thanks to Richie for allowing me to play extracts from both Wings and A Gentle Notion alongside our conversation.


Saturday 22 May 2021

Harmonious World - the first anniversary

 It seems incredible that my podcast - Harmonious World - is a year old today.

    I'm very grateful to all the musicians who have given their time to chat with me. They have had some brilliant stories to tell and they have all shared just a little of what they're good at.

    In May 2020, when we were all becoming just a little bored of the lockdown which would continue, on and off, for more months than we could have thought possible, I wanted a new project. With a lot of help from musicians and other professionals in the music industry, I created Harmonious World.

    I now also have a 'Buy Me a Coffee' page, where listeners can support the show. Or take a look at my Bandcamp page for some ideas of musicians to listen to.

    Choosing the Quincy Jones quote as the inspiration has kept me going through this last year. There have actually been 53 episodes so far. Which one if your favourite?



Friday 21 May 2021

Drew Angus and 'Made to Love You'

There's a great story behind Drew Angus's latest single - Made to Love You. We discuss Drew's background. lockdown, and how the song got written in this episode of Harmonious World.

    Apart from a catchy tune that might become your ear-worm for the day, there's some beautiful cello in this arrangement, too.

    Thanks to Drew for allowing me to play the start and end of Made to Love You.


Monday 17 May 2021

Art of Time

    Andrew Burashko is a pianist and Artistic Director of  the Art of Time Ensemble, which fuses high art with popular culture, exploring where classical music intersects with an array of other styles of music.

I thoroughly enjoyed the imaginative and inspirational tracks on the Art of Time latest album - Ain't Got Long. I'd highly recommend this as a download and there are videos to watch, too!
    Listen to the Harmonious World podcast here.


Friday 14 May 2021

Guitarist Ryan Michael Richards

The latest episode of Harmonious World features a brief but fascinating interview with guitarist Ryan Michael Richards.

    Ryan's latest album is More Than Time, and it features Ryan's beautiful guitar playing and compositions, but also renowned musicians like Premik Russell Tubbs, Michael Manring, Jully Haley and Charlie Bisharrat. The album is produced by Will Ackerman, with co-production, mixing and mastering by Tom Eaton.

    Many thanks to Ryan for allowing me to feature clips from his album alongside our conversation.


Monday 10 May 2021

Hertfordshire Festival of Music goes live 4-10 June

In a double interview, I chatted with conductor Tom Hammond and composer James Francis Brown, co-Artistic Directors of Hertfordshire Festival of Music.

    Tom and James give some insights into this year's festival, which runs from 4-10 June 2021. Principal Artist is Chloe Hanslip and Featured Living Composer is Judith Weir CBE, Master of the Queen's Music. This is an exciting - if challenging - festival and there's lots in store for music lovers in Hertford and across the county.

    Many thanks to James, Tasmin Little and Chandos Records for allowing me to feature clips from James's The Hart's Grace  alongside our conversation.


Friday 7 May 2021

'Stillness' with Carl Lord

 This time on Harmonious World I'm joined by composer and pianist Carl Lord.

    If you're in need of relaxation, you won't go far wrong with Carl's latest album,  Stillness,  which brings moments of peace. In our conversation, Carl talks about the writing and performance of these tracks, and goes into detail on two of the tracks that are featured.

    Many thanks to Carl for allowing me to feature clips from Stillness alongside our conversation.

    To find out more about Carl, click here.


Monday 3 May 2021

'A Quiet Path'

I was delighted to be joined for this episode of Harmonious World by pianist and composer Lynn Tredeau.

    Lynn's latest album -  A Quiet Path  - is out now and it features a collection of reflective tracks that somehow sum up the fragility of life as it has changed in the last twelve months or so. All the music is composed, performed and produced by Lynn.

    Many thanks to Lynn for allowing me to feature clips from A Quiet Path alongside our conversation.

    To find out more about Lynn, click here.