These are, indeed, 'Precious Days'

 This episode of Harmonious World features talented singer, lyricist, writer and arranger Ami Oprenova.

    Ami's album - Precious Days - brings together a huge range of musical influences. It owes something to Ami's time with gypsy swing group Coco 'n' the fellas, as well as jazz, swing and blues. All with a bit of European folk music.

    Thanks to Ami for allowing me to play extracts from Previous Days alongside our conversation.

'Shadow Plays', recorded right before lockdown

I'm joined by the hugely talented and inspirational pianist Craig Taborn for the latest episode of Harmonious World.

    Shadow Plays is out now on ECM records and is produced by the prolific Manfred Eicher. Recorded at the Wiener Konzerthaus on 2 March 2020, this is a real musical moment in time and you can hear Craig and I discuss the start of the pandemic as he experienced it at the end of a fractured tour that nevertheless produced this wonderful album.

    Thanks to Craig for allowing me to play extracts from Shadow Plays alongside our conversation.

Going back 40 years

My time at university was decidedly eventful and one of my closest friends at the time and through it all was another English student called Alix.

    When she married her boyfriend - Kevin - she asked me to play flute at the wedding and I was delighted to do so.

    This weekend, I spent once again in Alix and Kevin's company, almost exactly forty years after we first met. The event was their daughter Rebecca's wedding and it was a lovely occasion.

    It felt like coming full-circle.

    Here we are. I don't think there are any photos of us from 1981, but we have certainly all changed a lot. Still smiling, though.

Jon Gordon 'Stranger Than Fiction'

I was joined by sax player and composer Jon Gordon for the latest episode of Harmonious World.

    Jon's latest album is Stranger Than Fiction - a fabulous collection of tracks that reflect something of Gordon's response to the crises facing us in the world around us. This conversation was a joy and I hope you enjoy listening in.

    Thanks to Jon for allowing me to play extracts from Stranger Than Fiction alongside our conversation.

'Before I Go'

Award-winning composer and pianist Matthew Puckett joins me for this episode of Harmonious World.

    Before I Go is a wonderful soundtrack to a new movie of the same name. Matthew has worked with director Eric Schaeffer on several of his films and their creative partnership continues with this beautiful soundtrack.

    Thanks to Matthew for allowing me to play extracts from Before I Go alongside our conversation.

'With Malice Toward None'

This episode of Harmonious World features a conversation with violinist Matthew Detrick, who is also Artistic Director of the Apollo Chamber Players.

    Apollo Chamber Players are a busy group of musicians who are working on a whole series of fascinating musical projects, including the album With Malice Toward None which came out in August. We barely scratched the surface in our chat, but I hope it gives a little insight into their creativity and remarkable music.

    Thanks to Matthew and Apollo for allowing me to play extracts from With Malice Toward None alongside our conversation.