Discussing 'Monsieur Linh and his Child' with composer Didier Recloux

My conversation with composer Didier Recloux was in a noisy coffee bar, but I hope you can hear our chat clearly on the Harmonious World episode - it was fascinating.

Meeting Didier Recloux

Didier's latest album is Monsieur Linh and his Child and the first single - First Walk - is out today (28 February 2024).

We also discuss Didier's links with Zeinab Badawi and her BBC World series The History of Africa Part 1 and 2, for which he composed the soundtracks.Thanks to Didier for joining me in conversation and for sharing tracks from Monsieur Linh and his Child alongside our chat. I'm now very much looking forward to reading the book.

The Billy Pod quartet at Hitchin's JazzUp!

The brilliant JazzUp! finished its season with Billy Pod and his quartet playing tracks from his album 'Quintessence'. Billy was preceded by the resident support act, the Joe English trio, with special guest Toby Evans (tenor sax).

Joe English, Herbie Rees, Toby Evans and Henry Rugg

As usual, Joe and friends entertained the JazzUp! crowd. We're all looking forward to hearing them again once the club restarts in September. I'm also grateful to Joe for creating the theme tune for Harmonious World, which you can hear in the Season 15 Trailer.

The atmospheric Billy Pod quartet filled the space at Hitchin's Club 85 with extraordinary jazz, where the four musicians demonstrated why they are each regarded as at the forefront of the UK music scene. Will Barry (piano), Misha Mullov-Abbado (bass) and Tom Ollendorff (guitar) joined Billy Pod (drums) in what was a real collaboration.

Will Barry, Misha Mullov-Abbado, Billy Pod and Tom Ollendorff

There's a lightness of touch to this quartet, combined with a profound intensity and the sense of focus was palpable. At moments, you could see the facial expressions across the stage that kept the structure of each tune, while allowing for a freedom that this jazz inspires.

This really was an extraordinary gig and when Billy announced the title of a tune as 'Unprecedented', there was a ripply of laughter as the audience responded to what had genuinely been new and exciting. That track began with Will Barry on piano as the club fell silent to enjoy this music.

Billy Pod and Tom Ollendorff

Mainly playing tracks from 'Quintessence', the beautiful 'The Higher We Soar' was one of the highlights of the quartet's set. For me, though, the most inspirational moment was Tom Ollendorff's guitar feature on the rarely-heard standard 'Answer Me'.

This was the perfect end to the current season of JazzUp! and September can't come around quickly enough.

If you'd like to hear Billy talking about 'Quintessence', listen to episode 135 of Harmonious World.

Meanwhile, Tom Ollendorff features on episode 162.

Burton Court - a hidden gem

A few hours in the lap of luxury in the heart of England's west country.

Stunning views across Herefordshire

Although the UK was caught in a deluge of rain, a short stay that included one night at the wonderful Burton Court was immensely relaxing.

The rooms are extraordinary and you can't beat a guided tour that includes a Medieval banqueting hall.

Oh, and the breakfast was delicious!

I wish I was an influencer and could stay in places like this every weekend. I'd be back to Burton Court in a heartbeat.

Retreating to Gladstone's Library

The 'final' draft of my novel is coming on apace, partly due to a few days spent in the calm silence of Gladstone's Library.

My desk for a few days

Although built after the death of former British Prime Minister William Gladstone, his library was created around a large number of his own books and now provides a unique, creative space for academics and writers.

I was fortunate in being able to spend the best part of four days working on my first novel, which was finished a few months ago, but lacking ... something.

It's now coming on well and I'm hoping it will be finished in the coming weeks. There will be a Kickstarter to allow advance purchase of hardback, paperback, audio and ebooks.

Watch this space.

Meanwhile, if you have your own book to write, I cannot recommend anywhere better to put pen to paper or hit the keyboard than Gladstone's Library.

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A fine pianist on a stunning album

It was a great pleasure to have a conversation for Harmonious World with classical pianist Burkard Schliessmann: his album Live & Encores is out now.

If you love classical solo piano, this is the album for you. If you haven't explored the music of Bach, Chopin, Mendelssohn and Schumann, then this is a fabulous starting point.

Not only is this great music, performed brilliantly, the recording quality is outstanding using Dolby Atmos high-definition audio.

Thanks to Burkard for joining me in conversation and for sharing tracks from Live & Encores alongside our chat.

Today - 40 years ago - 'Headstart for Happiness' on Saturday Superstore

Someone recently asked me if I'm proud of my sax playing. Actually, I am. Although it seems strange to see images of me playing tenor 40 years ago. I thought of myself as a baritone player and have gone back to that first love. This is me behind Paul Weller on Saturday Superstore on 18 February 1984.

Looking back is good, as long as it's just a moment before looking forward.

Two years ago, I thought I would never play again because of my cancer treatment. Now I'm working on a new project with fellow ex-Style Councillor (from a different era of the band), Stewart Prosser.

Although playing for any length of time is exhausting now, I would rather try and be shattered afterwards. Since my two bouts of stomach cancer, I do get tired easily but I'm still able to play like the 21-year-old me of The Style Council days.

Today - 40 years ago - 'My Ever Changing Moods' on Top of The Pops

It seems like yesterday - Top of the Pops in February 1984 with The Style Council.

In case you can't spot me - I'm on the right with the tenor sax.

Mark Lockheart will leave you 'Smiling'

 There really is a joy to Mark Lockheart's latest album - Smiling.

You can hear our discussion on the latest episode of Harmonious World - recorded live at London's Barbican Centre.

Pianist Jim Clayton finds his voice on 'Look Out!'

Pianist Jim Clayton has unleashed his vocals on the latest album Look Out! and in this conversation he explains why.

This conversation was a joy and - once again - I was reminded why I decided to start this podcast nearly four years ago - there's a sense of people like Jim in this episode simply sharing why they do what they do. And it helps us all understand music a little better.

Thanks to Jim for joining me in conversation and for sharing tracks from Look Out! alongside our chat.

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UK drummer Clark Tracey brings us 'Introducing Emily Masser'

Drummer Clark Tracey has an impressive track record and his new release - Introducing Emily Masser - gathers his quintet to accompany rising star Emily Masser.

I first met Clark alongside his father the late, great pianist and composer Stan Tracey. Both were stalwarts of the London jazz scene that I loved in the 1980s.

Emily Masser is a relatively inexperienced vocalist in comparison, but she has already garnered attention from around the current UK jazz world. Accompanying Emily alongside Clark (drums) are James Owston (bass), Alex Clarke (sax and flute) and Graham Harvey (piano).

A favourite track on this exciting album is the quintet's version of Jimmy Deuchar’s Suddenly Last Tuesday. This was performed often by sax supremos Tubby Hayes and Ronnie Scott. Emily and saxist Alex Clarke make a great job of this new version.

The world of jazz vocalists is blossoming at the moment, and the arrival of Emily Masser only adds to that. This is a lovely album and it's always good to see more experienced jazz musicians like Clark Tracey helping pave the way for newer artists.

Hear Roberta Flack in her prime - years later

One of my favourite albums of 2023, which I reviewed for KindOfJazz - 'Lost Takes of Roberta Flack'.

I wasn't really a fan of Roberta Flack, but this album reintroduced us and I'm glad I took the chance to give the album a listen. You should do the same.

Gig listing number 2

Issue number 1 of this listing seems to have been well-received, so I'll bring you a new listing every month. I'll continue to update it as more information comes in.

Saturday 24 February 2024: Billy Pod, JazzUp! Hitchin

Catch former Harmonious World guest Billy Pod at one of my favourite venues, Club85 in Hitchin. JazzUp! has only a few shows in 2024, so don't miss this one.


Tuesday 27 February 2024: Tristan Banks, Pizza Express, Dean Street, London W1

Former guest Tristan Banks brings his quartet to the much-improved and gorgeous Soho jazz club where you can also enjoy some of the finest pizza and pasta. More info


Friday 26 to Sunday 28 April 2024: Brick Lane Jazz Festival

Some amazing artists on stage, including our very own Rob Luft. More info

Wednesday 1 to Monday 6 May 2024: Cheltenham Jazz Festival

Guests just announced include: Lucy-Anne Daniels, Dionne Warwick; Robert Plant; Sophie Ellis-Bextor; Jack Savoretti; UB40; Dee Dee Bridgewater; Morcheeba; Courtney Pine; Clare Teal; Huey Morgan; Snarky Puppy; Brand New Heavies Orchestra; Brad Mehldau Trio; Jordan Rakei; Bettye Lavette; Ladysmith Black Mambazo; Theo Croker; Lakecia Benjamin; Nubiyan Twist; Norma Winstone; Fatoumata Diawara; Zara McFarlane and many more. Find out more


Sunday 12 May 2024: Nikki Iles, Pizza Express, Dean Street, London W1

The marvellous Nikki Iles (hopefully a future guest) brings her big band to the regular Sunday big band session in Soho. Find out more


Friday 5 to Sunday 7 July 2024, Love Supreme Festival, Glynde Place

I'll be there! Lots of past and future guests appearing, including Christian McBride. Find out more


Friday 12 to Sunday 14 July 2024, NN North Sea Jazz Festival, Rotterdam Ahoy

Billed as the world’s largest indoor music festival, this has some great names announced, including:Sting, Joshua Redman, Jamie Cullum, Cécile McLorin Salvant, John Scofield & Dave Holland, Chucho Valdés, Lizz Wright, Shai Maestro, Laura Misch, Myra Melford, Reuben James, Walter Smith III, Ibrahim Maalouf, a new quartet featuring Chris Potter, Brad Mehldau, John Patitucci and Johnathan Blake and much more. Find out more

Ongoing

Check out one of my favourite venues - London's marvellous 606 Club

In Milton Keynes, there's also the Stables Theatre, which often features live music