Hilary Seabrook - writer, podcaster, musician

Every once in a while, a musical event catches my eye and that is certainly true this week of the BAFTA (the British Academy of Film and TV Awards) win for original score, which went to Daniel Blumberg for his extraordinary work on 'The Brutalist'. I'm hoping to get to interview Daniel for my podcast , simply because the composition and recording process which he outlines in a YouTube video is breathtaking. Watch this space ... This week has been a great one for The Brutalist  with four BAFTA awards - US filmmaker Brady Corbet (Best Director), Adrien Brody (Best Actor) as well as cinematography and, of course, best original score. Last night (as I write this), the Academy Awards gave Oscars for Brody, cinematography and Blumberg's score once more. Very well-deserved awards for a truly extraordinary film. Blumberg talks about the Overture that does much more than accompany the film's opening: “Brady and I wanted there to be continual music for the first 10 minutes ...

Have you been part of music making in Hitchin? Would you like to contribute to my forthcoming book on the history of music in the town? Juggling words and music has been the source of flavour in my life, since learning piano at Highbury House at the age of seven with Janet Flavell/Orwin. I migrated to the clarinet (with Harry Bichard) and thence to saxophones (with Harry first and then John Myatt), to some degree of success. Writing was always another passion and it is now a pleasure to combine all of this with my love of Hitchin and the amazing community here. Starting this project in January 2025 has opened all kinds of doors and I have spoken to several people with fascinating stories to tell about their part in the history of music in Hitchin. For those who don’t know, Hitchin is a small town in Hertfordshire, around 30 miles north of London. Over centuries, it has attracted creative people to visit and settle: music has become an important part of this community. This project aims...

Welcome to the  latest episode  of Harmonious World, in which I interview musicians about how their music helps make the world more harmonious. It's always interesting to talk to someone with a passion for a specific musical topic and I'm joined here by Thomas J Morris , who has an incredible history alongside some of the world's finest orchestras: his book Always the Music: How a Lifelong Passion Framed a Future for Orchestras is well worth a read and we discuss some of the ideas within it. Thank you for listening to Harmonious World. Please rate, review and share: click on the link and subscribe to support the show. Don't forget the Quincy Jones quote that sums up why I do this: "Imagine what a harmonious world it would be if every single person, both young and old, shared a little of what he is good at doing."

A few days spent in the North Wales sanctuary that is Gladstone's Library helped me complete my first novel. Now, that novel is ready for beta readers to pick apart before I officially launch my Kickstarter to publish it.

Welcome to the latest episode of Harmonious World, in which I interview musicians about how their music helps make the world more harmonious. For this episode, I was joined by bassist Adam Ben Ezra , who has a new album out at the end of February. Heavy Drops is a fascinating creative collection of ten original tunes that focus on the double bass. Thanks to Adam for allowing me to share tracks from his album alongside our conversation. Thank you for listening to Harmonious World. Please rate, review and share: click on the link and subscribe to support the show. Don't forget the Quincy Jones quote that sums up why I do this: "Imagine what a harmonious world it would be if every single person, both young and old, shared a little of what he is good at doing."

Just released is saxophonist Noah Preminger 's echo of John Coltrane with his own 'Ballads' album. Each track on Ballads seems to tell a similar - updated - story to the 1963 Coltrane classic album, culminating with a beautiful version of Someone to Watch Over Me . This track in particular takes a jazz standard and redefines it in Preminger's own style: the opening with a simple bass opening expands into the full quartet treatment. Similarly, the fabulous Stan's Mood  takes a rare Stan Getz tune and allows Preminger's beautiful tenor sax tone to flourish. The saxist says: “I've always loved ballad playing. Some of my favorites on record include John Coltrane on ‘Lush Life,’ Joe Lovano on ‘I Can’t Get Started,’ and Michael Brecker on ‘The Meaning of the Blues.’ The playing is serious and meaningful, and their sound sings as if it’s their last day on earth. That’s what I wanted to emulate with this record.” Emulate that meaningful playing is what Preminger d...

Welcome to the latest episode of Harmonious World, in which I interview musicians about how their music helps make the world more harmonious. It was a delight to chat with violinist and composer  Petra Onderuf  for this episode, and I love her new album - An Odd Time of Day. Thanks to Petra for allowing me to share tracks from her album alongside our conversation. Thank you for listening to Harmonious World. Please rate, review and share: click on the link and subscribe to support the show. Don't forget the Quincy Jones quote that sums up why I do this: "Imagine what a harmonious world it would be if every single person, both young and old, shared a little of what he is good at doing." Support the show

As I write this, we're awaiting news of Grammy winners for some of my past guests on Harmonious World. meanwhile, there are gigs aplenty. These are mostly UK, so feel free to send me your listings for elsewhere. Thursday 13 February: Arts Depot, 5 Nether St, Tally Ho Corner, N Finchley, London N12 0GA Ineza & ‘Women’s Words, Sisters’ Stories’, performing material from their acclaimed debut album (distinct, remarkable and exciting’ – Cerys Matthews, BBC Radio 2) with Alex Webb (piano), Charlie Pyne (bass) and Katie Patterson (drums). Click here for tickets & info Tuesday 18 February 2025: Pizza Express Holborn Down for the Count presents a Motown special. Click here for tickets & info Friday 21 February: Hampstead Jazz Club at The Duke of Hamilton, 23-25 New End, NW3 1JD Ineza & ‘Women’s Words, Sisters’ Stories’, performing material from their acclaimed debut album (‘An absolutely delightful album’ – JazzViews.net) with Alex Webb (piano), Charlie Pyne (bass) and Kati...