2-5-1
104 episodes - English - Latest episode: 14 days ago -Nick Tomalin snd Simon Whiteside host a variety of podcasts about jazz .From the short vignettes of two pianist, five minutes, one podcast through to the Two pianist, Five Podcasts, One subject and in depth look at the life work and piano stylings of single pianists. So far Sonny Clark and Kenny Drew have been covered.
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Episodes
2-5m-1-S2E25-ECM records
April 16, 2024 17:00 - 5 minutes - 3.92 MBECM records have a place in Jazz only rivalled by the classic American Labels like Blue Note, Prestige. There are clear comparisons with Blue Note, A Unique look a Particular sound a roster of important musicians You can see a Pinterest collection of ECM covers here In this episode we discuss these and other points This is our website This is our Instagram This is our Facebook group
2-5m-1-S2E24-A Great Day in Harlem
April 01, 2024 07:00 - 5 minutes - 3.92 MBA picture that is well known to those in jazz and beyond was taken August 12th 1958 for esquire Magazine by Art Kane. we discuss it in this episode. The documentary is available here This is our website This is our Instagram This is our Facebook group
2-5m-1-S2E23-Andy Warhol Jazz record sleeves
March 15, 2024 08:00 - 5 minutes - 3.92 MBThe fame of Andy Warhol has lasted a lot longer than fifteen minutes but perhaps his jazz album cover artwork is less well known than his soup tins, Marilyn Monroes or his Velvet underground Banana Cover. We discuss these in this episode many are collected in this blog by The Music Aficionado here with some thoughtful insights, more can be found on the discos site here This is our website This is our Instagram This is our Facebook group
2-5m-1-S2E22-Pat Moran
March 01, 2024 08:00 - 5 minutes - 3.92 MBPat Moran was active as a Jazz pianist in the 1950s-1960s and played with many good artists particularly on the west coast. Her trio album with Scott La Faro 1957 is a real gem in our opinion. Her Classical training has furnished her with a great facility at the piano and her fast runs are crisp and well phrased. The complete trio album released by Fresh Sounds combines the Scott la Faro with The Pat Moran Quartet (1956), with Moran on piano John Doling on bass, John Whited on drums and ...
2-5m-1-S2E21-Romare Bearden
February 15, 2024 08:00 - 5 minutes - 3.92 MBNick and Simon talk about the artist Romare Bearden Who was connected to the jazz scene in more than one way. His most well know works are collage and often depict jazz subjects. He went to School with Billy Eckstein and wrote Seabreeze with him which featured on the Branford Marsalis album Romare Bearden Revealed a cultural figure whose foundation supports his legacy and the artistic community This is our website This is our Instagram This is our Facebook group
2-5m-1-S2E20-Piano Jazz
February 01, 2024 08:00 - 5 minutes - 4.01 MBSimon and Nick talk about the long running radio show hosted by Marion McPartland. episodes are still available to stream from NPR like this one with Gene Harris This is our website This is our Instagram This is our Facebook group
2-5m-1-S2E19-Chappie Willet
January 15, 2024 08:00 - 5 minutes - 4.01 MBThis episode is based around the book " Blue Rhythm Fantasy" which is concerned , primarily, with the Work of arranger Chappie Willet. A freelancer who set up an office in the Times Square district calling it The Broadway Music clinic. He was a successful African American entrepreneur and worked for some of the top acts of his day including Louis Armstrong. This is our website This is our Instagram This is our Facebook group
2-5m-1-S2E18-Club 11
January 01, 2024 08:00 - 5 minutes - 4.01 MBNick And Simon Discuss the short lived but influential London Jazz club "Club Eleven", named after the number of founder members, began life just before Christmas in 1948. It was a co-operative arrangement designed to bring bebop to the attention of the jazz public at large. The musicians involved were Ronnie Scott, Hank Shaw, Leon Calvert, Johnny Rogers, Bernie Fenton, Tommy Pollard, Lennie Bush, Joe Muddel, Tony Crombie and Laurie Morgan plus manager Harry Morris. Johnny Dankworth and Deni...
2-5m-1-S2E17-Blow up a storm
December 15, 2023 08:00 - 6 minutes - 4.17 MBNick And Simon talk about the Jazz Novel Blow up a storm published in 1959 [ a seminal year in Jazz history] This is a first novel by the director, producer and dramatist, Garson Kanin, whose short stories have appeared in Esquire, Vogue and the Atlantic Monthly. Written in the first person and told in flashback this is a dramatist's recollections of his early days in jazz -- during the depression and the close of prohibition. While in Chicago, on tour with his actress wife, the narrator re...
2-5m-1-S2E16-The Music of Mr Benn
December 01, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 3.97 MBSimon & Nick discuss the Score to Mr Benn by Don Warren an Alias for Duncan Lamont who for several decades Lamont worked as a freelance musician (on flute and clarinet as well as saxophone), based around Archer Street in Soho and playing in the surrounding jazz clubs. He often performed with British bands accompanying American vocalists, including Fred Astaire, Tony Bennett, Bing Crosby, Sammy Davis Jr., Marlene Dietrich, Peggy Lee and (for 19 seasons) with Frank Sinatra. He also played with...
2-5m-1-S2E15-Born to be Blue
November 15, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 3.89 MBNicK and Simon Talk about the film Born to Be Blue a 2015 drama film directed, produced and written by Robert Budreau. The film stars Ethan Hawke and Carmen Ejogo. ] The film is about American jazz musician Chet Baker, portrayed by Hawke. Directed by | Robert Budreau Written by | Robert Budreau Produced by | Jennifer JonasRobert BudreauLeonard FarlingerJake Seal[1] Starring | Ethan HawkeCarmen Ejogo Cinematography | Steve Cosens Edited by | David Freeman Music by | David Braid Todor Kobak...
2-5m-1-S2E214- So You Think You Hate Jazz?
November 01, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 4.1 MBInspired by a post on Instagram, and the standard stereotypical responses to the question " Dear 'people who don't like jazz' what don't you like about it?" posed by Kira C Garcia (follow her here) Nick and Simon pondered the question. Look out for a blog on this from Simon. This is our website This is our Instagram This is our Facebook group
2-5m-1-S2E13-Jam Sessions
October 15, 2023 07:00 - 5 minutes - 3.61 MBJam sessions have been and continue to be at the heart of the jazz scene. In this episode Simon and Nick briefly discuss the history, culture and function of jam sessions in jazz. You can get more information about our podcasts here Thanks for listening
2-5m-1-S2E12-Jazz and Civil Rights
October 01, 2023 07:00 - 5 minutes - 3.61 MBIn this episode Nick leads the discussion on the subject of jazz and it's connection to the Civil Rights movement in the US
2-5m-1-S2E12-Jazz and Civil Rights.wav
October 01, 2023 07:00 - 5 minutes - 3.61 MBIn this episode Nick leads the discussion on the subject of Jazz and it's connection to civil rights.
2-5m-1-S2E11-Mo Better Blues
September 15, 2023 07:00 - 5 minutes - 3.61 MBIn this Episode we discuss Spike Lee's Mo Better Blues. Wikipedia says Mo' Better Blues is a 1990 American musical comedy-drama film starring Denzel Washington, Wesley Snipes, and Spike Lee, who also wrote, produced, and directed.[1] It follows a period in the life of fictional jazz trumpeter Bleek Gilliam (played by Washington) as a series of bad decisions result in his jeopardizing both his relationships and his playing career. The film focuses on themes of friendship, loyalty, honesty,...
2-5m-1-S2E10-Aebersold
September 01, 2023 07:00 - 5 minutes - 3.58 MBAny student of jazz will be well aware of the Aebersold play-along series: over 100 records with accompanying books. There are even supplements with transcriptions of the voicings the pianist played if you are into that? Nick and Simon discuss the origin and impact of the series. His website is here It has an interesting page for further reading
2-5m-1-S2E9-Jazz And Meditation
August 15, 2023 07:00 - 5 minutes - 3.57 MBIn this episode Simon & Nick discuss Jazz and Meditation. There are elements of meditation that improvisers may well relate to : flow state, acceptance , being in the moment, completely absorbed in the process yet fully aware of what is happening around you. we mention Kenny Werners Effortsless Mastery Tony Scott Music For Zen Meditation Jerry Begonzi Developing a jazz language there are various Apps to help you get going with meditation the Calm app is very popular many others are a...
2-5m-1-S2E8-Jimmy Jones
August 01, 2023 07:00 - 5 minutes - 3.52 MBThis episode is about an " under the radar " pianist Jimmy Jones. An arranger pianist for some of the greats singers here is an Apple Music link to the album Nick mentioned Sarah Vaughan "The Divine One"
2-5m-1 S2E7-Practicing
July 15, 2023 07:00 - 5 minutes - 3.52 MBIn this episode, Nick and Simon discuss what it means to practice jazz piano.
2-5m-1-S2E6-Jazz Humour
July 01, 2023 07:00 - 5 minutes - 3.52 MB2 pianists look confused walking into a bar. It was an 11/8 bar! What role does humour play in Jazz?
2-5m-1-S2E5-Playing and Singing
June 15, 2023 07:00 - 5 minutes - 3.52 MBPlaying the piano and singing, what's involved? Nick and simon talk about it in this episode.
2-5m-1-S2E4- Film Review- Round Midnight
June 01, 2023 07:00 - 5 minutes - 3.63 MBAnother in our new series of jazz film reviews. The Bertrand Tavernier jazz movie that refreshed Dexter Gordon's career late in his life.
2-5m-1-S2E3-Dudley Moore
May 15, 2023 07:00 - 5 minutes - 3.63 MBDudley Moore may well be best known for his comedy partnership with Peter Cook and his success on screen in the films 10 and Arthur, but he was also a very accomplished musician. He was an Organ Scholar at Oxford which is where he met the other folk who comprised Beyond the Fringe. Perhaps less well known is what a great jazz pianist he was. Simon and Nick discuss him in this episode. Link to his Genuine Dud album here
2-5m-1-S2E2-Jazz and Boxing
May 01, 2023 07:00 - 5 minutes - 3.63 MBDid you know some jazz musicians were also boxers? Find out more in this episode.
The Fabulous Baker Boys
April 15, 2023 07:00 - 5 minutes - 3.63 MBTo start season two Simon & Nick talk about the Fabulous Baker Boys. This is a new strand where Nick and Simon talk about jazz related films. At present there are a few distinct strands: 1. Under the Radar Pianists- like Hod O' Brian 2.Jazz Oddities- e.g. Jazz Oboe 3. Technical discussions - like Block Chords 4 Jazz Books- e.g. Jazz Heavyweight 5.Jazz Films-like Round Midnight All episodes are available on our new OnPodium Website. Where you can also leave comments and suggestions for su...
2-5m-1-S1E2.2-Marty Paich -With Mel Torme
March 28, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 52.2 MBIn the full episode 2 it was a pleasure to chat with Arranger Orchestrator Giles Thornton. He helped me out on some of the transcriptions for the Marty Swings the singers project [watch this space for news of the gig} One of the charts he took down was "Surrey with a fringe on top" and we discuss that plus " it's Too Darn Hot" a transcription I am currently working on. Here is a link to a reduction of Surrey With a Fringe on top LINK the piano solo from Ep 1 is also in that folder "Too D...
2-5m-1-S1E2.1-Marty Paich -With Mel Torme
March 23, 2023 15:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MBThis is the 15 minute introduction to the full episode 2 as episode 2 is 1 hour 15 minutes I felt it better to publish the intro separately here Is a link to the albums as a playlist on apple music and Spotify
2-5-1-Marty Paich - S1E1 - The Pianist
February 15, 2023 08:00 - 55 minutes - 38.1 MBThis new five part longer form series starts with Nick and Simon examining Marty Paich as pianist. Paich was a musical polymath and his career spanned jazz, classical & film music. Simon will present the other four episodes talking to various arrangers about Marty Paich as arranger - looking at his medium-sized ensemble work with particular focus on the octet, his work for big band referencing Art Pepper + 11, his work for the famous Dektette focussing on his work with Mel Torme, and his w...
2-5m-1-S1E50-END OF SERIES 1
February 01, 2023 14:00 - 32 seconds - 410 KBAn end of series announcement. in the 50 episodes Nick and I have covered, 8 under the radar pianists, reviewed 7 Jazz books, talked about 10 technical subjects discussed 5 unusual Jazz instruments and even managed 1 April fool. Plus many more subjects like famous jazz clubs and record labels. We have also made 2 long form series over 5 podcasts about Kenny Drew and Sonny Clark also interviews with 4 London based Jazz influencers and produced 3 Christmas Specials. Look out for Simon'...
2-5m-1-S1E49-George Wallington
January 15, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 3.51 MBAnother episode in our " Under the Radar Pianists" series. George Wallington wrote a tune that was made well known by Gerry Mulligan's arrangement on Birth of the Cool and established himself as one of the best bebop pianists of his generation. He was prolific as a sideman in the 1950s but in 1960 dropped out of music to pursue something far cooler. Listen to find out more!
2-5-1-Special- Nick & George
January 08, 2023 08:00 - 14 minutes - 9.65 MBIn this Special Episode Nick and Simon Discuss George Shearing and Nick's new project playing his music Shades of Shearing gigs are Sat January 14th 2023 - Peggy's Skylight - Nottingham Feb 18th Blue Room - Lincoln Wed May 24th - The Fleece - Boxford Fri July 7th - Steyning Jazz Club - Steyning. The Band Is Nick Tomalin – piano Nat Steele – vibraphone Dave Warren – guitar Dominic Howles – bass Matt Fishwick – drums
2-5-1-Christmas-2022
December 15, 2022 15:00 - 54 minutes - 37.6 MBNick and Simon discuss four newish (one jewish) holiday offerings. 1. Snowbound- Emma Smith 2. Louis Wishes you a Cool Yule - Louis Armstrong 3. On Christmas Day- Paul Edis and Friends 4. Big Band Holidays- JLCO with Wynton Marsalis Frabjous Nicktide from us!
2-5m-1-S1E47-Candid Records
December 15, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 3.61 MBNick and Simon discuss a record label that started in the USA and continues now in the UK. A label with many jazz greats represented as well as new and emerging talent.
2-5m-1-S1E46-Enclosures
December 01, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 3.63 MBWe discuss 'enclosures' one of the cornerstone concepts of what makes jazz sound like jazz - particularly post-bebop jazz. We talk about the idea of 'enclosure' with regard to the melodic line and play some examples. Get the pdf here
2-5m-1-S1E45-The Bass Clef Jazz Club
November 15, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 3.51 MBIn many ways the life of The Bass Clef jazz club is a story that echoes in ripples from the centre to the outskirts of London. Jazz is a tough music to make a profit from and as such clubs spring up in low rent areas, they thrive, bring character to a district and then that district gentrifies. Hoxton is now a far cry from the run down weekend ghost town it once was. Buisness is booming and the prices of the properties soaring. Many new venues have emerged further out from the centre, and ...
2-5m-1-S1E44-Arranging The Score
November 01, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 3.47 MBWe discuss the book Arranging the Score by the Canadian jazz critic and musician Gene Lees. in the book Lees paints portraits of some of the great jazz arrangers including Gerry Mulligan, Gil Evans Kenny Wheeler and Billy May
2-5m-1-S1E43-Jazz Cello
October 15, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 3.51 MBNick and Simon talk about Jazz Cello, like you do.
Chris Hodgkins
October 08, 2022 11:00 - 53 minutes - 37 MBChris Hodgkins has been an integral part of the UK jazz scene since the early seventies. As a trumpet player he performed with the Icon Jazzmen and toured Europe and the US with various bands. In 1974 he co-founded the Welsh Jazz Festival which later became the Brecon Jazz Festival and in 1985 became director of Jazz Services for which he is perhaps best known. In this wide-ranging conversation Chris talks about his early musical life and later involvement with the Welsh Jazz festival and Ja...
2-5m-1-S1E42-Andre Previn
October 01, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 3.49 MBAndre Previn had a long and varied career Simon and Nick discuss his life and work in the diverse fields of jazz, film and classical music.
2-5m-1-S1E41-Monk Biography
September 15, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 3.52 MBNick and Simon discuss the biography Thelonious Monk: The Life and Times of an American Original. Author Robin D. Kelley grew up in Harlem in a house where modern jazz was the soundtrack to family life.His PhD was on Social Movements but through a series of posts at top american universities he moved more towards writing about music...
2-5m-1-S1E40-San Francisco Jazz
September 01, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 3.52 MBThe Fillmore district of San Francisco was known as " The Harlem of the West" in the 1940s and there were many clubs that flourished there for a decade or more. Live recordings of top artists bear the names of some of them. There are currently several jazz clubs and a specialised Jazz Centre in San Fransisco so in the words of Frank Zappa, in Fog City " jazz isn't dead it just smells funny"
2-5m-1-S1E39-Book Hear me Talkin' to Ya
August 15, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 3.63 MBNick and Simon discuss one of the more well known books of jazz portraits Hear me Talkin' to Ya the story of jazz as told by the men who made it.
2-5m-1-S1E39- Hear me Talkin' to Ya
August 15, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 3.63 MBNick and Simon discuss the well known book of jazz interviews 'Hear me Talkin' to Ya The Story of Jazz as Told by the Men Who Made It.'
2-5m-1-S1E38-Red Garland Block Chords
August 01, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 3.5 MBRed Garland was one of the big beasts of the 1950s New York jazz scene recording many albums as leader with his trio, he was also part of the first great Miles Davis quartet and with Paul Chambers and Philly Joe Jones they collectively became known as " The Rhythm Section" In this episode Nick and Simon discuss and demonstrate Red Garlands pugilistic block chord playing style
2-5m-1-S1E37-Blue Notes in B&W
July 14, 2022 23:00 - 5 minutes - 3.63 MBSimon and Nick discuss the book Blue Notes in Black and White a book about the relationship between jazz image and jazz music. Below is the blurb from the book: You can read and excerpt here Miles Davis, supremely cool behind his shades. Billie Holiday, eyes closed and head tilted back in full cry. John Coltrane, one hand behind his neck and a finger held pensively to his lips. These iconic images have captivated jazz fans nearly as much as the music has. Jazz photographs are visual lan...
2-5m-1-S1E36-Rent Parties
July 01, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 3.52 MBThe rent party was a phenomenon that occurred from 1920-1950's to raise the money needed to meet the cost of accommodation, which was often higher for black tenants. They were covertly advertised on simple cards as "Social Parties" or "Whist Parties" Rent parties in Harlem could have music provided by stride piano stars like Fats Waller or James P Johnson. Harlem renaissance poet and man about town Langston Hughes collected these cards and some of his collection is viewable here and here...
2-5m-1-S1E36-Rent Partys
July 01, 2022 07:00 - 5 minutes - 3.52 MBThe Rent party was a phenomenon that occurred from 1920-1950's to raise the money needed to meet the cost of accommodation, which was often higher for black tenants. They were covertly advertised on simple cards as "Social Parties" or "Whist Parties" Rent parties in Harlem could have music by stride starts like Fats Waller or James P Johnson. Harlem renaissance poet and man about town Langston Hughes would sometimes compose a couplet for the cards and some of his collection are viewable...
2-5m-1-S1E35a quartal harmony examples
June 15, 2022 07:00 - 3 minutes - 2.15 MBHere are 2 examples of quartile harmony to support the previous podcast