Best Jazz Chords Podcasts (2025)

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From Sonata to Stank Face 1:08:31

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2d ago1:08:31

1:08:31

The ultimate musical showdown: jazz vs classical. We bring in conductor Josh Weilerstein from the Sticky Notes podcast to compare, contrast and find the common ground among these two very different schools of music. From Duke Ellington's swinin' take on Peer Gynt to George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, we explore the tunes and the musicians blurring…

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"Lean On Me" by Bill Withers 58:45

5d ago58:45

58:45

For the Season Seven finale, Kirk takes a look at Bill Withers' enduring hit "Lean On Me." In the process, he takes a broader look at a bunch of Withers' other most famous songs to better understand how this plainspoken, seemingly ordinary guy managed to write so many extraordinary songs. Written by: Bill Withers Album: Still Bill, 1972 Listen/Buy …

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Episode 18. Alan Skidmore (Saxophone) - 'Blues in E Flat' 26:04

6d ago26:04

26:04

In the tranquil setting of Hertfordshire, England, Geoff sits down with the legendary tenor saxophonist Alan Skidmore, a musical force whose extraordinary career spans nearly seven decades. At 83, Alan's recollections are sharp, his stories captivating, and his legacy in jazz undeniable. The conversation begins with Alan's reluctant entry into musi…

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The Best Thing To Ever Happen In 1960 1:01:16

9d ago1:01:16

1:01:16

John Coltrane’s Giant Steps isn’t just a jazz classic — it’s a rite of passage. Peter Martin and Adam Maness dig into what makes the album so technically punishing and emotionally electrifying. From the iconic solo on the title track to the symmetrical harmonies, the lightning-fast chord changes, the fiery swing of Cousin Mary, and the full-throttl…

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Episode 17. Martin Hathaway (Saxophone) - 'How Deep Is The Ocean?' 42:40

13d ago42:40

42:40

Geoff has a visit from an old friend – the wonderful jazz saxophonist, composer and educator Martin Hathaway. What does it take to forge a path in jazz that spans performing, teaching, and leading one of the UK's most prestigious jazz education programs? In this captivating conversation, Martin opens up about his musical journey from curious child …

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Jazz Organ LEGEND Reveals Favorite Tracks 33:06

16d ago33:06

33:06

We’re sitting down with one of the greats! Organist Larry Goldings is in the house to spin the B3 tracks that shaped him – from Jimmy Smith’s revolutionary runs to Billy Preston’s blending brilliance behind Aretha Franklin. Along the way, Larry breaks down the nuts and bolts (err… drawbars and percs) behind his favorite players, offering expert ins…

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Bluegrass, Blue Prince, and the Blues 1:02:07

19d ago1:02:07

1:02:07

Kirk answers a bunch of listener questions on topics like bluegrass guitar, the music of Blue Prince, good apps for training theory skills, Robert Fripp's "Frippertronics," a mysterious sound on a Gene Clark song, different types of music notation, and the legacy of the blues. All that, and a trio of terrific singer/songwriters stops by the studio …

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Episode 16. Nigel Price (Guitar) - 'All The Things You Are' 38:03

20d ago38:03

38:03

In this episode Geoff catches up with the award-winning jazz guitarist Nigel Price. Nigel’s remarkable journey from infantry service to jazz mastery provides a fascinating window into the development of a truly unique musical voice. Nigel reveals how his three years in the army unexpectedly prepared him for life as a bandleader—discovering parallel…

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Sexiest Album Ever? 1:16:37

23d ago1:16:37

1:16:37

We’re finally digging into “Voodoo” - D’Angelo’s Grammy-winning album that changed the sound of R&B, soul, and hip-hop forever. And the album a young Adam Maness had on repeat, seriously influencing his playing as well as countless musicians since. With Questlove’s “Dilla-drag” drumming, Pino Palladino’s funky bass lines, Roy Hargrove’s jazzy horn …

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Episode 15. Steve Fishwick (Trumpet) - 'Stella By Starlight' 32:13

27d ago32:13

32:13

Geoff is on tour in Holland with the internationally renowned trumpet player Steve Fishwick. In a dressing room before the gig, they catch up on all things jazz improvisation. Growing up in Manchester during the UK's jazz boom of the late 1980s, Steve recalls his first encounters with jazz through television documentaries and live performances, inc…

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90's Jazz At Its Finest 1:16:07

1M ago1:16:07

1:16:07

You can’t deliver a performance like Shirley Horn’s “Here’s to Life” unless you’ve lived a little – or a lot. It’s an album only an artist with decades of love, loss, and resilience could create. In this episode, we break down Horn’s unmatched ability to accompany herself, the elegance of Johnny Mandel’s string arrangements, and the quiet confidenc…

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"Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" by The Police 1:00:16

1M ago1:00:16

1:00:16

In 1981, Sting brought a demo of a song he'd been working on down to AIR Studios in Montserrat to see what his bandmates thought of it... and they wound up keeping the demo and just recording their parts on top. The result was "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," an unusual Police song, but an enduring hit. On this episode, Kirk goes deep on eve…

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Episode 14. Ian Shaw (Vocals) - Ain't Misbehavin' 29:36

1M ago29:36

29:36

Geoff is in London’s Waterloo district to meet with the multi award-winning jazz singer, broadcaster, producer, actor and comedian Ian Shaw. What does it take to build a career spanning jazz vocals, comedy, acting, and broadcasting? In this intimate conversation, Ian invites us into his creative world, tracing a fascinating journey from Welsh choir…

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It’s Time: Joshua Redman’s Spirit of the Moment 1:21:54

1M ago1:21:54

1:21:54

For the first time ever, we’re digging into an album Peter actually played on. In this episode, we go deep on Spirit of the Moment, saxophonist Joshua Redman’s 1995 double-CD live album, recorded at the legendary Village Vanguard, with Peter on piano, drummer Brian Blade, and bassist Chris Thomas. We explore how Redman rose to stardom in the ’90s, …

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Episode 13. Luiz Morais (Guitar) - 'Wave' 34:54

1M ago34:54

34:54

Geoff steps into the rich musical world of Brazilian guitarist Luiz Morais as he shares his fascinating journey from the vibrant northeast of Brazil to becoming an accomplished performer, composer, and bandleader in London. The conversation delves into the intricate world of Choro music - Brazil's first truly urban musical style that blends Europea…

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Miles’ First Masterpiece: Birth of the Cool 1:14:10

1M ago1:14:10

1:14:10

Before Kind of Blue, a 21-year-old Miles Davis was already reshaping jazz with Birth of the Cool. In this episode, we explore how Miles teamed up with arranger Gil Evans and a chamber-like nonet to craft a sound full of singable melodies, tightly arranged horns, and forward-thinking restraint. With French horn in the mix, Gerry Mulligan and John Le…

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Episode 12. Camilla George (Saxophone) - 'Peace' 36:16

2M ago36:16

36:16

Geoff travels to Acton in West London to meet the visionary alto saxophonist, bandleader and composer Camilla George. Born in Nigeria before moving to the UK, Camilla's musical foundation was built on Sunday afternoons spent with her jazz-enthusiast father, listening to his extensive vinyl collection featuring legends like Sonny Rollins and Sonny S…

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"All The Things You Are" by Jerome Kern & Oscar Hammerstein II 59:47

2M ago59:47

59:47

The jazz standard "All The Things You Are" has been performed countless times by master jazz vocalists, 30s big bands, bebop small groups, hard-bop combos, modern deconstructionists, and even soon-to-be Kings of Pop. On this episode, Kirk takes listeners through the history of the now-famous tune, from its humble Broadway origins all the way to his…

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The “Love Supreme” of Soul Music? 1:36:36

2M ago1:36:36

1:36:36

Learn what makes Marvin Gaye’s protest album a timeless masterpiece. Adam and Peter go deeper than deep—layer by layer—using stems to find out. Listen to the full arrangement in a way you’ve probably never experienced, even if you’ve heard it a thousand times. Strings, bass, background vocals, Marvin’s multi-tracked leads, percussion, vibes—it’s al…

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Episode 11. Pete Churchill (Vocals) - 'How Deep Is The Ocean?' 52:57

2M ago52:57

52:57

In this episode, Geoff invites the enigmatic jazz pianist, vocalist, composer and legendary educator Pete Churchill round to his pad in Bromley, Kent. After almost twenty years teaching at London’s Guildhall School of Music, Pete is now Professor of Jazz Composition at the Royal Academy of Music as well as Head of Jazz Voice at the Royal Conservato…

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What Genre Is Tower Of Power?? 1:09:47

2M ago1:09:47

1:09:47

We hand the mic to Kirk Hamilton from the Strong Songs podcast to help us break down the groovy 1973 self-titled release: Tower of Power. We unpack what makes this Oakland funk outfit a generational institution – from David Garibaldi’s precision drum fills and Rocco Prestia’s machine-gun bass lines to what may be the tightest horn section of all ti…

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"Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Jim Steinman and Bonnie Tyler 1:00:19

2M ago1:00:19

1:00:19

Turn around... every now and then I get a little lonely and the snare is sounding small Turn around... every now and then I get a little bit tired of listening to the sound of sleigh bells Turn around... every now and then I get a little bit nervous that the cannons will not fire Turn around... ...every now and then Kirk decides to take on a classi…

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Episode 10. Janek Gwizdala (Bass) - 'Moment's Notice' 55:34

2M ago55:34

55:34

Geoff catches up with the internationally respected bass player and record producer Janek Gwizdala who is fresh off a flight from his home in LA for a series of London gigs. What does it take to transform from a wide-eyed teenager in South London to a sought-after bass virtuoso commanding respect around the globe? This episode captures a deeply per…

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Did Chick Corea Perfect Midi Jazz? 1:07:10

2M ago1:07:10

1:07:10

Stack a DX7, a keytar, and enough rack-mount synths to power a small city, and you get one of the most iconic – and polarizing – jazz fusion albums of the ’80s. This week, we dive into The Chick Corea Elektric Band (1986), the record that inspired a thousand copycats and split the jazz world. From the jaw-dropping virtuosity of “Got a Match?” to th…

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Episode 9. Tom Ollendorff (Guitar) - 'Cotton Tail' 42:47

2M ago42:47

42:47

This week Geoff is in West London to meet one of the best-known young guitarists to emerge onto the international jazz scene – Tom Ollendorff. What makes a great guitarist instantly recognisable? How do you develop a personal musical language that transcends technical proficiency? These questions lie at the heart of Geoff’s conversation with the vi…

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Best Oscar Peterson Trio - Guitar or Drums? 41:19

2M ago41:19

41:19

Who swings harder: Oscar Peterson with guitar or drums? In this jazz piano trio showdown, Adam and Peter go head-to-head with seven scorching tracks spanning OP’s career. Team Guitar brings Barney Kessel, Herb Ellis, and Joe Pass, while Team Drums is anchored by the ever-swinging Ed Thigpen. We break down comping chemistry, shifting textures, virtu…

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Bluey, Background Jazz, and the 'Best' Metal Guitar Solo 1:08:00

3M ago1:08:00

1:08:00

How should you count The Police's "Bed's Too Big Without You?" Why do so many people revere Marty Friedman's solo on Megadeth's "Tornado of Souls"? What's going on with those pauses during the Bluey theme? And what the heck is that sound on Sly and the Family Stone's "Sex Machine"? Those questions and many more on the first mailbag episode of Seaso…

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Episode 8. Dave O'Higgins (Saxophone) - 'It Could Happen To You' 38:53

3M ago38:53

38:53

Geoff travels to Brixton in South London to catch up with the fabulous saxophonist, band leader and composer Dave O’Higgins. This is an intimate conversation about Dave’s remarkable journey from progressive rock drummer to acclaimed jazz musician. With disarming honesty, he traces his unlikely path through music, describing how transcribing Charlie…

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Stevie's Greatest Album? 1:19:22

3M ago1:19:22

1:19:22

What happens when a 21-year-old Stevie Wonder gets the keys to the Motown kingdom? You get Talking Book, a no-filler masterpiece. Adam and Peter go track-by-track through Stevie’s first fully self-driven album, where he played nearly everything himself. From the sticky funk of “Superstition” to the guitar-like tones of “Big Brother,” we break down …

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Episode 7. Gabriella Swallow (Cello) - 'Smile' 53:54

3M ago53:54

53:54

Geoff is in the leafy North London suburb of Muswell Hill to meet the wonderful Gabriella Swallow – one of the most versatile and exciting cellists of her generation. When Gabriella declares "I just want the biggest one" as her instrument selection as a child, it perfectly captures her fearless approach to musical exploration. Born in Belfast durin…

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Is Keith Jarrett The Greatest Solo Pianist Ever? 1:03:00

3M ago1:03:00

1:03:00

One afternoon in Oslo changed the course of jazz piano history! In this episode, Adam and Peter dive into Facing You, the hit 1971 ECM release where a 26-year-old Keith Jarrett – torn between Miles Davis’ electric band and his own acoustic instincts – walked alone into a studio and recorded eight completely improvised masterpieces. From the gospel-…

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The Music of the Muppets 1:03:43

3M ago1:03:43

1:03:43

Kirk pays a visit the musical world of The Muppets, from their Sesame Street origins in the 60s to the globe-hopping, cinematic heights of the 70s and 80s, with plenty of detours along the way. FEATURING: "Sesame Street Theme" by Joe Raposo, Jon Stone, and Bruce Hart "Mah Na Mah Na" by Piero Umilliani from Sweden: Heaven and Hell "Pinball Number Co…

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Episode 6. Mark Armstrong (Trumpet) - 'Cherokee' 46:56

3M ago46:56

46:56

Geoff is in Blackheath in South London to meet the greatly respected trumpet player, composer, arranger and educator Mark Armstrong. Mark opens up about the electrifying moment jazz first captivated him as a schoolboy—a "kinesthetic experience" of colours and sounds that sparked a lifelong pursuit. Now an accomplished trumpet player with Ronnie Sco…

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Herbie Hancock's Greatest Era Is Not Even Jazz? 56:29

3M ago56:29

56:29

Does it get any better than that ARP bass line on “Chameleon”? That’s right, it’s Herbie time! Join Peter and Adam as we explore Herbie Hancock’s explosive breakout from Blue Note jazz man to platinum-selling Headhunter. Transport your ears to an afro-futuristic daydream as we dissect Herbie’s funk-jazz era – and the cast of characters that helped …

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Episode 5. Phil Merriman (Piano) - 'Everybody's Song But My Own' 46:12

3M ago46:12

46:12

Geoff travels to Wallington in South London to meet the incredibly talented jazz pianist, composer and arranger Phil Merriman. Phil isn't your typical jazz pianist. You immediately sense you're with a musician who refuses to be confined by traditional genre boundaries. "For me, it's not about two camps at all," he explains, discussing the artificia…

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The Ten Most Important Years In Jazz 1:23:18

3M ago1:23:18

1:23:18

Take a trip with us to the most revolutionary decade in jazz (1923-1933), when a young Louis Armstrong was creating a new improvisational vocabulary in real-time. This isn’t the “Wonderful World” Satchmo most know, but the young gunner whose genius trumpet solos on “West End Blues” and “Tight Like This” were toppling trumpet kings. We break down Po…

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"Roulette Dares (The Haunt Of)" by The Mars Volta 59:07

3M ago59:07

59:07

Kirk digs into one of the most dense and challenging records in his collection, with an analysis of "Roulette Dares (The Haunt Of)" from The Mars Volta's 2003 progressive rock opus De-Loused in the Comatorium. Written by: Omar Rodríguez-López, Cedric Bixler-Zavala, and Jeremy Ward Produced by: Omar Rodríguez-López & Rick Rubin Album: De-Loused in t…

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Episode 4. Freddie Benedict (Vocals) - ‘One Note Samba’ 38:51

3M ago38:51

38:51

Geoff doorsteps the 29-year old vocal genius Freddie Benedict and discovers that his talents go far beyond just trumpet and vocals. Could Britain’s answer to Michael Bublé be any more talented? With an undergraduate degree in Spanish and Portuguese before formally studying jazz at Guildhall, Freddie brings linguistic depth to his performances, part…

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Episode 3. Chris Standring (Guitar) - ‘Stella By Starlight’ 43:13

3M ago43:13

43:13

In a rather noisy back room at London’s Pizza Express Jazz Club, Geoff chews the fat with ‘soul’ jazz guitarist Chris Standring before a gig. Native Brit Chris has just flown in from LA for a series of concerts in London and reminisces about his dilemmas as a frustrated young jazz guitarist looking to make it as a solo artist. Chris reveals the piv…

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Episode 2. Alan Barnes (Saxophone) - ‘You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To’ 45:27

3M ago45:27

45:27

Geoff gets the train to Leighton Buzzard to meet the legendary jazz saxophonist Alan Barnes. This intimate conversation reveals the musical journey of one of Britain's most respected reed players, from his first enchantment with Acker Bilk's clarinet to his evolution as a multi-award-winning bandleader, composer, and record label owner. Alan shares…

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Episode 1. Emma Smith (Vocals) - ‘No Moon At All’ 43:42

3M ago43:42

43:42

Geoff tracks down the wonderful jazz singer Emma Smith just a few weeks after she lands a major record deal. She opens up about her remarkable journey from rebelling against her jazz musician parents to becoming one of the UK’s most captivating jazz performers. They discuss everything from improvisation technique to social media and the challenges …

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Trailer - The Quartet Jazz Standards Podcast 5:01

3M ago5:01

5:01

Step into the vibrant world of jazz through intimate conversations with the artists who live it every day. The Quartet Jazz Standards Podcast, hosted by renowned bassist, composer and producer Geoff Gascoyne, strips away the mystique surrounding jazz musicians to reveal the human stories behind the solos. Each week, we sit down with both legendary …

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Why Do Jazz Pianists LOVE Roberta Flack? 1:05:26

4M ago1:05:26

1:05:26

Tune in as we pay tribute to the incomparable Roberta Flack, who we sadly lost last month. From her 1969 debut album First Take (featuring Open Studio artist Ron Carter on bass) to her iconic collaborations with Donny Hathaway – we dissect why what Flack didn’t play was just as important as what she did. We’ll explore how this classical piano prodi…

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Miles' Greatest Album - You're Welcome 37:13

4M ago37:13

37:13

Could Miles Davis’ peak performance come alongside a bunch of kids who weren’t even getting paid? In this episode, Peter and Adam dive into one of the greatest live albums ever captured, My Funny Valentine: Live at the Philharmonic (1964). We explore how Miles Davis, sideman George Coleman, and a young rhythm section (Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, an…

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"Fast As You Can" by Fiona Apple 52:41

4M ago52:41

52:41

Kirk digs into Fiona Apple's breakneck 1999 single "Fast As You Can," a cornerstone in her late 90s collaborations with Jon Brion, as well as her work with drummer Matt Chamberlain. Written by: Fiona Apple Produced by: Jon Brion Album: When The Pawn..., 1999 Listen/Buy via Album.Link ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED: Jon Brion in Performing Songwriter Mag…

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Is "Off The Wall" Michael's True Masterpiece? 59:08

4M ago59:08

59:08

When Epic Records told Michael Jackson “no” to Quincy Jones, he fought back and changed music forever. Join Adam Maness and Peter Martin as they dive into Jackson’s 1979 masterpiece Off The Wall – the album that planted MJ’s flag as a solo artist. We explore how a young Michael partnered with Quincy Jones, created magic with studio legends Louis Jo…

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Bill Evans and The Trio That Changed Trios 47:13

4M ago47:13

47:13

Can you believe the most celebrated Bill Evans Trio was only together for 18 months? In this episode, we’re looking at early 60's Bill alongside Scott LaFaro and Paul Motian, and the four albums they recorded together before LaFaro’s tragic death at just 25 years old. From Portrait in Jazz and its cross-over with Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue through S…

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"Where The Streets Have No Name" and "With Or Without You" by U2 59:24

4M ago59:24

59:24

Strong Songs Season Seven kicks off with two of the most famous songs ever recorded, from one of the biggest bands in the world. U2's "Where the Streets Have No Name" and "With or Without You" make up two-thirds of the three-song "suite" of hit singles that kicked off their 1987 album The Joshua Tree. As it turns out, the two songs have a lot to sa…

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Greatest FUNK Band Of All Time? 52:55

5M ago52:55

52:55

What makes New Orleans funk hit so different? In this episode, we dive into the swampy funk of The Meters, the iconic quartet that’s left its mark on everything from Wu-Tang to Whitney Houston and beyond. We break down Leo Nocentelli’s chicken-scratch guitar, Art Neville’s genius riff comping, Zigaboo’s “direct assault” on the high hat, and the thu…

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6 Songs To Turn Coltrane Curious Into Coltrane Converted 39:26

5M ago39:26

39:26

Have Giant Steps and Meditations scared you away from John Coltrane? Join us on the other side of the Trane tracks with what might be the best trio of albums ever dropped in the same year. We’re talking 1963 Coltrane—at his most accessible (dare we say smooth?) yet still cutting straight to the truth. From the GRAMMY hall-of-famer Ballads to his le…