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 artificial division between classical and jazz. "I even struggle saying I'm a jazz piano teacher. I think I just teach the piano."

This refreshingly integrated approach to music stems partly from Phil's formative years studying with the legendary John Taylor, whose influence permeates Phil's playing and teaching philosophy. He recalls Taylor's unique teaching style with reverence: "Very warm and very welcoming nature which, even before you've begun the music, says so much." Unlike conventional jazz instruction that might focus on licks and patterns, Taylor created an environment of exploration where Phil learned as much from Taylor's touch and tone as from the notes themselves.

Phil's technical approach reflects this boundary-crossing sensibility. While many jazz pianists focus primarily on right-hand melodies with left-hand comping, Phil has made it his mission to develop equal strength in both hands. The result is a captivating dialogue between left and right that creates a truly pianistic approach to improvisation. When he demonstrates Kenny Wheeler's ‘Everybody's Song But My Own’ this balanced technique shines through - melodic lines flow seamlessly between hands, creating conversations within a single player.

For aspiring composers, Phil offers practical wisdom about the creative process. Rather than waiting for inspiration from sunsets or profound experiences, he designates specific time for composition - Thursdays from 9 to 3 - emphasising that writing music requires discipline and regular practice.

Whether you're a pianist looking to develop a more integrated approach to the instrument, a composer seeking practical wisdom, or simply a lover of thoughtful music-making, Phil Merriman's perspectives will transform how you think about artistic boundaries and creative process. Listen now to expand your musical horizons.

Presenter: Geoff Gascoyne
Series Producer: Paul Sissons
Production Manager: Martin Sissons
The Quartet Jazz Standards Podcast is a UK Music Apps production.