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 boy to one of Britain's most versatile artists.

He reveals how an unconventional audition in full punk regalia launched his early career in piano bars before discovering jazz through the most unexpected source—David Bowie's album ‘Hunky Dory’. With refreshing candour, he shares how this discovery led him to explore the jazz vocal tradition through Betty Carter, Mark Murphy, and Billie Holiday, developing a unique approach to improvisation that continues to evolve even at the age of 63.

The conversation takes fascinating turns as Ian discusses balancing multiple creative pursuits throughout his career. From his classical training and brass band beginnings to recent work with contemporary classical composer Mark-Anthony Turnage, he demonstrates an artistic curiosity that refuses to be confined to a single genre.

Perhaps most revealing are Ian’s reflections on career highlights—performing with Quincy Jones, touring with Cedar Walton, sharing the stage with jazz legends he once only knew through vinyl discoveries. When asked about musical weaknesses, he confesses to secretly practicing flugelhorn “…into the pillow," a charming glimpse into the continued growth of an artist who never stops evolving.

Whether discussing his favourite chord (E13 with a flat 9) or demonstrating his spontaneous improvisational skills on Fats Waller's ‘Ain't Misbehavin’’ (with music accompaniment from the Quartet app and ‘lyrics’ courtesy of Andrew O’Hagan’s novel ‘Caledonian Road’ open at page 112!), Ian displays the versatility and genuine passion for music that has made him a beloved fixture on the UK jazz scene.

Whether you’re a jazz aficionado, an aspiring musician or you just love stories of passion pursued without compromise by hardworking artists, this episode offers rare insights into the creative mind of a true musical polymath.

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

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 European harmonic sophistication with African-derived rhythms. Luiz illustrates his Bossa Nova improvisation on Jobim’s 1960s standard ‘Wave’ followed by a masterful demonstration of comping techniques showcasing the subtle complexity behind these seemingly simple rhythmic patterns.

Luiz shares pivotal moments in his musical development - from his move to Rio de Janeiro to immerse himself in the heart of Brazilian musical culture, to his relocation to London in 2010 seeking artistic expansion. We hear about his compositional approach ("red carpet for the melody"), his recent big band project at London’s Pizza Express Jazz Club, and the beauty behind "Waltz for Us Two," a piece written for his wedding that blends Brazilian sensibilities with Indian classical vocals.

For anyone fascinated by Brazilian music traditions, jazz guitar, or cross-cultural musical fusion, this conversation offers valuable insights from a musician who embodies the sophisticated melodic and harmonic language that Brazil has contributed to global music…and download the Quartet iOS app to take your jazz play along even further.

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

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 Stitt.

What emerges throughout the conversation is how powerfully Camilla's Nigerian heritage influences her artistic expression. Her third studio album ‘Ibio-Ibio’ celebrates the culture of the people from her birthplace in Eket (now Akwa Ibom State), with compositions reflecting creation myths and cultural touchstones. When she describes transforming African folk tales from her childhood into jazz compositions we glimpse how story becomes sound in her creative process.

Her journey through transcription began with Dexter Gordon before tackling Charlie Parker, with Kenny Garrett emerging as a significant influence on both her playing and compositional approach. Camilla’s rendition of Horace Silver’s 1950s standard ‘Peace’ also demonstrates her warm, expressive alto saxophone tone.

The conversation takes us through career highlights, including sitting in with bass virtuoso Marcus Miller at London's Festival Hall—what was meant to be one song expanded to four when Miller invited her to stay on stage. Yet even with such achievements, Camilla remains refreshingly candid about the challenges musicians face, sharing a recent experience with performance anxiety during a big band rehearsal.

Whether you're a musician seeking inspiration or a listener curious about the creative process, Camilla's thoughtful reflections offer valuable insights into crafting an authentic voice in contemporary jazz. Subscribe to hear more conversations with today's most compelling jazz artists, and explore the Quartet app to take your own jazz journey further.

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