Shows
Harmonious WorldDiscovering the Watford Jazz Junction Festival with Chris NewsteadWelcome to the latest episode of Harmonious World, in which I interview musicians about how their music helps make the world more harmonious.In this case, it's a clarinettist who also helps many of us hear more great music - Chris Newstead is festival director of the Watford Jazz Junction Festival. Chris goes through the many musical delights that are on offer from 10 to 18 May 2025 and if you're anywhere near London in that period, there will be something worth catching when you're free, so grab your tickets now.Thanks to Chair of the Festival Orphy...
2025-01-2029 min
Black PantherEpisode 14 - Work Ethic & Humour🎙 Episode 14 is now LIVE 🎙 and today I'm joined by the King of the Jungle for turning your content into clients, Chris James, where we delve deep into his superpower ⚡Work Ethic & Humour.
In today's episode, we have a wonderful conversation on what it's like to balance life a business owner with family life, and peel back some of the layers to what really matters when it comes to your work ethic as a business, the real nitty gritty!
None of the fluffy BS that you might have seen floating about in the online space. Nope, Chris is...
2024-09-1152 min
Harmonious WorldAn intriguing and informative chat with Chris Newstead from Watford Jazz FestivalIf you like jazz, you should get along to Watford Jazz Festival, 12-19 May 2024.If you don't know much about jazz (yet), do the same.I had a chat with founder and festival director Chris Newstead, who ran through all the delights on offer this year, so if you can, you should pop along to see some of the great acts appearing in Watford.The Harmonious World theme tune you can hear at the start and end of our conversation was composed and performed by pianist Joe English.Get in touch...
2024-04-1217 min
A Degree Absolute!BRASS TARGET with Keith PhippsOur guest Keith Phipps is not just a sterling critic and a dad — an essential component when we cover a movie as openly paternal as 1978’s post-WWII espionage thriller Brass Target. He is also the author of new book examining the career of a singularly idiosyncratic actor. A Degree Absolute! endorses Keith’s book Age of Cage absolutely. And Brass Target? Well, minute-for-minute, it has the most undiluted Patty McG purity rating of any film we’ve covered save perhaps for Braveheart. It’s much harder to find than that one but worth the hunt for those such as we...
2022-08-041h 46
A Degree Absolute!Darling / Schizoid / Checkmate (THE PRISONER 2009, part two)It's More Talk About A-Frames and Holes as we slog dutifully through the back half of The Prisoner's 2009 Jim Caviezel-and-Ian McKellen-starring update. It turns out Chris did review Serenity, the Steven Knight film he referes to 54 minutes into this episode. Read that review if you wish! Darling, Schiozid, and Checkmate Written by Bill Gallagher Directed by Nick Hurran Initial airdate: November 15 & 16, 2009 Leave us a five-star review with your hottest Prisoner take on Apple Podcasts! Write or send a voicemail to the Citizens Advice Bureau at adeg...
2022-07-201h 17
A Degree Absolute!Arrival / Harmony / Anvil (THE PRISONER 2009, part one)We’ve got good news and bad news for you, Villagers: After a long sojourn examining Patty McG’s eclectic-not-checkered filmography, we’ve returned to Prisoner content… in the form of the 2009 Jim Caviezel-and-Ian McKellen-starring update. At Glen’s suggestion, we are devoting a mere two episodes to this six-episode series, because inflation. Who’s hungry for a wrap? Arrival, Harmony, and Anvil Written by Bill Gallagher Directed by Nick Hurran Initial airdate: November 15 & 16, 2009 Leave us a five-star review with your hottest Prisoner take on Apple Podcasts! Write or sen...
2022-07-061h 15
A Degree Absolute!A TIME TO KILL with Linda HolmesMatty McC meets Patty McG in the battle you didn’t know you wanted to McSee! Look, A Time to Kill, the fourth big-studio adaptation of a John Grisham legal thriller to hit theaters in a 37-month period during the first Clinton Administration, is not a great showcase for our man Patty McG. There are just too many high-caliber, high-profile, and high-maintenance players in its stacked cast, and probably too much studio pressure for him to get away with anything weird. (Braveheart, released 14 months earlier, was a long time ago.) Company-man director Joel Schumacher seems to have sa...
2022-06-082h 04
A Degree Absolute!BABY, SECRET OF THE LOST LEGEND with Jordan MorrisTerrible fonts! Racist tropes! Puppetty brontos! A doomed marriage! A movie that was made for no one! Plus Paddy McG phoning it in - hardly a single trilled R! Listen, and catch the opposite of a fever! Prolific podmedian & Eisner Award nominee Jordan Morris joins us to carbon-date a seminal document of his dino-loving youth, BABY, SECRET OF THE LOST LEGEND! Starring Rachel the Replicant, The Greatest American Hero, For He's a Julian Fellowes, & Patty McG as the heel. Baby, Secret of the Lost Legend Screenplay by Clifford and Ellen Green
2022-05-251h 35
A Degree Absolute!ALL NIGHT LONG with Casey Erin ClarkMOOR COWBELL! Slip into your cardigan, roll yourself a jazz cigarette, and prepare to savor one of Patty McG's most sinister heel turns as our lovely theme-song singer Casey Erin Clark joins us to deconstruct All Night Long, director Basil Dearden's 1962 adaptation of Othello set in the London jazz scene. PLUS! Casey draws upon her expertise as a voice coach and musician to examine several of McGoohan's most distinctive vocal performances, and presents her findings to the court. All Night Long Screenplay by Neil King and Paul Jarraco Directed by Basil Dearden
2022-05-042h 02
A Degree Absolute!KINGS AND DESPERATE MENA movie for McGoohan die-hards that creator Alexis Kanner the Once-Boxed sued the makers of Die Hard over! Paddy McG and Kanner! Squaring off, with a Montreal radio show as their Thunderdome. A film with all the makings of a taut thriller involving hostages, a building wired with explosives, and McG in fine form: Rolling them Rs! Slamming them consonants! Playing drunk! Almost evincing sexual-adjacent desire! Features more overlapping dialogue than if you played Nashville, A Wedding, and McCabe & Mrs. Miller all at once! Kings and Desperate Men Shot 1977; released (sort of) 1981 Write...
2022-04-061h 33
A Degree Absolute!THE MOONSHINE WARPatty McG's first major project after The Prisoner wrapped up in early 1968 was The Moonshine War, for Sex and the Single Girl director (and title-song lyricist!) Richard Quine. Quine did not write this film's remarkably concise and descriptive title song, "The Ballad of Moonshine," leaving that to Hank Williams, Jr. The great crime writer Elmore Leonard adapted the screenplay of The Moonshine War from his own 1969 novel. No one will argue it's on the level of later, adapted-by-other-screenwriters Leonard translations like Get Shorty, Jackie Brown, Out of Sight, or the TV series Justified, but the seeds are here.
2022-03-231h 27
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with fabulous Alice Zawadzki - composer, singer and violinistThis week we're talking with creative musical supremo Alice Zawadzki - an astonishing singer, violinist and composer.We explore her journey into music via the influences of New Orleans and music colleges, her approach to creativity and reflections on the natural world, and her unbridled and broad appetite for music in all its forms and types.Obviously, there's an extra special quiz, additions to the fantasy house band, and some cracking musical recommendations.Alice's album recommendations included:Faint by Taylor Deupree (2012) on Norman RecordsJS Bach: ThreeOrOne by Fred...
2022-03-2040 min
A Degree Absolute!THE THREE LIVES OF THOMASINA with Josh SpiegelDoes Mister-not-Doctor Andrew MacDuhui (Paddy McG) hate pets? (He does not, no matter what his low-information neighbors in the fictional Scottish town of Inveronoch think.) Did Walt Disney hate cats? (Our very special guest Disney expert, Josh Spiegel, makes a compelling case.) Were animals harmed during the making of this motion picture? (Most certainly, regrettably.) Our principled stand against pandering to the Internet's insatiable appetite for cat content crumbles as we pad, paw, 'n' claw our merryish way through... The Three Lives of Thomasina Written by Robert Westerby, from...
2022-03-092h 00
A Degree Absolute!THE SCARECROW OF ROMNEY MARSH with Margaret H. WillisonOn February 9, 1964, Ed Sullivan introduced a band from Liverpool, England formerly known as The Quarrymen to an estimated 73 million viewers of his primetime CBS variety show. And down the dial on NBC, the anthology series Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color drew an audience of something less than 73 million for the first installment of its three-part The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh, an adaptation of Russell Thorndike and William Buchanan's novel Christopher Syn starring our man Patty McG as an 18th century man of the cloth* by day/masked-smuggler-by-night who helps the common people by... paying their taxes, we think...
2022-02-231h 41
A Degree Absolute!SILVER STREAK with Ronald Young Jr.Pop some vitamin E before listening, because it's gonna be hug 'n' munch all the way to Chicago! Solvable host Ronald Young, Jr. joins Glen and Chris to examine Silver Streak, ostensibly a hybrid romantic thriller / buddy comedy that gave the world the long-running Gene Wilder/Richard Pryor screen partnership and was a huge hit upon its release in 1976. America's bicentennial anum was a great a year for movies, more despite Silver Streak than because of it, but hey, the movie features a loveably smarmy Columbo-era Patrick McGoohan as the despicable villain. Along with a lot of trite and...
2022-02-091h 42
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with Mark Armstrong - trumpeter & artistic director of NYJOThis week we're talking with Mark Armstrong - trumpeter, composer, arranger and artistic director of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra.We discover all sorts from tales, from dusty old trumpet shops in to dodgy student band names, from fabulous young NYJO musicians to awesome players in the world's greatest bands - it's a musical big band treat!Mark's album recommendations included:Cookin' and Relaxin' (double disc) by Miles Davis (1958) on PrestigeComing About by Maria Schneider (1996) on EnjaPlugged In and Live by Earth, Wind & Fire (1996) on Pyramid
2022-02-0644 min
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with pianist, composer & collaborator Alex WebbThis week we're joined by the super talented and very interesting Alex Webb - pianist, composer, arranger and serial collaborator.We chat about his fabulous new album British Standard Time featuring Jo Harrop, Carroll Thompson, Luca Manning and Tony Momrelle, reflect on the jazz scene in the UK in some depth and explore all the motivations behind continuing to write and create.It's a beaut!Alex's album recommendations, include:Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonder (1976) released on TamlaMiles Ahead by Miles Davis (1957) released on Columbia
2022-01-3037 min
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with Jess Gillam - saxophonist, presenter and all round musical starThis week we're in conversation with Jess Gillam MBE, presenter of the This Classical Life Podcast as well as being a hugely talented saxophonist and awesome performer.We chat about all sorts including her musical pathways into professional life, her influences, and her reflections on the importance of music for mental wellbeing.Oh, and we discuss the critical issues of Marmite or marmalade, greatest Abba songs, and cope with the jaw dropping revelation of which instrument Jess would drop from a symphony orchestra...Jess's album recommendations include:Blackstar by David Bowie (2016...
2022-01-2329 min
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with harp & bass duo Tara Minton & Ed Babar about their new fabulous albumThis week we're joined by Tara Minton and Ed Babar to find out more about their new album, 'Two for the Road'.We chat about all sorts including Tara's musical journey from Australia to the UK, the influence of early education on Ed, and learn why Lithuania and The Netherlands are go to jazz countries!Their album recommendations include:Blue by Joni Mitchell (1971) released on RepriseThe Clown by Charles Mingus (1957) released on AtlanticMusic for Large & Small Ensembles by Kenny Wheeler (1990) released on ECMSupport
2022-01-1633 min
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with Dave O'Higgins about playing sax, finding his niche and recording jazzWe launch 2022 and Series 9 of the WJJ Podcast in conversation with UK saxophonist Dave O'Higgins.We talk about his journey into music, the influences on route, and the people he's played with and those he continues to create with, having come through the jazz scene of the 1980s playing alongside Mark Nightingale and Gerard Presencer to forming new partnerships today with Rob Luft and leading his own Quartet.Dave's album recommendations include:Go! by Dexter Gordon (1962) released on Blue NoteBlue Train by John Coltrane (1958) released on Blue Note...
2022-01-0933 min
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with Ayanna Witter-Johnson - cellist, singer & composerWe round off 2021 with a hugely enjoyable conversation with celebrated cellist, singer & composer Ayanna Witter-Johnson.We talk about playing on the big stage, balancing musical interests, and all the many influences that have made Ayanna such an original and in-demand musician.Ayanna's album choices include:Africa to America: The Journey of the Drum by Sounds of Blackness (1994) released on PerspectiveInnervisions by Stevie Wonder (1973) released on TamlaTo Pimp A Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar (2015) released on AME, Aftermath & InterscopeSupportYou can help support the...
2021-12-2631 min
Watford Jazz JunctionHave Yourself A Merry Little ChristmasA special reading of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Cerys Matthews, exclusively for the Watford Jazz Junction podcast.Hear the whole Holidays Special podcast here: https://rss.com/podcasts/watfordjazzjunction/335358/Happy Christmas!The reading of ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ by Ralph Blane & Hugh Martin is licensed from Sony Music Publishing (UK) Ltd, 12 December 2021-12 January 2022. 'Jingle Bells Jazz Christmas' music licensed through AudioJungle.
2021-12-2501 min
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with Barney Stevenson, artistic director of the Marsden Jazz FestivalIn our penultimate episode of 2021 we chat with Barney Stevenson, who's the artistic director of the Marsden Jazz Festival based in Yorkshire, England.Soon to celebrate 30 years, we chat about how the festival survived lock-down and invented some new online offerings, how their audience has developed over the years, and how they've supported new musicians and promoted new music.Barney's album recommendations include:New Bottle Old Wine by Gil Evans (1958) released on World PacificBelonging by Keith Jarrett (1974) released on ECMNotes with Attachments by Blake Mills & Pino Palladino (2021...
2021-12-1941 min
Watford Jazz JunctionHolidays Special 2021 with Camilla George, Lotti Newstead, Ben Castle, Jim Newstead & special guestsA festive podcast journey aboard our star-packed Polar Jazz Express as we travel through the snow-capped highlands of Watford to a little place called ‘Jazzmas’.We’re joined by jazzman & sax player to the stars Ben Castle, Tomorrow’s Warrior & all-round sparkling jazz legend Camilla George, super classy classical soprano Lotti Newstead, & shimmering YouTube prog rocker Jim Newstead.We programme the Cab Cabaret Fantasy Stage as presented by the fabulous Ray Gelato, deliver much punning & cunning in choosing the world’s greatest festive jazz candy, generously share live performances a plenty (but sadly only on kazoos), e...
2021-12-1245 min
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with vibes player Anthony Kerr about live performance, wellbeing and all things jazzIn this week's bumper episode we take the time out to talk with Anthony Kerr, professor of jazz vibraphone at the Royal College of Music, and a long time vibist on the world jazz scene.We explore the importance of mental and physical well-being for musicians, the conditions for a perfect jazz gig, the Belfast, Dublin, New York and London jazz scenes, and take in a full 101 on the evolution of the vibes. It's super interesting!Anthony's album recommendations include:Transition by John Coltrane (1965) released on Impulse!The Art of the...
2021-12-051h 05
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with Ohio-based jazz producers Unc D about remixes, Spotify & the London jazz sceneUnc D (musicians Dante Basista & Danny Svenson) are an Ohio-based remix and production team who've seen a huge growth of interest across the last 18 months in their jazz-heavy tracks, influenced by the London scene.We chat about how UK jazz releases of the last 5 years (especially the work of Kamaal Williams and Brownswood Recordings) are so important to their music, garage-sized jazz production, and how their work has been gathering popularity, particularly on Spotify.There's some tinkering to our house-band, remixes to the max in our weekly quiz, and the delivery of the classic line, "...
2021-11-2833 min
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with Jagadeesh Ramanujam Mudambi & Madhuri Jagadeesh from Indian fusion band MoonArraIn our first crossing to India, we have a fabulous conversation with the talented and entertaining musicians behind the Indian world/jazz fusion band, MoonArra.Jagadeesh (guitar) and Madhuri (singer & songwriter) share their outlook of the Bangalore (Bengaluru) music scene, talk about the evolution of the band, and playing festivals the world over.We talk about the power and importance of collaborations, International Jazz Day and critically make a double-addition to our fantasy house-band! :-)Among their album recommendations, Jagadeesh & Madhuri recommend:Night at the Opera by Queen (1975) released on EMI
2021-11-2127 minA Degree Absolute!BRAVEHEART with Alexandra PetriIt's primae noctis for your ears because we can put it off no longer: The quintuple-Academy Award-winning a-historical epic Braveheart is the most widely seen and, your hosts agree, best latter-day expression of undiluted Patrick McGooted. The Washington Post's Alexandra Petri returns to discuss her journalist doppelganger, the New York Times' Alexandra Petri, and to share with Glen the virgin Braveheart experience. Freeeeeeeeeeeedommmmmmm! Given the volume of Star Wars talk that seems to follow (the Post's) Petri around, it's a wonder we forgot to mention that Braveheart was produced by Alan "Laddie" Ladd, Jr., who 20 years earlier...
2021-11-171h 54
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with tenor player & singer Ray Gelato about all things entertainment & jazzAs you'd expect in the company of Ray Gelato, this is an extremely entertaining episode to conclude the current series.We chat about rhythm & blues, finding your chops in the company of great recordings from the past, and understanding what it is to perform and entertain whilst still being yourself.We talk about lots of the great tenor players from history, what it takes to be a Giant in Ray's band, and get a full account of what a truly great night out in Soho looks like!Ray's album choices include:...
2021-11-1429 min
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with MOBO-winning jazz musician and composer Zoe Rahman about jazz education, Jamie Cullum, mentoring and the EFG London Jazz FestivalWe're still celebrating our first year anniversary as part of this fabulously entertaining and giggly conversation with pianist Zoe Rahman.We talk about all her educational stepping stones, influences and people that played a part in crafting her sound from Julian Joseph to Joanne Brackeen.We also talk about her latest award-winning composition working with her local primary school that led to Jamie Cullum donating a grand piano, and with the school set to become the latest jazz venue as part of this year's EFG London Jazz Festival.Zoe's album choices include:
2021-11-0733 min
A Degree Absolute!Our Top Six TwosTHERE CAN BE ONLY TWO(s) as Chris & Glen rank their top six on this week’s exciting episode! Thanks to @UrbanSpaceMan64 for suggesting the topic. Write to the Citizens Advice Bureau at adegreeabsolute dot gmail! Leave us a five-star review with your hottest Prisoner take on Apple Podcasts! Follow @NotaNumberPod! Our song: "A Degree Absolute!" Music and Lyrics by Chris Klimek Arranged by Casey Erin Clark and Jonathan Clark Vocals and Keyboards by Casey Erin Clark Guitar, Percussion, Mixing by Jonathan Clark Bass by Marcus Newstead "Break Me Ge...
2021-11-0358 min
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with pianist Elliot Galvin in our 1-year anniversary special!The WJJ Podcast turns 1-year old this week, and we celebrate in conversation with the hugely talented, funny and thoughtful pianist & composer Elliot Galvin.A long-time member of 2020 Mercury nominated jazz super-group Dinosaur, leader of his own trio and player in many other groups, Elliot talks about his journey into jazz, his relationship with the piano and his approach to composition.It might also be the first (& last!) time we manage to bring Noam Chomsky, Beyonce, David Lynch and Harold Pinter into our conversation!Elliott's album recommendations include:Gorillaz by Gorillaz (2001...
2021-10-3143 min
A Degree Absolute!MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTSIt’s the Notorious V.R.G. v. the founder of the Jackson Fivehead in this 16th century showdown among two dope queens—and we don’t mean Timothy Dalton & Ian Holm! PLUS: Jimmy Stewart! Current Release Corner! Dispatches from the French of Liberty, Kansas! Mary, Queen of Scots Written by John Hale Directed by Charles Jarrott Released December 1971 Write to the Citizens Advice Bureau at adegreeabsolute dot gmail! Leave us a five-star review with your hottest Prisoner take on Apple Podcasts! Follow @NotaNumberPod! Our...
2021-10-271h 31
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with pianist Greg Foat about the UK jazz sceneIn this week's episode we talk with pianist Greg Foat about his musical influences, his journey into jazz and his reflections on the current UK jazz scene.We discuss growing up on the Isle of Wight, his extensive record collection and his approach to working with other musicians and creating great collaborations.Plus there's a bonus appearance by our youngest ever guest!Greg's album choices include:Gyroscope by Gordon Beck (1969) released on MorganRemember of Love by Masuru Imada (1979) released on Three Blind MiceFlare Up by...
2021-10-2419 min
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with Jo Harrop about singing, the blues, and working with Christian McBride on her new albumIn this week’s episode we chat with the fabulous singer and songwriter Jo Harrop.We chat about her new album 'The Heart Wants', working with Christian McBride, being feted by Iggy Pop, playing on the London scene, and responding to the joys and pains of life through song-writing.There’s lots of laughs, some deep dives into the healing power of music, an exceptionally complex quiz(o), and some great album recommendations including:Sweet Bitter Love by Aretha Franklin (1967) released on SonySarah Vaughan (with Clifford Brown) by Sarah Vaughan (1955) rele...
2021-10-1725 min
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with pianist and composer Paul Edis about composition, working with others, and his wonderful new albumIn this week’s episode we chat with the very talented pianist, composer and arranger Paul Edis.We chat about his latest album "The Still Point of the Turning World", his creative processes when working within classical and jazz genres, and who he turns to for support as a musician and a creator.There’s of course a very taxing quiz(!), an evolution within our fantasy house band, and some fabulous album recommendations that even made the host’s hairs stand up on his arms, including:Night Train by Oscar Peterson (1963) released on Verve
2021-10-1024 min
A Degree Absolute!THE HARD WAY with Patrick FlynnIt's Patty McG v. Lee Va C as Original Cast host Patrick Flynn joins Chris & Glen to discuss the existential 1980 thriller The Hard Way. Write to the Citizens Advice Bureau at adegreeabsolute dot gmail! Leave us a five-star review with your hottest Prisoner take on Apple Podcasts! Follow @NotaNumberPod! Our song: "A Degree Absolute!" Music and Lyrics by Chris Klimek Arranged by Casey Erin Clark and Jonathan Clark Vocals and Keyboards by Casey Erin Clark Guitar, Percussion, Mixing by Jonathan Clark Bass by Marcus Newstead "I Learned the Hard...
2021-10-061h 47
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with singer & composer Irene Serra about her band, her journey and all things jazzIn this week's episode with chat with Italian-born singer Irene Serra.She shares more about her journey to the UK via Copenhagen and Milan, settling in to jazz life in Hackney, developing her fabulous band ISQ and her creative influences including dance.We discuss her upcoming album, remixing and listening to music and of course there's a quiz, top 3 album choices and a vocal addition to the house band. It's a lovely chat all round!Irene's album recommendations include:Piano and A Microphone 1983 by Prince (2018) released by NPG/Warner Bros
2021-10-0332 min
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting about spiritualism: contrasting Tool, Sibelius & Brad MehldauIn this week's episode, Chris is joined by his lovely siblings Lotti and Jim.Lotti is a concert soprano & music appreciation tutor; Jim is a rock drummer and online music reviewer.We all 3 pick a different album to share and contrast as we reflect on musical spiritualism across the contrasting worlds of classical, rock and jazz music. There's also a very exciting hooter!Our featured albums are:Lateralus by Tool (2001) released on VolcanoThe 5th Symphony by Jean Sibelius - recommending Sir John Barbirolli's 1962 recording of Symphonies Nos. 2 & 5 with...
2021-09-2640 min
A Degree Absolute!Shattered VisageChris and Glen discuss Dean Motter & Mark Askwith's 1988 four-volume comic book sequel to the unclassifiable and unforgettable TV series. The A Place to Hang Your Cape interview with Dean Motter we discuss in this episode is here. Write to the Citizens Advice Bureau at adegreeabsolute dot gmail! Leave us a five-star review with your hottest Prisoner take on Apple Podcasts! Follow @NotaNumberPod! Our song: "A Degree Absolute!" Music and Lyrics by Chris Klimek Arranged by Casey Erin Clark and Jonathan Clark Vocals and Keyboards by Casey Erin Clark...
2021-09-251h 25
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with singer Esther Bennett about the London jazz scene, Duncan Lamont and women in jazzThis week the singer and composer Esther Bennett talks with us about her journey through jazz in the UK across the last 30+ years.She shares stories about her musical evolution in Birmingham and then onto the scene in 1980's London. She talks passionately about her musical relationship with the late Duncan Lamont, and some of the hurdles she's faced as a woman in jazz.There are lots of funny and poignant moments, a daft quiz, and some wonderful album recommendations, including:Swingin' Easy by Sarah Vaughan (1957) released on EmArcyBlues and...
2021-09-1934 min
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with pianist Chris Ingham, about Dudley Moore, Hoagy Carmichael, MOJO and moreThis week's guest in pianist, writer and all round music-man, Chris Ingham.We chat about his writing gigs with MOJO and interviewing Paul Simon, researching the songbooks of Hoagy Carmichael and Gil Evans, and of course, his October 2021 gig in Watford shining a light on the jazz of the brilliant Dudley Moore.We also find time to explore the influence of Prefab Sprout, the genius of Benny Green and the struggles of being 'musically dyslexic'.Chris's album recommendations include:A Jazz Portrait of Frank Sinatra by Oscar Peterson (1959) released on Verve
2021-09-1236 min
A Degree Absolute!THE PHANTOMAn increasingly besotted Glen & unceasingly bemused Chris wax purple on THE PHANTOM, 1996’s two-fisted failed franchise starter with Billy Zane as the 30s comic strip hero who coulda been called WHITE PANTHER & Patty McG as the Ghost Who Walks™ ’s… Ghost Dad? The Phantom Written by Jeffrey Boam Directed by Simon Wincer Released June 7, 1996 Write to the Citizens Advice Bureau at adegreeabsolute dot gmail! Leave us a five-star review with your hottest Prisoner take on Apple Podcasts! Follow @NotaNumberPod! Our song: "A Degree Absolute...
2021-09-081h 54
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with singer & composer Rouhangeze about her upcoming album and her influencesChris is joined by Mauritian singer and composer Rouhangeze for a fascinating conversation about her musical path from an Indian Ocean island to Europe.We chat about her creative partnerships with Tomasz Bura and Linley Marthe and her 5-year journey to write, record and produce her new upcoming album 'evasio'.We explore the spiritual dimensions of her music and still find time to consider Chris Potter's piano skills, Moogs and fish curry!Rouhangeze's album recommendations include:I Took Up The Runes by Jan Garbarek (1990) released on ECMSlave to...
2021-09-0536 min
A Degree Absolute!SCANNERS with Alexandra PetriDemocracy dies in dorkiness this week as the brilliant Washington Post columnist, essayist, playwright and retired (?) Emo Sith Lord Alexandra Petri joins us to autopsy David Cronenberg's 1981 explosive migrane of a cult classic Scanners, featuring 24 minutes of a possibly first-billed, maybe third-billed, but unequivocally box-named-on-the poster Patty McG as a, um, North American mad scientist named... Dr. Ruth. Glen is determined to spark an international incident by dismissing Steven Lack, the picture's aptly named lead player, as "Canadian hot" while assessing future Lion in Winter star Michael Ironside as "Philadelphia hot." It's a ripe program, this one...
2021-09-011h 34
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with pianist and composer Fergus McCreadie about his musical path & the influence of the natural worldSeries 6 kicks off chatting with the acclaimed and hugely talented pianist and composer Fergus McCreadie.We chat about the ever-potent influence of the natural world and his musical journeys around creating his 2 highly successful albums.Plus there's a very special Scottish-themed quiz, and a review of our ever challenging fantasy house-band!Album recommendations include:The Vienna Concert by Keith Jarrett (1991) released on ECM80/81 by Pat Metheny (1980) released on ECMThe Gloaming (self-titled) (2014) released on Real World RecordsCairn (2021) and Turas (2018) by Fergus McCreadie...
2021-08-2835 minA Degree Absolute!Mail Call! The Dog Days of Summer EditionChris freestyles and epic poem about getting his iPhone replaced and eventually he and Glen dig deep into the too-long-neglected mailbag. Casey sings a reader-penned jingle. Write to the Citizens Advice Bureau at adegreeabsolute dot gmail! Leave us a five-star review with your hottest Prisoner take on Apple Podcasts! Follow @NotaNumberPod! Our song: "A Degree Absolute!" Music and Lyrics by Chris Klimek Arranged by Casey Erin Clark and Jonathan Clark Vocals and Keyboards by Casey Erin Clark Guitar, Percussion, Mixing by Jonathan Clark Bass by Marcus Newstead "Nobody Does It B...
2021-08-2756 min
A Degree Absolute!ESCAPE FROM ALCATRAZ with Jesse ThornMaximum Fun? More like maximum security! Maximum Fun podcast network founder and San Francisco native Jesse Thorn joins us this week to tunnel through the crumbling walls of Escape From Alcatraz, the 1979 Clint Eastwood-starring dramatization of the real 1962 prison break, featuring Patty McG as…The Warden. Stunt casting doesn’t get any stuntier, though Glen and I differ on exactly how much The Artist Formerly Known Only as Number Six contributes to the 115-minute picture in his roughly 10 minutes of screen time. Escape From Alcatraz Directed by Don Siegel Screenplay by Richa...
2021-08-181h 43
A Degree Absolute!McGoohan on COLUMBO with Linda HolmesDID YOU KNOW that Columbophiles are properly nomenclatured Columboheads or Trenchcoatheads? DID YOU KNOW that fans who divide their sympathies equally among Patrick McGoohan and Peter Falk are formally designated McGalks? Pal Linda Holmes joins Glen & Chris to investigate Patty McG’s historic run as a four-time Columbo killer / five-time Columbo director. Brandon Routh, the George Lazenby of Supermen despite being admirably heighted to the role, also gets a surprising quotient of airtime on this typically tangent-tolerant episode of our private, personal, by-hand, punchcard-driven podcast! Read Linda's November 2020 essay on her pandemic discovery of...
2021-08-111h 41A Degree Absolute!LOST in America with Jen ChaneyVulture TV critic and noted Lindelofologist Jen Chaney joins us to examine the influence of THE PRISONER on subsequent stranded-by-the-seaside puzzle-box shows like LOST. Plus we once again pop The Hatch on the mailbag. Read Jen's definitive oral history of the LOST finale here! Follow her on Twitter here! Write to the Citizens Advice Bureau at adegreeabsolute dot gmail! Leave us a five-star review with your hottest Prisoner take on Apple Podcasts! Follow @NotaNumberPod! Our song: "A Degree Absolute!" Music and Lyrics by Chris Klimek Arranged by Casey...
2021-07-281h 37
A Degree Absolute!Some Impersonal NewsWrite to the Citizens Advice Bureau at adegreeabsolute dot gmail! Leave us a five-star review with your hottest Prisoner take on Apple Podcasts! Follow @NotaNumberPod! Our song: "A Degree Absolute!" Music and Lyrics by Chris Klimek Arranged by Casey Erin Clark and Jonathan Clark Vocals and Keyboards by Casey Erin Clark Guitar, Percussion, Mixing by Jonathan Clark Bass by Marcus Newstead
2021-07-2102 min
A Degree Absolute!Fall OutPatty McG has claimed he was driven out of England after this puzzling final episode of The Prisoner debuted on Feb. 1, 1968. McGoohan admitted to financier Lew Grade that he'd been bluffing a year prior when he told the moneyman that he had an ending in mind for the strange new series he'd proposed. While this episode certainly reflects its creator's exasperation and exhaustion, it's more satisfying than any conventional resolution of the show's myriad mysteries could possibly have been... isn't it? "Fall Out" Written and directed by Patrick McGoohan Original airdate...
2021-07-141h 45
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with Shri, one of the world's most spiritual and compelling musiciansIn our series 5 finale, we're joined by composer, producer and uncategorisable musician Shri Sriram.We chat about the value placed on music by society. We chat about bridging the music of India and the rest of the world. We chat about drum n bass, "jazz", classical music, jamming, not being able to read Western music, the inspiration of the Himalayas and so much more.He also shares one of the most amazing jazz stories we've ever heard as 19-year old Shri finds himself sitting down with Alice Coltrane and then being 'stuck' on stage with...
2021-07-1139 min
A Degree Absolute!Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling (the band, the filmmakers, the supertalented PRISONER superfans)I (Chris) have long suspected The Prisoner is a show with a particular appeal to creative people, and I love to be proven right. Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling is a Prisoner-inspired punk duo comprised of filmmakers/musicians/writers/creators/etc. Sophia Cacciola and Michael J. Epstein. When we saw their video for "Arrival" — a meticulous, two-years-in-the making recreation of The Prisoner's opening title sequence — we knew we had to meet them. From this wildly ambitious and improbably successful short film, they graduated to making features, as they tell us in a conversation that reaches far b...
2021-07-071h 02
Watford Jazz JunctionComparing the worlds of jazz & classical music with soprano Charlotte Newstead In this episode, Chris is joined by soprano singer Charlotte Newstead for a ranging discussion around improvisation and performance.Comparing and contrasting the experiences of the classical world and the jazz world they explore the influence of JS Bach and Charlie Parker, tackle the risks of musical freedom & musical exactness, and generally have a good giggle!Find out more about Charlotte at www.charlottenewstead.co.ukSupportYou can help support the podcast and keep us ad free. Especially useful if you’d like to support the podcast and want to ke...
2021-07-0434 min
A Degree Absolute!Once Upon a TimeShot in December 1966 under the title "Degree Absolute" and not broadcast until more than a year later when it became The Prisoner's penultimate — and, we agree, ultimate — episode, "Once Upon a Time" is the real thing. A bottle episode that locks GOAT Number Two Leo McKern and Number Six in the black-box "Embryo Room" and compels them to reenact the Seven Ages of Man that that glover's son from Stratford wrote about, shooting it almost killed McKern. And talking about it almost killed us! Our private, personal, by-hand, punchcard-driven discursive dissection of this epistemological epic is more tangent-tolerant than ever...
2021-06-301h 58
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with trumpeter, singer & bandleader Georgina Jackson about big bands, leading bands and women in jazzGeorgina Jackson joins us for a very energised chat about jazz life in Watford and on the high seas!There's chat about flugel horns, making it in a big band, combining trumpeting and singing, leading your own band and ultimately enjoying what you do.There's another tremendous top ten quiz challenge, fantasy house band review (sorry James Morrison - it was her, not me!) and insights into her career and influences.Georgina's Top 3 Album recommendations include:It Might As Well Be Swing by Frank Sinatra & Count Basie (1964) released on Reprise
2021-06-2730 min
A Degree Absolute!EXTRASODE: Village Mailbag, Indoors & OutChris and Glen respond to listener email and then take up a tactical position on the western emplacement of Glen's Remote Mountain Stronghold to discuss their IRL reunion and promised viewing of Rob Marshall's Best Picture-winning 2002 film version of John Kander & Fred Ebb's Chicago. Which has precisely nothing to do with The Prisoner but hey, we are, famously, a tangent-tolerant podcast. Then they read a few more listener emails. It's a bit anticlimactic, honestly. But the reunion was lovely, as are your emails. Write to the Citizens Advice Bureau at adegreeabsolute dot gmail! L...
2021-06-261h 01A Degree Absolute!ICE STATION ZEBRA with Matt GourleyWhat If Jimmy Page played a session with Stillwater? Our podcastin' inspiration Matt Gourley joins us for a Cinerama epic of an episode that we didn't plan to release on Father's Day week, but the cookie happened to crumble serendipitously. Because our subject is a genuine, certified, no-foolin’ Dad Movie, Ice Station Zebra, based on The Guns of Navarone author Alistair MacLean's novel Ice Station Zebra. The moderately thrilling Cold War thriller that Patty McG cheated on The Prisoner with is an all-star affair featuring Rock “The Dwayne” Hudson, Ernest “Resistance is Futile” Borgnine, Jim “One Night in Miami” Br...
2021-06-231h 36
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with acclaimed jazz singer Luca Manning about the jazz scenes in London & Scotland and being your true selfLuca Manning is this week's special guest.A Glaswegian born singer of growing renown we talk about his journey into jazz via soul, singing with NYJO, developing his style with Fergus McCreadie, playing at Ronnie Scott's and finding his feet on the UK jazz scene.He also fearlessly faces our inaugural Glasgow's Miles Better & Stars of Scottish Jazz Hot Question Frenzy Quiz Special and introduces a writing element to the house band.Luca's album recommendations include:grae by Moses Sumney (2020), released on JagjaguwarOnce to Every Heart by Mark...
2021-06-2032 min
A Degree Absolute!The Girl Who Was DeathNumber Six must elude the tender embrace of a lady who probably uses pseudonyms at least as often as he does in a late-in-the-run-but-lavish filler episode that sends up the spy genre circa ’67 & burns plenty of Sir Lew Grade’s money. (He refused to finance a floated 90-minute version.) Justine Lord and Kenneth Griffiths are your magnificent guest stars, and Patty McG appears to be having a grand old time in the relatively few scenes where he's onscreen. Apparently he was called back to Los Angeles for a few more weeks of shooting on Ice Station Zebra late...
2021-06-161h 33
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with the owner of London's 606 Jazz Club Steve Rubie about the London jazz scene, Ronnie Scott, and programming live jazzIn this very entertaining episode, Chris in joined by Steve Rubie, owner of the 606 Club in London.As a programmer, a promoter, musician and one-time chef, Steve looks back across a 40-year career running Chelsea's most famous club. He talks about mentoring Ronnie Scott gave him in the early days and reflects on loads of wonderful musicians who've played at his club over the years.He also bravely takes on our culinary-jazz quiz, picking dishes to please the palettes of some of the world's true legends.Amongst lots of album references, Steve recommends:
2021-06-1334 min
A Degree Absolute!Living in Harmony with Ben BlackerProlific screenwriter, prosewriter, comic book writer, and podcaster Ben Blacker — co-creator of the magnificent monthly-live-show-turned-podcast The Thrilling Adventure Hour, and its delightful Western parody feature, Sparks Nevada, Marshal on Mars, among his many other notable and impressive credentials — joins us this week to dissect "Living in Harmony," perhaps the curviest of The Prisoner's curveball episodes. With script editor George Markstein out, Patty McG and David Tomblin put out a call for The Prisoner story ideas. Ian Rakoff, a film editor with no prior screenwriting experience, responded with a pitch for a Western-themed episode, and did not learn until...
2021-06-091h 19
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with Jasdeep Singh Degun about playing the sitar, Indian classical music and jazz collaborationsChris chats with sitar supremo and composer Jasdeep Singh Degun about all his musical junctions across Indian classical music, classical music, rock and, of course, jazz.Jasdeep talks about the complexities of collaboration, the heritage of the sitar and its place in the Indian classical music canon, the role of philosophy in his musical approach, and explains more about his current compositions.We also undertake our inaugural 'Ravi or Not Hear I Strum' mega quiz challenge. Of course.His album recommendations include:Pure by Kaushiki Chakrabarty (2004) on Sense World Music
2021-06-0638 min
A Degree Absolute!Do Not Forsake Me Oh My DarlingIt seems Patty McG had softened his "don't call it television because television cuts corners and we'll never ever do that" position by the time of The Prisoner's much-abbreviated second and final season, because for most of the production of this week's episode he decided his time would be better spent in Los Angeles co-starring in John Sturges' unmemorable 1968 thriller Ice Station Zebra with Rock Hudson, Ernest "Resistance Is Futile" Borgnine, and Jim Brown. "Chimes of Big Ben" screenwriter Vincent Tilsey got the unenviable job of coming up with a Prisoner story that would require neither the...
2021-05-311h 39
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with one of Europe's leading jazz clarinet players Adrian Cox about life on the road, Bad Manners and jazz in New YorkChris chats with virtuoso jazz clarinetist Adrian Cox about all his many jazz and musical junctions.Adrian talks about his early influences including the Pasadena Roof Orchestra through to his admiration of Edmond Hall. We also undertake our inaugural live clarinet Q&A!Adrian is full of energy and great tales of jazz derring-do, the rights & wrongs of Spotify and why we should all be listening to trumpeter Tom Harold.His album recommendations include:Jazz at Vespers by George Lewis (1954) on FantasyRumpus on Rampart Street by Edmond Hall (1959...
2021-05-3031 minA Degree Absolute!A Change of MindNumber Six's Public Enemy Number Six act is getting tired — and what is alternately referred to within a single scene as The Committee, The Council, and The Commission will tolerate it for only so long before they decree that their prize captive must undergo Instant Social Conversion. It's a procedure so chilling that Number Eighty-Six (the marvelous Angela Browne) must narrate it step-by-step, and very, very slowly, so as not to induce panic. John Sharpe is our unctuous, openly misogynistic Number Two. Happily, we get to see Six's homebuilt crossfit gym in the woods once again. "A Ch...
2021-05-261h 31
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with double bass and electric bass player John Pope about jazz, Newcastle, and free improvisationChris is joined by free jazz improviser and bass player, John Pope.We chat about John's influences from Ornette Coleman to the natural world, from Rage Against the Machine to The Blues Brothers. We get the inside track on the Newcastle and northern jazz scene and play an astonishing round of our new 'Bass Deluxe Fretted Finger Bamboozling Brain Buster' quiz challenge.John edits our ever fantastic house-band and selects his top 3 albums of all time:Mingus at Antibes by Charles Mingus (1960) on AtlanticO'Neal's Porch by William Parker (2001) on AUM...
2021-05-2343 minA Degree Absolute!It's Your FuneralThere's an assassination plot afoot in The Village, and Number Six must protect his oppressor to spare his fellow Villagers. Derren Nesbitt is our Number Two and Annette Andre is our Girl Friday. Neither one of them could stand their scene partner an (uncredited) director, Patty McG. Pink-blazered henchman Mark Eden didn't hate him, but he did resent his attempt to strangle him on camera. This creative tension results in one of The Prisoner's most rewarding episodes, replete with crossfit and and Kosho and lots more. Plus, listener mail! "It's Your Funeral" Written...
2021-05-191h 18
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with YouTube music reviewer and drummer Jim Newstead about bands & their audiencesThis week Chris is joined once again by his brother Jim Newstead.It all gets quite deep(!) as we get embroiled around the edges of chaos theory, lose our way around Talking Heads and think more about the relationship of the composer and the musician with their audience.As always there's plenty of jazz talk and discovery of new musical junctions.Check out Jim Newstead on YouTube.SupportYou can help support the podcast and keep us ad free. Especially useful if you’d like to support the podcast an...
2021-05-1734 min
A Degree Absolute!Hammer into AnvilPride Goethe before a fall. To boldy Goethe where no one has gone before. Just how well do you know your Johann Wolfgang von Goethe? Patrick Cargill is back from "Many Happy Returns" and in Number Six's crosshairs after he drives a woman to suicide two minutes into the episode. And so begins Six's campaign of vengeance via psychological warfare. >Featuring Basil Hoskins as Number Fourteen, the man who challenges Six to an ostensibly (per the script) dirty, not-according-to-Hoyle game of... Kosho. Written by Roger Woddis Directed by Pat...
2021-05-121h 30
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with Grammy winner Tim Garland about playing saxophone with Chick Corea, his career and his new recording studioIn this bumper episode we chat with the legendary saxophonist & composer Tim Garland.Grammy-winning and feted for his huge musical range, Tim has been a significant figure in world-wide jazz for many years.We talk about his albums, his 2 decades of working with the late great Chick Corea, what it was like starting off his career playing alongside Ronnie Scott, and what his junctions have been in developing his own sounds and approach to jazz and music.It's a rich and fascinating insight into the highs, and sometimes lows, of being a professional...
2021-05-1044 min
A Degree Absolute!CheckmateWe are all of us pawns, my dear, in this quintessential Prisoner episode that some observers believe should've aired third in the run but didn't surface until much later. Wherever it belongs, what is undisputed is that it combines an underdeveloped chess metaphor with another conspiracy to escape The Village and an important life lesson for Number Six about how one should treat one's fellows. You might say that the real jailbreak was the friends he utterly failed to make along the way. But on the plus side, Peter Wyngarde is this episode's Number Two, and his s...
2021-05-051h 26
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with tenor saxophonist Denys Baptiste about St Lucia, UK jazz, and learning the bass clarinetWe continue season 4 with a hugely enjoyable chat in conversation with saxophonist Denys Baptiste.A giant of the London jazz scene, Denys's sound is instantly recognised, along with his fantastic back catalogue of stellar albums.We chat about musical progress and coming out of lockdown, saxes and bass clarinets, and his many junctions and influences. Plus(!), Denys boldly takes on our brand new St Lucia quiz mega challenge! If you don't know the delights of green figs and salt fish listen on...Denys's album recommendations include:Way out West by Sonny...
2021-05-0335 min
A Degree Absolute!Dance of the DeadIt's Carnival in The Village, and Dance of the Dead — an episode that was nearly scuttled on account of Patrick McGoohan's disdain for it (and refusal to shoot at least part of its climactic scene) — offers a fascinating glimpse into The Prisoner's conflicting aesthetic priorities. Marry Morris, our latest Number Two, is a memorable malefactor whom Glen admits he’d like to have as his mom. He also laments the undisciplined nature of her color-coded-or-not telephone system, and goads Chris into railing against the cosmic obliviousness of umbrella-users. You also get a great heel turn by Aub...
2021-04-281h 14
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with Jazz FM presenter Anne Frankenstein about life as a jazz DJ and performing across the worldWe start season 4 chatting with the very funny, talented and knowledgeable Anne Frankenstein.Anne is a familiar voice on Jazz FM and a very popular live DJ, playing around London, the UK and worldwide.We chat about the pressures and joys of presenting jazz to the world, tackle our exciting new '10 questions in 2 minutes' super feature(!), and as always discuss some fabulous music.Anne's album recommendations include:Piano Solo: Melodies Africaines, Volume 2 by Manu Dibango (1984) on AfroVision RecordsGraceland by Paul Simon (1986) on Warner Bros.Small...
2021-04-2534 min
A Degree Absolute!Many Happy ReturnsThe first half of this episode is dialogue-free! This episode of The Prisoner, that is, not this episode of A Degree Absolute!, though that's the sort of formal experimentation we'd be game to try. Anywho, Number Six awakens in an inexplicably raptured Village and opts for the seaborne escape route, where starvation, pirates, and intrigue await. As does Georgina Cookson, on whom Glen has developed a serious crush. PLUS: Listener mail! Write to the Citizens Advice Bureau at adegreeabsolute dot gmail! Follow @NotaNumberPod! Our song: "A Degree Absolute!" Music and...
2021-04-211h 02
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with Australian jazz trumpet legend James Morrison about playing with Dizzy Gillespie, The Olympics, Top Gear and much moreThe hugely talented and funny James Morrison joins us for our Season 3 finale.A musical polymath and multi instrumentalist, James is well known to many from opening the 2000 Olympic Games, playing in the world's finest venues and hosting Top Gear Australia.This hugely enjoyable conversation ranges from what is was like playing alongside Dizzy Gillespie to being a jazz nut in a fast car. We also ask the really important questions including what is the definite jazz ride and why he has yet to play at the Rifle Volunteer pub in Watford?!ENJOY!
2021-04-1832 min
A Degree Absolute!EXTRASODE! With I AM NOT A NUMBER author and REPO MAN writer/director Alex Cox!SPOILERS AHOY for the entirety of the 54-year-old television series The Prisoner! You've been warned! Save this episode for later if you haven't yet seen the whole series! Lifelong Prisoner fan Alex Cox joins Chris to talk about his 2017 book I Am Not a Number: Decoding the Prisoner, and What It's All About. Write to the Citizens Advice Bureau at adegreeabsolute dot gmail! Follow @NotaNumberPod! Our song: "A Degree Absolute!" Music and Lyrics by Chris Klimek Arranged by Casey Erin Clark and Jonathan Clark Vocals and Keyboards by Casey Erin Clark Guitar...
2021-04-1744 minA Degree Absolute!The GeneralGlen is under the influence of digital vermouth and under the spell of John Castle in our dissection of "The General." Wherein Number Six gets anger-cruised and Kirks a computer, and Colin Gordon "returns" as Number Two from "A.B. & C." — an episode obviously intended to follow this one, but which was broadcast before — apparently having survived his encounter with a tumescent scarlet telephone handset and the unheard but clearly menacing voice on the other end of that line. One hundred percent entry; one hundred percent pass! Write the Citizens Advice Bureau at adegreeabsolute@gmail.com
2021-04-141h 03
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with the UK's most in demand bass player, Daniel Casimir, about composition and the London jazz sceneThis week Chris is joined by the wonderful Daniel Casimir: bassist, composer, producer and all round lovely person. There's a reason every one wants him in their band!We chat about his journey, his latest compositions (watch out for the new album later in 2021) and working with the current cream of the crop across the London jazz scene.He plays a blinder in adding a surprise musician to our ever dreamy house band, and doubles down on Wayne Shorter album recommendations:The Soothsayer by Wayne Shorter (1965) released on Blue NoteJuJu...
2021-04-1227 min
A Degree Absolute!The Schizoid ManNumber Six comes face-to-immobile-face with the only opponent who can truly make him doubt his resolve: Himself! It's the The Parent Trap episode. It's "Mirror, Mirror" episode. It's the Double Impact episode. It's the if-I'm-not-me-who-da-hell-am-I-episode. It's the episode that teaches us that fingering an electric socket may on rare occasions be quite necessary, despite what your parents and teachers would have you believe. Write to the Citizens Advice Bureau at adegreeabsolute dot gmail Follow @NotaNumberPod Our song: "A Degree Absolute!" Music and Lyrics by Chris Klimek Arranged by C...
2021-04-0758 min
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting about music genres (classical, rock and jazz) with soprano Charlotte Newstead & rock drummer Jim NewsteadIn this genre-busting mid-season special, Chris is joined by his charming siblings: YouTube reviewer & musician Jim Newstead and classical soprano Charlotte Newstead.They discuss the importance and relevance of musical genres, get to grips with the evolution of Western modern music, and compare and contrast opinions across their own specialist styles of rock, classical and jazz.There's all sorts in this rather enjoyable musical natter!More about JimMore about CharlotteSupportYou can help support the podcast and keep us ad free. Especially useful if you’d...
2021-04-0232 min
A Degree Absolute!Free For AllIt's election time in The Village and Number Six is the frontrunner! Eric Portman, this episode's Number Two, greets him thus: "Good morning, good morning! Any complaints?" And of course Six has complaints. He's like Portnoy: famed for his complaints. Featuring the lovely Rachel Herbert as Number Fifty-Eight, his irrepressibly enthusiastic and enthusiastically unintelligible driver/assistant/etc. Or is she? This is the episode in which our dearth of a title song with lyrics gets well and truly solved. And in which a voicemail from a listener sparks a discussion of Number Six's... likability.
2021-03-311h 20
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with guitarist & singer Jelly Cleaver about punk and jazz, song writing & politicsIn this fantastic episode, singer-songwriter and guitarist Jelly Cleaver talks about jazz and her musical junctions.A rising star on the London-scene, Jelly plays & writes with pared-back precision and beauty. We chat about her route into music, social activism and DIY punk (of course!).Jelly's album choices include:Lady Sings the Blues by Billie Holiday (1956) on VerveCrescent by John Coltrane (1964) released on Impulse!Live at Sin-E by Jeff Buckley (1993) released on ColumbiaSupportYou can help support the podcast and keep us ad free...
2021-03-2929 min
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with one of the busiest UK jazz musicians, sax player Ben Castle, about scoring, recording, Stevie Wonder, Sammy Davis Jnr and much moreIn this fabulous episode, sax player and clarinetist Ben Castle talks about his jazz journey and all the junctions en route.A fount of great stories, Ben shares tales from his exceptional musical journey including meeting Stevie Wonder in Buckingham Palace (as you do), playing with scores of wonderful musicians from the worlds of jazz, pop and rock, and reveals all about that sensational viral clip featuring his dad Roy Castle dancing alongside Buddy Rich and Sammy Davis Jnr.Ben's album choices include:A Love Supreme by John Coltrane (1965) released on Impulse!
2021-03-2141 min
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with MOBO nominated jazz saxophonist Camilla George about composition and leading a jazz bandTo launch Season 3, Chris is joined by saxophonist and MOBO-nominee Camilla George, to discuss her music, her journey into jazz, and her new 3rd album!Camilla, who leads her own band, has also been an influential member of Tomorrow's Warriors, Jazz Jamaica, Venus Warriors and the Nu Civilisation Orchestra. She discusses her influences, helps Chris map out the current London jazz scene, and tells all about an infamous and traumatic recorder incident!Camilla's album recommendations include:Songbook by Kenny Garrett (1997) released on Warner.Bar Talk (specifically Mr. JJ) by Jeff "Tain"...
2021-03-1440 min
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club's house pianist, James Pearson, about jazz, 78 records & the London jazz sceneChris is joined by pianist James Pearson, to discuss his music and working life in the UK's most famous jazz club, with more famous name drops than the Jazz Junction has ever contended with!In our series 2 finale, James, artistic director at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, recounts tales of jazz derring do including the appearances at the club of Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue, Wynton Marsalis and the Rev Jesse Jackson. There's comparison of the geniuses of Erroll Garner, Thelonius Monk, Oscar Peterson and Bill Evans; celebration of the joy of 78 records; and great insights into recording jazz.
2021-03-0837 min
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with Clark Rundell about orchestral conducting, jazz, Wayne Shorter, Esperanza Spalding and Brad MehldauChris is joined by conductor Clark Rundell, to discuss his approach to music, working with many of the world's jazz greats and orchestras.Clark, professor of conducting at the Royal Northern College of Music, is a versatile and globally-in-demand musician. Hear him talk about current projects with Esperanza Spalding & Wayne Shorter, what challenges a classical & jazz conductor faces, and what music makes him smile.There's also a double-change to the house band!Clark's album recommendations include:Joy Ryder by Wayne Shorter (1995) released on Columbia Records.Emily's D+Evolution by...
2021-03-0136 min
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with one of the most popular UK tenor sax players, Dean Masser, about bebop and improvisationChris is joined by tenor sax player, composer and educator Dean Masser, to discuss his journey into jazz, reflections on improvisation, the influence of the great tenorists, really really listening to albums, and what it's like working on the UK scene.Dean is one of the most in-demand tenor players in the UK and can be heard ('out of lockdown') in venues north and south of Watford! :-) He also teaches and supports the next generation of players.Discover more about Dean, including how to book lessons and buy charts, at his website....
2021-02-2337 min
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with with flute player Eddie Parker about composition, 20th century music and jazzChris is joined by musician and composer Eddie Parker, to discuss the creative & technical process in lock-down, musical influences, the role of the natural environment for wellness, Loose Tubes and all sorts of jazz en route.Eddie's career as a flautist-extraordinaire has threaded a creative line between the classical and jazz worlds. He talks about collaboration, suggests not just one 'top-3 album list' but two(!), adds ukele to the house-band and solves a 30-year lyrical mystery for Chris.Discover more of Eddie's music one Facebook and Bandcamp.Eddie's album recommendations include:...
2021-02-1851 min
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with alt, rock & world music YouTube reviewer Jim NewsteadChris is joined by his brother, musician and composer Jim Newstead, to discuss mental wellness, great albums and the importance of listening to music.Jim's YouTube channel has racked up hundreds of thousands of views across the last 3 years. Across this time Jim has received countless recommendations for tracks to review, including Snarky Puppy, Hiromi and Tigran Hamasyan mixed in amongst more heavy metal, prog rock and fusion than you can shake a studded-leather wrist band at.Jim also reviews our house band. You'll have to listen to find out if Kajagoogoo really can have...
2021-02-1024 min
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with Faye MacCalman, indie & avant-garde composer and free-jazz saxophonistChris is joined by jazz musician and composer, Faye MacCalman.Faye shares her journey into jazz, explores free improvisation, explains her new compositions for BBC Sounds, rates the Lancaster Jazz Festival, chooses her 3 favourite albums of all time, and replaces a member of our house band! Wow!Faye’s album listing includes:Clouds by Joni Mitchell (1969) on Reprise Records.Outward Bound by Eric Dolphy (196o) on New Jazz records.12 Little Spells by Esperanza Spalding (2018) on Concord records.SupportYou can help support the podcast and ke...
2021-02-0230 min
Watford Jazz JunctionReviewing the 2020 EFG London Jazz Festival: Part 2 (aka Chris's Covid Survival Special!)Chris reviews 5 gigs held in the second half of this year's EFG London Jazz Festival (13-22 November 2020). Most of the gigs reviewed should still have their streams available to watch for free, linked from the LJF website.Using a exceptionally complex and subtle scoring structure(!) Chris reflects on performances from Yazz Ahmed, Kansas Smitty's, Istanbul Psychedelic, Jerry and the Pelican System, and Abel Selaocoe.This is the last episode in the current series. A new series will return in early 2021.Album recommendations:Polyhymnia Remixed by Yazz Ahmed (2020) - Released by Yazz...
2020-12-1716 min
Watford Jazz JunctionReviewing the 2020 EFG London Jazz Festival: Part 1 (including The Jazz Voice)Chris reviews 4 gigs and a conversation that were held in the first half of this year's EFG London Jazz Festival (13-22 November 2020). All the gigs reviewed should still have their streams available to watch for free on the LJF website.Using a complex scoring structure(!) Chris reflects on performances from Guy Barker's 'Jazz Voice', Jasdeep Singh Degun, Emile Parisien & Vincent Peirani, Harold López-Nussa and a powerful conversation between Kevin Le Gendre, Carleen Anderson and Orphy Robinson,And since it was the presenters birthday when this podcast was recorded, there are a few (rarely to b...
2020-11-1912 min
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with one of the UK's leading jazz singers, Emma SmithChris is joined by jazz singer extraordinaire, Emma Smith.Emma discusses being a jazz musician during lockdown, her new album and her song Monogamy Blues (featured), singing at Ronnie Scott’s and performing with the Puppini Sisters, her love of Ella Fitzgerald, chooses her 3 favourite albums of all time, and replaces a member of our house band!Emma’s album listing includes:Swings Schubert Alley by Mel Tormé (1960) Prd. Russell Garcia. Released on Verve.Presenting Joe Williams and Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra (1966) Released on Solid State Records.West...
2020-11-1633 min
Watford Jazz JunctionMust sees at the London Jazz Festival 13-22 November 2020Chris explores all the gigs that are available at this year's London Jazz Festival (13-22 November 2020) and makes his recommendations for shows and acts not to be missed in this online, streamed and digital extravaganza of jazz!There are 'look outs' for so many great acts including Guy Barker's 'Jazz Voice', Tigran Hamasyan, Mornington Lockett, Jazz Plus Ensemble, Shabaka Hutchings, Tomorrow’s Warriors, Kevin Le Gendre, Carleen Anderson and Oprhy Robinson, Tina Edwards, Shri, Seed Ensemble, Glasshopper, Toni Kofi, Gary Crosby, Abel Selaocoe, Yazz Ahmed, Judi Jackson, Binker Golding and Baba ZuLa and İlhan Erşahin.An...
2020-11-1017 min
Watford Jazz JunctionChatting with Miles Ashton, sound director of Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London about his career including Amy Winehouse's first ever gigMiles Ashton - sound director at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club - looks back over a lifetime in live jazz.His stories include Amy Winehouse's first ever gig in front of a live audience, being hired by Ronnie Scott & Pete King, and touring with Shri Sriram.He also chooses the inaugural line-up for our podcast's fantasy house band!Miles's album listing includes:The Nightfly by Donald Fagan (1982) Prd. Gary Katz. Released on Warner Bros.Heavy Weather by Weather Report (1977) Prd. Joe Zawinal, Jaco Pastorius, Wayne Shorter. Released on Colombia.
2020-11-0827 min
Watford Jazz JunctionWhat this jazz conversation podcast is all aboutA look forward to the Watford Jazz Junction - a new festival of jazz and more - coming to Watford in 2021. We also discuss what else we'll cover in future episodes relating to jazz and lots of musical junctions.SupportYou can help support the podcast and keep us ad free. Especially useful if you’d like to support the podcast and want to keep it ad free. Plus it makes Chris feel very happy indeed! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ChrisNewsteadShow infoPresenter: Chris NewsteadTheme: by SoundWorkLab, li...
2020-11-0212 min
3MDR 97.1fmClassically Saturday's Jules Vines chats with Chris Johnston, Chairman of Newstead Arts HubChris Johnston, Chairman of the Newstead Arts Hub chats about the transformed railway station at Newstead and it's new lease of life as a premier Arts Hub in the region.
2020-02-1008 min