Geri Allen
A product of the M-Base revolution and then a major artist on the Blue Note label, Geri Allen is one of the most accomplished female pianists in jazz. In this programme, recorded in front of an audience at London's Purce…
Jazz Library
Curated by BBC Radio 3, Jazz Library is more than a simple listening guide; it’s an invitation to explore the vast and varied landscape of jazz history through its most essential recordings. Each episode focuses on a single, pivotal artist, from the foundational giants to the pioneering innovators, offering a deep and contextual dive into their work. You’ll hear insightful commentary alongside carefully selected musical excerpts that trace artistic development and highlight landmark albums. This approach provides a rich, narrative framework, transforming a collection of songs into a coherent story. For anyone feeling overwhelmed by the genre's breadth or simply looking to deepen their appreciation, this podcast serves as a trusted companion. It helps in building a meaningful and personal archive of jazz, one informed by knowledge and passion rather than chance. Tune in to discover the stories behind the sounds and find a clearer path through one of music's most rewarding traditions.
Episodes
Gary Burton
Vibraphonist Gary Burton was a teenage prodigy and his four mallet style revolutionised his instrument's playing technique. Prior to his 2010 London Jazz Festival concert, he joined Alyn Shipton in front of an audience o…
Norma Winstone
Singer Norma Winstone joins Alyn Shipton to select her best recordings, looking back to her early days with Michael Garrick, her long associations with John Taylor and Kenny Wheeler, and at songs for which she has writte…
Teddy Wilson
From his meteoric rise to fame with Benny Goodman to his small group records with Billie Holiday, pianist Teddy Wilson was one of the stars of the swing era. Pianist Martin Litton joins Alyn Shipton to select the best ex…
Clifford Brown
Clifford Brown died in a car crash at 25, robbing the jazz world of one of its most talented and original trumpeters. To mark the 80th anniversary of Brown's birth, author Tom Perchard joins Alyn Shipton to pick the high…
Martial Solal
Martial Solal is one of France's most highly acclaimed jazz musicians. Prior to his solo appearance at this year's London Jazz Festival (in association with Radio 3) he talks to Alyn Shipton about his long recording care…
Mark Murphy
American singer Mark Murphy is one of the most versatile vocalists in jazz. A master of scat and vocalese, he is also a renowned interpreter of ballads and standards. British singer Ian Shaw joins Alyn Shipton to conside…
Thad Jones
Trumpeter, composer, arranger and bandleader Thad Jones was a hugely influential musician. In this programme Guy Barker and Alyn Shipton discuss his finest work, including many discs under his own name, records with Coun…
Fred Anderson
Fred Anderson, who died in June, was a founder member of the AACM in Chicago and ran the city's famous club, the Velvet Lounge. Alyn Shipton visited him at the site of his historic club before it was demolished in 2006,…
Jimmy Woode
Jimmy Woode was one of a dynasty of jazz musicians from Boston, where he began his career with the likes of Charlie Parker and Sidney Bechet. He joined Alyn Shipton during one of his last visits to the UK before his deat…
