Great British Jazz Recordings

Great British Jazz Recordings

Author: BBC Radio 3 April 29, 2012 Duration: 31:22

In the final edition of the present series of Jazz Library, Alyn Shipton presents archive interviews with Kenny Baker, Vic Lewis, Coleridge Goode and Annie Ross in which they select some highlights of British jazz records from the 1930s to the 1960s, from Chicagoan-style Dixieland to free jazz.


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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Jazz Library
Podcast Episodes
Jon Hiseman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:06
Best known as the leader of the fusion bands Tempest and Colosseum, drummer Jon Hiseman's career in jazz covers almost all styles and genres. He talks to Alyn Shipton about a catalogue of recordings that includes free ja…
Phineas Newborn Jr [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:11
Phineas Newborn Jr. was one of the finest pianists in jazz history, but his short career was dogged by physical and mental illness and he is now a somewhat obscure figure. In the wake of several recent reissues of Newbor…
Johnny Griffin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:58
In an archive interview with Alyn Shipton and Geoffrey Smith, the late Johnny Griffin selects his favourite records. The tenor saxophonist was one of the most technically brilliant and audacious soloists in jazz. He died…
John Taylor at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:18
John Taylor is one of the finest and most influential pianists in British jazz. He joins Alyn Shipton in front of an audience at the 2011 Cheltenham Jazz Festival to discuss his recorded catalogue, including his early co…
Bobby Wellins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:48
Bobby Wellins joins Alyn Shipton at the Oxford Jazz Festival to select his key recordings.The Glasgow-born saxophonist achieved stardom for his solo on Starless and Bible Black in Stan Tracey's Under Milk Wood. In conver…
Al Cohn [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:38
Composer and saxophonist John Altman joins Alyn Shipton to pick the best records by saxophonist Al Cohn. As well as his solos albums and his lengthy association with fellow tenorist Zoot Sims, the programme covers Cohn's…
Alton Purnell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:55
Alton Purnell was born on 16 April 1911, and to celebrate his centenary, Mike Pointon joins Alyn Shipton to pick the best records by the New Orleans pianist.The programme covers his work with Bunk Johnson and George Lewi…
Mike Stern [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:19
Guitarist Mike Stern has been a major figure in jazz fusion throughout his career. In this programme he traces some of his principal associations and picks some of his own best recordings in conversation with Alyn Shipto…
Joe Lovano [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:38
Saxophonist Joe Lovano is one of the most versatile soloists in jazz. In conversation with Alyn Shipton in front of an audience at the 2011 Gateshead International Jazz festival he discusses some of his finest records, f…
James Moody [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
A fine saxophonist and a pioneer of jazz flute, James Moody died last December. Alyn Shipton remembers his career and picks his finest records with the help of the man himself in an archive conversation recorded at Ronni…