The Other Side Of The Bell - A Trumpet Podcast

Bob Reeves Brass Mouthpieces
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  • Performing Arts
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This podcast features trumpet tips, trumpet player interviews, and stories from Bob Reeves.

  1. 2d ago

    CJ Camerieri: "Have a Skill Set That's Unique." Ep. 162

    This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring trumpet performer, ensemble leader and recording artist CJ Camerieri, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: "CJ Camerieri Trumpet Interview" And, find the expanded show notes, transcript and more photos here --- "If you want to have a career in this, you have to know why you're the right person to call, and why you have a skill set that's exactly right for this particular thing. It's hard to make a living at it if they can just hire a different person and pay 'em less." - CJ Camerieri Julliard grad, Grammy winner, collaborator with Bon Iver, Paul Simon, Rufus Wainwright, Sufjan Stevens, Ben Folds, Bruce Hornsby and so many more, CJ Camerieri is the personification of passion: starting piano lessons at 4 years old and never looking back. But it's one thing to be music-obsessed from childhood, it's another to forge a successful, sustainable career in a cutthroat industry. Our conversation today is a fascinating and introspective look into the the business side of music: the back end, the royalties, the songwriting credits, the mindset and the versatility required to succeed and thrive. For CJ, this has meant being adaptable, embracing different styles of music, being open to change and doing things that others may be less interested in. But also, always, doing it for joy, not just a paycheque. You'll rarely meet someone more passionate about trying new things and taking on new challenges. Hence the formation in 2008 of yMusic, "A chamber ensemble with a unique mission: to work on both sides of the classical/popular music divide, without sacrificing rigor, virtuosity, charisma or style." The threads of yMusic are woven throughout our conversation today. Transitioning to a new music scene can reignite your passion, while touring teaches practical lessons about maintaining your craft. CJ will inspire you with his insight and innovation! About CJ Camerieri: Since graduating from The Juilliard School in 2004 with a degree in Classical Trumpet Performance, CJ Camerieri has become an esteemed artist, songwriter, producer, and an indispensable collaborator for some of the most important artists of our time. Camerieri is a two-time Grammy award winner (Best New Artist, 2011 and Best Alternative Album, 2011) and a co-founder of the acclaimed contemporary classical sextet yMusic (who the New Yorker has called "six contemporary classical polymaths who playfully overstep the boundaries of musical genres"). Camerieri has toured the world as a core member of Paul Simon's band since 2013 and with artists such as Bon Iver, Sufjan Stevens, Ben Folds, Plastic Ono Band, and Sting, among many others. He has contributed to over 300 recordings and has commissioned over 100 new works of chamber music featuring the trumpet, including pieces by Andrew Norman, Gabriella Smith, Nico Muhly, Marcos Balter, Ryan Lott, and Missy Mazzoli. In 2021 Camerieri debuted his solo project CARM, which was highlighted by performances on The Colbert Show and Tiny Desk Concert. For Paul Simon's "Farewell Tour" in 2018, Camerieri brought yMusic into Simon's touring band. This resulted in contemporary classical arrangements of the artist's iconic songs being performed in arenas around the world, as well as in featured performances on Saturday Night Live and The Colbert Show. His trio project, Heavy MakeUp, featuring himself, Edie Brickell, and Trever Hagen just released their second full length record on Sony Records. Camerieri is also an accomplished French Horn player, keyboardist, arranger, composer, and improviser—comfortable in all styles and genres of music. In addition, Camerieri has held numerous chairs on Broadway; played principal trumpet with orchestras such as Orpheus, The Knights, and Orchestra of St. Lukes; and has written arrangements for many types of ensembles on countless recordings and performances.   Episode Links: yMusic: https://www.ymusicensemble.com Linktree: linktr.ee/CJ_Camerieri Instagram: @carm_band Bob Reeves Brass Events and Appearances: Bob Reeves Brass pre-owned instruments, find your next treasure! https://trumpetmouthpiece.com/collections/used-instruments   Podcast Credits: "A Room with a View" - composed and performed by Howie Shear Podcast Host - John Snell Cover Photo Credit - Courtesy CJ Camerieri Audio Engineer - Ted Cragg

    CJ Camerieri: "Have a Skill Set That's Unique." Ep. 162

  2. Jul 8

    Nick Smart: We Have a Responsibility to Ensure You're as Employable as Possible. Ep. 161

    This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring trumpet educator, conductor and performer Nick Smart, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: "Nick Smart Trumpet Interview" And, find the expanded show notes, transcript and more photos here --- When Nick Smart was a teenager in Toddington, England, a retired professional trumpet player bought a local pub and turned it into a venue for daily jazz performances, from big band to traditional, mainstream and more, 8 shows per week. Nick was hooked, and set off on a career in music. But although that career has involved lots of composing, performing, touring and recording, he ultimately found his passion (and a steady gig) as an educator, eventually becoming Head of Jazz Programmes at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Nick is thus in excellent position to give us solid advice on not just being a student in higher education, but pursuing a career as a professional music educator. Nick's approach is carefully centred around what will ultimately be of best service to students, and understanding your role as the member of an academic department. How do you prepare for such roles? Like any job application, do your research, read the posting carefully, and identify what they are looking for. But for music specifically, there are further nuances. Do you understand the role and placement of the department within the broader community? What are their objectives and priorities when it comes to music education and reputation? What do they want to be known for? How would you fit into that scene? As a student applicant, remember that a program may not be judging you so much on your ability as to how well you'll work together with others, and integrate into the spirit of the program. We talk about jazz education, music theory, the construct of scales and arpeggios, and understanding structure: to then dance and improvise around that structure. That's what makes theory so fascinating. Nick was with us recently alongside Brian Shaw, talking about their recent biography of Kenny Wheeler: Song For Someone: The Musical Life of Kenny Wheeler  Now, they've each had their own spotlight on The Other Side of the Bell, make sure to check out both episodes! Brian Shaw: Versatility, Baroque Trumpet and Serendipity. Ep. 158  "As an educator, get your ego out of the way too.  It's about the  students and it's about their range of experience and what you're into doesn't have to be important. It's only part of it." - Nick Smart About Nick Smart: Head of Jazz Programmes at the Royal Academy of Music, Nick Smart is an internationally renowned Grammy nominated jazz trumpeter, conductor and educator who has given guest masterclasses and performances around the world.   Nick was a close colleague and friend of the late Kenny Wheeler and has been instrumental in keeping Wheeler's legacy alive. As well as being a member of Kenny's big band, Nick helped manage the latter stages of Kenny's career, secured the Kenny Wheeler Archive into the Royal Academy of Music Collections, and completed a PhD focused on Wheeler's development.   He also led and produced the Grammy nominated album recording, Kenny Wheeler Legacy - Some Days Are Better - released to critical acclaim on the US label Greenleaf Music in January 2025, featuring the Academy Jazz Orchestra in collaboration with the University Miami's Frost Jazz Orchestra.   Episode Links: Royal Academy of Music: www.ram.ac.uk/profile/nick-smart Facebook: www.facebook.com/nicksmartmusic/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/nicksmartmusic/ Bob Reeves Brass Events and Appearances: William Adam Trumpet Festival July 9-12, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Ill. Book your trumpet alignment here: https://trumpetmouthpiece.com/products/william-adam-trumpet-festival-valve-alignment-presale Podcast Credits: "A Room with a View" - composed and performed by Howie Shear Podcast Host - John Snell Photo Credits - Courtesy Nick Smart Audio Engineer - Ted Cragg

    Nick Smart: We Have a Responsibility to Ensure You're as Employable as Possible. Ep. 161

  3. Jun 24

    Kris Tiner: Improvise Something Every Day. Ep. 160

    This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring trumpet educator, improviser and composer Kris Tiner, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: "Kris Tiner Trumpet Interview" And, find the expanded show notes, transcript and more photos here --- How do you turn improvisation into an album, without taking forever to finish? How do you know when it's ready and complete? Kris Tiner has been improvising his whole life, in fact, he would point out that we all are:  "We're all improvising right now. You get up and walk to the door, and which room do you go into next? That's an improvisation. What are you going to have for dinner?  You get in your car and you drive down the highway, that's an improvisation." Improvisation is a natural state of being for musicians, just witness when kids pick up an instrument and start exploring. But as adults (and professional recording musicians), well, time is money, the album's gotta get released, and you've got to decide when to stamp that recording and send it out into the zeitgeist. Kris shares some of the fascinating mindset of recording improvisational jazz pieces, as reflected on his brand new album, "Sung," a collaboration with pianist Cathlene Pineda. We also talk about the experience of providing music education in a small city, not a big urban hub, and the connections and community that can be found therein. Kris teaches trumpet, jazz, composition and improvisation as Professor of Music at Bakersfield College in California, helping students gain access to music and opportunities that they may not receive otherwise. Of whom one of those students was himself, having embarked on his musical education at CSU Bakersfield in the 1990s. A full circle journey, indeed. About Kris Tiner: KRIS TINER is a California-based trumpet artist, composer, and educator. His music has been performed on five continents, his 100+ recordings have been enthusiastically reviewed in the international jazz press, and he has performance credits on MTV, NBC, PBS and Comedy Central. Tiner has received awards from ASCAP, the American Composers Forum, Chamber Music America, Montalvo Arts Center, and in 2023 was recognized as the CMEA statewide jazz educator of the year. He is a member of the Empty Cage Quartet with recordings on Portugal's Clean Feed label, and he collaborates with guitarist Mike Baggetta in the duo Tin/Bag. Tiner also performs with the Cathlene Pineda Quartet, Psychic Temple, the Industrial Jazz Group, and the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra. He is the Director of Jazz Studies at Bakersfield College, and has also taught at CalArts and CSU Bakersfield. Tiner is the founder of Epigraph Records, an independent label dedicated to new creative music recorded in Bakersfield. Episode Links: Sung, the new album: https://orendarecords.bandcamp.com/album/sung Website: www.kristiner.com Bandcamp: https://epigraph.bandcamp.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/kctiner Facebook: https://facebook.com/kctiner Instagram: @kris.tiner Bob Reeves Brass Events and Appearances: William Adam Trumpet Festival July 9-12, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Ill. Book your trumpet alignment here: https://trumpetmouthpiece.com/products/william-adam-trumpet-festival-valve-alignment-presale Podcast Credits: "A Room with a View" - composed and performed by Howie Shear Podcast Host - John Snell Photo Credits - AJ Rodriguez, Aviva Diamond, Talley Sherwood, Corey Stock Audio Engineer - Ted Cragg

    Kris Tiner: Improvise Something Every Day. Ep. 160

  4. Jun 10

    Gabriel Johnson: You've Got to be Real with People. Ep. 159

    This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring trumpet composer, performer and producer Gabriel Johnson, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: "Gabriel Johnson Trumpet Interview" And, find the expanded show notes, transcript and more photos here --- Gabriel Johnson went to the Monterey Jazz Festival at 9 years old - by himself - and witnessed Dizzy Gillespie and Freddie Hubbard on stage. He went home, switched instruments to the trumpet, and the rest is history. Gabe learned to play the trumpet by ear, playing along to Miles Davis, learning "the excitement inside the sadness." A glimmer of hope for Gabe during a difficult childhood. Self taught until later in high school, it wasn't until he was at the New England Conservatory when he learned that what seemed second-nature all along was in fact perfect pitch. A chance encounter with Chris Botti on Gabe's last night in Boston before moving to Los Angeles led to a friendship of over 20 years, and pivotal connections including meeting the manager of Blood, Sweat & Tears, who invited him to be the band's musical director for a year. From hanging out with Clint Eastwood and Robert Redford, to learning recording techniques and producer psychology from David Foster, Gabe has built a remarkable career full of originality and spontaneity, covering soundtracks, jazz, pop and more. With AI creeping into musicians' livelihood, Gabriel has some pertinent advice: individual artist expression is something that can never be replicated, whether by artificial intelligence or another human. Be yourself, be creative, be original. The rest will follow. About Gabriel Johnson:  Gabriel Johnson is an American jazz trumpeter whose lyrical sound and deep musical fluency have earned praise from artists, including David Foster, Clint Eastwood, and Chris Botti.  Gabe studied at New England Conservatory and then moved to Los Angeles and built a wide ranging career as a solo artist, session musician and featured performer. Recording and performing with artists such as Gladys Knight, Steven Tyler, David Foster, Chris Botti , Andrea Bocelli, Lyle Lovett, and Burt Bacharach, he was featured by Clint Eastwood as a trumpet soloist on the film scores for Changeling and Invictus, and has released a substantial catalog of recordings on his Sunset Horn label, blending jazz tradition with cinematic electronic and modern production influences. Episode Links: Website: www.gabrieljohnsonmusic.com Bandcamp: https://gabrieljohnson.bandcamp.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GJTrumpet Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/gabriel-johnson/336452318 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gjtrumpet/?hl=en Bob Reeves Brass Events and Appearances: William Adam Trumpet Festival July 9-12, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Ill. Book your trumpet alignment here: https://trumpetmouthpiece.com/products/william-adam-trumpet-festival-valve-alignment-presale Podcast Credits: "A Room with a View" - composed and performed by Howie Shear Podcast Host - John Snell Photo Credits - Courtesty Brian Shaw and Equinox Publishing Audio Engineer - Ted Cragg

    Gabriel Johnson: You've Got to be Real with People. Ep. 159

  5. May 27

    Brian Shaw: Versatility, Baroque Trumpet and Serendipity. Ep. 158

    This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring historical, classical and jazz trumpeter Brian Shaw, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: "Brian Shaw Trumpet Interview" And, find the expanded show notes, transcript and more photos here --- Whether it's big band jazz, classical baroque, or any number of styles in between, Brian Shaw's trumpet career is a reflection of the word, "versatility." Brian is the type of musician who, when having trouble deciding whether to major in classical or jazz, decided to simply do both! Hence a double major in jazz studies and classical performance, which yes, did result in him having to do two senior recitals. But Brian embraced the challenge, just as he did in finishing his doctorate in one year instead of three, so that he would have more time to pursue all the various avenues he wanted to explore. Today, Brian pursues teaching, writing, performance, arrangement and more from his home base near Seattle, WA. And, as you'll know from our recent "Kenny Wheeler Special," he and Nick Smart recently collaborated on a biography of inspirational trumpeter Kenny Wheeler, Song For Someone: The Musical Life of Kenny Wheeler, which added published author to Brian's resume as well. Brian joins us today to talk about his early inspirations coming from a non-musical family in small town southern Illinois, to being the first in his family to attend college, taking control of your musical education, and the various stops and projects he's pursued along his trailblazing journey. About Brian Shaw: Brian Shaw is an active performer, arranger, and educator known for his versatility. He is one of the few trumpet players in the world equally comfortable in early music, orchestral, jazz, and commercial settings on modern and period instruments, and enjoys an international performing career as a modern and historical trumpet soloist. He holds principal positions with the Dallas Winds, Santa Fe Pro Musica, Spire Baroque Orchestra. He is also a regular guest instructor of Historical Trumpet at the Eastman School of Music. From 2007-2021, he was Professor of Trumpet and Jazz Studies at Louisiana State University and was Principal Trumpet of the Baton Rouge (Louisiana) Symphony from 2014-2021. Brian has also served as guest Principal Trumpet of the Oregon Symphony, Kansas City Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, and Pacific Northwest Ballet Orchestra (US). A noted Baroque trumpet player, Shaw's 2008 recording Virtuoso Concertos for Clarino includes some of the most difficult pieces ever written for the instrument. Early Music America observed: "Shaw's tone is beautiful, and his playing unfailingly musical… His is a voice that will make a major mark on Baroque trumpet playing." His critically-acclaimed 2014 solo trumpet recording redshift was accompanied by the Dallas Wind Symphony and conductor Jerry Junkin. Brian has also released a collaborative album of classic recital pieces with pianist Jan Grimes called Sonatas and Fantasies: A Century of Standards for Trumpet and Piano, and has just completed another recording project called Virtuosic Versatility, outlining the history of the trumpet, from early music to modern jazz.  As a jazz musician, Brian plays solo and lead trumpet professionally in the Seattle area and leads a big band in Baton Rouge every December, which released a holiday-themed album titled Christmas at the Manship! in 2017. He is in demand as an arranger as well, with many scores for jazz band, brass ensemble, studio orchestra, and wind ensemble to his credit. Brian Shaw lives near Seattle with his wife Lana, their sons Thomas and Elliot, and their dog, Ernie. Episode Links: www.brianshawmusic.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/bshawmusic Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/brian-shaw/1564984803 Kenny Wheeler book: https://equinoxonlinelibrary.com/book/58282/song-for-someone Bob Reeves Brass Events and Appearances: William Adam Trumpet Festival July 9-12, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Ill. Book your trumpet alignment here: https://trumpetmouthpiece.com/products/william-adam-trumpet-festival-valve-alignment-presale Podcast Credits: "A Room with a View" - composed and performed by Howie Shear Podcast Host - John Snell Photo Credits - Courtesty Brian Shaw and Equinox Publishing Audio Engineer - Ted Cragg

    Brian Shaw: Versatility, Baroque Trumpet and Serendipity. Ep. 158

  6. May 13

    Thomas Gansch: Crafting Innovative Performances and Instruments! Ep. 157

    This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring trumpet performer, composer and designer Thomas Gansch, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: "Thomas Gansch Trumpet Interview" And, find the expanded show notes, transcript and more photos here From his groundbreaking Mnozil Brass to his original take on a rotary valve trumpet, the "Gansch Horn," Thomas Gansch has made an indelible impact on professional music. Thomas joins us today to share his musical journey from a young boy, surrounded by instruments in a musician's family, to becoming a prominent trumpet player in Austria and beyond. He opens up quite honestly about his struggles with classical music education, and family expectations, before eventually making his transition towards jazz, which he embraced as part of his wide-range of musical interests. Growing up as the son of renowned Austrian composer Johann Gansch, and as the much younger brother of Hans Gansch, a prominent trumpet soloist and professor himself (and principal trumpeter of the Vienna Philharmonic), there was a lot of push and pull as both brothers sought their own place of identity, creativity and freedom to pursue their musical dreams. It was through humor and originality that Thomas truly found his wings, particularly with the Mnozil Brass septet, considered the "Monty Python of the musical world." Going strong since 1992, Mnozil forms just part of Thomas' busy schedule that comprises all sorts of musical styles and groups. And he gives us a tour of the original Gansch Horn, a rotary trumpet that can be played with one hand, which gives it its distinctive arced bell shape. Thomas worked directly with the noted Austrian manufacturer Schagerl in the early 2000's to create the horn that has become his identity. From practice routines to juggling gigs, jamming with Wynton Marsalis and Jerry Hey to looking after your body and mind, this is a wonderful conversation of breadth and inspiration! About Thomas Gansch: Thomas Gansch, born in 1975, has always successfully eluded any categorisation. Whether in the formation "Mnozil Brass", which he co-founded and with which he has been performing around the world for thirty years, in the legendary "Vienna Art Orchestra", as a soloist with a large orchestra or as part of a family theatrical ensemble with his wife Theresia and the joint programme "Doppelgansch", whether as a composer, arranger, compere, pop singer, big band leader or brass band conductor, the native of Lower Austria does not allow himself to be confined to any musical genre. He likes to summarise all varieties of his art under the term "music" that "either touches him or doesn't touch him" in order to put all prejudices to one side and to give listeners an intuitive approach to listening. Various projects have taken Gansch to over 45 countries and his first musical experiences in the brass band of his father Johann Gansch S. (1925 - 1998), which he - in the spirit of the gifted improviser - always integrates directly into his work. Today, Gansch draws on his wealth of artistic experience and also brings his engaging personality to every project, from symphony orchestras to chamber music ensembles, from jazz to new music, from pop acts to musical theatre and comedy programmes, into his performances. There are no hierarchies in his understanding of art, and so he manages to inspire and "pick up" the audience again and again. Episode Links: Mnozil Brass: https://mnozilbrass.at/en YouTube: @ThomasGanschOFFICIAL Instagram: @thomasgansch  Facebook: @thomasganschofficial  Bob Reeves Brass Events and Appearances: Next Up! Concert Series: Watch the live streamed premier of Dan Rosenboom's special composition, "In a World Like This," with the Los Angeles Brass Alliance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xfR6Gwtyw4 And stay tuned for the fully HD version coming soon! William Adam Trumpet Festival July 9-12, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Ill. Podcast Credits: "A Room with a View" - composed and performed by Howie Shear Podcast Host - John Snell Photo Credits - ©Daniela Matejschek Audio Engineer - Ted Cragg

    Thomas Gansch: Crafting Innovative Performances and Instruments! Ep. 157

  7. May 4

    Star Wars Special, with the Star Wars Orchestra Trumpet Section! Ep. 156

    This special episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring the trumpet section of the Star Wars Orchestra: Jon Lewis, Barry Perkins, David Washburn, Daniel Rosenboom, Jim Grinta and Rob Schaer, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: "Star Wars Special" And, find the expanded show notes, transcript and more photos here --- It's Star Wars Day, and wouldn't you know it, we have a a great way to celebrate: our live stream conversation with the members of the Star Wars Orchestra trumpet section! Joining us are  Jon Lewis, Barry Perkins, David Washburn, Daniel Rosenboom, Jim Grinta and Rob Schaer, who recorded the soundtrack for Episodes 7, 8 and 9 of the Star Wars universe. The only one missing in fact was Wayne Bergeron, who has made other appearances on The Other Side of the Bell, but that comes back to the backstory of getting this live stream together: The date was May 4th, 2020. We were in the depths of Covid lockdown. John Snell thought to himself that morning, "Maybe I'll see if my friend Jon Lewis is around and we can chat trumpet and Star Wars, and put out a little live stream." He got a hold of Jon, who basically said, "Hold my beer (or coffee) - " and an hour later had gathered six of the seven members of the section for a wholly spontaneous, gregarious conversation on recording techniques for orchestras, practice and warm up tips, playing for John Williams, and life during lockdown. So as much as this episode is a celebration of a remarkable series of films, and their iconic music, it's also a blast from the past of what life was like just a few years ago, and a chance to reflect on how things have changed since. Bob Reeves Brass Upcoming Events and Appearances: Next Up! Concert Series: Los Angeles Brass Alliance, with special composition by Dan Rosenboom Pasadena Presbyterian Church, May 9, 7:00 pm PDT https://www.labrassalliance.org/events/next-up-2026 Streaming link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xfR6Gwtyw4 William Adam Trumpet Festival July 9-12, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Ill. Podcast Credits: "A Room with a View" - composed and performed by Howie Shear Podcast Host - John Snell Audio Engineer - Ted Cragg

    Star Wars Special, with the Star Wars Orchestra Trumpet Section! Ep. 156

  8. Apr 15

    Song For Someone: The Musical Life of Kenny Wheeler. With Nick Smart & Brian Shaw. Ep. 155

    This special episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring the life of trumpet composer, performer and innovator Kenny Wheeler, a conversation with biographers Nick Smart and Brian Shaw, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: "Kenny Wheeler Special" And, find the expanded show notes, transcript and more photos here --- Kenny Wheeler has been an inspiration to trumpet players for generations, but in typical Kenny style, we haven't known a lot about his back story, career path and personality.   Until now.   Nick Smart and Brian Shaw, trumpet trailblazers in their own right, have collaborated on a new biography of Kenny Wheeler called Song For Someone: The Musical Life of Kenny Wheeler, which draws from interviews and archival material and research to tell a compelling and touching story.   Kenny went from small town Canada to becoming one of the most influential yet enigmatic jazz musicians in Europe. Along the way, he navigated through all kinds of obstacles, personal and professional, with quiet and understated courage, to truly become a distinct performer. Kenny's solos, improvisation and technical abilities were so unique that he garnered unmatched praise and respect as his career evolved.   And yet, underneath it all were what we would now consider mental health struggles, lack of confidence, imposter syndrome - all things that weren't discussed or acknowledged at the time.   Those who knew Kenny personally were full of universal acclaim for his warmth, kindness and subtle humor. Brian and Nick join John Snell on today's special episode to share some of the stories from their book, which paints a full picture of Kenny Wheeler's life and music.   About Kenny Wheeler: From Song For Someone: The Musical Life of Kenny Wheeler:   Trumpeter and composer Kenny Wheeler (1930–2014) was one of the most enigmatic and influential musicians in recent memory. His instantly recognisable sound was a driving force within every major innovation in modern European jazz during the last half of the 20th century. More importantly, his life provides us with a profound example of the way music can manifest itself in the most unlikely of vessels.   About Nick Smart: Head of Jazz Programmes at the Royal Academy of Music, Nick Smart is an internationally renowned Grammy nominated jazz trumpeter, conductor and educator who has given guest masterclasses and performances around the world.   Nick was a close colleague and friend of the late Kenny Wheeler and has been instrumental in keeping Wheeler's legacy alive. As well as being a member of Kenny's big band, Nick helped manage the latter stages of Kenny's career, secured the Kenny Wheeler Archive into the Royal Academy of Music Collections, and completed a PhD focused on Wheeler's development.   He also led and produced the Grammy nominated album recording, Kenny Wheeler Legacy - Some Days Are Better - released to critical acclaim on the US label Greenleaf Music in January 2025, featuring the Academy Jazz Orchestra in collaboration with the University Miami's Frost Jazz Orchestra.   About Brian Shaw: Brian Shaw is an active performer, arranger, and educator known for his versatility. He is one of the few trumpet players in the world equally comfortable in early music, orchestral, jazz, and commercial settings on modern and period instruments, and enjoys an international performing career as a modern and historical trumpet soloist.   Brian holds principal positions with the Dallas Winds, Santa Fe Pro Musica, Spire Baroque Orchestra. He is also a regular guest instructor of Historical Trumpet at the Eastman School of Music. From 2007-2021, he was Professor of Trumpet and Jazz Studies at Louisiana State University and was Principal Trumpet of the Baton Rouge (Louisiana) Symphony from 2014-2021.    Music Links From This Episode: Some Days Are Better: The Lost Scores (Dave Douglas, Kenny Wheeler Legacy), 2025 Gnu High, 1976 Deer Wan, 1978 Anthony Braxton, New York Fall, 1975 Ralph Towner Old Friends New Friends, 1979 Around Six, 1980 Music for Large and Small Ensembles, 1990   Purchase Song For Someone: The Musical Life of Kenny Wheeler    Bob Reeves Brass Upcoming Events and Appearances: Arkansas Trumpet Day, April 18th, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR Valve alignments: First come, first served! Next Up! Concert Series: Los Angeles Brass Alliance, with special composition by Dan Rosenboom Pasadena Presbyterian Church, May 9, 7:00 pm https://www.labrassalliance.org/events/next-up-2026 Streaming link will appear in advance. William Adam Trumpet Festival July 9-12, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Ill. Podcast Credits: "A Room with a View" - composed and performed by Howie Shear Podcast Host - John Snell Cover Photo Credits - Courtesy Nick Smart, Brian Shaw and Equinox Publishing Audio Engineer - Ted Cragg

    Song For Someone: The Musical Life of Kenny Wheeler. With Nick Smart & Brian Shaw. Ep. 155
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This podcast features trumpet tips, trumpet player interviews, and stories from Bob Reeves.

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