You Dig?

🎙️ YOU DIG? with Steve Wiest Episode: Denis DiBlasio — Maynard Stories, Jazz Wisdom & Life LessonsIn this episode of You Dig?, Steve Wiest sits down with legendary saxophonist, composer, and educator Denis DiBlasio for a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation about music, mentorship, and life on the road.From unforgettable stories with Maynard Ferguson to encounters with jazz icons like Sonny Rollins, Count Basie, and Art Blakey, Denis shares insights that go far beyond music — touching on creativity, leadership, humor, and what it means to build a meaningful life in the arts.This episode blends laughter, history, and hard-earned wisdom into a conversation that speaks to musicians, creatives, and anyone pursuing a life of purpose.🎧 In this episode: • Life and lessons from the Maynard Ferguson band • The role of humor and joy in great leadership • Stories from the road with jazz legends • Musical identity and improvisation • The changing landscape of the jazz world • A powerful perspective on the meaning of life—Links:Denis DiBlasio Artist Site: https://denisdiblasio.com/Steve Wiest Artist Site: https://steve-wiest.com/📬 Join the You Dig? Dispatches newsletter 👍 Follow, rate, and share the show 💬 Send in guest suggestions and listener questions—🎺 Next Episode: Jeff Hamilton

In this episode of You Dig?, Steve Wiest sits down with legendary saxophonist and composer Jeff Coffin for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, collaboration, and the lifelong journey of music.Jeff is known for his work with Béla Fleck & the Flecktones, the Dave Matthews Band, and his own genre-bending ensemble Mu’tet. He has also released more than two dozen albums as a leader and teaches at Vanderbilt University, mentoring the next generation of musicians.Steve and Jeff discuss:• The legendary North Texas jazz program era • Practicing 8–12 hours a day in the pursuit of mastery • The concept of “transparency of sound” in great ensembles • Collaboration with Béla Fleck, Victor Wooten, Roy Wooten and others • Writing groove-based music in odd time signatures • African musical influences in modern jazz • Jeff’s visual art and album cover design • Teaching philosophy and creative explorationPlus, Jeff takes part in the Dig You Inquisition, answering rapid-fire questions about music, art, superheroes, and the meaning of life.A thoughtful and joyful conversation about staying curious, staying creative, and staying connected to the music.__________________Links from this show: Jeff Coffin Artist Site https://www.jeffcoffin.com/ The Dave Mathews Band https://davematthewsband.com/ Jeff Coffin Mu'Tet https://www.earuprecords.com/artists/jeff-coffin-the-mutet Jeff's Record Label "Ear up" https://www.earuprecords.com/ _________________________ Follow Steve Wiest: https://steve-wiest.com/

Steve Wiest sits down with acclaimed trumpet artist Ingrid Jensen for a deep conversation about creativity, orchestration, mentorship, and life in jazz. They discuss Ingrid’s album Landings, influences including Kenny Wheeler and Miles Davis, stories about Clark Terry and George Coleman, and the creative process behind improvisation and composition. A relaxed and insightful conversation about the music and the community that surrounds it. Thanks for listening to You Dig?Hosted by Steve Wiest.________________Support the artists by purchasing music whenever possible. CONNECT WITH INGRID JENSEN Website https://www.ingridjensen.com Newvelle Records https://www.newvelle-records.com Other links mentioned in today's episode: Jaco Pastorious Word of Mouth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaCx21ZWGow&list=PL8uBVB8AdM2Zp1MEmHrT2lHQRXvVMKonC&index=2 Miles Davis Live at the Cellar Door https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FCKw5mNclI&list=PLxNpOjOeKNWMrm3jU_jl8kcGTX134jKjdFOLLOW STEVE WIEST Website https://www.steve-wiest.com

Welcome to The Sampler Platter, a feature from You Dig? where Steve Wiest highlights the music of upcoming guests on the show.In this episode we explore the remarkable trumpet artistry of Ingrid Jensen, one of the leading voices in modern jazz. Known for her work with the Maria Schneider Orchestra, Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society, and the all-star group Artemis, Jensen’s playing blends lyricism, storytelling, and fearless musical exploration.This sampler focuses on selections from her Newvelle Records release “Landings.”Newvelle Records is known for its beautifully produced audiophile vinyl releases that pair music with original artwork, creating a holistic artistic experience.Featured musicians on the album include:• Ingrid Jensen — trumpet • Gary Versace — organ • Marvin Sewell — guitar • John Wikan — drumsIn this episode we listen to and discuss:• Ida Lupino (Carla Bley) • Amsterdam After Dark (George Coleman) • Landings (Ingrid Jensen)Be sure to join us for the full conversation with Ingrid Jensen on the next episode of You Dig?

YOU DIG? with Steve Wiest Episode: John Clayton — Bass, Arranging, Mentorship & The Music LifeIn this episode of You Dig?, Steve Wiest sits down with legendary bassist, composer, arranger, educator, and bandleader John Clayton for a deep and relaxed conversation about music, creativity, mentorship, and life inside the jazz community.From arts education and raising the next generation of musicians, to working with Paul McCartney and arranging for Diana Krall, this episode explores the mindset, craft, and humanity behind one of jazz’s most respected voices.CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome to You Dig? — It’s John Clayton Day 00:14 The John Clayton Canon: A Legendary Career in Jazz 02:37 John Clayton Arrives — Settling Into the Hang 04:55 Leading ISJAC & Supporting Jazz Writers 06:20 Greenville Fine Arts Residency 07:25 Why Arts High Schools Change Lives 09:50 Growing Up With Strong Music Programs 10:40 Gerald Clayton’s Musical Journey 12:13 Sound, Curiosity & Musical Imagination 13:00 Duo Magic — John & Gerald Clayton 14:40 The Art of Touch & Personal Voice 16:00 The “Two Duo” Concept 17:50 Standards & Performance Flow 19:00 Learning “Tale of the Fingers” 0:00 Teaching vs Guiding 21:50 Mentorship & The Next Generation 23:00 Playing for the Music 24:20 Bandstand Energy 26:40 A Life Lesson for Young Artists 27:30 Paul McCartney Sessions 31:20 Working With Sir Paul 33:45 Arranging “How Insensitive” 36:10 Tension & Release in Big Band Writing 38:30 Jeff Clayton & “The Jones Brothers” 41:00 Quincy Jones & Mancini Influences 43:20 Playing With Henry Mancini 44::30 The Jazz Village 45:00 Closing Reflections 45:48 What’s Next on You Dig? 46:30 Post-Show BlooperABOUT JOHN CLAYTONJohn Clayton is an internationally celebrated bassist, composer, arranger, educator, and co-founder of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. His career includes work with Count Basie, Diana Krall, Paul McCartney, and many leading jazz artists.ABOUT YOU DIG?You Dig? with Steve Wiest is a long-form conversation series exploring creativity, jazz, composition, arranging, education, and the lives of artists shaping the music world.Hosted by Grammy-nominated trombonist, composer, author, and educator Steve Wiest.LINKS & RESOURCESDuke Ellington & Count Basie — Battle Royale https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= (add full link)Fine Arts Center Recital (John & Gerald Clayton) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= (add full link)You Dig? Sampler — John Clayton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= (add full link)John Clayton Artist Site https://johnclaytonjazz.com/Gerald Clayton Artist Site https://geraldclayton.com/Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra https://johnclaytonjazz.com/artist/chjo/Paul McCartney — Kisses on the Bottom https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kisses_on_the_Bottom#YouDigPodcast #JohnClayton #JazzPodcast #JazzBass #JazzEducation #BigBand #JazzArranging #MusicPodcast #SteveWiest

Pull up a chair, grab your beverage of choice, and welcome to the inaugural gathering of The League of Extraordinarily Caffeinated Gentlemen.In this high-octane roundtable edition of You Dig?, Steve Wiest is joined by:• Glenn Kostur – saxophonist, composer, and longtime collaborator of Maynard Ferguson (Big Bop Nouveau) • Art Bouton – Director & Founder of the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra (CJRO) • Tom Matta – composer and bass trombone professor at DePaul UniversityWhat follows is equal parts jazz wisdom, pop culture detours, tool philosophy, Minnesota Vikings trauma, Hank Mobley reverence, David Letterman nostalgia, mashed potato theology, and a surprisingly profound meditation on the meaning of life.Yes — Warren Zevon shows up.So does Office Space.And possibly the greatest jazz radio station on the planet.A good time is had by all. You dig?Chapter Markers00:00 – Welcome to the League (coffee levels rising) 03:45 – Office Space, Initech & Inside Baseball 08:20 – The “Dig You Inquisition” Begins 09:10 – Art Bouton: Heroes & Role Models (Bob Mintzer) 12:40 – Tom Matta: Vikings, Fran Tarkenton & Sports Trauma 17:10 – Glenn Kostur: Hank Mobley’s Soul Station 21:40 – Streaming Corner: Shrinking, The Pitt & Grumpy Harrison Ford24:15 – Mashed Potatoes vs Ice Cream (serious culinary philosophy) 26:00 – The Meaning of Life: Tools, Warren Zevon & Mindfulness 30:30 – Jazz Language, Late Night TV & David Letterman Memories 32:10 – KUVO, KUNM & The Albuquerque Jazz Orchestra 33:15 – The League Adjourns (Next Week: John Clayton)Mentioned In This Episode• Hank Mobley – Soul Station (Blue Note Records) • Bob Mintzer • Warren Zevon – “Enjoy Every Sandwich” • KUVO Jazz (Denver) • KUNM (University of New Mexico) • Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra • DePaul University Jazz StudiesSubscribe & Connect🎙️ Subscribe to You Dig? wherever you listen to podcasts 🌐 Steve Wiest: https://steve-wiest.com/ 📺 Watch full video episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YouDigPod You Dig? is a production of WIESTWORLD Productions © 2026

You can see the4 VIDEO version of this episode here: https://www.youtube.com/@YouDigPodPlease click LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to help us grow the You Dig? podcast adventure! About this episode: The great Bob Mintzer stops by and we have a blast talking about his mighty oeuvre in general, and specifically his newest release "Bob Mintzer and WDR Big Band Cologne "Soundscapes" Plus Bob takes the "Dig You Inquisition!" A good time was SHO NUFF had by all — deep stories, laughs, and serious jazz wisdom._____________Links from this Episode: Bob Mintzer's website: https://bobmintzermusic.com/ A good place to purchase "Soundscapes" https://bobmintzermusic.com/blog/new-... Bob's classic album "Incredible Journey • Incredible Journey Purchase the album! https://bobmintzermusic.com/shop/p/rx... The EWI Guru Matt Traum https://www.patchmanmusic.com/MattTra...

The first show of 2026 with the NEW NAME! It's You Dig? with special guest FRANK GREENE!! LINKS FROM THE SHOW: Frank's Site: http://www.frankdavidgreene.com/ Frank Greene Bio: https://www.adams-music.com/en/artist... One of Frank's Current "Go-To" album s: Caleb Hudson "Nothing Less" https://calebhudson.bandcamp.com/albu... Frank Discography: https://www.discogs.com/artist/136301...

Happy New Year Y'all! LOTS of cool things in store this year...including a STORE, you dig?! and HEY, "You Dig?" is now our new name. Imma STICK with this one folks because this opens things up completely for the entire community of creative souls in our cray-cray village of love.Yep, this means, trombonists (of course) ALL instrumentalists, ALL genres, and also...other areas of creative endeavor! I'll be bringing you all kinds of interesting people that have one thing in common...they are INSANE! Well...not always insane... but quite often :) No, the area in common shared by all the guests is creativity, and the nurturing, and harvesting of said.So, stay tuned, everyone! It is going to be a WILD ride. You Dig?

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O49knZBe3YA&t=1340sOur final show of 2025 with our special guest Blue Lou Marini! Blue has played with EVERYONE and has one of our music's most stellar resumes as both performer and composer. We had a great time on the show, and I think you will too!Here are some of the things we referenced:LUÍS COLOMA & BLUE LOU MARINI"We Like to Groove" Lluís Coloma - Piano Blue Lou Marini - Tenor Sax, Flute & Clarinet Kid Carlos - Guitar Manolo. Germán - Bass Arnau Julià - Drums Video: Carlos Moreno ______________ "Fat Man" From "Out of the Blue" Lou Marini and BluBandLyrics by Joe RandazzoFat Man tell me true Exactly why you look so blue? Or is there something I can't see That makes you sad And hangs your head Mr. Fat Man It was said That you could look Inside my head But when another plays your game It's not the same You close the door No one knows quite for sure What you mean By your smile and bright eyes Fat Man don't be sly Come on and look me in the eye Or are you just too far inside To let me see Just what you areMr. Fat Man______________Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares - Full Performance (Live on KEXP) • Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares - Full Perfor..._______________To hear Lou's tune "Hip Pickles, check out these links: BS&T: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCwSANUTxP8 The UNT One O'Clock Lab Band (Directed by Steve Wiest) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cKH5y71GBU_______________Learn more about all things Blue Lou at his website: https://www.blueloumarini.com/

Video Version Can Be Found Here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv8yhsfJuFzth_3JaGx6sc561I_kFZMAYIn this episode, I bring back my dear friend Paul McKee to go deep into his composition and arranging persona which has generated some of the most enjoyable and iconic works in the modern large jazz ensemble cannon of today.We go into SO much, in fact , that I've generated a helpful time stamp outline below so that you can surf around and snack on all the goodness at your leisure. Below the time stamp list you'll also find some links for a few of the things we discussed.So dive on in and have fun!Some links from the show: Paul's Impact: https://www.colorado.edu/music/2025/03/13/impact-influence-jazz-polymath-paul-mckee"Here's to Life" Shirley Horn (a McKee Go-To Recording) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZ8tozU5JIIThad Jones Mel Lewis "Consummation" (Another McKee Go-To Album) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHFVQLjwXPE&list=PLm4I8tP6UbWawkiCStUlMGEmUGoqGpQJ1The Individualism of Gil Evans (Another Got-to McKee Recording) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAdT7NAFiSw00:00 Intro00:54 Introducing Paul McKee!02:16 Enjoying Retirement03:48 The Composition Discussion Begins04:06 How and When Did Paul Begin Writing?06:45 Paul’s First Big Band Chart (Studying with Hank Levy at the Stan Kenton Jazz Camp)09:18 Paul’s Earliest Writing Years — Learning by Asking10:28 In the Days of Pencil and Paper14:38 Writing in College16:46 Paul’s Early Influences in Writing 22:05 Playing and Writing: Two Sides of the Same Coin27:57 Norman Returns!29:07 Paul Talks About the Writing Process6:37 The Tsunami vs the Narrative39:44 Paul Takes the WIESTWORLD Inquisition!56:25 INTERMISSION57:12 Discussion: “Bitter Jug”01:04:27 Performance: “Bitter Jug”01:10:20 Discussion: “The Messenger”01:17:25 Performance: “The Messenger”01:28:12 Discussion: “Higher Ground” (Stevie Wonder)01:35:04 Performance: “Higher Ground”01:42:15 Discussion: “Naima” (John Coltrane)01:50:35 Performance: “Naima”01:57:51 The Powerhouse Wrap-Up!

Video Version: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv8yhsfJuFzth_3JaGx6sc561I_kFZMAYOn this episode, I welcome my dear friend Brad Leali. One of the most important alto saxophonists on the scene today, Brad has a long and stellar resume as a leader, educator (Currently Professor of Jazz Saxophone at UNT), and stints with Harry Connick Jr, The Count Basie Orchestra, The Kennedy Center Honors, and currently Lyle Lovett and His Large Band. One of the nicest guys on planet Earth (or beyond), Brad and I discuss his life, influences, career path journey, and even inaugurate the newest feature on the podcast: "The WIESTWORLD Inquisition!" A great time was definitely had by all ...and YOU are invited! _____________ Links and Info From Today’s Show: Brad Leali’s Website: https://bradleali.com/ Brad’s Music: https://bradleali.com/works/ North Texas Jazz: https://music.unt.edu/jazz/index.html Lubbock Jazz: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/music/programs/study/jazz-studies.php Harry Connick Jr: https://www.harryconnickjr.com/ The Count Basie Orchestra: https://thecountbasieorchestra.com/ Lyle Lovett: https://www.lylelovett.com/ Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates Jr. https://www.pbs.org/show/finding-your-roots/ Steve Wiest Website: https://steve-wiest.com/_________ The WIESTWORLD Theme Song: “A Stern Talking Too” Composed by Steve Wiest Performed by Phröntrange on their album: "The High Road"Steve Wiest: Trombone Art Bouton: EWI Eric Gunnison: Keyboards Mike Abbott: Guitar Mike Marlier: Drums and Percussion Bijoux Barbosa: Bass

https://steve-wiest.com/ TThe great Gregg Bissonette joins me for a soirée-DELUXE of high octane joyfully fun, shenanigans, stories, and wisdom! Join us as we discuss all things Bisso and check out some of Gregg's great music as well. It's a hoot AND a nanny! _____________________ Links for stuff discussed on this episode: Gregg's Website: https://greggbissonette.co/ Gregg's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCT8Zj5o-nCxJpG99yq3hviw Matt Bissonette's Site: https://mattbissonette.com/ Matt/Gregg/Paul "Song in a Day Show" YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCqndRuwiVyQpE1EIXS6lrsQ Dixon Drums: https://playdixon.com/gregg-bissonette/ Chicago Drummer Dan Leali (Tributosaurus) https://tributosaurus.com/bios Chicago Drummer George Fludas: https://georgefludas.com/

Hey Folks! For your driving and general chillin' pleasure, here is the audio version of You Dig?. There is also now a VIDEO version if you'd like to pop up a big ol' bowl o' corn and pour some bourbon (it pairs quite well, BTW) you can see the video version at https://www.youtube.com/@YouDigPodToday's episode is all about my good pal Nick Lane! We had LOTS to talk about, FOUR great tracks on the Lightning Round (insert lightning FX here) and stories, yuks, and knowledge gems APLENTY. You Dig?

Man-Oh-MAN! We had so much good Ilesian stuff that it had to be divided into TWO SHOWS!Here is Part Two where we get more into Alex's music via the famous "Lightning Round" (imagine the cool sound effect here)LOTS to love on this one folks! So dive on in...______________Alex Iles One-Stop-Shopping website: https://www.alexilestrombone.com/index.phpFeatured Tracks in this episode: (Please go PURCHASE a copy of the CDs!)The Bob Florence Limited Edition Big Band "Funupsmanship"https://www.summitrecords.com/release/funupsmanship-bob-florence-limited-edition-2/The Tom Kubis Big Band "Swingin' Tom Kubis Plays the Music of Steve Allen"https://open.spotify.com/album/107sAZIJLmnS7rg9nHyi9xThe 2018 American Trombone Workshop "The Ellington Suite by Billy Strayhorn" (Arranged by Tom Kubis)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_Tu6uhKTPsThe Dave Slonaker Big Band "Convergency"https://originarts.com/recordings/recording.php?TitleID=82851The WIESTWORLD theme song is "A Stern Talking Too" composed by Steve Wiest and performed by his fusion group Phröntrange on their album "The High Road." You can download a copy of this exciting project along with a PDF of the liner notes on Steve's site using this direct link: https://steve-wiest.com/albums/#high-road

My guest this week is the masterful trombonist DELUXE Alex Iles! Alex is a trombonist's trombonist and one of the busiest studio, symphony, and jazz players in LA and beyond! He is also a great Cat–a true MENSCH–and a friend.Check out his STUNNING credentials on his website: https://www.alexilestrombone.com/ What he has accomplished so far in his fabulous career is amazing! And guess what? We get to hang with Alex HIMSELF! Right here on WIESTWORLD.Dive in and enjoy Y'all!_____________The WIESTWORLD theme song is "A Stern Talking Too" composed by Steve Wiest and performed by his fusion group Phröntrange on their album "The High Road." You can download a copy of this exciting project along with a PDF of the liner notes on Steve's site using this direct link: https://steve-wiest.com/albums/#high-road

The great Steve Turre returns for a full length in-depth discussion of his music and composing. Trombone, shells and all the fixin's. We get into the legendary Lightning Round where I choose a bunch of tracks, play them for YOU to enjoy and then Steve talks about what went into each one...the behind-the-scene's "Director's Cut" if you will.Join me and Steve as we hold court, hang out, and otherwise hobnob...

It's time to hang with the great Steve Turre! Trombonist/Composer/Leader/Shell Artist, Steve is a treasure in the world of jazz trombone! I've known Steve for awhile now and can tell you that he is a real force of nature. Constantly on the move and ever moving forward artistically, there is SO much to cover with this man's oeuvre.And cover it we DID! So I broke it all into two parts. This first part is all about Steve, his beginnings, his journey as an artist, his time at Saturday Night Live, and lots of other stuff!Let's go talk with Steve Turre...

On this episode we feature a rising star in the trombone firmament, Melissa Gardiner! A truly soulful and exciting trombonist, composer, bandleader, and educator who the great Curtis Fuller describes in this way: "technically creative and emotionally powerful. Her improvisation is inspiring and motivating for the listener, and she draws you in with a raw expression that directly relates to life experience." I think that sums it up quite well!In jazz, we all search for a recognizable persona that is all our own, that is the mission. Melissa has done that already and has a limitless future ahead of her. Join me as we hang out and discuss all aspects of her development, influences, lead playing concepts and lots more!Here's Melissa's website: https://www.melissamaymusic.com/ And here is a couple of the videos we discuss:Melissa Gardiner In Her Own Words:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIy-qJpKN0o"Bump" from "Empowered"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1RiO5VTrwQVulfpeck, Live at Madison Square Garden:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rv4wf7bzfFE&t=3072s

The Bones Malone show! Tom is one of the legends in our business, having played with EVERYONE out there, appeared on THOUSANDS of TV and Radio broadcasts, films, etc as a performer, multi instrumentalist, composer-arranger, Bones has enjoyed one of the most AMAZING careers in music EVER...and he is still going strong. Join us as we go deep into his development, his approach to the horn and his STELLAR career. This one is HUGE fun folks!