You Dig?

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 WIESTWORLD. 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 coming SOON!~Today'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. So this is a long one. To help with your browsing, below is a nice handy-dandy times stamp list.🎧 WIESTWORLD with Nick Lane – Podcast Chapters00:00 🎷 Welcome to WIESTWORLD00:18 🎬 Setting the Scene: Prelude to a Nick02:37 👋 Say Hello to Nick Lane!09:10 🎼 The Origins of a Jazz Legend: Nick Lane Begins!20:07 🚌 Maynard on the Road: Nick Joins the Band31:27 🏙️ Musical Roots: The Sound of Chicago39:13 🎛️ Gear Talk & Trombone Wizardry50:07 🚀 Welcome to JamTrek!56:08 ⚡ The Lightning Round Begins!56:49 🇺🇸 Bone in the U.S.A. 🎵 (“Big and Hairy”)1:03:22 🏡 Songs for the Heartland 🎵 (“Home on the Range”)1:14:07 🤠 “Alias” Smith and Lane 🎵 (“Blues for Buddy”)1:20:37 🎡 “Carnival” Maynard Ferguson 🎵 (“Birdland”)1:31:33 🎤 Final Thoughts & Farewell

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!

It's Mr. Lead Trombone himself folks! Andy Martin! One of the most accomplished lead, solo, studio, and film musicians on the planet. And he is with US today on the Leadology Podcast! We got into all kinds of fun stuff on this one including Andy's background, lead concept, how he developed, who his influences are, and of course: BASEBALL! It is a wide-ranging tour de force that you do NOT want to miss! So...DON'T! Check it out right here...

The great Vincent Gardner is here! 2014 Downbeat Magazine Critics Poll WINNER for rising star (turns out they were CORRECT!) lead trombonist with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra directed by Wynton Marsalis, director of the JALC Youth Orchestra, five records as a leader with Steeplechase Records, recording artist in many other projects as well as with his brother Derrick Gardner's group The Jazz Prophets, and since 2017: Artistic Director at Jazz Houston! Yep. Vince is BUSY! But he found time to come hang with us today on the podcast and we covered LOTS of ground! Vince's background, development, career, and his music. So dive on in and ENJOY!

It's Paul McKee Day! Man-Oh-MAN, I've been lookin' forward to THIS one! Paul and I have known each other since we were on the road back in the '80s. He is one of my all-time favorite jazz trombonists, composers, arrangers, educators, and he's just a great guy! In a review for the Jeff Benedict Big Band Album "Holmes" where Paul contributed some charts and trombone playing,"The Jazz Reader" website described Paul's playing like this:"McKee is a born lyricist on the trombone, that dazzles with "slide of hand" and is the heir apparent to former slide masters like Carl Fontana and Frank Rosolino."I couldn't agree more folks! So, dig in and enjoy my conversation with my blood-brother Paul McKee as we discuss trombone, his influences, and background, his writing, and go deliciously "off the rails" LOTS!

It's Mike Dease Day! Woo Hoo! This episode is all about the swingin' tour de force that is trombonist Michael Dease. Winner of the 2023 Downbeat Critic's Poll (#1 Trombonist) virtuoso, composer, orchestrator, educator, superlative speaker, and nice guy! MAN! We talked about SO much that I've divided this one up into Chapters so you can dance back-and-forth and go wherever you'd like in our in-depth conversation. Enjoy!

The amazing and inspirational Carol Jarvis joins us for a fabulous discussion of her polymath world. Carol is a stellar trombonist, keyboard player and programmer, arranger, composer, voice-over artist, pod-cast host ("In My Veins") and current president of the International Trombone Association. She's performed with hundreds of great artists and organizations such as Sting, Michael Bolton, Seal, Taylor Swift, The London Symphony and BBC Orchestra, as well as West End shows. We also get into the incredible story of her epic battle with Hodgkin Lymphoma cancer ...and THAT is a tale that simply must be heard. Join us for a delightful soirée with examples of her diverse body of wonderful musical work!Carol Jarvis Links:Carol's Website:https://caroljarvis.com/Carol's Podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/1TbvYjSBvPm8PPihpMoOwT

We rejoin the discussion with the great Marshall Gilkes, only this time–presented with a bit more Podcast time–I include FULL TRACKS of some of the pieces in The Lightning Round! Come check out the fun folks...and while you're at it, pick up Marshall's NEWEST project that just dropped: "Life Songs" https://www.marshallgilkes.com/category/all-products

Here's Part One of an in depth and HUGE fun conversation with the great Marshall Gilkes: trombonist DELUXE, composer, orchestrator, leader, and all-around nice cat! We get into Marshall's background and begin "The Lightning Round" where I pick one piece from each album in his already profound canon of work and we do a deep dive as to what he was thinking when he wrote it, the people he played with and how he approached performing each one. After you dig this (or whilst you are digging it!) go to Marshall's website and BUY his music. WOWZA!https://www.marshallgilkes.com/