The Louis Dowdeswell Podcast

Discover the remarkable story of Mike Lovatt—one of the UK’s most respected trumpet players. From a devastating cycling accident that nearly ended his career at 14, to performing with the John Wilson Orchestra, Jesse Norman, and leading his own Brass Pack ensemble, Mike shares powerful lessons on motivation, sound, and the soul of every note.   Perfect for brass players, musicians, and anyone seeking inspiration on resilience and artistry. 🎧 Listen now to hear Mike’s philosophy, his career milestones, and the wisdom he’s passing on to the next generation.   0:00 – Louis introduces Mike Lovatt and his legendary career. 6:42 – The life-changing accident at 14: losing teeth and fearing the end of trumpet playing. 12:15 – Six weeks later: returning to the stage with no teeth. 21:03 – Learning by ear, early influences, and discovering the trumpet’s sound. 34:27 – Motivation, resilience, and playing like your life depends on it. 48:10 – Lessons from working with Jesse Norman and the John Wilson Orchestra. 1:02:22 – Respecting the trumpet: philosophy, belief, and daily mindset. 1:15:08 – The importance of sound and connection with the audience. 1:28:54 – Passing on knowledge: Brass Pack, Brass Cubs, and inspiring the next generation. 1:44:30 – What’s next: recording a new solo album and future projects.     Join the Trumpet Academy: https://www.skool.com/louis-trumpet-academy-6100

Trumpet legend John Thirkell joins Louis Dowdeswell to share stories from Buddy Rich to Jamiroquai, plus insights on practice, confidence & business.   ⏱️ Timestamp Highlights 00:00 – Facing fears & growth as a musician 02:10 – Introducing John Thirkell: trumpet & flugelhorn legend 06:45 – Discovering the trumpet at school in the North East 14:20 – Failing auditions but finding another path 19:00 – QE2 gigs: sight-reading, cabaret & lessons learned 25:40 – Moving to London & joining the BBC Big Band 32:10 – Touring with Buddy Rich & high-pressure band life 42:00 – Staying calm under pressure: Caruso lessons & mindset 52:30 – Teaching methods: Bill Adam, Bob Becka & mental game 1:03:00 – Touring with Lisa Stansfield & Swing Out Sister 1:12:20 – Studio session life in the 80s & 90s boom 1:23:00 – Creating passive income & the Two Camels business 1:35:00 – Productivity, planning & tackling hard tasks first 1:48:00 – Balancing trumpet practice with business life 1:57:00 – On confidence, comebacks & playing after 8 years off 2:08:00 – Elite Music Camps in Spain: beyond the notes 2:18:00 – Final thoughts: execution over ideas & looking ahead     Join the Trumpet Academy: https://www.skool.com/louis-trumpet-academy-6100

In this episode of The Louis Dowdeswell Podcast, I sit down with the phenomenal saxophone player and fellow music school alum, Sean Payne. We go deep—from our early gigs and pub chats to intense topics like perfect pitch, internalising music, composition philosophies, circular breathing, and the psychology of practice. Sean shares what it means to be a "serial learner" and why musical breakthroughs often come from reducing things to their simplest forms. You'll hear us talk about: The myth of perfect pitch and how it can actually be developed Writing jazz melodies without rhythmic crutches The emotional reason most people don’t improve How listening habits shape your entire sound Why Sean refuses to slow solos down when transcribing And what Michael Brecker, Wayne Shorter, Joey Calderazzo & Cannibal Adderley all taught him indirectly This one's a goldmine for sax players, jazz musicians, teachers, and anyone obsessed with getting better at their craft—no fluff, just real talk from the trenches.   Join the Trumpet Academy: https://www.skool.com/louis-trumpet-academy-6100     🧠 Real musicianship. Real learning. Real stories. Come join us inside the mind of one of the UK’s most exciting young jazz voices.     📍 Timestamps / Highlights: 00:00 – Welcome & intro to Sean Payne 03:14 – Internalising music: “If you can’t hear it, you can’t play it” 08:45 – Perfect pitch: Myth, memory & training 15:20 – Developing pitch through singing in unfamiliar keys 20:33 – Altissimo register & limiting beliefs 28:40 – Circular breathing story from the pub 33:12 – What Sean’s learning now: melody-rhythm 39:50 – The art of leaving space in writing 47:10 – Does prescription kill creativity in large ensembles? 56:45 – Minimalism in writing: what Miles, Wayne & Coltrane taught us 1:02:10 – Transcribing vs understanding: deeper than just notes 1:08:02 – Pattern playing, originality & Joey Calderazzo’s brutal honesty 1:20:15 – Practicing without your instrument 1:24:40 – Tonguing, tempo, and mental “sloppiness” 1:30:11 – Deep listening: why 3 albums are better than 300 1:37:33 – Music vs lawnmowers: finding your sound in an age of overwhelm 1:44:00 – What people really mean when they “don’t have time to practice” 1:51:18 – Why Sean won't copy Brecker anymore 1:57:20 – The difference between wanting an outcome & doing the work 2:04:00 – Wrap-up: the mental game of mastery

In this very special conversation, trumpet legend Simon Gardner opens up to Louis about his personal spiritual experience during the final weeks of his late wife's life. What starts as a simple chat turns into one of the most powerful, vulnerable, and hope-filled stories we've ever shared on this channel. Simon talks about: Coping with terminal illness as a partner Going sober through grief Witnessing unexplained spiritual phenomena What he believes happens after we die The comfort and peace that carried him through unimaginable pain Whether you're spiritual, religious, or simply curious—this story is for anyone seeking comfort in the face of loss. 👉 Join the Trumpet Academy: https://www.skool.com/louis-trumpet-a... ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Simon's spiritual story preview 01:40 – Losing faith after childhood Catholicism 03:10 – Simon’s wife diagnosed with terminal cancer 05:00 – Going sober to face grief head-on 06:45 – The moment it happened: seeing “wisps” 08:00 – A spirit goes through his chest—morphine-like euphoria 09:30 – The message: “Everything’s going to be okay” 12:10 – What Simon believes about the afterlife 14:20 – Seeing the spirits in the hospice 16:15 – Why people need to hear this 18:20 – Coming out the other side of grief 20:00 – Moving forward with love and new life 22:30 – Words of hope for anyone facing loss #SimonGardner #SpiritualExperience #LifeAfterDeath #GriefJourney #TrumpetCommunity #LouisDowdeswell #HopeAfterLoss #FaithAndMusic #HealingThroughGrief #TrumpetPodcast #MusicAndSpirit #LossAndLove #FindingPeace

In this powerful episode of the Louis Dowdeswell Podcast, legendary British lead trumpet player Simon Gardner shares untold stories from decades on the London music scene. From playing with Derek Watkins to discovering Maynard Ferguson, Simon reveals his journey from school band to West End pit, along with heartfelt advice for the next generation. Whether you're chasing a Super C or just trying to survive 8 shows a week, this chat is packed with practical wisdom, hilarious tour stories, and brass geekery you won’t hear anywhere else. Topics Include: Simon’s first trumpet—won by singing a scale Playing along to Glenn Miller, Sinatra, and Maynard Learning by ear vs traditional practice Recording tips for section blend & feel The reality of West End gigs & balancing family life Creating the Super C Big Band in tribute to Derek Watkins 🎧 Listen now and get inspired to embrace your own sound—with all its imperfections. 🕒 Timestamps / Highlights: 00:00 – Intro & warm welcome to Simon Gardner 03:00 – Simon’s hilarious first encounter with the trumpet 07:40 – Learning lead parts from Glenn Miller LPs 11:45 – Hearing Maynard Ferguson for the first time: mind blown 15:30 – Chasing sound over range: lessons from Conrad Gozzo 21:20 – Playing high vs. playing musically 26:00 – Derek Watkins stories & the birth of the Super C Big Band 32:15 – Teaching at RAM: Louis & Simon’s candid lesson memories 36:50 – Recording tips: perfection vs humanity in music 42:30 – “Play behind the beat”—but not too behind! 47:10 – Big band timing, blend & the illusion of perfection 51:50 – Simon’s solo album & multitracking brass sections 55:00 – Time, tone & why sound is your musical fingerprint 59:30 – West End life: the reality behind 8 shows a week 1:04:00 – The biggest change in the London session scene 1:09:20 – Advice to young players: say yes, show up, play everything 1:12:00 – Closing thoughts & gratitude 👉 Join the Trumpet Academy: https://www.skool.com/louis-trumpet-a... #TrumpetPodcast #LouisDowdeswell #SimonGardner #LeadTrumpet #BigBandLife #DerekWatkins #MaynardFerguson #WestEndMusician #TrumpetTips #JazzTrumpet #ConradGozzo #MusicIndustryAdvice #RecordingTrumpet #TrumpetSound #SessionMusician #SuperCBigBand #TrumpetLegends #BrassTalk #TrumpetInspiration #PracticeTips

Join Louis and Sam Walters (founder of Vibrantics) as they dive into belief, humility, and storytelling in creative growth. They discuss fear, taking leaps, building the Trumpet Academy, and why humility—not ego—unlocks real progress. Perfect for musicians, creators, and entrepreneurs seeking clarity and inspiration. 0:00 – Welcome & Introduction Louis introduces Sam, the first non-musician guest, and their work building the Trumpet Academy. 2:35 – Who is Sam Walters? Sam shares his journey cycling Japan while running a business and meeting Louis. 5:40 – Why This Conversation Matters Aligning the podcast around intention, belief, and transformation. 8:05 – What Sam’s Agency Does Explaining how Vibrantics helps creators monetize their expertise through education. 10:45 – Overcoming Fear & Taking the Leap Louis shares initial fears and what led him to start the academy. 13:22 – Why Belief is Everything Sam on why failures shape success and the importance of courage in taking action. 16:50 – The Limiting Beliefs Creators Face Exploring why many people struggle to see what’s possible. 19:40 – Learning Through Imitation Louis explains why imitation is critical for musicians and entrepreneurship alike. 23:00 – The Power of Storytelling Sam shares why he believes stories inspire belief and why he plans to build an animation studio. 26:30 – What Makes a Great Story? Sam explains that it’s about how a story makes you feel, not just how many people it reaches. 29:20 – Louis on Humility vs. Self-Belief How humility (not self-deprecation) is the true foundation for growth. 33:15 – Golf, Trumpet, and Being Bad First Louis explains why accepting being bad at something is key to learning. 36:50 – Paradigms and Questioning Beliefs Sam on how people accept limiting beliefs without questioning if they serve them. 40:40 – Objective Truth vs. Relativism Louis discusses why believing in objective truth creates clear paths for growth. 43:55 – What’s Next for Louis? Louis shares his vision for the Trumpet Academy and why he now lives each day openly, ready for opportunities. JOIN THE TRUMPET ACADEMY: Learn from world-class instructors: https://www.skool.com/louis-trumpet-academy-6100?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaedbprFaehIhwsSpPAyDOStYIWt-cIS31AbGVTgLfdthBQuA8ccUwYRU0SgaemKe8Kq1eYfQbnaR_dPVXRoQ 📱 FOLLOW LOUIS: Instagram:   / louistpt   YouTube:    / chickentiko   Facebook:   / louisdowdeswellmusic   Website: https://louisdowdeswell.com #LouisDowdeswell #TrumpetAcademy #SamWalters #MusicianMindset #CreativeGrowth #Storytelling #Humility #Belief #ArtistJourney #EntrepreneurMindset

Trumpet legend Bobby Shew joins me for one of the most honest, eye-opening conversations I’ve ever had. From his early days sneaking into jazz clubs, to bleeding on stage with Buddy Rich, to walking away from the L.A. studio scene—Bobby shares it all.   We talk about: Finding your voice as a musician The myth of perfection Why most players overblow The importance of internal rhythm and relative pitch How emotion—not just mechanics—shapes your playing His views on education, mouthpieces, and mentorship This isn’t just for trumpet players. It’s for anyone trying to make music with honesty. Highlights: 00:03 — “I didn’t grow up in a musical family. But there was a trumpet in a closet—and that changed my life.” 09:12 — “Most musicians don’t realise: music came before language. It’s about vibration, not perfection.” 21:05 — “A good relative pitch ear and internal rhythm—that’s what you want. Not perfect pitch.” 26:42 — “It’s not the drummer. It’s the bass player who makes it groove.” 36:09 — “Practicing without emotion teaches you to play without emotion.” 43:57 — “If a teacher can’t explain why you’re doing something—don’t do it.” 48:30 — “Play free. No bar lines. No rules. Just play what you feel.” 55:22 — “The biggest mistake in education? Teaching from the page instead of from the soul.” 01:01:18 — “Every dollar I made after 1982 came from doing what I loved: teaching and jazz.” 01:09:45 — “You can impress people or you can touch people. Choose.” 01:18:52 — “The mouthpiece is a mirror. If you can’t play it, you can’t play the horn.” 01:26:14 — “Overblowing and playing too tight—that’s what kills most chops.” 01:36:22 — “Start beginners on smaller mouthpieces. It’s not about tradition—it’s about physiology.” 01:45:10 — “Play with feel. Not just volume. Especially if you’re second trumpet.” 01:52:05 — “You don’t need perfect teeth to sound great. Just listen to Al Porcino.”

In this episode, Louis sits down with his longtime friend and trumpet powerhouse Ryan Quigley. Broadcasting from Prozone Music, they unpack Ryan’s remarkable journey from growing up in Glasgow’s East End to touring with legends like Quincy Jones and Robbie Williams. With stories of family, fiery playing, and finding musical identity, Ryan opens up about the path that shaped him—from salsa nights in Edinburgh to lessons from his dad and early gigs with Louis himself. A must-listen for anyone passionate about music, friendship, and forging your own path.

Step into the world of Norwegian jazz with acclaimed trumpeter Frank Brodahl as he shares his profound insights on musical intention and artistic expression. In this enlightening conversation with host Louis Dowdeswell, Frank opens up about his journey from discovering jazz through his father's vinyl collection to becoming a pivotal figure in the European jazz scene. Frank delves deep into: • The evolution of Norwegian jazz and its unique characteristics • Finding the delicate balance between technical proficiency and musical expression • His philosophy on teaching and guiding aspiring musicians • The art of intentional performance and musical storytelling • The importance of cultural influences in jazz development Whether you're a trumpet player, jazz enthusiast, or music educator, this episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of technical mastery and artistic intention. Frank's approach to music education and performance provides a fresh perspective on how we can all deepen our musical expression. About Frank Brodahl: A respected figure in European jazz, Frank brings decades of performance and teaching experience to this conversation. His unique approach to musical intention has influenced countless students and performers across the continent. About The Louis Dowdeswell Podcast: Join professional trumpeter and educator Louis Dowdeswell as he explores the artistry, technique, and philosophy of world-class musicians. Each episode brings you closer to mastering your craft through intimate conversations with leading performers and educators. Connect with Louis: 🎺 Join the Trumpet Academy: louisdowdeswell.com 📱 Instagram: @louistpt 🎵 YouTube: Louis Dowdeswell Tags: Jazz Trumpet, Music Education, Norwegian Jazz, Performance Tips, Musical Expression

My guest today is the great trumpeter, psychologist, and golfer, Greg Spence. Greg currently lives in Coolum Beach, just north of Brisbane, Australia, and has been a transformative figure in the world of brass and wind playing. Through his online platform Mystery to Mastery, he’s helped thousands of musicians develop better technique, overcome performance issues, and reconnect with their instruments in healthy and sustainable ways. Greg's expertise goes far beyond trumpet playing. He has become a trusted resource for musicians and performers suffering from neurological disorders such as Bell’s Palsy, focal dystonia, embouchure issues, and performance anxiety. His approach is both scientific and compassionate, blending neurological insight with a deep understanding of learning processes and human psychology. In this episode, we explore: - The three tiers of learning and why most people never reach true mastery. - How to train the brain and body to work together effectively. - The role of intention, visualization, and feeling in skill development. - How Greg overcame his own challenges through experimentation and innovation. - His work with people suffering from performance-related neurological conditions. And finally, a beautiful and powerful conversation about altruism, personal values, and why Greg shares his knowledge so freely This is a rich and inspiring conversation for musicians, athletes, educators, and anyone interested in how we learn, grow, and help others do the same. Please visit my online academy if you'd like to hear more from Greg --> https://www.skool.com/louis-trumpet-academy-6100   Please enjoy!

The first episode kicks off with the incredible Wayne Bergeron! A little over a decade ago, I met my trumpet hero, so it seemed like a good time to reflect on that and announce my new podcast with him. We discuss how our journeys crossed, the past 10 years of our relationship, a little on the terrifying Southern CA fires and then a nice juicy series of questions that I came up with, discussing all sorts of playing/business/mental challenges. I hope there is something in here for everyone. Wayne is a fountain of knowledge and wisdom on the trumpet and he has been an incredible mentor for me. Please enjoy!