Comedian Stewart Lee on Germanic free jazz, how stand-up comedy and jazz are inseparable and what led Lee to drop his trousers on stage nightly!
Presenter, Journalist, and Jazz Pianist Jay Rayner explores the suitability of jazz musicians to take a political role (it’s not a positive take!), how the entire Count Basie orchestra could be very useful in an armed conflict and some childish sniggering over the name Dick Hyman.
Co-Founder of Tomorrows Warriors and Bass Player Gary Crosby OBE on memories of late-night New Orleans, the healing power of John Coltrane and a plan to take his political inner-circle to Jamaica regularly!
Pianist, Composer, and Broadcaster Julian Joseph on a plan to send Ella Fitzgerald out to heal patients using just the power of her voice, the creation of a unique government role - Minister for the Environment AND Lyricism - and whispering with Miles Davis.
Comedian Isy Suttie on Duke Ellington’s extreme diets, her experience in making penguins out of chicken wire and papier mache - and how she’d encourage her entire cabinet to sing their policies.
Reggae Musician and Record Producer Dennis Bovell MBE on why we should always look for the sunny side of the street, which jazz musician created a cat toilet training book in the 1950s and the influence of the Muppet Show.
British Jazz Vocalist Claire Martin OBE on why Pat Metheny doesn’t know the going rate for the tooth fairy, the musician who bought Barack Obama’s house and how Ella Fitzgerald was the first female big band leader.
Trades differences of opinion on the Royal Albert Hall, advice on looking cool in a hot jazz club and why a Justice Secretary who’s “one of the lads” might be a good idea.
Explains how she almost started with the oboe rather than the saxophone, introduces a different Strawberry Hill and causes controversy with some vote-rigging!
Suggests an entire family for one of his nominations, the joys of listening to old ‘78s’ and a wardrobe mishap that has the whole audience laughing.