The SoundSpring Podcast: Guided Musical Journeys With Creative Musicians of Today

Hello listeners and welcome to episode 20, featuring pianist, composer, orchestrator, song-writer, musical director, musical supervisor...the list is endless...Jennifer Whyte!Jen is one of the most in-demand musical directors in the UK, having conducted dozens upon dozens of shows in the West End and abroad as well as for television and recording sessions.Outside of her busy theatre schedule, Jen has lent her outrageous piano skills to films such as Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera, to TV shows such as X Factor, Pop Idol and productions for the Disney Channel.Her gifts don't stop at waving her arms around and tickling the ivories, however, as Jen happens to be one of the finest orchestrators and composers I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Her writing is evocative, inviting and always takes the listener on the most amazing adventures. It's with the utmost pleasure that I'm able to introduce you to the most wonderful musician and dear friend, Jennifer Whyte.www.jenniferwhyte.co.ukwww.soundspring.co.ukwww.tommy-andrews.co.ukArtwork by Katie Stevenson: katiestevensoncreative.myportfolio.com

Hello listeners, and welcome to episode 19, featuring the whistle and flute virtuoso and composer, Brian Finnegan.When I first heard Brian's music back in 2015, I immediately fell in love with his playing and writing, and his recordings have been part of my staple musical diet ever since.After releasing his first solo album in 1993, Brian and three others founded the anglo-Irish group 'Flook' which for over 25 years has been winning awards and gaining a substantial international fan base with their playful and dazzling take on traditional folk music. Another band, Kan, was formed from four of the world's most influential traditional musicians and recorded one album, Sleeper, one of the most virtuosic albums I have ever heard. As well as being on the cutting edge of traditional music with his own groups, Brian also works regularly as a session musician. He has spent the last decade touring Russia and the Far East with Russian rock group Aquarium, and recorded alongside musical titans such as Fairport Convention and Ed Sheeran.I can't quite express how excited I am to welcome Brian onto the show. When I received a message from him agreeing to come on-board, I ran down the stairs and started jumping about the living room, much to my wife's confusion...So, without further ado, here is the maestro Brian Finnegan.www.brianfinneganmusic.comhttps://flook.co.ukwww.soundspring.co.ukwww.tommy-andrews.co.ukArtwork by Katie Stevenson: katiestevensoncreative.myportfolio.com 

Hello listeners and welcome to episode 18!This episode features a true icon of the music industry, Gavin Greenaway.Gavin is a British Emmy ® award-winning pianist, composer and conductor with an extensive catalogue of achievements: conducting over 100 feature film and television soundtracks, composing for major entertainment and cultural events, and producing and songwriting with chart-topping artists.Gavin has fostered long-standing relationships with many of the world’s eminent music creators, conducting scores for the likes of Hans Zimmer, James Newton Howard, John Powell, Daft Punk, Andrea Bocelli, George Michael and Sir Paul McCartney.However, when I first heard Gavin's second solo piano album ‘woven,’ I was mesmerised by its beauty and sense of narrative. As Gavin will explain, he went about using layered recordings of an upright piano ‘prepared’ with various fabrics and materials and the result is stunning.I'm thrilled to introduce the amazing Gavin Greenaway.www.soundspring.co.ukwww.tommy-andrews.co.ukArtwork by Katie Stevenson: katiestevensoncreative.myportfolio.com 

Hello listeners, and welcome to episode 17!This episode features the British-Bahraini trumpet player and composer, Yazz Ahmed.Ever since she started to release albums as a bandleader in 2011, Yazz's rise to the top of the scene has been unstoppable. Her middle-eastern inspired take on jazz composition has garnered much praise in the international media and attracted fans from all around the globe.As well as combining influences from her dual heritage, Yazz has also been experimenting with electronic music, releasing remixed and re-imagined versions of her seminal albums La Saboteuse and Polyhymnia. As an artist, I admire Yazz for her ability to look both back into her roots as well as constantly striving for new sounds and ideas. It hasn't gone unnoticed by the media, either, being recently awarded the album of the year and UK jazz act of the year at the Jazz FM awards.It's my absolute pleasure to welcome the wonderful Yazz Ahmed.www.yazzahmed.comwww.soundspring.co.ukwww.tommy-andrews.co.ukArtwork by Katie Stevenson: katiestevensoncreative.myportfolio.com 

Hello listeners, and welcome to Episode 16!This week features songwriter and saxophonist Matthew Herd, the creative force behind the band Seafarers. Their debut album, 'Orlando' was released in 2020 and I immediately fell under its spell. In Matt's words, the album explores Threads of solitude, longing, and an affiliation with the natural world, binding songs, instrumentals, and poetry. Outside of Seafarers, Matt is a sought after collaborator with some of London's most innovative musicians such as former SoundSpring guest Misha Mullov-Abbado , in a trio with Will Glaser and Liam Noble, a duo with pianist Tom Taylor, DJ Yoda, and the formidable Patchwork Jazz Orchestra.Matt and Seafarers were just about to embark on recording their 2nd album just days after this conversation, so I'm incredibly grateful for his time. Orlando is one of my favourite musical statements of the last few years and I can't wait to share it with you.Prepare to be taken on a most wonderful journey with Matt Herd and his project Seafarers.www.seafarersmusic.comwww.matthewherd.comwww.soundspring.co.ukwww.tommy-andrews.co.ukArtwork by Katie Stevenson: katiestevensoncreative.myportfolio.com 

Hello listeners, and welcome to episode 15, featuring composer, saxophonist and educator Andrew Linham.After studying at Leeds College of Music, Andrew moved down to London to complete a post-grad at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where we met and started playing together.It wasn't long before he started making a name for himself. In 2011 he was a recipient of the Yamaha Jazz Scholarship Award and in 2012 he released his first album as a leader entitled ‘Abandoned Silence’ which received critical acclaim. In 2013, Andrew was asked to write the music to fill the second-half of a gig at the Forge in London. What emerged was a work called 'The Linferno Suite,' a long-form work for big band following the story of Dante's Inferno. I was so glad to be involved in this premiere and I've been lucky enough to perform Andrew's music ever since.This was just the beginning of a creative explosion that saw Andrew form his own jazz orchestra, self-described as a  'loud visceral remedy of jazz-based insanity to warm the cockles of your heart.' Over the next few years he wrote dozens of new works, including 'The Theme Music of Anarchic Animals' and released a critically acclaimed big band album titled 'Weapons of Mass Distraction.' Downbeat magazine summed up Andrew's record perfectly describing the group as 'one of the boldest—and most eccentric—large jazz ensembles performing today...striking a perfect balance between the sublime and the ridiculous.'You'd think Andrew had no time to spin any more plates, but he is also a teacher, music educator and writes numerous original musicals which he produces and MD's. I've still not worked out how he does it all.Andrew is a dear friend and frequent sax-section wing-man. I think that he makes the world a better place with his warmth, humour and generosity. Prepare yourself for the creative marvel that is Andrew Linham. www.soundspring.co.ukwww.tommy-andrews.co.ukArtwork by Katie Stevenson: katiestevensoncreative.myportfolio.com 

Hello listeners, and welcome to episode 14, featuring composer, vocalist and educator, Ella Jarman-Pinto.Ella is a critically acclaimed composer, described by Classic FM as ‘one of the UK’s most exciting music-makers’. She has had repeat performances of her work by BBC Singers, broadcasts by BBC Radio 3, and was Composer in Residence with Streetwise Opera from 2016-17.Ella was featured in both BBC Radio 3’s International Women’s Day (2016) and BBC National Music Day (2015). She received a further performance and broadcast by the BBC, alongside Dame Errollyn Wallen, as part of a BASCA concert celebrating works by black and minority ethnic composers in 2016. Ella's talents can also be heard in award-winning film and television, and with several exciting projects lined up, she really is one to watch.After studying at the Guildhall together many moons ago, it really was such a pleasure to catch-up and I'm thrilled to introduce all of you to the wonderful Ella Jarman-Pinto.www.ellajarman-pinto.co.ukwww.soundspring.co.ukwww.tommy-andrews.co.ukArtwork by Katie Stevenson: katiestevensoncreative.myportfolio.com 

Hello listeners, and thanks for tuning in to episode 13! Today you'll be hearing from the fantastic guitarist and composer Ant Law. We actually recorded this episode on the 21st August 2020, but in an attempt to balance the different genres we get to enjoy Ant's wisdom nearly 7 months later!Since Ant moved to the UK from Saudi Arabia in his teens, he has built a reputation as one of the UK's most prolific and innovative bandleaders. He has released four amazing albums under his own name, whilst also collaborating on hugely significant and grammy-nominated albums with international artists such as Tim Garland, Jason Rebello and Evelyn Glennie.Ant is also highly revered for his mastery on the guitar, featured in publications such as 'Total Guitar,' Guitar Techniques, and Guitarist magazine. He has also authored a book entitled '3rd Millenium Guitar: Introduction to perfect fourths tuning.'Needless to say, he is a huge inspiration for me and many others around the world. It is my pleasure to welcome Ant Law.  www.antlaw.co.ukwww.soundspring.co.ukwww.tommy-andrews.co.ukArtwork by Katie Stevenson: katiestevensoncreative.myportfolio.com

Hello listeners, and welcome to episode 12. This week we have the creative force that is Pete Letanka. Pete came onto the scene after graduating from Leeds College of Music. Forming a trio and releasing his debut album 'Afrostocracy' on the award winning Zephyr label garnered a great deal of positive press. All the while, he had started working for the Children's music workshop and subsequently his education work has inspired people from all ages, backgrounds and genres. Pete's versatility and vision sees him facilitating composition in youth offender’s institutes, creating jazz ensembles with primary school children; working with professional orchestras and opera houses and working with street children in India.  Pete enjoyed three years as the Artistic Director of Aldeburgh Music’s ‘Group A’ and five years as a Music Director of Glyndebourne Youth Opera. He is an education ambassador for the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and a trustee for the St. Albans Cathedral Music Trust.I started playing and educating with Pete through Ed Babar's Blues and Roots ensemble, and I knew that I had found a kindred spirit when it came to sharing the expressive powers of music. I rarely meet people who possess such boundless energy and enthusiasm. Pete truly is a treasure and a force for good in the world. Please welcome the extraordinary Pete Letanka.  LINK TO PERFORMANCE OF 'HOPE AND GLORY': https://vimeo.com/344610371www.peteletanka.comwww.soundspring.co.ukwww.tommy-andrews.co.ukArtwork by Katie Stevenson: katiestevensoncreative.myportfolio.com 

Welcome to episode 11, featuring vocalist and composer Sara Dowling.After spending 9 years growing up between Oman and Jordan, Sara's family moved to Cornwall in order to provide her and her siblings with their desired education.Loaned a 'cello by her school, Sara made short work of reaching a high level, gaining a scholarship to the Cheetham's School of Music aged 12 and then attending the Royal Northern College of Music for her degree. Sara performed for giants of the 'cello world including Steven Isserlis and Yo Yo Ma as well as performing the Saint-Saens 'cello concerto with the Hallé orchestra.However, after suffering from burnout and feeling lost with the 'cello, Sara took a detour from music to become a classroom teacher for 4 years. Luckily for us, though, a moment of madness took hold whilst walking past Matt and Phred's jazz club in Manchester. Sara got up and sang a number at the jam session and found her expressive musical spark again.She quit her teaching job and moved to London, and was soon working with the best names in the business. She now has Two albums to her name as a band-leader and was awarded Best Jazz Vocalist at British Jazz Awards 2019.I first played with Sara when she was invited to play with the London City Big band as part of our monthly residency at the Spice of Life in Soho. I was absolutely astonished by her expressiveness, flair and authenticity. One way you know a vocalist is the real deal is when there's an atmosphere of excitement in the band when they learn who is guesting, and that is certainly the case with Sara.I'm absolutely thrilled to introduce one of my favourite jazz vocalists working in the world today, the breathtaking Sara Dowling.www.saradowling.co.ukwww.soundspring.co.ukwww.tommy-andrews.co.ukArtwork by Katie Stevenson: katiestevensoncreative.myportfolio.com