2-5-1

What is an altered scale, where can you use it, what are its other names, and what scale is it related to? Nick and Simon shed light on the altered scale and its harmonic usage.

Send us a text Simon & Nick talk about a book they both enjoyed reading. But Beautiful by Geoff Dyer

Who was Hod O'Brien? In this episode Nick introduces Simon to a pianist he feels deserves wider recognition.

In this episode Nick and Simon discuss the Cabaret Card and it's impact on the New York jazz scene of the 1940's and 50's.

Nick And Simon visited Paul Pace at Ronnie Scotts and asked him these 5 questions 1. Could you tell us about the history of the Spice of Life jazz club. How did it come about, what were the early days like etc 2. What is your involvement with the club now and what are some of the challenges involved in running a jazz club at this time.   3. How did you become involved with Ronnie Scott's jazz...

Can You Hear Me at the Back? Nick and Simon lay out the development of amplification, and how it has been used in jazz.

Salutations solid gone gators, Nick and Simon beat their gums to give you the swingformation on Jive talk. They are putting it down and you better pick up on it, so tune on in and get your signal right. Hey gate! put down that giggle water we don't want no gin mill cowboys here, so agitate the gravel jack, only Ding Dong Daddies and Dungaree Dolls hip to the jive welcome.  If you dug our epis...

In this episode Nick and Simon enjoy an ice cream while speaking Esperanto. No? OK,  they discuss the concept of 'The Lick", that divisive little melodic fragment in the improvisation debate.  Are you improvising if you play a lick?  What does the 'language analogy' bring to the table,  la table, la mesa, la tablo?  Will you have a banana? Have you been to the Guildhall? Click...

In our jazz quest to entertain and inform we like to shed light on some less well-known pianists who we think are worth exploring.  Joe Albany is one such player. Click Below for useful links Patreon Linktree Facebook

When it's a voicing. Nick and Simon discuss the meaning of the word voicing in jazz and on piano in particular.

In this episode we outline the origins of some nicknames of jazz players. Why was Charlie Parker called Bird? How did Jeff 'Tain' Watts get his moniker and we skate over why Eddie Davis was known as Lockjaw! Click Below for useful links Patreon Linktree Facebook

In the first of our new interview stream we talk to Steve Rubie who has run the 606 club for many decades.  We asked him about 1. The history of the club and the move to Lots road. 2. The ethos of the club 3.  Surviving the pandemic 4. Highlights over the years and any anecdotes 5. What does the future of the 606 look like? Check out the 606  Website  

In this episode Nick introduces Simon to a little known pianist : Dick Twardzik. follow us on Facebook we have a Patreon Page also

In this episode Nick and Simon discuss this symmetrical scale that has been known about for a surprisingly long time, and has come to be used extensively by jazz improvisers.

Normal service is resumed after the April fools gag that was Des Luton. In this episode Nick and Simon discuss the use of the tuba in jazz, from its role as primary bass instrument to colouristic and improvisational member of the ensemble. Comments welcome  via your podcast app or via our Facebook page.  2-5-1-Facebook  Thanks for listening!

In this episode Nick and Simon discuss the obscure British pianist Des Luton [1924-1987?]. Known for an incredible left-hand technique, Des has since fallen into obscurity.  Nick and Simon have managed to get hold of possibly the only recording of the mercurial piano player via a 78 RPM recording made as a demo and unreleased commercially; so for once we can play it! (Please note, this episode of...

In this episode Nick and Simon consider the subject of bebop scales. Did Charlie Parker use them?  What are they and what do they sound like?

In this episode Nick and Simon discuss the legendary Village Vanguard Jazz Club in New York.

Send us a text In this episode Nick and Simon discuss how the available recording media at various times have affected jazz. 

Nick and Simon briefly explore the pianistic technique of playing block chords, find out what block chords are, who used them and how they work.

Nick and Simon discuss the pianist Mel Powell who had an illustrious career in jazz and modern classical music.  He played with some of the top jazz players of the age and married a film star.  His later years  were as an educator at the highest level replacing Paul Hindemith as head of composition at Yale and setting up Cal Arts back in Hollywood.  A pianist who deserves...

Send us a text WTFH? What the French Horn? Nick and Simon discuss the use of the French Horn in Jazz Take a look at our Facebook page

In this bonus Christmas edition Nick and Simon discuss five Christmas tunes favoured by jazz musicians. The Christmas Song Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas White Christmas Winter Wonderland O Christmas Tree Check out our facebook page. Merry Christmas!

In the final episode of Series 2 Nick and Simon discuss Dexter Calling, the last album Kenny Drew made with Dexter Gordon in the US, and One Flight Up one of the few Blue Note albums recorded in Europe in the 1960s; Our Man in Paris being another obvious example, also a Dexter Gordon session.  In 1961 Kenny Drew moved to Europe and Dexter Gordon soon followed. Dexter did return in 1973 to US...

Nick and Simon discuss Undercurrent, arguably a hidden gem in the rich soil of the Blue Note label's discography. It was Kenny Drew's last album as leader for the label, and shows his compositional style and improvisation skills off in a showcase of original tunes with a band playing exceptionally well.