You Dig?

Founding Yellowjackets pianist and composer Russell Ferrante joins Steve Wiest for a wide-ranging conversation about music, mentors, creativity and a remarkable life in jazz.Russ takes us back to his gospel-soaked childhood in San Jose and the extraordinary Bay Area music scene that helped shape him. From there, the stories come fast: Robben Ford and the beginnings of Yellowjackets, Clifford Coulter, Wayne Shorter, Joni Mitchell, Bobby McFerrin, Lorraine Feather, Star Trek IV and legendary film composer Leonard Rosenman.Along the way, Russell shares one of the great pieces of musical advice, given to him by...

Season Four of You Dig? launches with one of the most extraordinary trumpet players of our time: the legendary Wayne Bergeron.Wayne sits down with Steve Wiest for a hilarious, wide-ranging musician-to-musician conversation about a lifetime spent making music at the highest level—and the remarkable people and stories he encountered along the way.Wayne remembers his dear friend Jack Sheldon, including the unforgettable experience of playing “Taps” at Jack’s funeral on Jack’s own trumpet. He reveals a previously unheard Jack Sheldon project, tells the complete story of the infamous $100 piccolo trumpet, and takes us i...

Season Three concludes with one of today's most thoughtful jazz artists.Steve sits down with saxophonist, composer, educator and author Adam Larson for an engaging conversation about music, creativity, entrepreneurship, education, family life and building a sustainable career in today's music industry.They discuss Adam's acclaimed educational books, his Music Business Boot Camp, composing, Michael Brecker's influence, passive income for musicians, and much more before Adam faces the legendary Dig You Inquisition.Whether you're a performer, educator, student, or simply love hearing creative people talk honestly about their craft, this is a terrific...

Trumpeter, composer, educator, and bandleader Derrick Gardner joins Steve on the Front Porch for an inspiring conversation about music, family, mentorship, and building a life in jazz.From growing up under the influence of his legendary father Burgess Gardner, to performing with Frank Foster and the Count Basie Orchestra, touring with Harry Connick Jr., leading the acclaimed Big Dig! Band, and directing jazz studies at Northwestern University, Derrick shares stories and wisdom from every stage of an extraordinary career.They discuss composition, mentorship, jazz education, Woody Shaw, Larry Young's Unity, jam session etiquette, the importance...

British trombone/composer/producer phenom Callum Au joins Steve Wiest for an engaging conversation about trombone, arranging, composition, creativity, and his acclaimed new album Sing Seven Seas.The discussion ranges from Callum's early years in Blackpool, England, to his work with Michael Bublé, Claire Martin, Quincy Jones celebrations at the Royal Albert Hall, and his growing reputation as one of the most exciting arrangers and composers working today.Along the way, Steve and Callum discuss trombone culture, the London jazz scene, Louis Dowdeswell, Mark Nightingale, National Youth Jazz Orchestra, unusual instruments, fatherhood, and the delicate b...

Tour manager and production veteran Ed Sargent joins Steve Wiest for a wide-ranging conversation covering forty-four years of friendship, music, and adventures on the road.Ed shares stories from his years with Maynard Ferguson, explains the culture and etiquette of the legendary tour bus known as "The Jar," recounts memorable moments with Dizzy Gillespie, Joan Jett, Aerosmith, and Steven Tyler, and reflects on what he learned from some of the music world's most iconic personalities.The conversation also explores audience connection, leadership, tour management, fishing, family, and the meaning of a life well lived.<...

On this deeply musical and often hilarious episode of You Dig?, Steve Wiest sits down with trumpet legend Randy Brecker for an epic late-night hang covering improvisation, practice, composition, Miles Davis, Michael Brecker, Horace Silver, the Brecker Brothers, Seventh Avenue South, and Randy’s beautiful new album Espirito.Highlights include: 🎺 The famous Miles Davis wah-wah story 🎺 How Randy wrote “Skunk Funk” 🎺 Following Michael Brecker solos night after night 🎺 Lessons learned from Horace Silver 🎺 Randy’s approach to practicing at age 80 🎺 Brecker Brothers origin stories 🎺 Thoughts on improvisation and tension/release 🎺 The Dig You Inquisition™Wise, funny, warm, and deeply inspiring...

Steve Wiest dives deep into the music of legendary trumpeter, composer, and fusion pioneer Randy Brecker in this deluxe edition of the You Dig? Sampler Platter.From Dreams and the original The Brecker Brothers to the orchestral brilliance of the NDR Bigband collaborations, this episode explores the compositions, recordings, musicians, and moments that helped define modern jazz fusion.Featured music includes: • “Some Skunk Funk” • “Hanging in the City” • “That’s All There Is To It” • “Sozinho” • “Harpoon” • “Above and Below” • “Imagine My Surprise”Along the way, Steve discusses Michael Brecker, Ada Rovatti, Barry Rogers, Jörg Achim Keller, fusion arranging...

Steve Wiest welcomes Dave Richards of Tower of Power to You Dig? for a joyful deep dive into life inside one of the most iconic horn bands in modern music.Dave discusses his North Texas roots, touring internationally with Tower of Power, working with Emilio Castillo and Doc Kupka, surviving the Maynard Ferguson “Front of the Bus” game, composing for large ensembles, memorizing the legendary T.O.P. book, and navigating today’s evolving music business.Additional stories include Birdland with Slide Hampton, Jay Saunders memories, multi-instrumentalist adventures, and an especially philosophical edition of The Dig Yo...

Steve hangs out on the front porch of the hippest crib in the village with rising film composer Julia Zuzanna Sokolowska for a wide-ranging conversation covering everything from Julia’s music and creative process to balancing family life and career-building in Los Angeles. The discussion dives deep into the realities of modern film composition, networking, jazz education, demos, editing, and forging a sustainable artistic path in the highly competitive — but incredibly exciting — world of writing for film and media. This is a must-listen episode for composers, musicians, film-score fans, and especially anyone hoping to build a care...

What-the-WHAT?! So how did THIS happen?Well, I asked my pal Glenn Kostur to help me check some tech to get ready for an upcoming episode with Rising Star Film Composer Julia Zuzanna Sokolawska and we accidentally came up with so much SHTICK (mostly two old guys forgetting words...but shtick nonetheless) that I turned it into an episode (with the help of my crack editing team, of course)So here Ya go! Behold "Glenn and Steve's Excellent Accidental Episode!" _____________________Links from this episode:New Cydonia Composed by Steve Wiest,<...

In this episode of You Dig?, Steve Wiest sits down with acclaimed jazz bassist and educator Lynn Seaton. A former member of the Count Basie Orchestra and a longtime professor at the University of North Texas, Seaton shares stories from his career performing with some of the most important figures in jazz.The conversation explores the role of the bass in jazz, the importance of time and feel, and the lessons passed down through generations of great musicians. This episode offers valuable insight for musicians, educators, and listeners interested in the tradition and evolution of jazz.<...

Welcome to another You Dig? SAMPLER PLATTER! 🎶 On this episode, we spotlight the artistry of master bassist Lynn Seaton—a deeply musical voice heard across decades of jazz performance at the highest level. Featured here are selections from Lynn’s work as both sideman and leader, spanning big band, trio, and solo bass artistry. 🎧 Featured Tracks: 🎺 “Blues for Red” From: Woody Herman – 50th Anniversary Tour Label: Concord Jazz Personnel Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass – Lynn Seaton Arranged By – Brad Williams (2) (tracks: 5), Frank Tiberi (tracks: 5), John Fedchock (tracks: 1 to 4, 6 to 8) Art Direction – T...

Welcome to the INAUGURAL episode of our new series "DIG U(niversity)" This is where we feature one of the MANY great jazz programs around the world and lift up everything they are doing to further our music and to help prepare the next generation of great artists. We begin with the wonderful Tim Ishii and his stellar program at The University of Texas Arlington (UTA) This is also where I'm hosting the big "Telling Stories" project. You'll be hearing MUCH more about that! In the meantime, dive in with Time Ishii, and two of...

Guitarist and composer Ryan Davidson joins Steve Wiest for a wide-ranging conversation about music, storytelling, and the creative process behind his album Country.From early encounters with legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Lyle Mays to his work with Gord Bamford and Drew Jurecka, Ryan shares the experiences that shaped his musical voice.The discussion explores his unique compositional approach, including “sound chords,” programmatic writing, and the blending of country, jazz, and cinematic influences.Along the way, the conversation moves through mentorship, artistic courage, humor, and the realities of building a creative life in musi...

You Dig? Sampler Platter – The Music of Ryan DavidsonWhat happens when a master jazz guitarist turns his attention to country music?On his latest release, Country, Ryan Davidson explores the genre not just as a style—but as a series of musical landscapes, each with its own voice and identity.In this Sampler Platter, we feature selections from Country, including:“Headache Country”“Old West Country”“Bar Room Brawl”All compositions by Ryan Davidson.Personnel for "Country"Ryan Davidson-Guitar, Composer, Arranger, Co-producer, Vocals Brendan Lyons-Drums, Percussion, Co-producer, Engineering, Edi...

🎧 You Dig? Sampler Platter — The Music of Eric Jacobson This episode features music from acclaimed trumpeter Eric Jacobson, showcasing his work as a bandleader and collaborator across multiple recordings. “Let’s take a moment and listen—this is where the conversation meets the music.” Featured Tracks: • “Survival” — Heading Home (Origin Records) Trumpet: Eric Jacobson Tenor Sax: Geof Bradfield Piano: Bruce Barth Bass: Dennis Carroll Drums: George Fludas • “Three of a Kind” — Heading Home (Origin Records) Trumpet: Eric Jacobson Tenor Sax: Geof Bradfield Piano: Bruce Barth Bass: Dennis Carroll Drums: George Fludas • “Disco...

In this first installment of the Rising Stars series, Steve Wiest sits down with trumpeter, composer, and entrepreneur Eric Jacobson for an honest and inspiring conversation about building a life in jazz.Eric shares how he has created a sustainable career performing hard bop, releasing original music, teaching, and promoting his work—all while staying true to the music and continuing to grow as an artist.The conversation explores the real question many musicians ask: Is it possible to make a living playing jazz today?Eric’s answer is clear—and backed by experi...

In this episode of You Dig?, Steve Wiest sits down with legendary drummer Jeff Hamilton for a relaxed, front-porch conversation about music, swing, and a life spent at the highest level of jazz.From performing with Ray Brown, Oscar Peterson, and Ella Fitzgerald, to insights on groove, big band drumming, and artistic discipline, Jeff shares stories, humor, and deep wisdom from decades on the bandstand.This is a conversation about music — but also about purpose, dedication, and joy.A good time is had by all. You dig?Video Version: ht...

🎙️ YOU DIG? with Steve Wiest Episode: Denis DiBlasio — Maynard Stories, Jazz Wisdom & Life LessonsIn this episode of You Dig?, Steve Wiest sits down with legendary saxophonist, composer, and educator Denis DiBlasio for a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation about music, mentorship, and life on the road.From unforgettable stories with Maynard Ferguson to encounters with jazz icons like Sonny Rollins, Count Basie, and Art Blakey, Denis shares insights that go far beyond music — touching on creativity, leadership, humor, and what it means to build a meaningful life in the arts.This epis...