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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 Wayne Shorter: “Play the notes next to the note you want to play.” Steve and Russ also take a deeper musical dive into Inflexion, Russell’s beautiful solo recording, including “We Shall Overcome,” reharmonization, voice leading and the elusive art of making extraordinary musicianship sound effortless. Finally, Russell faces THE DIG YOU INQUISITION, revealing his thoughts on Spider-Man, Steph Curry, Sinatra and Jobim, vanilla ice cream, autumn—and the meaning of life. Music, humility, curiosity, laughter and some truly wonderful stories with one of the most distinctive musical voices of the past four decades. You Dig? ______________ Links From This Episode: The Yellowjackets https://www.yellowjackets.com/ The Russell Ferrante Trio: Inflexion https://www.bluecanoerecords.com/inflexion.html#/ Russ Tells Us About Inflexion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_nqNqdcWfw We Shall Overcome (From Inflexion) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEE64mtWobQ The Yellowjackets: Greenhouse https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiI91s2qP64 Jazz Vespers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9nqYChnV0w&t=268s J oni Mitchell: Both Sides Now https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cBf0olE9Yc Sinatra/Jobim https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GFsiFQuUFo&list=PLNgtaFzkPVKr3petnuG5N_9eKXFwR7PT1 Bobby McFerrin: Bang-Zoom https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE7LoOw17v0 Kut Elling https://kurtelling.com/ Lorraine Feather "The Girl With the Lazy Eye" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoprveV13FU ____________________ You Dig Season Four Theme Song "E'Vol" composed by Steve Wiest CONCERTO FOR FOLDED SPACE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W6oVoUcyLc WCBC Cue by Rosana and Gary Eckert https://rosanaeckert.com/

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 inside his experience recording Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story. That leads to encounters with Barack and Michelle Obama, John Williams, Gustavo Dudamel, Steven Spielberg—and an absolutely unforgettable moment with Rita Moreno. Then it’s trumpet time: the story behind Wayne’s legendary “O Holy Night,” recording Bésame Mucho with Maynard Ferguson, and the poignant story of how Wayne ultimately played Maynard’s final recorded notes. Along the way: Stevie Wonder, Gordon Goodwin, Raymond Scott, the Dig You Inquisition, mint chocolate chip gelato, questionable advice for trumpet players—and enough road stories to guarantee that Wayne will have to come back. This is Wayne Bergeron. Welcome to Season Four of You Dig? Hosted by Steve Wiest. 👍 LIKE the episode 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to You Dig? 💬 Tell us your favorite Wayne Bergeron story in the comments. #WayneBergeron #YouDig #SteveWiest #Trumpet #MaynardFerguson #Jazz #WestSideStory #GordonGoodwin ___________________ 🎵 LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE RAYMOND SCOTT REIMAGINED Quartet San Francisco with Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band & Take 6 https://quartetsanfrancisco.com/currentproject 25 YEARS OF PHATNESS Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band Featuring Wayne Bergeron as co-producer Purchase/download the album here: https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/album/25-years-of-phatness-gordon-goodwins-big-phat-band/hbd6typgllh37

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 way to close Season Three. Visit: https://www.adamlarsonjazz.com

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 of community, and Derrick's celebrated recordings including Echoes of Ethnicity, A Ride to the Other Side, and Still I Rise. The episode concludes with Derrick taking on the Dig You Inquisition, revealing everything from his favorite superhero to the meaning of life. Whether you're a jazz fan, educator, student, or simply love hearing great artists tell great stories, this is one conversation you won't want to miss. Learn more about Derrick Gardner: https://www.derrickgardnermusic.com

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 balance between artistic inspiration and professional craft. A fascinating look inside the mind of a modern composer and arranger whose work bridges tradition and innovation. Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/@YouDigPod Callum's Website: https://callumaumusic.com/ Jake Wilson (Guitar) from "A Piece of the Action" "Odity https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2zjpfZQouc

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. A warm, funny, and deeply human conversation with one of the music industry's great behind-the-scenes professionals. Video Version: https://www.youtube.com/@YouDigPod

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, this episode is packed with hard-earned musical insight from one of jazz fusion’s most iconic voices. A good time is had by all. You dig? _______________-- Links from this Episode: Randy's website: https://www.randybrecker.com/ 🎺 SPECIAL BONUS: Check out the legendary fan-made video by the great Lewis Gerts: “Some Skunk Funk by Almost Everyone” featuring countless performances spliced together bar-by-bar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TnUbXkvlz4

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, Randy’s unforgettable trumpet sound, and the enduring impact of the Brecker musical universe. A good time is had by all. You dig?

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 You Inquisition. Featuring music talk, road stories, jazz education wisdom, and a healthy dose of galactic nonsense from the Bridge. A good time is had by all. You dig? ____________________ Links from this episode: Tower of Power Tour Dates https://www.towerofpower.com/tour/ Tower of Power 2026 Band Members https://www.towerofpower.com/the-band/ Tower of Power Website https://www.towerofpower.com/ "Newport" Composed by Slide Hampton Adapted by Dave Richards Performed live by the UNT One O'Clock Lab Band at Birdland • One O'clock Lab Band - "Newport" - Live f... "Dark Matters" Composed by Dave Richards Performed by the One O'Clock Lab Band Live at Birdland Trumpet solo by Clynt Yerkes Tenor solo: Brian Clancy Drum solo: Michael D'Angelo • "Dark Matters" UNT One O'Clock Lab Band Li... Marianne's Ice Cream: Santa Cruz, CA https://mariannesicecream.com/

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 career in composition for Hollywood, television, games, or multimedia. Click this link to see the video version where you can also see the film clips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4H3D3chYBo8 Links from this episode: Julia’s Website: https://sokolowskamusic.com/ Destino • Destino - Music by Julia Zuzanna Sokolowska Divos! Trailer • Destino - Music by Julia Zuzanna Sokolowska Divos! Full Score • Hollywood Hills Divos! Behind the Scenes with Sarah Reich • Divos! Ricky's Tap Theme BTS No Intro Julia's YouTube Channel: / @juliazuzannasokolowska

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, Performed by the UNT One O'Clock Lab Band https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXMkdoz0Y90 Julia Zuzanna Sokolawska https://sokolowskamusic.com/ Darcy James Argue https://darcyjamesargue.com/ Rick Beato https://www.youtube.com/RickBeato

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. Links: Lynn Seaton – University Profile https://jazz.unt.edu/faculty/lynn-seaton UNT Jazz Program https://jazz.unt.edu/ "You Don't Know What Love Is" - Evilena Protektore and Lynn Seaton recorded at Funcoolio rec. in Riga, December 2014 • You don't know what love is - Evilena Prot... Lynn's Feature on the Fred Rogers tune "It's You I Like" From the Steve Wiest Recording "Out of the New" • It's You I Like Subscribe to You Dig!! / @youdigpod Subscribe to the You Dig Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/acf5c3c7dc5e/subsc... Follow the You Dig? FaceBook Page: / youdigpod

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 – Tom Burgess Baritone Saxophone – Mike Brignola Bass Trombone – Mark Lusk Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone – Woody Herman Coordinator [Musical] – John Fedchock Cover – Sylvia Barnes (2) Drums – Jim Rupp* Engineer [Assistant] – Brian Hague, Phil DeLancie* Engineer [Recording And Remix] – Phil Edwards Liner Notes – Gordon Raddue Mastered By – George Horn Photography By [Cover] – David Fischer (3) Piano – Brad Williams (2) Producer – Carl E. Jefferson Producer [Assistant] – Chris Long (7) Tenor Saxophone – Jerry Pinter Tenor Saxophone [Lead] – Frank Tiberi Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Dave Riekenberg Trombone – Paul McKee Trombone [Lead] – John Fedchock Trumpet – Bill Byrne, Les Lovitt, Mark Lewis (18), Ron Stout Trumpet [Lead] – Roger Ingram Woody Herman – Leader, clarinet, alto sax ___________________ 🎻 “Improvisation for Aubrey” From: Solo Flights (1996) Label: OmniTone Personnel: Lynn Seaton – solo bass _________________________ 🎹 “Peggy’s Blue Skylight” (Charles Mingus) From: Kenny Drew Jr. Trio Album: Portraits of Charles Mingus & Thelonious Monk Label: Claves Jazz Personnel: Kenny Drew Jr. – piano Lynn Seaton – bass Drums – Marvin "Smitty" Smith ___________________ 🥁 “Cute” composed by Neal Hefti From: Butch Miles – Straight On Till Morning Label: Nagel-Heyer Records Personnel Frank Wes, Alex Saudargas Bob Ojeda Bill Porter Doug LAwrence Lynn Seaton Kenny Drew, Jr. __________________________ 🎙️ Want the full story? 👉 Check out the full episode of You Dig? featuring Lynn Seaton for deep conversation, stories, and insights from one of the great bass voices in jazz. Subscribe, like, and share if you dig it 😎 A good time is had by all. You dig?

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 his wonderful students, Vincent Tran and Gabe Parker. You dig? _____________ Learn more about the jazz program at UTA: https://www.uta.edu/academics/schools...

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 music. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction 07:22 Journey with Gord Bamford 16:11 Album “Country” 18:04 Headache Country 23:13 Sound Chords 26:00 Old West Country 31:13 Courage & Mentorship 38:01 Bar Brawl 44:37 Pedal Board & Sound Design 47:29 Ice-Nine 53:43 Dig You Inquisition 01:03:05 Meaning of Life 01:06:32 Closing ________________ Links from Today"s show: Ryan Davidson's Website https://www.ryandavidsonguitar.com/ Gord Bamford's Website/Store https://gordbamford.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopTl47F-GMbW34J9OGRtpHTVGLbA9s7KPGnFqtTbG_l4OfyjT9T Purchase the Album "Country" https://ryandavidsonguitar.bandcamp.com/album/country "Country Behind the Scenes" on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/reels/C5E-lKkPa6v/ https://www.instagram.com/reels/Cz7iVEcv97v/ https://www.instagram.com/reels/C6e2Kacy8uM/