Talking Jazz with Ben Sidran

Episode 1: Miles Davis

Here’s the story: back in the mid-80’s on National Public Radio (NPR) in America, a show ran called Sidran On Record. Presented by Ben Sidran, a musician, author, lecturer and journalist, the show featured interviews with the great and the good from the world of Jazz. Miles, Dizzy, Herbie and Grover were amongst 60 interviews that ran over the course of 5 years. Many of the legends featured are sadly no longer with us, but the recordings are, and several years back Ben released these as part of a wonderful, 24 CD box set called Talking Jazz – bringing to life a golden period of entertainment and understanding as we learn about the masters, their thoughts and their works. Whilst this may seem like an advert for this prestigious box set, it isn’t really. Promise. We’ve been in touch with Ben and asked for his permission to use these interviews and create our own shows based on his works. Ben gave it two thumbs up and we’re delighted to present to you the premiere Talking Jazz with Ben Sidran, our most ambitious project to date.

Episode One focuses on Miles Davis in possibly his most revealing and opinionated interview. The language is strong in parts, but we’ve left the original dialogue absolutely as is, so as to paint the complete picture. It makes for truly compelling listening, but it’s content we’d prefer to let you discover rather than us spoil what is an extraordinary 58 minutes and 42 seconds broadcast. We really hope you enjoy, so please, tell us your thoughts and your friends as well!

If you fancy buying the essential box set, which includes the full sixty interviews, then here’s where you need to go.