Geoff is in London’s Waterloo district to meet with the multi award-winning jazz singer, broadcaster, producer, actor and comedian Ian Shaw.

What does it take to build a career spanning jazz vocals, comedy, acting, and broadcasting? In this intimate conversation, Ian invites us into his creative world, tracing a fascinating journey from Welsh choir boy to one of Britain's most versatile artists.

He reveals how an unconventional audition in full punk regalia launched his early career in piano bars before discovering jazz through the most unexpected source—David Bowie's album ‘Hunky Dory’. With refreshing candour, he shares how this discovery led him to explore the jazz vocal tradition through Betty Carter, Mark Murphy, and Billie Holiday, developing a unique approach to improvisation that continues to evolve even at the age of 63.

The conversation takes fascinating turns as Ian discusses balancing multiple creative pursuits throughout his career. From his classical training and brass band beginnings to recent work with contemporary classical composer Mark-Anthony Turnage, he demonstrates an artistic curiosity that refuses to be confined to a single genre.

Perhaps most revealing are Ian’s reflections on career highlights—performing with Quincy Jones, touring with Cedar Walton, sharing the stage with jazz legends he once only knew through vinyl discoveries. When asked about musical weaknesses, he confesses to secretly practicing flugelhorn “…into the pillow," a charming glimpse into the continued growth of an artist who never stops evolving.

Whether discussing his favourite chord (E13 with a flat 9) or demonstrating his spontaneous improvisational skills on Fats Waller's ‘Ain't Misbehavin’’ (with music accompaniment from the Quartet app and ‘lyrics’ courtesy of Andrew O’Hagan’s novel ‘Caledonian Road’ open at page 112!), Ian displays the versatility and genuine passion for music that has made him a beloved fixture on the UK jazz scene.

Whether you’re a jazz aficionado, an aspiring musician or you just love stories of passion pursued without compromise by hardworking artists, this episode offers rare insights into the creative mind of a true musical polymath.

Presenter: Geoff Gascoyne
Series Producer: Paul Sissons
Production Manager: Martin Sissons
The Quartet Jazz Standards Podcast is a UK Music Apps production.