Geoff is in Box Hill, Surrey to meet with the legendary jazz saxophonist, composer and educator Stan Sulzmann.

Stan takes us on a captivating journey through his remarkable career as one of Britain's most respected jazz saxophonists. From his unexpected start with a secondhand Selmer tenor saxophone to playing alongside jazz royalty, the interview reveals both musical insights and deeply personal reflections.

The conversation opens windows into jazz history as Stan recounts his transformative experiences at age 17, traveling on the Queen Mary to New York City in 1967. With wide-eyed wonder, he describes sitting literally at the feet of Miles Davis's legendary quintet featuring Herbie Hancock, Tony Williams, Ron Carter, and Wayne Shorter. These formative experiences watching jazz giants at venues like the Village Vanguard and Blue Note shaped his musical consciousness, though he admits with characteristic humility that he "had no idea what they were doing" at the time.

Particularly fascinating are Stan's stories about his long association with the brilliant composer Kenny Wheeler. Their musical partnership produced landmark recordings like ‘Flutter By, Butterfly’ (1988) and the classic ‘Music for Large and Small Ensembles’ (1990). Stan provides insight into Wheeler's compositional approach, describing how Kenny deliberately simplified his harmonic palette over time to make his music more accessible while retaining its emotional depth. The interview includes a beautiful performance of Wheeler's jazz standard ‘Gentle Piece’ – accompanied by the steadfast Quartet app – demonstrating Stan's sensitive interpretation despite recent health challenges.

Beyond his jazz credentials, Stan reveals his life as a session musician during London's recording heyday, playing on tracks for Elton John and Paul McCartney, and even recording the soundtrack to McCartney's 1980s film ‘Give My Regards to Broad Street’. With refreshing candour, he discusses his struggles with performance anxiety throughout his career, shedding light on the psychological challenges many musicians face behind their accomplished exteriors.

This conversation offers a masterclass in musical development, the importance of finding one's authentic voice, and adapting to life's challenges. Whether you're a jazz aficionado or simply appreciate stories of artistic perseverance, Stan Sulzmann’s warmth, wisdom and musical journey will resonate deeply. Subscribe now to hear more conversations with jazz's most fascinating personalities.

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