EP 9: John Thirkell on Buddy Rich, Studio Sessions & Building a Music Business
The Louis Dowdeswell PodcastShow Notes
Trumpet legend John Thirkell joins Louis Dowdeswell to share stories from Buddy Rich to Jamiroquai, plus insights on practice, confidence & business.
⏱️ Timestamp Highlights 00:00 – Facing fears & growth as a musician 02:10 – Introducing John Thirkell: trumpet & flugelhorn legend 06:45 – Discovering the trumpet at school in the North East 14:20 – Failing auditions but finding another path 19:00 – QE2 gigs: sight-reading, cabaret & lessons learned 25:40 – Moving to London & joining the BBC Big Band 32:10 – Touring with Buddy Rich & high-pressure band life 42:00 – Staying calm under pressure: Caruso lessons & mindset 52:30 – Teaching methods: Bill Adam, Bob Becka & mental game 1:03:00 – Touring with Lisa Stansfield & Swing Out Sister 1:12:20 – Studio session life in the 80s & 90s boom 1:23:00 – Creating passive income & the Two Camels business 1:35:00 – Productivity, planning & tackling hard tasks first 1:48:00 – Balancing trumpet practice with business life 1:57:00 – On confidence, comebacks & playing after 8 years off 2:08:00 – Elite Music Camps in Spain: beyond the notes 2:18:00 – Final thoughts: execution over ideas & looking ahead
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