In this first installment of the Rising Stars series, Steve Wiest sits down with trumpeter, composer, and entrepreneur Eric Jacobson for an honest and inspiring conversation about building a life in jazz.

Eric shares how he has created a sustainable career performing hard bop, releasing original music, teaching, and promoting his work—all while staying true to the music and continuing to grow as an artist.

The conversation explores the real question many musicians ask: Is it possible to make a living playing jazz today?

Eric’s answer is clear—and backed by experience.

Along the way, they discuss mentorship, persistence, creative identity, and the importance of believing you have something unique to offer.

This is a conversation about music—but also about purpose, resilience, and the long road of developing a life in the arts.

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Links from this episode:

Eric's Website https://ericjacobsontrumpet.com/home

Origin Records: https://originarts.com/

Eric's Music: https://ericjacobsontrumpet.com/music

Eric's Jazz Method Books: https://ericjacobsontrumpet.com/jazz-...

In this episode of You Dig?, Steve Wiest sits down with legendary drummer Jeff Hamilton for a relaxed, front-porch conversation about music, swing, and a life spent at the highest level of jazz.

From performing with Ray Brown, Oscar Peterson, and Ella Fitzgerald, to insights on groove, big band drumming, and artistic discipline, Jeff shares stories, humor, and deep wisdom from decades on the bandstand.

This is a conversation about music — but also about purpose, dedication, and joy.

A good time is had by all. You dig?

Video Version: https://www.youtube.com/@YouDigPod

Links from today's episode:

Jeff's Artist Site: https://hamiltonjazz.com/

Jeff's Latest Projects:

Jeff Hamilton Trio "A New Chapter" https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...

The Latest Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra Project:

"And So It Goes" https://hamiltonjazz.com/discography/...

Steve Wiest Artist Site: http://steve-wiest.com

The You Dig? Season 3 Theme Song:

"Shred or Shred Not (There is No Try)" composed by Steve Wiest

From the project Phröntrange: The High Road

WIESTWORLD Productions Cue: Rosana and Gary Eckert

🎙️ YOU DIG? with Steve Wiest

Episode: Denis DiBlasio — Maynard Stories, Jazz Wisdom & Life Lessons

In this episode of You Dig?, Steve Wiest sits down with legendary saxophonist, composer, and educator Denis DiBlasio for a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation about music, mentorship, and life on the road.

From unforgettable stories with Maynard Ferguson to encounters with jazz icons like Sonny Rollins, Count Basie, and Art Blakey, Denis shares insights that go far beyond music — touching on creativity, leadership, humor, and what it means to build a meaningful life in the arts.

This episode blends laughter, history, and hard-earned wisdom into a conversation that speaks to musicians, creatives, and anyone pursuing a life of purpose.

🎧 In this episode: • Life and lessons from the Maynard Ferguson band • The role of humor and joy in great leadership • Stories from the road with jazz legends • Musical identity and improvisation • The changing landscape of the jazz world • A powerful perspective on the meaning of life

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Links:

Denis DiBlasio Artist Site: https://denisdiblasio.com/

Steve Wiest Artist Site: https://steve-wiest.com/

📬 Join the You Dig? Dispatches newsletter 👍 Follow, rate, and share the show 💬 Send in guest suggestions and listener questions

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🎺 Next Episode: Jeff Hamilton

In this episode of You Dig?, Steve Wiest sits down with legendary saxophonist and composer Jeff Coffin for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, collaboration, and the lifelong journey of music.

Jeff is known for his work with Béla Fleck & the Flecktones, the Dave Matthews Band, and his own genre-bending ensemble Mu’tet. He has also released more than two dozen albums as a leader and teaches at Vanderbilt University, mentoring the next generation of musicians.

Steve and Jeff discuss:

• The legendary North Texas jazz program era • Practicing 8–12 hours a day in the pursuit of mastery • The concept of “transparency of sound” in great ensembles • Collaboration with Béla Fleck, Victor Wooten, Roy Wooten and others • Writing groove-based music in odd time signatures • African musical influences in modern jazz • Jeff’s visual art and album cover design • Teaching philosophy and creative exploration

Plus, Jeff takes part in the Dig You Inquisition, answering rapid-fire questions about music, art, superheroes, and the meaning of life.

A thoughtful and joyful conversation about staying curious, staying creative, and staying connected to the music.

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Links from this show:

Jeff Coffin Artist Site https://www.jeffcoffin.com/

The Dave Mathews Band https://davematthewsband.com/

Jeff Coffin Mu'Tet https://www.earuprecords.com/artists/jeff-coffin-the-mutet

Jeff's Record Label "Ear up" https://www.earuprecords.com/

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Follow Steve Wiest: https://steve-wiest.com/

Steve Wiest sits down with acclaimed trumpet artist Ingrid Jensen for a deep conversation about creativity, orchestration, mentorship, and life in jazz. They discuss Ingrid’s album Landings, influences including Kenny Wheeler and Miles Davis, stories about Clark Terry and George Coleman, and the creative process behind improvisation and composition. A relaxed and insightful conversation about the music and the community that surrounds it. Thanks for listening to You Dig?

Hosted by Steve Wiest.

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Support the artists by purchasing music whenever possible.

CONNECT WITH INGRID JENSEN Website https://www.ingridjensen.com

Newvelle Records https://www.newvelle-records.com

Other links mentioned in today's episode:

Jaco Pastorious Word of Mouth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaCx21ZWGow&list=PL8uBVB8AdM2Zp1MEmHrT2lHQRXvVMKonC&index=2

Miles Davis Live at the Cellar Door https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FCKw5mNclI&list=PLxNpOjOeKNWMrm3jU_jl8kcGTX134jKjd

FOLLOW STEVE WIEST Website https://www.steve-wiest.com

YOU DIG? with Steve Wiest Episode: John Clayton — Bass, Arranging, Mentorship & The Music Life

In this episode of You Dig?, Steve Wiest sits down with legendary bassist, composer, arranger, educator, and bandleader John Clayton for a deep and relaxed conversation about music, creativity, mentorship, and life inside the jazz community.

From arts education and raising the next generation of musicians, to working with Paul McCartney and arranging for Diana Krall, this episode explores the mindset, craft, and humanity behind one of jazz’s most respected voices.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Welcome to You Dig? — It’s John Clayton Day

00:14 The John Clayton Canon: A Legendary Career in Jazz

02:37 John Clayton Arrives — Settling Into the Hang

04:55 Leading ISJAC & Supporting Jazz Writers

06:20 Greenville Fine Arts Residency

07:25 Why Arts High Schools Change Lives

09:50 Growing Up With Strong Music Programs

10:40 Gerald Clayton’s Musical Journey

12:13 Sound, Curiosity & Musical Imagination 13:00 Duo Magic — John & Gerald Clayton

14:40 The Art of Touch & Personal Voice 16:00 The “Two Duo” Concept

17:50 Standards & Performance Flow 19:00 Learning “Tale of the Fingers”

0:00 Teaching vs Guiding

21:50 Mentorship & The Next Generation

23:00 Playing for the Music

24:20 Bandstand Energy

26:40 A Life Lesson for Young Artists

27:30 Paul McCartney Sessions

31:20 Working With Sir Paul

33:45 Arranging “How Insensitive”

36:10 Tension & Release in Big Band Writing

38:30 Jeff Clayton & “The Jones Brothers”

41:00 Quincy Jones & Mancini Influences

43:20 Playing With Henry Mancini

44::30 The Jazz Village

45:00 Closing Reflections

45:48 What’s Next on You Dig?

46:30 Post-Show Blooper

ABOUT JOHN CLAYTON

John Clayton is an internationally celebrated bassist, composer, arranger, educator, and co-founder of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. His career includes work with Count Basie, Diana Krall, Paul McCartney, and many leading jazz artists.

ABOUT YOU DIG?

You Dig? with Steve Wiest is a long-form conversation series exploring creativity, jazz, composition, arranging, education, and the lives of artists shaping the music world.

Hosted by Grammy-nominated trombonist, composer, author, and educator Steve Wiest.

LINKS & RESOURCES

Duke Ellington & Count Basie — Battle Royale https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= (add full link)

Fine Arts Center Recital (John & Gerald Clayton) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= (add full link)

You Dig? Sampler — John Clayton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= (add full link)

John Clayton Artist Site https://johnclaytonjazz.com/

Gerald Clayton Artist Site https://geraldclayton.com/

Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra https://johnclaytonjazz.com/artist/chjo/

Paul McCartney — Kisses on the Bottom https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kisses_on_the_Bottom

#YouDigPodcast #JohnClayton #JazzPodcast #JazzBass #JazzEducation #BigBand #JazzArranging #MusicPodcast #SteveWiest

Pull up a chair, grab your beverage of choice, and welcome to the inaugural gathering of The League of Extraordinarily Caffeinated Gentlemen.

In this high-octane roundtable edition of You Dig?, Steve Wiest is joined by:

• Glenn Kostur – saxophonist, composer, and longtime collaborator of Maynard Ferguson (Big Bop Nouveau) •

Art Bouton – Director & Founder of the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra (CJRO) •

Tom Matta – composer and bass trombone professor at DePaul University

What follows is equal parts jazz wisdom, pop culture detours, tool philosophy, Minnesota Vikings trauma, Hank Mobley reverence, David Letterman nostalgia, mashed potato theology, and a surprisingly profound meditation on the meaning of life.

Yes — Warren Zevon shows up.

So does Office Space.

And possibly the greatest jazz radio station on the planet.

A good time is had by all. You dig?

Chapter Markers

00:00 – Welcome to the League (coffee levels rising)

03:45 – Office Space, Initech & Inside Baseball

08:20 – The “Dig You Inquisition” Begins

09:10 – Art Bouton: Heroes & Role Models (Bob Mintzer)

12:40 – Tom Matta: Vikings, Fran Tarkenton & Sports Trauma

17:10 – Glenn Kostur: Hank Mobley’s Soul Station 21:40 – Streaming Corner: Shrinking, The Pitt & Grumpy Harrison Ford

24:15 – Mashed Potatoes vs Ice Cream (serious culinary philosophy) 26:00 – The Meaning of Life: Tools, Warren Zevon & Mindfulness

30:30 – Jazz Language, Late Night TV & David Letterman Memories 32:10 – KUVO, KUNM & The Albuquerque Jazz Orchestra

33:15 – The League Adjourns (Next Week: John Clayton)

Mentioned In This Episode

• Hank Mobley – Soul Station (Blue Note Records) • Bob Mintzer • Warren Zevon – “Enjoy Every Sandwich” • KUVO Jazz (Denver) • KUNM (University of New Mexico) • Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra • DePaul University Jazz Studies

Subscribe & Connect

🎙️ Subscribe to You Dig? wherever you listen to podcasts

🌐 Steve Wiest: https://steve-wiest.com/

📺 Watch full video episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YouDigPod

You Dig? is a production of WIESTWORLD Productions © 2026

You can see the4 VIDEO version of this episode here: https://www.youtube.com/@YouDigPod

Please click LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to help us grow the You Dig? podcast adventure!

About this episode: The great Bob Mintzer stops by and we have a blast talking about his mighty oeuvre in general, and specifically his newest release "Bob Mintzer and WDR Big Band Cologne "Soundscapes" Plus Bob takes the "Dig You Inquisition!" A good time was SHO NUFF had by all — deep stories, laughs, and serious jazz wisdom.

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Links from this Episode:

Bob Mintzer's website: https://bobmintzermusic.com/

A good place to purchase "Soundscapes" https://bobmintzermusic.com/blog/new-...

Bob's classic album "Incredible Journey • Incredible Journey

Purchase the album! https://bobmintzermusic.com/shop/p/rx...

The EWI Guru Matt Traum https://www.patchmanmusic.com/MattTra...