You Dig?

Welcome to the INAUGURAL episode of our new series "DIG U(niversity)"
This is where we feature one of the MANY great jazz programs around the world and lift up everything they are doing to further our music and to help prepare the next generation of great artists.
We begin with the wonderful Tim Ishii and his stellar program at The University of Texas Arlington (UTA) This is also where I'm hosting the big "Telling Stories" project. You'll be hearing MUCH more about that! In the meantime, dive in with Time Ishii, and two of his wonderful students, Vincent Tran and Gabe Parker.
You dig?
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Learn more about the jazz program at UTA:
https://www.uta.edu/academics/schools...

Guitarist and composer Ryan Davidson joins Steve Wiest for a wide-ranging conversation about music, storytelling, and the creative process behind his album Country.
From early encounters with legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Lyle Mays to his work with Gord Bamford and Drew Jurecka, Ryan shares the experiences that shaped his musical voice.
The discussion explores his unique compositional approach, including “sound chords,” programmatic writing, and the blending of country, jazz, and cinematic influences.
Along the way, the conversation moves through mentorship, artistic courage, humor, and the realities of building a creative life in music.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction
07:22 Journey with Gord Bamford
16:11 Album “Country”
18:04 Headache Country
23:13 Sound Chords
26:00 Old West Country
31:13 Courage & Mentorship
38:01 Bar Brawl
44:37 Pedal Board & Sound Design
47:29 Ice-Nine
53:43 Dig You Inquisition
01:03:05 Meaning of Life
01:06:32 Closing
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Links from Today"s show: Ryan Davidson's Website
https://www.ryandavidsonguitar.com/
Gord Bamford's Website/Store
https://gordbamford.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopTl47F-GMbW34J9OGRtpHTVGLbA9s7KPGnFqtTbG_l4OfyjT9T
Purchase the Album "Country" https://ryandavidsonguitar.bandcamp.com/album/country
"Country Behind the Scenes" on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/reels/C5E-lKkPa6v/
https://www.instagram.com/reels/Cz7iVEcv97v/
https://www.instagram.com/reels/C6e2Kacy8uM/

You Dig? Sampler Platter – The Music of Ryan Davidson
What happens when a master jazz guitarist turns his attention to country music?
On his latest release, Country, Ryan Davidson explores the genre not just as a style—but as a series of musical landscapes, each with its own voice and identity.
In this Sampler Platter, we feature selections from Country, including:
“Headache Country”
“Old West Country”
“Bar Room Brawl”
All compositions by Ryan Davidson.
Personnel for "Country"
Ryan Davidson-Guitar, Composer, Arranger, Co-producer, Vocals Brendan Lyons-Drums, Percussion, Co-producer, Engineering, Editing, Programming, Vocals, Whistling Justin Kudding-Bass Bart McKay-Keys Drew Jurecka-Violin, Viola Amahl Arulanandam-Cello Lydia Munchinsky-Cello Bob Tildesley-Trumpet
We also feature:
“Whysitgottabe (This Way?)” from Hampden – BLUE, composed by Steve Wiest, featuring:
Steve Wiest, Lisa Dodd Watts, Ryan Davidson, Eric Gunnison, Bijoux Barbosa, Stockton Helbing, Frank Greene, Brad Leali, Shelley Carroll, Art Bouton, and Phil Bulla.
🎧 Listen to more of Ryan Davidson: https://www.ryandavidsonguitar.com/ https://ryandavidsonguitar.bandcamp.com/
🎙️ Then join us for the full episode:
You Dig? S3 Ep10 – Ryan Davidson

🎧 You Dig? Sampler Platter — The Music of Eric Jacobson
This episode features music from acclaimed trumpeter Eric Jacobson, showcasing his work as a bandleader and collaborator across multiple recordings.
“Let’s take a moment and listen—this is where the conversation meets the music.”
Featured Tracks: • “Survival”
— Heading Home (Origin Records) Trumpet: Eric Jacobson Tenor Sax: Geof Bradfield Piano: Bruce Barth Bass: Dennis Carroll Drums: George Fludas •
“Three of a Kind” — Heading Home (Origin Records) Trumpet: Eric Jacobson Tenor Sax: Geof Bradfield Piano: Bruce Barth Bass: Dennis Carroll Drums: George Fludas •
“Discover” — Discover (Origin Records) Trumpet: Eric Jacobson Tenor Sax: Geof Bradfield Piano: Bruce Barth Bass: Dennis Carroll Drums: George Fludas •
“Onward” — New Outlook (Affinity Trio) Trumpet: Eric Jacobson Piano: Bruce Barth Bass: Dennis Carroll
🎺 All music composed and performed by Eric Jacobson and collaborators. 📀 Used with permission / for promotional and educational purposes.
Eric's Website: https://ericjacobsontrumpet.com/home
Origin Records: https://originarts.com/

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-...