As a journalist, Richard has been a regular contributor to Making Music since 1994. His radio career began presenting Jazz Notes and Adventures in Jazz on BBC Radio 3 in ‘96. Since 1998 he wrote and presented his own highly acclaimed Radio 2 programme New Jazz Standards.

Richard Niles introduces New Jazz Standards This is the greatest jazz series on radio. Perhaps I should justify that statement lest any of you get the idea that I have an ego the size of Jupiter.

Here are the Unique selling Points of New Jazz Standards : 1. We concentrate on contemporary jazz in ALL its forms. I might play an older record as a point of reference for a new artist. But the only hope for jazz is to make people aware of all the great stuff that's happening today. 2. New Jazz Standards is the only jazz series to have me as its writer and presenter. The advantage for the listener is that I have direct experience as a player, arranger and composer in the many worlds of jazz, funk, R&B, soul, pop, rock and even classical music. Therefore, I know what I'm talking about as an insider. 3. I not only play great records you'd never hear anywhere else, I get interviews and live unique music sessions with a lot of fascinating people you won't hear on other programmes. We've had famous cats like Pat Metheny, Wayne Shorter, Danilo Perez, Gary Burton, Michael Brecker, Mike Stern, Randy Brecker and Chick Corea. Better yet, I'm able to introduce you to unknown but phenomenally talented stars of the future. Because of my background as a musician, I'm able to get these guys. 4. You could say being a musician might make me too technical. Not a chance. I see no point in a series for the microscopic number of jazz musicians out there in radio-land. I want this show to be enjoyed by the ordinary music lover. I'm a man on a mission to turn people on to jazz. I assume little or no knowledge on the part of my audience. My idea is that a presenter should PRESENT the music. So before I play a tune or do an interview, I tell the listener something of the artists' background, where they fit into the myriad of jazz styles. 5. I've been called a "maverick". Maybe that's a polite way of saying I'm a little weird. I use left-field humour. I make unusual noises. Actually, I even bark on this programme ! I do this to keep myself awake. I figure if I'm bored, why shouldn't the audience be ? And once in a while I'll play something I don't like and say so ! Why do I play it if I don't like it ? Because I figure if it's worth disliking, I might as well give the listener the opportunity to join me, and hate it too ! 6. We follow NO FORMAT. Most radio these days is limited by having to play a specific style. As I say at the beginning of each show, I play every style, "from fusion to funk, latin to laid-back, neo-bop to blues, jazz gospel to Gosh Almighty, Gargantuan grooves, Old School to New Cool - creativity unlimited." 7. I have that legendary Scottish ex-trombonist Bob McDowall as my producer. Ever since we first met, we have had an effortless good-humoured mutual understanding. I will be eternally grateful for his decision to make me a radio presenter. His years of experience, sage advice and dynamic direction make this the greatest jazz series on radio. Which is where I came in ! What the BBC saves by paying me as it does enables them to get the biggest names in jazz for the show ! This series we have stars like Danilo Perez, Pat Metheny, Bob James, Martin Taylor and Regina Carter. And sometimes there's some incredible new jazz, not just from the US and UK but from places like Egypt, Africa, Russia and Norway. Live music, in-depth interviews rare recordings, and ME ! You don't want to miss all that, do you ? You can email comments to Richard Niles through this site, but keep them clean - his mother reads his email. You can hear the show online via the Radio 2 web site. Just go to www.bbc.co.uk and click on Radio Player. NJS also has its own page on the Radio 2 web site with all the details on the music played.

Richard was surrounded by Yellowjackets in his studio in a live session for New Jazz Standards, but was only stung by their superb musicianship. From left: Dave Love of Heads Up Records, Jimmy Haslip, Niles, Russell Ferrante, Marcus Baylor, Bob Mintzer and Iain Murray of New Note.

THE LAST SERIES began JULY 14 2003 and included live performances from the Yellowjackets and Nnenna Freelon. Richard was also at the Edinburgh Festival with Jim Mullen and at the Brecon Festival with Michael Brecker !!! The BBC hasn't told me exactly when the new series will be aired, but hold on to your underwear because we've already recorded some SCORCHING live sessions from Bob James (with Dave McMurray -sax, James Genus -bass and Billy Kilson -drums) and The Yellowjackets who have returned to Nucool Studio for more punishment (see photo). Feel free to write into BBC Radio 2 saying something like "We simply cannot and will not live without New Jazz Standards, the finest radio show in the universe. Get it back on the air immediately if not sooner, or suffer the inevitable humiliation."

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