Inside Improvisation a 4-part series for BBC Radio 2, March 8, March 14, March 20, March 26 at 9:30 pm.

Music-loving non-musicians are used to hearing musicians break into a solo. But they have little or no idea of what the process entails. Whether they are listening to Miles Davis or Jimi Hendrix, they still ask : where in tarnation do all those little notes come from ? So I suggested a series to the BBC Radio 2 called Inside Improvisation specifically designed to explain the process of improvising in language every music-lover can understand. Some of the finest improvisors on the planet have joined me on this unique series : Pat Metheny, Gary Burton, Regina Carter, Martin Taylor, Randy Brecker, Gary Husband, Kyle Eastwood, Ronnie Cuber, Eliane Elias, Marc Johnson, Andy Milne, Janek Gwizdala, Paquito D'Rivera, Sue Terry, Gregoire Maret, Chris Hunter, Mark King, and jazz composers Bob Belden, David Chesky and Maria Schnieder. These cats are not only talking, but they are exclusively whipping out their instruments and playing you examples to demonstrate their points. INSIDE IMPROVISATION is a series no musician or music-lover is going to want to miss !

"This has been a rewarding listen with presenter Richard Niles pushing ear and imagination to encompass the workings of other people's minds - a host of musician's techniques." Gillian Reynolds - The Daily Telegraph, Radio Choice (26/03/05) "The musical arranger Richard Niles is one of those people whose projects can be recommended without hesitation..." Sunday Telegraph Eye Magazine Radio Choice "The ever-chirpy Richard Niles likens improvisation to a conversation, stand-up comedy and a Thai meal. Niles's tone is thoughtful and musicianly..." Sunday Telegraph Radio Choice "The American musician Richard Niles is one of those people from whom, to approximately quote Wodehouse, one would buy shares without a tremor. Not only does he know what he's talking about, he imparts the knowledge with clarity and certainty. One of pop's top arrangers (a subject that led to a fine Niles series a couple of years ago), here he turns his attention to improvisation in jazz, rock, funk and the blues. A 180-degree shift from the rigid discipline of the arranger but exciting nonetheless." The Times - Radio Choice - Chris Campling