John Thirkell: From Buddy Rich to Jamiroquai – Trumpet, Business, and Belief

What does it really take to build a career that lasts in music?

In this episode of The Louis Dowdeswell Podcast, I sat down with trumpet and flugelhorn player John Thirkell—a musician whose career stretches from Buddy Rich and the BBC Big Band to Jamiroquai, Tina Turner, Swing Out Sister, and Level 42.

But John’s story isn’t just about trumpet. It’s about failure, belief, resilience, and creating freedom beyond the horn. Whether you’re a young trumpet player dreaming of studio sessions or a professional looking to balance life and work, John’s lessons cut deep.

Early Days: From Brass Bands to the BBC Big Band

John didn’t follow the typical conservatoire path. In fact, he failed every major music college audition in London. One professor even told him bluntly:

“You just haven’t got what it takes.”

Instead of giving up, John went back home, played in brass bands, and hustled his way forward. His first real break came on the QE2 cruise ship, where he spent 14 months sight-reading cabaret shows, backing artists, and learning how to perform under pressure.

That experience eventually led to London, where he landed a spot in the BBC Big Band, replacing John Barclay. From there, doors began to open.

Buddy Rich & Gil Evans: Staying Calm Under Fire

One of the highlights of John’s career was touring with Buddy Rich’s band. But it wasn’t for the faint-hearted. Imagine: a book the size of a phone directory, never playing the same set twice, Buddy shouting out half-codes for tunes mid-gig, and the pressure of the world’s tightest rhythm section behind you.

The only way to survive? Stay calm.

John’s lessons with Carmine Caruso came into play here. Caruso focused less on exercises and more on the mental game of trumpet:

• Fear makes you miss notes before you play them.

• Belief keeps you steady when everything around you feels chaotic.

• 
  

It’s a lesson that applies far beyond trumpet—calm focus beats panic in any high-pressure situation.

The Golden Age of Studio Sessions

By the 1980s and 90s, John was one of the UK’s busiest session players. Eight to ten sessions a week, plus shows at night, became the norm. He worked on albums for Jamiroquai, Tina Turner, Lisa Stansfield, Swing Out Sister, Level 42, and many more.

But John is quick to point out that being booked wasn’t just about chops:

“I ran my playing like a business. My job was to figure out what the producer wanted and deliver that—reliably, on time, without fuss.”

This mindset kept him working in an industry where personality and professionalism mattered just as much as high notes and fast tonguing.

Building a Business Beyond the Horn

At the height of his playing career, John asked himself a hard question: “How do I grow when there are only so many hours in the day?”

His answer was to build Two Camels, a music licensing company that recorded and owned thousands of tracks—including re-recordings with original artists like Sister Sledge, Odyssey, and The Trammps.

Instead of just being paid once for a session, John created income streams that continued while he slept. This shift gave him financial stability and creative freedom.

It’s a reminder for all musicians: your playing is powerful, but your career grows when you build something beyond the gig.

Productivity, Planning & Practice Systems

Perhaps the most practical part of our conversation was John’s approach to productivity:

• Trello for planning – each night he lists tomorrow’s tasks in order. The hardest, most uncomfortable job always comes first.

• Hourly practice blocks – using an app that shuts down his computer every hour, forcing him to stand, stretch, and practice trumpet for 10 minutes.

• Monthly practice schedules – created in Modacity, covering flexibility, tonguing, range, and repertoire.

John insists this isn’t about discipline:

“I don’t think I’m disciplined. I just create a system where I don’t have to think. I just do it.”

It’s a powerful insight for any musician battling procrastination.

Humility, Confidence & Making Space for the Next Generation

Despite a career filled with legendary gigs, John is refreshingly humble. He openly admits that younger players—Louis Dowdeswell, Ryan Quigley, Tom Walsh, and others—push trumpet to new levels.

Instead of competing, John believes older musicians should make space:

“Old guys have to get out of the way so the young lions can step up.”

That humility now shines through his teaching. At his Elite Music Camps in Spain, he brings small groups of musicians together for a week of intensive playing, conversations, and community—“learning more than just the notes.”

Lessons from John Thirkell’s Journey

1. Failure is a beginning, not an end.

2. Calmness under pressure unlocks your best playing.

3. Treat your playing like a business. Reliability wins.

4. Create freedom by building beyond the gig.

5. Systems beat motivation—set up your day for success.

   
   

Watch the Full Conversation

👉 Watch the full episode with John Thirkell here:

And if you enjoyed this, you’ll also love:

🎥 Humility, Belief, and Storytelling: A Deep Conversation with Samuel Walters

Join the Academy

If you’re ready to build your own confidence, consistency, and community, join us inside the Louis Dowdeswell Academy on Skool.

Inside, you’ll find:

✅ Weekly live sessions with Louis

✅ Practice routines & play-alongs for all levels

✅ A safe, supportive community of trumpet players

👉 Click here to join the Academy today and take your trumpet playing to the next level.

Online Trumpet Lesson

Book Now