Firelight Chats Ep058 | TWisting Roots w/Jim Geddes

In this episode of Firelight Chats, Jim Geddes directed his way to the Spacelab to chat with Kane & Mocha by the fireside about jazz big bands, musicals, cruise ship touring, and more. From a small town in Wisconsin, Jim recounts his story of happening upon the saxophone, thinking of music as a way to travel the globe, working at Disney World, living the cruise ship life, visiting 48 out of 50 states on the musical theater circuit, the craziest things he saw while on the road, his favorite musicals, and finally making his way to Taiwan.

Jim also shares stories about working with his idols, learning from legends, forming Taiwan's preeminent jazz big band during the early days of Covid, performing during National Day with the President right behind him and the firework show synced to his music, the arduous process behind the recording of the TPO's first album, his love of indigenous culture, his deep desire to give back to Taiwan, and his thoughts about the current and future prospects for the Taiwan jazz and music scene.

Jim Geddes is a multiple woodwinds player, the founder and director of the TPO - Taipei Professional's Orchestra - is a member of the ZyTheWay band, and can be found touring, performing, and collaborating with top musicians both within Taiwan and internationally. The TPO's debut album, Twisting Roots, was recently released and can be found on various streaming platforms.