Radio Jazz Research is such a brilliant concept for the sharing of knowledge. It works so well in practice, it could be a model for people in many sectors to learn from and to follow. The range of participants is always very broad, yet all are united by a common enthusiasm for and knowledge of the music. The result is that the topics are always illuminated from a much wider range of perspectives than is the norm.
I also have huge respect for the ethos of the discussion, where there is genuine sharing of expertise. It is not what the English call “Chatham House”; nor is it what the French call “comité restreint”. It is in fact something better. RJR has created an environment where differences of opinion are respected, valued and used to build better understanding. And that is something of which the world is in desperately short supply.