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CHILLI JAZZ RADIO WEEKLY SHOW NEWS


Matt Monro: The Lost Sessions Restored — The 1982 Ron Goodwin & Billy May Recordings Reborn

A Landmark Release for Fans of Britain’s Finest Voice

Out on 25th September, this remarkable new album unveils a treasure long thought gone forever — a collection of stunning 1982 recordings Matt Monro made with two legendary figures: Ron Goodwin and Billy May.

Originally broadcast on BBC Radio, the Ron Goodwin sessions were believed lost for decades until an unexpected rebroadcast revealed that the tapes had survived after all. The Billy May recordings, however, remained unheard for more than 40 years. The BBC did not retain the original tapes, and only off‑air cassettes circulated among collectors.

The breakthrough came thanks to the late Alan Dell, who had quietly preserved the master tape of the Billy May session. After his passing in 1995, the tapes were transferred to the National Sound Archive, where they remained locked behind layers of administrative red tape — until now.

After years of work, the recordings have finally been recovered and lovingly restored. Expertly remastered by Richard Moore, these sessions sound fresh, vivid, and breathtaking, capturing Matt at the height of his artistry with two of the greatest arrangers of the 20th century.

This is not just an album — it’s a historic moment. A rediscovery. A restoration. A celebration of a voice and legacy that continues to shine.

A must‑hear release for every Matt Monro fan — and a proud moment for the world of classic orchestral jazz.


WITH TOM STEVENS

MONDAY'S 11.00PM

The Lighter Side of Big Bands & Jazz – Celebrating Feel‑Good Jazz Across the Decades


Big Bands and Beyond

Modern Power, Classic Legends Presented by Paul Rigby

On Air: First Monday, 8–10pm Repeat: , 8–10am Omnibus: Sunday, 8 -10am

Join broadcaster and bandleader Paul Rigby for Big Bands and Beyond — a monthly showcase of modern big bands and legendary ensembles. Paul is leader of the Northern Jazz Orchestra and brings expert insight, great music, and special guests.


THIS TUESDAY 29th SEPTEMBER STARTING THE - 8PM

YOU DIG? — Jazz Stories, Big Personalities, Real Insight

Smart, relaxed conversations with the musicians and creators shaping today’s jazz world — hosted by Grammy‑nominated Steve Wiest.

This week Steve welcomes the great Tom “Bones” Malone — the powerhouse trombonist and multi‑instrumentalist behind the Blues Brothers, SNL, Blood, Sweat & Tears, and the CBS Orchestra.

Tom “Bones” Malone, one of the most versatile and electrifying musicians in American jazz and popular music. Best known for his work with the Blues Brothers, the Saturday Night Live Band, Blood, Sweat & Tears, and the CBS Orchestra on The Late Show with David Letterman, Malone’s career spans decades of iconic performances, arrangements, and studio work. A master of the trombone — and equally fluent on saxophone, trumpet, tuba, flute, and bass guitar — Bones brings stories, insight, and a lifetime of musical brilliance to the show. A true heavyweight guest for You Dig?.


STAR-SPANGLED RADIO HOUR

With Dennis M. Spragg – Historian, Author & Curator

Dennis M. Spragg is the lead historian of the Glenn Miller legacy, coordinating the Glenn Miller Collections at the University of Colorado Boulder and serving with the Glenn Miller Birthplace Society. He co‑produces the acclaimed Star‑Spangled Radio Hour, manages the Glenn Miller Collections’ online presence, and writes widely published articles on American history and exceptionalism. His work is featured by major media, the Smithsonian, and the Library of Congress, and he appears frequently across radio, TV, podcasts, and live events.

Wednesday 30th September 5pm

Friday 5pm, Sunday 12pm

THIS WEEK

Glenn Miller and the Birth of the AAF Band, 1943

This week on The Star‑Spangled Radio Hour, historian, author, and curator Dennis M. Spragg explores one of the most pivotal chapters in American musical history: Glenn Miller’s creation of the Army Air Forces Band in 1943. At the height of his fame, Miller left the civilian bandstand to build a world‑class military orchestra that would inspire Allied troops across the globe. Dennis brings expert insight, rare archival knowledge, and vivid storytelling to this remarkable moment in Miller’s wartime legacy.


Pexels photo by cottonbro studio/@cottonbro

WITH TOM STEVENS

Wednesday 30th September 8.00pm

This Wednesday, Tom welcomes one of our own — John Petters, the drummer, bandleader, historian and broadcaster who has shaped British jazz for decades.

This week on The Jazz Set, Tom is joined by John Petters — drummer, bandleader, jazz historian, writer, lecturer and long‑time broadcaster. A familiar voice to Chilli Jazz Radio listeners, John has written extensively for Jazz Journal International and Just Jazz Magazine, documenting the evolution of jazz drumming and preserving the stories of the music he loves. In this special Jazz Set crossover, John brings deep knowledge, sharp insight and a lifetime of experience to an unmissable conversation with Tom.


NOT TO BE MISSED DRIVING HOME WITH TOM

Thursday's 5pm


The Michele Monro Podcast

The first Thursday 3rd September of every month 7pm -8pm

Michele Monro talks about her father the legendary singer Matt Monro.

The Voice Behind the Stories, The Legacy Behind the Music

Michele Monro brings a uniquely personal perspective to the world of classic song and showbusiness. As the daughter of legendary singer Matt Monro, she has spent years preserving, curating and celebrating his legacy — and now she shares those stories, insights and rare moments on her new Chilli Jazz Radio show.

Expect warm, witty and deeply informed storytelling as Michele opens the door to a lifetime surrounded by music: the hits, the hidden gems, the studio tales, the family memories and the remarkable journey of one of Britain’s greatest vocalists. Her show blends nostalgia with discovery, offering listeners an intimate look at the man behind the microphone and the music that continues to inspire generations.

A heartfelt, engaging and beautifully crafted programme — Michele Monro brings history to life with charm, honesty and a deep love for the art of song.


TODD'S TURNTABLE

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THURSDAY'S 8PM

FRIDAY 2AM & 7PM, SUNDAY 4PM,

Do not miss the brilliant Tod Gordon and his themed shows


Tom welcomes Ben Shep of The Managers Big Band to The Big Band Heat on 3rd October

Whether lighting up standards or showcasing new charts, Ben Shep and The Manager’s Big Band bring energy, precision, and personality — a perfect fit for Tom’s weekly celebration of the big‑band tradition.

Tom's brilliant show's are always packed with new music and interviews


Saturday's 7pm

Sunday 7pm, Monday 7pm, Tuesday 12am, Wednesday 5am


Saturday's 8pm

Sunday 2pm Monday 4am, Tuesday 6pm

Join David Harding-Price tonight for his fabulous Blue's Show


THE SUNDAY REWIND - ALL THE WEEKS SHOWS IN ONE DAY

Pexels photo by Dmitry Demidov/@dmitry-demidov-515774

MEET THE PRESENTERS

Presenters

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Louis Dowdeswell

The Louis Dowdeswell Podcast Wednesday's 6pm - 8pm Friday 01.00am, Sunday 5pm Louis talks about all things trumpet and interviews some of the biggest trumpet stars on the planet

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DENNIS M. SPRAGG STAR-SPANGLED RADIO HOUR

With the Permission of Dennis M Spragg co-ordinator of the Glenn Miller Collections at the American Music Research Center, University of Colorado Boulder, we present The Star-Spangled Radio Hour which has become one of the most popular big band programs available in the world since it went on the air in April 2010 and is the weekly “go to” spot for big band enthusiasts who enjoy original broadcasts.

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Nicola Farnon co Host with Tom on Christmas Day shows

Widely recognised as one of the classiest Jazz and Swing singers and/or double bassists in the UK, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Nicola Farnon has a remarkable musical pedigree, both parents being professional classical musicians and her great uncle no less than the late Robert Farnon.  Originally raised classically on the cello and the piano, Nicola started singing and playing double bass in her twenties which led to a jazz career spanning 25 years (so far!). 

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Michele Monro

The Michele Monro Pod cast Michele's Father the brilliant Matt Monro