CHILLI JAZZ RADIO NEWS

STAR-SPANGLED RADIO HOUR

Wednesday 25th February 5pm

Friday 5pm, Sunday 12pm

Ray McKinley

Jazz Drummer and Bandleader

Ray McKinley, born June 18, 1910, in Fort Worth, Texas, was a renowned American drummer, vocalist, and bandleader whose influence shaped the jazz and swing era.

McKinley began with The Jolly Jazz Band in Dallas-Fort Worth, left home at 15, and worked with Milt Shaw’s Detroiters and Smith Ballew’s band, where he met Glenn Miller in 1929. Their friendship lasted until Miller’s death in 1944.

In 1934, McKinley and Miller joined the Dorsey Brothers’ Orchestra. After Miller departed, McKinley stayed with Jimmy Dorsey until 1939, then joined Will Bradley’s band as co-leader, recording the hit “Beat Me Daddy, Eight to the Bar” in early 1940.

The Louis Dowdeswell Podcast

Due to popular demand these shows are repeats of Louis brilliant Podcasts

Wednesday's 6pm

Wednesday's 6pm - 8pm Friday 01.00am, Sunday 5pm

THE JAZZ SET

WITH TOM STEVENS

Wednesday 25th February 8.00pm

NOT TO BE MISSED DRIVING HOME WITH TOM

Thursday's 5pm

TODD'S TURNTABLE

THURSDAY 26th February 8PM

FRIDAY 2AM & 7PM, SUNDAY 4PM,

Do not miss the brilliant Tod Gordon and his themed shows

THIS WEEK

THE CARL SIGMAN SONG BOOK

The Life and Legacy of Carl Sigman

Carl Sigman was a pianist, composer, and lyricist whose songs were performed by a variety of artists, including Kenny Drew, Mel Tormé, Dottie West, Joni Mitchell, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Though trained in law, Sigman followed his passion for music, encouraged by Johnny Mercer.

Sigman wrote lyrics for Glenn Miller’s “Pennsylvania 6-5000” in 1940 and contributed “Love Lies,” recorded by Sinatra and Dorsey. During WWII, he wrote the official song for the 82nd Airborne. Post-war, he saw hits like “Ballerina,” “Civilization,” “Enjoy Yourself,” and “My Heart Cries for You.” He adapted Charles G. Dawes’s piece into “It’s All in the Game,” and gave lyrics to “Ebb Tide,” “Dream Along with Me,” “Arrivederci, Roma,” and “Where Do I Begin” from Love Story.

Sigman’s jazz collaborations include “All Too Soon” with Duke Ellington, “If You Could See Me Now” with Tadd Dameron, “Crazy He Calls Me” (Billie Holiday), “I Could Have Told You” (Sinatra), and “Manha de Carnival.” His son Michael compiled a 3-CD collection from Sigman’s catalogue of roughly 800 songs, affirming his reputation as a great American songwriter.

RECORD OF THE WEEK

Fred Astaire joins AVID Four Classic Albums Jazz Hall of Fame with this classic jazz album from 1953

Fred Astaire Jazz Interpretations of the Great American Songbook a Landmark Jazz Album

Fred Astaire’s jazz interpretations of the Great American Songbook, featuring Oscar Peterson and the Jazz at the Philharmonic group, blend engaging song introductions and tap dancing with top-tier musicianship. Produced by Norman Granz in 1953, with a line-up including Peterson, Barney Kessel, Flip Phillips, Charlie Shavers, Ray Brown, and Alvin Stoller, this album earned Astaire a place in the AVID Jazz Hall of Fame. While his earlier recordings are iconic, this collaboration showcases Astaire’s remarkable adaptability to jazz. Granz praised the project for exhibiting Astaire’s personality and described these recordings as among Astaire’s finest.

The Michele Monro Podcast

The 1st Thursday of every month 7pm -8pm

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

The Big Band Heat

WITH TOM STEVENS

Saturday's 2.00pm, 8pm Sunday & Monday 2pm

NOW YOU HAS "JAZZ JAZZ JAZZ"

WITH JOHN PETTERS

Saturday 7pm

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

Saturday's 8pm

Sunday 2pm Monday 4am, Tuesday 6pm

Join David Harding-Price tonight

MEET THE PRESENTERS