CHILLI JAZZ RADIO WEEKLY SHOW NEWS

RECORD OF THE WEEK

Richard Shelton: Shelton Swings Sinatra

with the Sid Lawrence Orchestra

A Master Interpreter of Sinatra

This week we shine the spotlight on Richard Shelton, the multi‑award‑winning British vocalist celebrated worldwide as the leading dramatic interpreter of Frank Sinatra. His brand‑new album, Shelton Swings Sinatra, recorded with the legendary Sid Lawrence Orchestra, arrives on 8th August — and it’s a knockout tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes delivered with class, swing and unmistakable style.

Shelton’s ability to capture Sinatra’s tone, phrasing and emotional fire has earned him rave reviews on both sides of the Atlantic, along with major awards for his acclaimed stage production Sinatra: RAW. Now, with the Sid Lawrence Orchestra behind him, he brings that same authenticity and energy to a fresh set of swinging arrangements that celebrate the timeless sound of the Great American Songbook.

A world‑class performer keeping Sinatra’s legacy vibrant for modern listeners — Richard Shelton is our Record of the Week.

JAZZ GEMS

WITH TOM STEVENS

MONDAY'S 11.00PM

THE LIGHTER SIDE OF BIG BANDS & JAZZ

Dr. Ian Darrington MBE presents ‘Jazz Notes Jazz Conversations & More’

Tuesday's 10.00pm

Ian in Conversation with Simon Spillett: A Tenor Voice at the Heart of British Jazz

In this edition, Ian sits down with Simon Spillett — one of Britain’s most acclaimed tenor saxophonists and a musician whose dedication to the craft has earned him a string of major honours. Spillett’s career is marked by standout achievements: BBC Jazz Awards Rising Star, Jazz Journal’s Critics’ Choice Album of the Year, the British Jazz Awards Top Tenor Saxophonist, and the prestigious Services to British Jazz award.

Across the conversation, Simon reflects on the influences that shaped his sound, the legacy of the great British jazz players, and the discipline required to sustain a career in a constantly evolving musical landscape. His insights reveal not only a formidable musician but a passionate custodian of the tradition he represents.

This feature offers a close, engaging look at a saxophonist whose commitment to British jazz continues to inspire audiences and fellow musicians alike.

STAR-SPANGLED RADIO HOUR

Wednesday 12th August 5pm

Friday 5pm, Sunday 12pm

THIS WEEK

Glenn Miller and His Orchestra: The Sound That Defined an Era

A Versatile Musician with a Lasting Sound

Glenn Miller and His Orchestra, formed in 1938, became one of the most iconic swing dance bands of the big‑band era. Built around Miller’s signature arrangement — a warm, velvety clarinet lead carried over a tightly blended saxophone section — the orchestra created a sound instantly recognisable and endlessly imitated. It was smooth, precise and irresistibly danceable, a style that propelled the band to national fame and made Miller one of the most successful bandleaders of the early 1940s.

Their recordings, from In the Mood and Moonlight Serenade to Chattanooga Choo Choo, captured the optimism, energy and sentimentality of pre‑war America. Beyond chart success, the orchestra’s music became woven into the cultural fabric of the time, accompanying radio broadcasts, film appearances and wartime morale efforts.

This programme celebrates the artistry and innovation of Glenn Miller and His Orchestra, exploring the distinctive sound world they created and the enduring legacy they left behind.

THE JAZZ SET

WITH TOM STEVENS

Wednesday's 8.00pm

NOT TO BE MISSED DRIVING HOME WITH TOM

Thursday's 5pm

The Michele Monro Podcast

Thursday 6th August

The first Thursday of every month 7pm -8pm

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

TODD'S TURNTABLE

THURSDAY 13th August 8PM

FRIDAY 2AM & 7PM, SUNDAY 4PM,

Do not miss the brilliant Tod Gordon and his themed shows

THIS WEEK

THE BILLIE HOLIDAY SONG BOOK

The Songs She Wrote, The Life They Revealed

Billie Holiday wrote or co‑wrote around twenty songs during her career, a modest number compared with many of her contemporaries. Yet the impact of those compositions is anything but small. Although she is celebrated primarily as a peerless interpreter of other writers’ work, Holiday’s own songs — God Bless the Child, Don’t Explain, Fine and Mellow — have become enduring jazz standards, each carrying the emotional fingerprints of her turbulent life. They reveal a writer of striking candour, someone who channelled vulnerability, resilience and lived experience into music that still resonates with rare intimacy.

This programme brings together a curated selection of Holiday’s self‑penned songs, performed both in her own unmistakable voice and in recordings by other artists who took up her material. It also highlights compositions she contributed to but never recorded herself, offering a fuller picture of her creative legacy. Together, these tracks illuminate the lesser‑known side of Billie Holiday: not just the incomparable singer, but the songwriter who transformed personal truth into timeless jazz.

The Big Band Heat

WITH TOM STEVENS

NOT TO BE MISSED !!!!

Saturday's at 2.00pm

Also Sunday 8pm & Monday 2pm

25 Years of Phatness Celebrating Gordon Goodwin’s Legendary Band with Tom Stevens and special guest Vangie Gunn-Goodwin

In this tribute programme, Tom Stevens and Vangie Goodwin, Gordon’s wife, join the celebration to reflect on the music, the legacy and the lasting impact of the Big Phat Band.

Join us for a special radio celebration marking 25 years of Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band — one of the most exciting and inventive large jazz ensembles of our time.

Led by Grammy and Emmy Award-winning composer, arranger and musician Gordon Goodwin, the Big Phat Band has brought the big band tradition into the modern era with a bold sound that blends swing, Latin, blues, classical, rock, funk and more.

Featuring some of Los Angeles’ finest players, the band has earned critical acclaim, Grammy nominations and a devoted following for its high-energy performances, dazzling arrangements and unmistakable musical personality.

Vangie Gunn-Goodwin

Vangie Gunn-Goodwin is a highly respected Southern California session singer, vocal contractor and longtime voice with Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band. Her career includes work on major film, television and game projects, with credits connected to productions such as Star Wars: Rogue One, Zootopia, Happy Feet, Jurassic World, Family Guy, World of Warcraft and Call of Duty. She has also contributed vocal work to major motion pictures including Spider-Man: No Way Home, Lightyear and Thor: Love and Thunder. Today, Vangie continues to celebrate Gordon Goodwin’s music and legacy through the Big Phat Band and the Big Phat Pod, sharing the stories, musicianship and spirit behind one of modern big band jazz’s most exciting ensembles.

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

NOW YOU HAS "JAZZ JAZZ JAZZ"

WITH JOHN PETERS

Saturday's 7pm

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

This weeks guest Alan Gresty

The Band Keeping Dixieland’s Golden Age Alive

Born from a deep admiration for legendary cornetist Muggsy Spanier, the group formerly known as Alan Gresty & Brian White’s Ragtimers has evolved into one of the most respected ambassadors of classic Dixieland jazz. Their earliest mission was simple yet ambitious: to honour Spanier’s unmistakable sound. That dedication resulted in three acclaimed volumes of Muggsy Remembered, recorded for New Orleans’ iconic Jazzology label, each capturing the fire, warmth, and authenticity of the original Ragtimers spirit.

As the band’s musical journey continued, so did their repertoire. They expanded beyond Spanier’s legacy to embrace the wider Golden Age of Dixieland, breathing new life into timeless arrangements while preserving the character and charm that define the era. Their celebrated album The Bobcats Recaptured pays homage to the Bob Crosby Bobcats, delivering a vibrant, affectionate revival of one of jazz’s most beloved small‑band sounds.

But this band is far more than a curator of history. Their latest release, Muted Trumpet, Slide Trombone, showcases a full programme of original compositions, proving that they are as inventive as they are reverent. It’s a testament to their ability not only to recreate the classics, but to contribute fresh material that stands confidently within the tradition.

With a growing international reputation, the band has appeared at major jazz festivals across Europe and the United States, alongside radio and television performances on both sides of the Atlantic. Their blend of professional polish, infectious energy, and superb musicianship continues to attract new audiences and secure prestigious engagements.

Irresistible in sound and spirit, this ensemble remains a shining example of how classic jazz can be preserved, celebrated, and joyfully reinvented for modern listeners.

Saturday's 8pm

Sunday 2pm Monday 4am, Tuesday 6pm

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

Gina Coleman & Misty Blues: 25 Years of Soul, Blues and Powerhouse Storytelling

Join us for a special radio show feature celebrating Gina Coleman, the dynamic voice, founder and songwriter behind Misty Blues. From her early musical roots in the South Bronx to a life-changing open mic performance in Massachusetts, Gina’s journey has been filled with grit, soul and unexpected turns.

For 25 years, Gina has led Misty Blues with a rich blend of traditional and original blues, touched with jazz, soul, funk and gospel fire. The band has recorded 18 albums, toured in the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom, and earned international airplay and award recognition along the way.

Now, as Misty Blues marks a remarkable 25-year milestone, Gina is also stepping forward with her solo work, including her 2025 album Unequivocally Blue and a forthcoming tribute to blues great Ida Cox. It’s a story of passion, perseverance and the enduring power of the blues.

THE SUNDAY REWIND - ALL THE WEEKS SHOWS IN ONE DAY

MEET THE PRESENTERS