CHILLI JAZZ RADIO NEWS

RECORD OF THE WEEK

SAMMY SIDE UP

SAMMY MAYNE

Sammy Mayne studied at the Royal Academy of Music, laying the foundation for a distinguished career in jazz. He spent seven years performing with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, where he honed his craft and developed his skills as a musician.

Over the course of ten years, Sammy played with both John Dankworth’s Big Band and the BBC Big Band, becoming a familiar face in the British jazz scene. His commitment to jazz extended to an eight-year tenure with the Stan Tracey Octet. Sammy also performed with Guy Barker’s Big Band, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra, and the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, further showcasing his versatility and talent.

Sammy Mayne’s career has included touring with the popular television show Strictly Come Dancing, bringing jazz to audiences across the country. His collaborative work has seen him perform alongside renowned artists such as Amy Winehouse, Robbie Williams, and Tom Jones, highlighting his ability to adapt to various musical styles and genres.

STAR-SPANGLED RADIO HOUR

Wednesday 28th January 5pm

Friday 5pm, Sunday 12pm

The Musical Legacy of Tommy Dorsey

Tommy Dorsey’s big band captivated audiences with a remarkable range of musical styles, encompassing everything from elegantly smooth dance tunes to lively hot swing numbers. Demonstrating his commitment to jazz, Dorsey also led a smaller ensemble known as the Clambake Seven, which focused on delivering more intense jazz performances.

The exceptional quality of Dorsey’s bands was further enhanced by the talents of several distinguished musicians. Trumpeters Bunny Berigan and Ziggy Elman, saxophonists Bud Freeman and Johnny Mince, guitarist Al Viola, pianist Joe Bushkin, and drummer Buddy Rich all contributed their considerable skill to the ensemble. Additionally, the band benefited from the work of outstanding arrangers, including Paul Weston, Bill Finegan, and Sy Oliver, whose arrangements helped shape the band’s signature sound.

Among the many memorable recordings produced by Dorsey’s band, notable hits included “Boogie Woogie,” “The Dipsy Doodle,” “Marie,” “Song of India,” “Opus One,” and “On the Sunny Side of the Street.” Thanks to its impressive versatility and unwavering excellence, Tommy Dorsey’s band secured its place as one of the most consistently popular ensembles of the swing era.

His performances appeared seemingly effortless, a quality due in large part to his flawless breath control. This technical mastery allowed his music to flow smoothly and consistently, contributing to the polished sound for which he was renowned.

The Louis Dowdeswell Podcast

Wednesday 28th January 6pm

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

John Thirkell

Trumpet legend John Thirkell joins Louis Dowdeswell to share stories from Buddy Rich to Jamiroquai, plus insights on practice, confidence & business

Highlights Review of 2025

Wednesday 28th January 8.00pm

Tom Stevens and Guests

Tom's highlights offering insights into his guests with moments and events that defined the year.

TODD'S TURNTABLE

THURSDAY 22nd January 8PM

FRIDAY 2AM & 7PM, SUNDAY 4PM,

Do not miss the brilliant Tod Gordon and his themed shows

ALL ABOARD!

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

The Michele Monro Podcast

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

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

This month, Michele and Richard discuss Matt's early life, concentrating on his time after leaving school at 14 and his first two years in the Army. 

MEET THE PRESENTERS