CHILLI JAZZ RADIO NEWS

RECORD OF THE WEEK

Les McCann Ltd. & Lou Rawls – Four Classic Albums (2CD Remastered)

AVID Jazz presents a remastered 2CD edition pairing three early-1960s Pacific albums by Les McCann Ltd. with Lou Rawls’ classic Stormy Monday

Les McCann began his jazz career in the late 1950s with a run of Pacific Records albums. Starting out as a singer, drummer and tuba player, he went on to become a largely self-taught jazz pianist, with a formative spell at Los Angeles City College. While his early work is sometimes overshadowed by his later success in the late 1960s and 1970s—when he became a cool jazz-funk star and a favourite source of hip-hop samples—this set shines a light on some of his finest early-1960s recordings for Pacific. CD1 features two standout performances from his famed Ltd. Trio (one studio, one live). Our third selection adds the incredible guitarist Joe Pass to the line-up—an inspired addition. The fourth album finds Les alongside Lou Rawls on the classic Stormy Monday, with Leroy Vinnegar and Ron Jefferson, and of course Rawls’ immaculate vocal performance.

STAR-SPANGLED RADIO HOUR

Wednesday 29th April 5pm

Friday 5pm, Sunday 12pm

Jimmy Dorsey

Swing-Era Clarinet Star and Big Band Leader

Jimmy Dorsey helped define the sound of swing as a celebrated clarinetist and alto saxophonist, leading hit-making big bands from the 1930s to the 1950s—alongside and beyond the famous Dorsey Brothers Orchestra.

• Signature hits: “Amapola,” “Green Eyes,” and “So Rare.”
• Notable recordings: Influential performances on “Singin’ the Blues” and “Georgia on My Mind.”
• Big band era: Led major ensembles through the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s.
• On television: Co-hosted Stage Show, bringing big band music to a wider audience.
• Legacy: A defining swing stylist whose sound and phrasing influenced generations of jazz musicians.

THE JAZZ SET

WITH TOM STEVENS

Wednesday's 8.00pm

NOT TO BE MISSED DRIVING HOME WITH TOM

Thursday's 5pm

TODD'S TURNTABLE

THURSDAY 23rd April 8PM

FRIDAY 2AM & 7PM, SUNDAY 4PM,

Do not miss the brilliant Tod Gordon and his themed shows

THIS WEEK

THE WALTER DONALDSON SONG BOOK

Throughout his career, Donaldson composed numerous hit songs spanning from the 1910s to the 1940s. His work achieved considerable acclaim, with many of his compositions becoming enduring standards that are celebrated to this day.

Walter Donaldson (15 February 1893 – 15 July 1947) was a prolific American popular songwriter whose contributions significantly shaped the landscape of twentieth-century music.

In addition to his success as a songwriter, Donaldson also demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit by founding a publishing company. This venture further cemented his influence within the music industry, allowing his works and those of others to reach wider audiences.

Many of Donaldson's songs have become integral parts of the Great American Songbook, a collection that represents some of the most important and influential American popular music. His legacy lives on through these timeless pieces, which continue to be performed and appreciated by musicians and audiences alike.

Friday 24th 7.00pm and Saturday 25th 2.30pm

With the permission of The Airmen Of Note Chilli Jazz Radio is proud to present our live recording from the Schessinger Auditorium, Washington DC on 12th March 2026

The Big Band Heat

WITH TOM STEVENS

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

NOW YOU HAS "JAZZ JAZZ JAZZ"

WITH JOHN PETTERS

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

JAZZ GEMS

WITH TOM STEVENS

THE LIGHTER SIDE OF BIG BANDS & JAZZ

MONDAY'S 11.00PM

The Michele Monro Podcast

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

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

MEET THE PRESENTERS