BBC Radio 3's Composer of the Week is...Bebop!

[A Lark Ascending]

Five programmes, one each day at UK lunchtime and repeated at 10 pm.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00qn3s3

When the slot was given to Duke Ellington in the late 70s there were riots in the Home Counties. I expect David Cameron will make a statement about how it illustrates the cultural decline of the nation under the stewardship of Labour.

[BillF]

And to think that bebop and boogie woogie were once banned by the BBC!

P.S. Why haven't they got Ken Clarke on? Too busy preparing for office?

[JohnS]

Essential lunchtime listening. And don't forget Alexander Hawklins on Monday evening.

[sidewinder]

P.S. Why haven't they got Ken Clarke on? Too busy preparing for office?

If the Tories get in and he takes over from 'Bullingdon Boy' Osborne, we could end up having tax breaks for Mosaic purchases !

[Alexander Hawkins]

Fantastic! Can't wait to check the shows out!

[JohnS]

A nice way to spend lunch. All the music is familiar but that's no bad thing.

[Jazzjet]

Five programmes, one each day at UK lunchtime and repeated at 10 pm.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00qn3s3

When the slot was given to Duke Ellington in the late 70s there were riots in the Home Counties. I expect David Cameron will make a statement about how it illustrates the cultural decline of the nation under the stewardship of Labour.

Clearly evidence of the broken society, feral jazz fans out of control etc etc.

[Brad]

Very nice. Listening to Episode 1. Thanks.

Just noticed that these episodes have a sunset period and Episode 1 leaves the air in 5 days.

Edited February 17, 2010 by Brad

[A Lark Ascending]

Glad you mentioned that.

I checked yesterday and the programmes were not yet available on the iPlayer. Thought I'd missed it. But it's there now. Am recording it to listen to in the car next week on the work run.

[A Lark Ascending]

Listened to programme 1 and the first 20 mins of 2 on the work run today.

Very well done! Donald Macleod...who you normally hear talking about Haydn or Berlioz...is there asking questions as the inexperienced but interested novice. What really impresses is the explanations of Geoffrey Smith. I've only heard him doing his amiable but rather scripted Jazz Record Requests. But here he positively bubbles with enthusiasm and shows a great knowledge of the music - not just the who/what/where but he talks authoritatively about what is happening musically.

I always think it sad that programmes like these only survive for a broadcast or two and then vanish (I know - contractual, licence etc). Should be linked up for constant reference - perfect for a music student or someone coming new to jazz and wanting a primer.

Edited February 22, 2010 by Bev Stapleton