Full schedule and presenting line-up revealed for 2016 BBC Music pop-up jazz station
Ivor Novello Award-winning singer and songwriter Will Young confesses to a deep affinity for jazz, as he prepares to host his own show on this year’s BBC Music Jazz pop-up digital radio station.
Published: 24 October 2016
I am a jazz singer at heart. Jazz is that simple connection with the audience, saying 'here have a listen and see what you think', so it was the biggest treat to spend an hour sharing some of my favourite jazz artists on the airwaves for the BBC Music Jazz pop-up - I felt really privileged to be asked.
He will be given free rein to spin his favourite jazz classics on the show, with a planned playlist including songs from Tony Bennett, Jill Scott, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone and the Oscar Peterson Trio.
Will says: "I am a jazz singer at heart. Jazz is that simple connection with the audience, saying 'here have a listen and see what you think', so it was the biggest treat to spend an hour sharing some of my favourite jazz artists on the airwaves for the BBC Music Jazz pop-up - I felt really privileged to be asked. I hope everyone enjoys the pop-up, I know I’ll be tuning in!”
Superstar musician Sir Van Morrison also joins the list of big name guests for the pop-up, appearing alongside broadcaster and saxophonist Leo Green to discuss his relationship with jazz over the years, and the influence it has had on his music.
The BBC Music Jazz pop-up, a collaboration between BBC Music, BBC Radio and Jazz FM, broadcasts for an unprecedented 96 hours this year, 24 hours a day over five days. The pop-up will feature all-star presenters and musicians, archive gems and jazz music for everyone from jazz novices to connoisseurs, with live performances from BBC Radio 3’s collaboration with EFG London Jazz Festival, as well as bespoke content from BBC Radio 2, 3, 4, 6 Music, BBC Radio Scotland and Jazz FM.
Other newly announced highlights of programming include Jay Rayner: Jazz and Food, in which the well-known restaurant critic and writer, who moonlights as a jazz pianist, serves up an hour of food and drink-based jazz. Jay Rayner also presents a special edition of Jazz Voice, live from the EFG Jazz Festival Opening Gala stage on Friday night, 11 November.
Movie Star Don Cheadle, who wrote, produced, directed and starred in the 2016 Miles Davis biopic Miles Ahead, chooses his favourite Davis songs in a one-hour long interview with Jazz FM’s Jez Nelson.
Acclaimed singer Gregory Porter explores the music and technique of some of his favourite jazz vocalists, musician Laura Mvula celebrates her musical hero Miles Davis and The Scissor Sisters’ Ana Matronic takes listeners through a guided tour of her own jazz 78s.
There are also new programmes from jazz-loving comedian Stewart Lee, musician Cerys Matthews, actor and DJ Craig Charles, writer Hardeep Singh Kohli, and broadcaster Colin Murray, with each presenter playing handpicked selections of their favourite jazz tunes. BBC Radio 2 presenter, Steve Wright also presents a special version of his programme Sunday Love Songs where he will play a selection of jazz tracks as chosen by his audience.
Following in the footsteps of last year’s 50 Greatest Jazz Artists, Geoffrey Smith and Helen Mayhew will present a countdown of 50 Greatest Jazz Albums as voted for by members of the Jazz Community in four programmes across the weekend.
Jan Garbarek and his group will also perform live from the EFG London Jazz Festival and saxophonist and BBC Radio 3 presenter Soweto Kinch will host a special live edition of Jazz Now from the Dean Street Pizza Express in London’s Soho.
A four part Godfathers of Jazz series will air across the weekend, focusing on Tony Bennett, Lalo Schifrin, Herbie Hancock and Sonny Rollins. Plus Alyn Shipton will introduce an archive interview with American pianist and composer, Keith Jarrett that has never previously aired on radio
The BBC Music Jazz pop-up will run from 10am on Thursday 10 November until 10am on Monday 14 November on digital radio, online and the iPlayer Radio app. The full schedule can be found here.
BBC Music Jazz is led by BBC Music Editor James Stirling, Controller of BBC Radio 3 Alan Davey, BBC Radio 3 Editor Tony Cheevers, and Jazz FM Content Director Nick Pitts. BBC Music Jazz this year will be the seventh BBC music radio pop-up service, following in the footsteps of Radio 2 Country, Radio 2 50s and Radio 2 Eurovision services.
Press contact
Gail Davidson - gail@gdpr.co.uk
