CHILLI JAZZ RADIO NEWS

BANK HOLIDAY SPECIALS

Discs and Donuts

11.00am Friday 3rd April 11:00am Saturday 4th of April  11.00am Monday 6th April

With David Harding Price

EASTER JAZZ GEMS

THE LIGHTER SIDE OF BIG BANDS & JAZZ

EASTER MONDAY 10.00PM

Tom's Holiday Special

1pm - 3pm Easter Monday

TOM'S HAND PICKED CROONERS OF TODAY

STAR-SPANGLED RADIO HOUR

Wednesday's 5pm

Friday 5pm, Sunday 12pm

1st April Show Features

Bob Chester: The New Sensation of American Jazz and Big Band Music

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of a Talented Bandleader and Tenor Saxophonist

Bob Chester (1908–1966) was a renowned American jazz and pop bandleader, whose vibrant arrangements and charismatic performances left an indelible mark on the big band era. Born in Detroit, Chester began his musical journey as a sideman before forming his own ensemble, influenced by the likes of Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey. His band, once dubbed "The New Sensation of the Nation," gained national attention with a CBS radio show and a string of successful Bluebird recordings. Notably, "With the Wind and the Rain in Your Hair" reached No. 18 in April 1940. Despite the decline of big band music, Chester’s contributions continue to inspire musicians and fans alike. After retiring from music, he returned to Detroit, spending his later years in the auto industry until his passing in 1966.

8th April Show Features

Benjamin Goodman: The King of Swing

A Jazz Legend Who Changed Music History

Benjamin David Goodman, renowned as the “King of Swing,” was an influential American jazz clarinetist and bandleader. Born into poverty in Chicago, Goodman’s talent and determination propelled him to the forefront of the music world. His breakthrough performance at the Palomar Ballroom in 1935 is credited with launching the Swing Era, forever transforming the landscape of popular music. Goodman’s innovative style and extraordinary musicianship continue to inspire generations of jazz enthusiasts.

The Louis Dowdeswell Podcast

Due to popular demand these shows are repeats of Louis brilliant Podcasts

Wednesday's 6pm

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

THE JAZZ SET

WITH TOM STEVENS

Wednesday 8.00pm

Tom presents

THE QUEENS OF VOCAL HARMONY

“Swingpunk” – The Financial Times

“Fabulous” – Vogue

“…the Andrews Sisters-style close harmonies are immaculate… they weave past and present together so deftly…” – Clive Davis, The Times.

The Puppini Sisters, renowned for their retro glam style and close harmonies, have captivated audiences with covers and original songs since forming in 2004 at London’s Trinity College of Music. Their debut album, Betcha Bottom Dollar, became the fastest-selling jazz record in UK chart history, blending classic swing with modern pop hits.

Their vintage aesthetic, inspired by Vivienne Westwood and the burlesque scene, helped spark a revival of harmony bands online. Over two decades, they toured globally, played lavish parties, collaborated with artists such as Michael Buble, and earned fans including Prince Charles.

In 2026, they will celebrate 20 years by releasing a new album featuring both originals and inventive covers like Total Eclipse of the Heart and Happy Birthday. Highlights include songs inspired by their travels and experiences, with members Marcella Puppini, Kate Mullins, and Rosanna Schura reuniting. The band continues to thrive at the intersection of club culture and mainstream music, always staying true to their creative vision.

NOT TO BE MISSED DRIVING HOME WITH TOM

Thursday's 5pm

TODD'S TURNTABLE

THURSDAY'S 8PM

FRIDAY 2AM & 7PM, SUNDAY 4PM,

Do not miss the brilliant Tod Gordon and his themed shows

THIS WEEK

Oscar Hammerstein II: A Pioneer of Musical Theatre

Celebrating the Legacy of a Legendary Lyricist and Director

Oscar Greeley Clendenning Hammerstein II transformed the world of musical theatre as an American lyricist, librettist, producer, and director. Renowned for penning over 850 songs, Hammerstein's enduring influence is evident in iconic productions such as Show Boat, Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, and The King and I. His creative vision continues to inspire audiences and artists alike, shaping the landscape of stage musicals for generations to come.

RECORD OF THE WEEK

Heptet - Ashley Slater

The Story of Heptet

A Concise Journey from Prague to Vinyl

Ashley Slater once drove to Prague in a battered Porsche 944 for a Freak Power gig. There, he met Hammond organist Jan Korinek, and though they spoke about starting a band, fifteen years passed without collaboration. In 2024, after moving to Germany, Ashley reconnected with Jan and finally formed a band.

The band, named Heptet (from 'hep', jazz slang for 'cool'), is essentially a larger organ trio. They played several gigs, made people dance, and embraced the humour in their name.

Heptet recorded an album in Prague with musicians from around the world, all playing together live, which Ashley calls “the antidote to AI music.” Members include Ashley (trombone, vocals), Jan (Hammond), Oliver Lipenský (drums), Alex Svidersky (sax, percussion), Osian Roberts (baritone sax), Hermon Mehari (trumpet), and Lisa Hulinsky (guest vocals on two originals).

Their sound blends jazz, groove, funk, and soul—music you want to hear when you want to hear it. The album comes out on vinyl and CD on May 29th, with a digital release in October.

Tour Dates

Heptet tours the UK in June: Brighton Komedia on the 3rd, The Queens Head (Box) on the 4th, Sunrooms 2 (Southend) on the 5th, Jazz Cafe Posk (London) on the 6th, and The Garibaldi (Northampton) on the 7th.

The Michele Monro Podcast

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

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

This Month 2nd April

Matt’s Media Legacy

Michele and Richard explore the numerous radio and television biographies produced about Matt. These programmes have offered audiences a glimpse into Matt’s remarkable career, highlighting his achievements and influence within the industry. The discussions often delve into the creative process behind these media portrayals, offering insights into how Matt’s story has been interpreted for broadcast.

The Big Band Heat

WITH TOM STEVENS

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

The Airmen of Note Jazz Heritage series  2026

WATCH THIS SPACE FOR NEWS OF OUR FANTASTIC TRIP TO WASHINGTON DC

NOW YOU HAS "JAZZ JAZZ JAZZ"

WITH JOHN PETTERS

Saturday 7pm

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

John presents 78rpm special

Saturday 21st March 8pm

Sunday 2pm Monday 4am, Tuesday 6pm

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

MEET THE PRESENTERS