CHILLI JAZZ RADIO NEWS

STAR-SPANGLED RADIO HOUR

Wednesday's 5pm

Friday 5pm, Sunday 12pm

Larry Clinton: Life and Musical Legacy

A Pioneering American Dance Band

Larry Clinton was an acclaimed American musician, widely known as a trumpeter, bandleader, and arranger. His versatility extended to the trombone and clarinet, and his arrangements were adopted by renowned bandleaders including Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, Glen Gray, Louis Armstrong, and Bunny Berigan.

Clinton composed and arranged jazz and pop standards such as "The Dipsy Doodle" (1937), "My Reverie" (1938), and "Heart and Soul" (1938). He also wrote "Satan Takes a Holiday", "Midnight in the Madhouse", "Calypso Melody", and "A Study in Brown" (with four sequels).

From 1937 to 1941, Clinton led his own band and recorded numerous hits for RCA Victor. His band's repertoire included pop tunes, original instrumentals, and swing adaptations of classical works by Debussy and Tchaikovsky—an industry-wide trend at the time. His version of Debussy's "Reverie", retitled "My Reverie" and sung by Bea Wain, reached number one on Billboard in 1938. "Heart and Soul", also featuring Bea Wain, topped the charts in 1939. "The Dipsy Doodle" became Clinton's theme song, first recorded by Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra in 1937.

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: THE MICHEL LEGRAND SONG BOOK

Michel Legrand: The Maestro Who Bridged Jazz and Cinema

Michel Legrand was one of the true originals — a composer, arranger, and pianist who moved effortlessly between jazz clubs, recording studios, and film sets. From his early classical training in Paris to his ground breaking collaborations with Miles Davis and the French New Wave, Legrand created music that was bold, melodic, and unmistakably his own. His scores for films like The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Summer of ’42, and Yentl earned him global acclaim and three Academy Awards, while his jazz work showcased a harmonic imagination that still inspires musicians today. At Chilli Jazz, we celebrate Legrand as a rare artist who made the worlds of jazz and cinema sing together with elegance and daring.

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.

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 Mike Pointon (PART 2)

The Musical Journey of Mike Pointon

Trombonist Mike Pointon, born in London, began with piano and trumpet before finding his passion for the trombone, launching a distinguished jazz career.

Pointon performed with bands including the Blue Crow Jazzmen, Perdido Street Six, his own Jazzmen, Salutation Brass Band, Kid Martyn’s Ragtime Band, and toured with New Orleans legends like George Lewis and Kid Thomas. He also played with groups such as the San Jacinto Jazzmen, New Teao Brass Band, Uncle John Renshaw’s Jazzband, Keith Smith’s Climax Jazzband, Barry Martyn’s Camellia Jazz Orchestra, Dave Mills’ Jazzband, Brian Green's Jazz Band, the Lounge Lizards, and Bill Brunskill’s Band.

He led his own Quartet in Belgium, worked with the Cotton City Jazz Band of Ghent, backed Mezz Mezzrow, played with Albert Nicholas, and recorded with Paul Closset’s Dixie Gamblers. His international engagements also included Paris (Les Haricots Rouges), touring the Gulf States (British All Stars), and Northern Ireland in 1989 (Wild Bill Davison, Art Hodes, John Petters’ All Stars), and recording with Hot Stuff and Dick Charlesworth.

Pointon performed at a Louis Armstrong tribute in Hungary with Joe Muranyi, appeared with Clive Wilson’s New Orleans Serenaders on UK tours, guested with Apex Jazz Band in Belfast, and played regularly with Dick Laurie’s Elastic Band.

Saturday 21st March 8pm

Sunday 2pm Monday 4am, Tuesday 6pm

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

MEET THE PRESENTERS