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| Jiggs Whigham directing the BBC Big Band Photo Credit: Frazer Ashford |
This Monday, 23rd September 2013, will be the last BBC Radio 2 Big Band Special (see our piece about it with various updates HERE), the presenter is Clare Teal, and the session was directed by Jiggs Whigham.
The final tune of this final programme will be Peter Cook and Dudley Moore’s Goodbye (Arr. Steve Gray).
The programme will also include:
– Bali Hai (arr. Ralph Dollimore) – performed in the first episode, back in September 1979
– Cocktails for Two (featuring guest singer Ian Shaw) – Arr. Steve Gray
– There is no Greater Love (Arr Steve Gray)
– One For My Three ( Patrick Williams – the original Big Band Special theme tune)
LISTEN HERE (for seven days after transmission)
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FUTURE DATE:
Jazz Line Up are recording the band in Sevenoaks live on Wednesday 6th November, with Australian multi-instrumentalist James Morrison. Claire Martin presenting.
Venue: The Space at Sevenoaks School.
Tickets from the Space Box Office on 01732 467765 / boxoffice@sevenoaksschool.org
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QUOTES ABOUT THE BBC BIG BAND:
“Thank you guys, you’re wonderful” – Michel Legrand
“By far the best band to come out of England” – George Shearing
“They brilliantly continue the tradition of Big Band music. As such they are important as well as marvellous” – Michael Parkinson
“…for me, this is the band” – Mel Tormé
“Not only are they terrific musicians, they also have a marvellous sense of humour” – Ken Bruce
“I told my wife that for my next birthday I want this band as a gift” – Lalo Schifrin
“A wonderful bunch of guys, the best in the business” – Clare Teal
“A jazz orchestra primed and at the ready to get to the heart of the matter. For survival, one must be versatile, for jazz, one must be ready to swing … hard! The BBC Big Band live both realities.” – Julian Joseph
“A wonderful band” – Tony Bennett
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the stupid and irresponsible idea to cancel this show (therefore putting the very future of the BBC big band at great risk), is nothing short of a travesty! please see my letter to those responsible below:
prof jiggs whigham
im hag 12
53179 bonn
germany
17 september, 2013
dear madam,
dear sir,
it has come to my attention that funding, supporting the great BBC big band has been drastically reduced. in spite of the current economic situation while disregarding the world class quality of the band (and its success over many decades!) – this decision is scandalous!
it must be recognized that this form of music is not only a great tradition but in fact, art – certainly deserving a highly regarded position of respect and honor in our society.
art and music are not a luxury – they are a necessity!
it has been my privilege to be associated with this excellent orchestra as both soloist and conductor for over thirty years. it is without any reservation that i must mention that this band is indeed world class – some say the best ever!
therefore an appeal to those responsible for this horrendous decision to PLEASE reconsider and return the BBC BIG BAND to its previous status as a proud jewel in the BBC crown.
respectfully,
prof. jiggs whigham
17 september, 2013
cape cod, usa'