BBC Blues show

Subject: RE: BBC Blues show
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 17 Jan 18 - 11:08 AM

Ageism in action.
A) Against the current presenter
B) Against a large proportion of the shows most faithful listeners.

Subject: RE: BBC Blues show
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 17 Jan 18 - 09:03 AM

The Radio Times says the changes are to connect with the key audience whose age is presumed to be under 45. As I'm now 74 I suppose I'm expected to stick to Radio4.

RtS

Subject: RE: BBC Blues show
From: GUEST,Jim Knowledge
Date: 17 Jan 18 - 06:56 AM

I `ad that Cerys Matthews in my cab last week, in the professional sense of the words, you understand. Don`t mix me up with Worboys."
I said, "Yakki Da, My Lovely. Where to then?"
She said , " Broadcasting `ouse please Jim."
I said, "You going on the wireless for something or the other then?"
She said, "Well yeah, but I`ve gotta go and do some training for that programme about the Blues they`ve asked me to front."
I said, "Blimey, The Blues!. Being a Wales supporter I would `ave thought the Red and Greens were more up your street!!"


Whaddam I Like??

Subject: RE: BBC Blues show
From: GUEST,matt milton
Date: 17 Jan 18 - 04:04 AM

"For example, what are Cerys's credentials for hosting a programme devoted to the blues?"

The fact that she plays lots of blues on her weekly BBC radio programme (and always has). And that she's also presented plenty of one-off documentaries about blues and related music.

For me, the fact that her own preferences are clearly more acoustic, classic blues (Piedmont, New Orleans etc) is a distinct plus.

Subject: RE: BBC Blues show
From: Mr Red
Date: 17 Jan 18 - 03:36 AM

I didn't get the answer that time , as I recall.

They both are competent radio presenters, Cerys has a better singing voice I assume. But I have to confess Mr Radcliffe's efforts just wash over me.

Subject: RE: BBC Blues show
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 16 Jan 18 - 05:47 PM

Marl Radcliffe.........erm erm

Subject: RE: BBC Blues show
From: Mr Red
Date: 16 Jan 18 - 05:43 PM

Now where have I heard the old chestnut "What are this person's credentials to host that programme?"

Hmmm, Mark Radcliffe seems to come to mind.

Subject: RE: BBC Blues show
From: fat B****rd
Date: 16 Jan 18 - 02:30 PM

Fair points, Tunesmith. There will be criticism of the BBC no matter what.
I've occasionally listened to Cerys on BBC 6 on a Sunday morning and found her selections most eclectic and whatever Blues she's featured have been fine by me (MHO of course).
I'm sure we all wait with anticipation and interest.
Happy New Ear
ATB from Charlie

Subject: RE: BBC Blues show
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 16 Jan 18 - 11:59 AM

If they use Cerys, the BBC are leaving themselves open to fair criticism.
For example, what are Cerys's credentials for hosting a programme devoted to the blues?

Subject: RE: BBC Blues show
From: Will Fly
Date: 14 Jan 18 - 07:18 AM

Ah, yes, the great Paul Oliver - and Charlie Gillett for a wonderfully sharp pair of ears coupled with good taste.

Subject: RE: BBC Blues show
From: GUEST,Hootenanny
Date: 14 Jan 18 - 06:58 AM

Hey Will,

You omited to mention Paul Oliver. He had a number of programmes on BBC at a time when Blues records in the UK were as rare as hen's teeth and at that time was the most knowledgeable.

Re your comments I agree wholeheartedly. I gave up on Paul Pond years back. Surprised to know that he was still at it.

Re you previous comments on Sandy MacPherson I remember how much I disliked hearing that as a kid. Listening to Edward Sturton last week reading excerpts from his book "Auntie's War" about the wartime BBC it seems that I was far from alone.

Subject: RE: BBC Blues show
From: Will Fly
Date: 14 Jan 18 - 06:32 AM

Paul Jones is a nice guy, with a long pedigree in music, but I stopped listening to his Radio 2 blues programme many, many years ago, as it just seemed very cliche'd and uninteresting. Time for a change.

For my money, it takes a lot to beat the halcyon blues broadcasting days of Alexis Korner and Mike Raven. But perhaps I'm just an old fart...

Subject: RE: BBC Blues show
From: Mr Red
Date: 14 Jan 18 - 06:26 AM

Shades of Sandy MacPherson at the theatre organ...

or Reginald Dixon even............

Paul Jones (AFAIK) is a Committed Christian. So maybe he would make a good vicar.

I like Cerys Mathews' take on music. She is certainly knowledgeable on her Welsh Folk, and given her early career, has a wide taste and experience. I will be seeking-out her Welsh song that she raved over. (BBC 4extra Saturday) I didn't understand a word, but agree with her - it was perfectly crafted and the translation will be just as enjoyable. Songwriter is a guy named Parry & iPlayer is all I have to go on, but ...........

I will be listening to her blues show, instead of letting the GF's choice wash over me with PJ. Each to their own.

Subject: RE: BBC Blues show
From: GUEST,Nick Dow
Date: 13 Jan 18 - 07:07 PM

I have just retired from the BBC after presenting both folk and blues for 32 years. I have handed over to my Grand daughter Amy-Rose Atkinson. Not only is she a talented young woman but she is also part Romany Gypsy. In my book it's ten out of ten to the Beeb for giving her the job, and hopefully training her for other broadcasting.
I personally got on reasonably well with Paul Jones when we chatted on air, however he sounds more like a vicar than a bluesman in my opinion. Each to his own.

Subject: RE: BBC Blues show
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 13 Jan 18 - 08:42 AM

Yes the organ does have a lot of fans. Its a strange little country, England. There are these pockets of music devotees with strange obsessions and fanatical followings.

The Kinema in the Woods at Woodhall Spa is for some reason a place of pilgrimage for the organ folk. I suppose its an advantage that we have a big population in a small country, and they can all assemble fairly easily.

The rockabilly gang are something else.

Subject: RE: BBC Blues show
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 13 Jan 18 - 04:44 AM

If she plays more Fred McD, Robert J and Sonny and Brownie than Paul I'll be happy. Let's see.

RtS

Subject: RE: BBC Blues show
From: GUEST,matt milton
Date: 12 Jan 18 - 08:55 AM

Listen to Cerys Matthews' 6Music show: she plays a lot of blues.
And, to be frank, more authentic blues stuff than Paul Jones' show.

I know that Paul Jones indisuptably knows a lot about blues music, that's undeniable. But his show features loads of electric pub-rock stuff (Popa Chubby, Joe Bonnamassi etc); if I want to hear that stuff I can go to any number of pubs on their "blues jam" nights. For me, blues and blues-rock are very different beasts, and I'm hoping the new presenter will favour the former rather than the latter.

Subject: RE: BBC Blues show
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 11 Jan 18 - 09:08 AM

Will, in Ascot there is even an Organ & Keyboard Club that meets monthly! They admire each other's organs (ahem!) and have "famous" guest organists. So far i have resisted attendance...
RtS

Subject: RE: BBC Blues show
From: Will Fly
Date: 11 Jan 18 - 06:36 AM

Good lord - is "The Organist Entertains" still going?

Shades of Sandy MacPherson at the theatre organ...

Subject: BBC Blues show
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 11 Jan 18 - 05:05 AM

If press reports are accurate BBC plans to promote women presenters include axing Paul Jones from his long-running blues programme on Radio 2 and replace him with Cerys Matthews. I have no axe to grind against Ms Matthews but I doubt she has the depth and breadth of knowledge PJ has brought to the programme for so many years. Other " minority" music tastes getting the axe are The Organist Entertains (mind you I always thought that last word should be in quotes) and Listen to the Band.

RtS