best of jazz

[con-amca]

Terrible news!! Humphrey Lyttelton's "Best of Jazz" is ending in early April, after nearly 40 years of weekly transmission. Humphrey is undoubtedly God's jazz gift to Britain, his jazz knowledge is unmatched, and his wit and humour make the programme a delight. I for one will miss that Monday hour greatly, and I know that there are very many others who will miss it also. Are there any ABers among them I wonder?

[vehelpfulguy]

It is NOT ending.

It will not be on every week, but it is coming back for a 13 week run later in the year.

In fact he says he will do TWO 13 weeks a year, which is not bad for a guy who is over 80.

More here

http://www.radiotoday.co.uk/news.php?extend.17 43

[vehelpfulguy]

If you like Humph on radio have you listened to Mel Hill, he is also knows a lot about jazz, and plays similar music.

He does a 2 hour show each week on Radio Stoke, but you can listen to it on the internet.

I listen to both each week (on headphones at work) and have to say overall I prefer Mel Hill.

Got to this web page

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/

In the "genre" area on the right select "Music", then "Jazz".

You get a list of Jazz programs, including Best of Jazz.

Mel Hill is at the bottom of the alphabetical list, give it a try, I think you will like it.

[con-amca]

Thanks vhg. I couldn't have listened to Humphrey's announcement properly. Thanks for putting me right.
Monday evenings won't be the same until he returns.

Yes, I do sometimes listen to Mel Hill. I can't receive the signal from the Stoke transmitter, but can get the one from
Hereford and Worcester. I shall probably listen to Mel regularly now that HL has deserted us temporarily.

As you say, he is very knowledgeable, and he has a relaxed and humourous style, and plays some fine, swinging music.

[scarletpimp]

Humph deserves a knighthood in the next honours list..

[con-amca]

I agree with you scarletpimp, but I have heard - can't
remember where or when - that he has been offered
honours and always turned them down. This would
seem to fit my idea of his personality.

[scarletpimp]

Yes thanks for that Baldhair. You made me dig a little deeper and I found that Humph has accepted many music awards but has (at least once) refused a knighthood.