Big Band Special - 05/10/2009

Clare Teal presents the first part of Big Band Special's 30th anniversary concert. Recorded at the Town Hall, Birmingham the BBC Big Band and conductor Jiggs Whigham are joined on stage by guest singer Matthew Ford. Including arrangements written especially for the BBC Big Band over the past 30 years by writers such as Bob Florence, Allan Ganley and Steve Gray. Originally commissioned as a 12 week run of programmes, Big Band Special has become one of Radio 2's longest running specialist music series. Featuring the BBC Big Band in concert and in session, Big Band Special has travelled to every corner of the British Isles and beyond. Over the past 30 years, featured guests have ranged from home grown emerging jazz talents to international stars including George Shearing, Ray Charles, George Benson, Van Morrison, Michael Buble, Dr John, Natalie Cole and Amy Winehouse.