Big Band Special

Big Band Specialwas aBBC Radio 2series which launched in September 1979, as a showcase for theBBC Big Bandin session and in concert. Big Band Special was a 30-minute programme broadcast on Monday nights at 9.30pm and presented byClare Tealsince April 2006. Big Band Special was also available to listen to for a further seven days following each broadcast via theBBC iPlayer.

History

Originally planned as a short run of 12 programmes,Big Band Specialwas the first jazz showcase on BBC Radio for the BBC Big Band. For most of its first decade,Big Band Specialwas made up of studio sessions featuring theBBC Big Bandwith guest vocalists and jazz soloists. From the 1990s onwards, concerts from all parts of the UK and beyond became a regular part ofBig Band Special.Presented bySheila Tracyfrom 1979 until 2000, other presenters have includedStacey Kent(2001–2004) andHelen Mayhew(2004–2006). Jazz SingerIan Shawalso presented editions of the programme.

Big Band Specialembraced a diverse mix of repertoire ranging from the 1930s sounds ofDuke Ellington,Fletcher HendersonandJimmie Lunceford,through the swing era to the modern sounds of leading jazz writers includingFrancy Boland,Bob Brookmeyer,John Clayton,Bob Florence,Steve Gray,Bill Holman,Jörg Achim Keller,Rob McConnellandGerry Mulligan.

Conductors featured regularly onBig Band Specialincluded American jazz trombonistJiggs Whigham,leading British arrangersMark NightingaleandSteve Sidwell,the BBC Big Band's baritone saxophonist Jay Craig and Jöerg Achim Keller.

In September 2013, BBC Radio 2 announced it would overhaul its schedule, merging its two Big Band themed programmes –Big Band SpecialandSunday Night at 10– to create a two-hour show airing on Sunday evenings from 9–11pm. Like both its predecessors, this programme was also presented by Clare Teal.

External links

• Big Band SpecialatBBC Online