The Rotary Club of Corringham Thameside

“Gateway to Jazz”, the programme that is brought to you by the Rotary Club Of Corringham Thameside and is broadcast on 87.7FM by Gateway FM, will feature an interview with jazz legend Mr Acker Bilk M.B.E. M.A. on Wednesday 17th December 2008 from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Acker will be interviewed by our regular presenter Rotarian David Fenn.

Acker, born in Pensford, Somerset on 28th January 1929 and was given the names Bernard Stanley by his parents, but was known as “Acker” from a very young age. Acker is Somerset for “friend” or “mate”, and that fits well with this popular and likeable man.

Recognised throughout the world by his trade mark bowler hat and snazzy waistcoats, David will ask the great man about the origins of the form of dress, as well as enquiring about the origins of his enormous hit record “Stranger on the Shore”. Find out what Acker’s favourite recordings are, his favoured venues, how he got started and why he chose jazz.

We will also be playing a number of his recordings, covering the sixty years he has been in the entertainment industry. The show will also include plenty of other red hot music.

Acker is due to appear in concert with Kenny Ball at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford on the 31st January 2009, a great opportunity to hear two of Britain’s finest jazz musicians on the same stage.

Don’t forget to tune into “Gateway to Jazz” every Wednesday from the 3rd December 2008 from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. and particularly to the show featuring Acker Bilk on the 17th. We can promise you the very best from the world of jazz.

Hope to join you there.

Another seris of “Gateway To Jazz” will be broadcast on 87.7FM from Wednesday 3rd of December through to the 24th December 2008. This series will be on air from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m.
As usual, the programme will be bring you the very best of jazz, with views, news and interviews. We have retained our featured artist spot, which in this series will include Ella Fitzerald and Thomas “Fats” Waller.
The music will concentrate mainly on British jazz bands that are currently operating on the national jazz circuit and can often be heard at local jazz venues. These include the Hugh Rainey Jazz Band, Phil Mason’s New Orleans All Stars with Christine Tyrrell, The Gambit Jazz Band, John Maddocks Jazzmen, Dave Stradwick’s Sussex Jazz Kings, as well as an interview with singer Carol Braithwaite who features regularly at the Leigh Estuary Jazz Club.
We shall also offer a trip down memory lane, with records of the old favourites from the 50′s & 60′s, even a bit of skiffle. We will also include a tribute to Humphrey Lyttleton, George Melly and Oscar Peterson who have sadly passed away during the last twelve months.
On Christmas Eve I will be playing 26 of my favourite jazz recordings, and I promise you it will include something for everybody. So don’t forget to tune in every Wednesday from the 3rd at 7 p.m. on Gateway FM broadcasting on 87.7FM. Your chance to loosten up, tap your feet and enjoy some really red hot music, all courtesey of the Rotary Club of Corringham Thameside.
See you then – David Fenn

My first show of the new RSL will include an interview with that ever popular British jazz man Kenny Ball. You will be able to hear Kenny answer my questions about how he began playing trumpet, his musical education and his idols. He tells some amusing stories about his band’s early days on the road, how he obtained his first ever recording contract and T.V work.
Have you ever wondered what was his own favourite recording was ? Listen in, it might surprise you, and he has some amusing stories to tell when we discuss his favourite venues. Also, if you have ever wondered what special talents he looked for when he recruited his band members, he will reveal all !!
All this and a wide range of music from his band’s extensive repertoire, including Midnight In Moscow, Joshua Fit At The Battle Of Jericho, Wonderful World Cornet Chop Suey, I Wanna Be Like You, Samantha, Someday, You’ll be Sorry and even a touch of Classical In Schuman’s – Jolly Peasant.
Don’t miss this great show  - “Gateway To Jazz” – Brought to you by The Rotary Club Of Corringham Thameside and introduced by David Fenn on 87.7 F.M Gateway F.M – The Community Radio Station for Basildon and East Thurrock.
www.gatewayfm.com 

“Gateway to Jazz” will be back on air on Sunday 29th June 2008 and will be broadcast every Sunday from 8 p.m until 10 p.m until 20th July 2008.
Listen in on 87.7 F.M or online at www.gatewayfm.com 

I have just begun recording 4 completely new programmes which will initially be played on the internet, but later will go out on air, hopefully in June/July. I’ll keep you posted on that.
The new programmes will include a set on my featured artist – Teddy Wilson, Miles David and Sidney Bechet. I will also be featuring a number of local bands and artists.
Watch this space !