FRANK SINATRA DUETS 1&2.RUBBISH.!!!

I have recently had three e-mails from Sinatra listeners  to my Easy Listening Programme on
Tudnofm 107.8 and online Tudnofm.co.uk on Tuesday evenings about my Sinatra programming.
While extremely complimentary about the amount of Blue eye's records I play all three have
pointed out that I have never played any tracks from his latest albums Duets 1&2 on Capitol
records.  Quite right !   Although these were his best selling albums of all time. ( I find that
difficult to believe) they do not represent Frank Sinatra singing at his best and although
I do occasionally play.... not his classiest tracks... I do draw the line at his voice in aged
poor form accompanied ,in most cases, by singers who really should not be duetting with
him at all. If this had been Sinatra alone, his last effort, I would probably play a track or
two,but when joined by artists jumping on a commercial bandwagon with poor results I don't
want to know. Many artists have fallen for this type of Album to appeal to a wider audience
and have nearly all got their fingers burned.  The only real exception is Crosby/Clooney with
FANCY MEETING YOU HERE which is a high standard CD and in this case it was the same
two singers throughout the album.  Sinatra has duetted through his career with far greater vocalists
than most of the ones in the Duets series. They are available and I often play these.... but Sinatra
and Bono......No No!

PLAYLIST APRIL 24TH..FEATURING ROSEMARY CLOONEY.

CD..ROSIE SOLVES THE SWINGING RIDDLE.....Rosemary Clooney, Nelson Riddle.

tracks played.....Get me to the church on time / I get along without you very well / April in
Paris / By myself / Limehouse Blues.

Great swinging album with Nelson Riddle's backing and Clooney in great vocal form.There's
not much to say about this apart from the fact that  it is very good.

PLAYLIST.

Stardust....Nat King Cole....LETS FALL IN LOVE.*****.
Sisters...Bette Midler / Linda Ronstadt....BETTE MIDLER SINGS THE ROSEMARY CLOONEY SONGBOOK.****
So many ways...Brook Benton....THE BEST OF....****.
Fly me to the moon...Julie London....VARIOUS.****.
Promises Promises...Dionne Warwick...DIONNE WARWICK SINGS BACHARACH AND DAVID.****.
It happened in Monterey...Frank Sinatra....SONGS FOR SWINGING LOVERS.*****.
Vaya Con Dios...Mel Torme....OLE TORME.*****.
Jerusalem....Don McLean....THE VERY BEST OF....****.
When love comes along....Matt Munro....THE RARE MONRO.***.
My romance...Carly Simon....MY ROMANCE.*****.
That's when the music takes me...Neil Sedaka.....THE MUSIC OF MY LIFE.***.
Canto Della terra....Andrea Bocelli.....VIVERE.*****.
Make yourself comfortable...Sarah Vaughn / Quiet nights of quiet stars....Stan Getz...SMOOTH JAZZ.*****.
If my friends could see me now/I'm a brass band..Connie Francis....CONNIE & CLYDE.****.
All the things you are....Nino Tempo & April Stevens....NINO & APRIL.***.
I left my heart in San Francisco...Peggy Lee....I'M A WOMAN.*****.
Love will set you free...Englebert Hunperdink...SINGLE.****.
A night like this....Caro Emerald.....DELETED SCENES FROM THE CUTTING ROOM FLOOR.****.
Forget him...Bobby Rydell....THE BEST OF...****.
September in the rain...Dinah Washington....THE ESSENTIAL COLLECTION.****.
I'm old fashioned...Micheal Holliday....ANTHOLOGY.****.
I'll remember tonight...Pat Boone / I'll be with you in Apple Blosson time....Rosemary June /
La Plume de ma Tante...Hugo and Luigi  THE 1959 BRITISH HIT PARADE.***.

EASY LISTENING SHOW. TUDNOFM 107.8 / TUDNOFM.CO.UK...LISTEN LIVE.

PLAYLIST APRIL 17TH. FRANK SINATRA. ONLY THE LONELY.

ONLY THE LONELY. TRACKS PLAYED......
Angel Eyes / What's new / It's a lonesome old town / Ebb tide.

This is one of the sad ballad CDs that Sinatra released in the Capitol era when he was at the top of his
game. With a Nelson Riddle backing this is regarded as one of his best. Sad songs of long lost
love straight after losing Ava Gardener and there is plenty of emotion on disc proving Sinatra as
one of the best vocal actors of his generation. Adele supporters would love this male version of
intense heartbrake. Beautifully sung with Sinatra's voice on full power in front of sensuous Nelson
Riddle orchestrations. You don't get better than this!

PERRY COMO. TRACKS PLAYED.....
It's Impossible / For the good times / Let's do it again / The Wind beneath my wings.

My final look at the important records of Perry Como including his two massive hits in Britain
which started his successful album career here and across the world. A revival for Perry lasting
through till the nineties and helping his back-catalogue even to this day. Included ,one of his
last recordings "WIND BENEATH MY WINGS". His voice of this track is weaker but
because of this it adds an extra poignancy to the feel and lyrics of the song.

PLAYLIST APRIL 17TH.

Sweet about me....Gabriella Cilmi......SINGLE.
Bacharach/David Medley.....Carpenters....CARPENTERS.****.
Hot Stuff....Micheal Ball...THE MOVIES.****.
I won't let you walk this road alone...Rhydian....O FORTUNA.****.
Razzle Dazzle....Bing Crosby....COME SHARE THE WINE.***.
There will never be another you.....Nancy Wilson.....THE CAPITOL RECORDINGS.****.
The more I see you....Peter Grant.....PETER GRANT.*****.
Siesta Fiesta.....Dean Martin...EVERYBODY LOVES SOMEBODY.***.
Love of my life...Carly Simon....INTO WHITE.****.
Wuthering Heights....Puppini Sisters....BETCHA BOTTOM DOLLAR.****.
C'est la vie c'est L'amour....Jane Morgan...JANE IN SPAIN.****.
So in love.....Ella Fitzgerald....SINGS COLE PORTER.*****.
Got to live it up to live you down....Al Martino....THINK I'LL GO SOMWHERE AND
CRY MYSELF TO SLEEP.***.
This is the life.....Matt Munro  THIS IS MATT MUNRO.*****.
Love will set you free.....Englebert Hunperdink....SINGLE.
Who am I....Adam Faith....THE VERY BEST OF.....**.
Masterpiece....Madonna....SINGLE.
Big Spender(remix)....Shirley Bassey....GET THE PARTY STARTED.****.
She was beautiful....Joe McElderry....CLASSIC****.
Bye Bye blues....Andy Williams....THE SHADOW OF YOUR SMILE.****.

THE EASY LISTENING SHOW....COLIN HOLMES.
TUDNOFM 107.8
ONLINE TUDNOFM.CO.UK

PLAYLIST APRIL 11TH FEATURING ALEXANDER RYBAK

ALEXANDER RYBAK....CD..FAIRYTALES.****

Tracks played.....Fairytale / Kiss and tell / Funny little world / If you were gone / 500 miles.

The second time I have featured Mr Rybak and his catchy pop tunes. Easy going style
and attractive tunes on of which (Fairytale won the Eurovision contest) was everybody's
favourite. Tuneful and interesting. He plays the violin very well. He composes the music
and writes many of the songs. Refreshing music great for your CD in the car. I love it!!

[PLAYLIST-----EASY LISTENING SHOW.

Better than a dream.....Katie Melua....SINGLE.
Schubert's serenade....Ray Conniff....CONCERT IN RHYTHM.***.
My Valentine....Paul McCartney....KISSES ON THE BOTTOM. ****.
The surrey with the fringe on top...Peggy Lee...OLE A LA LEE.*****.
Just a little too much....Ricky Nelson....GREATEST HITS.***.
Human....The Killers...SINGLE.
When you wish upon a star....Joni James....VOCAL CLASSICS.***.
Miss Otis regrets.....Kirsty McCall + Pogues.....SINGLE.
Dear Friend....Peter Grant.....PETER GRANT.***.
Dreams of the everyday housewife....Glen Campbell....TWENTY GOLDEN GREATS.*****.
I'll string along with you....Peter Skellern....THE BEST OF..*****.
Falling....Roy Orbison.... THE VERY BEST OF...****.
Love will set you free....Englebert Humperdink.....SINGLE.
Teensville.....Chet Atkins....GUITAR MAN.****.
The Gypsy...Dinah Shore.....THE BEST OF...(CAPITOL) ****.
It's a most unusual day...Andy Williams...CAN'T GET USED TO LOSING YOU.****.
Psycho.....Bobby Hendricks....THE GOLDEN AGE OF AMERICAN ROCK..NOVELTY EDITION.
Por favor.....Doris Day.....LATIN FOR LOVERS.*****.
Love of my life.....Everly Brothers....DREAM, THE BEST OF....****.
Ballerina....Jack Jones....THIS WAS MY LOVE.***.
Spanish Lady...Val Doonican....THE VAL DOONICAN SONGBOOK.****.
Love me...Collin Raye....ALL I CAN BE.***.
Dear hearts and gentle people....Perry Como....COMO SWINGS.****.
Houston...Dean Martin....THE VERY BEST OF.****.
Love is a matter of distance....Will Young...FRIDAY'S CHILD.****.
This is the life....Matt Munro....THIS IS ...*****.
Don't bring Lulu...Dorothy Provine...THE ROARING TWENTIES.****.
Masterpiece...Madonna....SINGLE.
I'll remember April.....Julie London...CALENDAR GIRL.*****.
A fine romance...Frank Sinatra...A FINE ROMANCE.*****.

SEE WHAT YOU'VE MISSED!!! TUNE IN TUDNOFM 107.8 EVERY TUESDAY EVENING
8-10PM OR ONLINE AT TUDNOFM.CO.UK AND CLICK ON THE LINK TO LISTEN LIVE.

GOING TO LONDON TO SEE A SHOW 3.

WIZARD OF OZ.

The new sparkling Andrew LLoyd Webber production with a few extra Tim Rice lyriced songs. T.V. promoted show with new star Danielle Hope in the lead and Micheal Crawford as The Wizard. Sparkling that is because of the wonderful sets and impessive tornado but the show is a well treaded path holding no surprises for adult audiences although charming any children who enter the theatre. It's a family show and kids will love it....but adults will not be surprised....they will, however appreciate their kid's enjoyment because the magic is for them to perceive proberbly for the first time. If you've seen the film several times, well, here it is again only live!  7.(F)

WICKED.


The most exciting show to appear in London for a long time. Prequel to the Wizard of Oz this show appeals to all
ages with comedy and music and several great musical numbers. What can I say ?  This show has been
the No 1 show in the West end and Broadway for four years and deserves it.  10.(F)


WE WILL ROCK YOU.


A Queen rock concert pretending to be a musical. This new introduction of artist's songs held together
by a script is the NEW musical theatre that makes money. I have no objections apart from I personally
am not enamoured.   6.


SINGING IN THE RAIN.


A sparkling fast moving show sprinkling good choreography and good songs all over it. A good
representation of the film with real rain . Stalls customers need plastic Rain shields . Good
comedy acting and a vibrant script make it all delightful. If you're feeling down then this will
lift your spirits !   9.(F)


SHREK.


Another musical from a successful film enjoyed by all children, perhaps not quite as appealing to
adults but they will enjoy their offspring loving every minute of it.  Musically nice but not what I'd 
call a sophisticated evening. It does what it says on the tin. Bright colourful and amusing! 7.(F)


PHANTOM OF THE OPERA.


My favourite musical. Undoubtably the most successful along with LES MIS  in the West End 
and Broadway. It has everything and is acceptable to most children. Little ones could get
bored. It is one of those shows that you don't want to end....and when it does end, you're
not quite sure what did happen in the end. 10.(F)


ROCK OF AGES.


Have not seen this. Reports say it is entertaining.

LONDON.WANT TO SEE A SHOW? 2.

BILLY ELLIOT.

Cleverly rescripted for the stage  this musical is again a nomination for few melodic songs but ELECTRICITY

and EXPRESS YOURSELF are quite good. The Choreography is what shines in this show especially for

Billy Elliot and with a background of Strikes, Maggie Thatcher and the inappropriateness of ballet as a

schoolboy's future in these dark times the show fully succeeds.  Serious musical but is family friendly. 7.

BLOOD BROTHERS.

 Almost a play with music rather than a Musical it's popularity cannot be denied. Some things have changed

since I saw it with Barbara Dickson but my general opinion then was similar to today. Two good ballads

does not a musical make, however the compelling story of two twin boys and what the future holds

for them does keep your interest alive. I enjoyed it very much.  7.

CHICAGO.

This musical is not suitable for children in content but unlike other musicals in London it's score

by Kander and Ebb is first class. Good songs throughout and superb dancing with intriguing plot

condemning the early legal system in America make this a dynamite show. Good female leads and

lots of good gags. What more could you ask for? That's why it's been running in the West End

forever.   9.

DREAMBOATS AND PETTICOATS.

If you like 60's music and don't care too much about the story, choreography and acting then 

this WEST END PRODUCT is Ok.    By product I mean, something dreamt up to fill empty

theatres by crowbaring songs into made-up stories. Sadly it works but it is NOT a traditional

musical more an entertainment.   5.

JERSEY BOYS.

This is higher class product. Four Seasons music following the the American group's struggle

for success. Franki Valli was their leader and main singer and the story and script are truthful

and interesting. But this sort of Musical featuring hit songs by an artist or artists has become

popular since the musical BUDDY following the career of Buddy Holly made money. 

Basically this is what it is about these days. Making money, and there's nothing wrong with

that, but they are not the traditional Musical Comedy that in the past has created superb

attainment and critical applause.    7.

MAMMA MIA.

The hit musical based on the songs of ABBA. Forget about the old hat story just treat the

show like an Abba concert......everybody does!     6.(F)

LES MISERABLES.

The "sung through" musical of all time with the loveliest melodies you are ever likely to hear

in any musical. Absorbing story with colourful music and although not one I would

personally recommend for the whole family. Children would get restless. I think it is

the epitomy of class. Go see it!!     10.

FOR MORE SHOWS IN LONDON GO TO WANT TO SEE A SHOW 3.

GOING TO LONDON.WANT TO SEE A SHOW? READ THIS FIRST!

If you fancy a top show in London on a theatre break remember pre Olympics everything is expensive and
they are re building roads, closing areas, and generally making things as difficult as possible. I know. I've
just been and was somewhat dismayed at RIP OFF London at it's worst. However there are some
fine shows on offer to see ( stalls seats...think £80) although many of them have been there for ages
and are available on DVD in the comfort of your living room. .....BUT...there's nothing like a live show.
Read on to find out what I think of the current shows on offer. If I have not seen one I tell you so. A mark
system of 1-10. (F) means a good family show .

SWEENEY TODD.

Micheal Ball and Imelda Staunton are wonderful in this macarbre fairy tale. The music is
excellant, the sets atmospheric and impressive. I have just seen this and enjoyed it despite
it's evil motives. The characters displayed in this show have little regard for human values
or sensitivities and therefore do not take children under 18 years of age to this one.
The show is engrossing, amusing,and beautifully sung in a show often hailed as one of
Steven Sondheim's best and if you can take the blood and the harrowing darkness of the
piece you will enjoy it as a brilliant impression  of theatre.          8.


MATILDA

New family show in London aimed squarely at 5-15 year olds but just as enjoyable for all
members of the family. Again , no expense spared on sets. A large bookshop that
miraculously changes into many scenes. Desks and chairs that appear from under the
stage. Two swings that fly over the orchestra pit and audience.etc.etc. It also has
one of the great villainesses of the musical stage. Oh yes. ...villain maybe but extremely
funny. The young cast.....and I mean young! are as well rehearsed as the adults and the
choreography is exciting and unusual sometimes using the main centre aisle of the theatre.
It has everything except great melodic songs which is the only disappointment in the whole
show. I could not remember one song as I left the theatre....but that's not the point I will
 still award 8 points for pure entertainment for everybody.       8.


GHOST.

It's the film onstage!  I have to admit although enjoyable the film was better. The music
should lift this piece above the stature of the film but once again, apart from lifting " Unchained
Melody" from sixties pop as the film did, the songs are wanting badly. Obviously written with
 an eye on younger audiences the melodies fail and the songs don't stay in the mind. The show
has moving scenes and the acting is first rate but it's success as a musical will be short -lived.
                                                                                                      6.

THE LION KING.

Wonderfully evocative of the film, with impressive singing and pupppeteering The Lion
King is every child's favourite choice and it's not difficult to see why. It has everything.
Glorious tableaus, great songs,plenty of laughs,great costumes and a good story.
A little repetition from adults who have a habit of occasionally looking at their watches,
as another set piece appears again....but the children are with it. Spellbound !!
                                                                                   9(F)

SEE PART 2 OF GOING TO LONDON IF YOU WANT MORE.   Colin.