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Andy Grahamme on 7 December 2024
Absolutely brilliant programme this morning…Just fantastic. Radio 2 should make Steve James Head Of Music….and feature this era of music all day long….there again who cares? Serenade weekend breakfast is just so good!
Jonathan on 7 December 2024
Johnny Mac’s smooth blend of great music and engaging chat always starts our Saturday Serenade perfectly. He sets the high standard that that flows throughout the whole weekend. Thank you to ALL the presenters at Serenade for such wonderful entertainment.
Johnny Mac on 7 December 2024
Thank you, Jonathan, for your very kind comments, and a warm welcome to the Great Early Morning Stalwarts (GEMS) of A Little Night Music.
Helen on 7 December 2024
Thankyou Ed for all your Wonderful Dawn Chorus programmes.
Starting every Saturday and Sunday with such beautiful music and presentation is a pure joy.
Nancy on 7 December 2024
Great show tonight Johnny – wonderful music!
Martyn Bassey on 7 December 2024
Yes you’re right Nancy. Great music as always. Many thanks Johnny 👍
Nancy on 7 December 2024
Morning/evening all – late to the party but enjoying the music – George Shearing was such a dear funny man and a great talent!
Karen on 7 December 2024
Morning all. Always lovely to hear David Cassidy… didn’t help me get it right though. And great artist of the week in Sam Cooke. You are currently helping to drown out the noise of the storm here in Gloucestershire. Hope all is OK in Wales Martyn.
Martyn Bassey on 7 December 2024
Good morning/evening all. Thanks Karen. Hope you are okay in Gloucestershire. I’ve got the music turned up to drown out the sound of the gale force wind as well 🎧😊
Nancy on 7 December 2024
Stay warm and dry friends. Ah winter!
Martyn Bassey on 7 December 2024
1973. Got that when I heard David Cassidy. Great song by John Denver too. 👍
Martyn Bassey on 7 December 2024
Many thanks to Sean Usher. Great music for early Saturday morning 👍🙂
Barbara Heathcote on 5 December 2024
Hi Andy just heard you play Vic Damone but there’s one song I’ve not heard you play yet. All the Things you Are. Lots of different versions have been played but I think his is a beautiful version. Please play sometime. Thank you.
Linda Ellen Price on 4 December 2024
I wrote a blog on music that is posted on my web site: Linda Ellen Price Fine Art. Your taste reminds me of my own, our parent’s era mostly. Why did it have to end? Music that was beautiful.
Simon McLean on 5 December 2024
I read your blog post about Michel Legrand too, you picked three of my favourites by him!
Adrian Long on 4 December 2024
Dear Andy
How nice to hear Ray moore My Father Had a rabbit .
Yes it’s nice to hear that chuckle at end.
Brings back memories of the great Radio 2 .
Radio 2 was the station back in those days.
But now thank god we have serenade radio to listen too.
Fraser Sutherland on 2 December 2024
‘The Quiet Hour’ with Jane Markham (3/12/24):
I seldom have the chance to listen to SR weekdays but tuning in to this programme for the first time was a real, real pleasure. Sinatra’s ‘Love’s Been Good to Me’ stopped me in my tracks, so to speak and then the almost startling beauty of Jane’s spoken voice. Tremendous listening. Thank you all.
Neil Anthony on 1 December 2024
Another great On the Town Mark this week and good to hear some nice words about Sigmund Romberg who is all too often maligned. Now I know critics often said of Mr Romberg’s tunes that audiences went into the theatre humming them and the great Benny Green once said that Romberg brought the American musical kicking and screaming into the 17th Century! But there is much pleasure to be had from Mr Romberg and his works. Thanks for another great show.
Mark Steyn on 5 December 2024
I’m not sure Benny was as sour on Romberg as he usually sounded. He had a great fascination, for example, with Princess Flavia, Rommie’s adaptation of The Prisoner of Zenda. But yeah, in those first two days of December 1924, he’s have been a Lady, Be Good man, not a Student Prince man.
Wim de Lang on 1 December 2024
Thank you again , Steve James, for your more than fantastic weekend morning shows. I hear that we share the admiration for all the Tony Hatch productions. Also your gift for picking these forgotten sixties records is exceptional.
You must be a fan of the old offshore radio stations from the mid sixties. This month there will be a special broadcast to remember 60 years of Wonderful Radio London.
I wish your program was available as a listen again version. Is there a mix cloud or something like that to give me the chance to listen to you through the week when i miss something?
Wim de Lang
Holland
Steve James on 5 December 2024
Thank you Wim and yes it’s great to be able to play those Tony Hatch productions- there were so many! – plus of course his excellent instrumental LPs for Pye records. Sadly we have no ‘listen again’ facility, so programmes vanish into the ether once they have been aired – just as they did in the 1960s…
Suzy on 30 November 2024
Wonderfully soothing and yet fun Dawn Chorus as always this weekend. Ed sets me up for the day ahead and some belated dusting now that I’m up … thanks, you! x
Catherine B on 30 November 2024
Thank you Johnny Mac for waking me with glorious Edith Piaf just now followed by Roger Whittaker (the piano accompanist was great). I heard RW singing What a Wonderful World in French earlier this week, what a treat. Not as sublime as Louis Armstrong’s version, but a good second. Serenade just keeps getting better and better. Looking forward to Christmas tunes.
Johnny Mac on 30 November 2024
Thank you, Catherine, and welcome to the gang of GEMS (Great Early Morning Stalwarts). We’re a merry bunch!
Martyn Bassey on 30 November 2024
Three great songs for the final year. I love May Each Day by Andy Williams especially. I remember he used to sing it at the end of his TV show every week.
Nancy on 30 November 2024
Mille grazie for the lovely Cilla Black tune Johnny. Off again by one year. Consistent I am tonight. 😊
Karen on 30 November 2024
Good morning and evening all. Great tunes as usual Johnny . Same as Nancy for 1961, but I got 1967 . Wonderful to hear the beautiful voice of Judith Durham.
Nancy on 30 November 2024
Howdy Miss Karen. I knew how old I was when I saw ‘Georgy Girl’ and still messed up the year (facepalm)
Nancy on 30 November 2024
What a gorgeous voice Harry Secombe had! I’m grateful to SR for all the wonderful talent they present.
Martyn Bassey on 30 November 2024
I liked Harry’s duet with Moira Anderson on Stranger In Paradise 🙂
Nancy on 30 November 2024
If not for SR I would only know Secombe from ‘Oliver’.
Martyn Bassey on 30 November 2024
1961 👍 Michael by The Highwaymen. Fabulous song. Thanks Johnny.
Edgar on 29 November 2024
That was good but it’s not the Brothers Four version of “The Green Leaves of Summer” that I know/
Dave in London on 27 November 2024
Andy, I wonder if your lady singer on the Norrie Paramor number today (Wednesday) was Patricia Clark, the Glasgow soprano. She was equally happy to be a voice of light orchestrals and of classical music. If I remember correctly she also worked with the Peter Knight Singers. Lovely voice and well suited to the arrangements of Mr Paramor.
Simon McLean on 28 November 2024
I’ve always assumed it was Patricia – she certainly sang on his ‘London After Dark’ and ‘Lovers In Tokio’ albums, so she was no stranger to the Paramor sound! I must get Lovers In Tokio on Music Box one day…
Catherine B on 27 November 2024
Dear Andy
As Christmas approaches, please don’t forget Paddy Roberts’ “Merry Christmas You Suckers”, perhaps on your Bit of Nonsense slot. If you remember I suggested this to you on your other day job, and you thought it would go down better on Serenade.
Andy Grahamme on 26 November 2024
The Quiet Hour is an absolutely brilliant programme….great music…terrific presentation. Jane would have been amazing on Radio 2 back in the days of Wogan..Moore..etc etc. She is such a class act xx
Barbara Heathcote on 25 November 2024
Hi Andy. When you start to include Christmas songs on your show can you please add Andy Williams The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. Thank you.
Alan Barker on 25 November 2024
Any chance you might play some of my fifties memories Andy from my childhood as I grew up around 1955 with the wireless as our only entertainment
Songs like If I give my heart to you .Pickin a chicken .Stranger in paradise Suddenly there’s Valley and many more I was only six but enjoyed those peaceful childhood days.
Fraser Sutherland on 24 November 2024
Lyricist Carolyn Leigh claims ‘ The Best is Yet to Come’. Well, it has and it’s called Mark Steyn’s ‘On the Town, 30th edition. Defying logic, every minute of the show was a high point in this Puccini Maestri Fest! Musetta’s Walz by the maestra of maestre, Maria Callas and fascinating Fifties takes of the more-or-less the same by Della Reese and Tony Russo. ‘O Mio Babbino Caro’ from a tremendous Sarah Brightman and ‘Nessun Dorma’ from Turandot completed ‘Cafe Continental’. Palm wine Great Ebeneezer Calendar sang ‘Double Decker Bus’ and ‘Go Home and Come Tomorrow’ in a truly fascinating Cafe Imperial. The high points continued with Lillian Raimondo, baritones Lawrence Tibbett and Robert Merrill and the delightful Kathryn Grayson duetting ‘La ci darem la mano’ with Don Giovanni Frank Sinatra! Oh and a bonus masterly throwaway line from Maestro Steyn: ‘ I don’t know if Peter Lawford liked Puccini…’ Delicious. Wicked. Roll on next Saturday and sorry, Carolyn Leigh!
Mark Steyn on 29 November 2024
Too kind, Fraser. When you’re working with Puccini, it’s pretty much just dropping into your lap. But we’ll try to live up to Miss Leigh’s dictum even without him.
Dave Phillips on 23 November 2024
Hi Kevin
Thanks for a great show a truly nice mix of songs and orchestral pieces.
You played a song by Jerry Vale whom is sadly no longer with us he had a great singing voice certainly he was underrated he should have had a place in the Great American Song book along with all those big stars at that time.
I first heard him on the Late David Jacobs show on radio 2 and then on Don Blacks show on radio2.
So thanks Kevin for playing such a fine American voice
Kevin Taylor on 27 November 2024
Hi Dave, thanks for your kind comments and acknowledging the music of Jerry Vale. I’m glad to play his music and feature him on Serenade Radio as he didn’t get the recognition as some of the other artists we play. Such a great voice!
Neil Anthony on 23 November 2024
Nice show marking the 100th anniversary of the death of Puccini, Mark. The first ever opera I saw was Tosca performed by Opera North when I was at university in Leeds. Tickets in the gods with student discount – a fiver – cheaper than the Odeon down the road. You can’t beat a bit of Puccini!
Nancy on 23 November 2024
Mark had me at Puccini (Gee-ackamo that is). Every anecdote and song had me smiling and singing away in my kitchen! One of your best shows Mr. Steyn!
Mark Steyn on 29 November 2024
Thanks, Neil. Tosca for a fiver? Can’t beat that.
Catherine on 23 November 2024
Jeff Owen’s show this morning was delightful, lots of information on tracks and artists. Keep it up.
Shawn Rannard on 22 November 2024
Hello Kevin
Thanks so much for your lovely programme “Home of the Stars”, emanating every weekend from Palm Springs. As I’m writing from the mid-North Coast of New South Wales, we receive that “shot of magic” on Sunday and Monday mornings, and how much of “Home of the Stars” I’m able to listen to, depends on the time of year. Right now I’m able to hear the entire show. The information you pass on to us about various artists is beyond brilliant, and I thank you so much for that. The music from the 1930s right up to the 1960s is the greatest of all time, and we will never again see and hear the like of the artists who brought that music to us. I know that like me, you have a soft spot for Frankie Laine; for not only his music, which is beyond compare, but also for his kind and generous nature which shines out through his voice. I know of a Sydney radio presenter who travelled over to America to meet and interview Frankie (who even welcomed this man into his home) and the resulting tapes he played on his return made me realise just what a great man Frankie Laine was. Thank you so very much, Kevin, and may Christmas be a happy and safe one for you and your family. I’ll look forward to hearing from you in 2025.
Shawn Rannard on 22 November 2024
Hello Vic
I’m writing to tell you how much I enjoyed your last programme, listening here in New South Wales, and to thank you for such a well-presented one. I’m a new listener, but am able to tune in only when I can’t sleep! I recall a song you played by Jane Morgan, but, unfortunately, not the title. That song was made famous by Connie Francis, which you did mention. I don’t know whether or not you are aware that on the 3rd May this year, Jane turned one hundred! It’s wonderful to listen to such utterly delightful music and the accompanying commentary. We just don’t get quality programmes like this in Australia, because, unfortunately, there’s nothing like Serenade Radio in Australia! Vic, I do hope Christmas is a happy and safe one for you and your family, and I’m looking forward to hearing from you again in 2025, as I am the other Serenade Radio presenters.
Vic Groves on 22 November 2024
Hello Shawn,
Thanks for getting in touch and thanks for your very kind comments. Regarding the Connie Francis song, I think you are thinking of “Who’s Sorry Now.” I think the recording I played was by Eydie Gorme, although I do have a soft spot for Jane Morgan and often play her songs. I didn’t know she was still with us! Like you, I love the music that’s played on Serenade Radio. Long may it continue. The singers, writers, bands, and orchestras of those times, and some of our times, are a cut above the norm. Thanks again for getting in touch. Keep listening. May I wish you and very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. Regards, Vic
Shawn Rannard on 22 November 2024
Hello David
I love listening to your programme, but that occurs only when I can’t sleep, as we get it here at a little place called Tea Gardens, in Port Stephens, New South Wales, from midnight. Thanks for the wonderful music you play, and those thoughtful little comments! Earlier this week you played a song, the title of which escapes me, but it contained only two (2) letters. After the song had finished, you said that that was probably the shortest title of any song ever (or words to that effect), and to let you know if there is a shorter title. Well, there is such a song. Back in 1952, Don Cornell recorded a song entitled “I”. Not a big hit, but…. . In closing, I’ll say that I never knew insomnia had an up side. Well, it does! Of course, it’s listening to your programme! Thanks David, all the best, and I wish you, your family, and other presenters at Serenade, a happy and safe Christmas.
David Yarnall on 25 November 2024
Hello Shawn. Thank you for getting in touch and I’m very pleased you enjoy my programme and the rest of Serenade’s output by the sound of it.
The song I played was ‘If’ although I’m blessed if I can remember by whom!! It’s an age thing you know!!
Thanks for the info regarding ‘I’ by Don Cornell. You never know it might be lurking in Serenade’s library somewhere.
I always try to give a mention to anyone who comments on my programme so I’ll do that – but when?? I’ll do anything to keep people listening!!😀
Thank you for the Christmas wishes which is my first one for this year and of course, the same to you.
Shawn Rannard on 26 November 2024
Thanks for your reply, David. I understand that in this situation it’s difficult to pin down a time to “give a mention” (as my insomnia comes in “bouts”!) so we’ll assume that you’ve already done that! Thanks once again for your wonderful programme. Shawn.
David Yarnall on 4 December 2024
I got you in this afternoon Shawn. I hope you heard it. Careful how you handle the fame!! 😂
jon on 21 November 2024
Can you guys remember, was Two Way Family Favourites the BFPO British Forces Post Office??
jon on 22 November 2024
BFPO was British forces post office E.G RAF Akrotiri is BFPO 57 Cyprus
John Temple on 17 November 2024
Great to hear Anne Shelton. Thank you. I’m currently writing a book about Anne’s life and career, which I hope will be published during the course of 2025. Once again, thank you for reminding us of Annes great vocal talent.
Anne Crowcroft on 17 November 2024
Hi Mark,
Love your shows! Yesterday’s was great, especially the Quincy Jones feature. Was reminded that a young Peter Grant recorded an album around 2005. Which was heavily promoted by Michael Parkinson at the time, and did quite well. In this album he recorded “On days like these” and also “Walk away” another collaboration of Don Black’s lyrics and Matt Monroe’s singing. Both I thought Peter Grant did well.
Mark Steyn on 20 November 2024
Peter Grant’s “On Days Like These” isn’t bad, Anne. But, still, over the last half-century-plus I count maybe a dozen vocal versions and slightly fewer instrumentals. If memory serves, David Yarnall picked it as one of his “songs I wish I’d written”. So maybe he’d like to do it…
Mr David Phillips on 16 November 2024
Hi Adrian
This is a first for me listening to your SHOWSTOPPERS programme I have thoroughly enjoyed your choice of music and songs.
Absolutely brill loved your last track Cole Porters Night and Day what a great tune/song.
Adrian Jackson on 17 November 2024
Hi David, thank you for listening, I’m delighted you enjoyed Showstoppers. There will be more Cole Porter in the coming weeks, hope you’ll join me again.
David Blurton on 16 November 2024
Absolutely loving show stoppers.
Fantastic choice of theatrical music.
Much appreciated Adrian.
Looking forward to next Saturday already
Adrian Jackson on 16 November 2024
Thank you David, there will be more at 6pm next Saturday, and thank you for listening
Vanessa-Ann Dowsett on 16 November 2024
I love Showstoppers , sixty minutes of pure pleasure. Thank you Adrian
Adrian Jackson on 16 November 2024
Hello Vanessa-Ann, thank you so much for your kind comments, I’m thrilled you’re enjoying showstoppers
Steven Wall on 16 November 2024
Dear Stuart Linnell,
I enjoyed the music, you played on your programme this Sunday morning.
Thank you, particularly for your mention of Coventry, and the Elgar music. It is so vital to continue to teach our children and grandchildren. The history of our great Country, and the sacrifices made by previous generations, made for our freedom in two World Wars. My Maternal Grandfather, served, as a private in the British Army, in both World Wars, and “lived to tell the tale”. Although he never spoke of his ordeal. May God continue to bless you, and your family.
Stuart Linnell on 16 November 2024
Steven, thank you for your kind words. Remembrance means a lot to me personally too. My Dad served in the Second World War and his Dad in World War 1. Both thankfully came home, my Granddad after winning the Military Cross at Passchendaele. You are quite right. It is so important to continue to pass on the importance of what their generation went through and fought for. The words “lest we forget” sum it up don’t they? Thank you again, and thank you for listening.
Wim de Lang on 16 November 2024
Dear Steve James, I hope you can see this message because i want to tell you that your weekend program is the radio highlight of the week for me.
Your choice in records is so fantastic. Your program feels like coming home for me.
We share the same taste. Your choice in music takes me back to a period in my youth(60 s and 70 s) that brought so much melody and harmony.
Thank you so much, you are my hero…..
Warm regards from Holland.
Steve James on 16 November 2024
Hello Wim and many thanks for your kind comments. The music I play on ‘Late Night Extra’ in particular is very special to me and I’m so glad it resonates with you too. It’s lovely to able to share these neglected tracks with like-minded listeners on Serenade. Best wishes to you in Holland!