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Radio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastThe Ultimate Touring Guide by Dave MarksDAVE MARKS is a composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist based in the UK. He writes music for film, TV, online content, theater, live events and video games. In 2025 he'll be out on tour with The World of Hans Zimmer, Simon McBride (of Deep Purple) and the Limitless Orchestra.
Throughout his career he has created music and media for a wide range of local national and global brands including Vodafone and TripAdvisor. He has also taught at many colleges and is a writer for Bass Guitar Magazine. He is also my old friend and musical colleague.
In...
2025-02-2510 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastA Drum Lesson From Danny GottliebThis short interview is a masterclass in drum technique and improvisation from a unique drummer. In 1998 I wrote and hosted a music series INSIDE IMPROVISATION for BBC Radio 2.
I interviewed Grammy winning drummer Danny Gottlieb (the original @PatMethenyOfficial Group, Gary Burton, Mahavishnu/John McLaughlin, Blues Brothers, Randy Brecker, Stan Getz, Eliane Elias, Gary Sinese).
This short interview is followed by a bit of a track from my 1988 album, Santa Rita. “The Seduction of Art” ©1998Niles Smiles Music (BMI) features Danny on drums with the great Mark Egan on Bass, (Danny’s partner in their group Elements...
2025-01-1009 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastAndromeda Turre is Good for the Environment!SiriusXM broadcaster Andromeda Turre is a singer, songwriter, composer, pianist, and environmental activist. She has won multiple awards for her work for tolerance, and Advancing Equity.
In this interview she talks with Richard Niles about ‘growing up jazz’ with her parents, respected musicians Steve Turre and Akua Dixon, her development as an innovative musical force, and her new ‘jazz suite’ “From the Earth” dedicated to her environmental concerns.
Listen, enjoy, subscribe, donate!
Andromeda Turre is Good for the Environment!
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#AndromedaTurre #RichardNiles #SiriusXM #JazzMusic #SingerSongwri...
2024-10-2439 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastWHO ATE MY DOGGIE? by The Dog WalkersA new group calling themselves The Dog Walkers contacted us. They say they know the dogs of America better than anyone, and they say they are not being eaten. They’ve even made a record to prove it! And they got their dogs to help make the record! Let me know what you think! The dogs are Codi and Wan!
#TheDogWalkers #CodiAndWan #DogsOfAmerica #NotBeingEaten #DogRecord #PetAlbum #DogMusic #AnimalAdvocacy #CreativePets #DogLovers #politicalsatire
WHO ATE MY DOGGIE? by The Dog Walkers
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2024-09-2102 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastMasterclass with LEO SAYEROut tomorrow from ProMixAcademy, my new interviews with Grammy winner Leo Sayer take you inside his vocal techniques, his songwriting, how he deals with the business, touring advice, how to develop your own style, the constant exploration at the heart of his creativity!
He also talks about working with producers David Courtney, Adam Faith, Richard Perry, Arif Mardin, Alan Tarney, and… his new self productions! Available at ProMix Academy!!!
Masterclass with LEO SAYER
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Bu...
2024-05-1700 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastWhatever Happened To Hollywood? New Monochrome Edition!Screenwriter Jesse L. Lasky, Jr. tells his Hollywood tales as an insider stories and insights sparkling with poetry, humor, and the heat of first-hand observation. The son of the man who produced Hollywood’s first feature film, Jesse’s book is the history of the film industry, the birth of an artform, and a compelling personal memoir.
There are revealing portraits of Lasky Sr., and his partners Samuel Goldfish (later Goldwyn) and Cecil B. DeMille (for whom Jesse wrote 8 films, including “The Ten Commandments” and “Samson & Delilah”) – plus photos of friends and colleagues such as Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Alfred Hi...
2024-04-1204 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastRichard Niles Adventurous Interviews with his fearless musicians!Join composer Richard Niles as he sits down with the extraordinary artists behind the creation of his groundbreaking album, "Adventures for Cello and Piano." In this podcast, discover the compelling WHY behind its creation, and the behind-the-scenes stories of HOW this innovative album came to life.
Richard Niles takes classical sophistication to new heights by blending it with contemporary audacity in his latest compositions – daring duets for cello and piano that defy traditional categorization. Is it Classical? Is it JAZZ? Dive deep into the creative process as Niles interviews the masterful virtuosos who brought his vision to ou...
2024-02-1834 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastImprovisation tips from the Masters Part 2These tips from the masters are a unique resource for all improvising musicians. In Part 2, composer/guitarist Dr. Richard Niles talks to Pat Metheny, Bob Belden, Randy Brecker, Martin Taylor, David Chesky, HIROMI, Ronnie Cuber, Soweto Kinch, Janek Gwizdala, and Paquito D'Rivera.
Improvisation tips from the Masters Part 2
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#improvisation #MusicInterviews #Composer #Guitarist #DrRichardNiles #GaryBurton #MarkKing #KyleEastwood #RandyBrecker #PaquitoDRivera
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2024-01-2008 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastImprovisation tips from the Masters Part 1These interviews are a unique resource for all improvising musicians. In Part 1, composer/guitarist Dr. Richard Niles talks to Gary Burton, Mark King, Kyle Eastwood, Randy Brecker, and Paquito D'Rivera.
Improvisation tips from the Masters Part 1
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#improvisation #MusicInterviews #Composer #Guitarist #DrRichardNiles #GaryBurton #MarkKing #KyleEastwood #RandyBrecker #PaquitoDRivera
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Sen...
2024-01-1808 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastJeff Berlin Interview Part 2Mastering the Bass with Jeff Berlin
Explore the world of bass mastery with Jeff Berlin, a highly acclaimed electric bassist since the 1970s. In this insightful interview, Richard delves into Jeff's collaborations with notable artists like Gary Burton, Bill Bruford, Alan Holdsworth, Gary Husband, and Dennis Chambers. Gain valuable insights into Jeff's concepts of achieving "Bass Mastery" and the art of being a creative artist.
Jeff Berlin Interview Part 2
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#BassMastery #BassGuitar #MusicCreativity #JeffBerlin #BassTechniques #MusicEducation #CreativeBassPlaying #MusicInspiration #BassLessons #ArtisticExpression #BassMasterclass #MusicTheory
P...
2023-12-2127 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastJeff Berlin Interview Part 1Jeff Berlin has been one of the most acclaimed electric bassists since the 1970s. In another informative interview, Richard asks him about the artists he’s worked with ( Gary Burton, Bill Bruford, Alan Holdsworth, Gary Husband, Dennis Chambers) and his concepts about achieving “Bass Mastery” and being a creative artist.
Don’t miss Part 2 from a master of the bass!
Jeff Berlin Interview Part 1
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#BassMastery #BassGuitar #MusicCreativity #JeffBerlin #BassTechniques #MusicEducation #CreativeBassPlaying #MusicInspiration #BassLessons #ArtisticExpression #BassMasterclass #MusicTheory
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2023-10-2930 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastADI YESHAYA meets Prince, Whitney, & Burt! Part 2Adi Yeshaya is an acclaimed composer, arranger, educator, and jazz pianist who came to Minneapolis from Israel in the early 80s. Hear his story in this interview with Richard Niles where they discuss his work with Prince, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Lena Horne, and Burt Bacharach, and reveal their insider’s view of creativity in action.
Check his website here: https://www.adiyeshaya.com/
Watch this episode in video HERE
ADI YESHAYA meets Prince, Aretha, Whitney, & Burt! Part 2
#AdiYeshayaInterview #RadioRichard #JazzComposer #MusicLegend #CreativeInsights #MusicalJourney
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2023-10-2924 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastMore is Better than Less, Always #Grammys2023Dr. Richard Niles with another message for creativity, freedom, inclusivity, innovation, diversity, and world peace!
#RecordingAcademy #GrammyAwards #dukeellington #BobDylan #TheBeatles #MilesDavis #RichardNiles #Jazz #Pop #WTF
More is Better than Less, Always #Grammys2023
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Send me enough for a cup of coffee at The Ritz to keep our Rad...
2023-10-2202 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastHow to Become a Singer OVERNIGHTTino Macchia has a powerful and passionate voice, singing the classics of traditional pop. His story is a fascinating tale of a musician who played the accordion on countless gigs until a night at a karaoke bar changed his life.
With no training or preparation, Tino became a rising star performing on the California club scene , in-demand and in control. In this interview with Richard Niles,
Tino talks about his Italian family and musical upbringing, and how that night at the karaoke bar transformed his life. And ‘unplugged’ with Richard and Alexander Niles, he performs a so...
2023-10-2113 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastFYI. FYC. Give New Artists A Chance #Grammys2023Composer/producer Richard Niles asks fellow Grammy members to give new artist a chance. Radio Richard loves ideas because IDEAS MAKE YOU BETTER!
FYI. FYC. Give New Artists A Chance #Grammys2023
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#recordingacademy #grammy2023 #richardniles #radiorichard #musicbusiness #aandr #newartists
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Send me enough for a cup of coffee at Th...
2023-10-2101 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastADI YESHAYA meets Prince, Aretha, Whitney, & Burt! Part 1Adi Yeshaya is an acclaimed composer, arranger, educator, and jazz pianist who came to Minneapolis from Israel in the early 80s. Hear his story in this interview with Richard Niles where they discuss his work with Prince, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Lena Horne, and Burt Bacharach, and reveal their insider’s view of creativity in action.
Check his website here: https://www.adiyeshaya.com/
Watch this episode in video HERE
ADI YESHAYA meets Prince, Aretha, Whitney, & Burt! Part 1
#AdiYeshayaInterview #RadioRichard #JazzComposer #MusicLegend #CreativeInsights #MusicalJourney
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2023-09-1023 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastIt’s fun being George Harrison - Lauren Passarelli InterviewGuitar, BERKLEE, Technology, & The Beatles! Lauren Passarelli has been a Guitar Professor at Berklee College of Music since 1984.She’s also a Singer/ Songwriter, Beatles’ Expert, Creativity & Technology Clinician, Recording Engineer, Music Producer & Arranger.
Lauren has conducted songwriting workshops, guitar presentations & concerts of original music throughout New England. She is now Professor of Music Production & Technology with hundreds of videos on YouTube and CDs and digital downloads of her songs available worldwide.
Lauren talks about music education, guitars, the Beatles and more with Richard Niles. She also plays songs from her great new album SNOWCAKE!
2023-05-2554 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastDORIS DAY Sentimental Journey RARE Documentary and Interview! - Episode 4 (Epilogue)My 4-Part BBC documentary on the life of legendary actress and singer Doris Day, whose compassion led her to become one of the world’s foremost animal rights activists.
In this last episode, I featured Comstock, who worked on her films, Jackie Joseph, her co-star in two movies, Rock Hudson, her frequent co-star and real-life friend, Ray Evans, the songwriter behind the song "Que Sera Sera," and Norman Jewison, her director. They talk about Doris' infectious personality, incredible talent, and dedication to animal rights. This podcast episode also covers her retirement as a pet rescuer, highlighting how sh...
2023-04-0718 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastDORIS DAY – Sentimental Journey RARE Documentary & Interview! - Episode 3My 4-Part BBC documentary on the life of legendary actress and singer Doris Day, whose compassion led her to become one of the world’s foremost animal rights activists. I feature rare interviews with Doris Day and interviews with her friends and colleagues, Andy Williams, Les Brown Jr., Kay Ballard, Stumpy Brown, and arranger Frank Comstock. For the whole story, watch all 4 Episodes. Subscribe to our channel for more great interviews with great artists.
DORIS DAY – Sentimental Journey RARE Documentary & Interview! - Episode 3
Music has been removed from the publishers because they refuse to accept the...
2023-03-0918 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastDORIS DAY – RARE Documentary & Interview! - Episode 2My 4-Part BBC documentary on the life of legendary actress and singer Doris Day, whose compassion led her to become one of the world’s foremost animal rights activists. I feature rare interviews with Doris Day and interviews with her friends and colleagues, Andy Williams, Les Brown Jr., Kay Ballard, Stumpy Brown, and arranger Frank Comstock. For the whole story, watch all 4 Episodes. Subscribe to our channel for more great interviews with great artists.
DORIS DAY – RARE Documentary & Interview! - Episode 2
In the 2nd episode, Doris talks about her career and her move into films. Musi...
2023-03-0518 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastDORIS DAY – RARE Documentary & Interview! - Episode 1My 4-Part BBC documentary on the life of legendary actress and singer Doris Day, whose compassion led her to become one of the world’s foremost animal rights activists. I feature rare interviews with Doris Day and interviews with her friends and colleagues, Andy Williams, Les Brown Jr., Kay Ballard, Stumpy Brown, and arranger Frank Comstock. For the whole story, watch all 4 Episodes. Subscribe to our channel for more great interviews with great artists.
DORIS DAY – RARE Documentary & Interview! - Episode 1
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#peterugolo #richardniles #radiorichard #richardnilesinterview #milesdavis #thefugitive #theu...
2023-02-2525 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastBillboard Gives us the Business by Richard NilesIt’s Grammy season, and Composer/producer Richard Niles reacts to the latest issue of Billboard. Listen to him rant about the music business and let us know what you think! Radio Richard loves ideas because IDEAS MAKE YOU BETTER!
Billboard Gives us the Business by Richard Niles
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#billboard #richardniles #radiorichard #musicbusiness #aandr #newartists #corruption #royalties
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2022-10-2011 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastPETE RUGOLO – EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW – Kenton, Cole and MILES!My 2002 BBC Radio 2 documentary series, “The Arrangers”, featured this documentary and my exclusive interview with Composer/Arranger PETE RUGOLO. He studied with Darius Milhaud, and had a long association with the STAN KENTON orchestra, becoming one of the most influential composers in modern jazz. He went on to produce and arrange for stars such as June Christy, The Four Freshmen and Nat King Cole, and write brilliant scores for film and TV including The Fugitive, The Untouchables, and Richard Diamond. As A&R for Capitol, he signed and produced the Miles Davis project known as “The Birth of the Cool”...
2022-09-0929 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastRUPERT HOLMES talks about Streisand, NYC, Edwin Drood and Piña ColadaI am SO happy to be bringing you this interview with RUPERT HOLMES Composer for Films & TV, singer/songwriter of many albums including the hits HIM and ESCAPE, the Piña Colada Song, Producer and Composer for Barbara Streisand, The Strawbs, John Miles, award winning author of books, plays and musicals. The interview was done for a BBC Radio 2 series called MANHATTAN, The most Musical Island on Earth in 2003.
When his first album Widescreen came out in 1974, I was going to the Berklee College of Music and I loved it so much I wrote him a fan l...
2022-08-1546 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastGARY BURTON – Rare Interview and Free Improvisation Masterclass!Gary Burton, the multiple-Grammy-winning jazz vibraphonist has been an influential force on the vibraphone — the Burton grip, the technique he invented to play pianistically with 4-mallets, bears his name. He is also an important figure in jazz education, through a 33-year affiliation with the Berklee College of Music in Boston.
As a bandleader he made what is arguably the first jazz fusion album, in the 1960s, and has since mentored many artists including the guitarists Pat Metheny and Julian Lage. He also mentored composers such as Michael Gibbs, Steve Swallow, and Carla Bley, recording their music on hi...
2022-08-0135 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastWAYNE JACKSON Memphis HORNS Rare Interview: Aretha, Otis, U2 and more!Trumpet ace Wayne Jackson is an icon of American Soul. From Stax to Atlantic to Hi Records, with his friend Andrew Love, Charlie Chalmers and Bowlegs Miller, the Memphis Horns played on over 300 hits for Wilson Pickett’, Sam & Dave, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Al Green, Elvis Presley, Neil Diamond, James Taylor, Steve Winwood, U2, Peter Gabriel, Rod Stewart, the Doobie Brothers, Stephen Stills. B.B. King, Mark Knopfler, Buddy Guy and Alicia Keys.
In 2003 I interviewed Wayne over the telephone for my BBC Radio 2 series “Richard Niles’ History of Pop Arranging”. One of the greatest pleasure...
2022-07-1926 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastThe Anne Dudley Interview - Artist of NoiseFilm composer, arranger, producer and performer, Anne Dudley is a multi-talented and critically acclaimed musician. This interview was originally recorded for Niles’ BBC Radio 2 documentary, “Richard Niles’ History of Pop Arranging”.
Beginning as a session musician and arranger for Producer Trevor Horn she worked with him on hits for ABC, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, and Malcolm McClaren. She was a founding member of the Art of Noise whose hits included Close to the Edit, The Seduction of Claude Debussy, and Kiss featuring Tom Jones. In conversation with composer Richard Niles she discusses all this and more.
She has...
2022-07-0637 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastDave Weckl Drum Legend Rare 2003 InterviewIn 2003 I interviewed Dave Weckl, a drummer whose unique talent and fire had won him induction into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 2000. His performances with Paul Simon, George Benson, Michel Camilo, Robert Plant, Dave Grusin, Mike Stern and Anthony Jackson brought him public acclaim. But with his dynamic contribution to the Chick Corea Elektric Band and the Akoustic Band (1985 to 1991) Weckl became a jazz icon.
In this interview, Weckl discusses his development, the influence of Steve Gadd, playing in complex meters, his sonic concepts, the use of computers, and his work with Chick Corea. He...
2022-06-2242 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastTime Out with DAVE BRUBECK – Rare 2003 INTERVIEW with Take Five LegendDave Brubeck, designated a “Living Legend” by the Library of Congress, was one of the most active and popular musicians in both the jazz and classical worlds.
With a career that spanned over six decades, his experiments in odd time signatures, improvised counterpoint, polyrhythm and polytonality remain hallmarks of innovation.
When I heard Brubeck would be in London for a series of concerts, I immediately booked an interview for the BBC as part of my series, “The New Jazz Standards”.
He talks about his early, experimental Octet, studies with Darius Milhaud, his musical influenc...
2022-06-1631 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastStan Kenton and the birth of the progressive jazz sound - Rare Interview!From the ARCHIVE, Richard Niles’ documentary on Progressive Jazz bandleader STAN KENTON. Not only is there a rare interview with Kenton himself but Niles interviews his daughter, acclaimed author LESLIE KENTON who discusses her father’s concepts. Kenton was a committed innovator who, for forty years, pushed jazz forward in harmony, composition, orchestration, and featured the work of gifted arrangers such as Pete Rugolo, Johnny Richards, musicians Stan Getz, Art Pepper, Conti Candoli, and singers Anita O’Day and June Christy.
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2022-06-0729 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastPAUL WESTON & JO STAFFORD - The Father of Mood Music - Rare InterviewMy 2002 BBC Radio 2 documentary from my series, “The Arrangers”, featured mood music king PAUL WESTON and his wife, singer JO STAFFORD talking about their career and working with JOHNNY MERCER, MARGARET WHITING, and a special feature on their comedy duo Jonathan & Darlene Edwards. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear these unique interviews!
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PAUL WESTON & JO STAFFORD - The Father of Mood Music - Rare Interview
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2022-05-3027 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastROBERT FARNON - Rare Interview - Symphonys, Singers and Sinatra!ROBERT FARNON is considered the greatest orchestral composer and arranger. In this rare 2001 interview, Richard Niles speaks to him about his career, his work with Tony Bennett, Singers Unlimited, and Frank Sinatra. A host of musical concepts from the man they called “the Governor”.
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ROBERT FARNON - Rare Interview - Symphonys, Singers and Sinatra!
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2022-05-2226 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastQUINCY JONES – Quincy SPEAKS - Ray, Dizzy and Frank! – RARE INTERVIEW!My 2002 BBC Radio 2 documentary from my series, “The Arrangers”, featured QUINCY JONES himself, talking about his early life, Ray Charles, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Count Basie, Nadia Boulanger, Frank Sinatra, and “We Are the World”! Don’t miss this opportunity to hear it from Quincy himself!
And if you recognize the song at the start, from "Austin Power" franchise, it is Quincy Jones' "Soul Bossa Nova"!
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QUINCY JONES – Quincy SPEAKS - Ray, Dizzy and Frank! – RARE INTERVIEW...
2022-05-1727 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastBONEY JAMES & RICK BRAUN – Exclusive Archive Interview & PerformanceBetween 1998 and 2003 composer Richard Niles wrote and hosted the series “New Jazz Standards” for BBC Radio 2. This interview features ‘smooth jazz’ icons, saxist Boney James and trumpeter Rick Braun in conversation and performance- playing a duet on Horace Silver’s “Song For My Father”. In it, James says, “Smooth Jazz isn’t a style – it’s a radio format!”
BONEY JAMES & RICK BRAUN – Exclusive Archive Interview & Performance
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#boneyjames #rickbraun #radiorichard #richardniles #interview #performance #smoothjazz #sax #trumpet
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2022-05-0804 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastMELISSA MANCHESTER Talks Career, Singing, Songwriting and ManilowIn this unique interview, composer Richard Niles asks GRAMMY® Award-winning legend MELISSA MANCHESTER about her vocal techniques and her songwriting with hitmakers Paul Williams, Carole Bayer Sager, Kenny Loggins, and Bernie Taupin. She also speaks warmly of Barry Manilow, how the began their careers together with Bette Midler and formed a lifetime friendship.
This video is a MUST for any professional singers or songwriters!
MELISSA MANCHESTER Talks Career, Singing, Songwriting and Manilow
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#MELISSAMANCHESTER #RichardNiles #RadioRichard #BarryManilow #PaulWilliams #BetteMidler #CaroleBayerSager, #KennyLoggins #BernieTaupin
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2022-05-0719 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastBILLY MAY – Billy SPEAKS of Tweety, Sylvester and Sinatra!!!Billy May was Frank Sinatra’s swingin’est arranger. In this RARE INTERVIEW Billy May speaks about his amazing career, from his earliest studies, through arranging for Charlie Barnet, Glenn MILLER, having hits with children’s music and Tweety and Sylvester cartoons to writing groovy albums for Sinatra like Come Fly With Me.
Please tell us what you think in the COMMENTS!
BILLY MAY – Billy SPEAKS of Tweety, Sylvester and Sinatra!!!
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#BillyMay #FrankSinatra #ComeFlyWithMe #GlenMiller #CharlieBarnet #jazz #bigband #SanClemente #NelsonRiddle #RadioRichard #RichardNiles #RadioRichardInterview #billymayfranksinatra #billymaytweetysylvester
“R...
2022-05-0329 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastJIMMY RUSHING & COUNT BASIE – a SWINGIN’ FRIENDSHIP! RARE Interview!Jimmy Rushing was best known as the bluesy vocalist of Count Basie's Orchestra from 1935 to 1948. In fact, as you will hear, Basie originally started it as Rushing’s backing group. Their swingin’ friendship resulted in the longest partnership of a singer with a big band! I made this documentary in 2002 for BBC Radio 2. The story is told by “Mr. Five By Five”, Rushing himself in a rare interview - along with British jazz legend Humphrey Lyttleton, jazz pianist Dave Frishberg, and authors Gene Lees, Will Friedwald, Chris Albertson and Stephanie Stein Crease.
JIMMY RUSHING & COUNT BASIE – a SWINGIN’ F...
2022-04-3026 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastWINNER! UKSC BEST SONG Johnny Schaefer / Melissa Manchester interviewUK Songwriting Contest Best Original Song Winner “You Can’t Hide the Light” JOHNNY SCHAEFER tells of the creation of the award-winning duet with GRAMMY® Award-winning legend MELISSA MANCHESTER and Producer/Arranger Stephan Oberhof at Creation Station. How the song was conceived, written, produced – with the epic sound of 55 vocal tracks! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScFPN...
WINNER! UKSC BEST SONG Johnny Schaefer / Melissa Manchester interview
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#MELISSAMANCHESTER #JOHNNYSCHAEFER #RichardNiles #UKSongwritingContest #MusicAidInternational #BestOriginalSong #RadioRichard
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2022-04-3012 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastPEGGY LEE & Benny GOODMAN! How Pot gave them a HIT! A SPECIAL POT-CAST!Featuring a rare interview with PEGGY LEE herself, we learn how she got her start UPFRONT with the King of Swing, BENNY GOODMAN at the age of 19. And in this POT-CAST, she tells why their big hit “Why Don’t You Do Right” was actually about Marijuana!
Also interviewed in my 2002 documentary, her daughter, Nicky LEE Foster, friend Phoebe Jacobs, authors Stephanie Stien Crease, David Hajdu, Will Friedwald and Gene Lees.
APOLOGY: The sound of this documentary has some minor distortion, but we felt the CONTENT overrides the TECHNICAL considerations. Thanks for your understanding and don’t...
2022-04-2626 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastSARAH VAUGHAN & BILLY ECKSTINE – with Bop, Bird & Diz!!!I wrote and hosted a series called “Upfront” for BBC Radio 2 in 2002. At the end of the 1940s, the musical world was changing. Bebop was growing and the big bands only had a few years to live. But the rich baritone of Billy Eckstine met the divine alto of Sarah Vaughan and stars were born! Here is the story of how Vaughan got her start at 19 from Eckstine, told by Sarah Vaughan herself, critic Stephanie Stein Crease, writer Will Friedwald and Vaughn’s biographer Leslie Gourse.
SARAH VAUGHAN & BILLY ECKSTINE – with Bop, Bird & Diz!!!
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2022-04-1826 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastMEL TORMÉ & ARTIE SHAW – A Meeting of Minds!In 2002, I wrote and hosted a series of documentaries called “Upfront” – about singers who made their names upfront with the big-bands. Here, I present the hippest of all singers Mel Tormé making his name with the most intellectual of bandleaders, Artie Shaw. Uber-talented Tormé was an actor, author, pianist, guitarist, arranger, songwriter (“The Christmas Song”), and drummer! He was singing with his vocal group, The Mel-Tones, when Shaw, the most successful bandleader in America wanted to expand his sound. This is the story of what can happen when two supreme talents collaborate - both a meeting of minds and a butting of...
2022-04-1426 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastRadio Richard Episode 100! The Story of HERB ALPERT & The Tijuana BrassIn 2001 I wrote and presented two series of “The Arrangers” for BBC Radio 2, examining the creators of iconic sounds in jazz & pop.
The fascinating story of HERB ALPERT & the Tijuana Brass is told in interviews with Alpert and his musicians, John Pisano, Bob Edmondson, and Pat Senatore. The music is sometimes dismissed, but the band had fifteen #1 albums, many hit singles and became the 4th biggest selling act of their time – a time that included The BEATLES!
Radio Richard Episode 100 The Story of HERB ALPERT & the Tijuana Brass
#HerbAlpert #RadioRichardEpisode100 #RichardNiles #TijuanaBrass #JohnPisano #BobEdm...
2022-04-0924 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastESQUIVEL! The King of SPACE AGE LOUNGE MUSIC!In 2001, I wrote and presented a documentary series for BBC Radio 2, “The Arrangers” produced by @elizabethclark. It featured Robert Farnon, Neal Hefti, Herb Alpert, Stan Kenton, Quincy Jones, Pete Rugolo and Mexican arranger/composer JUAN GARCIA ESQUIVEL.
His daring, explosive, utterly original arrangements fueled by jazz, pop, film and loaded with instrumental effects, led to a new style in the 1960s: SPACE AGE POP or SPACE AGE BATCHELOR PAD. Here is his story told by experts, critics, and by Esquivel himself!
ESQUIVEL! The King of SPACE AGE LOUNGE MUSIC!
#juangarciaesquivel #richardniles #radiorichard #bbc #spac...
2022-03-2927 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastBOBBY ELI – THE PHILADELPHIA STORY (International!)PIR (Philadelphia International Records) took over from Motown as the preeminent black music label of the Seventies.
I interviewed producer, songwriter, guitarist, and arranger BOBBY ELI for the BBC and for my book, “The Invisible Artist” in 2008. Bobby was a member of Mother Father Sister Brother playing guitar on many of the most successful PIR hits of the 1970s, working with their biggest artists and most significant arrangers.
As a founder member of the PIR team, Bobby was able to give us an articulate and detailed understanding of the genesis and history of the Philadelphia Soun...
2022-03-2746 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastBOB MALONE talks sings & plays: Bob Seger John Fogerty Ringo & More!BOB MALONE is the kind of party your neighbors come upstairs to tell to turn down, and then enjoy the music so much they stay all night dancing, getting high and plooking your Auntie!
Malone, armed only with a pillaged and deflowered piano, has thrown that party for Ringo Starr, John Fogerty, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Seger. The singer/songwriter brings that same bacchanalian revelry to all of his solo albums.
Here, egged on by Richard Niles, Malone demolishes his piano, shreds his songs, propositions his wife (Karen Nash, who needed little encouragement) and created L...
2022-03-2626 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastRICHARD NILES ADVENTURES in ARRANGING Free Chapter! VOICING MasterclassDr. Richard Niles has had musical adventures with some of the world’s most successful and acclaimed artists from Paul McCartney to Pat Metheny, James Brown to Randy Brecker, Tina Turner to Michael McDonald, Ray Charles to the Pet Shop Boys.
In this free chapter Niles comprehensively explains technique and the art of VOICING.
Praise from his colleagues includes Paul McCartney, “a great arranger and musician”, and Pat Metheny, “one of the best composer arrangers and a truly exciting musical force.” The book has been called, “a must for every aspiring arranger” (CHRIS WALDEN), “witty, informative insi...
2022-03-0835 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastRICHARD NILES New Series: IDEAS MAKE YOU BETTER - BRASS Arrangement MasterclassIn this new series of videos, composer/arranger/songwriter Richard Niles expands on his catchphrase “IDEAS MAKE YOU BETTER”. In this video, he shows how brass arranging ideas have helped songs become hits using examples from Martha & The Vandellas, Chic, The Beatles, and his own hits for Grace Jones and Was Not Was. Let us know what other subjects you’d like to hear Richard discuss in songwriting, performance, composition, pop, soul, and jazz in the comments.
RICHARD NILES New Series: IDEAS MAKE YOU BETTER - BRASS Arrangement Masterclass
#richardniles #brassarrangement #masterclass #ideasmakeyoubetter #marthaandthevandellas #chic #thebeat...
2022-02-2710 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastPeter Erskine–DRUM-TASTIC Part 2: MASTERCLASS! Steps Ahead - Seth McFarlane and more!MASTER percussionist PETER ERSKINE demonstrates his concepts and techniques at the drums! He explains his musical concepts and his instrumental techniques – his way of dealing with the sometimes-challenging personalities of his fellow musicians. He tells HOW Weather Report and Steps Ahead rehearsed new material. How the grooves for Seth McFarlane album were created. And he demonstrates it all on the drums in his home studio.
Grammy and multi award-winning drummer/composer Peter Erskine is widely regarded as one of the world’s finest musicians. His 50 albums as leader are joined by playing in the iconic bands of Stan...
2022-02-2023 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastPeter Erskine–DRUM-TASTIC Part 1:Weather Report-Pat Metheny-Steely DanGrammy and multi award-winning drummer/composer Peter Erskine is widely regarded as one of the world’s finest musicians. His 50 albums as leader are joined by playing in the iconic bands of Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Weather Report, Steps Ahead, Joni Mitchell, Steely Dan, Diana Krall, both Brecker brothers, Gary Burton, Pat Metheny and John Scofield.
In this extraordinary interview with composer Richard Niles, Erskine talks about when to play and what to play and how to LISTEN. He explains his musical concepts and his instrumental techniques – his way of dealing with the sometimes-challenging personalities of his fell...
2022-02-1552 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastJERRY JEMMOTT FREE BASS MASTERCLASS with Richard NilesLegendary bass player JERRY JEMMOTT played on many hits by Aretha Franklin (“Think”), Nina Simone (“Ain’t Got No”), B.B. King (“The Thrill Is Gone”), Laura Nyro, Greg Allman, and King Curtis. He helped define the sound of the electric bass in the New York studios and in Muscle Shoals, Memphis. In this interview with composer/arranger Richard Niles, he demonstrates the concepts that made Jaco Pastorius say, “I’m just an imitator, Man. I’m doing a very bad imitation of Jerry Jemmott.”
Watch this episode in video HERE
#jerryjemmott #richardniles #radiorichard #thegroovemaster #bassmasterclass #atlan...
2022-02-0137 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastJerry Jemmott Interview & Jam: the Groovemaster Speaks!Jerry Jemmott helped create and define the Electric Bass in R&B, Soul, and Funk. In this revealing interview with composer Richard Niles, Jemmott discusses his journey from the Bronx to Memphis, from jazz to blues to soul - Atlantic Records to Muscle Shoals - Wilson Pickett to King Curtis to Aretha Franklin. Bass in hand, he demonstrates the unique sound that has earned him the title “The Groovemaster”.
Watch this episode in video HERE
#jerryjemmott #richardniles #radiorichard #thegroovemaster #atlanticrecords #muscleshoals #wilsonpickett #kingcurtiss #arethafrankin
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2022-01-2651 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastKATE ROBBINS: Cilla Black Spitting Image The Queen MUSICIAN’s FUNNIESComedian, singer, songwriter and actor Kate Robbins has had hit singles, made her own TV shows, done many voices for TV commercials, was a top studio vocalist, a jazz singer and pianist, acted on British soap Crossroads, wrote the theme song for Cilla Black’s “Surprise Surprise”, performed on iconic British comedy shows Just A Minute and Grumpy Old Women, and created voices for Spitting Image – notably Margaret Thatcher, Princess Margaret and the Queen. As if that were not enough, Paul McCartney is her 1st cousin! Hear her stories, her voices and her humor in this fun-filled interview!
#kater...
2022-01-2437 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastRICHARD HEWSON talks Paul McCartney, Cliff Richard, Phil Spector, The RAH BandRichard Hewson had a college jazz group with bassist PETER ASHER. Asher’s sister Jane was going with another bass player named Paul. Hewson went on to arrange for the Beatles (The Long and Winding Road), McCartney (My Love), James Taylor, Mary Hopkin (Those Were The Days), Diana Ross, Carly Simon, Cliff Richard, and many more. He produced albums for Toyah Wilcox, Five Star and Shakin’ Stevens. He then formed THE RAH BAND, the silver costumed hit jazz funk group (The Crunch & Clouds Across The Moon).
You may watch the video version Here
#richa...
2021-12-3039 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastPete Waterman PART 2 THE HITMAN HITS BACK! DONNA SUMMER, JASON, & MOREThe second part of my interview with Pete Waterman, a man who likes trains and has made more hits than ANY producer.
He loves music so much, he broke down and cried in this interview. .Beginning as a DJ in the 1950s and 60s, Waterman had close connections with Motown in the 60s and Philadelphia International in the ‘70s.
He produced his first record while on holiday in Jamaica and became a Radio One DJ. As A&R for Magnet Records he signed disco act Silver Connection and Chris Rea.
He set up his...
2021-12-1633 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastPete Waterman - THE HITMAN HITS BACK!!! RICK ASTLEY, KYLIE, BANANARAMA & MORE! PART 1Pete Waterman produced and co-wrote over 200 hit singles in the 1980s. While most critics dismissed the music as worthless, the public, who bought many million records, and Pete Waterman’s bank manager, knew the exact worth of it. Was the music formulaic? Yes, but that could be said for much of pop. Was it tuneful and danceable? Absolutely. Did it accurately reflect the ‘dress up & dance’, ‘showing out’, ‘loadsamoney’ spirit of the 80s? Oh yes, indeed!
Britain’s production team Stock, Aitken & Waterman (SAW) used the new technology of the 1980s to make a string of contagious hits for many pop art...
2021-12-1230 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastKant Beat Pete! - PART 2 - Vettese and Niles talk Mega-Hits and MoralityIn Part 2, Vettese and Niles talk about why there is a Universe in an eighth-note, the ARTISTIC frame of reference, how our culture devalues and disenfranchises artists, and how we're not gonna take it any more!
#peterjohnvettese #richardniles #jethrotull #beegees #annielennox #petshopboys
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2021-12-0424 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastPETER-JOHN VETTESE PART 1: Jethro, Annie and Frankie read Wittgenstein!Philosopher, Producer, Virtuoso Musician PETER-John VETTESE has created hits for the last 40 years. In this unique talk with Richard Niles he discusses the philosophical roots of his mind-blowing creativity working with JETHRO TULL, Cutting Crew, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Go West, Pet Shop Boys, Bee Gees, Foreigner, Simple Minds, Annie Lennox, Peter Cox, Heather Small. WARNING: This interview is so deep, you may be inspired to read Kant, Wittgenstein and Nietzsche. Don’t miss Part 2!
#peterjohnvettese #richardniles #jethrotull #beegees #annielennox #petshopboys
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2021-11-3050 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastCARMINE MIRANDA – A Classical Gas! From BACH to EDM!Dr. CARMINE MIRANDA is a classical cello Rockstar! Born in Venezuela of Armenian/Italian parents, Carmine is an internationally recognized, multi award-winning soloist and recording artist - the youngest musician to ever record Bach’s Six Cello Suites at 22. But he is also an EDM (electronic Dance Music) composer/producer/DJ who runs his own label, RLU Records. Carmine. He is Professor of Cello at Belmont University, Nashville. I recently met this unique musician when I was asked to write a piece for him – The Imperial Suite, a duet to be performed with Robert Marler, principal pianist of the Nash...
2021-11-2352 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastThe MARK EGAN Interview – Metheny to Sting, Gil Evans to Duran DuranMark Egan is one of the world’s finest bassists. Starting his career with the first PAT METHENY GROUP, he has worked with Gil Evans, John McLaughlin, Cyndi Lauper, Stan Getz, Michael Franks, Roger Daltrey, Sting and Duran Duran off-shoot group ARCADIA. His partnership with drummer Danny Gottlieb has led to many albums of their group ELEMENTS and their new duo album “Electric Blue”.
Mark takes us inside his inspiration, how he created his sound, and his work ethic. He also tells us his WORST GIGS and gives valuable advice for musicians.
Mark and I have w...
2021-11-2154 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastWORKING WITH THE HITMAKERS: ”Left To My Own Devices - PET SHOP BOYS” | Daisy Chute chats with Richard NilesSinger/songwriter DAISY CHUTE interviews RICHARD NILES about his many years working with the PET SHOP BOYS. “Left To My Own Devices” (1988) was their 2nd single from INTROSPECTIVE album. Produced by Trevor Horn it reached #4 in the UK charts. Niles takes us behind the scenes of excess and EuroDisco, conducting huge orchestras and choirs full of Welsh miners, “Go West”, “If Love Were All”, “Can You Forgive Her?” and many more fab records.
#daisychute #richardniles #hitmakers #petshopboys #lefttomyowndevices #gowest
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2021-11-1722 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastWORKING WITH THE HITMAKERS: “Breakout – SWING OUT SISTER 1986” | Daisy Chute chats with Richard NilesDaisy and Richard talk about Breakout” the 1986 smash hit by SWING OUT SISTER (# 4 UK, #6 USA Pop, AC #1) that made everyone happier than they already were. Niles talks about arranging the catchy strings and brass, producer Paul Stavely O’Duffy, writing the liner notes on the album “It’s Better To Travel”, and doing the RAP on “Twilight World”. Inside stories and bop poetry. Sophisticated jazzy pop, for you on Radio Richard.
#daisychute #richardniles #hitmakers #swingoutsister #breakout
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2021-11-1117 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastMARK WALKER: ARTISTRY in RHYTHM – Lyle Mays, Berklee, Paquito, and moreGrammy Award–winning drummer, composer, percussionist, author, and educator Mark Walker is a professor in the Percussion Department at Berklee College of Music. He has performed and recorded with Oregon, Donato Poveda, Paquito D'Rivera, Michel Camilo, Dave Samuels, Andy Narell, WDR Big Band, NDR Big Band, Eliane Elias, Lyle Mays, Dave Liebman, Cesar Camargo Mariano, Rosa Passos, and many more. We talked about his colleagues, his teaching and his mastery of Latin and Afro-Cuban styles.
He also gives us a masterclass in taste and musicality with a stunning live performance. This improvisation demonstrates why he has been ca...
2021-11-0648 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastJoey Sellers Interview: Jazz master Joey Talks Trombone and TeachingJoey Sellars - Hepcat in the Classroom!
Joey Sellers is a “Hepcat “by any standards of hepcat-ness. The award-winning Jazz trombonist, composer and arranger has been teaching for 20 years, influencing a new generation of jazzbos, hepcats and alligators to become serious musicians. Sellers is recipient of the Gil Evans Fellowship in Jazz Composition, the Sammy Nestico Award, and the Julius Hemphill Composition Award. He was Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at Northern Illinois University before he became Director of Jazz Studies at SADDLEBACK COLLEGE.
HOW does he do it? Find out in this interview with comp...
2021-11-0434 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastJeremy Lubbock On Melody: Part 2In 2008, I interviewed Jeremy Lubbock for two BBC documentaries, “Richard Niles’ History of Pop Arranging” and “What is Melody?”. Jeremy was in fine form and discussed the current state of music, the music business and record companies. He also talked about his masterpiece recording “Awakening” conducted by his brother John and produced by George Martin. I am very happy to let music lovers hear the thoughts of one of this brilliant musical creator.
My book “The Invisible Artist” has an extended analysis of Lubbock’s work with musical transcription and analysis. Other featured artists are Jimmie Haskell, Arif Mardin, Brian W...
2021-10-2914 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastJENNY HAAN Interview 2021 – the BABE of BABE RUTHJanita (Jenny) Haan has been called “the most powerful voice in rock history” from her work with British ‘prog-rock band, Babe Ruth. With a career spanning an incredible 50 years, the band led by composer/arranger/guitarist Alan Shacklock had many hits, their single “The Mexican” being a hit twice when it was taken up by remixer Jellybean Benitez and the hip-hop community in the 80s.
Jenny talks about how she developed her powerful vocal sound, dance moves and trademark costumes. Most impressive is her charm, her positive attitude and open mind. In a world filled with inflated egos, this...
2021-10-2523 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastSYLVESTER RIVERS Interview - The Sultan of Soul still Ghostbusting mega hitsSylvester Rivers is the living history of popular music from the age of 16 playing his first sessions in Detroit for Motown to the studios of Los Angeles and hundreds of hit records that he has played keyboards on arranged, produced or written for artists like Aretha Franklin, Nancy Wilson, Candi Staton, High Inergy.
He talks to fellow arranger/composer Richard Niles about Motown, the Funk Brothers, Holland Dozier Holland, Ray Parker Jr. and tantalizing news about the new GHOSTBUSTERS movie, due this Thanksgiving.
SUBSCRIBE and don’t miss this informative and entertaining discussion – only on RADI...
2021-10-2245 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastJeremy Lubbock Interview Part 1: Tribute to master arranger, producer, composer, musicianIn 2008 I wrote and hosted a 7-part series for BBC Radio 2, “Richard Niles’ History of Pop Arranging”. This eventually led to my PhD from Brunel University and my book, “The Invisible Artist”. The book, with interviews and 222 musical transcriptions of some of the greatest records in popular music, is available here:
Anyone who speaks to Jeremy Lubbock becomes aware very quickly that they are in the presence of a man who thinks very deeply—not only about music. His instincts are based on this intense thought process. Lubbock’s writing transcends craft to produce...
2021-10-1659 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastWORKING WITH THE HITMAKERS: “Sowing The Seeds of Love | TEARS FOR FEARS 1987” | Daisy Chute chats with Richard NilesCongratulations to TFF for making a great new record in 2021. But this exciting hit (#5 UK, #2 USA) was my first meeting with Tears For Fears. Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith had already had hits like “Shout” and “Everybody Wants To Rule The World”. But this was something different! Daisy Chute chats with me about how we sowed many seeds of love in the studio and why it’s impossible to park if you have a gig at the London Oriental Mandarin Hotel! Let’s drop some acid and listen to how we made this record with a little help from Guy Barker a...
2021-10-1414 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastALAN SHACKLOCK, Rock God, talks to Richard Niles – PART 2Guitarist, songwriter, arranger and producer Alan Shacklock had massive hits with his Art/Prog Rock band BABE RUTH in the 1970s, with singer Jennie Haan. He went on to produce Dexy’s Midnight Runners, Meat Loaf, Mike Oldfield, Bonnie Tyler, Jeff Beck and Roger Daltrey. He produced soundtracks for the films Quicksilver, Doc Hollywood, Buddy’s Song and music for the FIFA World Cup. His song “The Mexican” (1972) became a massive hit in the 90s in the B-Boy & hip hop market. He’s a founder of British Record Producer’s Guild and was honored as EMI Songwriter of the Year for his...
2021-10-1027 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastALAN SHACKLOCK, Rock God, talks to Richard Niles – PART 1Guitarist, songwriter, arranger and producer Alan Shacklock had massive hits with his Art/Prog Rock band BABE RUTH in the 1970s, with singer Jennie Haan. He went on to produce Dexy’s Midnight Runners, Meat Loaf, Mike Oldfield, Bonnie Tyler, Jeff Beck and Roger Daltrey. He produced soundtracks for the films Quicksilver, Doc Hollywood, Buddy’s Song and music for the FIFA World Cup. His song “The Mexican” (1972) became a massive hit in the 90s in the B-Boy & hip hop market. He’s a founder of British Record Producer’s Guild and was honored as EMI Songwriter of the Year for his...
2021-10-0633 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastWORKING WITH THE HITMAKERS: “Slave To The Rhythm” | Daisy Chute chats with Richard NilesComposer/arranger/producer Richard Niles has contributed to over 40 top Ten records with 20 Gold and 28 Platinum certifications. In this new Radio Richard series, singer/songwriter Daisy Chute (a hitmaker herself with All Angels) interviews Richard about how some of those massive hits were made.
Produced by Trevor Horn & Steve Lipson, “Slave To The Rhythm” (1985) was Grace Jones’ biggest hit, combining advanced digital technology with an 85-piece orchestra, arranged by Richard Niles. Here’s the inside story on a record that is considered one of the greatest record productions of all time.
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2021-09-2929 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastRichard Niles’ History of Pop Arranging – Part 4Part 4 of my BBC Radio 2 documentary series “Richard Niles’ HISTORY of POP ARRANGING” takes us to Philadelphia with contributions from TSOP guitarist BOBBY ELI and arranger/producer BOBBY MARTIN examining “the sound of Philadelphia” with Gamble & Huff and Thom Bell (The Delphonics, the Detroit Spinners, the Stylistics). We then descend with our naughty personages to enter the world of MISTER JAMES BROWN and a special interview with his sadly missed musical director, arranger and co-writer of “Cold Sweat” and “Say It Loud I’m Black and I’m Proud”, PEE WEE ELLIS.
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2021-09-2529 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastMUSIC BIZ SPECIAL with ROWENA MORGAN 1For her work helping artists and composers at the Liverpool Institute of the Performing Arts, Paul McCartney said, “Rowena Morgan is my hero!”
The vivacious Welsh dynamo’s incredible career has included work in advertising, technology, sponsorship, radio, journalism, brand ambassador, artist liaison, social media management, event management, songwriting, publishing, music supervision, and business management at the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (now The IVORS).
She has become an icon of the British music industry as “The Musical Geisha” with her Ultimate Music/Media Industry Networking Nights, bringing together new artists, composers...
2021-09-2240 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastDAISY CHUTE InterviewPAUL McCARTNEY, RAY DAVIES and BARRY GIBB love her. Why should you love her too? Because she was in the Platinum, Brit Award nominated group ALL ANGELS.
She plays LOTS of instruments and sings better than an angel.
She has worked on soundtracks for film (YESTERDAY Danny Boyle & Richard Curtis ) and TV (David Attenborough's A Perfect Planet) She worked with Radiohead. She has written a new musical “Coven”. Her new EP is “Songs of Solace”. She is Café Nero ARTIST of the MONTH.
She not only talks about all this and more, but she sings 2 o...
2021-09-1653 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastFRANK SINATRA & TOMMY DORSEYIn 2002 I made a series of documentary programs for BBC Radio 2 about the singers who made their names with the big bandleaders. Frank Sinatra got his start with trumpeter Harry James’ band but when he saw the chance to join the much more successful Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, he went after it. In Dorsey he found his biggest musical influence and most powerful foe. This show tells the story of the powerful relationship of these two great artists.
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2021-09-0826 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastMusician Funnies: MITCH DALTON MANCINI MAGIC and cries for ELP!MITCH DALTON has been a 1st call studio guitarist since the late 1970s. Credits include Ella Fitzgerald, Wayne Shorter, Nelson Riddle, Henry Mancini, Robbie Williams, Peggy Lee, Elmer Bernstein AND Monty Python. ALWAYS LOOKING ON THE BRIGHT SIDE, in this MUSICIAN’S FUNNIES interview with my old friend and colleague, he tells the funny side of working with Herbie Hancock, Henry Mancini, Greg Lake (of ELP), Muhammed Ali and a million jingles and TV and Film scores. In Part 2, more amazing stories – and Mitch PLAYS!
Musician’s Funnies Theme by Richard Niles ©2021Niles Smiles Music (BMI)
2021-08-311h 01Radio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastPat Metheny plays LIVE in Richard Niles Exclusive Interview PART 3Pat Metheny plays LIVE in Richard Niles Exclusive Interview PART 3
In this 3rd and final part of my BBC Radio 2 series “Pat Metheny - Bright Size Life” recorded in 2007, Pat not only explains his concepts, he also demonstrates them on the guitar. This is a unique opportunity to hear how he expresses the infinite optimism, fearless exploration and sensitive humanity of his music.
Features comments from GARY BURTON, LYLE MAYS, JACK DeJOHNETTE, JAY AZZOLINA.
I continued to ask philosophically provocative questions that elicited such fascinating answers. As I wrote in my book, The Pat...
2021-08-2726 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastPat Metheny gets up close and personal with Richard Niles - PART 2Pat Metheny gets up close and personal with Richard Niles - Video PART 2
A RADIO RICHARD SPECIAL PRESENTATION In this 2nd part of my BBC Radio 2 series “Pat Metheny - Bright Size Life” recorded in 2007, Pat explains his concepts, philosophies and practices. This is invaluable to students, teachers and music lovers, and will enrich the soul of anyone who cares about art and creativity. Having known Pat since 1974, I posed some deliberately provocative questions, designed to get to the heart of his artistry.
As I wrote in my book, “The Pat Metheny Interviews”, “I asked questions beyond music beca...
2021-08-2226 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastLAURENCE JUBER plays “GUITAR PEACE”Guitar players and lovers, you’re in for a special treat!
In my 2nd session with Grammy winning guitarist & composer LAURENCE JUBER, he plays a guitar piece I wrote for him called… “Guitar Piece” - and explains HOW he played it! This is a unique look into the creative process of one of the most gifted players of the last 50 years. He not only talks about his methodology, Laurence also discusses his love of Renaissance guitar and reveals his deep knowledge of guitar history. Get up and dance to his own newest piece, “Grandma’s Blue Chicken Pan”. As if...
2021-08-1646 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastPat Metheny gets up close and personal with Richard Niles (PART 1)A RADIO RICHARD SPECIAL PRESENTATION
“The only listener I know anything about is myself. I have absolutely no sense of how anybody else perceives anything. I just try to play for the listener inside me.” Pat Metheny
Pat Metheny is one of the most significant musicians of the last 50 years. In 2007, he invited me into his NYC home studio for my BBC Radio 2 series “Pat Metheny - Bright Size Life”. Over the next 3 days we talked about the myriad aspect of a career of unprecedented achievement, revolutionizing both the guitar and jazz itself - from Metheny’s first rea...
2021-08-1526 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastASMAC MASTERCLASS PART 2 | NILES lost with Ray Charles, ALTMAN chases James Bond's tankASMAC MASTERCLASS PART 2
JOHN ALTMAN & RICHARD NILES
Different Approaches Explained
Moderator: Sylvester Rivers
Composer/Arrangers John Altman (James Bond, Rod Stewart, Monty Python) and Richard Niles (Paul McCartney, Ray Charles, Pat Metheny) demonstrate their different approaches and arranging techniques. For this special ASMAC event, they have both arranged short versions of a simple nursery rhyme, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. This is a unique opportunity to compare and contrast the working methods of two acclaimed artists with 100 years combined experience.
Moderator and legendary arranger Sylvester Rivers asks all t...
2021-08-081h 10Radio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastASMAC MASTERCLASS PART 1 | JOHN ALTMAN & RICHARD NILES | Different Approaches Explained | Moderator: Sylvester RiversASMAC MASTERCLASS
JOHN ALTMAN & RICHARD NILES
Different Approaches Explained
Moderator: Sylvester Rivers (PART 1)
Composer/Arrangers John Altman (James Bond, Rod Stewart, Monty Python) and Richard Niles (Paul McCartney, Ray Charles, Pat Metheny) demonstrate their different approaches and arranging techniques. For this special ASMAC event, they have both arranged short versions of a simple nursery rhyme, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. This is a unique opportunity to compare and contrast the working methods of two acclaimed artists with 100 years combined experience.
Moderator and legendary arranger Sylvester Rivers asks all th...
2021-08-061h 04Radio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastNEAL HEFTI – Batman & Basie & Barefoot in the ParkNEAL HEFTI was one of the most original and influential composers and arrangers of the 20th Century. Beginning as arranger for Woody Herman he went on to composing and arranging for Count Basie and Frank Sinatra. He wrote for film (The Odd Couple, Barefoot In The Park, Harlow, Sex & The Single Girl) and for TV (the phenomenal success of his “Batman” theme).
I wrote and hosted this show for my BBC Radio 2 series “The Arrangers” in 2001 (produced by Elizabeth Clark) and am happy to make this available for a new audience.
This is killer stuff and you...
2021-07-2929 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastInterview and performance - Studio ace MATT BACKERAmerican studio ace Matt, is the first call “rock bitch” of London. His exhausting credits include Rumer, ABC, Julian Lennon, Wu Tang Killer Bs, Go West, Steve Winwood, Joe Cocker, Aimee Mann, The Beautiful South, Marcella Detroit, Sinead O'Connor, Swing Out Sister, Elton John, Steve Coogan, Shirley Bassey, Suzanne Rhatigan, Mica Paris, David McAlmont, Alan Partridge, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Alice Cooper, Bob Geldof, Emmylou Harris, David Arnold, Andy Williams, Paul Young, Linda Lewis, Sister Sledge, Belinda Carlisle, Rick Astley, Steve Earle…
Not just a ‘backer’ musician, Mat has many acclaimed solo albums of his songs. Matt won the 2007 N...
2021-07-2653 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastRichard Niles interviews Legendary producer SHEL TALMYSHEL TALMY is one of the most innovative and influential record producers in popular music. It could be said, with a great deal of justification, that he created the SOUND of the 1960s. I’m talking about the power, the glory, the in-your-face gut punching power of rock. One thing you notice about Shel immediately is that you’re talking to a very clever man with a brain the size of Jupiter that got him on the Quiz Kids TV show. He worked for 3 years in television, and then worked as an engineer at Conway Recorders in LA where he wa...
2021-07-2339 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastTony Currie InterviewIs radio important? Tony Currie thinks so. This golden voiced Scottish radio legend started broadcasting in 1972 at KPFK in Los Angeles started Radio Clyde, Scotland's first independent local radio station, became an announcer on Scottish Television, became Controller of Programmes for the Cable Authority, and the ITC, Director for BBC Scotland's television channels BBC ONE Scotland and BBC TWO Scotland, chairing both the Royal Television Society Scotland and the Radio Academy in Scotland. He has written for countless newspapers and magazines and has many published books. He created Radio Six International which syndicates its programming to 56 radio stations around t...
2021-07-1455 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastKIM CHANDLER InterviewA vocal master-class from Kim Chandler, perhaps the UK’s top vocal coach. ALL singers should LISTEN and LEARN from this interview. The legendary Australian runs a busy private vocal studio where she teaches an elite team of professional singers, artists and other vocal coaches. Kim is a regular presenter at national & international voice conferences and is a past President of the prestigious British Voice Association. Her high profile clients include Beverly Knight, Paloma Faith, Sarah Brightman and Kevin Rowland. She has also coached many TV shows and sung with stars Barry Manilow, Natalie Cole, Neal Diamond, Michael McDonald, Lu...
2021-07-0849 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastMUSICIAN’S FUNNIES 03 - RICHARD NILES laughs with PHIL SPALDINGBass player Phil Spalding tells amusing (and frightening) stories of his crazy journey through the world of ROCK playing for Mick Jagger, Elton John, Robbie Williams, Toyah, Joe Cocker, Marcella Detroit and Seal. Together we wrote 4 songs recorded for Ray Charles on his Strong Love Affair album.
Maybe not exactly a “laff riot” – but certainly a RIOT!
This is killer stuff and you only get this with Radio Richard.
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Pretty Please!
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2021-07-0329 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastSTUART EPPS InterviewFrom tea-boy to Producer, from assistant to Studio Manager. Producer/engineer and all ‘round nice guy STUART EPPS talks about working with Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Oasis, Robbie Williams, George Harrison, Twisted Sister, Bill Wyman, Gus Dudgeon and many more. If you’re interested in how some classic hits were made, settle back for a laid back chat about the 1960s – Today! And a bonus couple of Musician’s Funnies as well.
This is killer stuff and you only get this with Radio Richard.
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2021-06-271h 13Radio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastSTEVE ROWLAND Interview 2Wanna go racing with James Dean? Wanna make out with Sandra Dee? Wanna hit the beach with Natalie Wood? Wanna make the scene with Ed ‘Kookie’ Burns and Marlon Brando? In Part 2 of my interview with actor, hit recording artist & record producer STEVE ROWLAND he talks about coming from ‘50s Hollywood to Swingin’ London in the 60s. (WARNING: There are a couple of swear words that are perhaps inappropriate for children under 12.)
And Steve’s dog May Lin makes a cameo appearance!
This is killer stuff and you only get this with Radio Richard.
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2021-06-2546 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastMUSICIAN’S FUNNIES 02 - RICHARD NILES laughs with MO FOSTERBassist/composer/author Mo Foster has credits any other musician would find tiring! Jeff Beck, Phil Collins, Brian May, Ringo Starr, Gil Evans, Van Morrison, Cliff Richard… I could go on but then I’d be too shagged out to continue this intro. Mo’s book British Rock Guitar is so much more than the unimaginative title suggests. Filled with fascinating facts and hysterical stories, this is the book to have when you’re on the loo after eating a particularly challenging curry.
The best recommendation I can give you for this interview is that I prepared for it by...
2021-06-2252 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastWHATEVER HAPPENED TO HOLLYWOOD? - Author and film historian Martin Turnbull interviews Richard NilesRichard Niles is re-releasing WHATEVER HAPPENED TO HOLLYWOOD? by his stepfather, screenwriter Jesse Lasky Jr. He has written an informative Foreword and added almost 400 rare photographs. The book tells the story of growing up in the dusty streets of Hollywood when his father produced the first feature film, and started a company that became Paramount. A compelling personal memoir written by a masterful writer, Lasky describes his life as a Hollywood screenwriter for Cecil B. De Mille, Harry Cohn, Nick Ray, Sam Fuller and Alfred Hitchcock, working with Gary Cooper, Anthony Quinn and Yul Brynner, and dating Jean Harlow.
2021-06-1853 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastMUSICIAN’S FUNNIES 01 - RICHARD NILES laughs with JOHN ALTMANWhen musicians get together, they tell funny stories about all the ridiculous, amusing, surprising, crazy, psycho things that happen to them – while they’re trying to make a living. So here is a new series of interviews, MUSICIAN’S FUNNIES on Radio Richard where you get to listen in and giggle along to those conversations.
Film composer (James Bond, Monty Python), arranger (Tina Turner, Bjork) and jazz saxophonist John Altman has more stories than a barrel of monkeys and an encyclopedic knowledge of musicians and recordings dating back beyond the dawn of mankind!
Join us in the...
2021-06-1455 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastGARY SINISE Interview (and DANNY GOTTLIEB)Thanks to all my Radio Richard listeners and today I have a special treat for you, my 2010 interview with Gary Sinise. star of stage and screen, well-loved for his many film roles such as Apollo 13, Forest Gump, and of course as the rugged Detective Mac Taylor in CSI: New York!!!”
It’s easy to put people in convenient little boxes, but some people have more than one talent. Not only is Gary Sinise a superb actor and an actual movie star, he’s a rockin’, funky-butt bass player!! For this interview , I drove out to 29 Palms Marine Base in...
2021-06-1032 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastSTEVE ROWLAND Interview 1Actor, singer and record producer Steve Rowland has had an incredible career by any standards. As a teenager he qualified for the Olympics as a diver. When an accident ended that, he burst into 1950s as an actor and singer with a family full of Hollywood royalty. His father was Roy Rowland, a successful director and his mother Ruth a respected writer. Her uncle was feared mogul Louis B. Mayer. Steve’s uncle was director/producer Jack Cummings. He also became a gossip columnist for a number of Hollywood fan mags because of the friends he hung out with – Rober...
2021-06-0241 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastHB BARNUM InterviewLegendary Arranger/Producer H.B.Barnum has been successful in every decade since the 1950s. Although working for the FBI (!), he became a singer in doo-wop groups the Dootones and the Robins, also working as an A&R man. The multi-instrumentalist decided to concentrate on music when he had a hit with “Pink Shoelaces” (Dodie Stevens). He arranged for Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin, Motown – The Supremes, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Smoky Robinson “Shop Around”. He arranged both Lou Rawls’ and Gladys Knight’s versions of “Help Me Make It Through The Night” – and Ann Margaret, Barry Whit...
2021-05-2829 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastRAY RUSSELL InterviewRay is well respected both as a top studio guitarist and a jazz player working with a host of stars from pop and rock (David Bowie, Phil Collins, Art Garfunkel, Lulu, George Martin, Heaven 17, Paul McCartney, Robert Plant, Phil Spector, Scott Walker, Andy Williams and Tina Turner), as well as jazz (Mo Foster, Anthony Jackson, Gary Moore, Simon Phillips, John Barry, Gil Evans, Michael Gibbs and RMS). He is also a composer well-known for his work on shows such as A Touch of Frost, Bergerac, Plain Jane, A Bit of a Do, Rich Tea and Sympathy, The Inspector Alleyn Myster...
2021-05-2444 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastBLUE WEAVER InterviewAmen Corner. Fairweather. The Strawbs. Mott The Hoople. Pet Shop Boys. The Bee Gees. The Strawbs again! The very nice (and Welsh) keyboardist, composer, producer BLUE WEAVER talks about his amazing career with stories about Jimi Hendrix, Keith Emerson and Rick Wakeman told in passing. Bleu shows you the working process of the professional musician from the inside. This is the guy who helped the Bee Gees create their new sound on records like “Jive Talking” , “You Should Be Dancing” and “Night Fever” And he explains how he produced the new STRAWBS album.
Don’t miss any more great inte...
2021-05-201h 05Radio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastAL Di MEOLA Interview and PerformanceAward winning guitar virtuoso Al Di Meola visited my home studio for an interview that will be a special treat to guitarists and music lovers. He spoke about how he developed his music, his explorations in sound and his love of Latin music. He also played two beautiful pieces from his (then) new album Flesh on Flesh (2002) live on acoustic guitar. [There is also an amusing moment when we talk of the amazing new development – SATTELITE RADIO!]
This is a unique masterclass from a monster musician and all ‘round nice guy.
This is killer stuff and...
2021-05-1628 minRadio Richard | Richard Niles PodcastMICHAEL GIBBS Interview 1Michael Gibbs is one of the most innovative composers in jazz working with Gary Burton, Joni Mitchell, Pat Metheny, John McLaughlin, Whitney Houston, George Martin, Elton John, Sting, Peter Gabriel and John Scofield. He was my composition teacher at the Berklee College of Music (1974-5) and I played in his band (which I named) The Only Chrome Waterfall Orchestra. He is interviewed and his music analyzed in my book “The Invisible Artist”. I cannot say that his work is influential because his style so unique it is virtually impossible to copy. He is a wonderfully charming fellow, so enjoy our c...
2021-05-1421 min