kenog Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 I've searched the site to see if this news has been covered already in the forums, but couldn't see it. If it is covered elsewhere, let me know and I'll ask Sam to remove it. Source: The Independent (UK) 'Whistle Test' returns to the BBC By Adam Sherwin Thursday, 7 July 2011 "Whispering" bob Harris is to host The Old Grey Whistle Test once again in a radio revival of the classic BBC music show. Artists who performed on the original series, including Sir Elton John, Robert Plant and Paul Weller, will return for the Radio 2 series, which marks the programme's 40th anniversary. Whistle Test is credited with giving early exposure to acts such as Bob Marley, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen and Steely Dan. The BBC Two programme ran from 1971 to 1987 and was a showcase for the "serious" rock acts beloved by Harris. Starting in August, the 16-part radio series, Old Grey Whistle Test 40, will feature classic archive, new performances recorded at the famous Maida Vale studios, and interviews with artists who appeared on the original series. The line-up will include Roger Daltrey, Mark Knopfler, Yusuf Islam, Emmylou Harris and Simple Minds. Harris, 65, described the new show as "a massive reunion, featuring superstars of British and American music". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenog Posted August 17, 2011 Author Share Posted August 17, 2011 The series kicks off next Wednesday, 22 August at 10pm on BBC Radio 2. Here's a preview of the first episode:- Synopsis Bob Harris presents the first in a new series celebrating the 40th anniversary of the classic music TV show. Each programme will look at one complete series of the original Old Grey Whistle Test and will include archive recordings alongside both new interviews and exclusively recorded sessions with guests from the featured series. Programme One covers series one, which ran from September 1971 to July 1972. Bob interviews the show's producer Mike Appleton about the creation of the show and speaks with Alice Cooper and Elton John about their appearances on The Old Grey Whistle Test. Both artists also feature in archive sessions and there are more classic performances from David Bowie and Curtis Mayfield. Yusuf performs two exclusive acoustic numbers and chats about both his Whistle Test days recording as Cat Stevens and his current projects. There is further new live music from Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackDog71 Posted August 24, 2011 Share Posted August 24, 2011 Very interesting. Thanks for the info! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenog Posted September 9, 2011 Author Share Posted September 9, 2011 The following episode is available to listen on BBC iplayer:- Programme two covers the series that ran from September 1972 to July 1973. Alongside contributions from the show's original producer Mike Appleton, Bob speaks with Rod Argent and Russ Ballard of Argent, Colin Blunstone, and Donal Gallagher (brother of the late Rory Gallagher - a regular guest) about their memories of the programme. Singer/songwriter Ralph McTell and Plainsong (Iain Matthews and Andy Roberts) both perform new exclusive session songs; and Thijs van Leer from Focus not only remembers his band's UK TV debut, but also provides an impromptu flute solo that merges a live improvisation with a blast of an old favourite. These new performances are complimented by classic archive sessions from Bill Withers, Del Shannon, the aforementioned Rory Gallagher and the first ever British TV appearance by The Wailers and their emerging star Bob Marley. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenog Posted September 9, 2011 Author Share Posted September 9, 2011 The third episode is available to listen to on BBC iplayer:- Programme three covers the series that ran from September 1973 to July 1974. Both Steve Harley and Roger Daltrey join Bob Harris in the studio to perform exclusive session songs. Bob talks with the show's original producer Mike Appleton about the films that accompanied tracks in the "pre-video" age. He also speaks to film-maker Ian Eames about the film he created for a Pink Floyd song, which was screened on OGWT and led to a lengthy working collaboration between animator and band. Amongst the archive performances featured in this programme are songs by Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Jim Croce and the New York Dolls. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenog Posted September 9, 2011 Author Share Posted September 9, 2011 The Fourth episode airs on Wednesday, 14 September. Programme four covers the series that ran from September 1974 to July 1975. Roger Hodgson joins Bob in the studio to reminisce about the programme and perform an exclusive version of one of his hits with Supertramp. There is more live music from Kiki Dee, who along with guitarist Carmelo Luggeri provides a unique take on a Kate Bush classic, as well as one of her own hits from the Whistle Test years. Paul Rodgers talks about Bad Company's appearance on the show - when they were asked to turn the volume down - and there's archive interview highlights from Bob's meeting in New York with John Lennon. Amongst the archive performances featured in this programme are songs by Captain Beefheart, Little Feat, Tim Buckley and Free, along with a rare chance to hear both a song from Elton John's concert at the Hammersmith Odeon, which was broadcast by The Old Grey Whistle Test; and one of the songs Lennon specially recorded for the show with his band Elephant's Memory. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenog Posted September 14, 2011 Author Share Posted September 14, 2011 The fifth episode airs on Wednesday, 21 September 2011 Programme five covers the show's run from September 1975 to May 1976. One of the highlights of this series was Queen's Christmas concert broadcast live from the Hammersmith Odeon on 24 December 1975. Brian May joins Bob Harris in the studio with his memories of that event and of the band's first exposure on the programme. Emmylou Harris performs two new session songs: a number from her Whistle Test days, along with a song from her latest album which was written about her late friend Kate McGarrigle. There is further live music from Jackson Browne (backed by Jonathan Wilson and the band Dawes), who also talks with Bob about his appearances on the show. And music from the Whistle Test archives comes courtesy of blues guitarist Freddie King and Lynyrd Skynyrd, whose live performance of Free Bird became one of the most requested events in the history of the TV series. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenog Posted September 21, 2011 Author Share Posted September 21, 2011 Like you, I am still waiting for the programme which features Robert. In the meantime, here is the blurb about programme 6 which is broadcast on September 28. Programme six covers the show's run from September 1976 to June 1977. There are new session tracks from Joan Armatrading; Peter Frampton talks about the success of his 1976 live album and a concert special for OGWT; Stevie Nicks talks about joining Fleetwood Mac and their much requested filmed performance of Rhiannon; and Gregg Allman visits the Whistle Test studio to reminisce about his appearance with Cher, and to play a special acoustic performance. Amongst the archive highlights are an impromptu performance from Allman Brothers Band founding member Dickey Betts and an interview with one-time governor of Georgia and future president Jimmy Carter. There is also an archive interview with Mick Fleetwood and Lindsey Buckingham, while Bob revisits one of his favourite OGWT reports - the 1976 Macon Picnic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProPlant Posted December 7, 2011 Share Posted December 7, 2011 Robert's episode of the Old Grey Whistle Test is on today Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenog Posted December 8, 2011 Author Share Posted December 8, 2011 Here's the link: - http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/b017v88h It's available on BBC iplayer for the next six days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f2walsh Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 Thanks Kenog! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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