Claire joins Jazz FM to present a programme on Christmas Day afternoon with Ronnie Scott’s Big Band leader Pete Long, including a live performance from Claire herself on the Jazz FM Yamaha baby grand.

Wrapping up Christmas Day is a special edition of Dinner Jazz hosted by Gregory Porter.

Jamie Crick returns with Christmas Day Requests featuring requests from listeners and jazz musicians such as Jose Feliciano, Kandace Springs, Jose James, Bill Laurence, Seal, Cecile McLorin Salvant and many more.

As Jazz’s first one-hundred years pass, there are celebrations of legendary jazz centenarians including repeated programmes on Thelonious Monk and Laura Mvula’s listener countdown of the Top 10 Ella Fitzgerald songs. There are new programmes from drummer Ollie Howell with a fans-eye-view of Buddy Rich while British trumpeter Quentin Collins looks at one of his musical heroes – Dizzy Gillespie.

Finally, on New Year’s Eve following a Ronnie Scott’s Radio Show review of 2017, musician Emily Saunders provides a rhythmic Latin soundtrack before musician and producer Marcus Miller – regular host of the station’s Transatlantic Jazz – will welcome 2018 with his selection of jazz funk.

Jazz FM’s Content Director Nick Pitts says “This is the brightest line up of jazz stars we’ve ever had on Jazz FM at Christmas. To be able to secure the cream of British jazz, international Grammy winners and global jazz masters like Gregory Porter to broadcast to our listeners with amazing music and subject matter is a real treat.”

from https://radiotoday.co.uk