Russel Davies / Sid Feller.

[Lena & Harry Smith]

Listened to Russel Davies today remembering and paying a tribute to musical dirctor, arranger and conducter Sid Feller, who was born in New York in 1916 of Austrian Jewish family and who recently passed away in February at aged Eighty Nine.
Russell played Matt's rendition of "What To Do" arranged by Sid Feller with Lyrics by Al Stillman. One of our special favourites of Matts.
Eric Hall on Radio Essex never tires of talking about Matt with affection and played the duet today" More" with Matt and Matt Jnr.
Also, the news is that DJ Johnny Walker is to replace Ed Stewart on the 5.o'clock slot BBC 2 on Sundays from the 16th of April.
We will miss Ed who has obliged us by playing many requests for us on his show over the past few years with the help of his assistant Lynne.
Just hoping that Johnny Walkers format of music is similar.

How to smile now that I'll miss you so
While the love that I feel seems to grow
Maybe I ought to try asking you.
What to say where to go what to do

[ROBERT M.]

Hi Lena and Harry, isnt the Russell Davies Radio 2 programme one of the best shows on the air, as well as all the great oldies he plays, he gives out a lot of information and titbits concerning the songs and artists that he plays. Since his show was trimmed by half an hour, he doesnt have as many interviews with people as he used to do. Probably the best interview he had was a couple of years ago now, when interviewing the one and only Don Black. What an interesting insight into the world of MM, he gave us.

Also the David Jacobs collection at 11pm is also a must to listen to, playing our kind of music. What a shame Radio 2 are getting rid of Ed "Stewpot" Stewart on Sunday afternoons, it was a programme to look forward to, playing a variety of music, plus Where Are You Now and the artist of the week, which Matt, has been featured in a couple of times in the past year or so. That time slot will not be the same anymore. I cannot see Johnny Walker keeping to the same format or even the same type of music, he may play the odd easy listening type of song, but I think his music will be a bit harder. Why the Beeb want to get rid of such a popular programme like Ed Stewarts is a big mistake, in my opinion.

My tears will fall now that your gone

[Lena & Harry Smith]

Yes Robert it's a pity that Russell Davies had his Sunday radio slot cut shorter considering what has replaced that time.
We have all appreciated the musicals but two hours of it is is more than enough, and yes thank goodness for David Jacobs programme.
Ed Stewart spends a lot of time after his programme, travelling to Spain and back during the week, he plays golf and enjoys the climate too no doubt, so this may possibly be his own decision.
We like Eric Hall's programme. He plays all the good stuff. has a sharp wit and talks to his guests about his memories Pie and Mash, salt beef sandwiches in the high streets, the old musical Empires.
Ahh we remember it well!!!

[Lena & Harry Smith]

Well, did anyone hear David Jacobs on Sunday ?, again David obliged us with that great number of Matt's " Walking Happy" and we certainly don't mind the showing off and the name dropping when it comes to Mr Sinatra, well, we'd want to show off if we had sat with Frank in his home in Palm Springs wouldn't we.
Frank told David that , among his favourite singers were Tony Bennett, Mel Torme, and Vic Damone and then of course there was your Matt Monro.