Matt Monro Forum

Just sent trax by Tony Bennett&Kermit duetting from Tony's album THE PLAYGROUND for inclusion on Russell's 30th December program-something to do with THE YEAR OF THE FROG

We'll be listening to Russell Mark. 30th Dec Thanks for the info.

Mark got a mention on Russell's show tonight

Yes we heard it too.

I was originally asked for Tony&Kermit duetting'FIREFLY'but sent Russell all their duets from THE PLAYGROUND album-'they'chose BEIN'GREEN and surprised me with a 'mention'.
I almost forgot to tune in!

Russell played a couple of extracts from a live Frank Sinatra album tonight, when Frank appeared in good old Blackpool in 1953, when his career seemed to be on the wain, only for his star to rise again shortly afterwards after the release of "From Here to Eternity". Sinatra did seem a rather bitter person in the extracts played from the concert. But it was fascinating to listen to Old Blue Eyes live in Blackpool!!!! (sorry john) in 1953. An interesting peice of history to listen to

Listening at the moment to Frank singing "Three Coins In the Fountain" from a String of Pearls on listen again.................I really like Frank performing this song

Yes we heard it Robert. Bing went through it too didn't he. Tongue in cheek we imagine seeing that the film "High Society" followed just a couple of years after.

The 1953 Balackpool concert recorded on a mike link from the Opera House by a fan who intended to record the organ playing on another day-one song was missed from the full show due to turning over the tape.Frank apparently did two concerts per evening and on the tour played Glasgow too.
A fanscinating piece of Sinatra history.

Missing song from the BLACKPOOL set due to turning over of tape'AMONG MY SOUVENIRS'.

I never even realised Sinatra had been to "sunny" (or not so) Blackpool.

1953-before you were born-I think on same Tour he played Glasgow,London,Birmingham-at some venues two shows a night!
I have the Blackpool programme but I was at school in 1953!

Ah yes, definitely before my time, Mark.
Plus, I have only lived in Blackpool since 1995 after coming from Stockport, Greater Manchester.

My Mother and I saw Frank during that 1953 tour at the Gaumont State Kilburn,-- the largest single auditorium cinema and the Third largest in Great Britain that has hosted the worlds top entertainers,-- apart from Sinatra,... Gracie Fields, Larry Adler, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, and many others including the Big Band leaders, Ted Heath, Vic Lewis, the list goes on.
The sad story is that this beautiful building is now to be sold, in spite of petitions from local residents, and although it is a listed building- along with the great whirlitzer, the fear is that it may be purchased by sharks who will turn it into flats. There are now strong objections since hearing that a church has purchased the building.
We wonder if any space will be left for drainage in the country at the rate property is springing up everywhere and anywhere.
Getting off my soapbox now.

Very sad to see the demise of so many of these wonderful buildings that hold so many memories.
Peter was only talking the other day about the great swathes of concrete everywhere restricting drainage areas, and they are even planning to build on the flood plains in areas of Reading. Then they wonder why we are getting such flooding these days!
In our own little road, we have had three once lovely gardens replaced with brick and concrete monstrosities. I know people have to live somewhere, but the things that get passed by planning authorities today are just plain ridiculous.
Marian

It is the same here in my little town--every available inch is turned into housing---even the smallest space can be filled with a dozen teeny little houses, no garden etc---but no sign of increasing amenities--parking, shopping, health care, schooling, facilities for children, facilities for older people---it is crazy---but it makes BIG MONEY for someone.!!