Ken Clarke. Not what you were expecting? No. And it's not a phrase my friends would expect to hear tripping from my tongue either (not exactly being known for my admiration of Tory politicians; on second thoughts, make that most politicians). But when our one-time Chancellor of the Exchequer isn't busy being a politician, he is busy listening to, enjoying and extolling the virtues of modern jazz. And his current BBC R4 series, Ken Clarke's Jazz Greats has been both a pleasure and a revelation. I have been gripped.
Last week Ken featured Cannonball Adderley. This week - trumpet player, Chet Baker.
I was driving along the Exe Valley Way listening to the programme and had to stop, so that I wouldn't be distracted and could just give myself up to the music and Chet's story.
Chet Baker, the personification of 'cool jazz'. Who could imagine that such exquisite, bitter-sweet sounds could emanate from a man who was so utterly wrecked for so much of his life? I don't know how he did it - but he did.
Not everyone is in agreement about Chet's voice (I happen to love it) but this was one of the tracks chosen to illustrate Chet the singer and Chet the musician. Time after time . . . how cool is this?
If you're in the UK, you can catch the programme for another seven days on BBCiPlayer here.
(All great stuff but I'm afraid I'd still rather listen to you on Jazz Greats than - er vote for you, Ken. Sorry.)
Also caught some of this after a friend had been in raptures about the earlier programme. Must say, Ken is a natural on the wireless...
Posted by: colleen | 31 January 2010 at 11:37 AM
I'm not really a lover of jazz, but I did enjoy this one. Partly because this is the kind of laid back, unobtrusive jazz I do quite like, but also because I love the song. Thanks for that!
Funny how personalities that we don't like can be quite acceptable in other settings, isn't it? I remember thinking the same while listening to Desert Island Discs one day. I can't for life of me remember who it was just now (see my latest post) but it was being hosted by someone I really disliked and he was great! I'm sure it was a politician, but the name is gone.
Posted by: Jay | 31 January 2010 at 11:57 AM
Yes, I think Chet is the sort of musician who converts people to jazz. And thanks to a very kind friend, I've spent the last hour or so listening to even more Chet! Am now truly hooked.
Re politicians and their other lives, I couldn't stand Michael Portillo as an MP but am rather impressed with his broadcasting skills. Like Ken C, he's a natural but maybe that's because MPs have to be consummate performers!
(Jay - was so sorry to hear about what had happened. Just popping over to leave a comment.)
Posted by: 60 Going On 16 | 01 February 2010 at 06:54 PM
Like Jay, I've never been much of a fan of jazz (although my dad was) but I could listen to (but maybe not look at) Chet (and a piano) all day. Like you, I was pleasantly surprised when watching Michael Portillo on the telly recently.
Posted by: Liz | 04 February 2010 at 09:21 AM