All About The Music

Somersault Studio

Imagine if we took an entertaining dive into your favourite music… and revealed what makes it so special. That’s what happens in All About The Music as composer and BBC broadcaster Neil Brand asks famous faces to gather their top hits and musical passions and join him around the piano for a chat… and a very close listen. Neil is music’s most effortless improviser and engaging storyteller. But above all he’s a fan of music, just like the rest of us. This is his chance to discuss old classics and discover new gems in the company of some brilliant, music-loving guests. Each guest brings a mix of music, and anything is up for grabs – from AC/DC to Alabama 3, or from Radiohead to RAYE. Emotion, nostalgia and utter joy pour out of guests as Neil gets to discuss and unpick every selection, with his piano close at hand. If you enjoy your music and like to find out just that little bit more, then All About The Music could be for you. Discover more about the show at allaboutthemusicpod.com

Season 1

  1. Keith Brymer Jones - The Pottery Throw Down judge's life as a punk singer

    EPISODE 1

    Keith Brymer Jones - The Pottery Throw Down judge's life as a punk singer

    Hello, Neil Brand here –  For this first show, I’m joined by the marvellous Keith Brymer Jones, much loved for his pottery designs and his emotional appearances as a judge on TV’s Great Pottery Throwdown.  We talk creativity, nostalgia, and the many ways in which music finds its way into his life — whether he’s at the potter’s bench, on stage with his own band, or even at his mother’s wake.   Keith’s chosen tracks take us from the 1970s right up to the present day and from the early days of Roxy Music, through Kate Bush and 90s big beat, to the very latest English folk music.   Best of all – Keith introduces me to a couple of artists I knew nothing about!  Find the Spotify playlist of all Keith Brymer Jones’ selections here.  Buy Keith’s autobiography, ‘Boy in a China Shop’ here.   Follow Keith: https://www.instagram.com/keithbrymerjones/ Featured artists and tracks (with Spotify links):  Roxy Music, “Both Ends Burning”, “Do the Strand” Theatre of Hate, “Original Sin”, “Do You Believe in the Westworld” The Wigs, “Six o’ Clock Shuffle” Kate Bush, “This Woman’s Work” Chemical Brothers, “Out of Control” Stick in the Wheel, “Over Again”, “Steals the Thief”  Connect With Us  Stay in tune with All About The Music and join the conversation wherever you are:  Website: allaboutthemusicpod.com — explore episodes, guest playlists, and behind-the-scenes stories.  Instagram: @allaboutthemusic.pod — discover new episodes, reels, and the songs that shaped our guests.  Facebook: facebook.com/allaboutthemusicpod — follow for updates, clips, and listener discussions.  TikTok: @allaboutthemusicpod — enjoy bite-sized musical moments and highlights from the...

    50 min
  2. Rob Bell - AC/DC unleashes the history presenter’s rebellious side

    EPISODE 2

    Rob Bell - AC/DC unleashes the history presenter’s rebellious side

    Hello and welcome to this second episode of All About The Music, where I’m joined by Rob Bell – presenter of many TV shows that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed from the comfort of my sofa. Rob’s explored the history of bridges, railways, lighthouses, and even nuclear submarines. But it turns out his love of music is just as entertaining and fascinating.  Two things quickly became clear to me during our conversation for the show… Rob loves instruments (especially brass), and for Rob – music means having a good time. Whether it’s the unstoppable drive of AC/DC, the energetic funk of Jamiroquai, or the humorous lyrics of Mose Allison, it’s difficult to listen to Rob’s choices without a smile on your face!  Follow Rob: https://www.instagram.com/rob.bell/ Find the Spotify playlist of all Rob Bell’s selections here.  Featured artists & tracks:  Jamiroquai, “Emergency on Planet Earth”, “When You Gonna Learn?” Ugly Duckling, “A Little Samba”, “I Did It Like This” AC/DC, “Back in Black”, “Riff Raff” Patrick Bruel, “Place des Grand Hommes”, « Casser La Voix » Mose Allison, “Your Mind Is On Vacation”, “I Don’t Worry About A Thing”  Connect With Us  Stay in tune with All About The Music and join the conversation wherever you are:  Website: allaboutthemusicpod.com — explore episodes, guest playlists, and behind-the-scenes stories.  Instagram: @allaboutthemusic.pod — discover new episodes, reels, and the songs that shaped our guests.  Facebook: facebook.com/allaboutthemusicpod — follow for updates, clips, and listener discussions.  TikTok: @allaboutthemusicpod — enjoy bite-sized musical moments and highlights from the show. Follow Neil: @neil.brand.9 — for performances, live appearances, and my personal reflections on music.  Share with your friends: Listen to All About The Music Because wherever you listen, it’s all about the music.  Somersault Studio

    56 min
  3. Bruno Tonioli - Freddie Mercury and a night at the opera

    EPISODE 3

    Bruno Tonioli - Freddie Mercury and a night at the opera

    Welcome to this episode of All About The Music, where I have the pleasure of sitting down with Bruno Tonioli – legendary dance judge, choreographer and, as I now know – wonderful storyteller (and teacher of Italian). Many will know Bruno from his decades on Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars. Fewer will know of his days choreographing the biggest stars in the business or what he really likes to listen to in his own time.  Bruno’s passion for music pours forth with every story he tells. And what’s so clear is his love of performance above all else – whether that’s the unstoppable energy of Tina Turner or the dramatic emotion of Leontyne Price’s portrayal of Aida. I love how he’s blended his musical passions with his career, culminating in his amazing tale of choreographing Freddie Mercury at the peak of his powers.  But Bruno’s a simple fan too. We hear how he grew up waiting for every new single by Italian superstar Mina and how he loves the latest generation of performers, led by British solo star RAYE, who, in Bruno’s words, uses her voice like an instrument.   Follow Bruno Tonioli: https://www.instagram.com/brunotonioliofficial/  Listen to the Spotify playlist of all Bruno’s selections here - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6Ete6gxKdqZl3fu1fgflcx  Featured artists & tracks:  RAYE – “Oscar Winning Tears”, “Worth It”  Tina Turner – “Proud Mary”, “Steamy Windows”  Mina – “Amor Mio”  Verdi - “O terra, addio” from Aida  Freddie Mercury – “The Great Pretender”, “Barcelona” (with Montserrat Caballé) Connect With Us  Stay in tune with All About The Music and join the conversation wherever you are:  Website: allaboutthemusicpod.com — explore episodes, guest playlists, and behind-the-scenes stories.  Instagram: @allaboutthemusic.pod — discover new episodes, reels, and the songs that shaped our guests.  Facebook: facebook.com/allaboutthemusicpod — follow for updates, clips, and listener discussions.  TikTok: @allaboutthemusicpod — enjoy bite-sized musical moments and highlights from the show. Follow Neil: @neil.brand.9 — for performances, live appearances, and my personal reflections on music.  Share with your friends: Listen to All About The Music Because wherever you listen, it’s

    45 min
  4. Stephen Frost – Why the comedy star is tickled by The Streets

    EPISODE 4

    Stephen Frost – Why the comedy star is tickled by The Streets

    What a joy to sit down with the brilliant Stephen Frost – comedian, actor, and master improviser. I’ve been lucky to know Stephen for years, but he’s loved by a great many more for his roles in The Young Ones, Blackadder, and Whose Line Is It Anyway?  Stephen’s love of music is just as infectious as his onstage energy. In fact, you can feel that energy in many of his choices! He loves the hit of an intro that grabs hold of you from the outset – step forward, Status Quo and Thin Lizzy.  There’s also a real South London vibe to Stephen’s selection, which is no surprise as this has been his stomping ground for decades. He’s hung out in Brixton with the likes of Alabama 3 – famous for producing the track that became the theme music for The Sopranos. And he can’t help but love the humour of Mike Skinner that’s peppered throughout The Streets.  But on a Sunday morning at home… it’s time for some jazz and the unmatched voice of Ella Fitzgerald.    Listen to the Spotify playlist of all Stephen’s selections here - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QhU4BehXJDRTJqpT3rQpp  Featured artists & tracks:  Status Quo – “Mean Girl”, “Down Down” Thin Lizzy – “Dancing in the Moonlight”, “Jailbreak” Roxy Music – “Virginia Plain” Martha and the Muffins – “Echo Beach” The Streets – “Let’s Push Things Forward”, “Get Out of My House” Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong – “Stompin’ at the Savoy” Ella Fitzgerald – “Blue Skies” Alabama 3 – “Woke Up This Morning”, “U Don’t Dans 3 Tekno”  Connect With Us  Stay in tune with All About The Music and join the conversation wherever you are:  Website: allaboutthemusicpod.com — explore episodes, guest playlists, and behind-the-scenes stories.  Instagram: @allaboutthemusic.pod — discover new episodes, reels, and the songs that shaped our guests.  Facebook: facebook.com/allaboutthemusicpod — follow for updates, clips, and listener discussions.  TikTok: @allaboutthemusicpod — enjoy bite-sized musical moments and highlights from the...

    49 min
  5. Samira Ahmed – The Blondie hit that’s about Debbie Harry’s stalker

    EPISODE 5

    Samira Ahmed – The Blondie hit that’s about Debbie Harry’s stalker

    I suspected we might be listening to The Beatles in this episode. Instead I got Blondie and The Monkees, neither of which were expected… both of which put a big smile on my face!  Welcome to another episode of All About The Music, where I’m joined by Samira Ahmed — broadcaster, journalist and author – whose interest in music is every bit as great and varied as you’d expect from a presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Front Row.   From her first album – Blondie’s Parallel Lines – via piano lessons and Claude Debussy, to the bizarre brilliance of William Shatner covering Pulp’s Common People, Samira and I chat our way through many times in her life and find music at the heart of all of them.  I absolutely loved picking apart the simple poetic magic of Nick Drake with someone who adores his work. And it’s always a pleasure to discuss how much better The Monkees are than many people assume!  Follow Samira Ahmed: https://twitter.com/SamiraAhmedUK  Find the Spotify playlist of all Samira’s selections here. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1zesdmdIW0rheIt2Jkm96q  Featured artists & tracks:  Blondie, “One Way or Another”, “Heart of Glass”  Nick Drake, “At the Chime of a City Clock”, “Parasite”  Claude Debussy, “Arabesque No.1”  The Monkees, “The Girl I Knew Somewhere”  Frank Sinatra & Betty Garrett, “Come Up To My Place”  Pulp, “Babies”  William Shatner, “Common People”  Connect With Us  Stay in tune with All About The Music and join the conversation wherever you are:  Website: allaboutthemusicpod.com — explore episodes, guest playlists, and behind-the-scenes stories.  Instagram: @allaboutthemusic.pod — discover new episodes, reels, and the songs that shaped our guests.  Facebook: facebook.com/allaboutthemusicpod — follow for updates, clips, and listener discussions.  TikTok: @allaboutthemusicpod — enjoy bite-sized musical moments and highlights from the show. Follow Neil: @neil.brand.9 — for performances, live appearances, and...

    49 min
  6. Paul Martin – For the love of drums, and a cover song Jeremy Clarkson made famous

    EPISODE 6

    Paul Martin – For the love of drums, and a cover song Jeremy Clarkson made famous

    Paul Martin presented almost 1500 episodes of Flog It! But despite being a daily presence on our screens, how many of us knew that Paul was once a professional drummer?!   Hello and welcome to this episode of All About The Music, where I’m chatting to Paul – a musician with stories as colourful as any found in the auction room, and someone for whom music and emotion are never far apart.  Where else to start but drumming – the foundation of everything, as Paul explains. But, like the sorely missed Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters’ fame, some drummers have managed to break out from providing mere rhythm. Technical brilliance arrives in the form of Jeff Porcaro from both Steely Dan and Toto, with Paul revealing the one song all good drummers have to master.  Elsewhere, Paul tells me of the tearful day he left home to join a band, hints at bachelor life listening to Keith Jarrett’s record-breaking solo piano album, and revels in his kids keeping him up to date at a Tom Grennan concert.  Paul’s absolute love of music pours out of him. Although it hasn’t helped him keep up with Jeremy Clarkson’s bank balance yet.   Find the Spotify playlist of all Paul Martin’s selections here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3ndopURKeazchjb0jiW6uA  Featured artists & tracks:  Foo Fighters – “Times Like These”, “Best of You”  Steely Dan – “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number”  Toto – “Rosanna”  Hothouse Flowers – “I Can See Clearly Now”, “Don’t Go”  Keith Jarrett – “The Köln Concert (Part I)”  Tom Grennan – “Full Attention”, “Somewhere Only We Go”  Connect With Us  Stay in tune with All About The Music and join the conversation wherever you are:  Website: allaboutthemusicpod.com — explore episodes, guest playlists, and behind-the-scenes stories.  Instagram: @allaboutthemusic.pod — discover new episodes, reels, and the songs that shaped our guests.  Facebook: facebook.com/allaboutthemusicpod — follow for updates, clips, and listener discussions.  TikTok: @allaboutthemusicpod — enjoy bite-sized musical moments and highlights from the show. Follow Neil: @neil.brand.9 — for performances, live appearances, and my personal reflections on...

    50 min
  7. Charlie Luxton – Miles Davis and the most famous chord in jazz

    EPISODE 7

    Charlie Luxton – Miles Davis and the most famous chord in jazz

    I love the unpredictable mix of music that guests bring to the show, and this episode is no exception – step forward jazz legend Miles Davis, and electronic producer Jon Hopkins!  Hello and welcome to another All About The Music, where I’m joined by Charlie Luxton — architectural designer, familiar TV face, and lover of music with a tendency to push boundaries. Charlie’s playlist is as bold (yet often simple) as his buildings. We discuss the vulnerability of  Thom Yorke, a candidate for the best album ever from Marvin Gaye, and the wild inventiveness of Edinburgh’s Afrobeat-laden Young Fathers.  Plus there’s a conveyor belt of memories from Charlie – from listening to vinyl in old barns to travels in Southeast Asia and the many live performances that are clearly so important to him.  And he is without doubt the first guest on the show to be designing a recording studio for a member of Radiohead. Now that is a recording studio I’d love to look around…   Follow Charlie: https://www.charlieluxton.com/  Listen to the Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7tMykQKYD9jxNPamRtE9IM  Featured artists & tracks:  Radiohead, “Fake Plastic Trees”, “15 Step”  Marvin Gaye, “What’s Going On”, “What’s Happening Brother”  John Hopkins & King Creosote, “Bats in the Attic”  John Hopkins, “We Disappear”  Miles Davis, “So What”, “Will o’ the Wisp”  Young Fathers, “Geronimo”, “Rice”  Connect With Us  Stay in tune with All About The Music and join the conversation wherever you are:  Website: allaboutthemusicpod.com — explore episodes, guest playlists, and behind-the-scenes stories.  Instagram: @allaboutthemusic.pod — discover new episodes, reels, and the songs that shaped our guests.  Facebook: facebook.com/allaboutthemusicpod — follow for updates, clips, and listener discussions.  TikTok: @allaboutthemusicpod — enjoy bite-sized musical moments and highlights from the show. Follow Neil: @neil.brand.9 — for performances, live appearances, and my personal reflections on music.  Share with your friends: a...

    49 min
  8. From White Christmas to Wham! – the recipe for the perfect Christmas Song

    EPISODE 8

    From White Christmas to Wham! – the recipe for the perfect Christmas Song

    What makes the perfect Christmas song? Is there a formula for a festive hit? Call me foolhardy, but I think there might be!   Hello and welcome to this special Christmas edition of All About The Music, with me, Neil Brand. Today the guest chair is empty, but instead my studio sleigh is bursting with Christmas songs – from Slade’s joyfully raucous “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day” to Chris Rea’s bittersweet drive home and the timeless grace of David Bowie and Bing Crosby’s unlikely collaboration.   In this episode, I reveal my key ingredients for creating a Christmas hit. (Even better, it will become a hit year after year after year!) From picking the right instruments to penning the right lyrics and even choosing the right chord pattern, all is discussed as we work through 80 years of Christmas classics.  And once we’ve heard from everyone from Mariah Carey to John Lennon, I’ll be able to reveal the ultimate Christmas song. (Plus, whisper it quietly, the one festive favourite that breaks all my recipe rules.)  Listen wherever you get your podcasts, and join me – where it’s all about the music.  Find the Spotify playlist of all my Christmas selections here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0EQvrCcPm648fHKgmJTNwQ  Featured artists & tracks:  Bing Crosby - “White Christmas”  Wizard - “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day”  Chris Rea - “Driving Home for Christmas”  Wham! - “Last Christmas”  John Lennon & Yoko Ono - “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”  Slade - “Merry Xmas Everybody”  David Bowie & Bing Crosby - “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy”  Paul McCartney - “Wonderful Christmastime”  Jonah Lewie - “Stop the Cavalry”  Andy Williams - “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”  Mike Oldfield - “In Dulci Jubilo”  a...

    39 min
  9. Marvin Gaye or Adele? A love song for EVERY Valentine

    EPISODE 9

    Marvin Gaye or Adele? A love song for EVERY Valentine

    Love songs are as old as love itself. And there are thousands to choose from. So with Valentine’s Day almost upon us, what might make the perfect love song for your own true love? Hello and welcome to an especially romantic edition of All About The Music, with me, Neil Brand. Today I am here to help in your quest to find that special song for that very special someone. And believe me, I am throwing the net wide – from Nina Simone in 1966 right through to Jvke and his Golden Hour in 2022. My advice? Listen carefully to this show because no two love songs are the same (even if they’re a cover?!) in the same way that no two relationships are ever quite the same. From the euphoria of The Cure’s Robert Smith and the timeless devotion of The Beach Boys, to the Yorkshire humour of Jake Thackray and the darkest thoughts of Elvis Costello. I promise that this show has something for everyone, whether you’re currently experiencing love at first sight, are all set for your umpteenth wedding anniversary, or simply looking back with love and warmth. Happy Valentines Day everyone! Find the Spotify playlist of all my love songs here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4Ur4knv5z98CxaAOfSSJ3p Featured artists & tracks: Jvke, “Golden Hour” Marvin Gaye, “Let’s Get It On” The Cure, “Just Like Heaven” Jake Thackray, “La Di Da” Arctic Monkeys, “I Want to Be Yours” The Beach Boys, “God Only Knows” Bob Dylan, “Make You Feel My Love” Adele, “Make You Feel My Love” Nina Simone, “Wild Is the Wind” Elvis Costello, “I Want You” Amy Winehouse, “Love Is a Losing Game” Lily Allen, “Madeline” Sinead O’Connor, “Nothing Compares 2 U” Tom Waits, “Martha” Serge Gainsbourg & Jane Birkin, “Je t’aime… moi non

    50 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Imagine if we took an entertaining dive into your favourite music… and revealed what makes it so special. That’s what happens in All About The Music as composer and BBC broadcaster Neil Brand asks famous faces to gather their top hits and musical passions and join him around the piano for a chat… and a very close listen. Neil is music’s most effortless improviser and engaging storyteller. But above all he’s a fan of music, just like the rest of us. This is his chance to discuss old classics and discover new gems in the company of some brilliant, music-loving guests. Each guest brings a mix of music, and anything is up for grabs – from AC/DC to Alabama 3, or from Radiohead to RAYE. Emotion, nostalgia and utter joy pour out of guests as Neil gets to discuss and unpick every selection, with his piano close at hand. If you enjoy your music and like to find out just that little bit more, then All About The Music could be for you. Discover more about the show at allaboutthemusicpod.com

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