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English, Music, 1 season, 70 episodes, 2 days, 26 minutes
About
Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye launch Radio 4's new weekly music programme which explores the rich web of connections in music, from Beethoven to Beyoncé.
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Maya Youssef and Keelan Carew ride into the sunset

UK-based Syrian qanun player and composer Maya Youssef and concert pianist Keelan Carew put the finishing touches to the current playlist with Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye.The final leg of the journey takes us from Wagner's famous water nymphs to a massive Beyoncé hit from this year, via France, Sicily and Lebanon.Add to Playlist returns to Radio 4 with a new series on 24th MayProducer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey BoakyeThe five tracks in this week's playlist:"Weia! Waga! Woge du Welle!" from Das Rheingold by Richard Wagner Mouvement de Sicilienne by Charles Koechlin The Magic Number by De La Soul Ya Nassim Alrouh by Toufic Farroukh Texas Hold ‘Em by Beyoncé Other music in this episode:Bye, Bye Boozoo by BeauSoleil Dollar Wine by Colin Lucas Money by Pink Floyd Money, Money, Money by ABBA Price Tag by Jessie J Greenback Dollar by Woody Guthrie I Need a Dollar by Aloe Blacc Independent Women, Pt.1 by Destiny's Child The Boxer by Simon & Garfunkel Diamonds are Forever by Shirley Bassey Prelude to Das Rheingold by Richard Wagner Three is the Magic Number by Bob Dorough Amen Brother by The Winstons Brimful of Asha by Cornershop
3/29/202442 minutes, 53 seconds
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Eliza Carthy and Tim Rhys-Evans share the joys of singing

Fiddler and folk musician Eliza Carthy and choral conductor Tim Rhys-Evans join Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye as they add the next five tracks. Starting at a famous masked ball in Vienna, they then head for the Genoa docks, rounding off with a cheeky Soca hip-thrusting classic. In the penultimate episode of the current series, recorder player and baroque flautist Heidi Fardell demonstrates some of her collection of early instruments.Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey BoakyeThe five tracks in this week's playlist:'Ach, ich darf nicht hin zu dir!' From Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss II La Partenza (The Parting) by Trallaleri of Genoa Gagliarda by Giorgio Mainerio How High The Moon by Ella Fitzgerald Dollar Wine by Colin Lucas Other music in this episode:Hotel California by The Eagles The Flower Duet from the opera Lakmé by Léo Delibes Eye of the Tiger by Survivor Battalia a 10 by Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber Die Katz (The Cat) by Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber Mack the Knife by Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht, sung by Ella Fitzgerald
3/22/202442 minutes, 43 seconds
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Anne Dudley and Emily Sun are on a Mission

Composer, producer and arranger Anne Dudley and concert violinist Emily Sun add five more tracks to the playlist with Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye. The journey takes them from a dark tale of deceit and entrapment to a hotel you can never leave. Irish pipes and whistle player John McSherry also calls in to tell us about his live recording of traditional jigs.Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey BoakyeThe five tracks in this week's playlist:Babooshka by Kate Bush Piano Concerto in A Minor (1st mvt) by Edvard Grieg Theme from Mission: Impossible by Lalo Schifrin The Roaring Promenade by John McSherry, Brendán Quinn & Francis McIlduff Hotel California by The EaglesOther music in this episode:The Look of Love Pt 4 by ABC Poison Arrow by ABC The Pink Panther Theme by Henry Mancini Piano Concerto in A minor by Robert Schumann Piano Concerto No. 1 in F-sharp minor by Sergei Rachmaninoff Canon in D major by Johann Pachelbel
3/15/202442 minutes, 40 seconds
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Anna Meredith and Joe Stilgoe head for South Africa

Anna Meredith - composer, producer and performer of both acoustic and electronic music - and singer, songwriter and pianist Joe Stilgoe join Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye to add five more tracks. The journey takes them from Hugh Masekela's South Africa to a masked ball in Brazil, and ending up at arguably the most famous notes ever played on the saxophone.Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey BoakyeThe five tracks in this week's playlist:Grazing in the Grass by Hugh Masekela You Can Call Me Al by Paul Simon My End is My Beginning by Guillaume de Machaut Baile De Máscaras by Bala Desejo The Pink Panther Theme by Henry ManciniOther music in this episode:Titanium by David Guetta feat. Sia Nautilus by Anna Meredith Lazarus by David Bowie Mr Bull No. 4 by Freddie Gumbi In My Solitude by Branford Marsalis Old Landmark by Aretha Franklin Padam Padam by Kylie Minogue
3/8/202442 minutes, 32 seconds
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Leo Geyer and Gillian Moore take us from Bach to Bowie

Composer, conductor and bassoonist Leo Geyer, and The Southbank Centre's Gillian Moore, join Jeffrey Boakye and saxophonist Jess Gillam - standing in for Cerys Matthews - as they head from a famous Bach well-tempered classic, via Taiwan, to David Bowie's parting gesture. British-Chinese flautist Daniel Shao explains the intricacies of a traditional Taiwanese flute tune.Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Jeffrey Boakye and Jess GillamThe five tracks in this week's playlist:Well-Tempered Clavier: Prelude in C Major by Bach Bad Romance by Lady Gaga A Tayal Folk Song by Ming Flute Ensemble Symphony No.9 in D Major (1st movement) by Gustav Mahler Lazarus by David BowieOther music in this episode:Pull Up To The Bumper by Grace Jones In the Mood by Glenn Miller Ave Maria by Charles Gounod Don't Cry For Me Argentina by Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice Fugue No 24 in B Minor by Bach Symphony No.6: 'Pathétique' by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
3/1/202442 minutes, 40 seconds
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Amy Harman and Debbie Wiseman get In the Mood

Bassoonist Amy Harman and Wolf Hall composer Debbie Wiseman are today's studio guests, as Linton Stephens sits in for Cerys Matthews alongside Jeffrey Boakye. This episode takes us from Samuel Coleridge-Taylor to Glenn Miller's wartime smash hit.Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Jeffrey Boakye and Linton StephensThe five tracks in this week's playlist:Nonet, Op.2 ‘Gradus ad Parnassum’: 1st movement by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Nobody Knows (Ladas Road) by Loyle Carner Adagio from Piano Sonata in G minor by Clara Schumann If I Ain’t Got You by Alicia Keys In the Mood by Glenn MillerOther music in this episode:Top Hat, White Tie and Tails by Irving Berlin Moondance by Van Morrison Symphony No. 6 in B minor by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Nobody Knows by Pastor T L Barrett & The Youth for Christ Choir Tar Paper Stomp by Wingy Manone
2/23/202442 minutes, 43 seconds
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Anna Lapwood and Benjamin Appl go on a European dance adventure

Organist Anna Lapwood MBE and Bavarian baritone Benjamin Appl join Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye on a trans-continental journey as they explore the music of dance in different cultures, from the beer tents in Munich to Transylvania.Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey BoakyeThe five tracks in this week's playlist:In München steht ein Hofbräuhaus by The Bavarian Oompah Band ‘Burlesque Overture’ Suite in B-flat Major by Georg Philipp Telemann Fast Dance + Romanian Folk Dances by Béla Bartók Il est cinq heures, Paris s'éveille by Jacques Dutronc Moondance by Van MorrisonOther music in this episode:Jumpin' at the Woodside by Count Basie and Duke Ellington Set Fire to the Rain by Adele Sakura Sakura by Tadaaki Misago and the Tokyo Cuban Boys
2/16/202442 minutes, 49 seconds
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Corinne Bailey Rae and Nicky Spence launch a brand new series

It's the start of a new playlist, and to get things going, singer/songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae and the Scottish operatic tenor Nicky Spence join Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye as they add the first five tracks.As well as discussing the five compositions, the four are outnumbered by the London Bulgarian Choir who give a special live performance in the Add to Playlist studio. Also, producer Fraser T Smith sends a message about the recording of one of Adele's biggest hits.Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey BoakyeThe five tracks in this week's playlist:Povela E Yova / Dilmano Dilbero by The London Bulgarian Choir Confrontation and Rescue from Satyagraha by Philip Glass Bad Guy by Billie Eilish Meditation (Meditação) by Antônio Carlos Jobim and Frank Sinatra Set Fire to the Rain by Adele Other music in this episode:A Fifth of Beethoven by Walter Murphy and the Big Apple Band
2/9/202442 minutes, 44 seconds
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Introducing Legend: The Joni Mitchell Story

Joni Mitchell’s songs have soundtracked our lives and her pioneering work changed music forever. Jesca Hoop explores her extraordinary story to reveal the life behind the legend.In the first episode, we hear how young Joni loves to watch the trains go by from the window of her house in a Saskatchewan prairie town. Even as a child, there is a desire to see what's around the next bend. She's a tomboy and an athlete, until polio forces her into a period of convalescence; she's no longer picked first for sports teams but when she gets the use of her legs back she rock 'n' roll dances her way through her teens. Her childhood ambition is to be a painter, but when she finally makes it to art school everything changes....“I’ve always been a creature of change” – Joni MitchellThrough archive, fresh interviews, narration, immersive sound design and an original score, we trace the story of an extraordinary life and explore what makes Joni Mitchell a singular artist: the genius of her lyrics; her incredible talent as guitarist, painter and producer; and her restless drive for innovation.In Legend, we follow Joni from her ‘flatlander’ childhood on the Canadian prairies, through the folk clubs of Toronto and Detroit, to a redwood cottage in L.A.’s Laurel Canyon, to a cave in Crete, to a deserted desert highway, to recording studios and stages around the world. From her earliest home recordings to masterpieces like Blue, Court and Spark, and Hejira, we explore some of the stories behind her best-loved songs and celebrate her remarkable return to live performance in 2023: “like seeing, in the wild, a rare bird long feared extinct” (Lindsay Zoladz).Our guide through the series is the California-born, Manchester-based musician, Jesca Hoop. Jesca speaks to musicians like Blake Mills, Allison Russell, Holly Laessig and Jess Wolfe, who have played alongside Joni, and we hear tributes from those, like musician John Grant, who have been inspired and influenced by her music. We also hear from friends, including Larry Klein and Graham Nash; and from music critics and biographers, including Ann Powers, David Yaffe, Lindsay Zoladz, Kate Mossman, Barney Hoskyns, Miles Grier and Jenn Pelly.The Joni Mitchell Story comes from the production team behind BBC Radio 4’s award-winning podcast Soul Music – “… the gold standard for music podcasts…” (Esquire).Producers: Mair Bosworth and Eliza Lomas Production Coordinator: Andrew Lewis Editor: Chris Ledgard Story Editor: Emma Harding Story Consultant: John Yorke Sound Design and Original Music: Hannis Brown Studio Engineers: Ilse Lademann and Michael Harrison Commissioning Editor: Daniel Clarke
12/15/202331 minutes, 49 seconds
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Neil Brand and Anna Phoebe round off the latest series

Composer, silent film music specialist and musician, Neil Brand, and violinist and composer Anna Phoebe, join Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye for the final episode of the current series.From Ma Rainey's loud and proud blues to a singalong classic from 1981, via an 8'25" digitally-manipulated track that could split the room, the current musical journey is making its last stop.Add to Playlist returns on 9th Feb 2024Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey BoakyeThe five tracks in this week's playlist:Prove It On Me Blues by Ma Rainey O Superman by Laurie Anderson Yo Soy Cubano by The Chakachas Finale from The Firebird by Igor Stravinsky Lay All Your Love On Me by ABBA Other music in this episode:Peter Gunn Theme from The Blues Brothers, written by Henry Mancini Believe by Cher Backseat Freestyle by Kendrick Lamar Crazy Frog by Axel F Magic Carpet Ride '07 by Mighty Dub Katz Theme from Stingray by Barry Gray
12/8/202342 minutes, 54 seconds
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Natalie Duncan and Martin Phipps unpick a children's festive favourite

Pianist, singer and songwriter Natalie Duncan and Martin Phipps, composer of TV's The Crown and Ridley Scott's new film Napoleon, join Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye as they travel from Senegal to a massive Cher hit from 1998.Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey BoakyeThe five tracks in this week's playlist:El hadji n'fa djigui Diabaté by Salimata Diabaté Mute Heart by Matt Calvert Jingle Bells by Dean Shostak Il Dolce Suono by Gaetano Donizetti Believe by CherOther music in this episode:Insomnia 2021 by Faithless (Maceo Plex Epic Remix) Sabre Dance by Aram Khachaturian Wild Signals from Close Encounters of the Third Kind by John Williams So Doggone Lonesome by Ernest Tubb Adagio in C for Glass Harmonica, K356 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
12/1/202343 minutes, 2 seconds
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Debbie Wiseman, Rhodri Marsden and Lang Lang enjoy a Beethoven classic

Composer Debbie Wiseman and the writer and multi-instrumentalist Rhodri Marsden join Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye as they add five more tracks, taking us from a Drifters' classic hit to one of Beethoven's most famous compositions. For Add to Playlist, the Chinese pianist Lang Lang reflects on playing Beethoven, and percussionist Ruairi Glasheen is on hand to talk us through the finer elements of the popular instrument, the güiro. Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye The five tracks in this week's playlist: Under the Boardwalk by The Drifters Für Elise: Bagatelle No 25 in A Minor by Ludwig van Beethoven Tchintchirote by Cesária Évora Golden Birdies by Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band Sabre Dance by Aram Khachaturian Other music in this episode: Carmina Burana by Carl Orff Oye Como Va by Eliane Elias Butt music from Hieronymus Bosch's The Garden of Earthly Delights Supersonic by Oasis Gimme Shelter by The Rolling Stones Don't You Worry 'bout a Thing by Stevie Wonder Hands Up by Cherry Bullet
11/24/202342 minutes, 41 seconds
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Fraser T Smith and Amanda Whiting enjoy some Gin and Juice

Fraser T Smith - producer, musician and collaborator with artists including Adele, Stormzy, Dave and Sam Smith - and Welsh jazz harpist Amanda Whiting, add the next five tracks to the growing playlist. With Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye they go from a Snoop Dogg 1994 hit to Brazil via some serious jazz piano. Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye The five tracks in this week's playlist: Gin and Juice by Snoop Dogg Passion Dance by McCoy Tyner Deacon Blues by Steely Dan String Quartet No 2 in A Minor: II Andante Cantabile by Florence Price Oye Como Va by Eliane Elias Other music in this episode: Higher Ground by Stevie Wonder I Got the... by Labi Siffre Blinded by Your Grace Pt 2 by Stormzy Set Fire to the Rain by Adele Black by Dave I Know You by Craig David Feat. Bastille Fallin' by Alicia Keys I'd Rather Go Blind by Etta James He's Got the Whole World In His Hands by Wanda Jackson The Banana Boat Song by Harry Belafonte Oye Como Va by Tito Puente Chanchullo by Arcaño y sus Maravillas Oye Como Va by Santana
11/17/202342 minutes, 6 seconds
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Baritone Roderick Williams and violinist Jennifer Pike on a two-note masterpiece

Baritone and composer Roderick Williams and violinist Jennifer Pike - the youngest ever winner of BBC Young Musician of the Year at the time in 2002, aged just 12 - join Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye to add five more tracks to the playlist. The musical choices take us from one of the most famous tunes in the UK (composer unknown) to a Labi Siffre hit famously sampled by Eminem, via arguably the most recognisable film theme of all time. Labi Siffre makes an appearance to look back on his 1975 classic. Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye The five tracks in this week's playlist: God Save the Queen (from 1888 and 1898) In Flanders Fields by Charles Ives and John McCrae Jaws – Main Title by John Williams Violin Sonata No.2 in G Major: III Perpetuum mobile by Maurice Ravel I Got the... by Labi Siffre Other music in this episode: Yeke Yeke by Mory Kante Let’s Go Fly a Kite from Mary Poppins God Save the King, performed by Roderick Williams and Le Concert Spirituel Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Land of My Fathers) - the National Anthem of Wales Der Vogelfänger bin ich ja from The Magic Flute by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Vespers of 1610: Deus in adiutorium meum intende by Claudio Monteverdi Opening of La Valse by Maurice Ravel To Those Who Pass the Borough from Peter Grimes by Benjamin Britten Flight of the Bumblebee by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov My Name Is by Eminem
11/10/202342 minutes, 42 seconds
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Matilda Lloyd and Leon Foster Thomas reach for the skies

Trumpet player Matilda Lloyd and gold steel pan player Leon Foster Thomas bring their instruments to the studio as they join Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye to add five more tracks to the playlist, each chosen for its musical connections with the previous one. In this episode the journey takes us from Mozart via a classic jazz trio to a 1964 kite-flying Disney singalong hit. Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye The five tracks in this week's playlist: Molto allegro from Symphony No. 40 in G Minor by Mozart Easy Does It by Oscar Peterson Trio I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston Kwa Heri Mafisadi by Mwana Cotide Let’s Go Fly a Kite from Mary Poppins Other music in this episode: Bliss by Leon Foster Thomas Tarantella Napoletana played by Matilda Lloyd Hands Up by Cherry Bullet I Will Always Love You by Dolly Parton
11/3/202342 minutes, 4 seconds
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Emma Rawicz and Ben Gernon take us from Argentina to Korea

21-year-old saxophonist and composer Emma Rawicz, finalist of BBC Young Musician 2022, and conductor Ben Gernon add five more tracks to the playlist with Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye. The musical links take them from a Langston Hughes poem set to jazz to a seventies Spanish disco classic via the dusty plains of Argentina. Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye The five tracks in this week's playlist: Life is Fine by Langston Hughes Estancia/Danzas del Ballet: IV by Alberto Ginastera Yes Sir, I Can Boogie by Baccara Something to Believe In by Madison Cunningham Hands Up by Cherry Bullet Other music in this episode: Phlox by Emma Rawicz The A-Team TV theme by Mike Post and Pete Carpenter Gangnam Style by Psy
10/27/202342 minutes, 2 seconds
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Amy Harman and Keelan Carew add five more tracks

Bassoonist Amy Harman and pianist Keelan Carew are today's guests in the studio with Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye as they add the next five tracks to the playlist. From a gentle nursery rhyme, the musical links take us to a Russian dance, a celebration of the Earth's origins in Estonia, and a testosterone-fuelled TV theme with helicopters and machine guns. Dr Peter J Bentley discusses the increasing use - and challenges - of Artificial Intelligence in music, and the singer/songwriter Mari Kalkun tells us about the origins of her track Kui Kivid Olid Veel Pehmed. Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye The five tracks in this week's playlist: Mary Had a Little Lamb by Ramona Singh What a Fool Believes by The Doobie Brothers Russian Dance from Petrushka by Igor Stravinsky Kui Kivid Olid Veel Pehmed by Mari Kalkun The A-Team TV theme by Mike Post and Pete Carpenter Other music in this episode: I wish I Knew How it Would Feel to be Free (Live) by Nina Simone The Rite of Spring by Igor Stravinsky, performed at the BBC Proms by the Aurora Orchestra Fingertips pt 2: Live by Stevie Wonder Gymnopédie No.1 by Erik Satie Theme from The Rockford Files by Mike Post and Pete Carpenter
10/20/202342 minutes, 4 seconds
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Isata Kanneh-Mason and Neil Brand launch a new series

Pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason and musician and silent movie score composer Neil Brand launch a new playlist. With presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye, they choose the first five tracks which take us from a celebratory anthem chanted in football stadiums to a live, mischievous performance by a 12-year-old Stevie Wonder. Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye The five tracks in this week's playlist: Freed from Desire by Gala Piano Concerto in F Major: 3rd Movement by George Gershwin Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen Piano Quartet in A minor by Gustav Mahler Fingertips pt 2: Live by Stevie Wonder Other music in this episode: Welcome to My World by Ezra Collective Piano Concerto No. 3 by Sergei Prokofiev
10/13/202342 minutes, 6 seconds
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Sir Richard Stilgoe takes us from Folsom Prison to the Berlin Wall

In the final episode of the current series, Sir Richard Stilgoe joins Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye as they add the final five tracks, taking us from a live recording in California's Folsom Prison to a massive 1980s pop classic via a celebration of freedom with the dismantling of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Drummer Jeremy Stacey is also on hand to fill us in on the changing fashions of laying down the beat. Add to Playlist returns to Radio 4 on 13th October Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye The five tracks in this week's playlist: Folsom Prison Blues (Live) by Johnny Cash Ode to Joy (Freedom) from Beethoven’s Symphony No 9, conducted by Leonard Bernstein Monkey Wrench by Foo Fighters What’s Love Got to Do With It by Tina Turner Der Vogelfänger bin ich ja / The Birdcatcher am I indeed from The Magic Flute by Mozart Other music in this episode: Bad Guy by Billie Eilish I’d Rather Go Blind by Etta James Crescent City Blues by Gordon Jenkins, sung by Beverly Mahr Smells Like Teen Spirit (Live) by Nirvana Dreadlock Holiday by 10cc Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God) by Kate Bush
8/4/202342 minutes, 2 seconds
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Debbie Wiseman and Sam Sweeney head from the slopes to the ice

Film and TV composer Debbie Wiseman OBE and musician and fiddler Sam Sweeney, formerly of the folk group Bellowhead, join Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye as they choose the next five tracks, in the penultimate episode of the current series. This week's journey takes us from a popular Sunday evening TV theme to an Etta James classic via the 1984 Winter Olympics. Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye The five tracks in this week's playlist: Pop Goes Bach (the Ski Sunday theme) by Sam Fonteyn We Will be Absorbed by Spiro Ponto Das Caboclas by Moça Prosa Boléro by Maurice Ravel I’d Rather Go Blind by Etta James (Jeffrey) Other music in this episode: Mack the Knife by Louis Armstrong Alleluia by Debbie Wiseman, sung by The Ascension Choir A far l'amore comincia tu by Raffaella Carrà Bach Street Prelude. performed by Vanessa-Mae Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin These Arms of Mine by Otis Redding I've Been Wrong So Long by Bobby Bland
7/28/202341 minutes, 58 seconds
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Rick Wakeman and Anna Lapwood on the joys of the keyboard

Rick Wakeman - keyboard player and former member of the progressive rock group Yes - and organist Anna Lapwood join Cerys and Jeffrey as they add the next five tracks, taking us from a Welsh/Indian collaboration to Hans Zimmer via a 1995 rap classic. Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye The five tracks in this week's playlist: Moliannwn by Ghazalaw My Blue Heaven sung by James Taylor Gangsta’s Paradise by Coolio What are you going to do when you are not saving the world? by Hans Zimmer A far l'amore comincia tu by Raffaella Carrà Other music in this episode: Mas Que Nada by Sergio Mendes Cricket on a Line by Colt Ford ft Rhett Atkins The Old Cabin Home by Bobby Horton My Blue Heaven sung by Gene Austin Rather Be by Clean Bandit ft. Jess Glynne Bitter Sweet Symphony by The Verve Pastime Paradise by Stevie Wonder Space Oddity by David Bowie No Time for Caution from Interstellar, played by Anna Lapwood Do It, Do It Again by Raffaella Carrà
7/21/202342 minutes, 5 seconds
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Natalie Duncan and Gabriella Swallow celebrate Bastille Day

Pianist and singer Natalie Duncan and cellist Gabriella Swallow take us from the French Alps to a dusty airstrip in the Australian outback with Miles Davis as they add the next five tracks. Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye are also joined by Ukrainian-born pianist Dinara Klinton for some Hungarian Rhapsody. Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye The five tracks in this week's playlist: Belleville Rendez-vous/Les Triplettes de Belleville Spirit in the Dark by Aretha Franklin Hungarian Rhapsody No2 in C-Sharp Minor by Franz Liszt, played by Vladimir Horowitz Concert on the Runway by Miles Davis and Michel Legrand Cricket on a Line by Colt Ford ft Rhett Atkins Other music in this episode: La Valse by Les Négresses Vertes Highway 61 Revisited by Bob Dylan School Spirit by Kanye West Hungarian Rhapsody No2 in C-Sharp Minor by Franz Liszt, played by Dinara Klinton Old Town Road by Lil Nas X
7/14/202342 minutes, 2 seconds
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Rakhi Singh and Alexis Ffrench with a coronation classic (and a bonus track!)

Rakhi Singh - violinist, music director and composer - and composer, producer and pianist, Alexis Ffrench, join Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye as they add the next five tracks. From the King's coronation via the Bolivian Andes and Finland, they end up on Highway 61, and there's a surprise bonus track along the way. Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye The (six) tracks in this week's playlist: Zadok the Priest by George Frideric Handel Carnaval Ayacuchano by Bolivia Manta Let Me Blow Ya Mind by Eve/Doja by Central Cee Vers toi qui es si loin by Kaija Saariaho Highway 61 Revisited by Bob Dylan Other music in this episode: In the Summertime by Mungo Jerry Batwanes Beek by Warda UEFA Champions League Anthem by Tony Britten What's Going On by Marvin Gaye South Pacific Overture by Richard Rodgers
7/7/202342 minutes, 4 seconds
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Anna Phoebe and Neil Brand journey from Brighton to Beirut

Violinist and composer Anna Phoebe and pianist and composer Neil Brand join Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye to explore ground-breaking techniques on traditional instruments, from the classical flute to the tuba. The journey takes us from Spain to Beirut, taking in surf rock, 'maximalism' and the beauty of Egyptian scales. And jazz flautist Chip Wickham discusses and demonstrates his unorthodox playing technique . Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye The five tracks in this week's playlist: Rebel No 23 by Chip Wickham Bell Boy by The Who Nautilus by Anna Meredith Misirlou by Dick Dale Batwanes Beek by Warda Other music in this episode: Summertime by Ira and George Gershwin, played by Charlie Parker Don’t Give Up On Us by David Soul Get Up Offa That Thing by James Brown International Velvet by Catatonia Misirlou performed by Tetos Demetriades and Nikos Roubanis
6/30/202342 minutes, 3 seconds
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Hannah Peel and Keelan Carew and the power of musical stabs

Composer and producer Hannah Peel and pianist Keelan Carew consider the soundtrack for one of the most famous scenes in cinema, and they take us to Venice where Visconti famously used a celebrated atmospheric Mahler composition for one of his films. Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye also bring us a track by one of the most successful pop acts of all time as they add five more tracks to the playlist. Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye The five tracks in this week's playlist: Pump Up The Jam by Technotronic The Murder by Bernard Herrmann Symphony No.5; IV Adagietto by Gustav Mahler Crazy in Love by Beyoncé (ft Jay-Z) Don’t Give Up On Us by David Soul Other music in this episode: The Four Seasons: Summer by Antonio Vivaldi, played by Nigel Kennedy Spring in Buenos Aires (for piano), by Ástor Piazzolla, played by the Zürcher Klaviertrio Quadrophonia by Quadrophonia Good Life by Inner City Aquamarine by Lone Move Your Body by Marshall Jefferson Symphony No.10 in E Minor: Allegro by Dmitri Shostakovich Are You My Woman (Tell Me So) by the Chi-Lites Love on Top by Beyoncé
6/23/202341 minutes, 59 seconds
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Kate St. John and Joe Stilgoe take us from Paris to Buenos Aires

Cor anglais and oboe player Kate St. John and pianist and composer Joe Stilgoe join Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye to add another five tracks to the playlist. Their short ride in a fast machine takes them from a Parisian classic to Buenos Aires tango via a train tour to Rainbow City. Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye The five tracks in this week's playlist: Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien by Édith Piaf Stornelli Amorosi by Claudio Villa Train Tour to Rainbow City by The Pyramids Short Ride in a Fast Machine by John Adams Spring in Buenos Aires (for piano), by Ástor Piazzolla, played by the Zürcher Klaviertrio Other music in this episode: Ordinary Life by Van Morrison Vai de Roda by Duarte Burrp by Nardo Ranks Incredible by M-Beat Oblivion by Grimes I'm in the Mood for Love by Lord Tanamo Cry Tough by Alton Ellis Rudy, A Message to You by Dandy Livingstone A Message to You Rudy by The Specials Rudie Can't Fail by The Clash Baby, Come Back by The Equals I Don't Wanna Dance by Eddy Grant Electric Avenue by Eddy Grant Gimme Hope Jo'anna by Eddy Grant Primavera porteña by Ástor Piazzolla
6/16/202341 minutes, 57 seconds
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Amy Harman and Gavin Higgins start a brand new playlist

Bassoon player Amy Harman and composer Gavin Higgins join Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye for the opening episode of the new series of the Prix Italia and Prix Europa award-winning music programme. Starting from scratch, the new adventure takes us from the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee via the Aegean Sea to a hand-rubbing fado song from Lisbon. Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye The five tracks in this week's playlist: Mule Skinner Blues (Blue Yodel No 8) by Dolly Parton Mes Sto Aigaiou Ta Nisia by Glykeria Casta Diva by Bellini, sung by Maria Callas Weird Fishes/Arpeggi by the Noordpool Orchestra Vai de Roda by Duarte Other music in this episode: The Poor People of Paris by Winifred Atwell Blue Yodel No 8 by Jimmie Rodgers Labor Blues by Tom Dickson El Condor Pasa by Simon & Garfunkel Weird Fishes/Arpeggi by Radiohead Inner City Life by Goldie Funky Mule by Ike Turner Last Nite by The Strokes
6/9/202342 minutes
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Isobel Waller-Bridge and Roderick Williams round off the series

Composer Isobel Waller-Bridge and baritone Roderick Williams join Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye to add the final five tracks to the current series, bringing the playlist up to 40. And the joy of rounds, or canons, with singer, composer and producer Esbe, and one in particular that she sings which goes back to the 13th century. From lovesick individuals to the arrival of spring and with a dramatic finale, the serendipity continues... Add to Playlist returns to Radio 4 on 9th June Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye The five tracks in this week's playlist: Lovesick (ft ASAP Rocky) by Mura Masa Zefiro torna e di soavi accenti by Claudio Monteverdi Sumer Is Icumen In by Esbe A Long Time Ago by David Byrne Bat Out of Hell by Meat Loaf Other music in this episode: If I Knew You Were Comin' I'd've Baked a Cake by Ethel Merman and Ray Bolger Huashca de Corales by Biluka y los Canibales Hot Stuff by Donna Summer Oye Cómo Va by Tito Puente
3/31/202342 minutes, 5 seconds
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John Lunn, Jess Gillam and Johnny Marr on the joys of the tremolo

Downton Abbey composer John Lunn and saxophonist Jess Gillam join Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye on a journey from the snowy landscape of northern Finland to the warmth of Ecuador as they add the next five tracks, exploring unusual instruments and effects, including the theremin and the tremolo. Guitarist and songwriter Johnny Marr, formerly of The Smiths, talks us through one of the most ambitious uses of tremolo, and guitarist Adam Goldsmith demonstrates a few other tricks guitarists have up their sleeve. Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye The five tracks in this week's playlist: Kilisee, Kilisee Kulkunen by Tapiola Choir Snowflake by Kate Bush How Soon is Now? by The Smiths Clair de Lune, Arr. for Theremin and Voice by Carolina Eyck - by Claude Debussy Huashca de Corales by Biluka y los Canibales Other music in this episode: (Love is Like a) Heatwave by Martha & the Vandellas Many Rivers to Cross by Jimmy Cliff
3/24/202342 minutes, 1 second
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Anne Dudley and Ruairi Glasheen take us from Azerbaijan to Dover

Musician and composer Anne Dudley and percussionist Ruairi Glasheen embark on a musical journey across continents, centuries and styles as they add the next five tracks to the playlist. Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye also find out from specialist Simon Heighes about the background to a popular work by Bach, famously used in those old cigar adverts. Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye The five tracks in this week's playlist: Infinity by Imamyar Hasanov Mehter Vuruyor by Mehter She’s Gone by Darryl Hall & John Oates Air from Orchestral Suite No 3 in D major by J S Bach Many Rivers to Cross by Jimmy Cliff Other music in this episode: 8 Dogs 8 Banjos by Old Crow Medicine Show Makhloogh by Googoosh 7 Heures du Matin by Jacqueline Taïeb A Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum Vietnam by Jimmy Cliff
3/17/202341 minutes, 59 seconds
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Julian Joseph and Amy Harman on the mastery of Miles

Jazz pianist Julian Joseph and bassoonist Amy Harman join Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye in a journey that takes them from Manchester, via a baggy-pants classic pop hit, to a celebrated track from the most popular jazz album of all time. Drummer Romarna Campbell is also on-hand to provide a drummer's perspective on the percussive elements. Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye The five tracks in this week's playlist: Love Spreads by The Stone Roses He Was Despised and Rejected of Men by Handel U Can’t Touch This by MC Hammer So What by Miles Davis Makhloogh by Googoosh Other music in this episode: Cocktail de Medianoche by the Kevin Fingier Collective Khnjooyki Yerk/ Hars Oo Pesa by String Harmonies My Country 'tis of Thee, sung by Marian Anderson Super Freak by Rick James I Wish I Knew by Doris We Gotta Get Out of This Place by The Animals Jaws theme by John Williams
3/10/202342 minutes, 39 seconds
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Natalie Duncan, Bjarte Eike, Brian Eno and a track that changed the pop landscape

Singer/songwriter Natalie Duncan and Norwegian Baroque violinist Bjarte Eike join Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye as they add five more tracks to the playlist, and Brian Eno remembers discovering a new piece of equipment that changed the face of popular music in 1977. Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye The five tracks in this week's playlist: Gloria: In Excelsis Deo by Vivaldi Nordafjells/Liti Kjersti by Music Without Borders I Feel Love by Donna Summer The Way You Make Me Feel by Michael Jackson Khnjooyki Yerk/ Hars Oo Pesa by String Harmonies Other music in this episode: Heroes by David Bowie Kyrie Eleison by Bachar Mar-Khalifé We Found Love ft. Calvin Harris by Rihanna
3/3/202342 minutes, 5 seconds
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James Taylor of JTQ and Dinara Klinton celebrate the joys of the keyboard

James Taylor of the British jazz-funk outfit the James Taylor Quartet brings his C3 Hammond organ to the studio while Ukrainian-born pianist Dinara Klinton sets herself up at the grand piano as they join Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye to add the next five tracks to the playlist. The journey takes them from Cape Verde to The Gambia and Lebanon, with insights from Senegalese kora player Kadialy Kouyate and French-Lebanese singer and composer Bachar Mar-Khalifé. Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with music direction, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye The five tracks in this week's playlist: Song for my Father by Horace Silver Africano by Earth, Wind & Fire – Live Bannaya by Sona Jobarteh Concerto No. 3, 1st mov by Sergei Rachmaninoff Kyrie Eleison by Bachar Mar-Khalifé Other music in this episode: Popcorn by Hot Butter Gnossienne: No. 1 by Erik Satie Theme from Starsky & Hutch by the James Taylor Quartet Rikki Don't Lose That Number by Steely Dan The Beat Goes On by Buddy Rich
2/24/202341 minutes, 58 seconds
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Gareth Malone, Gillian Moore and Dele Sosimi head from Benin to Havana

Gareth Malone, who brought choral singing into the mainstream with his TV series The Choir, is joined by The Southbank Centre's Gillian Moore as they take us on the rolling sea from Benin in West Africa to the streets of Havana. Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye continue to compile the new playlist, with additional insights from Afrobeat musician Dele Sosimi. Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented, with additional music curation, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye The five tracks in this week's playlist: Yoruba by the Gangbé Brass Band Rolling Sea by Eliza Carthy Spring Rounds from The Rite of Spring by Igor Stravinsky Havana by Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug Gnossienne: No 1 by Erik Satie Other music in this episode: Levels by Avicii Sir Duke by Stevie Wonder Authority Stealing by Fela Kuti The Passenger by The Cambodian Space Project Barbarella by The Bob Crewe Generation Orchestra Why by Carly Simon Dance Me to the End of Love by Leonard Cohen
2/17/202341 minutes, 53 seconds
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Anna Lapwood and Linton Stephens launch the new playlist

Organist Anna Lapwood and bassoon-player Linton Stephens join Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye to add the first five tracks to the new playlist, from a Yiddish anti-fascist song - with context provided by ethnomusicologist Dr Abigail Wood at the University of Haifa in Israel - to a celebrated homage to Duke Ellington. Produced by Jerome Weatherald Presented, with additional music curation, by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Classical Fix, presented by Linton Stephens, returns to BBC Radio 3 next Monday Radio 3's Sunday Feature: Yiddish Glory available here https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001h56n The five tracks in this week's playlist: Nitsokhn Lid (Victory Song) from Yiddish Glory Louange à l'Immortalité de Jésus by Olivier Messiaen Vogue by Madonna The Creation of Man from The Scarlet Pimpernel Sir Duke by Stevie Wonder Other music in this episode: Suite VII in G Minor HV432: Gigue by George Frideric Handel Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd Dancing Queen by ABBA Crosstown Traffic by The Jimi Hendrix Experience Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana Hallelujah from Messiah by George Frideric Handel Fuir le bonheur de peur qu'il ne se sauve by Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin
2/10/202342 minutes, 3 seconds
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From the Bald Mountain to Puerto Rico with Anne Dudley and Patrick Rimes

This week, Radio 4 is revisiting four episodes of the award-winning music series Add to Playlist, first broadcast in October. Today, Anne Dudley, composer and co-founder of The Art of Noise, and Welsh traditional musician Patrick Rimes join Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye as they add five more tracks to the playlist, including a tender but rather unlikely love affair and a New Orleans classic. Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald The five tracks in this week's playlist: Night on Bald Mountain by Modest Mussorgsky Hideaway by Jacob Collier Un petit poisson, un petit oiseau by Juliette Gréco When the Saints Go Marching In by Louis Armstrong Ché Ché Colé by Héctor Lavoe and Willie Colón Other music in this episode: Romeo and Juliet by Sergei Prokofiev O, wie will ich triumphieren by Mozart Night on Disco Mountain by David Shire When All the Saints Come Marching In by Paramount Jubilee Singers
12/29/202241 minutes, 48 seconds
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Catrin Finch and Neil Brand on musical highs and lows

This week, Radio 4 is revisiting four episodes of the award-winning music series Add to Playlist, first broadcast in October. Today, Welsh harpist and composer Catrin Finch and composer and musician Neil Brand help Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye add the next five songs to the playlist. The adventure takes them from the highest of high notes to the deep bass of a Mozart opera. Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald The five tracks in this week's playlist: Pájaro Campana by Alfredo Gryciuk, Marcelo Rojas, Ariel Burgos and Martin Portillo Quietly Yours by Birdy Love and Affection by Joan Armatrading Ain’t Got No Home by Clarence Henry O, wie will ich triumphieren by Mozart Other music in this episode: Overture from The Sound of Music by Rodgers & Hammerstein Alfie by Cilla Black Tuvan throat singing Wand'rin' Star by Lee Marvin You're the First, the Last, my Everything by Barry White
12/28/202242 minutes, 5 seconds
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From Jamaica to Westminster Abbey with Nicky Spence and Laura Jurd

This week, Radio 4 is revisiting four episodes of the award-winning music series Add to Playlist, first broadcast in October. Today, Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye are joined by trumpet player Laura Jurd and operatic tenor Nicky Spence. Together, with the help of Dr Martin Neary - former Organist and Master of Choristers at Westminster Abbey - they add five more tracks to the playlist, taking them from Jamaica and an early sample in 1985 to a popular religious choral work via experimental indie rock from San Francisco. Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald The five tracks in this week's playlist: Under Me Sleng Teng by Wayne Smith À Chloris by Reynaldo Hahn, sung by Susan Graham Whither the Invisible Birds? by Deerhoof Miserere mei, Deus by Gregorio Allegri Alfie by Cilla Black Other music in this episode: Hey, Mrs. Jones by Ramsey Lewis Afro Blue by Melanie De Biasio Air on the G String (Suite No. 3, BWV 1068) by J. S. Bach
12/27/202242 minutes, 10 seconds
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Richard Stilgoe and Alina Bzhezhinska start a new playlist

This week, Radio 4 is revisiting four episodes of the most recent series of Add to Playlist, which has recently won two major awards: the Prix Italia for Best International Radio Music show, and the Prix Europa for the Best European one. The episodes were first broadcast in October, and today, songwriter, lyricist and musician Richard Stilgoe and Ukrainian-born harpist Alina Bzhezhinska join Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye create the playlist of five tracks for the first episode. With each track being chosen for its musical connections to the previous one, this week re-working earlier material emerges as a theme as we head from the Wild West to a Gestapo prison cell. Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald The five tracks in this week's playlist: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly by Ennio Morricone Love Me Tender by Elvis Presley Don't Tell Me by Madonna First movement of Symphony No. 3 by Henryk Górecki, sung by Dawn Upshaw with the London Sinfonietta Afro Blue by Melanie De Biasio Other music in this episode: Born to be Wild by Steppenwolf Pastures of Plenty by Woody Guthrie Pastures of Plenty by Peter Tevis Aura Lee by Slim Whitman Stop by Joe Henry Second movement of Symphony No. 3 by Henryk Górecki Afro Blue by Mongo Santamaria Afro Blue by John Coltrane
12/26/202242 minutes, 14 seconds
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Isobel Waller-Bridge and Mikey J Asante round off the series

Composer Isobel Waller-Bridge and producer and composer Michael 'Mikey J' Asante take us from a club in Istanbul to a classic grime track via a cigarette factory in Seville, as they add the final five tracks to the current playlist. Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye also hear from the Lebanese-born trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf and Professor Alkis Raftis, a leading authority on Greek dance. Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald The five tracks in this week's playlist: Will Soon be a Woman (live at the Babylon Istanbul) by Ibrahim Maalouf Dance Me to the End of Love by Leonard Cohen Carmen, Act I, Sc 4, Havanaise/Habanera by Georges Bizet Eskimo by Wiley Deck the Halls by Nat King Cole Other music in this episode: Trace by Isobel Waller-Bridge Green Onions by Booker T. and the M.G.’s Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Aria by JS Bach, played by Glenn Gould Niandou by Ballaké Sissoko and Vincent Segal Zorba The Greek: Zorba's Dance by Mikis Theodorakis Hasapiko performed by Christina Pluhar Popcorn by Hot Butter
12/2/202242 minutes, 3 seconds
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Esther Abrami and Giacomo Smith enjoy the spirit of rebellion

French violinist Esther Abrami and American jazz clarinettist Giacomo Smith add five more tracks to the playlist, embracing the musical spirit of rebellion, as they travel from animated icy mountains to Jamaica with Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye. James Taylor of the British four-piece jazz funk band the James Taylor Quartet is on hand to help out, providing a personal tour of the musical beast that is the Hammond organ. Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald The five tracks in this week's playlist: Let it Go by Idina Menzel I Like the Sunrise from Duke Ellington’s Liberian Suite Songs of Sunrise, No.3 The March of the Women by Ethel Smyth Aux armes et caetera by Serge Gainsbourg Green Onions by Booker T. and the M.G.’s Other music in this episode: Tijuana Taxi by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass Lilac Wine by Ana Moura Leader of the Pack by the Shangri-Las Modern Love by David Bowie Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) by Nancy Sinatra Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen) by Baz Luhrmann Theme from Starsky & Hutch - Funky People Mix - by the James Taylor Quartet
11/25/202241 minutes, 56 seconds
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From Belgian fields to a raging sea with Gavin Higgins and Gillian Moore

Gillian Moore, author and Artistic Associate of London's Southbank Centre, and Ivor Novello-winning composer Gavin Higgins join Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye as they add five more tracks to the playlist in the penultimate show of this series. The journey takes them from the accordions of Texas to the mellow sounds of Portugal via the ploughed fields of Belgium and the raging seas of Suffolk, and they are joined on the line by the singer and composer Vashti Bunyan. Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald The five tracks in this week's playlist: Ay te Dejo en San Antonio by Flaco Jiménez Scherza Infida by George Frideric Handel Diamond Day by Vashti Bunyan Storm Interlude from Peter Grimes by Benjamin Britten Lilac Wine by Ana Moura Other music in this episode: Theme from Starsky & Hutch - Funky People Mix - by the James Taylor Quartet Concerto Grosso for Brass Band and Orchestra by Gavin Higgins Do-Re-Mi by Julie Andrews from The Sound of Music by Rodgers and Hammerstein Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol Bluebell Polka by Jimmy Shand Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin Lilac Wine by Jeff Buckley Fanfare and Love Songs: Brightly by Gavin Higgins
11/18/202241 minutes, 55 seconds
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Time signatures and scales with Zara McFarlane and Ollie Howell

Singer and composer Zara McFarlane and jazz drummer and composer Ollie Howell take us on a musical adventure with the help of composer and musician Nitin Sawhney, as they join Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye to add the next five tracks. Tune in for a scat singing lesson and a 50,000-year history lesson in the origin of musical scales. Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald The five tracks in this week's playlist: It Don't Mean a Thing if it Ain't Got That Swing by Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington Hey Ya! By Outkast Lost It To Trying by Son Lux Songs of Fun and Nonsense by Julie Andrews, Moondog and Martyn Green Do-Re-Mi by Julie Andrews, from The Sound of Music by Rodgers and Hammerstein Other music in this episode: Fisherman by Zara McFarlane Basin Street Blues by Louis Armstrong and His Hot Five Purple Haze by The Jimi Hendrix Experience
11/11/202242 minutes, 2 seconds
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The joy of the overture with Kathryn Tickell, Joe Stilgoe and Ruairi Glasheen

Kathryn Tickell - composer, performer and the foremost exponent of the Northumbrian pipes - is joined by singer pianist and songwriter Joe Stilgoe and percussionist Ruairi Glasheen as they help Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye add the next five tracks to the playlist. It's a serendipitous musical journey which takes them from Quebec to New Orleans via Egypt. Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald The five tracks in this week's playlist: Expansions by Lonnie Liston Smith Ouverture by La Bottine Souriante Overture from Candide by Leonard Bernstein Khusara Khusara by Hossam Ramzy Egyptian Ensemble Basin Street Blues by Louis Armstrong and His Hot Five Other music in this episode: Green Onions by Booker T. and the M.G.'s Ché Ché Colé by Héctor Lavoe and Willie Colón Hushabye Birdie by Kathryn Tickell La Valse D'Orphelin by Christine Balfa Toxic by Britney Spears Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from The Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky
11/4/202241 minutes, 56 seconds
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Gabriel Prokofiev and Uchenna Ngwe round off the series

Russian-British composer, DJ and producer Gabriel Prokofiev and oboe-player Uchenna Ngwe join Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye in the studio as they add the final five tracks to the current playlist in the final episode of the series. From the starting grid to the cellars of Cadiz via central Africa, with the help of flamenco guitarist Edina Balczo, we reach the end of the current musical journey of discovery. Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald The five tracks in this week's playlist: The Chain by Fleetwood Mac Fantasy by Earth, Wind & Fire Twendeni Sote Na Mwanga Wa Amani by Hukwe Zawose America from West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim (from Steven Spielberg's 2021 film) Tangos de la Sultana by Camarón de la Isla Other music in this episode: Tamacun by Rodrigo y Gabriela Dance of the Knights from Romeo and Juliet by Sergei Prokofiev Jupiter from The Planets by Gustav Holst Like the Morning Dew by Laura Mvula Montage: El Compositor Confundido by Ibrahim Ferrer Lay, Lady, Lay by Bob Dylan Fat Man in the Bathtub by Little Feat Shake it Off by Taylor Swift Paranoid Android by Radiohead Se Pierde en Esta Vida by Celeste Mendoza
7/29/202242 minutes, 6 seconds
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Sean Shibe and Camilla George take us from the Ozark Mountains to Jupiter

Saxophonist Camilla George and guitarist Sean Shibe take us on a global journey and beyond as they help choose the next five tracks for the playlist. Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye also explore the finer details with guests John Dillon, Cathy Jordan and David Owen Norris. Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald The five tracks in this week's playlist: Beauty in the River by The Ozark Mountain Daredevils The Green Gowned Lass by Dervish Taximen by Amadou Balaké Scarborough Fair by Incantation Jupiter from The Planets by Gustav Holst Other music in this episode: Spacer by Sheila Abasi Isang by Camilla George Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush Scarborough Fair by Simon & Garfunkel Scarborough Fair by Martin Carthy
7/22/202242 minutes, 16 seconds
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Nitin Sawhney and Gabriella Swallow take to the skies

Composer and musician Nitin Sawhney and cellist Gabriella Swallow head towards the sun as they help add five more tracks to the playlist. Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye are also joined by Hinako Omori as they fly high with the lark. Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald The five tracks in this week's playlist: You Ain’t the Problem by Michael Kiwanuka I Am the Black Gold of the Sun by Nuyorican Soul (4 Hero remix) The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams Sonata Representativa - The Cat - by Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush Other music in this episode: Goldberg_Variations, Variatio 5 by J.S._Bach, played by Lang_Lang She’s a Lady by Tom Jones I am the Black Gold of the Sun by Rotary Connection Conversations with a Lark by Hinako Omori - Listen to the Radio 3 broadcast https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0017lqw Sonata violino solo representativa (In A Major) - Allemande by Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber Violin Sonata in A major : IV Der Fresch (The Frog)
7/15/202242 minutes, 5 seconds
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Linton Stephens and Dinara Klinton celebrate musical pioneers

Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye are joined by bassoonist Linton Stephens and Ukrainian pianist Dinara Klinton as they embark on another musical journey, from Veracruz in Mexico to a pioneering Black female composer and a huge Grime hit as they add five more tracks to the playlist. Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald The five tracks in this week's playlist: La Bamba by Los Lobos Symphony No.1 in E Minor III: Juba Dance by Florence Beatrice Price Etude No 5 in G-Flat Major; Op 10, ‘Black Keys’ by Chopin, played by Dinara Nadzhafova (Klinton) Shut Up by Stormzy She’s a Lady by Tom Jones Other music in this episode: E Ye Ye by Quantic & Nidia Góngora Desfado by Ana Moura La Bamba by Ritchie Valens Tears of a Clown by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles La Bamba by El Jarocho Soul Limbo by Booker T & the MGs Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, B. 178 (the 'New World Symphony') by Antonín Dvořák Functions on the Low by Ruff Sqwad (XTC)
7/8/202242 minutes, 11 seconds
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Jess Gillam, Iain Burnside and Woody Woodmansey take us from tragedy to joy

Classical pianist Iain Burnside and saxophonist Jess Gillam continue the musical journey, taking us from a tragic tale of a shepherdess in Yorkshire to the Appalachian Mountains and to Portugal. With the help of drummer Woody Woodmansey and biographer Paul Thompson, Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye discover new details and stories behind the five tracks on this week's playlist. Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald The five tracks in this week's playlist: Old Molly Metcalfe by Jake Thackray The Twelve Apostles, from 9 English Folk Songs from the Southern Appalachian Mountains by Ralph Vaughan Williams Don't Go Breaking My Heart by Elton John and Kiki Dee Starman by David Bowie Desfado by Ana Moura Other music in this episode: Tour de France by Kraftwerk Eena Meena Deeka by Kishore Kumar Appalachian Spring by Aaron Copland Harper Valley PTA by Jeannie C. Riley One Day Like This by Elbow
7/1/202242 minutes, 3 seconds
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Hannah French and Neil Brand bring on the musical fireworks

Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye are joined by musicologist Hannah French and composer Neil Brand as they take us from the stables of Versailles to a Shirley MacLaine classic as they add another five tracks to the playlist. Bhangra specialist DJ Sonny Ji celebrates a joyous track inspired by the children's chant 'Eeny, meeny, miny, moe'. Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald Listen to Hannah French's Radio 3 documentary The Silence of my Pain https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000p6d4 The five tracks in this week's playlist: Coppélia: Galop Final by Léo Delibes Overture to Acante et Céphise by Rameau If They Could See Me Now by Shirley MacLaine Get Ur Freak On by Missy Elliott Eena Meena Deeka by Kishore Kumar Other music in this episode: Black Sky by The Ozark Mountain Daredevils And the Swallow by Caroline Shaw Jubilee Rag by Winifred Atwell Galloping Home by Denis King Pygmalion: Overture by Jean-Philippe Rameau
6/24/202242 minutes, 2 seconds
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Hannah Peel, Soweto Kinch and Richard Stilgoe take us to the Caribbean

From mariachi trumpets to calypso and ragtime, Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye continue the musical journey of discovery. Saxophonist Soweto Kinch and composer Hannah Peel help create this week's playlist, with a special appearance by pianist Richard Stilgoe, and Black music specialist Kevin Le Gendre on the significance of calypso. Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald The five tracks in this week's playlist: Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash The Match of the Day theme Brown Skin Girl by Sonny Rollins Abatina by Calypso Rose Jubilee Rag by Winifred Atwell Other music in this episode: Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia) by Us3 Viva Mexico by Mariachi Las Adelitas UK Ring of Fire by Brian Eno (Love's) Ring of Fire by Anita Carter Soul Limbo by Booker T & the MGs Bullseye by London Music Works Brown Skinned Woman by Blind Snooks Eaglin PIMP by 50 Cent Pimp by Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band The Black and White Rag by Winifred Atwell
6/17/202242 minutes
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David Arnold and Anna Lapwood kick off a new playlist

Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye return to the studio to start a whole new playlist in the company of the film and TV composer David Arnold, who's written scores for five James Bond films, and the organist Anna Lapwood, Director of Music at Pembroke College, Cambridge. This new playlist takes us back to Mexico in the 19th century and to a famously dystopian landscape populated by robots. Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald The five tracks in this week's playlist: Blinding Lights by The Weeknd Blade Runner - End Titles by Vangelis Danse Macabre (organ arr E H Lemare) by Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns Wannabe by The Spice Girls Viva Mexico by Mariachi Las Adelitas UK Other music in this episode: Thunderbirds theme Take On Me by Aha Young Turks by Rod Stewart Don't You Forget About Me by Simple Minds Beverley Hills Cop theme The Goldeneye Overture (Pt 1) by Eric Serra James Bond Theme by the John Barry Orchestra Cemetry Gates by The Smiths Summer Nights from the film Grease
6/10/202242 minutes, 2 seconds
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Wynne Evans, Anne Denholm and Patrick Rimes at the Hay Festival

Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye present the first episode of the new series from the BBC marquee in front of a live audience at the Hay Festival 2022. Their musical guests on stage in the tent are the opera tenor Wynne Evans, best known as Gio Compario in the TV insurance adverts, as well as Anne Denholm, Official Harpist to the Prince of Wales from 2015 to 2019, and the violinist and composer Patrick Rimes. In this one-off show, Cerys, Jeffrey and guests create a five-track playlist where each track is chosen for its musical connection with the previous one, starting with a Welsh singalong classic. Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald The five tracks in this week's playlist: Cwm Rhondda by the Treorchy Male Voice Choir La Donna è Mobile from Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi, sung by Luciano Pavarotti Poker Face by Lady Gaga One Day More from Les Misérables by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil (from the film soundtrack) Symphony No. 3 in E♭ major, Op. 55, (The Eroica Symphony) by Ludwig van Beethoven Other music in this episode: Llechi by Patrick Rimes My Sharona by The Knack Sussudio by Genesis Bad to the Bone by George Thorogood Bennie and the Jets by Elton John
6/3/202242 minutes, 11 seconds
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Ayanna Witter-Johnson and Joe Stilgoe round off the latest playlist

Vocalist, cellist and composer Ayanna Witter-Johnson, and pianist and performer Joe Stilgoe, help Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye complete the series. A feminist anthem and a heart-warming classic rub up against some very high bpm as they round off this playlist of 40 tracks. Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald The five tracks in this week's playlist: I'm a Woman by Koko Taylor 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton The Typewriter by Leroy Anderson Original Nuttah by UK Apache and Shy FX God Only Knows by The Beach Boys Other music in this episode: Anthem by N-Joi Blockbuster by Sweet Wang Dang Doodle by Koko Taylor More Than a Woman by Aaliyah This Woman's Work by Kate Bush Lose Yourself by Eminem Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson Amen Brother by The Winstons I Desire by Salt-N-Pepa Straight Outta Compton by N.W.A. Firestarter by The Prodigy You Know I'm No Good by Amy Winehouse
3/25/202242 minutes, 6 seconds
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Howard Goodall and Yshani Perinpanayagam and the wonders of the keyboard

Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye are joined by composer Howard Goodall and pianist and music director Yshani Perinpanayagam to add five more tracks to the playlist. In this week's adventure they explore the enormity of variety the keyboard offers, a journey that takes us to the cathedral, to outer space and, closer to home, Peru! Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald The five tracks in this week's playlist: Toccata and Fugue in D Minor by J S Bach No Time for Caution by Hans Zimmer Malambo No.1 by Yma Sumac Big Eater by The Bad Plus Blockbuster by Sweet Other music in this episode: Lost in Music by Sister Sledge Blue Pepper (Far East of the Blues) by Duke Ellington Chariots of Fire by Vangelis Queen of the Night from Die Zauberflöte by W A Mozart Chuncho by Yma Sumac Smells Like Teen Spirit by The Bad Plus I'm a Man by Bo Diddley The Jean Genie by David Bowie
3/18/202242 minutes, 5 seconds
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Dinara Klinton and Neil Brand continue the journey

Pianist Dinara Klinton and composer and writer Neil Brand join Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye to select the next five tracks on the playlist, each track chosen for its musical connections with the previous one. From grief to joy, they unpick the familiar and the not-so-familiar musical tracks, and demonstrate how the compositions work. Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald The five tracks in this week's playlist: I Can See for Miles by The Who Piano Sonata No. 6 in A Major, Op 82 by Sergei Prokofiev (First movement) Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber Introvert by Little Simz Blue Pepper (Far East of the Blues) by Duke Ellington Other music in this episode: Solfeggietto in C Minor by CPE Bach You're the Voice by John Farnham Don't Cry for me, Argentina by Andrew Lloyd Webber, sung by Julie Covington Che Gelida Manina from La Bohème by Puccini, sung by Luciano Pavarotti Samba de Uma Nota Só (One Note Samba) by Antonio Carlos Jobim Zdravitsa (Cantata) by Prokofiev Barber's Adagio for Strings by William Orbit (Ferry Corsten remix) Adagio for Strings by Tiësto Free Years Later by Kano Fine Wine by Ghetts
3/11/202242 minutes, 1 second
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Gillian Moore and Bogdan Văcărescu with ragas and folk tales

Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye are joined this week by Gillian Moore, Director of Music at London's Southbank Centre, and Romanian concert violinist Bogdan Văcărescu, to add the next five tracks to the playlist. The studio guests serve up their usual eclectic mix, and from Mumbai we hear from one of the great voices of a classical Indian music tradition. Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald The five tracks in this week's playlist: Infernal Dance from The Firebird Suite by Igor Stravinsky The Sea and Sinbad's Ship: Scheherazade by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov Toxic by Britney Spears Raga Madhuvanti by Hariprasad Chaurasia You're the Voice by John Farnham Other music in this episode: Scherzo Fantastique, Op 25 by Antonio Bazzini, performed by Bogdan Văcărescu and Julian Jacobson Thunderball by Tom Jones Tere Mere Beech Mein by Lata Mangeshkar and S.P. Balasubrahmanyam Venus in Furs by The Velvet Underground 400 Lux by Lorde
3/4/202242 minutes, 2 seconds
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Jess Gillam and Jeremy Summerly hit the high notes

Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye are joined by saxophonist Jess Gillam and conductor Jeremy Summerly to select the next five tracks for Add to Playlist. We travel from Colombia and Brazil to the Grand Canyon, with tracks that feature astonishing vocal dexterity. Speaking of the voice, we hear from another familiar Welsh singing legend who can tell us more about one particular note that famously proved a challenge for him in the 1960s. Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald The five tracks in this week's playlist: Alegría by Elia y Elizabeth 11th Movement of Des Canyons aux Étoiles by Olivier Messiaen Les Fleurs by Minnie Riperton Bachianas Brasileiras No.5 by Heitor Villa-Lobos Thunderball by Tom Jones Other music in this episode: I Feel Love by Donna Summer Gbowo Mi by The Lijadu Sisters Skreevar by Erland Cooper ft Marta Salogni On the Nature of Daylight by Max Richter Plan & Elevation: IV. The Orangery by Caroline Shaw Lovin' You by Minnie Riperton Kiss by Tom Jones & Art of Noise
2/25/202241 minutes, 53 seconds
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Rebekah Reid and Neil Brand take us to Stalin's Russia and film noir

Violinist Rebekah Reid and composer Neil Brand explore music under Stalin and a Billy Wilder classic as they join Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye to add five more tracks to the playlist, and it's another global journey. Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald The five tracks in this week's playlist: (Where do I Begin) Love Story by Andy Williams First Movement of Symphony No 5 in D Minor by Dmitri Shostakovich Double Indemnity theme by Miklós Rózsa Ashyaneh by Fereydoun Farrokhzad Gbowo Mi by The Lijadu Sisters Other music in this episode: Bobby by The Lijadu Sisters Čaje, Šukarije by Paprika (Where do I Begin) Love Story by Tony Bennett (Where do I Begin) Love Story by Shirley Bassey Fisherman by Zara McFarlane Act Naturally by Buck Owens Wellerman (Sea Shanty) by Nathan Owens Orere Elejigbo by The Lijadu Sisters Reincarnation by The Lijadu Sisters
2/18/202241 minutes, 58 seconds
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Anna Lapwood, Abel Selaocoe and Phil Thornalley take us to Soweto and the Balkans

Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye are joined by organist Anna Lapwood, South African cellist and vocalist Abel Selaocoe and songwriter/producer Phil Thornalley as they add the next five tracks to the playlist. As usual, each track is chosen for its musical connections with the previous one, as we pick up from the final track of the previous episode. Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald The five tracks in this week's playlist: Torn by Natalie Imbruglia When I am Laid in Earth (Dido’s Lament) by Purcell, sung by Elin Manahan Thomas Ndofire/Skado by Samthing Soweto Cry Me a River by Justin Timberlake Čaje, Šukarije by Paprika Other music in this episode: An Occasional Trumpet Voluntary by Anna Lapwood Lamentatio by Abel Selaocoe Kiss Me by Sixpence None the Richer Brændt by Lis Sørensen The Lovecats by The Cure Enough Time by The Stranglers Action by Sweet Čaje, Šukarije by Esma Redzepova
2/11/202241 minutes, 48 seconds
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Gary Crosby, Dinara Klinton and Kojo Samuel open the new series

Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye return with a new series as they create a new playlist with the help of jazz bass player Gary Crosby OBE, pianist Dinara Klinton and music director Kojo Samuel. Follow their musical journey of discovery as they reveal surprising connections that link one piece of music to another, as they cross eras, continents, genres and styles. Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald The five tracks in this week's playlist: Umbrella by Rihanna After the Rain by John Coltrane "Ah! vous dirai-je, Maman" - 12 Variations in C Major by Mozart Bam Bam by Sister Nancy Show me the Way by Peter Frampton Other music in this episode: One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer by John Lee Hooker Old Town Road by Lil Nas X ft Billy Ray Cyrus I Got Rhythm by George Gershwin La Mantovana, attributed to Giuseppe Cenci Baa Baa Black Sheep by The Sing-a-Long Toddlers Alphabet Song by Music for Little People Choir What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong Bam Bam by Toots and the Maytals Stalag 17 by Ansel Collins Don't Leave Me by Blackstreet Rockit by Herbie Hancock Baby, I Love Your Way by Peter Frampton Haitian Divorce by Steely Dan Show Me the Way to Go Home by Max Bygraves
2/4/202242 minutes, 4 seconds
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Dele Sosimi and Clare Norburn on Afrobeat and a Medieval visionary

For the final episode of this series, Afrobeat musician Dele Sosimi and soprano Clare Norburn talk us through the importance of building a track's opening, and celebrate a visionary Abbess from the 12th century. This takes the playlist of this series to 40, chosen and curated by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye. Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald This week's five tracks added to the playlist: O Frondens Virga by Hildegard von Bingen, sung by Emily D'Angelo Chariots of Fire by Vangelis Take me to the Mardi Gras by Bob James Riders on the Storm by The Doors It's Raining Men by The Weather Girls Other music in this episode: The Magnificent Seven by Elmer Bernstein O Frondens Virga by The Telling The City of Violets by Stavros Logarides Take me to the Mardi Gras by Paul Simon Peter Piper by Run-D.M.C. The Story of the Rhodes by Bluey and Friends, ft Tom O'Grady Also Sprach Zarathustra by Deodato Family Affair by Sly and The Family Stone (Ghost) Riders in the Sky sung by Vaughn Monroe Hardly Wait by P J Harvey, sung by Juliette Lewis
11/26/202142 minutes, 52 seconds
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Jamie Cullum and Mark Frost on a children's classic and the power of brass

Pianist Jamie Cullum and trombonist Mark Frost join Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye in the penultimate episode of the current series as they add the next five tracks to the growing playlist. What links one of the most famous brass pieces in all opera to an all-star jazz musical ensemble in New York? And how does that get us to Sesame Street? The serendipitous musical journey continues. Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald This week's five tracks added to the playlist: Sanft Schloss Schlaf dein Aug'! by Richard Wagner Trombone Joe by Herlin Riley Sing by The Carpenters/Sesame Street The Coffee Cola Song by Francis Bebey Mask Off by Future Other music in this episode: Concerto Grosso in C, HWV 318 by Handel Lose My Breath by Destiny's Child Ride of the Valkyries by Wagner A Cenar Teco from Don Giovanni by Mozart Dies Irae from the Symphonie Fantastique by Berlioz Everything Now by Arcade Fire Watermelon Man by Herbie Hancock Flute Loop by Beastie Boys Prison Song by Tommy Butler
11/19/202142 minutes, 51 seconds
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Joe Stilgoe and Sonny Ji take us to the Alps and Bollywood

Pianist and singer Joe Stilgoe helps Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye compile the next five tracks for the growing playlist, with musical connections taking us from a controversial singing style to the Austrian Alps. DJ and BBC Asian Network presenter Sonny Ji and voice coaches Dr Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher provide insights into the techniques and background to individual tracks. Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald The five tracks added to this week's playlist: It Don't Mean a Thing by The Boswell Sisters She Taught Me How to Yodel by Frank Ifield Edelweiss by Bill Lee Piya Tu Ab To Aaja by Asha Bhosle Lose My Breath by Destiny's Child Other music in this episode: Sandstorm by Darude I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles by Doris Day Rum and Coca-Cola by The Andrews Sisters Chattanooga Choo Choo by The Andrews Sisters Throat singing by Karin and Kathy Kettler Arizona Yodeler by The DeZurik Sisters Yelli by the Baka Forest People in the Cameroon rain forest Daddy and Home by Jimmie Rodgers A Yodeling Hobo by Gene Autry Yodelling Mozart by Mary Schneider Zombie by The Cranberries Good Sign, Bad Sign by Monty Norman Crazy In Love by Beyoncé (Homecoming Live) Let's Go Blue by the University of Michigan Marching Band
11/12/202142 minutes, 53 seconds
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Jasmin Kent Rodgman and Gwyn Hughes Jones on a new discovery and a classic

Jasmin Kent Rodgman, the British/Malaysian artist and composer, joins Welsh tenor Gwyn Hughes Jones and British/Chinese artist Aowen Jin as they select and discuss the latest five tracks to be added to the weekly playlist, where each track has a musical connection with the previous one. Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye pick up where they left off last time, with Luis Fonsi and Justin Bieber's classic earworm Despacito. So where will their journey take us from there? Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald The five tracks added to this week's playlist: Tu Vuò' Fà' l'Americano by Sophia Loren and Paolo Bacilieri Heebie Jeebies by Louis Armstrong Ha Ha Lili by San Dingding Nessun Dorma! by Giacomo Puccini, sung by Luciano Pavarotti I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles sung by Doris Day and Jack Smith Other music in this episode: God Walked Down by The Allergies The Other Bank by Janet Kent Rodgman Despacito by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee feat Justin Bieber Tu Vuò' Fà' l'Americano sung by Jude Law, Matt Damon and Rosario Fiorello Life on Mars by David Bowie Shotgun by George Ezra I Fought the Law by The Clash Are You Lonesome Tonight? by Elvis Presley Violaine by Cocteau Twins Sequenza III for Female Voice by Luciano Berio Shawnee Stomp Dance from First Nation Sacred Songs Adiemus by Karl Jenkins Puirt a beul, Scottish Mouth Music, by the Quadriga Consort Nessun Dorma! sung by Gwyn Hughes Jones I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles sung by Vera Lynn
11/5/202142 minutes, 50 seconds
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Guests Soweto Kinch and Steven Devine celebrate the joys of the keyboard

Birmingham-based saxophonist Soweto Kinch is joined by keyboard specialist Steven Devine and percussionist Ruairi Glasheen, as Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye compile the next five tracks for their growing playlist. Last week concluded with Nina Cried Power by Hozier, featuring Mavis Staples, but where will that lead for the start of this episode's selection? Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald Full track list in order in the episode, with the five chosen Playlist tracks in CAPITALS: Golden Brown by The Stranglers Liberation Rag by Soweto Kinch Nina Cried Power by Hozier NKA BOM by Edikanfo STAYIN' ALIVE by The Bee Gees Stayin' Alive by Bruce Springsteen Stayin' Alive by N-Trance HIGHER GROUND by Stevie Wonder VARIATIONS ON A THEME BY MOZART FOR FOUR HARPSICHORDS by George Malcolm, Valda Aveling, Geoffrey Parsons & Simon Preston French Suite No.4 in E Flat Major, BWV 815a Prelude by Bach by Violet Gordon Woodhouse DESPACITO by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee feat Justin Bieber Despacito (Harpsichord) performed by Katarzyna Kowalik
10/29/202142 minutes, 21 seconds
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From Lahore to New York with guests saxophonist Jess Gillam and Nitin Sawhney

Where does Dave Brubeck's celebrated 1961 classic Take Five lead us? Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye are joined by saxophonist Jess Gillam to select the next five tracks to add to the playlist. Last week's musical journey took us from the beaches of Rio de Janeiro to London jazz clubs, and we're travelling again today, from Lahore to New York and beyond, with the forensic help of composer and musician Nitin Sawhney and early music specialist Barnaby Smith. Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald Full track list in order in the episode, with the five chosen Playlist tracks in CAPITALS: Can't Get You Out of My Head by Kylie Minogue Take Five by Dave Brubeck Take Five by The Sachal Studios Orchestra THE PINK PANTHER by The Sachal Studios Orchestra ENGLISHMAN IN NEW YORK by Sting ft Branford Marsalis PARCE MIHI DOMINE by Jan Garbarek and the Hilliard Ensemble Missa Mille Regretz by Cristóbal de Morales SINNERMAN by Nina Simone No Hiding Place Down Here by the Old South Quartette On the Judgement Day by The Sensational Nightingales Sinner Man by the Les Baxter Orchestra NINA CRIED POWER by Hozier ft Mavis Staples
10/22/202142 minutes, 46 seconds
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Guests Neil Brand and Plinio Fernandes take us to Paris and Brazil

Picking up from Let Him Go, Let Him Tarry, the final song last week, Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye add the next five tracks to the playlist. Composer and pianist Neil Brand, this week's studio guest, alongside Brazilian guitarist Plinio Fernandes, explores the musical detail of the tracks, as connections are explored which link one composition to another. Last week we went from a country/rap smash hit to a traditional Irish folk song via a riotous rodeo, but where will this week's journey of discovery take us? Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald Full track list in order in the episode, with the five chosen Playlist tracks in CAPITALS): Hou Mamma Mia by Les Négresses Vertes Let Him Go, Let Him Tarry by Ottilie Patterson THE GIRL FROM IPANEMA by João & Astrud Gilberto THE GIRL WITH THE FLAXEN HAIR by Claude Debussy I'm a Man (Mannish Boy) by Muddy Waters Black is the Color of my True Love's Hair by Meshell Ndegeocello Bonnie and Clyde by Serge Gainsbourg and Brigitte Bardot SOUS LES PONTS DE PARIS sung by Melody Gardot and Juliette Gréco IT'S OH SO QUIET sung by Björk It's Oh So Quiet by Betty Hutton Und Jetzt ist es Still by Horst Winter TAKE FIVE by Dave Brubeck Take Five by Rico
10/15/202141 minutes, 44 seconds
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Guests Kojo Samuel and Tasmin Little launch the musical journey

Add to Playlist takes us on a musical journey of discovery, exploring the web of connections between tracks across the breadth of all musical styles, from pop, rock, reggae and hip-hop to classical, jazz, folk and country. Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye and their studio guest, music director Kojo Samuel, who's worked with Stormzy, Rudimental and Jess Glynne, unearth musical and thematic links that may well take you by surprise, with additional in-depth explorations by violinist Tasmin Little. Ditch the computer algorithm as we offer an alternative playlist, offering five special tracks each week, spanning genres, eras and continents. You’ll learn fascinating details about how the music is constructed, its history, tempo, rhythm, choice of key and use of instruments, from the cuica to the 808 and the banjo. Presenters Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye Producer Jerome Weatherald Music (in order - the five tracks for the playlist are in CAPITALS): Autobahn - Kraftwerk So Good to Me - Chris Malinchak OLD TOWN ROAD - Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus 34 Ghosts IV - Nine Inch Nails HOE-DOWN - Aaron Copland Main theme from Star Wars - John Williams Superman (Main Title) - John Williams WALK THIS WAY - Run-DMC & Aerosmith Walk This Way - Aerosmith WALK ON BY - Dionne Warwick Walk on By - Isaac Hayes Wand'rin' Star - Lee Marvin Sahari - Aziza Brahim El Carretero - Guillermo Portabales LET HIM GO, LET HIM TARRY - Ottilie Patterson Let Him Go, Let Him Tarry - Ruby Murray
10/8/202142 minutes, 44 seconds
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Welcome to Add to Playlist

Ditch the algorithm as Cerys Matthews, Jeffrey Boakye and musical guests create a playlist exploring the rich and unexpected web of connections that link five special tracks.
10/1/20212 minutes, 45 seconds