Richard Hawley

In a special edition of Mastertapes, guitarist, singer-songwriter and producer, Richard Hawley welcomes John Wilson to the Crucible in his home town of Sheffield.Throughout his 33 (and a third?) year career as a musician (he first recorded a John Peel session at the age of 19, with his band, Treebound Story), Sheffield has always played an influential part in Richard Hawley's song-writing. His 2001 album, Late Night Final, was named after the cry of vendors selling the Sheffield Star evening newspaper on the streets, and all his solo albums since, from Lowedges and Coles Corner to Truelove’s Gutter and Hollow Meadows, immortalized Sheffield landmarks. At the end of a busy year , in which he worked on four film soundtracks, recorded a new album and debuted his first stage musical - "Standing at the Sky’s Edge" at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre (featuring a mix of his old and new songs), Richard Hawley looks and plays his way back over a 33 (and a third?) year career as a musician (he first recorded a John Peel session at the age of 19, with his band, Treebound Story). Performances include what was the world premier of 'My Little Treasures' from Richard's new album, as well as a version of 'Open Up Your Door' from the stage musical "Standing At The Sky's Edge" sung by Maimuna Memon and accompanied by Will Stewart. Playing with Richard Hawley are Shez Sheridan on guitars, Jon Trier on piano and Clive Mellor on harmonica.Producer: Paul Kobrak

In a special edition of Mastertapes, guitarist, singer-songwriter and producer, Richard Hawley welcomes John Wilson to the Crucible in his home town of Sheffield. Throughout his 33 (and a third?) year career as a musician (he first recorded a John Peel session at the age of 19, with his band, Treebound Story), Sheffield has always played an influential part in Richard Hawley's song-writing. His 2001 album, Late Night Final, was named after the cry of vendors selling the Sheffield Star evening newspaper on the streets, and all his solo albums since, from Lowedges and Coles Corner to Truelove’s Gutter and Hollow Meadows, immortalized Sheffield landmarks. At the end of a busy year , in which he worked on four film soundtracks, recorded a new album and debuted his first stage musical - "Standing at the Sky’s Edge" at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre (featuring a mix of his old and new songs), Richard Hawley looks and plays his way back over a 33 (and a third?) year career as a musician (he first recorded a John Peel session at the age of 19, with his band, Treebound Story). Performances include what was the world premier of 'My Little Treasures' from Richard's new album, as well as a version of 'Open Up Your Door' from the stage musical "Standing At The Sky's Edge" sung by Maimuna Memon and accompanied by Will Stewart. Playing with Richard Hawley are Shez Sheridan on guitars, Jon Trier on piano and Clive Mellor on harmonica. Producer: Paul Kobrak

Richard Hawley at the Crucible

Don McLean

John Wilson returns with another run of the series in which he talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios. Each edition has John initially quizzing the artist about the album in question, and then the audience puts the questions. American Pie by Don McLeanTwenty-four year old Don McLean's debut album was rejected by 72 labels before it was released by Mediarts. It was only because that label was taken over by United Artists that his follow-up received the promotion it deserved. His second album contained: a tribute to the 19th-century Dutch painter, which was cited as a personal inspiration by the late rapper Tupac Shakur; a song that was re-recorded 32 years later by George Michael in protest against the Iraq War; and an eight-and-a-half minute single that in 2017 was designated an "aural treasure... worthy of preservation as part of America's patrimony"Don McLean responds to questions from the audience and performs live acoustic versions of some of the tracks on the album.

John Wilson returns with another run of the series in which he talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios. Each edition has John initially quizzing the artist about the album in question, and then the audience puts the questions. American Pie by Don McLean Twenty-four year old Don McLean's debut album was rejected by 72 labels before it was released by Mediarts. It was only because that label was taken over by United Artists that his follow-up received the promotion it deserved. His second album contained: a tribute to the 19th-century Dutch painter, which was cited as a personal inspiration by the late rapper Tupac Shakur; a song that was re-recorded 32 years later by George Michael in protest against the Iraq War; and an eight-and-a-half minute single that in 2017 was designated an "aural treasure... worthy of preservation as part of America's patrimony" Don McLean responds to questions from the audience and performs live acoustic versions of some of the tracks on the album.

Don McLean - American Pie

John Wilson returns with another run of the series in which he talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios. Modern day super-group, DAMON ALBARN, PAUL SIMONON, TONY ALLEN and SIMON TONG talk to John Wilson about their acclaimed debut album "The Good, The Bad &amp; The Queen."Released in 2007, the album brought together Blur's front-man, the bassist from the Clash, the Afrobeat pioneer who was also Fela Kuti's drummer, and former guitarist from the Verve who co-created the Magnetic North. Described by Damon Albarn as "a song cycle that's also a mystery play about London", the record was voted the Best Album of 2007 by the Observer Music Magazine and it includes the singles Herculean, Kingdom of Doom and Green Fields.Damon Albarn, Paul Simonon, Tony Allen and Simon Tong respond to questions from the audience and perform live versions of their follow-up album, 2018's "Merrie Land".

John Wilson returns with another run of the series in which he talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios. Modern day super-group, DAMON ALBARN, PAUL SIMONON, TONY ALLEN and SIMON TONG talk to John Wilson about their acclaimed debut album "The Good, The Bad &amp; The Queen." Released in 2007, the album brought together Blur's front-man, the bassist from the Clash, the Afrobeat pioneer who was also Fela Kuti's drummer, and former guitarist from the Verve who co-created the Magnetic North. Described by Damon Albarn as "a song cycle that's also a mystery play about London", the record was voted the Best Album of 2007 by the Observer Music Magazine and it includes the singles Herculean, Kingdom of Doom and Green Fields. Damon Albarn, Paul Simonon, Tony Allen and Simon Tong respond to questions from the audience and perform live versions of their follow-up album, 2018's "Merrie Land".

The Good, The Bad & The Queen

Lily Allen

John Wilson returns with another run of the series in which he talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios. Lily Allen talks to John Wilson about her fourth and most personal album, "No Shame"Always conversational in tone and infused with a dark sense of humour, Lily Allen's lyrics never shies away from the personal - and her most recent album, released in July 2018, is no different. Set against dancehall and reggae influences, the album moved away from her usual witty sarcastic songwriting style and opted for a more "candid" approach. With tracks like 'Trigger Bang', 'Lost My Mind', 'Three' and the album title track, she tackles everything from the breakdown of her marriage and her friendships... to maternal guilt, substance abuse and, as if that's not enough, social and political issues.Lily Allen responds to questions from the audience and performs live acoustic versions of some of the tracks on the album.

John Wilson returns with another run of the series in which he talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios. Lily Allen talks to John Wilson about her fourth and most personal album, "No Shame" Always conversational in tone and infused with a dark sense of humour, Lily Allen's lyrics never shies away from the personal - and her most recent album, released in July 2018, is no different. Set against dancehall and reggae influences, the album moved away from her usual witty sarcastic songwriting style and opted for a more "candid" approach. With tracks like 'Trigger Bang', 'Lost My Mind', 'Three' and the album title track, she tackles everything from the breakdown of her marriage and her friendships... to maternal guilt, substance abuse and, as if that's not enough, social and political issues. Lily Allen responds to questions from the audience and performs live acoustic versions of some of the tracks on the album.

Lily Allen - No Shame

Elvis Costello

In a special edition of Mastertapes to celebrate National Album Day, Elvis Costello, the consummate album artist talks to John Wilson and plays his way back through a career that has spanned five decades, premiers exclusive tracks from his new album and takes questions from the audience.From his critically acclaimed debut album, My Aim Is True, released in 1977 to his newly released Look Now, his first new album in five years, Elvis Costello has been widely recognised as one of Britain's best songwriters. From early classics like Watching The Detectives, Accidents Will Happen, and Almost Blue, all the way through to Jimmie Standing In The Rain, Unwanted Number and Under Lime his talent for wordplay has remained undimmed. He remains a composer who works across a range of styles, always mining a deep, rich seam of melodic and harmonic treasures - all of which is on display in these programmes recorded in the iconic BBC studios at Maida Vale. Accompanying him is his career-long collaborator, pianist Steve Nieve.

In a special edition of Mastertapes to celebrate National Album Day, Elvis Costello, the consummate album artist talks to John Wilson and plays his way back through a career that has spanned five decades, premiers exclusive tracks from his new album and takes questions from the audience. From his critically acclaimed debut album, My Aim Is True, released in 1977 to his newly released Look Now, his first new album in five years, Elvis Costello has been widely recognised as one of Britain's best songwriters. From early classics like Watching The Detectives, Accidents Will Happen, and Almost Blue, all the way through to Jimmie Standing In The Rain, Unwanted Number and Under Lime his talent for wordplay has remained undimmed. He remains a composer who works across a range of styles, always mining a deep, rich seam of melodic and harmonic treasures - all of which is on display in these programmes recorded in the iconic BBC studios at Maida Vale. Accompanying him is his career-long collaborator, pianist Steve Nieve.

Benjamin Clementine

John Wilson concludes the seventh series of Mastertapes, the programme in which he talks to leading artists about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes John initially quizzing the artist about the album in question, and then, the audience asks the questions. Both editions feature exclusive live performances.Cult singer-songwriter and artist Benjamin Clementine talks to John Wilson about his 2015 Mercury Prize-winning album At Least for Now.Self-taught, and inspired by a range of music from Antony &amp; the Johnsons to Erik Satie, Benjamin emigrated from London to Paris in 2009 at the age of 19. His career was launched after being discovered while busking in the Paris metro, singing covers of James Brown and Bob Marley. At Least for Now is a dramatic album of poetic ballads that prompted comparisons to Nina Simone and gained critical acclaim for its swooping melodies and the arresting lyricism of singles such as "London" and "Cornerstone". Producer: Paul Kobrak

John Wilson concludes the seventh series of Mastertapes, the programme in which he talks to leading artists about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes John initially quizzing the artist about the album in question, and then, the audience asks the questions. Both editions feature exclusive live performances. Cult singer-songwriter and artist Benjamin Clementine talks to John Wilson about his 2015 Mercury Prize-winning album At Least for Now. Self-taught, and inspired by a range of music from Antony &amp; the Johnsons to Erik Satie, Benjamin emigrated from London to Paris in 2009 at the age of 19. His career was launched after being discovered while busking in the Paris metro, singing covers of James Brown and Bob Marley. At Least for Now is a dramatic album of poetic ballads that prompted comparisons to Nina Simone and gained critical acclaim for its swooping melodies and the arresting lyricism of singles such as "London" and "Cornerstone". Producer: Paul Kobrak

Benjamin Clementine - At Least For Now

Jimmy Webb

Jimmy Webb talks to John Wilson about his song writing career

David Gray

John Wilson continues with another recording for the series in which leading artists discuss the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes, with John initially quizzing the artist about the album in question, and then, in the B-side, the audience asks the questions. Both editions feature exclusive live performances.Singer-songwriter David Gray talks to John Wilson about the album that catapulted him to fame in 2001; White Ladder. Featuring the hits Babylon, This Year's Love and Sail Away, the album became one of the longest-charting in UK chart history, spending almost three consecutive years in the UK top 100, and won Gray an Ivor Novello Award for the single Babylon.To date, David Gray has sold 12 million albums worldwide, received a BAFTA nomination, two Ivor Novello Awards, a Q award, two Brit nominations and a Grammy nomination.Having discussed the making of White Ladder, David Gray responds to questions from the audience and performs acoustic live versions of some of his best-loved tracks.Producer: Edwina Pitman

John Wilson continues with another recording for the series in which leading artists discuss the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes, with John initially quizzing the artist about the album in question, and then, in the B-side, the audience asks the questions. Both editions feature exclusive live performances. Singer-songwriter David Gray talks to John Wilson about the album that catapulted him to fame in 2001; White Ladder. Featuring the hits Babylon, This Year's Love and Sail Away, the album became one of the longest-charting in UK chart history, spending almost three consecutive years in the UK top 100, and won Gray an Ivor Novello Award for the single Babylon. To date, David Gray has sold 12 million albums worldwide, received a BAFTA nomination, two Ivor Novello Awards, a Q award, two Brit nominations and a Grammy nomination. Having discussed the making of White Ladder, David Gray responds to questions from the audience and performs acoustic live versions of some of his best-loved tracks. Producer: Edwina Pitman

David Gray - White Ladder

Emeli Sande

John Wilson returns with another edition of Mastertapes the programme in which he talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them.  Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios. Each edition includes two episodes, with John initially quizzing the artist about the album in question, and then, in the B-side, the audience puts the questions. Scottish singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé takes us back to her debut album "Our Version of Events", the UK’s biggest selling record of 2012 which spent more consecutive weeks in the British charts than any other debut album, breaking a record held for 50 years by The Beatles.Featuring the singles Next To Me, Heaven, Clown and Read all About It, the album made her a household name and she was the only artist to perform at both the opening and closing ceremonies of the London Olympics. Our Version of Events went on to win the BRIT Award for Album of the Year and Emeli was named Best British Female Artist. Emeli Sandé responds to questions from the audience and performs acoustic live versions of some of the tracks from the album.Complete versions of the songs performed in the programme can be heard on the Mastertapes pages on the Radio 4 website.Producer: Edwina Pitman

John Wilson returns with another edition of Mastertapes the programme in which he talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios. Each edition includes two episodes, with John initially quizzing the artist about the album in question, and then, in the B-side, the audience puts the questions. Scottish singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé takes us back to her debut album "Our Version of Events", the UK’s biggest selling record of 2012 which spent more consecutive weeks in the British charts than any other debut album, breaking a record held for 50 years by The Beatles. Featuring the singles Next To Me, Heaven, Clown and Read all About It, the album made her a household name and she was the only artist to perform at both the opening and closing ceremonies of the London Olympics. Our Version of Events went on to win the BRIT Award for Album of the Year and Emeli was named Best British Female Artist. Emeli Sandé responds to questions from the audience and performs acoustic live versions of some of the tracks from the album. Complete versions of the songs performed in the programme can be heard on the Mastertapes pages on the Radio 4 website. Producer: Edwina Pitman

Emeli Sande - Our Version Of Events

Randy Newman

With six Grammys, three Emmys and two Oscars (from 20 Academy Award nominations) - to say nothing of his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and membership of both the Songwriters and the Rock &amp; Roll Halls of Fame - means that Randy Newman has one of the most crowded mantelpieces in the world of popular entertainment.In this special edition of MASTERTAPES the legendary singer-songwriter and composer talks to John Wilson about 'Sail Away' – the album that Rolling Stone magazine described as “a work of genius” when it was released forty-five years ago. Already with a good dozen years under his belt as a professional song writer (he was only 28 years old when this album was released), with 'Sail Away' we see an artist able to combine biting wit, novelistic complexity and a deep understanding of the contradictions of the American psyche with sumptuous melodies and restrained arrangements. Nowhere more so than with 'Lonely At The Top’ (originally written with Frank Sinatra in mind), ‘You Can Leave Your Hat On’ (later recorded by Tom Jones for The Full Monty), ‘God’s Song (That’s Why I Love Mankind)’ and the austere title track that kicks off the album.MASTERTAPES is recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios. Each edition includes two parts, with John Wilson initially quizzing the artist about their career defining album, and then, in the B-side, the audience puts some of the questions. Both feature exclusive live performances.Producer: Paul Kobrak

With six Grammys, three Emmys and two Oscars (from 20 Academy Award nominations) - to say nothing of his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and membership of both the Songwriters and the Rock &amp; Roll Halls of Fame - means that Randy Newman has one of the most crowded mantelpieces in the world of popular entertainment. In this special edition of MASTERTAPES the legendary singer-songwriter and composer talks to John Wilson about 'Sail Away' – the album that Rolling Stone magazine described as “a work of genius” when it was released forty-five years ago. Already with a good dozen years under his belt as a professional song writer (he was only 28 years old when this album was released), with 'Sail Away' we see an artist able to combine biting wit, novelistic complexity and a deep understanding of the contradictions of the American psyche with sumptuous melodies and restrained arrangements. Nowhere more so than with 'Lonely At The Top’ (originally written with Frank Sinatra in mind), ‘You Can Leave Your Hat On’ (later recorded by Tom Jones for The Full Monty), ‘God’s Song (That’s Why I Love Mankind)’ and the austere title track that kicks off the album. MASTERTAPES is recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios. Each edition includes two parts, with John Wilson initially quizzing the artist about their career defining album, and then, in the B-side, the audience puts some of the questions. Both feature exclusive live performances. Producer: Paul Kobrak

Randy Newman - Sail Away

John Wilson talks with musicians about a career-defining album, and a live audience also puts questions. Featuring exclusive live performances.

love the details and in depth questions that this show goes into!

grand example

Only Paul can tell these stories cause the was there. Plenty of Macca humor insight and wit. Love the Guy.!!!

The Truth

Mastertapes

On the eve of the sixth series of Mastertapes (which features the likes of Laura Marling, Graham Nash and Shirley Collins) there is another chance to hear the Mastertapes special, in which Paul McCartney joins John Wilson. Recorded in the iconic BBC Maida Vale studios, they discuss songwriting, Paul's solo career in the years immediately after The Beatles, his recent collaborations with Kanye West, and working with the likes of George Martin, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and - obviously - John Lennon. He also takes questions from an audience that includes Paul Weller, Noel Gallagher and Brad Pitt.Producer Paul Kobrak.

On the eve of the sixth series of Mastertapes (which features the likes of Laura Marling, Graham Nash and Shirley Collins) there is another chance to hear the Mastertapes special, in which Paul McCartney joins John Wilson. Recorded in the iconic BBC Maida Vale studios, they discuss songwriting, Paul's solo career in the years immediately after The Beatles, his recent collaborations with Kanye West, and working with the likes of George Martin, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and - obviously - John Lennon. He also takes questions from an audience that includes Paul Weller, Noel Gallagher and Brad Pitt. Producer Paul Kobrak.

Paul McCartney

Noel Gallagher

'Noel Gallagher's discusses his album High Flying Birds.Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them.Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side.In the A-side, Noel talks to John Wilson.  In 2009, Noel Gallagher left Oasis – one of the seminal bands of the Britpop era with seven multi-platinum albums including: 'Definitely Maybe', '(What's The Story) Morning Glory?' and 'Be Here Now' – which became the fastest selling album in UK chart history.  Two years later Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds also went to Number 1 in the UK with tracks like "Everybody's On the Run", "AKA... What A Life!" and "The Death of You and Me".  Praised for its psychedelic tinges and eternal themes of love, loss and hope, it's been described as the best collection of songs "since his Morning Glory days".With tracks inspired by New Orleans ragtime rhythms and Ennio Morricone-like strings, it put paid to rumours that its creator entered into a state of inertia after the end of Oasis. Noel Gallagher said of the album: "I won't criticize anything about Oasis because I loved being in that band and I was in charge of it, but there was always the feeling: how will this go down in Wembley, with 70,000 people braying for good times? This time I didn't have to think about that. I've got a guy playing wine glasses on one song, a saw on another. This is not Oasis."Producer:  Paul KobrakFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2014.

'Noel Gallagher's discusses his album High Flying Birds. Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side. In the A-side, Noel talks to John Wilson. In 2009, Noel Gallagher left Oasis – one of the seminal bands of the Britpop era with seven multi-platinum albums including: 'Definitely Maybe', '(What's The Story) Morning Glory?' and 'Be Here Now' – which became the fastest selling album in UK chart history. Two years later Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds also went to Number 1 in the UK with tracks like "Everybody's On the Run", "AKA... What A Life!" and "The Death of You and Me". Praised for its psychedelic tinges and eternal themes of love, loss and hope, it's been described as the best collection of songs "since his Morning Glory days". With tracks inspired by New Orleans ragtime rhythms and Ennio Morricone-like strings, it put paid to rumours that its creator entered into a state of inertia after the end of Oasis. Noel Gallagher said of the album: "I won't criticize anything about Oasis because I loved being in that band and I was in charge of it, but there was always the feeling: how will this go down in Wembley, with 70,000 people braying for good times? This time I didn't have to think about that. I've got a guy playing wine glasses on one song, a saw on another. This is not Oasis." Producer: Paul Kobrak First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2014.

Noel Gallagher (the A-Side)

Natalie Merchant discusses 'Tigerlily', her 1995 solo album made after leaving 10,000 Maniacs. Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them.Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side.In the A-side, Natalie talks to John Wilson. Completely self-funded (to ensure creative control),'Tigerlily' went on the sell over 5 million copies and continues to be Natalie Merchant's most successful album to date. Its bold and stripped down sound gave more emphasis to her powerful and often personal lyrics, including 'Beloved Wife' (inspired by her grandfather's grief in the wake of her grandmother's passing) and 'River' (written in response to the sudden and untimely death of her friend River Phoenix). The album also included the top-40 singles 'Wonder' and 'Jealousy', as well as her first top-ten hit as a solo artist, 'Carnival'.In the B-side of the programme, it's the turn of the audience to ask the questions.Producer: Paul KobrakFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2013.

Natalie Merchant discusses 'Tigerlily', her 1995 solo album made after leaving 10,000 Maniacs. Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side. In the A-side, Natalie talks to John Wilson. Completely self-funded (to ensure creative control),'Tigerlily' went on the sell over 5 million copies and continues to be Natalie Merchant's most successful album to date. Its bold and stripped down sound gave more emphasis to her powerful and often personal lyrics, including 'Beloved Wife' (inspired by her grandfather's grief in the wake of her grandmother's passing) and 'River' (written in response to the sudden and untimely death of her friend River Phoenix). The album also included the top-40 singles 'Wonder' and 'Jealousy', as well as her first top-ten hit as a solo artist, 'Carnival'. In the B-side of the programme, it's the turn of the audience to ask the questions. Producer: Paul Kobrak First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2013.

Natalie Merchant (the A-Side)

Following on from the A-side of this two-part programme, the audience ask Noel Gallagher about High Flying Birds', his first studio album since leaving Oasis,  With John Wilson at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios in London.Noel also performs acoustic live versions of some of the tracks from the album and looks forward to his next musical project "Chasing Yesterday".Producer: Paul KobrakFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2014.

Following on from the A-side of this two-part programme, the audience ask Noel Gallagher about High Flying Birds', his first studio album since leaving Oasis, With John Wilson at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios in London. Noel also performs acoustic live versions of some of the tracks from the album and looks forward to his next musical project "Chasing Yesterday". Producer: Paul Kobrak First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2014.

Noel Gallagher (the B-Side)

Rufus Wainwright

John Wilson chats to Rufus Wainwright about his life-changing album, 2003's Want One. Rufus tells the stories behind some of those songs, and sings and performs solo piano. As Rufus says himself, he has no filter. The two meet in a stylishly transformed Maida Vale Studio.Rufus also sings a cappella a song he composed after the death of his mother, the singer Kate McGarrigle. The programme features footage from a young Rufus' first ever song recording, as part of a Canadian children's film.

John Wilson chats to Rufus Wainwright about his life-changing album, 2003's Want One. Rufus tells the stories behind some of those songs, and sings and performs solo piano. As Rufus says himself, he has no filter. The two meet in a stylishly transformed Maida Vale Studio. Rufus also sings a cappella a song he composed after the death of his mother, the singer Kate McGarrigle. The programme features footage from a young Rufus' first ever song recording, as part of a Canadian children's film.

Singer-songwriter-composer Rufus Wainwright talks about his breakthrough 2003 album, ‘Want One’.Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them.Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side.In the A-side, Rufus talks to John Wilson.The son of folk singers Kate McGarrigle and Loudon Wainwright III, Rufus began playing the piano at the age of 6 and touring at 13. Before he had even reached voting age, he had been nominated for Best Original Song and Most Promising Male Vocalist awards. But it would be another 14 years before he released the album that has been variously described as "obscenely lush"... a "gorgeous meditation on emotional displacement" and "a three-hankie weepie".  The first part of what was intended to be a double album, Want One is full of songs about love, loss, family, addiction and popular culture, including 'I Don't Know What It Is', 'Go Or Go Ahead' and 'Dinner At Eight'.Not only does he play exclusive versions of some of these songs, in a frank and no-punches-pulled interview, Rufus also reveals what part drugs, sex, near-death experiences and extended arguments with his father played in the making of this remarkable album  In the B-side of the programme, it's the turn of the audience to ask the questions.Producer: Paul KobrakFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2014.

Singer-songwriter-composer Rufus Wainwright talks about his breakthrough 2003 album, ‘Want One’. Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side. In the A-side, Rufus talks to John Wilson. The son of folk singers Kate McGarrigle and Loudon Wainwright III, Rufus began playing the piano at the age of 6 and touring at 13. Before he had even reached voting age, he had been nominated for Best Original Song and Most Promising Male Vocalist awards. But it would be another 14 years before he released the album that has been variously described as "obscenely lush"... a "gorgeous meditation on emotional displacement" and "a three-hankie weepie". The first part of what was intended to be a double album, Want One is full of songs about love, loss, family, addiction and popular culture, including 'I Don't Know What It Is', 'Go Or Go Ahead' and 'Dinner At Eight'. Not only does he play exclusive versions of some of these songs, in a frank and no-punches-pulled interview, Rufus also reveals what part drugs, sex, near-death experiences and extended arguments with his father played in the making of this remarkable album In the B-side of the programme, it's the turn of the audience to ask the questions. Producer: Paul Kobrak First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2014.

Rufus Wainwright (the A-Side)

Edwyn Collins

Edwyn Collins discusses his 1994 album 'Gorgeous George', featuring the single 'A Girl Like You'.Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them.Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side.In the A-side, Edwym talks to John Wilson.Edwyn is an Ivor Novello Award-winning songwriter who has enjoyed great success both as a solo artist and as the lead singer of Orange Juice."Gorgeous George" was produced in the studio which Edwyn built himself and highlights Edwyn's witty melodic style. 'Girl Like You' spent 14 weeks in the charts and features in the films 'Empire Records' and 'Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle'. Edwyn has also produced records for the likes of The Cribs, Space, Little Barrie and The Proclaimers, produced and starred in his own sitcom as well as creating a book of illustrations.In May 2009, he won the Ivors Inspiration Award in recognition of his struggles following a double brain haemorrhage in 2005. He has continued to record and his latest album 'Understated' was recently released on his own label.In the B-side of the programme, it's the turn of the audience to ask the questions.Producer: Helen LennardFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2013.

Edwyn Collins discusses his 1994 album 'Gorgeous George', featuring the single 'A Girl Like You'. Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side. In the A-side, Edwym talks to John Wilson. Edwyn is an Ivor Novello Award-winning songwriter who has enjoyed great success both as a solo artist and as the lead singer of Orange Juice. "Gorgeous George" was produced in the studio which Edwyn built himself and highlights Edwyn's witty melodic style. 'Girl Like You' spent 14 weeks in the charts and features in the films 'Empire Records' and 'Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle'. Edwyn has also produced records for the likes of The Cribs, Space, Little Barrie and The Proclaimers, produced and starred in his own sitcom as well as creating a book of illustrations. In May 2009, he won the Ivors Inspiration Award in recognition of his struggles following a double brain haemorrhage in 2005. He has continued to record and his latest album 'Understated' was recently released on his own label. In the B-side of the programme, it's the turn of the audience to ask the questions. Producer: Helen Lennard First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2013.

Edwyn Collins (A-Side)

Sinead O'Connor

Sinéad O'Connor answers audience questions about her most pesonal album, 2007's 'Theology'. John Wilson talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them.Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes, with John initially quizzing the artist about the album in question, and then, in the B-side, the audience puts the questions. Both editions feature exclusive live performancesB-side 'Theology' by Sinéad O'ConnorHaving discussed the making of "Theology", her 2007 album (in the A-side of the programme), Sinéad O'Connor  responds to questions from the audience and performs acoustic live versions of some of the tracks from the album which she considers her most personal body of work.  Producer: Neil McCarthyFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2014.

Sinéad O'Connor answers audience questions about her most pesonal album, 2007's 'Theology'. John Wilson talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes, with John initially quizzing the artist about the album in question, and then, in the B-side, the audience puts the questions. Both editions feature exclusive live performances B-side 'Theology' by Sinéad O'Connor Having discussed the making of "Theology", her 2007 album (in the A-side of the programme), Sinéad O'Connor responds to questions from the audience and performs acoustic live versions of some of the tracks from the album which she considers her most personal body of work. Producer: Neil McCarthy First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2014.

Sinead O'Connor (the B-Side)

Following on from the A-side of this two-part programme, the audience ask Jazzie B and Caron Wheeler questions about Soul II Soul's debut 1989 album, 'Club Classics Vol 1'.With John Wilson at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios in London.Jazzie talks more about his own roots as a musician and Soul II Soul perform live versions of tracks from the album.Producer: Helen LennardFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2013.

Following on from the A-side of this two-part programme, the audience ask Jazzie B and Caron Wheeler questions about Soul II Soul's debut 1989 album, 'Club Classics Vol 1'. With John Wilson at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios in London. Jazzie talks more about his own roots as a musician and Soul II Soul perform live versions of tracks from the album. Producer: Helen Lennard First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2013.

Soul II Soul (B-Side)

Manic Street Preachers talk about their third, career-defining, 1994 album The Holy Bible.Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them.Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side.In the A-side, Manic Street Preachers -  Sean Moore, James Dean Bradfield and Nicky Wire.-  talk to John Wilson.Released a mere five months before the disappearance of main lyricist and rhythm guitarist Richey Edwards, The Holy Bible reflects his fragile mental state. On its release, Q said "even a cursory glance at the titles will confirm that this is not the new Gloria Estefan album". And with tracks like "Yes", "Of Walking Abortion", "Mausoleum" and "4st 7lb", the lyrics deal with everything from prostitution and serial killers to the Holocaust and self-starvation. For the first time in two decades, Nicky, James and Sean from Manic Street Preachers play songs from 'The Holy Bible' in front of an audience. In the B-side of the programme, it's the turn of the audience to ask the questions.Producer: Paul KobrakFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2014.

Manic Street Preachers talk about their third, career-defining, 1994 album The Holy Bible. Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side. In the A-side, Manic Street Preachers - Sean Moore, James Dean Bradfield and Nicky Wire.- talk to John Wilson. Released a mere five months before the disappearance of main lyricist and rhythm guitarist Richey Edwards, The Holy Bible reflects his fragile mental state. On its release, Q said "even a cursory glance at the titles will confirm that this is not the new Gloria Estefan album". And with tracks like "Yes", "Of Walking Abortion", "Mausoleum" and "4st 7lb", the lyrics deal with everything from prostitution and serial killers to the Holocaust and self-starvation. For the first time in two decades, Nicky, James and Sean from Manic Street Preachers play songs from 'The Holy Bible' in front of an audience. In the B-side of the programme, it's the turn of the audience to ask the questions. Producer: Paul Kobrak First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2014.

Manic Street Preachers (the A-Side)

Suzanne Vega

Suzanne Vega discuss her platinum-selling Solitude Standing.Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them.Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side. In this one (The A side), John Wilson asks Suzanne about the album in question, and then, in the accompanying B-side, the audience puts the questions. Both editions feature exclusive live performances.Suzanne explains that it was her manager who saw the potential of "Luka" and convinced her that a song with a social message could be a hit.She recalls how the tune for "Tom's Diner" came to her while she was walking down Broadway after having been to the real Tom's restaurant.And she discusses the way in which images and words were part of her life from a very early age and have influenced her work. Producer: Emma KingsleyFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2012.

Suzanne Vega discuss her platinum-selling Solitude Standing. Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side. In this one (The A side), John Wilson asks Suzanne about the album in question, and then, in the accompanying B-side, the audience puts the questions. Both editions feature exclusive live performances. Suzanne explains that it was her manager who saw the potential of "Luka" and convinced her that a song with a social message could be a hit. She recalls how the tune for "Tom's Diner" came to her while she was walking down Broadway after having been to the real Tom's restaurant. And she discusses the way in which images and words were part of her life from a very early age and have influenced her work. Producer: Emma Kingsley First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2012.

Suzanne Vega (the A-Side)

The Boomtown Rats discuss their 1978 second album 'A Tonic for the Troops'. Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them.Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side.In the A-side, Bod Geldof and The Boomtown Rats talk to John Wilson. Named after a gang in Woody Guthrie's autobiography, the band had a series of hits between 1977 and 1985. Signed by Mercury records the same year that punk rock exploded in Britain, it was their second album 'A Tonic for the Troops', with tracks like "She's So Modern", "Like Clockwork" and "Me and Howard Hughes", that brought them their first Number 1 hit with "Rat Trap".It's an album that treats dark themes like suicide and euthanasia in an often upbeat, pop-punk style - one critic described the track "Eva Braun" as "the happiest, cheeriest, best upbeat song about Hitler ever written." And another said "Vintage superstars who look like eyesores and sound like dinosaurs should carefully study this album."The band broke-up in 1986, but reformed in 2013 to tour the UK. This will be a unique opportunity not only to hear them talk about their album but also to see them perform exclusive versions of key tracks. In the B-side of the programme, it's the turn of the audience to ask the questions.Producer:  Paul KobrakFirst broadcast in December 2014.

The Boomtown Rats discuss their 1978 second album 'A Tonic for the Troops'. Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side. In the A-side, Bod Geldof and The Boomtown Rats talk to John Wilson. Named after a gang in Woody Guthrie's autobiography, the band had a series of hits between 1977 and 1985. Signed by Mercury records the same year that punk rock exploded in Britain, it was their second album 'A Tonic for the Troops', with tracks like "She's So Modern", "Like Clockwork" and "Me and Howard Hughes", that brought them their first Number 1 hit with "Rat Trap". It's an album that treats dark themes like suicide and euthanasia in an often upbeat, pop-punk style - one critic described the track "Eva Braun" as "the happiest, cheeriest, best upbeat song about Hitler ever written." And another said "Vintage superstars who look like eyesores and sound like dinosaurs should carefully study this album." The band broke-up in 1986, but reformed in 2013 to tour the UK. This will be a unique opportunity not only to hear them talk about their album but also to see them perform exclusive versions of key tracks. In the B-side of the programme, it's the turn of the audience to ask the questions. Producer: Paul Kobrak First broadcast in December 2014.

The Boomtown Rats (the A-Side)

John Wilson continues with the fifth series of Mastertapes, the programme in which he talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios. Programme 5. Steel Pulse's 'Handsworth Revolution' with David Hinds and Selwyn Brown.Originally formed at Handsworth Wood Boys School in 1975, Steel Pulse were initially refused live dates in Birmingham's Caribbean venues because of their Rastafarian ideals. Instead they aligned themselves With Rock Against Racism and appeared alongside the likes of the Clash, XTC, the Stranglers, Tom Robinson and X-Ray Specs.It was Burning Spear who brought the group to the attention of Island Records who in February 1978 first released Ku Klux Klan as a single - a full five months before the album itself, which also included Prodigal Son, Prediction and the title track, Handsworth Revolution.Here David Hinds and Selwyn Brown talk about the album that is widely regarded a milestone in the development of British Reggae, but also perform exclusive acoustic versions of some of the key tracks.The B-side of the programme, where it's the turn of the audience to ask the questions, can be heard on Tuesday 29th December at 3.30pm.Producer: Paul Kobrak.

John Wilson continues with the fifth series of Mastertapes, the programme in which he talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios. Programme 5. Steel Pulse's 'Handsworth Revolution' with David Hinds and Selwyn Brown. Originally formed at Handsworth Wood Boys School in 1975, Steel Pulse were initially refused live dates in Birmingham's Caribbean venues because of their Rastafarian ideals. Instead they aligned themselves With Rock Against Racism and appeared alongside the likes of the Clash, XTC, the Stranglers, Tom Robinson and X-Ray Specs. It was Burning Spear who brought the group to the attention of Island Records who in February 1978 first released Ku Klux Klan as a single - a full five months before the album itself, which also included Prodigal Son, Prediction and the title track, Handsworth Revolution. Here David Hinds and Selwyn Brown talk about the album that is widely regarded a milestone in the development of British Reggae, but also perform exclusive acoustic versions of some of the key tracks. The B-side of the programme, where it's the turn of the audience to ask the questions, can be heard on Tuesday 29th December at 3.30pm. Producer: Paul Kobrak.

Steel Pulse (the A-Side)

John Wilson continues with his fifth series of Mastertapes, in which he talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios. Programme 6 (B-side): Having discussed the making of 'Sunshine Superman' (in the A-side of the programme, broadcast on Monday 11th January and available online), Donovan responds to questions from the audience and performs exclusive live acoustic versions of some of the key tracks from the album. Producer:.

John Wilson continues with his fifth series of Mastertapes, in which he talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios. Programme 6 (B-side): Having discussed the making of 'Sunshine Superman' (in the A-side of the programme, broadcast on Monday 11th January and available online), Donovan responds to questions from the audience and performs exclusive live acoustic versions of some of the key tracks from the album. Producer:.

Donovan (the B-Side)

Tom Jones

John Wilson continues with the series in which he talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them.  Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios. The legendary TOM JONES talks to John Wilson about `Praise and Blame' - the first of a trilogy of albums that would take him back to his musical roots.Described as a musical "shape shifter" who could "slide from soulful rasp to pop croon, with a voice as husky as it was pretty" (The New York Times), Tom Jones' career has spanned six decades, selling over 100 million records. In 2010, he released an album of largely unknown gospel covers, including Sister Rosetta Tharpe's Strange Things, Pop Staples' Don't Knock and John Lee Hooker's Burning Hell. The album's stripped-down, live production (by Ethan Johns) led one critic to declare "at last Jones the artist is the match of Jones the entertainer" (The Guardian).Tom Jones discusses the making of `Praise and Blame', responds to questions from the audience and performs acoustic live versions of some of the tracks from the album.

John Wilson continues with the series in which he talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios. The legendary TOM JONES talks to John Wilson about `Praise and Blame' - the first of a trilogy of albums that would take him back to his musical roots. Described as a musical "shape shifter" who could "slide from soulful rasp to pop croon, with a voice as husky as it was pretty" (The New York Times), Tom Jones' career has spanned six decades, selling over 100 million records. In 2010, he released an album of largely unknown gospel covers, including Sister Rosetta Tharpe's Strange Things, Pop Staples' Don't Knock and John Lee Hooker's Burning Hell. The album's stripped-down, live production (by Ethan Johns) led one critic to declare "at last Jones the artist is the match of Jones the entertainer" (The Guardian). Tom Jones discusses the making of `Praise and Blame', responds to questions from the audience and performs acoustic live versions of some of the tracks from the album.

Tom Jones - `Praise and Blame'

John Wilson continues with his fifth series of Mastertapes, in which he talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios. Programme 6 (B-side): Having discussed the making of 'Handsworth Revolution' (in the A-side of the programme, broadcast on Monday 4th January and available online), David Hind and Selwyn Brown respond to questions from the audience and perform exclusive live acoustic versions of some of the key tracks from the album. Producer: Paul Kobrak.

John Wilson continues with his fifth series of Mastertapes, in which he talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios. Programme 6 (B-side): Having discussed the making of 'Handsworth Revolution' (in the A-side of the programme, broadcast on Monday 4th January and available online), David Hind and Selwyn Brown respond to questions from the audience and perform exclusive live acoustic versions of some of the key tracks from the album. Producer: Paul Kobrak.

Steel Pulse (the B-Side)

Nigel Kennedy

The final programme in the fifth series of Mastertapes, in which John Wilson talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios.Having discussed the recording of Antonio Vivaldi's 'The Four Seasons' (in the A-side of the programme, available online), Nigel Kennedy responds to questions from the audience and performs exclusive excerpts from his classical and jazz repertoire.Producers: Paul Kobrak and John Goudie.

The final programme in the fifth series of Mastertapes, in which John Wilson talks to leading performers and songwriters about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios. Having discussed the recording of Antonio Vivaldi's 'The Four Seasons' (in the A-side of the programme, available online), Nigel Kennedy responds to questions from the audience and performs exclusive excerpts from his classical and jazz repertoire. Producers: Paul Kobrak and John Goudie.

Nigel Kennedy (the B-Side)

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