Neil Cowley's Dudley Moore Easter treat on Jazz FM
‘Neil ‘n’ Dud - The Other side of Dudley Moore’, pianist Neil Cowley’s revealing and personal insight into his music and comedy hero, airs on Easter Monday April 6th.
Jazz FM’s 25th birthday celebrations continue over the Easter weekend with a special programme presented by pianist Neil Cowley.
‘Neil ‘n’ Dud - The Other side of Dudley Moore’ is Neil Cowley’s revealing and personal insight into his hero. Better known as an actor and comedian, Dudley was also a brilliant and inventive jazz musician. Neil will celebrate his musical side through his own eyes as fellow pianist and lifelong Dudley Moore fan, in this the 80th anniversary of Dudley’s birthday.
The programme will feature music from Dudley’s many album releases, songs re-recorded by Neil and anecdotes alongside a good dose of humour. Neil will also air parts of a recently uncovered conversational interview between Dudley and Jazz FM founder Dave Lee, recorded for Christmas Day in 1990 that has not been heard since.
Neil draws parallels with his own life to give a heart-warming account of shared musical idols, a certain ‘Britishness’, nerves and inner demons. He delves into Dudley’s playful persona but shines a spotlight on a remarkable musical talent revealing why Dudley Moore’s music tells us far more about him as a person, than his comedy ever could.
“I’m thrilled to be presenting this show for Jazz FM, and can’t believe my luck that the guys at the station found the Dudley tape in their dusty archives and I have the honour of using it”, said Neil Cowley. “It’s a candid interview and has provided new leads and insights into his character. He has long been an idol of mine and my research has revealed to me some quite unnerving similarities in our stories. I believe that music was his true love and an area he was vastly underrated in. In fact, I think the guiltiest of those doubters was Dudley himself. Jazz FM have given me a great opportunity to shine a light on this unlikely and ignored piano legend”.
“Neil ‘n’ Dud – The Other Side of Dudley Moore” will broadcast on Jazz FM on Easter Monday April 6th from 6pm.
Neil Cowley and Friends will host two special nights of musical tribute to Dudley Moore on April 24th and 25th at Ronnie Scott's in london