Radio - presenting and guesting

Darren Floyd, author of Match Day

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:50:29 +0100

On the day he launched his first novel, Darren Floyd talks about “Match Day” and choses music to suit: The Eels’ “Saturday Morning”, and Super Furries “Cardiff in the sun”, “Hello sunshine”.
Of the book (publisher) it is said:”A comic thriller about three people having three different days, on the same match day in Cardiff. Cathy is a woman disappointed in life when her dream turns into a nightmare, and mires her with debt which she doesn't have a hope of paying off. Suddenly she is offered a chance of a new life in Australia, but first she must take a desperate gamble... Martin is a bitter policeman with decades on the job, and a shameful secret in his past. He finds himself in events that he could never anticipated. Leigh is a supporter; he just wants to get into see the match. Unfortunately he gets split up from his mate who has his ticket. He finds himself alone in a city full of sports fans. Now if he can only find a ticket... Gradually these three people's paths collide, and none of their lives will be the same again...
Nice background by Guardian Cardiff.

Theatre director Mike Pearson

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:00:42 +0100

Mike Pearson, now an academic at the University of Aberystwyth , was for 16 years co-director of Brith Gof (in the latter stages of which I was a trustee). The Persians - production 6 by the new National Theatre of Wales - has been much trailed (see Guardian) and, in spite of insisting that the audience sit outside on the top of the Brecon Beacons regardless of the weather, a sell-out.
The critical reviews can be summed up: an important theatrical event, in an extra-ordinary venue, of outstanding quality.
Music for the production is by longtime collaborator John Hardy (interview here) who has released exclusive tracks included with this piece.
A blog by Peter D Cox will be here. (to follow)

Creative Writing at the Museum 2010

Sat, 7 Aug 2010 16:41:27 +0100

This programme is a recording of the final workshop of the University of Cardiff’s 2010 “Creative Writing at the Museum” course. It features the work of twelve of the students and ends with readings by Philip Gross.
The students are introduced by Peter Cox and the course tutor Susan Morgan. Then they speak in order:
Janice Birch
Anne Bryan
Peter D. Cox
David Edwards
Charlotte Grail
Susan Morgan (reading work by Hilary Griffiths)
Bernard Harrington
Douglas Newman
Peggy Rees
Celia Saywell
Rhian Stewart
Meg Gurney
Peter Wilkinson
At the end of the programme, Philip Gross - shown above with his Wales Book of the Year 2010, “I Spy Pinhole Eye” reads from his book “The Water Table” which had been the course book.

Joan Armatrading

Fri, 2 Apr 2010 19:47:31 +0100

New Album, new tour and visiting Cardiff. What’s not to like about interviewing a life-long object of admiration. Ok, so I’m a fan and it tells!
There are two tracks from the new album in this 30mins segment (plus Willow). Sadly, the first part of the interview was a v bad land-line and only saved by JA calling the studio on her mobile. Partly as a result, there’s perhaps more interviewer than is good, but she’s a star - enjoy her laughter, generous spirit, and amazing musical intelligence.

Robin Sebastian, actor

Fri, 5 Feb 2010 07:28:59 +0000

Robin Sebastian has been playing the part of Kenneth Williams almost since he learnt one of his songs at the age of 10 or 11 (a disputed date). He has been in a number of shows rooted in the radio programmes made famous by Williams, the latest of which “Stop Messing About” hit Cardiff this week. In the studio we talked about his career - which includes notable non-Williams stuff - and the man himself. The interview is wrapped with three real finds for aficionados (and who is isn’t?) : ‘Sea Shanty Medley’ from the Very Best of Rambling Syd Rumpole; a great song from the little known Sandy Wilson musical ‘The Buccaneer’ called ‘Why did it have to be spring’; finally, a revue sketch with Fenella Fielding ‘If Only ..’.

Si King - half the Hairy Bikers

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:40:58 +0000

They are a duo, but half of the Hairy Bikers proved to be more than a handful: Si (mon) King and his biking mate Dave Myers are setting off on a nationwide theatre show tour including Cardiff. In one of my longest interviews for RG, we explore our common passions of bikes and food (and the consequences). The music includes a much truncated The Manic Street Preachers Motorcyle Emptiness, of course. You can hear all the music by downloading the double, programme podcast.
I do hope that not too many stitches were exploded on broadcast ..... he’s a gas.

James Dean Bradfield,  Manic Street Preachers

Fri, 4 Dec 2009 18:22:27 +0000

Formed in 1986 The Manic Street Preachers are still astonishing fans and the music industry with their output - much of which is these days crafted in Cardiff. Lead singer and guitar player James Dean Bradfield talks to Peter Cox for Radio Glamorgan. It starts with reflections on their latest contribution to the musical scene - a commission from Dame Shirley Bassey - includes gig essential, the 1996 hit “Design for Life” and a track from their latest album.

Suzanne Greenslade's Other Mother

Fri, 2 Oct 2009 18:07:22 +0100

Suzanne Greenslade is an American photographer living in Cardiff who has chronicled the life of her "Other Mother" Willie Mae Wade. The exhibition of photographs, artefacts and a memorial quilt is at the Bute Town History and Arts Centre running until the end of November 2009 as part of Black History Month.
Suzanne's chosen music includes Otis Reading.

Patrick Jones explores plays and poetry - and music

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:59:17 +0100

In the space of just over a year Patrick Jones has published three plays dealing with hard-to-face subjects and created a new CD of spoken word with musicians ranging from James Dean Bradfield and Nicky Wire of the Manics, Billy Bragg, Amy Wadge and Stacey Blythe. The interview includes two tracks from 'Tongues for a stammering time', as well asElvis Presley.
One of Wales' most challenging voices, he even hints that he'd like to write an opera: that we must see.

1st play of new OMA album during interview with music director Tim Rhys Evans

Fri, 4 Sep 2009 19:19:43 +0100

Winners of Last Choir Standing, Only Men Aloud are getting ready to release a new album and their music director of ten years, Tim Rhys Evans came into the studio to talk about their meteoric success and plans for the future. Includes music 'Bridge over troubled water', Don't rain on my parade'
and the new 'Total eclipse of the heart' with Bonnie Tyler see video from show.

Dr Maredudd ap Huw and the Welsh prisoners of Stalag IVB

Fri, 4 Sep 2009 14:14:28 +0100

70 years after the start of WW2 the National Library of Wales unveiled online copies of the 'Cymro' (Welshman) magazine, created by Welsh prisoners of war in the wooden huts of the notorious POW camp Stalag IVB in Germany during the Second World War. The prisoners were members of the ‘Cymric Club’ in the camp near Mühlberg, Germany. Maredudd ap Huw, who is the Manuscript Librarian at the Library, explains the find and its significance.
Music from Al Bowlly and the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra completes the atmosphere of the time.

Welshman links with American to take Wales to the USA

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:45:50 +0100

John Good, born in Wales and with a Masters in music under the tutelage of Alun Hoddinott, finds himself living in the dessert promoting Wales. With his musical partner in Oceans Apart he was last week at the Left Coast Eisteddfod with their celtic show. Here John talks about how he came to leave Wales - yet take it with him. Feature includes two tracks from Maiden Voyage.

The man behind the musical show that took off at the Wales Millennium Centre

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 19:14:53 +0100

Lee Gilbert couldn't find a showcase for his talents so he wrote one featuring the 70+ strong Dave Barry Big Band and showcased it at the Wales Millennium Centre. This segment includes the Band playing in "Sing, Sing, Sing" and Lee vocalising Come Fly with Me" and "What Kind of Fool am I?". Reviews here.

Blodeugerdd: an extended interview about the Smithsonian Folklife event and the record commission

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:35:21 +0100

Ceri Rhys Mathews is a Welsh folk musician who was commission by the Smithsonian Institute, Washington to produce a CD: “a musical moment in time, a ‘footprint in the sand’ of traditional music. ... a labour of love for the musicians .. delighted to share the melodies steeped in time and place”. In this interview he describes the impact the Folklife exhibition/performances made, and how the record came about. The CD is available from Amazon and download from iTunes: it is hoped that CD versions will be available in Wales soon.

At Night at The Cotton Club with Tony Jacobs

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:30:12 +0100

Tony Jacobs comperès and sings in a show that recreates the move, the music and the moves of New York's famous Cotton Club. The segment includes his all-time favourite record from Louis Armstrong 'Potato Head Blues' and a track by the show's band the Harry Strutters Hot Ryhthm Orchestra.

Director Simon West introduces the Gondoliers

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:31:44 +0100

Every year the Everyman Open Air Theatre Festival at St Fagans National History Museum puts on a musical. This year it's The Gondoliers directed by Simon West. Around the interview we hear the Overture and 'In Enterprise of Martial Kind' from a recording by the Pro Arte Orchestra conducted by Sir Malcolm Sargent - and the voice of Sir Geraint Evans.

Frank Hennessy and Gai Toms talk from Washington

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 16:39:41 +0100

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington saw a massive export of Welsh talent. Frank Hennessy and Gai Toms (and assorted police ducks!) talk from a public stage about the experience and the impact Wales made at the festival.

David Nixon artistic director Northern Ballet Theatre

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 12:13:12 +0100

Northern Ballet Theatre are regular visitors to Cardiff. David Nixon talks about their triple bill show - unusual for them -which features music inspired by Michael Feinstein, and Copeland's Appalachian Spring.

Celebrating Volunteer's Week: a focus on Cardiff Institute for the Blind

Tue, 2 Jun 2009 19:50:21 +0100

Hilary Ryley and Joan Williams are two of the volunteers who help out at the UHW's Eye Clinic every week. They talk about the Cardiff Institute for the Blind and the help they are able to give as volunteers. Music includes Gurrumul, Stevie Wonder and the Adamstown school children who are from the part of Cardiff where the Institute's main building is now.

Gareth Bonello interview: The Gentle Good and The Silver Spurs

Fri, 29 May 2009 13:28:37 +0100

Gareth Bonello, Cardiff born, is both The Gentle Good and part of the band The Silver Spurs. It's in the first of those roles that he heads of to Washington to take part in the Welsh invasion that will be the Smithsonian Institute's tribute to Wales (see previous). In this 25 minute segment we hear him sing in English and Welsh - Man Made of Moss and Dawel Disgyn, and in The Silver Spurs: Backwards Boy. The interview explores his musical influences and the way in which he deploys his music playing talents of banjo, cello, mandolins and glockenspiel. He'll be a great ambassador of contemporary Welsh music.

Smithsonian Institute, Washington to showcase Wales

Fri, 15 May 2009 19:37:24 +0100

For the past 43 years the renowned Smithsonian Institute in Washington has held a folklife festival: this year it will showcase Wales. More than a hundred participants (including The Hennesseys and folk choir Parti Cut Lloi who are featured here) will represent not just Welsh music, but culture, alternative technology, mining heritage and food. Peter Cox interviewed the Smithsonian curator Betty Belanus who has been responsible for putting together a picture of a country - the size of Massachusetts - that she says "is making a huge impact across the world".

Lawrence Marks talks about Dreamboats and Petticoats and writing partnerships

Fri, 8 May 2009 13:10:33 +0100

The Marks half of the inseparable writing partnership talks about writing, partnerships and sixties music. Marks and Gran wrote the book for the juke-box musical of 44 numbers "Dreamboats and Petticoats" on tour in Cardiff. He reveals that it all came about by accident and that there's a "Goodnight Sweetheart" musical already for the stage!

Lynne Plowman, composer, The Cabinet of Dr Caligari

Fri, 1 May 2009 13:37:48 +0100

Lynne Plowman is a composer based in Wales with compositions for opera, orchestral works, chamber music and solo pieces. She talks here to Peter Cox about her tour around Wales with the London Mozart Players who are accompanying showings of the classic silent horror movie "The Cabinet of Doctor Calligari" with her specially written score. The LMP pieces which are played in the interview are in the full show recording - see RG10 part 1.

Discovering Chirk Castle Part Books

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:54:17 +0100

Dr David Evans was instrumental in discovering the 'lost' Part Books of Chirk Castle containing music by Mundy, Tallis and Deane - amongst others. It has led to an already acclaimed release of the music on Hyperion records by the Brabant Ensemble.

Desire Lines - New York production for Ian Rowlands' play

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:38:07 +0100

Ian Rowlands is indisputably one Wales’s most interesting and exciting playwrights: David Adams 2007.
On 23rd April 2009 he talked to Peter Cox about the two-night staged readings being given at the Lark Theatre in New York as part of his Arts Council Wales sponsored residency.

Music for film and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales by John Hardy

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 19:27:02 +0100

In this extended interview from the Radio Glamorgan show 2til4 John Hardy discusses his musical career including the about to be released Blue Letters from Tanganyika. Peter also reminisces with John about his work with ground-breaking theatre group Brith Gof (Peter was a member of its board for some time).

World renowned soprano Rebecca Evans

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 23:35:23 +0100

Rebecca Evans is a soprana known in all the great opera houses. She has most recently starred in Marriage of Figaro and Hansel and Gretel. The excuse for asking her to be interviewed for the 2til4 Slot on Radio Glamorgan was her impending performance of Strauss' Four Last Songs at St David's Hall.
This interview does not contain any music. To hear the interview in context you need to download the two RG7 podcasts.

Julian Erskine, senior executive producer of Riverdance

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:52:59 +0000

In 1994, he joined the fledgling Riverdance team on a consultancy basis. A year later he was appointed Executive Producer and since then he has looked after all the Riverdance companies around the world. The amazing event that is Riverdance is in Cardiff on its final UK tour and Julian took part in Friday's 2till4 slot to tell the story.

Crossing USA to raise funds for the Noah's Ark Appeal

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 19:39:40 +0000

This was the featured - across the hour - interview on my Radio Glamorgan 2till4 slot this week. Richard Belcher is one of four cyclists - with a back up team of supporters and a film crew from S4C who are fund-raising for the Wales Childrens' Hospital. They’ve already banked £50,000 in sponsorship, and you can follow their efforts and exploits on their online blog, which can be read at: www.coast2coast-usa.org.
This is a low quality mp3 - if you want a broadcast quality version contact me.

Sue Pickin of Macmillan Cancer Support

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 16:14:33 +0000

March is cancer awareness month and Sue Pickin took part in the Radio Glamorgan 2till4 slot to tell Peter Cox about it. This is an edited version of the interview without the music breaks. Further information about Macmillan here.

Rhys Jenkins interview and recital songs from Radio Glamorgan

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:06:00 +0000

Rhys Jenkins is a young baritone singer currently studying the Cardiff University International Academy of Voice. A week ago he appeared, along with other Academy singers, in a Master Class given by Dr Jonathan Miller. He called into the RG studio to talk about himself and the masterclass. His two song pieces were recorded at the Academy in an earlier recital. This edit also contains Bryn Terfel and Cecilia Bartoli singing the two opera pieces that Rhys performed in the masterclass.

Demo of radio programme

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 12:18:52 +0000

This programme was produced as an example of my skills running a modern studio. All the music, interview and intro segments were recorded in real time without any technical assistance ie I ran the desk as well as presented. There are, of course, copyright restrictions on the music used.
The interview was with Gwenllian Lansdown, chief executive of Plaid Cymru and a Plaid Councillor in Cardiff.
Produced in Rod Lucas’ studio.

From the English incomer

Tue, 8 Aug 2006 18:49:06 +0100

Afternoon show with Nicola Haywood Thomas of BBC Wales - advocating bilingualism in all its shades - and referencing grandchildrens’ experiences. 23mins long so a large file

‘Expert’ commentary on rugby appointment

Thu, 27 Apr 2006 18:59:24 +0100

A studio piece for Good Morning Wales talking about the appointment of a new coach for the WRU ... again .... this time on the Richard Evans phone in (with Peter in studio).

One of the many anti Glamorgan Cricket Club appearances ...

Thu, 16 Feb 2006 18:39:09 +0000

Good Morning Wales - as the leader of the anti GCC campaign - Hit it For Six.

Another early Good Morning Wales

Fri, 30 Sep 2005 18:34:13 +0100

Another ‘expert’ contribution to Good Morning Wales where Peter discussed the idea of the Welsh Rugby Union having two Managing Director’s. He was right, the idea didn’t last long .... the edit is 4mins 5 secs

Peter D Cox guesting on Jamie Owen programme

Mon, 15 Aug 2005 12:28:37 +0100

This is an extended edit from the Jamie Owen programme on Radio Wales. I was the ‘expert’ on work life balance.

Good Morning Wales

Fri, 5 Aug 2005 18:27:38 +0100

An early morning contribution to Good Morning Wales talking about web logs with Peter Black AM when they were really something a bit strange - oh, and I’d been in the Guardian list of top blogs .... 4mins 41 secs