April 2021

Hello all – Richard back again! – Michele is still not very well i’m afraid – although she is improving.  Knowing Michele she will probably tell you all about it when she’s better.

News, like toilet roll 12 months ago, is in short supply at the moment. However, I’m currently in the process of a mammoth project for download/streaming. More details, when I’m allowed to say!

One new Matt Monro related project has come through recently and that is a new biography of Nelson Riddle by Geoffrey Littlefield called Music with a Heartbeat.

The book does feature the special Nelson Riddle and Matt did together for the BBC  in 1967. Sadly although the footage doesn’t exist, Michele bought the rights for the audio that was released on CD in 2007 called ‘Matt Sings, Nelson Swings. The remastered audio is fabulous especially the finale number Strike Up the Band with Nelson writing a special arrangement just for dad. This got a standing ovation, it was quite a night.

Here’s the synopsis sent to us by Geoffrey and Christopher Riddle

NELSON RIDDLE was possibly the greatest; one of the most successful arrangers in the history of American popular music He worked with global icons such as Peggy Lee, Judy Garland, Dean Martin, Matt Monro and many more. And in a time of segregation and  deep racial tensions in the US he collaborated with leading black artists such as Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald, forming close personal friendships with both. He also wrote successful TV themes and Oscar-winning film scores.

A complex and often forlorn genius he will forever be remembered for his immortal work with FRANK SINATRA, but like fine wines his later vintage was just as palatable, if somewhat of a surprise.

I’m continuing to add to the site when I have a little time – I’m currently working on the discography section – If any readers have any ideas about what they would like to see on the site, perhaps something that was on the old site  or something entirely new, please feel free to let me know.

We are continuing to put new material onto YouTube. The latest are three performances from the ATV series “Showtime” in 1968. This is the latest a fantastic performance of  I Have Dreamed.