The Music Show
ABC Australia
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The Music Show explores all kinds of music and features conversations with a wide range of musicians. Hosted by Andrew Ford, the show delves into the stories behind the music and the artists who create it.
Episodes
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Live from the ABC studios: Katie Noonan & Lisa Miller 30.10.2026 54mTo celebrate AusMusic Month, The Music Show brings you The Dot Strong Sessions. Named for the ABC's formidable tea lady (and the outdoor terrace that bears her name at ABC Ultimo in Sydney), we'll bring you sessions from great Australian artists throughout November. Katie Noonan was the first to set her keyboard out under the jasmine vines, performing tracks from her 30th studio album, Alone But All One. And live in the Melbourne music studio, Lisa Miller celebrates the 30th anniversary of Quiet Girl With A Credit Card, which spent decades out of print and is finally available once again. Katie Noonan is currently on tour - the full set of dates can be found here Lisa Miller is playing two shows in Victoria on the 6th and 8th of November. Music heard in this program: Title: This Isn't What I Signed Up For Artist: Katie Noonan Composer: Katie Noonan Album: Alone But All One Label: Independent release Title: Alone But All One (live) Artist: Katie Noonan Composer: Katie Noonan Performed live on The Dot Strong Terrace from the album Alone But All One Title: In Your Shoes (live) Artist: Katie Noonan Composer: Katie Noonan Performed live on The Dot Strong Terrace from the album Alone But All One Title: When The Heart Falls Apart (live) Artist: Katie Noonan Composer: Katie Noonan Performed live on The Dot Strong Terrace from the album Alone But All One Title: Guitar Boat (live) Artist: Lisa Miller Composer: Lisa Miller Performed live in The Music Show studio from the album Quiet Girl With A Credit Card Title: Big Small Town Artist: Lisa Miller Composer: Lisa Miller Performed live in The Music Show studio from the album Quiet Girl With A Credit Card Title: Merrily Kissed The Quaker Artist: Planxty Composer: Andy Irvine, Christy Moore, Donal Lunny, Liam O'Flynn Album: Planxty Label: Polydor The Music Show is made on Gadigal, Gundungurra, and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country Technical production by Isobella Tropiano, Brendan O'Neill, and Emrys Cronin -
Fanny Lumsden has changed her mind about traditions 30.10.2026 54mAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners are advised this program contains the names and voices of people who have died. Fanny Lumsden’s new album is a rollicking country record with her voice - both as a singer and songwriter - right at the centre of it. She’s brought her guitar and her bassist Dan Freeman into the studio to give us a live rendition of some tracks from the album. Assyrian-Australian vocalist Lillian Albazi and double bassist Oscar Neyland have come together to extend their original collaborations into a lush new record called Bright Phantoms, bringing together works by Colin Stetson, Nick Cave, ANOHNI, Björk and Adrianne Lenker. They perform live in The Music Show studio. Plus another opportunity to listen to the late Yorta Yorta singer Jimmy Little on The Music Show back in 1999, around the release of his seminal Australian songbook album Messenger. Music heard in the show: Title: (Are You) The One That I’ve Been Waiting For Artist: Jimmy Little Composer: Cave, Nick Album: Messenger Label: Festival Title: Traditions Artist: Fanny Lumsden Composer: Lumsden, Fanny Performed live in The Music Show studio from the album Traditions Title: Difficult Woman Artist: Fanny Lumsden Composer: Lumsden, Fanny Performed live in The Music Show studio from the album Traditions Title: Darker With the Day Artist: Lillian Albazi, Oscar Neyland, James Sherlock, Niran Dasika, Callum Mintzis Composer: Cave, Nick Performed live in The Music Show studio from the album Bright Phantoms Title: Who the Waves Are Roaring For Artist: Lillian Albazi, Oscar Neyland, James Sherlock, Niran Dasika, Callum Mintzis Composer: Stetson, Colin Performed live in The Music Show studio from the album Bright Phantoms Title: Down Below Artist: Jimmy Little Composer: Rumour, Dan ; Elliott, Jim; Perkins, Tex Album: Messenger Label: Festival Title: Into Temptation Artist: Jimmy Little Composer: Finn, Neil Album: Messenger Label: Festival The Music Show is made on Gadigal, Gundungurra and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country Technical production by Isabella Tropiano, Emrys Cronin, and Brendan O’Neill -
Creative collaborations: Elena Kats-Chernin & Tamara-Anna Cislowska and Colin Stetson & Brìghde Chaimbeul 23.10.2026 54mComposer and pianist Elena Kats-Chernin and pianist and ABC Classic presenter Tamara-Anna Cislowska share stories from a friendship and collaboration that's lasted decades, including how Tamara-Anna convinced Elena to perform with her, by sharing a single piano. Elena's concerto, Ancient Letters, was recorded by Tamara with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and that album is nominated for an ARIA Award. The collaboration between experimental saxophonist Colin Stetson and piper Brìghde Chaimbeul is comparatively recent, but looks set to continue for a long time. Colin talks to Andy about hearing Brighde's music for the first time and why he’s so interested in capturing the sort of sounds from his instrument that most sax players work very hard to remove from a recording. Join us at Fillmore’s in Kiama on Thursday 29th October for a conversation with Sandy Evans and Andrea Keller before their Resonance performance with Michelle Nicolle and Jenny Barnes. Elena and Tamara-Anna are performing in Maitland on Sunday Oct 25. Music heard in this program: Title: Dirt Dance Artist: Colin Stetson & Brìghde Chaimbeul Composer: Colin Stetson & Brìghde Chaimbeul Album: All the light in the world Label: Envision Records Title: Ancient Letters, i. Tiger Cub Artist: Tamara-Anna Cislowska & Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Composer: Elena Kats-Chernin Album: Elena Kats-Chernin: Ancient Letters Label: ABC Classics Title: All the light in the world Artist: Colin Stetson & Brìghde Chaimbeul Composer: Colin Stetson & Brìghde Chaimbeul Album: All the light in the world Label: Envision Records Title: Sorrow: II - Lento E Largo — Tranquillissimo Artist: Colin Stetson Composer: Henryk Górecki & Colin Stetson Album: Sorrow (A Reimagining Of Gorecki's 3rd Symphony) Label: 52Hz Title: Even though the frost is harsh Artist: Colin Stetson & Brìghde Chaimbeul Composer: Colin Stetson & Brìghde Chaimbeul Album: All the light in the world Label: Envision Records Title: Andrea’s Special Days Artist: Andrea Keller & Sandy Evans Composer: Sandy Evans Album: Resonance Label: Independent release The Music Show is made on Gadigal, Gundungurra, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Gumbaynggirr Country Technical production by Timothy Jenkins -
Loudon Wainwright III and k.d. lang 23.10.2026 54mLoudon Wainwright III is a songwriter who falls somewhere between Woody Guthrie and Tom Lehrer. As well as being a storyteller and comedian, he's the father of a brood of musical children including Rufus and Martha Wainwright. He's 80 now and planning his first Australian tour in over twenty years. And from The Music Show's archives, another chance to hear Andy's favourite of a few interviews with Canadian singer k.d. lang, who spoke to him about creating a great Canadian songbook with her album Hymns of the 49th Parallel. Join us at Fillmore’s in Kiama on Thursday 29th October for a conversation with Sandy Evans and Andrea Keller before their Resonance performance with Michelle Nicolle and Jenny Barnes. Music heard in the show: Title: Bird on a Wire Artist: k.d. lang Composer: Cohen, Leonard Album: Hymns of the 49th Parallel Label: Nonesuch Title: Lifetime Achievement, White Winos, I Remember Sex Artist: Loudon Wainwright III Composer: Wainwright, Loudon Album: Loudon Live in London Label: The Last Music Company Title: A Case of You Artist: k.d. lang Composer: Mitchell, Joni Album: Hymns of the 49th Parallel Label: Nonesuch Title: Helpless Artist: k.d. lang Composer: Young, Neil Album: Hymns of the 49th Parallel Label: Nonesuch Title: By the River Artist: Fanny Lumsden feat. Paul Kelly Composer: Lumsden, Edwina Margaret Album: Traditions Label: Red Dirt Road Records The Music Show is made on Gadigal, Gundungurra, Gumbaynggirr and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country Technical production by Isabella Tropiano and Timothy Jenkins -
The Avalanches and Patti Smith 16.10.2026 54mListening to the new album by The Avalanches is like being on the dancefloor and then getting hit in the head with a whole desktop computer. Electronic, nostalgic, sample-laden and manic, their latest record is called No Bad Memories. The band - Robbie Chater, Toni Di Blasi, and Andy Szekeres - join Andy to unpack the record. Patti Smith was Andy's guest on stage at the Melbourne International Festival's Spiegeltent back in 2008, where she performed live and talked about her relationship with poetry and opera. It's one of Andy's favourite interviews in his 32 years on the show. Plus a new version of a very old song from Lotte Betts-Dean and Joseph Havlat, and solo jazz piano inspired by the Blue Mountains from Matt McMahon. Music heard in the show: Title: Gloria Artist: Patti Smith Composer: Smith, Patti Album: Horses Label: Arista Title: Superfun TV Spot Artist: The Avalanches Composer: Chater, Robert; Di Blasi, Anthony; Szekeres, Andrew; Patton, Mike Album: No Bad Memories Label: Polydor Title: No Bad Memories Artist: The Avalanches Composer: Chater, Robert; Di Blasi, Anthony; Szekeres, Andrew; Spencer, Jim; Tossing, Ed Album: No Bad Memories Label: Polydor Title: Highfield Artist: The Avalanches Composer: Chater, Robert; Di Blasi, Anthony; Szekeres, Andrew; Lennox, Noah; Reilly, Vini Album: No Bad Memories Label: Polydor Title: My Lagan Love Artist: Lotte Betts-Dean, Joseph Havlat Composer: trad., arr. Havlat, Joseph Album: Kin Label: Delphian Title: Wing, Grateful Artist: Patti Smith Composer: Smith, Patti Recorded live at Melbourne International Festival, 2008 Title: Cascade Artist: Matt McMahon Composer: McMahon, Matt Album: Burra Korain Label: ABC Jazz The Music Show is made on Gadigal, Gundungurra and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country Technical production by Ann-Marie Debettencor -
Cezary Skubiszewski: a life's soundtrack 16.10.2026 54mThe musical voice behind Australian classics like Two Hands and Red Dog, Cezary Skubiszewski is being honoured at the 2026 Screen Music Awards for Distinguished Services to the Australian Screen. In an extended conversation with Andy, Cezary explores building tension in bank robberies, writing music based on the time signature of a pigeon’s coo, and bringing children to tears. Music heard in this program: Music from Two Hands, composed by Cezary Skubiszewski & Jan Skubiszewski - Love Theme, The Station, The Robbery, Fletcher's House Title: Love Theme Artist: Steven Hadley, Peter Jones, Barry Palmer, Shane O'Mara, Tony Hicks Composer: Cezary Skubiszewski & Jan Skubiszewski Album: Two Hands Soundtrack Label: Festival Records Title: The Station Artist: Steven Hadley, Peter Jones, Barry Palmer, Shane O'Mara, Tony Hicks Composer: Cezary Skubiszewski Album: Two Hands Original Score Label: C-ZEE Title: The Robbery Artist: Steven Hadley, Peter Jones, Barry Palmer, Shane O'Mara, Tony Hicks Composer: Cezary Skubiszewski Album: Two Hands Original Score Label: C-ZEE Title: On The Beach Composer: Cezary Skubiszewski Album: Lilian's Story - Music From The Motion Picture Label: Columbia Title: Betty Et Zorg Composer: Gabriel Yared Album: Betty Blue Soundtrack Label: Virgin Movie Music Title: The Godfather Waltz Composer: Nino Rota Album: The Godfather Soundtrack Label: Paramount Records Title: The Search Composer: Cezary Skubiszewski Album: Red Dog Label: Roadshow Music Title: High Country credits Composer: Cezary Skubiszewski & Jan Skubiszewski Title: Polymorphia Artist: Aukso Orchestra Composer: Krzysztof Penderecki Album: Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima Label: Nonesuch Title: What's Happening Out There? Artist: Eric Serra Composer: Eric Serra Album: Leon The Professional soundtrack Label: Waxwork Records Title: Fletcher's House Artist: Steven Hadley, Peter Jones, Barry Palmer, Shane O'Mara, Tony Hicks Composer: Cezary Skubiszewski Album: Two Hands Soundtrack Label: Festival Records Title: Bande Originale Du Film "Pickpocket" Composer: Jean-Baptiste Lully Album: Bande Originale Du Film La Verte Moisson / Bande Originale Du Film Pickpocket Label: Polydor Title: Machine Gun Lullaby Composer: Ennio Morricone Album: The Untouchables Soundtrack Label: A&M Records Title: The Music Box Artist: Cezary Skubiszewski Composer: Cezary Skubiszewski Album: The Sound of One Hand Clapping Soundtrack Label: EMI Title: Let There Be Light Artist: Polish National Symphony Orchestra Composer: Cezary Skubiszewski Album: Night Sountrack Label: Origin Title: Mosquito State Titles Composer: Cezary Skubiszewski The Music Show is made on Gadigal, Gundungurra, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Kaurna Country Technical production by Ann-Marie de Bettencor -
Cellist Freya Schack-Arnott, and two foley artists on the thin line between sound effects and music 10.10.2026 54mCellist and composer Freya Schack-Arnott divides her time between classical and experimental music, exploring all of the possibilities of her instrument. Her latest project, Nornir - which premieres at the Melbourne Fringe Festival - is something different again: a mixture of movement and composition that breaks down the very idea of the cello. The line between foley (cinematic sound effects) and percussion can be a blurry one, and The Music Show loves a blurry line. Andy talks to foley artist John Simpson, who has recently performed as the foley soloist in Thomas Meadowcroft's Hollywood Parsifals, a concerto for Percussion, Foley, and Orchestra; and Gabriel Fischer, a foley artist and percussionist who has taken his foley skills into his work with a piece for alfoil, snare drums and speakers called Makronomaly II. Nornir is at Melbourne Fringe 15-17 October. Listen to Hollywood Parsifals on ABC Classic’s Evening Concert program, Wednesday 14 October at 8pm. Music heard in the show: Title: Hollywood Parsifals Artist: Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Eugene Ughetti, John Simpson, Benjamin Northey Composer: Meadowcroft, Thomas Recorded for broadcast by ABC Classic Title: Cirkler Artist: Freya Schack-Arnott and Benjamin Ward Composer: Schack-Arnott, Freya; Ward, Benjamin Album: Mallee Label: Independent Title: Finnish March Artist: Runa Cara Composer: trad. Album: Runa Cara Label: Independent Title: Makronomaly II Artist: Gabriel Fischer Composer: Fischer, Gabriel Courtesy of Phoenix Central Park Title: Hollywood Parsifals Artist: Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Eugene Ughetti, John Simpson, Benjamin Northey Composer: Meadowcroft, Thomas Recorded for broadcast by ABC Classic The Music Show is made on Gadigal, Gundungurra, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Kaurna Country Technical production by Tom Henry and Simon Branthwaite -
Emma Ruth Rundle finds her people in These Killing Times 09.10.2026 54mEmma Ruth Rundle describes herself as a guitarist - an instrument she's taken from metal bands to ambient minimalism. But it's her voice that's been front and centre on recent albums, alongside her writing, which has recently extended to a book of poetry. Her latest album, These Killing Times, is a return to full-band mode after the stripped-back and confessional Engine of Hell, and it's a culmination of everything she's done thus far. Randy Newman’s songs are surprising, poignant, sardonic and frequently very funny, whether they are poking fun at various US administrations, bigots, or self-satisfied characters living above the Mason-Dixon line. He was in Australia in 2011 touring with three of the state orchestras and also found time to sit down at a piano in the Music Show studios. Music heard in this program: Title: Cowboy Artist: Randy Newman Composer: Randy Newman Album: Live Performance (originally on Randy Newman) Title: Powerless Artist: Emma Ruth Rundle Composer: Emma Ruth Rundle Album: These Killing Times Label: Errant Child Recordings Title: Blooms of Oblivion Artist: Emma Ruth Rundle Composer: Emma Ruth Rundle Album: Engine of Hell Label: Sargent House Title: Kite, Known As Hope Artist: Emma Ruth Rundle Composer: Emma Ruth Rundle Album: Music From The Bella Vista Label: Unnamed Press Title: Catherine Wheel Artist: Emma Ruth Rundle Composer: Emma Ruth Rundle Album: These Killing Times Label: Errant Child Recordings Title: Marie Artist: Randy Newman Composer: Randy Newman Album: Live Performance (originally on Good Old Boys) Title: Dixie Flyer Artist: Randy Newman Composer: Randy Newman Album: Live Performance (originally on Land of Dreams) The Music Show is made on Gadigal, Gundungurra, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Kaurna Country Technical production by Simon Branthwaite -
Sally Walker performs to an audience of one and Mixtape blends music and gameplay 02.10.2026 54mIn 2020, the only way of making concerts work was suddenly to have very small audiences, so the 1:1 series allowed Sally Walker to continue to perform and connect with listeners. Sally has kept the concerts going post-lockdown, and she tells Andy about the unusual places where she’s set up a stage, and why a concert for a single person has a unique power for both performer and audience. A coming of age story, featuring three teenagers on their last day together, the computer game Mixtape has been a critical success, and is nominated in 5 categories at the Australian Game Design Awards. Johnny Galvatron and Josh Abrahams, the game’s director and composer, join Sky Kirkham to explain why music was behind every decision they made about the game. Sally Walker will be premiering Last Flight To Mars, composed by Richard Tognetti, at the Port Fairy Spring Music Festival on Oct 10. Josh and Johnny are appearing at High Score, part of Melbourne International Games Week. Music heard in this program: Title: That's Good Artist: Devo Composer: Gerald V. Casale & Mark Mothersbaugh Album: Oh, No! It's Devo Label: Warner Bros. Records Title: Caoineadh Cú Chulainn Artist: Emily Granger & Sally Walker Composer: Bill Whelan, arranged by Sally Walker & Emily Granger Album: Caoineadh Cú Chulainn single Label: Independent release Title: The Memories of Poplar Trees Artist: Sally Walker and Helentherese Good Composer: Sally Greenaway Album: The Memories of Poplar Trees Label: Independent release Title: Galaxy in Turiya Artist: Alice Coltrane Composer: Alice Coltrane Album: World Galaxy Label: Impulse! Title: Freak Artist: Silverchair Composer: Daniel Johns Album: Freak Show Label: Murmur Title: Yesterday's Hero Artist: John Paul Young Composer: Vanda & Young Album: Hero Label: Albert Productions Title: State of the Heart Artist: Mondo Rock Composer: Eric McCusker Album: Mondo Rock Chemistry Label: Avenue Records The Music Show is made on Gadigal, Gundungurra, and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country Technical production by Simon Branthwaite -
What Pulp did for an encore 02.10.2026 54mAustralian mezzo soprano Jenny Duck-Chong, and soprano Nicole Thomson have developed a new resource for artists, teachers, and students: an online database called the Australian Art Song Resource. They join Andy to uncover some great and little known Australian art song, and perform live in studio. And director Garth Jennings on What Do You Do For An Encore?, his documentary covering britpop band Pulp's history as well as their recent reconvening, new record, and world tour. The documentary is streaming on MUBI. Plus the recently unearthed collaboration between Tim Finn and the late Chrissy Amphlett, which is the subject of Australian Story this week. Episode one is already available on ABC iView, with episode two airing Monday 5 October. Music heard in the show: Title: Common People Artist: Pulp Composer: Cocker, Jarvis; Senior, Russell; Mackey, Steve; Banks, Nick; Doyle, Candida Album: Different Class Label: Island Records Title: Bonny at Morn Artist: Jenny Duck-Chong, Daniel Herscovitch Composer: Banks, Don Album: Don Banks Vocal and Chamber Music Label: Toccata Records Title: Three May Keep a Secret if Two of them are Dead Artist: Jenny Duck-Chong, Ruth McCall Composer: Holland, Dulcie Performed live in The Music Show studio Title: Ode to Technology Artist: Nicole Thomson, Ruth McCall Composer: Wesley Smith, Martin Performed live in The Music Show studio Title: He’s In Love Artist: Chrissy Amphlett, Tim Finn Composer: Amphlett, Chrissy; Finn, Tim Album: Some Times Label: Origin Title: Disco 2000, Babies Artist: Pulp Composer: Cocker, Jarvis; Senior, Russell; Mackey, Steve; Banks, Nick; Doyle, Candida; Webber, Mark Album: Live! Label: Rough Trade Title: Sensitive Spot Artist: Grand Band Composer: Moore, Kate Album: Grand Band Live Label: Cantaloupe The Music Show is made on Gadigal, Gundungurra, and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country Technical production by Simon Branthwaite and Emrys Cronin -
John Coltrane 25.09.2026 54mIn celebration of John Coltrane's centenary this week, we trace the style and influence of one of jazz's greatest musicians, composers, and collaborators. We’ll hear a wide range of voices from the Music Show archive: jazz legends like McCoy Tyner, Wayne Shorter, and Gary Bartz, who played with him; artists like Branford Marsalis, Kurt Elling, Dave Liebman, Phil Slater, Andy Sugg and Lakecia Benjamin who were inspired by him; and John Scheinfeld, director of the documentary Chasing Trane. Music heard in the show: Title: A Love Supreme: Acknowledgement Artist: John Coltrane Composer: Coltrane, John Album: A Love Supreme Label: Impulse! Title: My Favourite Things Artist: John Coltrane Composer: Hammerstein, Oscar; Rodgers, Richard Album: My Favourite Things Label: Atlantic Title: Mr. Knight Artist: John Coltrane Composer: Coltrane, John Album: Coltrane Plays the Blues Label: Atlantic Title: Alabama Artist: John Coltrane Composer: Coltrane, John Album: Live at Birdland Label: Impulse! Title: A Love Supreme: Psalm Artist: John Coltrane Composer: Coltrane, John Album: A Love Supreme Label: Impulse! Title: Bye Bye Blackbird Artist: Miles Davis Composer: Dixon, Mort; Henderson, Ray Album: ‘Round About Midnight Label: Columbia Title: Greensleeves (Alternate take) Artist: John Coltrane Composer: trad. Album: Africa/Brass Sessions Vol. 2 Label: Impulse! Title: My One and Only Love Artist: John Coltrane, Johnny Hartman Composer: Wood, Guy; Mellin, Robert Album: John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman Label: Impulse! Title: Naima Artist: John Coltrane Composer: Coltrane, John Album: Live at the Village Vanguard Again! Label: Impulse! Title: Serenity Artist: John Coltrane Composer: Coltrane, John Album: Meditations Label: Impulse Title: Ogunde Artist: John Coltrane Composer: Coltrane, John Album: The Olatunji Concert: The Last Live Recording Label: Impulse! The Music Show is made on Gadigal, Gundungurra, and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country Country Technical production by Tegan Nicholls -
Takuya Nakamura's jazz-jungle fusion & a new book of letters between composer Larry Sitsky and Gwen Harwood 25.09.2026 54mSome might think that jazz and electronic music don't have much in common, but Japanese DJ and trumpeter Takuya Nakamura has proven all that wrong. Growing up in 1980s Tokyo, he moved to the United States in 1990 to study under the legendary jazz composer George Russell, and went on to bring this expertise to the New York jungle electronic scene. He now performs live DJ sets of jungle, trip hop, dub, and all sorts of experimental electronic music with trumpet in hand. Larry Sitsky may be one of Australia's most important living composers, and he's certainly the most commissioned. One of his most important creative relationships over his long career was with poet Gwen Harwood, who wrote many of the libretti for his operas. A new book filled with the substantial thirty-year correspondence between the two has just been released. Ann-Marie Priest is a longtime scholar of Gwen Harwood's work, and is the editor of the book, Fiery Tales: The Correspondence of Gwen Harwood and Larry Sitsky Takuya Nakamura is performing as part of Move My Way festival, on October 3 in Eora Sydney, and October 4 in Naarm Melbourne. His forthcoming album -- Shape The Future is out November 12. Fiery Tales: The Correspondence of Gwen Harwood and Larry Sitsky is out now via Monash University Publishing. Music heard in this program: Title: Jungle Jungle Artist: Takuya Nakamura Composer: Takuya Nakamura Album: Mysteries of the Cosmos Title: The Banks of the Moldau, Act1 Sc3 Artist: Raymond Myers (Rabbi Judah Loew), The Australian Opera Chorus, Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra, Christopher Lyndon Gee (cond.), Barrie Kosky (dir.) Composer: Larry Sitsky, Gwen Harwood (libretto) Album: The Golem Label: ABC Classics Title: Epilogue Artist: Gerald English (tenor) as Lenz, Isabel Veale (soprano), Lyall Beven (baritone), James Christiansen (baritone), Marilyn Richardson (soprano), The Corinthian Singers, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra Composer: Larry Sitsky, Gwen Harwood (libretto) Album: Lenz Label: ABC Classics Title: Broken Jazz feat. Tim Reaper Artist: Takuya Nakamura Composer: Takuya Nakamura Album: Shape the Future Title: Giant Steps Artist: John Coltrane (tenor sax), Tommy Flanagan (piano), Wynton Kelly (piano), Art Taylor (drums), Paul CHambers (bass), Jimmy Cobb (drums) Composer: John Coltrane Album: Giant Steps Label: Atlantic 1311 The Music Show is made on Gadigal, Gundungurra, and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country Technical production by Tegan Nicholls -
Four hundred years of family singing: Bob Copper 18.09.2026 54mFor hundreds of years, the Copper family have sung for their own pleasure, and for the pleasure of the people of Rottingdean, the East Sussex village where the family have been living since at least the 1500s. Singing together in pubs and houses, the BBC first recorded them in 1951, and they've gone on to become stars, particularly in the United States, where they toured extensively. Andy went to East Sussex to sit down with Bob Copper, the paterfamilias of the family, in 2003 when Copper was 88 years old. In 32 years of presenting The Music Show, this might be his favourite ever conversation. Enjoy listening to this wide-ranging and philosophical conversation about an unbroken line of family singers and the music of the English chalk coast. Music heard in the program: Title: The Claudy Banks; Come Write me down, Ye Powers of love Artist: The Copper Family (Bob & Jim) Composer: Trad. Album: Come Write Me Down: The Copper Family of Rottingdean Label: Topic In the interview, Bob sings parts of The Birds in the Spring, and The Threshing Song, both trads. Title: My Favourite Things Artist: John Coltrane Composers: Rodgers, Richard; Hammerstein, Oscar Album: CMy Favourite Things Label: Atlantic This program was originally produced by Penny Lomax and Maureen Cooney. Ce Benedict did a tiny bit of work on this version. Technical production by Harvey O’Sullivan -
Bryce Dessner's Trembling Earth & Bob Scott's enormous radio 18.09.2026 54mDrawing references to Kerouac, Munch, and Hildegard of Bingen, Bryce Dessner's music builds on a rich tradition of art that extends far beyond music. The classical composer (and guitarist for The National) is presenting the Australian premiere of his cello concerto, Trembling Earth, with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and talks to Andy about his influences, NY's music scene, and his new opera. In a new sound installation called The Enormous Radio, Bob Scott and Roslyn Oades are tuning a huge room of old radios in to the sounds of the natural world. Frogs, dingoes, flies, and goats take on a ghostly tone, as field recordings are reshaped into something almost unrecognisable. The Sydney Symphony Orchestra performance of Trembling Earth is on the 19th and 20th of September. And Bryce Dessner: A Portrait in Music is heading to Sydney and Melbourne. The Enormous Radio is on as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival from Sept 30. Music heard in this program: Title: Pond Life Artist: Bob Scott & Roslyn Oades Composer: Bob Scott & Roslyn Oades Album: Sound installation Title: St. Carolyn By The Sea Artist: Bryce Dessner, Aaron Dessner, Copenhagen Philharmonic Orchestra Composer: Bryce Dessner Album: St. Carolyn By The Sea Label: Deutsche Grammophon Title: Song for Ainola Artist: Anastasia Kobekina Composer: Bryce Dessner Album: Bryce Dessner - Solos Label: Sony Title: Garcia Counterpoint Artist: Bryce Dessner Composer: Bryce Dessner Album: Day Of The Dead Label: 4AD Title: Dingoes Artist: Bob Scott & Roslyn Oades Composer: Bob Scott & Roslyn Oades Album: Sound installation Title: Jane Sheldon Artist: flowermuscle Composer: Jane Sheldon & Bob Scott Album: flowermuscle Label: Independent release The Music Show is made on Gadigal, Gundungurra, and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country Country Technical production by Harvey O'Sullivan -
Benjamin Clementine isn't a jazz musician 12.09.2026 54mTo mark Andy’s departure from the show at the end of this year, we’re bringing you some of his favourite conversations from 32 years on air. This week, we’ll hear the American pianist, composer and teacher Seymour Bernstein in a conversation from 2015. Bernstein died earlier this year, just before his 100th birthday, and in that long life he passed on a huge amount of wisdom about music, from how to play Beethoven to helping Ethan Hawke overcome stage fright. Benjamin Clementine, who is an amazing musician, says he’s not an amazing musician. He’s a British Ghanaian singer, pianist, songwriter, and creative sponge: one of those artists who soaks up so many influences it leads to a totally unique sound which defies categorisation. He’s about to tour Australia and he tells Andy how his songs start as poems, his influences, and his sanguine attitude towards categorisation. Benjamin Clementine tour dates: Adelaide 15 October Melbourne International Jazz Festival 20 October Sydney 21 October Perth 24 October Music heard in the show: Title: Nemesis Artist: Benjamin Clementine Composer: Clementine, Benjamin Album: At Least For Now Label: Virgin EMI Title: Gottes zeit is Die Allerbeste Zeit, BMV 106: Prelude [Actus Tragicus] Artist: Seymour Bernstein Composer: Bach, Johann Sebastian Album: Seymour: An Introduction (Soundtrack) Label: Varese Sarabande Title: Intermezzo in A major, Op.118 No.2: excerpt Artist: Seymour Bernstein Composer: Brahms, Johannes Album: Seymour: An Introduction (Soundtrack) Label: Varese Sarabande Title: Gethuk Artist: The Jawa Pitu Band Composer: The Jawa Pitu Band Album: Kapindho Label: Independent Title: Pizza Mind Artist: Benjamin Clementine Composer: Clementine, Benjamin Album: Single Label: Preserve Artists Title: Cornerstone Artist: Benjamin Clementine Composer: Clementine, Benjamin Album: At Least For Now Label: Virgin EMI Title: Pizza Mind Artist: Benjamin Clementine Composer: Clementine, Benjamin Album: Single Label: Preserve Artists Title: You’re the Voice Artist: John Farnham Composer: Thompson, Chris; Ryder, Maggie; Qunta, Andy; Reid, Keith Album: Whispering Jack Label: Wheatley The Music Show is produced on Gadigal, Gundungurra, and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country Technical production by Antonia Gauci -
John Farnham: The voice behind The Voice 11.09.2026 54mYou’re The Voice remains a favourite for generations of Australians and the album it's on, Whispering Jack, has sold more than 1.5 million copies. But John Farnham was 37 by the time he recorded that album and the music industry wasn’t all that interested in a new direction from a 60s pop star - until word of mouth began spreading that this was something special. In some ways it’s that background that makes the result so remarkable. Andrew Ford charts the story behind Farnham's biggest hit and explores why Farnham's voice has earned him such admiration. Featuring interviews with David Hirschfelder, Gaynor Wheatley, Michael Paynter, and Poppy Stockell. The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend, The Celebration Concert is on September 20. The Sydney Theatre Company’s musical, Whispering Jack, begins on November 15. Music heard in this program: Title: Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head Artist: John Farnham Composer: Burt Bacharach & Hal David Album: Looking Through A Tear Label: Columbia Title: Sadie The Cleaning Lady Artist: John Farnham Composer: David White, John Madara, Ray Gilmore Album: Sadie Label: Columbia Title: Playing To Win Artist: Little River Band Composer: John Farnham, Graham Goble Album: Playing To Win Label: Capitol Records Title: The Temple Artist: John Farnham Composer: Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim Rice Album: Jesus Christ Superstar - 1992 Australian Cast Label: Polydor Title: Age of Reason Artist: John Farnham Composer: Johanna Pigott, Todd Hunter Album: Age of Reason Label: Wheatley Records Title: That's Freedom Artist: John Farnham Composer: Jean Anne Chapman, Tom Kimmel Album: Chain Reaction Label: Wheatley Records Title: You're The Voice Artist: John Farnham Composer: Andy Qunta, Chris Thompson, Keith Reid, Maggie Ryder Album: Whispering Jack Label: Wheatley Records Title: Blind Eyes Artist: Little River Band Composer: John Farnham, David Hirschfelder, Ray Chapman Album: Playing To Win Label: Capitol Records Title: It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'N' Roll) Artist: John Farnham Composer: Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Bon Scott Album: Age of Reason Label: Wheatley Records Title: Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say) Artist: John Farnham Composer: Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim Rice Album: Jesus Christ Superstar - 1992 Australian Cast Label: Polydor Title: Pressure Down Artist: John Farnham Composer: Harry Bogdanovs Album: Whispering Jack Label: Wheatley Records The Music Show is made on Gadigal, Gundungurra, and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country Country Technical production by Antonia Gauci
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Robert Forster's Swedish Strawberries and the Red Spirit Singers let their voices ring out 04.09.2026 54mRecorded (largely) as-live in Sweden, with a group of that country's indie luminaries, Robert Forster's latest album Strawberries shows the singer-songwriter in a playful mood and embracing the role of storyteller. Speaking to Andy for the first time in quite some time, Forster explains why he made the trip and why he refused to tour the album until he could bring the band over to play it with him. With up to thirteen singers and ten drummers, all clustered around a giant communal drum, the Red Spirit Singers produce a huge sound. The group, composed of members of the Ute Nation in Utah, have been performing their music for almost 40 years, with multiple generations involved over that time. Founder AJ Kanip talks about that history and about the importance of the songs, old and new. Music heard in this program: Title: Bear Dance Artist: Red Spirit Singers Composer: Red Spirit Singers Album: Land of the Sun Label: Independent release Title: Strawberries Artist: Robert Forster Composer: Robert Forster Album: Strawberries Label: Tapete Records Title: Diamonds Artist: Robert Forster Composer: Robert Forster Album: Strawberries Label: Tapete Records Title: All Of The Time Artist: Robert Forster Composer: Robert Forster Album: Strawberries Label: Tapete Records Title: Veteran's Song Artist: Red Spirit Singers Composer: Red Spirit Singers Album: Land of the Sun Label: Independent release Title: Meet Me At The Ute Petroleum Artist: Red Spirit Singers Composer: Red Spirit Singers Album: Land of the Sun Label: Independent release Title: You're The Voice Artist: John Farnham Composer: Andy Qunta, Chris Thompson, Keith Reid, Maggie Ryder Album: Whispering Jack Label: Wheatley Records The Music Show is made on Gadigal, Gundungurra, and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country Country Technical production by Tegan Nicholls -
Camp Cope's Kelly-Dawn Hellmrich on the artists rewriting the rules of the Australian music scene 04.09.2026 54mKelly-Dawn Hellmrich, or 'Kelso', of the great all-woman Australian rock band Camp Cope, is also a phenomenal writer. Her new book It's Not For You is part memoir, part feminist journalist project, in which she traces her own musical beginnings alongside conversations with a cross section of women and gender diverse musicians. She joins Andy to talk about the book. Noongar composer, violist, conductor and programmer Aaron Wyatt returns to the show to talk about Decolonising the Bells, a collaborative project with Speak Percussion that looks at the Federation Hand Bells and their complex history. Plus new music from The Buoys from their upcoming album Concrete Cowboy. Decolonising The Bells is at Monash University's Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts on Saturday 5 September. Music heard in the show: Title: The Opener Artist: Camp Cope Composer: Maq, Georgia Album: How To Socialise and Make Friends Label: Poison City Records Title: Perfect Now Artist: Sarah Blasko Composer: Blasko, Sarah; Cranny, Roger F Album: The Overture and the Underscore Label: Dew Process Title: Soon Artist: Angie McMahon Composer: McMahon, Angie Album: Salt Label: Dualtone Records Title: Alone in Vegas Artist: The Buoys Composer: Catterall, Zoe; Geddes, Hilary; Cunningham, Courtney; Wilkin, Tessa; Matthews, Fletcher Album: Concrete Cowboy Label: Sony Music Title: Decolonising the Bells Artist: Aaron Wyatt, Speak Percussion Composer: Aaron Wyatt, Eugene Ughetti Courtesy of the composers and Speak Percussion Title: Under the Canopy Artist: Melbourne Chamber Orchestra Composer: Aaron Wyatt Courtesy of ABC Classic Title: Tell It Back To Me Artist: Robert Forster Composer: Forster, Robert Album: Strawberries Label: Tapete Records The Music Show is made on Gadigal, Gundungurra and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country Technical production by Tegan Nicholls -
Belinda Webster and Tall Poppies Records: a life's work 30.08.2026 43mBelinda Webster, the producer, engineer and singular force behind Australia's art music label Tall Poppies died this month at the age of 74. Across 278 releases, Webster recorded and released music by many of Australia's best classical and jazz musicians, often playing Australian music. In 2006, Andy visited Belinda at her home in Kangaroo Valley for a wide-ranging conversation about her passion and approach to music. Music heard in this program: Title: Come, My Love Artist: Ian Munro & Jane Edwards Composer: Katherine Parker Album: CD Sampler Label: Tall Poppies Records Title: The Tryst Artist: David Stanhope Composer: Jean Sibelius (arranged by David Stanhope) Album: David Stanhope – A Virtuoso Recital Label: Tall Poppies Title: Heritage Overture Artist: Sydney Symphony Orchestra, David Piper Composer: Sandra France Album: Sandra France – Fluctuating States Of Calm Label: Tall Poppies
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A concerto for accordion and orchestra & the Persian tar gets Comfortable with jazz 28.08.2026 54mWith a recent concerto for amplified accordion and orchestra and another for more than 60 recorders Holly Harrison clearly loves a challenge. She shares why she enjoys writing for new instruments, and how she composed a work that will be performed by everyone from virtuosos to second-grade students. Hamed Sadeghi has released two albums this year, each of which fuses his instrument, the Persian tar, with different Western traditions. The latest, Comfortable, features some of Sydney's best jazz musicians, and Hamed talks to Andy about collaboration, improvisation, and poetry. InsideOut, composed by Holly Harrison, will be featured in upcoming concerts by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, and Western Australian Symphony Orchestra, all featuring James Crabb. The world premiere of Harrison's Frog Hollow will be performed at the Sydney Opera House on September 23, as part of the Festival of Instrumental Music. Hamed Sadeghi will be performing Comfortable at the City Recital Hall in Sydney on September 5. Music heard in this program: Title: Slack Rope Artist: Hamed Sadeghi Composer: Hamed Sadeghi Album: Comfortable Label: Independent release Title: bend/boogie/break Artist: Offspring Ensemble Composer: Holly Harrison Album: Offspring Bites 3: En Masse Label: Independent release Title: Balderdash for String Quartet Artist: Goldmund Quartet Composer: Holly Harrison Album: Live Recording Title: Los Ojos Del Condor Artist: Hermanos Gutiérrez Composer: Hermanos Gutiérrez Album: Los Ojos Del Condor Label: Easy Eye Sound Title: Inheritance Artist: Hamed Sadeghi Composer: Hamed Sadeghi Album: Comfortable Label: Independent release Title: Before the Storm Artist: Hamed Sadeghi Composer: Hamed Sadeghi Album: Comfortable Label: Independent release Title: Strawberries Artist: Robert Forster Composer: Robert Forster Album: Strawberries Label: Tapete Records The Music Show is made on Gadigal, Gundungurra, and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country Country Technical production by Antonia Gauci
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