This sounds well worth tuning in for, a new four-part radio series beginning on Sunday 10 January called Playing for a Living (BBC Radio Ulster, 6.30pm) concentrating on the behind-the-scenes skills and artistry of the local world of the session musician.
Extracted from the press release:
“In a new four-part series for BBC Radio Ulster, musician and broadcaster Linley Hamilton talks to Northern Irish session musicians about life on the road and in the studio. In the first programme on Sunday 10 January at 6.30pm, drummer John Wilson reflects on his prolific career playing with Them and Taste and his role as drum tutor to a new generation of musicians. Later in the series, Linley hears from multi-instrumentalist and producer Mudd Wallace [ed note: one of Mudd Wallace's last radio interviews. Sadly he died recently] who recorded with Andy White, Therapy and Pat McManus; he travels to Omagh to meet guitarist Arty McGlynn who has recorded with Van Morrison, De Danaan, Planxty and Enya and, finally, Belfast born musician Nick Scott reflects on his career as bass player with Van Morrison, Mary Black, Gilbert O’Sullivan and many more. Linley says: “Born and bred in Northern Ireland, they are the unsung heroes of music, and this is really just the tip of the iceberg such is the vastness of musical talent here.”