2009 collection of tracks heard on the British DJ's popular radio show. Gillett remains one of the UK's most influential proponents of World Music. This CD includes 25 favorites from the show, both oldies and then-contemporary tracks. The compilation and in-depth sleeve notes are by Charlie himself. Includes a wide variety of styles, from the Wild Tchoupitoulas to Mac Gayden, and a Dire Straits demo, which gets it's first ever release on this CD. Ace Records.
Product Description
Highly respected DJ and broadcaster Charlie Gillett presented Honky Tonk, described by Time Out as 'possibly the most engaging show on the radio', on BBC Radio London from March 1972 until the end of 1978.
During this time his support and broadcasting of demos by then-unknowns was most famously responsible for the career breaks of bands like Dire Straits. 'But when they asked if I'd like to manage them, I said 'no thanks'.
This CD includes 25 favourites from the show, both oldies and then-contemporary tracks. The compilation and in-depth sleeve-notes are by Charlie himself.
Includes a wide variety of styles, from the Wild Tchoupitoulas to Mac Gayden, and the Dire Straits demo, which gets its first ever CD release here.
Given the breadth of Chalie Gillett's musical experience and knowledge I would have expected this to be a worthy collection and it certainly delivers, in spades. Cracking range of sounds, from cheesy country ('Honky Tonkin'), through R&B gems ('Mary Lou') to Jesse Winchester's acoustic classic 'How Far To The Horizon'. All the tracks are pretty much must-haves, every single one......... apart from one. Dire Straits original 'Sultan's of Swing'. Gillett must really have loved that band 'cause that track is distressingly dull and insipid. Anyway, the wondrous original version of 'The Way I Walk' by Jack Scott more than makes up for that lone dud.
There isn't a duff track on here, although everyone will have their own favourite. Mine is 'Honky Tonk Pt 2' by Bill Doggett (I defy anyone to sit still while listening to it), but really the whole thing is a delight.