Sparks on Radio 2 on 29th May

Monday 29th May 2006 1903 – 2000 BBC Radio 2 The Record Producers: Part 3: Tony Visconti Presented by Richard Allinson with record producer Steve Levine Listen live at [url=www.bbc.co.uk/radio2]click here for Radio 2 site[/url] The programme will then be available on the website’s ‘listen again’ facility for a full seven days after original broadcast In the latest programme in the series, Richard Allinson and Steve Levine look at the work of Tony Visconti – a man who doesn’t fit neatly into any one particular category of producer. He is also engineer, orchestral arranger and mixer. With nearly 40 years of work to draw on, the programme focuses on his recordings with David Bowie, Marc Bolan and Sparks, but also illustrates his work with The Move, Paul McCartney, Thin Lizzy and Morrissey. From an extensive interview recorded exclusively for the programme, Tony talks about recording with these artists, studio tricks used on key tracks, the inspiration for particular arrangements and anecdotes from his illustrious career. Tony, Ron & Russell talk about the arrangements for both ‘Indiscreet’ and ‘Plagiarism’. We hear the music that inspired the arrangement for ‘Looks Looks Looks’ and the ‘Plagiarism’ version of ‘This Town Ain’t Big Enough For Both Of Us’. Other songs featured include ‘Under The Table With Her’ and ‘Get In The Swing’ and, as part of Steve Levine’s illustration to the importance of backing vocals, Ron & Russell kindly provided isolated vocal tracks to ‘Dick Around’ to Steve for the programme.