Around The Piano with Tom Odell

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In this four-part series singer and pianist Tom Odell celebrates the role of the piano in

In this four-part series singer and pianist Tom Odell celebrates the role of the piano in shaping pop music over the last 60 years.

Around The Piano with Tom Odell: The 1970s

The 1960s

The 1970s

BBC Radio 2 - Around The Piano with Tom Odell, The 1970s

Around The Piano With Tom Odell; a personal exploration of the piano during the 1970s.

Around The Piano With Tom Odell; a personal exploration of the piano during the 1970s featuring interviews with Elton John, Billy Joel, Rick Wakeman, Tori Amos and Andy Burrows.

Around The Piano With Tom Odell; a deeply personal exploration of the piano during the 1970s featuring interviews with Elton John, Billy Joel, Rick Wakeman, Tori Amos and Andy Burrows.

In episode 2, Tom focuses on the 70s and discusses the role the piano played in the boom of the singer songwriter era – questioning why such a large majority of songwriters played the piano. There are some obvious reasons that remain true, one of them is the fact that it’s one of the few instruments where the melody can be played simultaneously with the harmony.  

Since becoming a successful musician, Tom has supported many of his heroes from this era and has watched them play their songs up close. He’ll hear stories from the likes of Billy Joel, who speaks about ‘Piano Man’ which is a nod to the classical waltzes of ages before, and Rick Wakeman who reminisces about playing piano with David Bowie on ‘Life on Mars’. 

Tom also explores the wonderful dramatic piano playing of Roy Bittan alongside Stevie Wonder and discusses the lyrical importance of Joni Mitchell and Kate Bush. 

Centered on Tom’s passion for the piano we hear his personal anecdotes of dedication, celebration and affection of the timeless instrument. The result is a rich, personal narrative series fronted by one of the UK’s leading young artists.

Amazing music. Played by an amazing line up.

Radio 2: Amazing music. Played by an amazing line-up. The home of great music, entertainment and documentaries

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