06 Apr In a Mellow Tone (IAMT)

IN A MELLOW TONE Hosted by Willie Dixon Jr.

Public Radio sometimes makes a place for rare programming jewels, for which there would otherwise not be a platform.  We think we’ve happened on such a jewel in Willie Dixon Jr., Host of “In a Mellow Tone”.

Brimming with personality and the joy of being alive, Mr. Dixon is 83 years young, and describes himself as a “distinguished man of color”.  His show is intimate, and personal.  And his music selections hearken back to some of the most soulful, most swinging music from back in the day.

impressed on our psyche at a young age.  It’s the music our parents were playing and partying to.  We’re talking about Count Basie, Sarah Vaughan, Frank Sinatra, Ben Webster, Nancy Wilson, Johnny Mathis, Alberta Hunter, Esther Phillips, Louis Armstrong — grown folks’ music.   And Willie Dixon Jr.has an ear for the very best selections, that have stood up over time — still evoking the same human emotions that they did a couple of generations ago.

But the music is just a part of the appeal of the show.  Mr. Dixon is himself, a delight.  He programs the music that brings him joy, and he’s very effective at translating that over the airwaves.   Sometimes it’s in the way he describes the music, or in the historical context he provides.  Occasionally he might let out an “oooooo-weeee!” at the end of a tune.  The show has the feel of sitting with a friend late at night, as they pull out and play their prized 45’s and LP’s — and spinning stories that correlate to the music.

And he always ends the show with heartfelt good wishes for mankind.  The authenticity is inescapable.  And so is the dignity.  (1 hour, Weekly).