TV Pop Diaries
Pop Music on British Television 1955 -
A series of live shows in front of a typically non-
Talking to Melody Maker in May 1970 show producer Stanley Dorfman talked about acquiring
the first two signings, Leonard Cohen and Tom Paxton, "Those are the first artists
I have signed for a series on composer -
The series debuted with Joni Mitchell playing songs from her forthcoming album Blue,
followed by John Sebastian, Elton John, Bobbie Gentry, Nash & Crosby, James Taylor,
Tony Joe White, Randy Newman, Mason Williams, Alan Price, Mac Davis, Tom Paxton and
Pentangle, and that was just the first few months. Talking to Melody Maker Dorfman
explained the difference between making shows in the UK and USA "It would be unthinkable
there to give such people their own half-
Dorfman went back to making Top Of The Pops at the beginning of 1971, but would continue with In Concert, and when series two started in April 1971 Neil Young treated us to songs from his album Harvest, yet to be released, continuing with Melanie, Labi Siffre, Gallagher and Lyle, Carole King with guest James Taylor, Laura Nyro, Cat Stevens, Lesley Duncan, Jimmy Webb, with Gilbert O'Sullivan rounding off the year.
When the series returned in 1972 it was with Harry Nilsson. Not used to playing concerts
he chose to make the show alone in the studio using multi-
It was noticeable that sometimes the artists brought along arrangers from the original recording sessions, with Elton John bringing along Paul Buckmaster, Gilbert O'Sullivan bringing Johnny Spence etc.
The series would continue until 1976, but by this time it veered more toward the middle of the road. The Old Grey Whistle Test presented a series of concerts of its own in 1976 which probably led to its cancellation.
Several of the shows have been released on DVD/CD.
IN CONCERT
BBC2
9th October 1970 -