Episode Playlist
Episode 696 - Guy Lombardo( 0:26:31)
Episode Information
Ray presents a selection from Guy Lombardo and his Orchestra, featuring tunes like "Sweethearts on Parade", "Seems Like Old Times", and "Wolverine Blues" as well as a history of Guy and his band's career.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.
Published: 9/07/2026 2:00:00 p.m.
Episode 695 - Variety( 0:28:2)
Episode Information
A variety show featuring tunes from Billie Holiday, Al Bowlly, the Goodman Quintet, Mary Martin, Jon Roach, Gilbert O'Sullivan, and Chick Webb!
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.
Published: 2/07/2026 2:00:00 p.m.
Episode 694 - A Mxture of Melodies( 0:27:19)
Episode Information
Ray Woodley (and a special guest) present a nostalgic mix of classic tunes from across the decades, including vocal hits and instrumental pieces by artists such as Bobby V, Don Gibson, Freddie Gardner, and the Don Burrows Orchestra. The episode also features a tribute to a late local musician, blending personal reflections with a varied selection of melodies.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 25/06/2026 2:00:00 p.m.
Episode 693 - One Word Names( 0:27:38)
Episode Information
Ray Woodley presents a themed selection of classic tunes with one-word titles, featuring artists including Nat King Cole, Johnny Mathis, Artie Shaw, Eve Lombard, the Dinning Sisters, Bing Crosby, and Teddy Wilson. Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 11/06/2026 2:00:00 p.m.
Episode 692 - Peter Nation and the Harmony Cats( 0:28:6)
Episode Information
Ray Woodley, revisits a 2002 interview with Peter Nation of the harmonica group The Rhythmics, exploring the band’s origins, performances, and unique recording history, alongside a selection of classic tracks and reflections on local musical heritage.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 4/06/2026 2:00:00 p.m.
Episode 691 - Trad Bands( 0:30:54)
Episode Information
In this episode of Musical Confection, host Ray Woodley presents a special programme dedicated to traditional jazz and dixieland bands. Featuring recordings from influential groups across the United States, Australia, and the UK, the show highlights the post–World War II revival of trad jazz, with performances by artists such as Bob Scobie’s Frisco Jazz Band, Turk Murphy, Kenny Ball, and others. With a mix of classic recordings and personal reflections, Ray celebrates the enduring sound and global reach of traditional jazz music.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 28/05/2026 2:00:00 p.m.
Episode 690 - A variety show( 0:28:18)
Episode Information
Ray features a mix of vintage and jazz standards, including tracks by the Andre Costellanis Orchestra, Rod Stewart, George Shearing and Ernestine Anderson, the Larry Clinton Orchestra with Helen Southern, Ralph Sutton, Helen Ward, Harry Roy, and Mel Tormé with George Shearing.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.
Published: 21/05/2026 2:00:00 p.m.
Episode 689 - Frank Sinatra( 0:26:5)
Episode Information
In this episode of Musical Confection, host Ray Woodley presents a special programme dedicated entirely to the music of Frank Sinatra. Featuring classic tracks such as “Fly Me to the Moon,” “Blue Skies,” “You Do Something to Me,” and “High Hopes,” the show highlights Sinatra’s distinctive voice and enduring legacy. Along the way, Ray shares brief insights into Sinatra’s life and collaborations, celebrating one of the most iconic performers in popular music.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 14/05/2026 2:00:00 p.m.
Episode 688 - Tunes from before 1930( 0:27:10)
Episode Information
On this week’s Musical Confection, Ray Woodley presents a special set of tunes published on or before 1930, featuring early classics like “Sidewalks of New York” (1927), “Japanese Sandman” (1921), “She’s Such a Comfort to Me” (1923), “The Charleston” (1925), “Dardanella” (1926) and “Manhattan Serenade” (1928)—a nostalgic journey through the sounds of the 1920s and beyond. Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 7/05/2026 2:00:00 p.m.
Episode 687 - Variety Programme( 0:27:41)
Episode Information
On this week’s Musical Confection, Ray Woodley shares a relaxed variety (half-)hour of vintage favourites—from big band and dancehall classics to nostalgic pop—featuring artists including the Joe Loss Orchestra, Guy Lombardo, the Harry Leader Orchestra, Analia, Frances Langford, Turner Layton, and Mary Lee, before signing off until next week. Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 30/04/2026 2:00:00 p.m.
Musical Confection Episode 686 - 1 Tunes 2 Artists( 0:28:55)
Episode Information
In this episode of Musical Confection, Ray Woodley explores how the same song can take on new character through different interpretations. Featuring paired performances of classic tunes such as “You’re a Sweetheart,” “You Turned the Tables on Me,” “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,” and “Fascination,” the programme compares vocal and instrumental versions by artists including Greta Keller, Benny Goodman Sextet, Teresa Brewer, Suzanne Tomes, Jane Morgan, and Kenny Ball. A relaxed, LP‑sourced selection highlighting contrast, style, and timeless melody.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 23/04/2026 2:00:00 p.m.
Episode 685 - Variety( 0:28:6)
Episode Information
In this episode of Musical Confection, Ray Woodley presents a relaxed variety programme spanning jazz, swing, novelty songs, and big band favourites. The selection includes performances by Stephanie Trick, the Andrew London Trio, the Josephine Bradley Orchestra, Perry Como, Bob Crosby and his Orchestra, Ernestine Anderson with George Shearing, Dick Powell, and the Dorsey Brothers Big Band. With light‑hearted commentary and classic recordings, the programme offers an enjoyable mix of humour, melody, and timeless musical styles.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 16/04/2026 2:00:00 p.m.
Episode 684 - 8 Fine Black Artists( 0:26:58)
Episode Information
Ray Woodley presents a special episode of Musical Confection celebrating eight influential African‑American artists from the golden age of jazz and popular song. The programme features memorable performances by Maxine Sullivan, Leslie Hutchinson, Lena Horne, Layton and Johnson, Fats Waller, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday. Through timeless standards and distinctive vocal styles, the show offers a rich musical journey that honours the artistry, emotion, and enduring legacy of these iconic performers.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 9/04/2026 2:00:00 p.m.
Episode 683 - Tunes connected with Time( 0:28:0)
Episode Information
Ray Woodley presents a themed edition of Musical Confection, featuring classic jazz and popular recordings linked by the idea of time. The programme includes performances from artists such as the Benny Goodman Trio, McKinney’s Cotton Pickers, Dooley Wilson, Julie Andrews, the Boston Pops Orchestra, the Lombardo Orchestra, and Helen Rowland, offering a nostalgic journey through swing, big band, and vocal favourites from the early to mid‑20th century.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 2/04/2026 2:00:00 p.m.
Episode 682 - Tunes With Only One Word( 0:26:50)
Episode Information
Ray Woodley presents a themed edition of Musical Confection featuring songs with one‑word titles. The programme includes classic recordings from Bing Crosby, the Guy Lombardo Orchestra, Nat King Cole, Ethel Waters, Eddie Fisher, Ruth Etting, Gilbert O’Sullivan, and piano performances of Nola. Together, the selections span early jazz, popular standards, and well‑known mid‑century classics.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 26/03/2026 2:00:00 p.m.
Musical Confection Episode 681 - Sammy Fain( 0:28:57)
Episode Information
Ray Woodley presents a selection of songs composed by American songwriter Sammy Fain, featuring recordings by Vera Lynn, Rod Stewart, John Boulter, Dick Bentley, Mama Cass Elliot, Dick Powell, the Boswell Sisters, and Guy Lombardo. The episode highlights Fain’s long career in film music and some of his best‑known melodies.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 19/03/2026 2:00:00 p.m.
Episode 680 - Artists with H Surnames( 0:28:0)
Episode Information
Ray Woodley presents a selection of recordings by artists whose surnames begin with the letter H, featuring performances from Lena Horne, Earl Hines, Annette Hanshaw, Coleman Hawkins, Dick Haymes, Bobby Hackett, Michael Holliday, Fletcher Henderson and Billie Holiday.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 12/03/2026 2:00:00 p.m.
Episode 679 - Black and White Notes( 0:27:47)
Episode Information
In this piano‑themed edition of Musical Confection, the host shares a selection of classic recordings from noted keyboard artists. Featuring performances by Graeme Bell, Ivor Morton and Dave Kay, Joe “Fingers” Carr, Ray Turner, Willie “The Lion” Smith, John Gill, and Ray de Costa, the programme celebrates the energy and artistry of ragtime, jazz, and light‑classical piano across eras and continents.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 26/02/2026 2:00:00 p.m.
Episode 678 - A Variety Programme( 0:27:58)
Episode Information
Host Ray Woodley features a mix of classic jazz and swing—from Benny Goodman and Margaret Whiting to the Judy Carmichael Quartet, the Riverside Jazz Band, Maxine Sullivan, and a sweet Kiwi track from Suzanne. Ending this episode with Teddy Wilson.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 19/02/2026 2:00:00 p.m.
Musical Confection Episode 677 - Letter G( 0:28:2)
Episode Information
This week: Love Goodman Orch, Don Gibson, Carroll Gibbins, Freddie Gardner, Judy Garland, Jan Garber Orch, Nat Gonella Band, Gene Goldkette Band
Published: 12/02/2026 2:00:00 p.m.