I just dug out these MP3s of three half hour programmes I did for BBC Radio 2 back in 1996. You can listen to the full programmes here – but please bear in mind that much of the information given is now out of date.

Programme synopsis… If mandolin maestro Simon Mayor were marooned on a desert island, there’s no doubt about the one luxury he’d take. In this series of three programmes he goes in search of the origins of the mandolin, looks at what’s happening the world over, and tries to find out why players from Naples to Nashville go wild about it! The series features interviews with many of the world leading players, choice examples from disc, and some amusing anecdotes.

   Marooned With A Mandolin – Programme 1 (broadcast 21st February 1996)

   Marooned With A Mandolin – Programme 2 (broadcast 28th February 1996)

  Marooned With A Mandolin – Programme 3 (broadcast 6th March 1996)