Phil Bates co-writes new Jessica Garlick single.

11 May will see the release of a new Jessica Garlick single 'Hard Not To Fall', a lovely ballad co-written by The Orchestra's Phil Bates.

Check out jessicagarlick.com for a video preview.

The song will be available via Jessica's website from 9 May and all downloads between 9-16 May will help boost chances of a chart position.

Jeff Lynne news!

Jeff Lynne is reported to be working on the long-awaited follow-up to his 1990 solo album 'Armchair Theatre'. It's currently predicted that the album should be finished and released by the end of 2009.

Jeff has also produced 5 tracks for 'Far', the new Regina Spektor CD , which is due for worldwide release on 23 June 2009. Further details available at Regina's fansite - here.

On 24 April, Jeff Lynne was presented with the ASCAP Golden Note Award in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to music.

And finally... word has it that Jeff will also soon be working on some new tracks with Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh.

Check out full details of all this official news on the Face The Music website which also has pictures and an audio download of an interview with Jeff from the ASCAP event.

BBC Radio features Roy Wood.

On 18 April 2009 BBC Radio 6 broadcast the extended version of an episode featuring the unique talents of Roy Wood in their ongoing series entitled 'The Record Producers'. A shorter version was aired on BBC Radio 2 earlier the same week.

Featuring interviews with Jeff Lynne and others, this jaw-droppingly awesome broadcast focuses mainly on Roy's production work with ELO, Wizzard and The Move as well his solo recordings.

The show can be heard for a limited time via BBC iplayer at the following link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00k9dcy/The_Record_Producers_Roy_Wood/

The Orchestra: May 2009 UK Tour.

May 2009 will see The Orchestra undertake a 9 date 'mini tour' of the UK.

For full details see http://www.theorchestra.net/

Following the sad and sudden passing of Kelly Groucutt in February 2009, the band decided to continue with this small tour (which follows on from their successful Spring & Autumn UK shows in 2008) as a tribute to a wonderful friend, colleague and musician.

Glen Burtnik (formerly of the band Styx) will be playing bass and singing with The Orchestra during these shows. Glen has previously played with ELO Part 2 having stood-in when Kelly was briefly unavailable for a few shows back in 1998.

An Evening Without Kelly Groucutt: 11 May 2009.

The Robin2 in Bilston, near Wolverhampton will be the venue for what is sure to be a magical night full of love and respect (and fun!) dedicated to Kelly Groucutt, singer and bass player for ELO, ELO Part 2 and The Orchestra. Kelly sadly and very suddenly passed away in February 2009.

All proceeds will go to Kelly’s favourite charity - The National Parrot Sanctuary Trust.

For full ticket details see:
https://www.therobintickets.co.uk/ticketshop/giglist.asp?month=5&year=2009#1775

The night before (Sunday 10 May) The Orchestra will be playing a live concert, just down the road in Dudley as part of their 9-date UK 'mini tour' which is going ahead as a tribute to Kelly.