Miranda July

2017-12-03: As part of BBC 6 Music's Art Is Everywhere season, Jarvis presents an interview he did earlier in 2017 with artist Miranda July. Miranda and Artangel created the UK's first interfaith charity shop, a pop-up in a famous London department store. She talks about the thinking behind the project, how it played out in practice and the way that shoppers have taken it to their hearts. Birthdays: Ozzy Osbourne, Daryl Hannah, Nino Rota and Andy Williams. 

COMING SOON 

From Manchester with Love

2017-07-02: Jarvis broadcasts live from the Manchester International Festival. Featuring:

• Music for a Busy City: site-specific sound installations created for six spaces around Manchester.

• Left over from last week: two newlyweds share their first dance at Glastonbury; the murmur of the Pyramid Stage crowd listening to politician Jeremy Corbyn. Also, born on this day: Peter Kay.

• Artist Phil Collins discusses his work Ceremony, about Friedrich Engels and his 20 years in Manchester. Phil retrieved an abandoned Soviet-era statue of Karl Marx's collaborator and took it on tour, allowing workers here and abroad to 'meet' him before installing it in Manchester.

• Factory Records graphic designer Peter Saville talks about the True Faith exhibition, which explores the visual identity of New Order and Joy Division and the wealth of art their music has inspired.

• Also at MIF 2017: No End to Enderby, a celebration of the work of writer Anthony Burgess; dance production Available Light; and Ride.

• Karl Hyde of Underworld describes his involvement in theatre performance Fatherland, which is about the expectations and experience of fatherhood.

(Jarvis announced that he will be taking another sabbatical...)

A Surrealist Sunday Service

2017-06-11: Don your diving helmet and aqualung, and plunge into the depths for an encounter with 'the marvellous'. Jarvis marks the anniversary of the 1936 London International Surrealist Exhibition. Archive news reports recall the controversy surrounding the event; documentary clips tell how the artworks, found objects and 'primitive' pieces were brought together; and a lady remembers witnessing Dalí nearly dying in a diving suit as he prepared to lecture. The Surrealists used their art to access dreams and the unconscious: an unexplored part of reality. In that spirit, Jarvis tries creating his own expressive Surrealist sound piece with cut-up tape recordings courtesy of William S Burroughs. Birthdays: Barry Adamson (praising Bernard Herrmann), Jacques Cousteau (an Undersea World clip), Gene Wilder (Francophile) and Pete Murphy (on Bauhaus's greatest hit). 

The Liverpool Mass and Rousseau's Dream

2017-05-21: Body art, a modernist Mass and a mesmerising painting… On 13th May, Jarvis introduced Pierre Henry's inaugural Mass at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral. 50 years later than originally planned, the pioneering work by the musique concrète composer was staged in the space by his collaborator Thierry Balasse and arts organisation Bluecoat — we hear all about the event. During his trip, Jarvis was given a book which got him thinking about music and mysticism. Urging us to gaze at Henri Rousseau's painting The Dream, he reads the bewitching poem Yadwigha, On a Red Couch, Among Lilies by Sylvia Plath. Plus: notes from The Ivors awards; and on this day The Empire Strikes Back was released and two landmark solo Atlantic flights were taken. Birthdays: Noel Fielding (on tennis), Henri Rousseau, Martin Carthy ('I don't do jolly'), Mr T and Fats Waller.

Rodney Graham

2017-05-14: Artist and musician Rodney Graham joins Jarvis as a major new retrospective of his work opens at the Baltic in Gateshead. Jarvis recalls his first encounter with Rodney's music at a gallery, and how exciting it was to discover an artist who combined the worlds of art and pop music. He asks Rodney about his time in bands when he was starting out, his recently released album Gondoliers, his influences including Bob Dylan, writer's block and why Rodney returned to music after a long break. They also discuss the exhibition's title, That's Not Me, and how Rodney would describe himself to a customs officer. Birthdays: Bobby Darin, Sofia Coppola, David Byrne (on songwriting with irony) and Mark Zuckerberg (on the importance of friendship).

Cosey Fanni Tutti

2017-04-23: Cosey Fanni Tutti drops by. The industrial music pioneer and avant-garde performance artist describes creating experimental music with Throbbing Gristle and Chris & Cosey. She talks about drawing inspiration from her work as a striptease artiste and model, and about the controversy that beset her Prostitution show at the ICA in 1976. She also relates how she came to write her autobiography, Art Sex Music (in that order). And, as the London Marathon took place today, the listeners suggest motivational exercise tunes. Birthdays: Roy Orbison (on realising his voice was memorable), Bryce and Aaron Dessner, Michael Moore (explaining what pushes him to make his films) and Iggy Pop this week.

Marina Abramovic

2016-11-20: During an art-themed weekend across the station, Jarvis chats to performance artist Marina Abramovic. Her work explores the relationship between performer and audience, the limits of the body and the possibilities of the mind. She has just written her memoir, Walk Through Walls, and talks to Jarvis about her tough childhood; discovering art; the compulsion to create; and the discomfort of her most famous piece, The Artist Is Present (2010). She also explains how Asian meditation techniques inform her work and how she has used them to help others. Plus, we hear a recording of a speech by Leonard Cohen, in which he remembers his first steps in playing guitar and songwriting. Jarvis highlights an interesting exhibition in Paris, The Great Animal Orchestra, a celebration of art, science and the music of the natural world. And listeners suggest a song with an arty connection.

The Infinite Mix

2016-11-06: A tour of The Infinite Mix, an exhibition created by the Hayward Gallery and the Vinyl Factory at a former office building in central London. Audio-visual installations by 10 contemporary artists explore the interplay between sound and moving image; curator Ralph Rugoff talks about a selection of them with Jarvis. Most of the artists have composed, commissioned or remixed soundtracks that relate to the visual element of their work in surprising ways, ensuring that what you hear is just as thought-provoking as what you see. Plus, listeners choose a song in honour of America, which makes a big decision next week. Birthdays: Adolphe Sax and Mike Nichols.

Halloween Happenings

2016-10-30: A special Halloween show teeming with spooky tricks and treats. Be thrilled by the eerie sound installation Requiem for 114 Radios! Be chilled by a sickly pumpkin pie recipe! Cower as Jarvis attempts apple-bobbing accompanied by a classic monster mix! Feel a creeping sense of unease at the short story, The Man Who Forgot Ray Bradbury by Neil Gaiman! And if all that's not enough to make you carry on screaming, tremble at some terrifying film music, and the nastiest record Jarvis has ever heard. It's not all scary stuff though — there's also a lovely personal message for Jarvis from radio legend Desmond Carrington. Phew.

Lemmy Remembered

2016-01-10: Six years ago, the BBC broadcast the very first episode of JCSS. There's another chance to hear the short story by Richard Brautigan which featured in that first show. On This Day in 1985, the Sinclair C5 was launched: we hear the unmistakeable drone of a ZX Spectrum game loading. Jarvis salutes heavy metal legend Lemmy Kilmister, who died last month. He recalls working with him at the Meltdown Festival and we also hear quotes by Lemmy himself and music from Motörhead, Hawkwind and Sam Gopal. Jarvis tells us the traits of the sign Capricorn and asks listeners: what music did you get for Christmas? Birthdays: Don Letts, Barbara Hepworth, Jerry Wexler, Ray Bolger and Rod Stewart.

Taxi for Richard Brautigan - MICHAEL CURRAN

2015-12-06: Jarvis takes us for a ride in a taxi, because this day in 1897, London became the first city to have licensed cabs. We learn some facts about taxis and pit the mighty 'Knowledge' against new-fangled sat-nav. Michael Curran of Tangerine Press talks to Jarvis about a new book of previously unpublished photographs of writer Richard Brautigan. They discuss Brautigan and his career, and Michael explains how he discovered the pictures. Plus, we mark the climate change conference in Paris with some inspirational icy music, and Jarvis remembers his trip to the north pole with Cape Farewell. Birthdays: Nick Park, Dave Brubeck and David Lovering.

Newvember

2015-11-01: Could we see dark, cold November as a positive month? Could it be a time for new music, new experiences and new beginnings: Newvember? We celebrate the joyful Mexican Day of the Dead; and on this day in history, Michelangelo unveiled his beautiful Sistine Chapel ceiling, and the European Union was established. Jarvis also announces the JCSS Awards, where listeners will nominate their favourite mellow musical discoveries of the year. Birthdays: Jim Steinman, Anthony Kiedis, Lyle Lovett, LS Lowry, Ted Lowe and Sharron Davies. Valete: Mark Murphy.

SEAMUS MURPHY

2015-10-11: Jarvis chats to photographer and film-maker Seamus Harvey about his collaboration with PJ Harvey and their new book, The Hollow of the Hand.  His photography and her poetry chronicle a series of journeys they've made to Kosovo, Afghanistan and Washington DC.  They were both fascinated by the ways places are changed by war or poverty — how human life goes on, yet also the normal rules of life don't apply. We also hear recordings of PJ Harvey reading her poems. Jarvis asks listeners to suggest a song about a special place. And we mark National Coming Out Day. Birthdays: Elmore Leonard, Andrew Logan, Art Blakey, Tony Kinsey, Rodney Marsh, Bobby Charlton, Dawn French, Daryl Hall, Tom Zé and John Nettles.

The Hangover

2015-09-20: In an episode pre-recorded just before his birthday, Nostrajarvis predicts a hangover in his near future. What's the best way to handle a hangover? Should you 'go deep' and experience the horrors? Throw yourself into your work? Or should you just dance right through it? Jarvis also reads out the characteristics of Virgo. Plus, we hear about the Wireless Nights Prom, the Concrete Antenna installation and next week's special edition, which will be on location at the British Library before Brian Eno's John Peel lecture. Birthdays: Sophia Loren, John Dankworth, Dan Gillespie Sells, Douglas Gordon, James Bernard, Stevie Smith and Chuck & John Panozzo. 

Conny Plank, Erik Satie and Magna Carta

Jarvis Cocker and Cornelia Parker find his phrase ‘Common People’ on Magna Carta (An Embroidery). Photograph by Joseph Turp

2015-05-17: Remembering the musical talents of German music producer Conny Plank, and composer and 'velvet gentleman' Erik Satie. Jarvis mentions some upcoming live gigs, exhibitions and shows on BBC radio; celebrates Norway Day; and asks listeners to suggest a song that was sampled. This year is the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta and we hear about an embroidered tribute to this document devised by artist Cornelia Parker which is on display at the British Library. Birthdays include Enya, Josh Homme, Dennis Hopper, Paul Whitehouse, Dennis Potter and Trent Reznor. Valete: BB King.

CHRISTIAN MARCLAY

2015-03-15: Jarvis is joined by conceptual artist Christian Marclay, who talks about his exhibition at the White Cube gallery which operates within the world of sound and vision.  Also joining them is Sean Bidder, creative director of The Vinyl Factory, who discusses their role within the exhibition and the live performance/recording events around it.  Plus, as it's Mother's Day, Jarvis asks listeners to suggest music related to motherhood.

Powerhouse

2015-03-08: It's International Women's Day, so first we appreciate some music made by women from all around the world: from Japan, Cuba, UK, France, Australia, USA, Germany and Belgium. Jarvis reads Ray Bradbury's 1953 story Powerhouse, in which a woman sheltering in a power station has a transcendent experience, understanding the divine power of machines and human connection. We also learn about the Biocomputer Music project — inspired by a dish of slime mould, Professor Eduardo Miranda has created a computer program that responds organically to piano music. And Jarvis recommends a documentary about performing powerhouse Mr James Brown. Birthdays: Angie Hart, LaMarcus Adna Thompson, Bob Brozman, Dick Hyman, Gábor Szabó, Jeffrey Eugenides (discussing character development), Gary Numan (who thinks his early fame made him reclusive) and Micky Dolenz (discussing the peculiar phenomenon of The Monkees).

Art and Music

Inspired by the Tate gallery's recent re-hang, Jarvis looks at what happens when the worlds of art and music collide, with tracks inspired by paintings and tracks by visual artists who were also in bands. Plus, he reads another of Alan Garner's folk tales, The Trade That No-One Knows, which is about the trials a poor man must undergo before he can marry the king's daughter.

International Coffee Day

Caffeinated songs are sprinkled like coffee granules through the frothy milk of this International Coffee Day programme. This Day also saw the sausagey-sounding Battle of Salamis. Just how do you design an aspect of everyday urban life? Jarvis interviews the audio designers who are creating a new sound for electric cars. We check out the Bright Phoebus Revisited project. Richard Hawley reads a story, The Crimson Kite by Michael Ward, musically accompanied by I Monster. Jarvis shares a devilish recipe for tiramisu. And has this drummer drunk too much coffee? Birthdays: Michelangelo Antonioni, Caravaggio, Brett Anderson (on striving to sing Suede songs), Alan McGee (iPhones are 'technological psychedelia'), Billy Butlin (archive ads and a redcoat in action), Sebastian Coe (running as a vocation), Gilles Peterson yesterday (considering his name), Mike Post, Jean-Luc Ponty, László Bíró, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ian McShane (on baddies) and Scout Niblett.

September 1, 2013

Jarvis returns with tales of his summer adventures! Including surviving the absolutely boiling weather; the Venice Biennale; the Big Melt in Sheffield; the End of the Road Festival; a Beck-inspired concert at the Barbican; the Despacio project in Manchester; the Rory McEwen exhibition at Kew; and at a lakeside cocktail bar, an entertainer making a surprising song choice. Today in history, World War II began — Stephen Fry recites WH Auden's poem about that day — Martha the last Passenger Pigeon died, the Cod Wars started, and Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea was published. Plus, what could replace The A-Z of Peel: perhaps recipes for Sunday lunch? Birthdays: Edgar Rice Burroughs (we learn Tarzan's language), AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (founder of Krishna Consciousness), Johann Pachelbel, Violet Carson (in character as Ena Sharples), Barry Gibb (recalling the Saturday Night Fever premiere), Bruce Foxton (on lyric-writing), Gloria Estefan and Armi Aavikko (video).