jazz radio returns to phoenix

[James A. Kramer]

Many people have lamented in this group about the lack of
reall jazz radio in the US. About 10 years ago, Phoenix,
Arizona had some of the best jazz programming around on the
local public radio station KCMR.

About the time "new age" music hit, KCMR changed their name
to KJZZ and promptly ditched real jazz programming in favor
of new age, then they progressed to the new Sanborn-esque
format of "Jazz Lite."

In the last couple of years KJZZ has had to compete with a
commercial station playing the same format calling themselves
"Coyote" (KYOT @ 95.5). KYOT must have taken considerable
market share because in the last couple of months ...

KJZZ HAS RE-ADOPTED A TRUE JAZZ FORMAT!!!

The real motivating force behind the move is an individual
DJ name Blaise Lantana. She used to be a classical DJ on
KJZZ's sister station KBAQ. But since she is a jazz musician
herself she fought the long uphill battle and now provides
real jazz weekday evenings starting at 19:00.

I just sent in my pledge check and will continue to offer
my (renewed) financial support. If any of the readers in this
group live in Phoenix or it's environs, I urge you to consider
putting your money where your mouth is. We all know how
tenuous this situation is. If we don't show immediate and
profound support we will very likely lose KJZZ again!

I also urge others throughout the country to support your
local public broadcasters who are keeping the tradition
alive!

In particular, you bay area and Denver residents, be sure to
keep KCSM (San Mateo) and KUVO (Denver) alive. They are rare
jewels in a sea of commercial music.

Stay Cool!

Jim Kramer
kra...@hpupazz.nsr.hp.com

[Mitch Forte]

Brother Jim,

I now live in Denver and I'm proud to say that I'm a rabid supporter of
KUVO!

I had the misfortune of watching the demise of two truly great jazz
stations while I lived in Los Angeles....KJLH which is now "urban
contemporary" and
KKGO which is now a classical station. They were both for-profit
stations that were on the air for many years and had to fold their tents.

Having witnessed that, I never miss an opportunity to preach the gospel
of supporting these stations financially.

later cat,

Mitch