SJ.COM: Is "Smooth Jazz" still doing it for you after all these years? Are you still feeling the passion for the music?

LH: Absolutely. Still get pumped when a hot new release comes out.

SJCOM: What's the deal with new music? Are you happy with the direction that the format is heading and what would you personally like to hear more of from the new stuff?

LH: There is a lot of great new stuff out there. I especially like the more up-tempo feel of most new music. On the other hand, it is disappointing that a gorgeous ballad like September Morning by Warren Hill was overlooked by most stations. However, I believe there is too much emphasis on new music. This is driven by the record labels and promoters along with programmers who have lost sight of the basic mission. New music is important in that it helps replenish our library, though new music is definitely not what most listeners come to us for. They come to us for the entire package: Unique, Elegant, Sophisticated Smoothness. Rather than spend too much time on new music, the most important thing a programmer can do is to make sure that every set of music in every hour is strong and balanced, that the announcers are making an emotional connection with the listeners, and that station promotions enhance our relationship with the listeners.

SJ.COM: What artist(s) do you think will be the next core artist(s) (the next Rick Braun, Boney James, or Sade)?

LH: First, while I love his music, Rick Braun is not yet a core artist for us. Boney is just becoming one. Sade, no question. For me, Craig Chaquico, Euge Groove and Jeff Golub have all the qualities needed to be core artists. Talent, song selection, production style.

SJ.COM: If you could cross over any sound or artist into the format without concern of risking ratings, who or what would you introduce to Smooth Jazz? Why?

LH: I think there are some ambient/chill type artists that come close to fitting already. Best example is Jose Padilla. His Bosaxi is a blast. Spacy, groovy, hooky, infectious.

SJ.COM: What are you doing in your market that you feel is unique to the format?

LH: While most stations are doing travel giveaways, we still feel that cash is king, especially in the current political and economic climate. So while it's nothing new, it is unique that we are doing Thousand Dollar Thursdays (and $500 on the other weekdays). This helps us build our database of loyal listeners since we use their names exclusively to give away the cash. When we've surveyed our listeners, Thousand Dollar Thursdays was preferred four to one over Trip a Day Giveaways.

SJ.COM: What's the best way for a new Smooth Jazz artist to develop their career?

LH: I still think playing free listener concerts helps by getting the name mentioned in promos and performing before the active passionate listeners who attend concerts.

SJ.COM: How do you utilize Internet presence to further your radio station's
image and your programming?

LH: Primarily by building value into being part of our Loyal Listener Club: notice on when to listen for cash giveaways, advance ticket sales, and random acts of smoothness where we select a Loyal Listener and call them with a free CD or concert tickets just because they are loyal listeners. Always blows them away.

SJ.COM: What was the last live show you caught?

LH: Boney James and Steve Oliver as part of our own concert series. Boney was superb, Steve exhilarating.

SJ.COM: What's in your CD player (home or car)?

LH: Joe Sample, Jeff Golub, The Eminem Show, Al Green's Greatest Hits.

SJ.COM: Outside of radio, are you an enthusiast for anything else (wine,
golf, movies, etc.)?

LH: Primarily literature (Nabokov, Martin Amis, Saul Bellow), then basketball (the Kings rule), then movies (especially silly ones like Waiting For Guffman and Office Space, but I also like action and suspense: loved XXX and The Bourne Identity).

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