May 18, 2009 |
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I know, I promised that I'd just refer to previous blogs on this subject and never write another rant about FM radio and their inane decisions regarding music programming, especially in regard to Smooth Jazz. But here I am... inking it up over KKSF, San Francisco... again. My first blog on the station was written in January 2008 and I had optimistically hoped that my directness would make an impact. I have a loyalty to this radio station because not only was I on the air here for many years in the 1990's, but because a dear friend of mine, the late Steve Feinstein, worked very hard to create a unique listening experience for the Bay Area with this radio station. Sad really... that the powers that be in programming couldn't lay off the burned out Sade and Anita Baker tunes and the no longer relevant oldies from the R&B sector of music that compromised their ratings and integrity to the point that people were nodding off while driving over the Golden Gate Bridge or locking themselves into Alcatraz to escape from the monotony. Pathetic that they couldn't see the obvious nuances of a changing genre and lead the edge rather than dull it. |
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Today, the broadcasting outlet's press release reads like this: "Over our 20 year history, you have always been there for us, and we truly appreciate it. You've traveled to our hundreds of KKSF listener parties and concerts, celebrated at our Sunday Brunches, helped raise over 4 million dollars for Bay Area AIDS organizations by purchasing Samplers for AIDS Relief, and you've listened to countless hours of Smooth Jazz music and artists. That unwavering support is reflected in a rich and successful track record at 103.7 KKSF." Yes, it is a business, and as such, it would be very professional and dare I say profitable to keep the music fresh as well as the programming concepts and strategies, rather than run the sound into the ground by playing the same old music over and over again, and by narrowing your *broad*cast (I use the word broad very loosely) to 300 songs, one might have hoped for "exhaustive market research" on what was one of the most vibrant Smooth Jazz radio stations in the U.S, uh, let's make that the world. I think that Classic Rock is a brilliant choice for this kind of programming mentality... Classic Rock never gets new, so they don't have to actually open mail for new music or discover new artists on MySpace or Facebook... they don't even have to tweet on Twitter if they don't want to. Guess the extensive economic considerations are no doubt referring to the savings on hiring a creative team to program their radio station. I actually thought for a moment, that The Band may be referring to indie artists or San Francisco bands (some of the greatest rock bands in the world were raised up in the City by the Bay). When I received a phone call from a friend this afternoon who had just turned into the station and reported the news that the format was just simple, old school, classic rock, I felt that sick feeling that one gets when they hear news of loss. In light of losing this format pillar, I can't promise that this is the last of these blogs on the subject. Argh. Please tune into SmoothJazz.com Radio for a deep mix of Smooth Jazz from all over the world and SmoothLounge.com for a chill out experience of sensual rhythms and beats! Despite twenty years of listener loyalty, the corporation that owns KKSF has changed the format to Classic Rock... the new name is 103.7 The Band and here's what they have to say about it: "While this decision was extremely difficult, KKSF is taking a different path and becoming a new radio station today -- 103.7 The Band. It was made only after exhaustive market research, and extensive economic considerations (yes this is a business). We hope you'll listen and let us know what you think." Yes, it is a business, and as such, it would be very professional and dare I say profitable to keep the music fresh as well as the programming concepts and strategies, rather than run the sound into the ground by playing the same old music over and over again, and by narrowing your *broad*cast (I use the word broad very loosely) to 300 songs, one might have hoped for "exhaustive market research" on what was one of the most vibrant Smooth Jazz radio stations in the U.S, uh, let's make that the world. Sandy Shore - President/Founder |
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May 15, 2009 |
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The largest spirit in Smooth Jazz belonged to Wayman Tisdale, the 6'9", 12-year NBA veteran turned jazz bassist who took the format by storm with his music, his groove and even his own annual music cruise. We lost this great man on May 15th, due to "complications of cancer." Wayman fought hard to rebound from leg cancer a couple of years ago and was optimistic for a full recovery. We all were... in fact, I have seen him two years in a row at the Seabreeze Jazz Festival in Florida. Last year, he was weakened from the chemo, but strong... gave 200% during the performance and signed autographs after his show. Just a few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of catching him again at the Seabreeze and while he had lost a significant amount of weight, he looked happy... spirited... and again, gave 200% during his performance. His wife awaited him in the wings after the show... I could see concern in her eyes, but it was being overridden by enthusiasm for her husband's gift of music. The Tisdales made their way to an adoring audience where Wayman signed autographs for as long as the crowd desired. We lost a great, great human being this past week... a really soulful musician and one of the most recent driving forces in our genre of music that we call Smooth Jazz. I will dearly miss the energy and passion that Wayman Tisdale brought to our world! Sandy Shore - President/Founder In lieu of sending flowers, at the behest of the Wayman Tisdale family, please send donations & financial contributions to: |
May 7, 2009 |
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Trippin ‘N’ Rhythm Records, President CEO Les Cutmore is happy to announce the expansion of it’s growing roster and keeping with it’s focus on new and emerging talent signs a long term deal with Grammy award winning producer Michael B. "I’m just thrilled and honored to be included in the incredibly talented roster of artists at Trippin’ & Rhythm. They have easily cemented themselves as the most cutting edge, artist friendly label in contemporary jazz. Going from the producer’s chair to artist is an exciting progression for me. I’m thankful for the opportunity, and look forward to a long, successful relationship”. Long a producer and writer of hits for others, Michael will enter the studio for the first time to focus solely on making music for himself. Fresh off of his Grammy for his work with George Benson as well as producing new projects for Marion Meadows, Jay Soto, Tim Bowman and most notably his most recent work playing on and producing the exciting new debut project from trumpeter Cindy Bradley, Michael has established himself as a first call, first rate producer and has become the new go to “hit maker” in smooth jazz. Say’s label SR VP Jeff Lunt, “ We could not be more excited to welcome Michael into our family. To say that he has an extraordinary talent would be a gross understatement. What Michael pull’s off in the studio is truly magical. His keen melodic sensibilities, quality compositions and sparkling arrangements have produced a number of chart topping hits and we fully expect this trend to continue a he puts his full energy into creating a hit record of his own”. |
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March 3rd, 2009 |
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It has been my true privilege to serve as R&R's first (and only) smooth jazz editor for almost 15 years. Effective immediately, smooth jazz will no longer be included in R&R format coverage or charts. I understand this as strictly a business decision, nothing personal. I am proud of my contributions as a reporter and format advocate for smooth jazz. I can honestly say that in my now very long career, I have never worked with a more impressive group of professionals than the smooth jazz family. Your passion, dedication and integrity have been a constant source of inspiration. We've been through a lot together, and I'll always cherish my memories of this time. Thank you for your support, especially during difficult times. - Carol Archer |
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January 6th, 2009 |
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All four major recording labels are on board iTunes Plus... now downloaders can get high-quality, 256-Kbps AAC encoding free of burn limits and digital rights management (DRM)! This means that the music will play on iPod, Apple TV, all Mac and Windows computers, and many other digital music players. Apple is making upgrades easy... just pay the per song difference and you'll get the higher bitrate. iTunes customers can also now purchase and download songs directly onto their iPhone 3G over their 3G network — just as they do with Wi-Fi today — for the same price as downloading to their computer. And in April, based on what the music labels charge Apple, songs on iTunes will be available for 69¢, 99¢ or $1.29, with most albums still priced at $9.99. |
December 30th, 2008 |
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No more love for Miami's Love 94 (WLVE)... the Smooth Jazz station flipped to rhythmic AC on Christmas Day 2008. Read Sandy Shore's pithy BLOG on the situation of Smooth Jazz at FM radio and Miami's smoothless radio market. |
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September 11th, 2008 |
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NuGroove Records' recording artist, pianist Nate Harasim and featured guest saxophonist Darren Rahn are scheduled to perform at the Presidential Inaugural Gala on January 20, 2009. The high energy duo will perform at 5pm at the Presidential Inaugural Jazz Gala at the Carlyle Club in Alexandria, Virginia. This event is presented by High Society Productions and Cool Jazz Forever. A percentage of each ticket will be donated to Hope Farm, a mentoring program for African-American and Latino boys designed to create successful men and leaders in our society. Tickets are $350. For more info call Tom Kennedy at The Carlyle Club at 703-548-5953 or visit PRESIDENTIAL INAGURATION |
December 9th, 2008 |
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Jazz guitar great, Earl Klugh received his 12th career Grammy nomination for the Best Pop Instrumental Album category for his latest album THE SPICE OF LIFE, his first full-production album in nine years. Klugh tells SmoothJazz.com, "I wanted to create something that would encompass a wide spectrum of directions: solo, standards, originals, electronic, acoustic and orchestral. I wanted to make a recording that would reflect where I am at this moment in my life, and something I am proud to present to my fans." During his multi-million-selling career of more than 30 years, Klugh has recorded 22 Top Ten charting records - four of them Number One - on Billboard's Jazz Album charts. As a composer and songwriter, Klugh's credit appears on recordings by Aretha Franklin, Jamie Foxx, Roberta Flack, Mary J. Blige, Al Jarreau and many others. He has been invited to play as a guest artist by such diverse peers and admirers as Jimmy Buffett, Stevie Wonder, Miles Davis and Brenda Russell. Additionally, Klugh has collaborated on legendary albums with George Benson and Bob James, and Earl currently hosts an annual event at The Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs, in which March 2009 will mark his 6th annual Weekend of Jazz at The Broadmoor |
December 7th, 2008 |
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The tour, which will begin in North America, will be an an intimate evening as he performs solo. According to his booking agent Ted Kurland, "Pat will explore all aspects of what it means to be a solo performer in this new century, from the most delicate solo guitar to a fully new set of ensemble sounds that have never been heard before from a single performer onstage." To learn if Pat Metheny and ORCHESTRION, his "ensemble" of mechanical instruments controlled entirely from his guitar, is coming to your town, visit PATMETHENY.COM |
July 20th, 2008 |
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One of our favorite guitarists and long time friend of SmoothJazz.com, Artie Traum passed away on July 20th from a rare ocular melanoma. Known for being a diverse artist... he was a composer, songwriter, arranger, producer and well known as a guitar player's guitar player... We'll miss this dynamic artist. He was a true renaissance man! For more on Artie Traum, please visit his Website |
July 25th, 2008 |
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Guitar great Hiram Bullock passed away from a six month battle with throat cancer. The former Late Night with David Letterman musician who played guitar with Paul Shaffer and the World's Most Dangerous Band from 1982 to 1984 also performed with many, many world class artists over the years including The Brecker Brothers, Gil Evans, David Sanborn, Billy Joel and James Brown! Fighting a tumor in his throat since January. The super talent was featured on some of the greatest pop recordings of all time including Steely Dan's GAUCHO, Paul Simon's ONE TRICK PONY, Michael Franks' SKIN DIVE and Barbra Streisand's A STAR IS BORN in addition to a long list of jazz albums including his own. The artist was a visionary and a friend to SmoothJazz.com. He allowed us to feature his music on our Internet radio station without being burdened by excessive copyright fees. Hiram Bullock will be missed -- We will continue to support his music on SmoothJazz.com! |
July 14th, 2008 |
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CHRYSLER PROMISES INTERNET IN CARS NEXT YEAR: Chrysler will include wireless Internet access as an option on all their 2009 models through their UConnect Web network. With the integration of online access, Internet radio would be delivered into cars, along with Wi-Fi connectivity for laptops and gaming systems. Said Chrysler engineer Keefe Leung, “There are no limitations in content.” The ramifications for radio are clear: broadcast radio’s relatively firm hold on listeners in cars will be challenged by the plethora of content and choices available online, while webcasters will hopefully see a boost in listenership as Chrysler provides one more way to untether Internet radio from the PC. Mark Ramsey and Fred Jacobs both have further commentary. While car safety advocates were concerned about the distraction of Internet in cars, Chrysler asserts that the online interface would be for passengers only. The car manufacturer hopes this innovation will help its struggling sales: the company has seen a 19.3% dip in sales since 2007, “the worst drop-off in the industry." Read more on the subject at The LA Times |
