theJazz Blog

Well, it is only two months since we launched our presenter-led schedule, but theJazz has already been shortlisted for a major award. We are up for the title of ‘digital station of the year’ at one of the industry’s most significant events, the Arqiva Awards for the UK’s commercial stations. Of course if it is fantastic news for all involved and a great credit to the team which has been working away to get the station on air, but our thanks must also go to you for listening.

Things have been moving on apace in the past few weeks. We have now appointed a website editor Anthony Barnes, who joins us from The Independent On Sunday, and we are now pushing ahead to launch this website properly within the next six weeks. At the moment what you see – nice as it is – is nothing more than a holding site. Soon we will have a far more interactive site giving an overview of the world of jazz for any novice listeners, as well as profiles of some of the jazz greats which we will continue to build over the coming months. There will be news, reviews and a chance to catch up on some of the programmes you may have missed (as well as an opportunity to listen again to some of the highlights). Of course you can also find out more about the presenters, their playlists and the schedule, plus if you wish to extend your enjoyment with some live performances, we will be offering an extensive gig guide.

The music on offer has been a revelation and I am sure you, like me, have discovered several tracks after hearing them on the station and wanted to explore further. I was particularly struck on first hearing by Tricky Dick by the sublime Ben Allison and it just gets better on repeated listening.

Over the past few weeks we have been able to offer some fascinating listening. Guests on My Jazz with Helen Mayhew have included singing legend Mark Murphy, drummer Dylan Howe, vocalist Mina Agossi and the Mercury Music Prize-nominated pianist Zoe Rahman. On the live session front, Helen’s guests have include the hugely talented Jane Monheit. To showcase the wealth of homegrown talent available we broadcast a day of solely British music and we brought you the best in jazz by presenting highlights of the inaugural Ronnie Scott’s jazz awards which featured stars such as Tony Bennett and Jamie Cullum.

Particularly enlightening, in the weeks since we launched our new schedule at Easter, has been the great response we have received for our request show You Choose The Jazz which gives you the chance to pick your favourites - and long may it continue. Remember, we are in your hands so if you have always wanted to hear it on air, let us know.

Please continue to share your thoughts about what you have heard on theJazz, and what you would like to hear using the "Contact Us" button above.

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