Greetings From Denise Jordan Walker, Candid Jazz and Conversation
Smooth Jazz is taking on a new twist these days. What's happened to Smooth Jazz Radio? Last month Smooth Jazz radio station CD 101.9 in NYC left and now 30 days later Washington DC''s Smooth Jazz station WJZW is no more. What caused them to give up on the format this past Friday?
See below letter by WJZW on their last day.
From The Desk Of Jay Lang:
This past Friday at 2pm (2/29) new owners Citadel Communications pulled the plug On Smooth Jazz 105.9 in Washington and released the air staff and other employees from all 3 stations (WMAL, WJZW & WRQX) as a part of corporate downsizing. It is with subtle shock and sadness that I say farewell to my Smooth Jazz audience and friends. I hold no hard feelings about the change. It's been a great ride. But having been in Program Management with Clear Channel over the years I understand business and have had the task of letting staff go myself by corporate mandate (a tasteless job) due to a format change. After the Walt Disney/ABC Radio sale I knew some sort of restructuring was inevitable. Right decision or wrong, it is what it is. The joy I've experienced each night from 7pm to Midnight as Host of Lights Out Washington will forever live in memory. I'll truly miss giving you those Romantic Recipes and Words Of Wisdom each night from my heart to yours. I truly felt something magical my last night on the air. A strangely indescribable joy of having executed the perfect show. Little did I know Thursday Night (2/29) would be my last night on the air at WJZW.
To all who tuned in a 8pm poured their favorite beverage and lit a candle as we relaxed the night away until Midnight, I say Thank You. Now I embark on a new journey as GOD opens a new door this stage of my life & career. To Kenny King, Jeff Boden, Steve Allan, Al Santos, Vanniece Johnson, Charlie Maxx, Tom Grooms and my many co-workers whom I consider family, you all were a great joy to work with. Thank You for the opportunity and freedom to build on my vision of Lights Out Washington. the faithful's were joining me each night by the thousands to relax and forget about the world. Keep listening out for me on the Time Life Music and various other national commercials. I'll continue writing songs, booking concerts, finish my upcoming book, working with my church, further the growth of my production company and being a great Dad. I'll be around.
What do you think is happening to Smooth jazz radio? What needs to change?
Friday, March 7, 2008
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1 comments:
The truth is always light. Smooth jazz musicians and their proponents have usurped the value of REAL JAZZ musicians for decades. Now, the lights have come on for jazz listeners nationally and internationally. Perhaps, straight ahead players can get a gig now. I'm on my way to New York to present WOMEN IN JAZZ at York College and to perform my own compositions for the Women in Jazz Festival in Manhattan. See my blog, Diva Joan Cartwright.
Perhaps, you would be interested in helping to promote my book, IN PURSUIT OF A MELODY.
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