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Dead-on article in R&R

W

WTUX

Guest
For a dead-on assessment of the trouble with the smooth jazz format check out the Smooth Jazz format column in the current issue of R&R (it can be read on-line).

Program people and listeners comment about how the once viabrant format has turned boring. The main reason the format has lost so many male listeners is the constant repeat of R&B songs dating back as far as 20 years. Anita Baker and Motown can be found on so many other stations, SJ needs to back then out of the format and live in today's musical world.

The article reminds us of how great the format was in the beginning, but how conservative it has become.

I recall reading comments by PD's in R&R during the format's early years. They noted that their stations mostly played current cd's, rarely digging back into "oldies." Of course in those years, "oldies" were only 2 or 3 years old. But the emphasis was CURRENTS.

I can only hope that radio people pick up on what the fans have known for several years: the format needs to once again be Contemporary Jazz, not R&B oldies.
 
That article is so right on!

I don't know who the alleged "Golden Ears" is at BA, whether it is still Steve Wiersman or not, but their absolute obsession with older r&b as vocals for SJ is killing it. I was always told it was for "texture". When I programmed a SJ station consulted by BA, I had to put in a hidden category of songs that fit the format in my opinion. I also slowed down the rotation of the r&b vocals to as close to lunar as I could. The result was a more smooth jazz sounding station and a nice ratings uptick!

If Smooth Jazz dies, it's because it was killed.
 
So when do we go to war and take back the format? I have shared that article with some musicians that have been successful in the format. They unfortunately are forced to be quiet as they do not want to hurt their chances of making it with BA. Sad very sad. However they stand ready to fight once the fight begins.

Nock
 
Here's the link for the article:

http://www.radioandrecords.com/RRWebSite/Format_RoomPage.aspx?FormatID=12

There were some very astute comments in this piece. There is also a blatantly sexist statements by someone. There has always been a cardre of males in the "jazz" world who assume that "their" music is too deep and cerebral for the "chicks" unless it is watered down to pink cotton candy. Female listeners are no happier with what the corporate format is feeding them than male listeners. It's like the guy who came up to me at a Frank Gambale gig and said "here with your boyfriend?" me: "no" him:"I've never met a chick who likes fusion" Naaaah..I'm gonna go home and listen to G play that one note for 12 minutes.
 
Had to the opportunity to speak with a very well know c jazz artist that is in the BA stable at an XM taping here in town. I decided to take a shot at BA and see the response I would get. I mentioned how I felt BA was destroying the format that we know. His response, " If they were destroying it they would actually be doing something. What is disturbing is that they are limiting the opportunity for new artists to get their music played by keeping the playlists so limited." You are all very familiar with this artists music. It was interesting to watch him walk the fine line. Think of all the artists keeping their mouths shut for fear of being ignored?

Nock
 
There has been a "gag order" on any criticism of BA and their tactics since they took over in '95. Fear of getting dropped from their playlist. Fear of getting blacklisted from being hired at their stations, fear of loss of clear channel and BA ad revenue if you are a trade publication. BA doesn't have to do anything anymore, they control everything so they can just skate on their credentials and give their clients retreads of what they already do.That's what happens when you have no competition.

Only thing is you're not going to get the airplay anyway unless you chart A/C first, charted A/C in the 80s, or cover a song that did, they are an automated format so there are no jobs available at their consulted stations, and there is only one trade publication left and its substantial content was gutted by its new owners. So what is there to lose.
 
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