Two of my favorite jazz stations are:
WGMC (Jazz 90.1) in the Rochester, NY market
(
www.jazz901.org)
And WSHA (88.9) in Raleigh, NC
(
www.wshafm.org)
Both stations rely on local volunteers to program the music during most dayparts. Each presenter has his or her own unique take on jazz of all varieties.
Yes, the services from WFMT and WDUQ are enjoyable. But, I think too many public radio stations rely on them for programming. They would be better off if they sought out local DJs (volunteers from the community) to program the music.
Also, it would be nice if non-commercial jazz stations would diversify their playlists. Sure, the straight ahead/traditional jazz format is diverse. But I remember when several public radio jazz stations also mixed in smooth/contemporary jazz. Something you rarely hear on these stations anymore.
I spoke with someone at a station that used to play both aspects of jazz, and he told me that the reason smooth jazz was dropped was because most of the listeners who donated money to the station demanded a return to a strictly traditional format.
I think it's unfortunate that so many jazz "purists" have such an attitude about smooth jazz. To me, it is just part of the evolution of jazz music, and there is room for all aspects of the genre on the radio dial.
As for commercial stations, I know of only one that is sitll playing straight ahead jazz in its regular rotation. WJZR in Rochester, which I plugged in a previous thread on this board. I would be curious to know if any other stations are playing traditional jazz in their regular playlist. (Yes, I know most of the remaining SJ stations run Ramsey Lewis on Sunday night).
