Search Chicago Jazz
Jazz Calendar
There are no shows posted for today. Please check back soon.
The Avenue 950am
The Avenue 950am
Date Posted: August 12 2009
Written By: chicago jazz
|
 Bookmark it!
|
Music returned to AM 950 with the debut of Avenue 950™, airing daily from 6:00 PM to 5:00 AM.
The Avenue™ is the first really new format launched in commercial radio in several years. Jazz based, it is
basically an inversion of smooth and traditional Jazz format models in that it is primarily a vocal format.
The higher ratio of vocals enhances the formats accessibility and also serves to make the format more AM-friendly for stations. The format has been testing in the Appleton/Osh Kosh market (#135) on Avenue 91.1™ since January.
Listener growth and response associated with this station led to the decision to launch The Avenue™in Chicago.
The Avenue™ is programmed by Rob Moore, who has extensive experience in programming both traditional and
smooth jazz, as well as alternative rock.
The origin of this format began during the years he spent in Minneapolis/St. Paul (KTWN, CAFÉ 105, KMJZ) New Orleans (KNOK), and on the Breeze Network. Moore is
the son of Jack Moore, a Minnesota Radio Hall of Fame programmer.
Unlike existing Jazz formats, this vocal heavy mix features a balance of both classic and contemporary artists, and a staunch avoidance of “easy listening” staples such as the 70’s and 80’s AC cuts that promulgate “easy listening” and even “smooth” formats of today. The format targets the 25-54 demographic, as opposed to resigning the station exclusively to 35 plus. A sample of core Jazz artists includes Diana Krall, Frank Sinatra, Harry Connick, Jr., Michael Buble, Brian Setzer, The Big Bad Voodoo Daddies, Billie Holiday, Madeline Peyroux and other artists found in some Jazz mixes.
These artists are balanced by Al Green, Jamie Cullum, Ben Folds, Van Morrison, Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell, Tower of Power and other artists not often found in a smooth or traditional jazz mix.
The benchmark “Timeless Cool”™is used as the primary on-air positioning statement, as it can be applied to
both classic and contemporary artists. The Avenue™seeks to be both current and classic.
Among the Avenue™ hosts are internationally renowned vocalist Janet Planet, who hosts “Planetary Rotations” and Steve March Torme, Jazz singer and son of the late legend Mel Torme.
Don't miss anymore Chicago Jazz Information.
Subscribe to Chicago Jazz magazine / Get A Free CD.
Subscribe to our Chicago Jazz weekly newsletter.
