THE Jazz has hit the nation's airwaves.
With bebop, swing, trad, blues and modern jazz streaming out of its studios all channels are open and ready to match the 6.3 million or so listeners that tune into its successful sister station, Classic FM.
Managing director Darren Henley has a nifty line-up of presenters spreading the J-word across the kingdom, including Courtney Pine, Jamie Cullum, Jacqui Dankworth and, wait for it, our own Brewery Arts Centre music man Mike Chadwick.
Now, Mike is one of the nicest guys you could wish to meet and plays a major role in the region's entertainment scene in his capacity as the Kendal arts centre's music officer.
Mr C is also one of the popular voices of Lakeland Radio, hosting his own show on Sundays from 3pm-4pm, featuring a fair dollop of world music and other Chadwick treats.
Mike's The Jazz slot goes out on Fridays, from 9pm-midnight, and Saturdays, 6pm-8pm, and promises a rich and silky smooth selection of tasty tunes.
"The Jazz aims to be all things to all jazz fans," Mike tells me.
"It aims to do for jazz what Classic FM has done for classical music - appeal to a wider audience.
"I love it.
"It's given me a new lease of life as a broadcaster."
Over the next few months The Jazz will be asking listeners "what is jazz" with a debate on air, online and at live events.
Oh, and the station wants listeners to nominate their favourite jazz tracks too.
All sounds pretty cool to me!
The Jazz is available on DAB Digital Radio, through your television on satellite channel 0113, Virgin Media Channel 961 or online at www.thejazz.com.
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