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The Straight Skinny

 

Something In The Air

Format evolution, not revolution or Thunderclap Newman

 

By Carol Archer

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When we launched 87.7FM, one of our core missions was to cultivate new music. -- Pat Kelley

The show has the potential to do for Saturday nights what the Smooth Jazz Sunday Brunch did for Sunday mornings. -- Rick O'Dell

O’Dell also chimes in: "I think we found the perfect vehicle:  a show devoted to some exciting new music and musical trends. Between Steve's experiences working side-by-side with the biggest names in smooth jazz and his knack for telling great stories, it'll be a lively and interesting hour."

      But wait, there's more: Esteemed former Clear Channel/Chicago's production guru Bill Cochran, best known as the voice of Smooth Jazz for over 20 years, bows on  "Dinner Party with Bill Cochran" (Saturdays, 6-10p.m.). The show is designed to provide the market with the right mood for entertaining. Kelley explains that the idea originated with listeners. "Over the years we have received many e-mails telling us how much people enjoy Smooth Jazz while entertaining family and friends. So Bill, Rick and I gathered and decided to create a show just for that."

      O'Dell adds, "The show has the potential to do for Saturday nights what the Smooth Jazz Sunday Brunch did for Sunday mornings: be a perfect lifestyle complement to what our listeners are doing at the time. The music mix -- vintage contemporary jazz classics by such artists as David Sanborn, Bob James, Earl Klugh and Stanley Turrentine -- is unique and, to me, just feels right for Saturday night." The show is followed by "Chill with Mindi Abair."

Now local hero Steve Cole takes to the airwaves with "Sittin' In with Steve Cole," which runs on Wednesdays, 8-9p.m. Hosted by the renowned sax man, composer and Chicago native, the one-hour show highlights new music -- new. Gentlemen, you have my attention, and how.

      "When we launched 87.7FM, one of our core missions was to cultivate new music. Steve's sharp ear and progressive vision of where this format is going made him the perfect choice to host this exciting and innovative new show," says WLFM GM Pat Kelley.

      Furthermore, the warm and sunny "Sounds of Brazil!" also return to the air on the property. Hosted by Scott Adams, "The Sounds of Brazil" is heard on Saturdays at midnight. O’Dell points out that "The Sounds of Brazil" was born in Chicago in 1992. "We're delighted to be its new radio home. Scott Adams turns every one of his shows into a sun-splashed guided tour of Brazilian music."