Author: Jazz90.1

2023-24 – Week #2

SaxophoneBy: Jaclyn Breeze The saxophone is a woodwind instrument. The instrument is made of metal, but is classified as a woodwind because of the mouthpiece. It uses a wooden reed that vibrates against plastic to create sound when a player blows into it. It is one of the most recently invented instruments, developed in the…

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WGMC@50 Podcast Series: Episode 5 – Charyll Monk

Many long-time listeners and members remember Charyll Monk. She was the driving force behind development for Jazz90.1, and oversaw office operations, too. Charyll reflects back to her time with the station, and just how hard everyone worked to ensure its success in the “lean” years.

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WGMC@50 Podcast Series: Episode 7 – Mike Serowik

Mike Serowik came to WGMC back in the 1980’s after falling in love with radio during his time at Purdue University. The college station was jazz and classical based, and jazz was Mike’s love. Mike eventually moved to Rochester to begin his career at Kodak, and he discovered WGMC-FM. He eventually landed a jazz show…

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WGMC@50 Podcast Series: Episode 4 – Eric Gruner

Eric Gruner served in many roles at Jazz90.1 before becoming the station’s General Manager. During his tenure, Eric was responsible for numerous projects that would enhance our listening area, including the addition of a second frequency on 105.1 FM to better serve the East Side of Rochester, and he would begin the lengthy and expensive…

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2023-24 – Week #1

TromboneBy: Jaclyn Breeze The trombone is a brass instrument. Players blow air into the instrument and change the position of the slide to change the notes. Historical accounts of trombones start as far back as 1466. Back then, it was good for outdoor events and concerts, as it can be a very loud instrument. It…

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WGMC@50 Podcast Series: Episode 6 – Jason Crane

Jason Crane was a young man when he joined Jazz90.1. He had already had an impressive career, and came to the station first as Development Director, then moved into the role of Station Manager. Jason worked tirelessly during his tenure to bring our power increase across the finish line before departing in 2004 for politics…

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WGMC@50 Podcast Series: Episode 1 – Todd Blide

Episode 1 – Todd Blide: For our first episode, we spent some time with one of the first students to be involved with WGMC-FM – Todd Blide. Todd was a volunteer from 1973 – 1980, and also served in the roles of Personnel Director, Continuity Director, News Director, Chief Engineer and others. He also hosted…

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WGMC@50 Podcast Series: Episode 2 – Paul Pakusch

Paul Pakusch was a student at Greece Arcadia High School, and in 1975, he joined the team at WGMC-FM. From there, he called the experience with the radio station the “center of his life” during his high school years. Paul then went onto college at SUNY Geneseo, and credits his experience with WGMC for his…

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WGMC@50 Podcast Series: Episode 3 – Erik Hemdal

Erik volunteered at the station from fall 1975 to summer 1979. Paul Pakusch was the one who brought him in. Erik was on-air Thursdays for “Musicale,” from (as he recalls) 3:30-5:30, then a wild 15 minutes on the board from 5:30-5:45 for news and a few short programs (“Earthwatch” from the University of Wisconsin comes…

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Jazz90.1 Receives Award From The New York State Broadcasters Association

(w/o) On September 19, Jazz90.1 and Station Manager Rob Linton were presented with a “Serving New York” award from The New York State Broadcasters Association at their annual awards ceremony. This award recognized the station’s annual Holiday Food Drive in partnership with The Summit Federal Credit Union, as well as our Back To School Supply…

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Jazz90.1 In The News – Celebrating 50 Years

(Westside News – June 2023) Jazz90.1 in Greece has been bringing local jazz to the Rochester area for 50 years. In the early 70s the Greece Central School District decided to establish an FM radio station with the purpose of providing services to the community. On November 1, 1973, 90.1 WGMC was on the air…

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See Artist Interviews From The RIJF

Jazz90.1’s Derrick Lucas and Photojournalist Dan Gross bring you artist interviews from the front row each day of the CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival. Check them out each day HERE.

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RIJF Reviews By Frank De Blase

You already know that Jazz90.1 provides MORE coverage of The CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival than any other media outlet. Now – our coverage has gotten even better! Jazz90.1 is pleased to announce that writer and photographer and former CITY News reporter Frank De Blase will join our team. Each day, he’ll provide his recap…

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Jazz90.1 Smooth Grooves Radio Is LIVE!

If you’re a fan of the smoother side of jazz, we invite you to check out Jazz90.1’s new sister station – Smooth Grooves Radio. This internet station features the best contemporary jazz including artists like Euge Groove, Jimmie Highsmith, Jr., Kenny G, Dave Koz, David Sanborn, Diana Krall and more. The station will also feature…

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Week #16 – It’s Time For Tyner

History: (December 11, 1938 – March 6, 2020) McCoy Tyner was an American jazz pianist known for his work with the John Coltrane Quartet and a long solo career. He was an NEA Jazz Master and a five-time Grammy winner. Not a player of electric keyboards and synthesizers, he was committed to acoustic instrumentation. Tyner,…

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Week #15 – Charlie Parker

This week, it’s all about “Bird.” We’ll look at the life and music of one of the greatest jazz saxophonists of all time – Charlie Parker! Check out amazing videos, and even complete a fun activity at the end of the lesson. Biography – Courtesy of CharlieParkerMusic.com A clap of thunder heralded the passing of…

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Week #14 – Fusion

Provided by New Directions In MusicWe Do Not Own This Content Miles Davis is the grandfather of fusion–but don’t tell him that. As he once said, “A legend is an old man with a cane known for what he used to do. I’m still doing it.” Nonetheless, he pretty much started the ball rolling back…

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Week #13 – Bing Crosby

Bing Crosby sang such hit songs as the ever-popular holiday classic “White Christmas.” The beloved crooner was also a star of radio, movies and television. This week, we take a look at the life, music and history of one of America’s best known crooners. Courtesy of Biography.com. We do not own rights to this content.…

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Week #12 – Frank Sinatra

Who can forget the musical impact that Frank Sinatra has had, and continues to have. This week, we’ll learn about “old blues eyes himself,” including his rise to fame, a look (and listen) at his music, and more. Courtesy of Biography.com Frank Sinatra – (1915–1998) Frank Sinatra was one of the most popular entertainers of…

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