Author: Jazz90.1

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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Week #11 – Glenn Miller and Classic Big Bands

Here at Jazz90.1, we love to play classic big band music. From Dorsey to Ellington, Basie to Goodman, we think that it’s important to pay tribute to big band leaders of the past. One of the most commonly recognized big band leaders is Glenn Miller. This week, we look at Miller’s music, his story, and…

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Week #10 – Brief History of The Blues

Brief History of The Blues Content Provided By ED KOPP – All About Jazz When you think of the blues, you think about misfortune, betrayal and regret. You lose your job, you get the blues. Your mate falls out of love with you, you get the blues. Your dog dies, you get the blues. While…

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Week #9 – The History of Ragtime

Ragtime music is truly African-American music. It combines rhythms that were brought to this country by slaves, with musical forms brought over to the United States from Europe. Ragtime uses syncopated rhythms — that is, the accents in the melody are shifted away from the strong beats in the bass line underneath. History of Ragtime…

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Meet Our Featured Jazz90.1 #JazzPets from GRASP!

Mention Jazz90.1, and Adopt This Cat For Just $175 Meet Spicee! She’s a pretty and affectionate young tabby kitty, and loves to be cuddled, but sometimes she also likes her own space. Overall she is a very mild, calm and easy going kitty who even answers to her name! Spicee gets along with other cats,…

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Week #8 – Benny’s Music Class

Content provided by The National Museum of American History. Following are a series of activities that explore Benny Carter’s musicianship in greater depth. You will need a paper and pencil to complete these activities. Story 1 Before Benny Carter, jazz saxophone players tended to play their instruments with a harsh, disconnected attack. In jazz music,…

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Week #7 – Celebrating John Coltrane

This week, we celebrate the music, life and legacy of John Coltrane – born September 23, 1926. John William Coltrane was an American jazz saxophonist and composer. Working in the bebop and hard bop idioms early in his career, Coltrane helped pioneer the use of modes and was at the forefront of free jazz. He…

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