Monday, July 16, 2012
Music Director Notes, 7-16-12: White Labels
7/16/12 The Latest and greatest:
WHITE LABELS (The ones on front of the CD)
Please note that when we weed music out of the library, we use the white labels on front of the CDs as a gauge as to whether or not they're being played, so if you love a particular album, it is in your best interest to let us know you've played it. Otherwise, if we see that it hasn't been played in over two (2) years, it goes away.
MUSIC DIRECTOR'S PICKS
ROCK:
Midnight Empire: Everything and Nothing (Hard Rock)
Various Artists: The Inner Flame: A Tribute to Rainer Ptacek (Various styles)
The Smashing Pumpkins: Oceania (Alternative Rock)
Delta Rae: Carry the Fire (Pop Rock)
BLUES:
Sharon Lewis & Texas Fire: The Real Deal
Sonny Landreth: Elemental Journey
FOLK:
Woody Guthrie: Woody at 100: Selections from the Woody Guthrie Centennial Collection
JAZZ:
Branford Marsalis Quartet: Four MFs Playin' Tunes
Natalie Cressman & Secret Garden: Unfolding
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Music Director Notes 7-3-12: Library Upheaval
Greetings, all!
Some wise person somewhere along the line said that "Change is the only constant in life". Or something like that.
Well, in keeping with that theme, there are some changes coming down the pipeline.
LIBRARY SHUFFLING
1. Gaps: You're going to be noticing some big gaps in the main library stacks as Gerald and I do some heavy weeding of CDs. Basically, what we're doing is pulling any CDs that haven't been played in over 2 years according to the labels on front of the cases. If there are no labels, we're putting them on. I know it's risky, but we're doing this in order to make room for the CDs in the "Recent Release" shelves.
2. The Recent Release Shelves are being converted to the New to KRZA shelves: KRZA receives a lot of CDs as donations from individuals. While these recordings are new to KRZA, they are seldom actually New Relases. And so, we're converting what is now the Recent Release shelves into the "New To KRZA" shelves, and this is where you'll be able to find the cool stuff that's been out for awhile, but hasn't been in the KRZA library.
3. Recent Release Shelves are moving to the Main Library: The CDs currently in the Recent Release are going to be put into the main llibrary stacks, where they will actually be organized alphabetically in a way that you can actually find them! Imagine that! :-)
4. Review of Weeded CDs: After Gerald and I go through the weeded CDs, you--as experts in your genre of music-- will have a chance to review the CDs that were weeded. When you do this, you may put them back into the stacks, but please leave a note for us so that we know why you want to put it back in the library. We both still have a lot to learn about all the different kinds of music. And PLEASE--we beg you--don't just go through and put everything back in the stacks. We currently receive 5 CDs every single day--that's 150 CDs a momth, or almost 1800 a year--and are anticipating receiving even more--and we HAVE to make room for some of them!
5. New Release Rock Subdivision: Mix-up and Rock DJ's, you'll now notice that the Rock section in New Release has been subdivided into the more classic-sounding stuff on the left (Blues rock/roots rock/folk rock, etc.) and the more pop-electronic stuff to the right (indie, pop, alternative, electronic). Just read the tape under the shelves, and it'll all make sense.
All right, now the fun stuff!
MUSIC DIRECTOR'S PICKS
Rockers: If you're a Dead Head, check out "Beachwood Sparks"--I'm telling you, these guys are Dead ringers. Seriously. They make me write bad puns, they're that good. Also, check out the all-girl Goth band
"Accolade" for something a little different. Are they medieval rock? Pagan punk? You tell me...
Some wise person somewhere along the line said that "Change is the only constant in life". Or something like that.
Well, in keeping with that theme, there are some changes coming down the pipeline.
LIBRARY SHUFFLING
1. Gaps: You're going to be noticing some big gaps in the main library stacks as Gerald and I do some heavy weeding of CDs. Basically, what we're doing is pulling any CDs that haven't been played in over 2 years according to the labels on front of the cases. If there are no labels, we're putting them on. I know it's risky, but we're doing this in order to make room for the CDs in the "Recent Release" shelves.
2. The Recent Release Shelves are being converted to the New to KRZA shelves: KRZA receives a lot of CDs as donations from individuals. While these recordings are new to KRZA, they are seldom actually New Relases. And so, we're converting what is now the Recent Release shelves into the "New To KRZA" shelves, and this is where you'll be able to find the cool stuff that's been out for awhile, but hasn't been in the KRZA library.
3. Recent Release Shelves are moving to the Main Library: The CDs currently in the Recent Release are going to be put into the main llibrary stacks, where they will actually be organized alphabetically in a way that you can actually find them! Imagine that! :-)
4. Review of Weeded CDs: After Gerald and I go through the weeded CDs, you--as experts in your genre of music-- will have a chance to review the CDs that were weeded. When you do this, you may put them back into the stacks, but please leave a note for us so that we know why you want to put it back in the library. We both still have a lot to learn about all the different kinds of music. And PLEASE--we beg you--don't just go through and put everything back in the stacks. We currently receive 5 CDs every single day--that's 150 CDs a momth, or almost 1800 a year--and are anticipating receiving even more--and we HAVE to make room for some of them!
5. New Release Rock Subdivision: Mix-up and Rock DJ's, you'll now notice that the Rock section in New Release has been subdivided into the more classic-sounding stuff on the left (Blues rock/roots rock/folk rock, etc.) and the more pop-electronic stuff to the right (indie, pop, alternative, electronic). Just read the tape under the shelves, and it'll all make sense.
All right, now the fun stuff!
MUSIC DIRECTOR'S PICKS
Rockers: If you're a Dead Head, check out "Beachwood Sparks"--I'm telling you, these guys are Dead ringers. Seriously. They make me write bad puns, they're that good. Also, check out the all-girl Goth band
"Accolade" for something a little different. Are they medieval rock? Pagan punk? You tell me...
World: Okay, so "Calibro 35" should probably belong in jazz because of the sound, but in KRZA's books, "World" music is "any music that is not from the U.S."...and Italy probably appreciates jazz more than we do in the U.S., anyway, so why the heck not add them to your show?
All right, gotta go start weedin'!
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Music Director Notes 6-26-12: Picks
Helloooooooo...is there anybody out there? Does anybody ever read this?
Well, I'll just tell myself my favorite picks of the week, then. :-p
NEW RELEASES:
Jazz aficionados: Béla Fleck and the Marcus Roberts Trio have joined forces to create "Across The Imaginary Divide" in a delightful cross-genre exploration. This album really demonstrates the magic that can
happen when top-notch musicians of ANY genre collaborate--truly brillliant! Also, check out
Stacey Kent's live album, "Dreamer In Concert", recorded in the famous La Cigale concert hall in Paris.
Rockers: A Band Called Catch's modus operandum is creating music to dance to--and this they do very well! If you enjoyed shaking booty to 80's hair bands, then you'll love this album. Also, Peter Cincotti's "Metropolis", a departure from his jazz endeavors into pop, is really quite good. Be adventurous--check 'em out!
Latin: I've decided to move all music from Latin America, including Curumin's "Arrocha", into the Latin section, so don't forget to look for your other favorite electronic Brazilian albums there.
That's it, short and sweet. More next time...
Well, I'll just tell myself my favorite picks of the week, then. :-p
NEW RELEASES:
Jazz aficionados: Béla Fleck and the Marcus Roberts Trio have joined forces to create "Across The Imaginary Divide" in a delightful cross-genre exploration. This album really demonstrates the magic that can
happen when top-notch musicians of ANY genre collaborate--truly brillliant! Also, check out
Stacey Kent's live album, "Dreamer In Concert", recorded in the famous La Cigale concert hall in Paris.
Rockers: A Band Called Catch's modus operandum is creating music to dance to--and this they do very well! If you enjoyed shaking booty to 80's hair bands, then you'll love this album. Also, Peter Cincotti's "Metropolis", a departure from his jazz endeavors into pop, is really quite good. Be adventurous--check 'em out!
Latin: I've decided to move all music from Latin America, including Curumin's "Arrocha", into the Latin section, so don't forget to look for your other favorite electronic Brazilian albums there.
That's it, short and sweet. More next time...
Monday, June 18, 2012
Music Director Notes 6-18-12: Kudos!
Hey, all!
KUDOS!!!!
GREAT job on airing New Releases this week! Hats off to these pioneers who are willing to stick their necks out, browse the New Releases for songs that haven't had airtime yet, and broadcast them to the upper Rio Grande region for the very first time ever! You risk (gasp!) sometimes playing something that's not that great...but you might also just discover the next Beatles. You never know unless you have the courage to try.
NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS
Singer Songwriters: Kristian Matsson was featured on Morning Edition last week, and we are proud to have his new CD "There's No Leaving Now" in the studio. If you like Bob Dylan, you'll love Kristian Matsson.
Rockers: Fans of 80's rock, have a listen to Japandroids "Celebration Rock". Also, feel free to reach into the Blues section for Eric Sardinas and Walter Trout, just to add a little dirt to your show. I mean, it's gardening season, right?
World Music: Smithsonian Folkways has just put out a new 2-CD set of the music of Central Asia. Enjoy!
Jazz: Fans of vocal jazz will be pleased with the straight-ahead style of April Hall. This CD would also be appropriate for the Swingtime show. On the instrumental side, Anne Sajdera's piano trio album is a really nice sampling of straight-ahead jazz.
As always, thanks for "listening", and we'll see you next update!
KUDOS!!!!
GREAT job on airing New Releases this week! Hats off to these pioneers who are willing to stick their necks out, browse the New Releases for songs that haven't had airtime yet, and broadcast them to the upper Rio Grande region for the very first time ever! You risk (gasp!) sometimes playing something that's not that great...but you might also just discover the next Beatles. You never know unless you have the courage to try.
NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS
Singer Songwriters: Kristian Matsson was featured on Morning Edition last week, and we are proud to have his new CD "There's No Leaving Now" in the studio. If you like Bob Dylan, you'll love Kristian Matsson.
Rockers: Fans of 80's rock, have a listen to Japandroids "Celebration Rock". Also, feel free to reach into the Blues section for Eric Sardinas and Walter Trout, just to add a little dirt to your show. I mean, it's gardening season, right?
World Music: Smithsonian Folkways has just put out a new 2-CD set of the music of Central Asia. Enjoy!
Jazz: Fans of vocal jazz will be pleased with the straight-ahead style of April Hall. This CD would also be appropriate for the Swingtime show. On the instrumental side, Anne Sajdera's piano trio album is a really nice sampling of straight-ahead jazz.
As always, thanks for "listening", and we'll see you next update!
Friday, June 15, 2012
DJ feedback notes
Hey again, all ~
I just wanted to reiterate how excited I am about giving you--the music experts and snobs on the "front lines" of the KRZA sound--more "say" in what goes over the air. Up 'til now, I previewed everything heavily, making sure that only the crème de la crème made it into the library for you. Now, I'm loosening the filters and allowing YOU to make those judgments, because God knows, I certainly don't know everything. So, keep an eye out for the DJ feedback forms on the front of the New Releases, and scribble freely.
Okay, end of enthusing for now. Have a great weekend!
I just wanted to reiterate how excited I am about giving you--the music experts and snobs on the "front lines" of the KRZA sound--more "say" in what goes over the air. Up 'til now, I previewed everything heavily, making sure that only the crème de la crème made it into the library for you. Now, I'm loosening the filters and allowing YOU to make those judgments, because God knows, I certainly don't know everything. So, keep an eye out for the DJ feedback forms on the front of the New Releases, and scribble freely.
Okay, end of enthusing for now. Have a great weekend!
Monday, June 11, 2012
Music Director Notes 6-11-12: Playlists online!
Greetings, Earthlings! (There, now your suspicions are confirmed...)
KRZA PLAYLISTS ARE NOW ONLINE!
Thanks to our wonderful Office Manager, Laura, your playlists are now live online! There's a nice, prominent link right on the main page of our website, www.krza.org, and everybody--listeners, other DJs, Smurfs, and citizens of Parallax IV--one and all can now click on that link and see what you've been playing. When you get a chance, check it out!
MISSING CD
Does anyone happen to know the whereabouts of the new Norah Jones CD? It was in the "Rock" section. (Please don't make us re-implement the "count the New Release CDs before and after your show" policy...*I* don't want to do that, and I'm SURE that you don't!)
DJ FEEDBACK NOTES
You are going to begin seeing larger pieces of paper taped on the fronts of New Release CDs. These papers are for you to scribble notes about what you think of the album you are airing. Good? Meh? Are certain tracks awesome while others stink? This is your opportunity to provide your honest feedback.
NEW RELEASES
I'm still catching up, but oh my there are some good ones in this crop!
Jazz / Latin Jazz: There are about two artists a year that make me say "Oh. My. God". Melody Gardot is one of them. Melody Gartot. "The Absence". Oh. My. God. Also, check out Brian Bromberg for some good, tight large ensemble work.
World: Niyaz "Sumud". Yummy Middle Eastern spice to add to your show. Mmmmmmmm.
Also consider Melody Gardot, in the "Vocal Jazz" section. (See above: Oh. My. God.)
Okay, that's all I've got for now. Until next time...
KRZA PLAYLISTS ARE NOW ONLINE!
Thanks to our wonderful Office Manager, Laura, your playlists are now live online! There's a nice, prominent link right on the main page of our website, www.krza.org, and everybody--listeners, other DJs, Smurfs, and citizens of Parallax IV--one and all can now click on that link and see what you've been playing. When you get a chance, check it out!
MISSING CD
Does anyone happen to know the whereabouts of the new Norah Jones CD? It was in the "Rock" section. (Please don't make us re-implement the "count the New Release CDs before and after your show" policy...*I* don't want to do that, and I'm SURE that you don't!)
DJ FEEDBACK NOTES
You are going to begin seeing larger pieces of paper taped on the fronts of New Release CDs. These papers are for you to scribble notes about what you think of the album you are airing. Good? Meh? Are certain tracks awesome while others stink? This is your opportunity to provide your honest feedback.
NEW RELEASES
I'm still catching up, but oh my there are some good ones in this crop!
Jazz / Latin Jazz: There are about two artists a year that make me say "Oh. My. God". Melody Gardot is one of them. Melody Gartot. "The Absence". Oh. My. God. Also, check out Brian Bromberg for some good, tight large ensemble work.
World: Niyaz "Sumud". Yummy Middle Eastern spice to add to your show. Mmmmmmmm.
Also consider Melody Gardot, in the "Vocal Jazz" section. (See above: Oh. My. God.)
Okay, that's all I've got for now. Until next time...
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Music Director Notes 6-6-12: Spinitron Data Entry
I'm b-a-a-a-a-c-k! And married! And thrilled to be training one of our new Swingtime DJs, Doug Camp, a man who knows so much about jazz it should probably be illegal. Welcome to the KRZA family, Doug; we're tickled pink to have you with us!
On to the news:
LOST AND FOUND CD BOX:
You'll notice that there is a nice, big box next to the Music Director's desk that says "Lost and Found (Library CDs Only). Since you, as our on-air hosts, are the most familiar with our CD library, we thought it would make sense to ask you to help us reunite empty CD covers with their discs. In the happy event that you DO reunite a disc with its cover, we ask that please put it back in the library--and then go celebrate in whatever fashion you see fit! :-)
SPINITRON
Playlist Dates
Some of you well-organized hosts like to do your playlists before you do their shows. This is actually a very sane practice (and one that I should probably engage in, myself...) If you choose to put your playlist together ahead of time, just make sure to do the following when you set it up:
This helps me report the correct music for the correct week without having to guess.
New Release Tracking Numbers (those little 5-digit numbers on the white labels I'm always pestering you about) -- GREAT JOB!!! I think we almost have a perfect record now! Just one or two holdouts...
Your Playlists on the KRZA Website
Very soon--in the next couple of weeks--we are going to be able to publish your playlists at www.krza.org so that our listeners know what you're playing on your shows. How cool is that?
Dont'cha love Spinitron? I know I do...
NEW RELEASES
La Buena Onda: Unidad has released a new CD, "Igual Feliz", which we are now proud to have it in our library.
Rockers: Kimbra ("Vows") has an absolutely awesome voice, more on the pop side. Reviewers say she's even better live--hard to imagine, given how amazing this recording is!
Jazz: Tim Carey is another top-notch bassist, and his new album "Room 114" is a nice example of modern jazz. If you feel like experimenting a little, OCDC's "Get The Blessing" crosses over into rock and even metal, kind of in the vein of The Headhunters.
World: If you managed to get over to Wildwood to enjoy Jessica Fichot, you'll love Zaz. Gypsy jazz and pop--all in French. Great voice--enjoy!
I've got plenty of catching up to do, so more new releases are on their way down the pipeline. As they say, "Stay tuned"!
Until next time...
On to the news:
LOST AND FOUND CD BOX:
You'll notice that there is a nice, big box next to the Music Director's desk that says "Lost and Found (Library CDs Only). Since you, as our on-air hosts, are the most familiar with our CD library, we thought it would make sense to ask you to help us reunite empty CD covers with their discs. In the happy event that you DO reunite a disc with its cover, we ask that please put it back in the library--and then go celebrate in whatever fashion you see fit! :-)
SPINITRON
Playlist Dates
Some of you well-organized hosts like to do your playlists before you do their shows. This is actually a very sane practice (and one that I should probably engage in, myself...) If you choose to put your playlist together ahead of time, just make sure to do the following when you set it up:
- For the "I am working on the playlist" field, select "before the show"
- In the "Playlist Date" field, choose the date your show will air, not the date you're doing the data entry
This helps me report the correct music for the correct week without having to guess.
New Release Tracking Numbers (those little 5-digit numbers on the white labels I'm always pestering you about) -- GREAT JOB!!! I think we almost have a perfect record now! Just one or two holdouts...
Your Playlists on the KRZA Website
Very soon--in the next couple of weeks--we are going to be able to publish your playlists at www.krza.org so that our listeners know what you're playing on your shows. How cool is that?
Dont'cha love Spinitron? I know I do...
NEW RELEASES
La Buena Onda: Unidad has released a new CD, "Igual Feliz", which we are now proud to have it in our library.
Rockers: Kimbra ("Vows") has an absolutely awesome voice, more on the pop side. Reviewers say she's even better live--hard to imagine, given how amazing this recording is!
Jazz: Tim Carey is another top-notch bassist, and his new album "Room 114" is a nice example of modern jazz. If you feel like experimenting a little, OCDC's "Get The Blessing" crosses over into rock and even metal, kind of in the vein of The Headhunters.
World: If you managed to get over to Wildwood to enjoy Jessica Fichot, you'll love Zaz. Gypsy jazz and pop--all in French. Great voice--enjoy!
I've got plenty of catching up to do, so more new releases are on their way down the pipeline. As they say, "Stay tuned"!
Until next time...
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