Jazz music has a rich history and a vibrant culture, and it continues to captivate audiences around the world. Jazz radio stations play a vital role in promoting and preserving jazz music. Toronto and Montreal are two Canadian cities with a thriving jazz scene, and they are home to several jazz radio stations. This article will explore the jazz radio stations in Toronto and Montreal, their programming, notable hosts and players, festivals and events, and the impact of jazz radio stations on the music scene.
Jazz FM 91 (Toronto)
Jazz FM 91 is a not-for-profit radio station based in Toronto, Canada. It has been on air since 2001 and is dedicated to promoting jazz music.
History and Background of the Station
The station was founded by a group of jazz enthusiasts who wanted to create a dedicated jazz radio station in Toronto. FM 91.1 Jazz was officially launched on September 6, 2001, and has since become a popular destination for jazz lovers in the city.
Jazz FM Team and Schedule
Jazz FM has a team of experienced broadcasters, hosts, and producers who are passionate about jazz music. Some of the notable hosts and producers at Jazz FM include Jaymz Bee, Heather Bambrick, and Ross Porter.
Jazz FM’s programming includes a mix of jazz, blues, and Latin music, with shows ranging from the morning drive to late-night programming.
Notable Jazz Players Featured on the Station
Jazz FM 91 has featured several notable jazz players on their station, including Diana Krall, Herbie Hancock, and Wynton Marsalis.
Jazzcast and Jazz App
Jazz FM offers a live jazz stream called Jazzcast, which allows listeners to listen to the station’s programming online. The station also has a Jazz App, which is available on both Android and iOS, that allows listeners to access the station’s programming, read about jazz news, and more.
Montreal Jazz Radio Online
Montreal Jazz Radio Online is an internet radio station that focuses on promoting jazz music in Montreal, Canada. The station was founded in 2004 and has since become a popular destination for jazz lovers in the city.
Overview of the Station
Montreal Jazz Radio Online offers a mix of classic and contemporary jazz music, with shows ranging from big band to bebop. The station’s programming also includes interviews with jazz artists, reviews of jazz albums, and jazz news.
Notable Programs and DJs
Some of the notable programs and DJs on Montreal Jazz Radio Online include “The Jazz Gypsy,” “Jazz in the City,” and “Jazz and Beyond.”
Other Jazz Radio Stations in Toronto and Montreal
In addition to Jazz FM 91 and Montreal Jazz Radio Online, there are several other jazz radio stations in Toronto and Montreal. Some of these stations include:
- JAZZ.FM91 (Toronto)
- CIUT-FM (Toronto)
- CHUO-FM (Ottawa, serving Montreal)
Comparison of Different Stations
| Station | Location | Programming | Notable DJs |
| Jazz FM 91 | Toronto | Jazz, Blues, Latin | Jaymz Bee, Heather Bambrick, Ross Porter |
| Montreal Jazz Radio Online | Montreal | Classic and Contemporary Jazz | The Jazz Gypsy, Jazz in the City, Jazz and Beyond |
| JAZZ.FM91 | Toronto | Jazz, Blues, Latin | Brad Barker, Walter Venafro, John Devenish |
| CIUT-FM | Toronto | Jazz, Blues, Latin | Ron Vienneau, Ken Stowar |
| CHUO-FM | Ottawa (serving Montreal) | Jazz, Blues, Latin | Adilson Nunes, Mina Saeed |
Unique Features of Each Station
- Jazz FM 91 (Toronto): Jazz FM 91 is a not-for-profit radio station that is dedicated to promoting jazz music in Toronto. The station is known for its extensive playlist and features programming that covers a range of jazz styles, including blues and Latin jazz. Jazz FM 91 also has a strong online presence with its Jazzcast and Jazz App, which allow listeners to access its programming from anywhere.
- Montreal Jazz Radio Online: Montreal Jazz Radio Online is an internet radio station that is dedicated to promoting jazz music in Montreal. The station is known for its mix of classic and contemporary jazz music, as well as its interviews with jazz artists, reviews of jazz albums, and jazz news. Montreal Jazz Radio Online is available online and is a popular destination for jazz lovers in the city.
- JAZZ.FM91 (Toronto): JAZZ.FM91 is a not-for-profit radio station that is dedicated to promoting jazz music in Toronto. The station is known for its mix of jazz, blues, and Latin music, and features programming that covers a range of jazz styles. JAZZ.FM91 also has a strong online presence, with its website offering access to its programming and additional jazz-related content.
- CIUT-FM (Toronto): CIUT-FM is a campus and community radio station that is located at the University of Toronto. The station’s programming covers a range of genres, including jazz, blues, and Latin music. CIUT-FM is known for its support of local jazz artists and its coverage of jazz events in Toronto.
- CHUO-FM (Ottawa, serving Montreal): CHUO-FM is a campus and community radio station that is located at the University of Ottawa. The station’s programming covers a range of genres, including jazz, blues, and Latin music. CHUO-FM serves Montreal as well as Ottawa and is known for its support of local jazz artists and its coverage of jazz events in both cities.
Jazz Music in Toronto and Montreal
Toronto and Montreal are two Canadian cities with a vibrant jazz scene. The cities are home to several jazz clubs, festivals, and events, which showcase the best of local and international jazz music.
Overview of the Jazz Music Scene in Both Cities
Toronto’s jazz scene is centered around its downtown area, where several jazz clubs and venues are located. The city is home to several annual jazz festivals, including the Toronto Jazz Festival and the Beaches International Jazz Festival. Toronto’s jazz scene has produced several notable jazz artists, including Jane Bunnett, Mike Murley, and Rob McConnell.
Montreal’s jazz scene is centered around its historic Old Montreal neighborhood, where several jazz clubs and venues are located. The city is home to several annual jazz festivals, including the Montreal International Jazz Festival and the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal. Montreal’s jazz scene has produced several notable jazz artists, including Oscar Peterson, Oliver Jones, and Vic Vogel.
Notable Jazz Players and Their Contributions to the Scene
- Jane Bunnett (Toronto): Jane Bunnett is a jazz saxophonist, flautist, and bandleader who has been a major figure in the Toronto jazz scene for over three decades. She is known for her innovative blend of jazz and Afro-Cuban music and has won multiple Juno Awards for her work.
- Mike Murley (Toronto): Mike Murley is a jazz saxophonist and composer who has been active in the Toronto jazz scene since the 1980s. He has played with a wide range of jazz artists and has won multiple Juno Awards for his work as a solo artist and as a member of the group Metalwood.
- Rob McConnell (Toronto): Rob McConnell was a jazz valve trombonist, arranger, and bandleader who was a major figure in the Toronto jazz scene from the 1960s until his death in 2010. He was known for his big band arrangements and his work with the group The Boss Brass.
- Oscar Peterson (Montreal): Oscar Peterson was a jazz pianist and composer who was born and raised in Montreal. He was one of the most important jazz musicians of the 20th century and is known for his virtuosic piano playing and his work with the Oscar Peterson Trio.
- Oliver Jones (Montreal): Oliver Jones is a jazz pianist and composer who was born and raised in Montreal. He has been a major figure in the Montreal jazz scene since the 1960s and has played with a wide range of jazz artists. Jones has won multiple Juno Awards for his work.
- Vic Vogel (Montreal): Vic Vogel was a jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader who was a major figure in the Montreal jazz scene from the 1950s until his death in 2019. He was known for his big band arrangements and his work with the group Vic Vogel and the Jazz Big Band.
Jazz Festivals and Events in Toronto and Montreal
- Toronto Jazz Festival: The Toronto Jazz Festival is an annual festival that takes place in downtown Toronto. The festival features a mix of local and international jazz artists and includes both free and ticketed performances.
- Beaches International Jazz Festival: The Beaches International Jazz Festival is an annual festival that takes place in the Beaches neighborhood of Toronto. The festival features a mix of jazz, blues, and Latin music and includes both free and ticketed performances.
- Montreal International Jazz Festival: The Montreal International Jazz Festival is an annual festival that takes place in downtown Montreal. The festival is one of the largest jazz festivals in the world and features a mix of local and international jazz artists.
- Festival International de Jazz de Montréal: The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal is an annual festival that takes place in downtown Montreal. The festival features a mix of jazz, blues, and Latin music and includes both free and ticketed performances.
Behind the Scenes of Jazz Radio Stations
To understand the impact of jazz radio stations on the music scene, it’s important to hear from those who work behind the scenes. In this section, we’ll hear from Garvia Bailey, a former Jazz FM Toronto host.
Interview with Garvia Bailey
Can you tell us about your experience working at Jazz FM Toronto?
I worked at Jazz FM Toronto for about six years as a host and producer. It was a great experience because I was able to immerse myself in the jazz music scene in Toronto and get to know a lot of the local jazz artists. Jazz FM Toronto also gave me the opportunity to interview many of the big-name jazz artists who came through town.
What do you think is the role of jazz radio stations in promoting emerging jazz artists?
I think jazz radio stations play a crucial role in promoting emerging jazz artists. Jazz is a niche genre, and it can be difficult for emerging artists to get their music out there. Jazz radio stations provide a platform for these artists to showcase their music and reach a wider audience. Jazz radio stations can also help connect emerging artists with more established jazz artists and industry professionals.
What impact do you think jazz radio stations have on the jazz music scene in general?
I think jazz radio stations have a huge impact on the jazz music scene in general. They help promote jazz music and keep the genre alive. Jazz radio stations also provide a platform for local jazz artists and help showcase their music. Additionally, jazz radio stations can help introduce new listeners to the genre and help create a new generation of jazz fans.
FAQ Section
In this section, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about jazz radio stations in Toronto and Montreal.
Dani Elwell is no longer a host at Jazz FM Toronto. She left the station in 2018 to pursue other opportunities.
“I Am Jazz” is a reality TV show that follows the life of Jazz Jennings, a transgender teen. The show features Jazz and her family and friends.
10pm EST is 12pm in Australia (Sydney/Melbourne time).
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“The Butcher” is a TV show that follows a group of butchers as they compete in various challenges.
Most jazz radio stations have online streams that allow you to listen to their programming from anywhere. You can usually find links to these streams on the stations’ websites.
Jazz FM Toronto and Jazz FM 91 are the same station. The station was originally called Jazz FM when it launched in 2001 but later changed its name to Jazz FM 91 to reflect its frequency.