On this day in 1995, KNJZ 100.3 FM switched from smooth jazz/R&B to a classic R&B format. I had an enjoyable time on the air there from June 1994 to September 1995. Looking back, I especially miss filling in as the host of "Lights Out, St. Louis." To his credit, Ted, the program director, allowed the announcers to choose the music for that show and play listeners' requests.
Two sample hours of my programming from "Lights Out, St. Louis:"
Sunday, August 13, 1995
1. I've Got You Under My Skin-Renee Rosnes Trio with string orchestra
(Elegance with a capital E...This is one of my favorite instrumentals from an outstanding, classy CD, "Without Words.")
2. These Foolish Things-Aaron Neville (*)
(Thank you to the listener who requested this version, as it set up my next track seamlessly.)
3. Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most-Ellis Marsalis
(A thoughtful, contemplative piano instrumental take on a frequently covered tune.)
4. Chase The Clouds Away-Chuck Mangione
5. A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square-The Manhattan Transfer
6. Stockholm-Avenue Blue (*)
7. Hands-DeZona (*)
8. Trust-Boney James
(This title track from the CD, with its winding saxophone, is a natural for the smooth jazz format.)
9. Long Ago And Far Away-Earl Klugh
(A pleasant guitar instrumental version of a James Taylor song. From one of Klugh's best albums, "Finger Paintings.")
10. Each And Every One-Everything But The Girl
(One of many moving, well-produced tracks from EBTG. Tracey Thorn's voice is in fine form, as usual. Other recommended tracks by EBTG: "One Place," "Driving," and the acoustic version of "Downtown Train," played to excellent effect during the Ted-meets-Tracy scene in "How I Met Your Mother"'s finale.)
11. My Cherie Amour-Marion Meadows
12. Love Shoulda Brought You Home-Nick Colionne (*)
Sunday, September 3, 1995
1. Letter Perfect (live)-Al Jarreau
(Great scatting and spirit captured in concert.)
2. Lovely Day-Bill Withers
(It's surprising that this wasn't a bigger hit. The lyrics are universal, and the groove is comfortable.)
3. Lonely Weekend-The Yellowjackets (*)
4. Look What We Started Now-George Duke (*)
5. Easy Goin' Evening-Stevie Wonder
(One of about 12,000 great tracks on Wonder's stellar album, "Songs In The Key Of Life." A thoughtful harmonica groove that's perfect for late in the evening.)
6. Blues Bird-Larry Carlton
7. Heart For Hire-Swing Out Sister
(Best known for the catchy '80s hit, "Breakout," there's a lot to recommend by this group, including "Let The Stars Shine," "Butterfly," and the Taj Calder instrumental mix of "Now You're Not Here.")
8. Strollin'-Gene Harris Quartet
9. Chris-Pat Metheny (*)
10. The Rose-Urban Knights with Grover Washington, Jr. & Ramsey Lewis
11. What A Wonderful World-Lionel Hampton
(*) indicates a listener's request.
