The BBC has unveiled a number of jazz programmes at the launch of the EFG London Jazz Festival.
The programmes include a six-hour hour overnight jazz takeover, a jazz collection on BBC Sounds and a partnership with Jazz FM, which will see BBC Radio 3 and BBC Sounds broadcast Jazz FM content for the first time. Jazz FM will also share key recordings from Radio 3.
There will also be a new Radio 3 jazz programme, Freeness, focusing on the emerging scene presented by composer and arranger Corey Mwamba. It will air on Saturday nights from November 2.
Plans for BBC television include a new feature documentary on Miles Davis by Stanley Nelson for BBC Two.
James Purnell, director of radio and education, said: “As a jazz lover myself, I’m very proud of our track record in supporting the jazz scene and we are keen to ensure we are playing our part in its future too through a jazz collection on Sounds and a plethora of new programmes and partnerships. I’m delighted we’ll be working once again with our friends at Jazz FM, and their owner Bauer Media for the first time, to share content this EFG London Jazz festival, ensuring as many people as possible can discover great jazz programming.”
Nick Pitts, content director at Jazz FM, said: “Jazz is all about collaboration and continually smashing boundaries, so it’s great for Jazz FM and BBC Radio 3 to be breaking new ground once again, working closely with each other coming together for the love of jazz to share this music with our audiences everywhere!”
BBC Radio 2 will cover the London Jazz Festival through the Jamie Cullum Jazz Show, inviting a range of live jazz festival guests to perform on the programme.
Head of BBC Music television commissioning, Jan Younghusband, confirmed that emerging jazz artists will be reflected in the new run of Later with Jools Holland on BBC Two. BBC Two and BBC Four will also schedule a number of high-profile new television documentaries this autumn, including shows on Miles Davis, Bluenote and Billie Holliday.
“Jazz is a key part of the television music programming mix – we’re pleased to play a vital role in finding the talent of the future whilst also bringing new perspectives to musical legends through incredible access documentaries. Jazz lovers new and old are in for a treat," said Younghusband.
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