Jazz FM and BBC Radio 3 share content in new partnership

BBC Radio 3 and BBC Sounds will broadcast Jazz FM content whilst Jazz FM is to share key recordings from BBC Radio 3.

The partnership is in aid of the EFG London Jazz Festival bringing the two stations together.

Shared content will appear on both BBC Radio 3 and BBC Sounds, and whilst the two stations have collaborated before with a digital pop-up BBC Music Jazz, this will be the first time BBC Radio 3 will be broadcasting content from Jazz FM on the network, with Jazz FM similarly sharing Radio 3 content from recorded concerts with their audiences in a reciprocal deal.

James Purnell, Director of Radio and Education, says: “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 at Jazz FM, says: “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 3 will also be launching a brand new programme, Freeness, a showcase for improvised music in all its forms, linking the freedom-oriented roots of jazz to the underground scenes of the UK and beyond. The programme will be presented by Derby-based vibraphone player and composer Corey Mwamba and will appear on Saturday nights from November 2.

Other upcoming jazz content includes Radio 3 broadcasts from the London Jazz Festival opening gala concert, Jazz Voice, and new for this year there will be a two hour J-Z event at RIBA hosted by Jumoké Fashola. Other content includes a Jazz Fix programme presented by Tina Edwards which will suggest a playlist for a public figure, encouraging them to fall in love with jazz for the first time.

A special six hour overnight show as part of BBC Radio 3’s London Jazz Festival programming, will see the station transform the late night schedule into a mix of jazz including the best concerts from around Europe, BBC music content linked to the London Jazz Festival and sessions from BBC Radio 3 New Generation Jazz Artists.

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. All of the BBC Radio content will appear on BBC Sounds and a dedicated jazz collection will be created in order to make the content easy to find and available on demand.