[Dixielandjazz] Re: Radio Shows -- Length Of Cuts

[Bill Haesler]

on 31/1/04 4:25 AM, Robert S. Ringwald at ringwald at calweb.com wrote (in
part):

> A few days ago it was mentioned that Bill Haesler, on his radio show, will
 not play a cut longer than 5 minutes.  I am wondering why?<

Dear Bob,
Not quite true. 
Although I do tend to play shorter tracks a lot, as mine is only a one hour
specialist program of classic and vintage jazz with tunes predominatly 3
minutes long. Which programs, incidentally, take 4-7 hours to research and
produce. Depending on the subject. Johnny Dodds, Jazz in Chicago, Memphis
Minnie, Lu Watters, Jimmy Blythe, Woody Herman and the Band That Plays The
Blues, Humprey Lyttelton and the like.
(I have always disliked the idea of presenters taking a bundle of records
into the studio and ad-libbing their way through. Sorry about that , DJMLer,
Phil O'Rourke. Big grin.)
But back to the reasons for not playing long tracks. It depends on whether
the program has a mix of bands or is devoted to one particular group. If the
latter, then long, interesting performances ARE included. But not a 2O
minute version of, say, "Weary Blues". If a CD contains about 5-6 tracks it
makes the choce so much harder.
If the former, I prefer to fit in as many groups as I can at the expense of
long performances. Fairer all round, in my opinion.
I started presenting my 'Classic Jazz Era' in March 1982 on 2MBS-FM, which
broadcasts widely for about a 100 mile radius of Sydney.
2MBS-FM is a 24/7 'classical' music  station, which provides about 10 hours
of jazz (all types) a week. A bit more a few years ago.
I took over from DJMLer Anton Crouch. (He was to return to 2MBS a year or so
later with his excellent researched program of mouldy oldies.)
Mine was a midday Sunday program every fortnight.
Eventually, the 'Classic Jazz Era' program was broadcast weekly. As the
title suggests it was devoted to recordings made between 1917 and the early
40s. 
If it was in Rust's 'Jazz Records' or "Blues and Gospel Records' it got
airplay.
Also, on a regular basis, I featured a 'New Releases' program which included
Australian jazz.
I also included regular special programs in the series devoted to an Oz
musician or band.  Graeme Bell, Dave Dallwitz, Bob Barnard, Paul Furniss,
Eric Holroyd, The Southern Jazz Group, Sydney-Zenith Jazz Band, New
Wolverine Jazz Orch, etc.
A jazz colleague, Bruce Johnson had a monthly Sunday 'Home Cooking' program,
which I frequently hosted over the years when he was unavailable or made
lengthy trips overseas.
In addition, I filled in for other jazz presenters when they were ill, on
holiday or had left and an immediate replacement was not available. Too bad
if it was for one of our 'modern' presenters, as there is little or none of
that jazz in my collection
I reluctantly gave up the 'Classic Jazz Era' program in March last year,
after 22 years and proudly boast that there was no repeat of a particular
subject.
(Anton quit 2MBS at the end of 2002.)
Then, just after I announced my intended resignation, Bruce Johnson decided
to give up his monthly 'Home Cooking' program!
This would have meant no exposure for Australian jazz on this widely
listened-to radio station. So I took over 'Home Cooking'. Which is all I do
at 2MBS at the moment.
Unfortunately, with Anton and me now out there is very little 'old' jazz on
2MBS. But, along with some others (now gone), we gave it a great run for
quite a few years. 
Oh dear! Much more than I initially intended to say.
But it should answer Meg Graf's question.
I now only play Australian jazz on air.
But I still collect everthing I can lay my hands on. Particularly reissue
material. It's a disease.
8>)
Very kind regards,
Bill.