Jazz Connection - Christmas and beyond

Just to let you know that my Jazz Connection radio show will continue in 2009, one Thursday a month on south Wales community station GTFM 107.9.

It'll continue to be a showcase for the best of jazz in Wales with gig guides, CDs and interviews with local artists, plus the best new releases and classic tracks.

Thanks to Terry, Jen, and everyone at GTFM for giving me the opportunity to promote our music.

For info, my shows are due to go out 7 till 9pm on January 15, February 12, March 12, April 9, May 14, June 11 and July 9.

So if you've got anything major happening around those dates, we might be able to invite you onto the show as a live guest. Further details, playlists etc at www.jazz-connection.co.uk

In any case, I'm still keen to receive your CDs, gig news, demos and other info. For example, if anyone has any concrete information about the future of Brecon Jazz, I'd be interested to hear it - on or off the record.

GTFM can be heard on 107.9 FM in the south Wales valleys, reaching as far as Cardiff, and live online at www.gtfm.co.uk. Still no word on when and whether Radio Cardiff will return - I'll keep you posted.

Given the patchy coverage of jazz on local BBC and commercial radio, community stations seem to be our best hope. Best wishes to Pete Canter who'll be presenting a jazz show on Exeter's Phonic FM from January.

If there's a community station in your home town or city why not give them a call and offer to present a jazz show if they don't already have one? The full list can be found at www.ofcom.org.uk - let me know if you get any joy.

On the live front, I'm still happy to pass on details of new venues opening up in south Wales - despite the credit crunch there seem to be quite a few bucking the trend and opening up, although not all of them last the course or maintain their initial interest in jazz. Hopefully we can keep each other informed on the places worth supporting.

Thanks very much for your continued support throughout 2008 and 2009 - have a great holiday. If you find yourself at a loose end - or needing some respite - on Christmas Day, check out my festive Jazz Connection on GTFM at 7pm.