Sebastian writes: It appears like we’ve been ready a really very long time for a chunk of reports to emerge from Broadcasting Home that’s as constructive for UK jazz as in the present day’s announcement from BBC Radio 3.

I’m pondering again the the times when jazz had a presence within the BBC via Humphrey Lyttelton, he died in 2008. Sure, it’s that lengthy…

Right here goes: BBC Radio 3 is asserting the launch of ’Spherical Midnight with Soweto Kinch, going out nightly from Monday to Friday from April. Congratulations to Soweto and to Karen Pearson and her workforce at Folded Wing.

For Soweto Kinch to be given this broad canvas of 5 exhibits per week to painting the depth and breadth and high quality of what’s occurring on our scene is a fairly exceptional growth.

Right here is the textual content of the BBC’s launch:

Not but a subscriber of our Wednesday Breakfast Headlines?
Be part of the mailing record for a weekly roundup of Jazz Information.

(begins) ’Spherical Midnight is a brand new night programme introduced by British saxophonist Soweto Kinch, including a weekday jazz focus to the station’s schedule, whereas Jazz Report Requests stays as a Sunday slot devoted to the style. ’Spherical Midnight options the very best in jazz, with a selected concentrate on British artists (Mon-Fri, 23:30 – 00:30). (ends)

And right here is the extra detailed press launch from Folded Wing:

(BEGINS) ‘Spherical Midnight – Folded Wing to supply new week-night jazz present for BBC Radio 3, introduced by Soweto Kinch. 

Award-winning indie Folded Wing are to launch a brand-new late evening jazz present for BBC Radio 3. The present – ‘Spherical Midnight – will air Monday to Friday from 2330 to 0030 championing the thriving British jazz scene. The principle presenter can be acclaimed saxophonist, composer and MC Soweto Kinch. ‘Spherical Midnight may even mirror the wealthy historical past of the jazz style, showcasing the very best tracks from worldwide artists and dealing with BBC Introducing to carry new expertise to a wider viewers.

Folded Wing founder and CEO Karen Pearson says: “We imagine passionately that jazz is for everybody. So, we’ve deliberate a present that could be a must-listen for devoted jazz followers and can be welcoming and inclusive for anybody who desires to study extra. It’s a defining second for the corporate, which began in my flat 17 years in the past and has grown into one of many greatest producers of jazz content material within the UK.”

Soweto Kinch, who will current a number of the exhibits from his Birmingham studio, says: “The British Jazz scene is continuous to develop, particularly with Ezra Collective profitable this 12 months’s Mercury Prize. I’m actually excited to play the newest tracks from new and emergent musicians, in addition to the heritage artists and works which impressed them. Jazz has turn into such an interconnected and international household, its tendrils reaching into new and infrequently unpredictable locations. I can’t wait to share some unimaginable music from around the globe.”

‘Spherical Midnight – named after the Thelonious Monk tune of the identical title – may even characteristic stay music, together with studio periods, performances from UK and worldwide festivals and recordings from jazz golf equipment throughout the UK. On Friday nights, the present will turn into The ‘Spherical Midnight Jazz Membership, with visitor artists curating the playlist and month-to-month stay performances.

Essex-based indie Folded Wing have an extended track-record in jazz. CEO Karen Pearson produced Gilles Peterson’s BBC present for seven years and, since 2010, the corporate have made Jamie Cullum’s Tuesday evening jazz present for BBC Radio 2. Throughout the years, Jamie has interviewed legendary jazz names, given essential assist to younger artists and picked up three ARIA awards – the radio trade’s most prestigious prize. In 2023, Folded Wing’s six-part Jazz Meets Classical collection for Jazz FM and Scala Radio was nominated for Greatest Music Particular on the ARIAS. The corporate additionally produce Romesh Ranganathan’s award-winning For The Love of Hip-Hop for BBC Radio 2 and a variety of content material for business purchasers. In 2022 Karen Pearson was introduced with a Radio Academy Fellowship, their highest award. (ENDS)

LINKS: Interview with Karen Pearson from 2018
LJN protection of Soweto Kinch‘