Cool Jazz Countdown

The Cool Jazz Countdown is a weekly survey based on national jazz chart movement, listener feedback and local radio airplay.

The Cool Jazz Countdown highlights the Top Ten Jazz Albums of the week
within the Traditional and Contemporary genres. The program shares the
latest information about the artist including biographical information,
little known tidbits, and sidemen playing on the project, producers of the
CD and background information on the music label.

In addition to the Ten Song Countdown, The Cool Jazz Countdown includes the
New Music Feature of the week in which we highlight a forth-coming album
release. Then we present the artist to you with our “On the Line” interview
segment where we talk directly to the artist. During this segment we discuss
their current project, upcoming performances, and other information that
will bring a fresh perspective to the artist. We present the artist to you!

Past “On the Line” guest include: Marcus Miller, George Duke, Kenny Garrett,
Roy Hargrove, Jeff Lorber, and Carmen Lundy just to name a few.

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About the Hosts

Kyle LaRue:

Kyle LaRue -began his radio career in Philadelphia at Temple University’s WRTI-FM while pursuing a degree in Mass Media and Telecommunications. Upon graduation, he joined the staff of Morgan State University’s WEAA-FM in Baltimore. Under Kyle’s guidance as Program Director, the station earned Gavin Magazine’s “Jazz Station of the Year” honors in 1999, and he earned a personal nomination as “Jazz Programmer of the Year” in 2000. Kyle enjoys collecting music (especially rare vinyl), rooting for his hometown Philadelphia Eagles during football season, and spending quiet time away from it all with family. Kyle brings his expertise each week as a jazz radio broadcaster, writer and program producer…as well as his passion for all genres of music…to the Cool Jazz Countdown!

Marcellus “Bassman” Shepard:

Marcellus “the Bassman” Shepard has been rocking the airwaves for the last 20 years and is known for having one of the most distinctive voices in radio today!. He was voted as one of the top 20 DJ’s in the country (RadioFacts.com). The Bassman is a graduate of Morgan State University where he kicked off his radio career at WEAA-FM. Since then, he has worked in both commercial and public radio as a Music and Program Director. Outside of radio, The Bassman is an actor, utilizing his talents in several independent films and is a former host of the Baltimore based television show The Baltimore Buzz. He brings all of his knowledge, expertise and personality to the table as co-host of the nationally syndicated Cool Jazz Countdown.

Posted by Charlton McDougal Posted on 31 articles

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