Jez Nelson returns to Jazz FM

Nelson, who has hosted BBC Radio 3’s Jazz On 3 for the past 18 years until the programme’s final show at the end of March, was one of the original presenters on Jazz FM when the station launched in 1990 and returned for a period in the late 1990s. Somethin’ Else with Jez Nelson will broadcast from 10pm to midnight every Saturday playing a strong selection of new and recent releases from the contemporary and leading edge end of the jazz spectrum as well as archive gems from his personal record collection.

“I’ve been given creative freedom to do what I want – so I’ll only be playing music I love” Nelson told Jazzwise. “Jazz FM has always been dear to my heart. It’s where I cut my teeth as a legal broadcaster.” A point echoed by Jazz FM’s Head of Music, Chris Philips, who also started at the station at its launch in 1990: “Jez is a Jazz FM original. As we return to national DAB in stereo, our sound continues to evolve with Jez’s timely return. The legendary Somethin’ Else programme is in Jazz FM history, forging new ground for the music.” Jazz FM is now available nationwide on DAB as well as internet radio, smart phone, tablet and DTV.

Jon Newey spoke to Jez Nelson about his return to Jazz FM

How much you are looking forward to re-joining Jazz FM?

I have absolutely loved my 18 years at BBC Radio 3. I have seen, heard and broadcast some of the best jazz concerts of the last two decades – nearly 1,000 gigs! One thing I’ve really missed though is sitting in front of a microphone with a bunch of CDs and records and just sharing great music new and old. That’s what I’ll be doing at Jazz FM with Somethin’ Else – just playing two hours of great music every week. I’ve been given creative freedom to do what I want - so I’ll only be playing music I love. It’s also very exciting to be returning to the place where I begun my (legal) radio career. I have lots of friends there and can’t wait to be reunited with my old running partner Chris Phillips. We’ve been working together for 30 years – originally broadcasting from a shed in his mum’s garden!

What is your aim musically with the programme

I personally believe Jazz is in an incredibly exciting phase - so much great, diverse music arriving every week! Jazzwise knows this - it’s what you do. So my plan is to share the best of this music from the modern, contemporary end of things. But for the first time on many years I’ll also be licensed to be let loose on my collection. I’m SO excited at the thought of digging back in to the music of the last 50+ years and digging out some gems. I also plan to occasionally dig in to my personal archive of interviews (stand by for Herbie, Nina Simone and of course Sun Ra!) and invite on the odd interesting guest. I have a few exciting live music ideas up my sleeve as well.

Will the new Somethin’ Else with Jez Nelson hark back to the original show?

When I was 25 I was given the best job in the world - ever! Four nights a week for four hours I could play the music I loved to London. The original Somethin’ Else was where I did my musical growing up. I discovered so much music and the audience discovered it with me. I also met many of my heroes and made loads of new musician friends, many of who are still at it. So the new Somethin’ Else with Jez Nelson will maintain that spirit. Musically eclectic and open minded. Discovering and sharing great sounds. I won’t be playing funk and soul like I did in those days - that’s done better elsewhere on Jazz FM. But I guess beyond that I’ll just play what sounds good to me.

–      Jon Newey