Jazz FM artists to take over the station and programme the music

Jazz FM’s Guest Head of Music series will see the station open up its music policy to allow a range of artists pick the songs across the day.

The series launches this Friday 19 August with 2021 Jazz FM Award winner – the multi-instrumentalist and singer Emma-Jean Thackray. She will be in the studio each hour, talking with Simon Phillips, Deb Grant and Jamie Crick to present some of her favourite music.

The day will be followed by a special programme at 6pm where she’ll take over the station for an hour with more music from her own collection.

Selections by Emma-Jean across the day will include Herbie Hancock, Hiatus Kaiyote, Donald Byrd and even The Supremes!

Other artists appearing as Guest Head of Music the over next few months include American jazz drummer Makaya McCraven plus up and coming UK soul singer Mica Miller.

Speaking about starting the new series, Emma-Jean Thackray says: “I’ve never had an office job before and I can’t wait to nose through the filing cabinets, get involved in office politics, get frustrated at the coffee machine AND chose my favourite music across the day.”

Jazz FM’s regular Head of Music Christian Bragg said: “Giving the artists behind our music the chance to come and help programme the music on the station for the day is a fantastic chance for them to show us what’s on their personal playlist right now.  I couldn’t be happier to hand the reigns over to them and hear what they choose as I know it will inspire me when I get control back!”

Nick Pitts, Jazz FM’s Content Director added: “We love to create different ways for our talented musicians to be part of what we do.  We hear from so many of them in session or conversation, and this gives us and our listeners another angle in which to learn more about these unique artists.  Emma-Jean’s security pass is ready for her and I can’t wait!”