WJZI Drops Jazz

No More Sax At WJZI

TIM CUPRISIN of the MILWAUKEE JOURNAL-SENTINAL writes that a week after traditional Jazz formally left MILWAUKEE radio, "Smooth" Jazz disappears today in a format tweak at MRA Smooth Jazz WJZI. While smooth jazz standbys like KENNY G, GEORGE BENSON and DAVID SANBORN will remain on the WJZI playlist, listeners also will hear CHICAGO, GLORIA ESTEFAN, ELTON JOHN and BILLY JOEL. The very word "Jazz" will disappear from the station that will now be known as "Smooth 93.3."

GM BILL HURWITZ says there will be more vocalists added to what was a heavily instrumental playlist. But the biggest change is probably symbolic."The word 'Jazz' is truly a barrier," he says. "Really, we're evolving the radio station. We're trying to make it a little more upbeat."

WJZI's tweak isn't leading to any personnel changes, HURWITZ says. But there will be a change in the look of the station, along with the sound. "The logo of the saxophone is going to go away," he says.

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