Award-winning indie Folded Wing are to launch a brand-new late night jazz show for BBC Radio 3. The show – ‘Round Midnight – will air Monday to Friday from 2330 to 0030 championing the thriving British jazz scene. The main presenter will be acclaimed saxophonist, composer and MC Soweto Kinch. ‘Round Midnight will also reflect the rich history of the jazz genre, showcasing the best tracks from international artists and working with BBC Introducing to bring new talent to a wider audience.
Read moreFolded Wing founder and CEO Karen Pearson says: “We believe passionately that jazz is for everyone. So, we’ve planned a show that is a must-listen for dedicated jazz fans and is also welcoming and inclusive for anyone who wants to learn more. It’s a defining moment for the company, which started in my flat 17 years ago and has grown into one of the biggest producers of jazz content in the UK.”
Soweto Kinch, who will present some of the shows from his Birmingham studio, says: “The British Jazz scene is continuing to grow, especially with Ezra Collective winning this year’s Mercury Prize. I’m really excited to play the latest tracks from new and emergent musicians, as well as the heritage artists and works which inspired them. Jazz has become such an interconnected and global family, its tendrils reaching into new and often unpredictable places. I can’t wait to share some incredible music from around the world.”
‘Round Midnight – named after the Thelonious Monk tune of the same name – will also feature live music, including studio sessions, performances from UK and international festivals and recordings from jazz clubs across the UK. On Friday nights, the show will become The ‘Round Midnight Jazz Club, with guest artists curating the playlist and monthly live performances.
Essex-based indie Folded Wing have a long track-record in jazz. CEO Karen Pearson produced Gilles Peterson’s BBC show for seven years and, since 2010, the company have made Jamie Cullum’s Tuesday night jazz show for BBC Radio 2. Across the years, Jamie has interviewed legendary jazz names, given crucial support to young artists and picked up three ARIA awards – the radio industry’s most prestigious prize. In 2023, Folded Wing’s six-part Jazz Meets Classical series for Jazz FM and Scala Radio was nominated for Best Music Special at the ARIAS. The company also produce Romesh Ranganathan’s award-winning For The Love of Hip-Hop for BBC Radio 2 and a range of content for commercial clients. In 2022 Karen Pearson was presented with a Radio Academy Fellowship, their highest award.
‘ROUND MIDNIGHT BEGINS APRIL 1st ON BBC RADIO 3.
Find out more:
London Jazz News
BBC Media Centre
The Guardian
Radio Today
Classicalmusic.com
