now updated scroll down A new late-night jazz programme will be launched in early-November by BBC Radio 3. The programme whose title, presenter and production company if any are all closely under wraps, will focus on what is being described in press briefings with a certain opacity and well worn phraseology as “cutting-edge, adventurous jazz” replaces Jazz Now. Jazz has shrunk in the profile it once was afforded at Radio 3 certainly as compared to the pioneering vision of Roger Wright when he was controller.

Also going is the former Jazz Record Requests presenter Geoffrey Smith’s eponymously monikered show which moves to a coda and final bars in a few weeks’ time. Fans are still reeling however much more at the cancellation of Jazz Now which arrived in its day to replace long running Jazz on 3. Will this new maiden voyage smoothly sail away or founder on the rocks?

The timing of November will benefit from interest at that time of the year the London Jazz Festival often engenders.

Also of relevance in the shake-up is the addition to the schedule of Elizabeth Alker’s Unclassified, already road tested on the network, the focus there more experimental in a “soundscapery” 
direction according to one insider: expect a maverick if bijou mix of electronica, “contemporary classical”, and pop sounds that aims to build up a firm following. 

update 11 September: 15.44 Contracts are currently being finalised according to a Radio 3 spokesperson and an announcement of the presenter is hoped to be made at the launch of the EFG London Jazz Festival later this month. The programme will be produced by an independent radio company and not in-house but the title is still not being made public so far. The show will probably, although this is subject to confirmation, run during a weekend slot. update: 17.22 The production company behind the new programme, marlbank understands, will be Reduced Listening, who currently produce Late Junction. update 12 September: 16.07 the unnamed show will first air on 2 November at midnight, according to Radio Today. update 13 September: 11.52 Reduced Listening director Joby Waldman emails in: “We’re really excited about the new show.”
— Stephen Graham