Pianist David Benoit to host morning show at jazz station KKJZ-FM

Jazz pianist and composer David Benoit, who recently began hosting an afternoon show at classical radio station KMZT-AM (1260), likes the job so much that he's going to take over the morning shift on jazz outlet KKJZ-FM (88.1).

Beginning Monday, Benoit will host the 6-10 a.m. weekday program at KKJZ, better known to listeners as K-Jazz. He'll continue his 2-5 p.m. gig at KMZT. Both stations are operated by Mt. Wilson FM Broadcasters.

In a statement released by KKJZ Wednesday, Benoit called it "a great thrill and privilege" to "take part in the presentation of this treasured music. I've been a local fan of this radio station for ages, and it's especially exciting to have this opportunity in my own backyard." He was born in Bakersfield but grew up in Southern California.

A five-time Grammy nominee, Benoit also serves as music director of the Asia America Symphony Orchestra.

He won't be KKJZ's only musician-deejay. Earlier this month, the station introduced a two-hour weekend program hosted by saxophonist Kenny G.

Current KKJZ morning host Bubba Jackson will move to the 6-10 p.m. shift, with syndicated host Bob Parlocha sliding to 10 p.m.-6 a.m. 

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David Benoit: All that jazz and more

-- Lee Margulies

Photo: David Benoit. Credit: www.benoit.com

 

David Benoit: All that jazz and more

Comments

[Donald Frazell]

At least he knows music and can play some, unlike Kenny G, but on a jazz station? Really? REALLY???
Guess KKJZ is going POP!

OMG, they havent killed Kenny!!!

[BWBfan]

Losing Bubba Jackson's 'Breakfast with Bubba' on KKJZ is very disappointing. Bubba's bright on-air persona will be missed. It seems like his replacement, David Benoit, is trying to hang on to BWB's listener base by playing much of the same artists that Bubba Jackson would play. However, Benoit inserts contemporary jazz tracks, as though he's working to transition the listeners to (gasp) smooth jazz. Benoit is even as tacky as to play his own songs! His pattern appears to be that he plays one of his own songs every other day. It's just tacky. Here's to hopes that KKJZ (K-Jazz) brings back Bubba Jackson!