Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the name “Jazz Out of The Mainstream” mean you only feature obscure jazz styles?
A: The name comes from our desire to serve a segment of the jazz performance population that are not represented by major jazz record labels. Our goal is to give a showcase to those exceptional and talented performers that are not distributed in the mainstream of record distribution. For the most part these performers are self-producing their work and making recordings available to their fan base.  Some are distributed by Jazz Promotion Companies or Boutique Labels.


Q: If I hear a performer that I like how can I get copies of his or her work?
A: We can’t provide copies. Very soon you can link to a retailer that is selling each performer’s recordings.

In the near future we will be setting up a link with a company to sell recordings you hear on “Jazz Out of The Mainstream”. A portion of the sales price of each CD will be returned to the public radio station that carries our show.


Q: This is a refreshing concept. I know of a performer that would be right for your program.  How can they get on your show?
A: We are always on the lookout for jazz performers to feature on our program. We will meet our goal with the help of folks like you who know of quality performers.  Please know that we will have to submit the audition material you send to a selection committee to decide if your performance is up to caliber. Only send material you know you can part with, we can not return materials.
Click here to go to a page with details on how to submit information.


Q: The sound quality you get on the air is really first-rate.  How are the shows recorded?
A: Our commitment to excellent sound quality started before the first show was recorded. We feel that too often the narrative portion of many radio programs suffer from too much processing in the form of compression.  Over compressed music tracks are also a problem for us.  When un-skilled folk’s master audio files for CD’s they often over compress the audio as if it were Hip-Hop or Heavy Metal.  These over compressed files are apt to cause distortion when broadcast.  When we can, we fix the problem; when we can’t those files are not aired.


Q: Can I hear the shows on my computer?
A: Yes.  Usually radio station that is broadcasting the program will stream the program on the internet. 


Q: Can I download MP3s of your shows?
A: Not yet.


Q: My public radio station doesn't carry “Jazz Out of The Mainstream”.  What can I do?
A: Call or write to the program director at the station and gently encourage him/her to carry the show.  Program directors do pay attention to the wishes of their listeners and members.  Keep in mind that some public radio stations have a set format, i.e., all Classical, all news/talk etc., but many feature jazz programming on the weekends.