TY BAILEY PRODUCTIONS

Mr. Ty Bailey of Ty Bailey Productions has been one of my mentors in the radio biz for more than a decade. Although Ty's background is in education, Jazz has been one of his passions for some time. I mean if you want to know anything about jazz, he is your go to guy.

Ty Bailey has a jazz library so extensive that he has an entire home studio dedicated to "just jazz". Ty has allowed me to spend hours in his studio producing air checks and various other projects. He's the first person that introduced me to digital editing which simply blew my mind, because I was use to old school splicing. I am sure all you former radio people remember having to spend hours splicing to make that commercial just right.

Today I caught up with Ty to ask him about some of his latest projects and what the world can expect from him in the future.

AC: Good afternoon Mr. Bailey. I really appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to talk about your passion....Jazz.

TB: Thank you KD for contacting me and allowing me to share with you and your audience what's happening with "Ty Bailey Productions".

It's good to be in contact with you. It has been a while.

AC: So before we get to the jazz, tell our readers a little bit about yourself. What is your background and where are you from?

TB: I am currently living in Richmond, VA. I was born in Newport News, VA. Attended grade school in Raleigh, N.C. Graduated from Virginia State, lived in and attended grad school in Cincinnati, OH and Fort Lauderdale, FL. I've worked in Richmond and Petersburg, VA in special education. Occasionally I teach University students. I am currently working for the Virginia Department of Education.

AC: When did you start listening to Jazz? How did it become such a passion in your life?

TB: Well... back in the seventies while in college we were big into Motown and the Philly Sound. One day I heard Wes Montgomery on a small FM radio station out of Crew, VA playing "A Day In The Life" and I was hooked...It grew...I started to get hungry for more and more Jazz. I listened to Herbie Mann. He was really funky back then. I was all over the place listening to various Jazz artists. Then, one day I decided to start listening and purchasing jazz by instruments...thus starting my extensive collection process...

AC: Have you ever played any Jazz related instruments?

TB: I always wanted to play but never did. In grade school and part of college, I was a basketball player spending most of my time on the court. I never took the time to learn an instrument. I love the reeds. Maybe when I retire???

AC: Tell our readers about your show on WVST, 91.3FM.

TB: Well, I produce this two hour weekly Jazz show at WVST that I call "JUST JAZZ". I think I have always wanted to call my show this because of my belief that there are no real boundaries in Jazz music. I have had two other shows, "Mellow Madness" and "Headset Jazz" during the eighties and nineties. Jazz has actually evolved into bop, cool, hard- bop, free, soul, fusion, electric, smooth... On "JUST JAZZ", I will play sounds from any of these domains within Jazz. As long as I think it interesting and sounds good to the listener.

I also produce a weekly "Jazz-Entertainment Calendar" for WVST. It is played four times a day and inform listeners about great Jazz happenings and other entertainment events in the Richmond-Tidewater-Washington DC areas.

AC: Ty, I know you have been producing jazz shows since 1992. Can you tell us how jazz has positively impacted your life?

TB: It is something about music that touches me spiritually. It connects me with others in my life; it helps to reflect on better times; and on times that where not the best. Listening to Jazz connects me with the artistic skills of the musicians. Music helps me to visualize and imagine beautiful things... It nurtures my soul. It is a real alternative to indulging in self. My listeners have actually come up to me and explained that their child was conceived while listening to my show. Wow! That's powerful...The music has allowed me to educate others. I have been educated myself. It is rare that a casual listener would be exposed to as much music as we have to offer. I just love all music, especially Jazz...

Also, Jazz has allowed me to establish great relationships with record companies and promoters. Jazz has also forged some good relationships with musicians. All my Jazz experiences have been worthwhile and Jazz has positively impacted my life.

AC: I know you love all kinds of Jazz, but what do you think about Jeff Majors or Angela Christie's Christian jazz?

TB: I have always appreciated Jeff Majors through the years . He's from close by-DC. I have actually played some of his harp music on my show. Angie is a good sax player. Her "Breath of Life" CD is interesting. I love her tone. Reminds me of Kirk Whalum. For me, though Gospel, she and Jeff would fall into the smooth domain.

AC: Who are some of your favorite Jazz artist?

TB: I am not sure if I have a favorite. I make them my favorite for the moment I am listening. Right now I am listening extensively to Jazz vocalist, believe it or not, Karen Francis out of NY.

Spur of the moment picks would be Hubert Laws, Coltrane, Bird, Yusef Lateef, Cannon Ball and Sarah Vaughn.

AC: Now, let's talk about "Just Jazz". What is that program all about?

TB: Well, we touched on it a little earlier. I play all kinds of Jazz on the show. I attempt to give the show a multi-dimensional perspective. Instrumental and vocal tunes are interwoven throughout. There is usually six sets of music with explanations that are often educational. We have occasionally interviewed artists. The show is produced in my home studio.

AC: Ty, I understand that you also stream 24 hours daily. Can you tell our readers where they can check out your show?

TB: That's an easy question. Go to www.tybailey.com and click the mic.

AC: So, tell me Ty, what new projects can we expect to see from you soon? Have you ever considered writing about jazz?

TB: Actually, I have written Jazz record reviews in a local radio station magazine and in one out of Rochester NY. I currently review CDs on my web site (www.tybailey.com).

What I want to do next is to take my current show "JUST JAZZ" and do some syndication. The show belongs to Ty Bailey Productions. I have been praying on this.

AC: Can you tell our readers how to contact you?

TB: Sure...@ tybaprod@comcast.net

AC: Can you give those jazz enthusiasts out there any suggestions on how they too can pursue their passion for jazz?

TB: Well...it is exactly what you said. It has to first be a passion... that is, something you will love doing. You must pursue the passion by being persistent. Just do not let it posses your being. As you become consistent at your pursuit, Jazz related things will come your way. You will become a magnet for Jazz. Before you know it, you will be the expert, consultant , collector or the consummate enthusiast. Stick-to-it-ness is the key.

AC: Ty Bailey, you are a star in my book and I appreciate you so very much for spending time with me and schooling my readers on Jazz. I wish you much success and blessings with everything you put your hand to because you certainly deserve the best!

TB: Thanks for allowing me such a marvelous opportunity. You are doing great things here and much success to you and all your projects. May blessings abound...