Sarah is currently unwell but hopes to return to the airwaves very soon.
Sarah Ward presents Jazz FM's flagship programme Dinner Jazz.
Previously with the station for over six years, Sarah’s successful radio career includes presenting breakfast on BBC Radio 5 Live, evenings on Capital FM, as well as daily music programmes for Classic FM and BBC Radio 4. Sarah grew up in Africa and has had a wonderfully varied radio career, with many interviews under her belt from John Lennon to Stevie Wonder (they hid under a table together to do the interview).
A true jazz aficionado, Sarah’s knowledge and passion for music as well as her stories of days gone by make Dinner Jazz the perfect evening listen.
Looking for Sarah's Dinner Jazz playlists? Visit the programme page.
Sarah also presents Jazz Travels.
Interview With Sarah Ward
What's your favourite Jazz FM show and why?
Sunday Jazz Jam... Helen does a great job in bringing us the best of the great jazz in the UK.. Love PY and Bob Sinfield too. And Mike Chadwick is essential.
What's the first record you bought and where did you buy it?
I honestly can't remember. Oh, the years! Picked up lots of African music growing up in Kenya. I still love music from Africa.
What's the most embarrassing song on your iPod/in your collection?
None. Don't have an iPod and not embarrassed by any of the music I love. Even the most cheesy things!
In your opinion, what's the greatest album of all time and why?
Oh dear. Too many. But I must put Gil Scott Heron 's ‘Winter in America’
in there. That voice, the poetry and the polemic all underpinned by a fabulous
funky drive. And alongside that, ‘Mingus Revisited’, the many musical facets of
the great Charles Mingus, bassist, composer, band leader. The blues, the anger
and the rhapsodic.
What's the best gig you've ever been to?
Funnily enough, the Mingus Big Band (never did see the man himself) but this band
(and the lineup shifts all the time) is much more than a tribute band.
Brillliant, exuberant, keeping the spirit of Mingus afloat. I saw them at
Ronnie Scott's. The place rocked till at least 2am.
What's your favourite live music venue?
It was hot and sweaty in its day, the music was wildly eclectic
and everyone danced at The Cricketers in North London.
Jazz is...
Music for your head, heart and feet.
In your opinion, who's the most inspirational radio presenter of all time?
The late Tricia Ingrams, mentor and beloved friend. Capital Radio, LBC
and Thames TV.
What's your most embarrassing moment in broadcasting?
A live evening at an OB for Capital Radio at the Crufts dog show... NO dogs! They'd all gone! One guest on the show decided to get into a cage and be a dog for an hour!
Crazy...and actually rather funny.
What's your favourite film and why?
A small American indie film ‘The Visitor’. Middle-aged man in life crisis has
strange, initially uncomfortable meeting with North African drummer in New York City.
He learns to play drums and returns to life. Joyful, funny, sometimes sad...and
never sentimental.
Who would you invite to your fantasy dinner party?
Desmond Tutu for his laughter and courage, Slim Gailllard for his witty songs and brilliantly creative jazz language. Trumpeter Hugh Masekela to teach us the devilishly difficult Nkosa click language. Great party game. Wise and wonderful singer Carmen McCrae... And the famous Jazz Baroness, Pannonica de Koenigswarter, who loved
jazz passionately, for the lowdown on 52nd street and the secrets of her dearest
friend Thelonious Monk.
hi sarah do you have a playlist for your show
I think, less you can follow the tracked playlist here in real time: http://www.lastfm.de/user/thisisjazzfm/tracks
Is there a superlative to describe your show?.. I have been a avid admirer for years, your voice and depth is spell-binding and touches a point deep within me… Paradise!..
Sarah… This track is beautiful..
Are you going to start podcasting your shows?.. It helps me immensely whilst I study, I’ll attribute my academic success to you.. x
I had my dinner ages ago, but THIS is music. Much more, please.
Briliant spiritual music, I think your pretty on the case.
Love your show! Wow you play the greatest jazz tracks,
Thank you your are the best.
Mac
Dear Sarah,
Best thing on radio, please keep up the good work!
Bon soir from the Charente Maritime, deep in S.W. France. As I’ve just been singing your praises on my forum (The Anglo-French Forum), I think you owe me one. Count Basie’s Orchestra would do nicely, thanks!
John
Marvelous music. Mesmerising voice. More more more.
Dear Sarah,
Where are you I’ve missed your dulcit tones and wonderful music selection of late? Hopefully you’ll be back shortly with Dinner Jazz as having weaned me on to Jazz FM, upon the premature demise of rival station The Jazz , I’m suffering from withdrawal symptoms in your absence.
Yours aye, Robin
PS More Blossom Dearie please