Steve's been, in the words of superstar saxophonist Dave Koz, the 'go-to' guy for all things smooth jazz. As host of Fusion Flavours, launched in Manchester in 1990, Steve's passion for the music he loves, and desire to share it, has helped make smooth jazz much more than an American phenomenon.
Whilst hosting the show on Jazz FM for eight years throughout the '90s, he compiled all 15 all-star double albums and has been instrumental in bringing top artists like Fourplay, Dave Koz, Peter White, Boney James and Rick Braun (plus the popular annual Guitars & Saxes tours) to venues across the country.
Steve presents Fusion Flavours on Jazz FM, Monday to Friday at 2pm.
Looking for Fusion Flavours playlists? Visit the programme page.
Interview With Steve Quirk
What’s your favourite Jazz FM show and why?
Sunday is a rest day for me. I love toast, Sunday papers, cups of tea and Robbie Vincent at 10am. Love his mix of jazz and soul and he always has a few musical surprises up his sleeve. My old friend Greg Edwards is doing a great job standing in for Robbie.
What was the first record you bought and where did you buy it?
Isley Brothers – ‘That Lady’. I took the number 371 bus from Wythenshawe to Altrincham’s George Street and picked up the single from Woolworth one Saturday morning in 1973. Still love the track today.
What’s the most embarrassing song on your iPod/in your collection?
OK, I admit it. I love Glee... I have the cast version of Kanye West’s 'Gold Digger'. Sshh, don’t tell anyone!
In your opinion, what’s the greatest album of all time and why?
This is a hard one. Depends on my mood. Three CDs I always take away on holiday with me are Marvin Gaye’s ‘Let’s Get It On’, ‘Earth Wind & Fire’s ‘I Am” and Isley Brothers ‘3+3’. All three are inspirational and uplifting, just like George Benson’s ‘Love Ballad’.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Has to be the NEC in Birmingham 1982. I saw Earth Wind & Fire live! From the moment they hit the stage with ‘Let’s Groove’, the whole crowd were up dancing for two hours . I have never felt so high at a concert since.
What’s your favourite live music venue?
I’m a Manchester boy so I have always loved the acoustics of the Manchester Apollo. But for a sense of up close and personal, it has to be either the Cinnamon Club in the North West or Pizza Express Dean Street in London.
Jazz Is...
Personal...improvisational...cool...uplifting... It’s life! Jazz is Jazz FM, the whole musical spectrum in one radio station.
In your opinion, who’s the most inspirational radio presenter of all time?
I have always loved and admired the work of Paul Gambaccini. I used to listen religiously to his American Chart Show on Saturday afternoons. Great style and music. I loved soul too, so inspired by Mike Shaft, Greg Edwards, Robbie Vincent, Richard Searling and Russ Davis from CD101.9 in New York too!
What has been your most embarrassing moment in broadcasting?
Interviewing legendary producer Tommy LiPuma at a hotel in London many years ago. Recording it onto mini disc.....with no volume. Oops!
What’s your favourite film and why?
I enjoy comedy films and chick flicks. But if I have to choose one, leave your religion at the door and I’d watch ‘Life of Brian’. Watched it so many times, I almost know the dialogue and it leaves a smile on my face. ‘Always look on the bright side of life’...
Who would you invite to your fantasy dinner party?
OK, so this is fantasy, right? I would love a boy’s night in with Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye and Michael Jackson. Jamie Oliver would cook the food. I would hear Luther, Marvin and Michael’s musical stories and get them to sing for their supper.
Sorry, there is a change in the website and now I can`t find your playlist, that usually is published one day later. How can I find it? I’m looking for the playlist of monday 19. I really like your music selection. Kind regards.
Hello!
Listening to the good old jazz fm in sunny Scotland
Can you if possible play The Russians are Coming by Val Bennet
Thanks!!
Steve,
After many years of thinking of smooth jazz as being a watered down version of the jazz funk I love, I finally got into it through your great show.Although I don’t get to hear it as much as I would like , I always make a point of looking at your playlist.Where do I now find it?
I have managed to purchase all the old SJ compilations you put together including Jazz Fusions 3/4.Are there any others you recommend?(I have Fusion Flavours)
Also,whilst in Florida I heard an origins of SJ show presented by Everette Harp.This would be a great bank holiday show or future compilation .There does n’t appear to be any coverage of the roots of this great music.
Regards,
mark rose
Just wanted you to know that I visited your station.
Hi Steve, Listening to you from Sunny South Africa. REally enjoying the music down here in CApe Town. Loved the Jonathan Butler track. Totally awesome. Going home now so won’t hear anything. Damn shame. A quick hi to my sister Renanta,living in Surrey who connected me to this station. Thanks for teh grooves.
Hello, Steve!
I’m a American smooth jazz nut, everytime i listen it just soothes my soul. Say I was wondering since I’m not much of an early bird (I live in the state of Missouri), are there any plans to add Fusion Flavours to the Audio on Demand list? If not your daily shows maybe one or two shows per week? Thank you and CHEERIO!
Really enjoying the show Steve. Happy New Year Vernon
Hi steve,
Happy 2011. Could you play some cassandra wilson for me and patti austin as well. I am going to listen to the new brian culbertson album tommorow, he’s got such a great sound. Speak to you soon.
from nicola
LIstening to your program now from Maryland USA. Love Patti Austin! Wondering if you play Backgammon??
Luv your Great music
. I’m requesting to hear “Sexy Saxophone” by Leila with Eric Darius/FunkyBoy.
‘Rissa
Hi Steve.
I am an old guy of eighty who spends a couple of hours on Wimbledon Common every afternoon walking the dog when you are on air.
I enjoy your programme tremendously, not only the music but your presentation too.
Way back there were some briliant presenters such as Alan Dell, Benny Green and Ray Moore, sadly all dead now.
I seldom tune in to Radio Two now but Radio 4 and Jazz FM have got me hooked.
Keep it up and many thanks for the programme and great music.
Incidentally, this also goes for Helen Mayhew and Sarah Ward too!
Best wishes
Rog
I just wanted to say how amazing Brian Culbertson was on Friday night at the Cinnamon Club. I last saw him at the Apollo in Manchester 10 or so years ago but he was even better than last time. It was an absolute pleasure and privilege to be there. The guest singer, Esco Williams, is a real talent. Great to meet you too Steve. I love Fusion Flavours, shame work gets in the way of me listening to it every day. Keep up the good work
Juliet
DEAR STEVE IS A LIFETIME AGO I MET YOU WITH YOUR CO.HOST AT SUNSET IN MANC. BUT I NEVER FORGET BEING INVITED 2 SIT WITH YOU FOR A WHILE AND INTRODUCING 2 SMOOTH JAZZ FRIEND ..( ONE QUICK QUESTION WAT THE TRACK CHAKA KAAN SANG ON WITH MILES DAVIS I BELIEVE IT WAS FROM A FILM SOUNDTRACK HEARD IT YEARS AGO ON SUNSET/JAZZ FM BUT NEVER BEEN ABLE TO FIND IT ..GOD BLESS YA 4 DA MUSIC …..T/C
Hi r Steve… (The Wythenshawe Kid ?) is that right your a Manchester Lad ? If so, were from ?… I usually tune in to Smoothfm Radio Manchester..my mate Andy Peebles will be on till midnight…then I turn on to your beautiful southing music…on the timer..(no disrespect) I can fall asleep to the beautiful Fusion Flavours sounds..I’m a 24/7 carer 30yrs so forgive me ? Norrie50′s M/cr. City F.C., Former Players Assoc’., (The Kippax Kid)
your show is the nuts!!!!! always look forward to hearing the tunes and especially the BREEZE…………. keep up the brilliant work. Thanks for making the afternoons a lot more look forwardable to!!
So good to stay in inet-radio touch…great prog mate
Noel
Steve Quirk i’m always Loving your fusion flavour’s please let me know who the atist is and the name of the funky base line track at the beginning too your musical fusion flavour advertisment. I think the artist plucking the base is Marcus Miller am I right, I just got too buy it as I have four Marcus Miller albums, all the best too you and your funky soulful crew.
Greetings from Thailand!
Hi Steve soulful Christmas blessings too jazz fm and all listeners. Mondy Michiru album : ‘Don’t DIsturb This Groove’, is available on Amazon.co.uk, I bought the album on the 10th of october this year, the album is pure super magnificent. The reason I mention about the Monday Michiru album is because this week I’m sure you mentioned it was only available in Japan. Merry Christmas and a happy new year too my son’s Michael and Aaron keep the pyramid grooves rocking!, from the Funky Drummer Kevin Milton Keynes.
Wishing everyone at Jazz FM and all Jazz FM listeners a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year.
Love your music Steve, just wonderful listening to your selections. You make my day bright! Can you tell me where I can find your playlist?
Have a good day!
Greetings from the workshop of ClassicFM Studios South Africa. Brilliant show. What a pleasure to listen to you in the afternoon.
Just listening to your show now Steve, once again a perfect selection for this sunny day.Thanks so much for reading my email out it left a huge smile on my face all day!
Very best wishes and keep up the good work.
Claire x
Hi Steve, I hope you can tell me why the smooth jazz concert with Earl Klugh was cancelled? I was really looking for.ward to it for years as Earl Klugh is one of my favourite artrists. I have enjoyed your show for many years and you should be on air a lot longer.
Hi Steve,
Just listened to my first ever “on demand” from Fierce Angel : WOW!!
The music was so uplifting. I work from home and it’s on all day long now.
I can’t wait for next week’s show.
Keep up the good work.