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   New Horizons Music What is Horizons?

Adult album alternative (also known as triple-A, AAA, or adult alternative) is a radio format broadcast mostly on FM. A spin off from the album-oriented rock format, its roots may have been established sometime during the 1960s from what was called underground music and later progressive. The radio format has a broader, more diverse playlist than most other formats and tends to appeal more to adults than to teenagers. Less-played tracks are also common. Musical selection tends to be on the fringe of mainstream popular music and rock music as well as many other music genres such as alternative rock, alternative country, jazz, folk music, world music and blues. The musical selections tend to shy away from hard rock and rap music. Some Triple-A stations bill themselves under the slogan "World Class Rock", "Quality Rock", or "Finest Rock". Music selection also includes tracks from albums that are not singles, which leads to the enhanced and larger playlist. Triple-A songs sometimes do manage to chart on the adult top 40, modern rock, or an adult contemporary chart, since they may be the first to play a first breakout on AAA. Additionally, news magazine devoted to commercial and non-commercial radio and the music industry, charts stations in various formats including triple-A. 

WLNZ currently uses a combination of the roots based charts to create our Mid-Michigan Triple A music format. We focus primarily on music styles that our members and listeners have expressed an interest in as well as the “live” musical make-up of the Greater Lansing area. There is a heavy emphasis on folk, rock and blues in the overall mix of our Triple A or what we call Horizons programming.

The name Horizons came about as a management staff decision. The word horizon by definition means an intersection between the earth and sky. A true Horizon brings into view trees, mountains, buildings and the like. The name of the music format on WLNZ implies the bringing together of many types of music, styles and people all looking forward to the future. The word horizon has also used promotionally by Lansing Community College in marketing campaigns.

To sum it up, Program Director, Lyn Peraino says of the WLNZ music format "It's time to re-think radio as we know it. At WLNZ, we know our listeners deserve much more credit than most programmers give them. Our audience is interested in hearing new and unusual music cuts, not the same old tired songs played day in and day out on American radio. We can appreciate that and try to program Horizons accordingly."

 

   New Blues Music Check out the latest blues music charts on WLNZ
   Mainstream Jazz Find out what jazz music is played when during our jazz programming hours. Our lists include songs that have aired throughout the week and on the weekends.
 

New World and Latin Music

World, Reggae & Latin Music Charts - Our on air shows include:  The Putumayo Music Hour, Latino USA, Latin Rhythms and The Natty Dreadlock Rock Show
 

Favorite Websites

Here's some of our favorite music and information websites. 
 
   NPR From the "Mothership". News and information available from National Public Radio
 

WLNZ Events

Find out about special WLNZ events

On Air Specials

Up to date special on air programming
   Music reviews Music Reviews from various sources

NEW MUSIC REVIEWS

Joan Osbourne
CD: Breakfast In Bed
Label: Rounder Records
Rating: starstarstarstarstar
 

On Breakfast in Bed, Joan Osborne pays homage to the great Soul and R&B songs of the late '60s and early '70s with "sass and sensitivity," says amazon.com's Ben Heege. "Long an underappreciated artist, Osborne is a performer with the wisdom to exercise vocal restraint for an effect . . . and witness her contribution to the terrific 2002 film Standing in the Shadows of Motown, where Osborne's astute readings of "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" and "Heatwave" outshone performers like Ben Harper and Gerald Levert (happily, both songs are included here). The title track and Hall and Oates' "Sara Smile" are both canny choices that play to her strengths in delivering credible blue-eyed soul, and six new Osborne-penned songs fit neatly into the record. If her compositions pale a bit next to the classics she covers (with the sultry and slithery exception of the excellent "Eliminate the Night"), give Osborne credit for bravely placing herself side-by-side with songwriting luminaries like Holland-Dozier-Holland and Bill Withers."

(released: May 22, 2007)

Patrick Sweany
CD: C'mon C'mere
Label: Nine Mile
Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Hey Blue Fans! Do not miss the Patrick Sweany Band’s newest CD, “C’mon C’mere. This latest CD is another dynamic demonstration of the band’s ability to produce soulful, heartfelt blues back by superb musicianship. This musicianship comes across in many ways, not the least of which is the smooth way the band can shift gears between blues, swing, and rock. And they do all of them equally well, offering a broad range of really great music. Strong, gripping vocals, talented, songwriting and energetic delivery, the benchmark of the band are abundantly present on this CD. These guys really get into their music and the listener naturally gets drawn along.

Reveiwed by - Brenda Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer

Ten Mile Tide
CD: Ten Mile Tide
Label:
Self
Rating:
starstarstarstarstar
This is folk music at its best. Ten Mile Tide has a great piece of work with their self-titled third CD. The works on this CD represent a delicious fusion of folk, pop, a little bluegrass and a little rock – all very well presented. Justin and Jason Munning share the vocal on the tracks and they do a remarkable job. Maybe it is because they are twins; maybe it is just because they are very talented. Whatever the reason their harmonies blend like one voice – one rich, melodic voice. Their songwriting talent is abundantly clear as the songs chronicle life on the road as the band toured the countryside. The lyrics tell stories that capture the imagination and at times, tickle the funny bone. The strong vocals and entertaining tales make for some great listening pleasure. The guys in the band are equally talented musicians. There is some great fiddle playing and superb musical accomplishment throughout the CD.

Herb Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer

Frank Carillo
CD: Bad Out There
Label: Jezebel Records

Rating: starstarstarstarstar

When we received this CD we all agreed, WOW, what a great talent. Frank Carillo and the Bandoleros knock one out of the ball park with their CD Bad Out There. This is the kind of CD you just can not listen to enough. We receive a lot of CD’s every day and this is one of the few, we have played over and over and over again. It is replete with great stories, set to some awesome music. So often, on a CD, there are a couple of songs you skip over to get to “the good stuff”. Such is absolutely not the case with Carillo’s CD – all 14 tracks are awesome. Carillo’s throaty voice is made to order for the songs he sings, as it adds a subtle, soulful element to the piece. Whether he is putting his heart and soul into one of the slower melodies or belting out an up-tempo tune, his distinctive voice holds the listener and literally puts them in the song. Carillo is also an extraordinary gifted songwriter/story teller. The tales he spins with the lyrics will keep you rapt and anxiously awaiting his next verse. On top of all that, add his Bandoleros. They complete the experience. From backup vocals to instrumentation, this group of professionals does it all just right. We just cannot say enough good things about this CD, it is really terrific.

Brenda Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer

Bonnie Raitt
CD:
 Bonnie Raitt and friends
Label:
Capitol Records

Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Bonnie Raitt and Friends is a beautifully created fusion of styles and artists that is sure to give you many hours of listening (and/or viewing) pleasure. There is a CD version as well as a DVD version of this live performance. Bonnie partners up with Norah Jones, Ben Harper, Alison Krauss and Keb Mo, each of whom adds a tantalizing dimension to this great piece of work. Raitt is her usual, inimitable self with her classic, throaty voice and her superb musicianship. This recording is Bonnie at her best. She has some really cool “friends” too. Keb Mo adds his oh-so-smooth Delta blues and outstanding guitar to the mix. His crystal clear vocals mingle brilliantly with Raitt’s one of a kind sound to produce captivating melodies. Another pal of Raitt’s, Norah Jones, uses her sultry voice to bring the listener to the desired mood. Playing the electric piano like she was born to do so and using her soft, very smooth voice, Norah contributes her own touch of elegance to the production. Ben Harper solos and harmonies with Raitt and the deep emotional tunes are both literally and figuratively music to your ears. He has a special gift when it comes to his lap slide guitar as he gets it singing right along with him and Raitt. Alison Krauss, with her angelic soprano voice, provides the made-to-order harmonic sound to coincide with Raitt’s. Alison’s solo renditions are equally spectacular as she flexes that awesome vocal range of hers. Alison also brings her fiddle mastery into play, practically giving the instrument a voice of its own. Since it is also available in a DVD version with an additional 5 songs, you can get that “concert” experience complete with surround sound and see these uncommonly gifted artists doing what they apparently love doing. An honest to goodness enjoyable listen!

Brenda Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer


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WLNZ NEW MUSIC LISTS

Horizons
On the charts...
Lee Rocker BLACK CAT BONE, ALLIGATOR
Ray Wylie Hubbard SNAKE FARM ,SUSTAIN RECORDS
Wilco SKY BLUE SKY, NONESUCH 
Ryan Adams EASY TIGER, LOST HIGHWAY
Joan Osbourne PRETTY LITTLE STRANGER, VANGUARD
Richard Thompson SWEET WARRIOR, SHOUT FACTORY
John Mayer CONTINUUM, COLUMBIA
KT Tunstall EYE TO THE TELESCOPE, EMI
Son Volt THE SEARCH, TRANSMIT SOUND / LEGACY
Gomez  HOW WE OPERATE, ATO
Los Lonely Boys SACRED, EPIC
Gia Ciambotti RIGHT AS RAIN, NEW LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT
Robert Randolph & The Family Band COLORBLIND, WARNER BROS
John Butler Trio GRAND NATIONAL , JARRAH
Brandi Carlile THE STORY, COLUMBIA
Suzanne Vega BEAUTY & CRIME, BLUE NOTE
The Subdudes BEHIND THE LEVEE, BACK PORCH
Linda Thompson VERSATILE HEART, ZOE
Loudon Wainwright III STRANGE WEIRDOS, CONCORD
Fionn Regan THE END OF HISTORY, LOST HIGHWAY
Richard Shindell SOUTH OF DELIA, SELF
Steve Forbert STRANGE NAMES & NEW SENSATIONS, 429 RECORDS  
Girlyman JOYFUL SIGN, GIRLYMAN
Martin Sexton SEEDS, KITCHEN TABLE
Lucinda Williams WEST, NEW WEST
Patty Griffin CHILDREN RUNNING THROUGH, ATO
Ani DiFranco CARNEGIE HALL 4.6.02, RIGHTEOUS BABE RECORDS

Blues

On the charts...
Marcia Ball - Peace, Love, & BBQ (Alligator)
Smokin' Joe Kubek & Bnois King - Blood Brothers (Alligator)
Jeff Healey - Mess Of Blues (Ruf)
Albert Collins - Live At Montreux 1992 (Eagle)
Moreland & Arbuckle - 1861 (Northern Blues)
Michael Burks - Iron Man (Alligator)
Samuel James - Songs Famed For Sorrow & Joy (Northern Blues)
Ray Bonneville - Goin' By Feel (Red House)
Roomful of Blues - Raisin' A Ruckus (Alligator)
Eddy 'The Chief' Clearwater - Wes-Side Strut (Alligator)

Some other Blues Beat favorites...
Sean Costello - We Can Get Together (Delta Groove)
Little Arthur Duncan - Live At Rosa's Blues Lounge (Delmark)
Gino Matteo - I've Been Thinkin' (Indium)
Johnny Sansone - Poor Man's Paradise (Short Stack)
Mac Arnold & Plate Full O' Blues - Backbone & Gristle (Self Released)
Leah Tysse - Real Good Fire (Blue Juno)
The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue - Command Performance (Delta Groove)
Eric Lindell - Low On Cash, Rich In Love (Alligator)
Dion - Son Of Skip James (Verve)
Albert Castiglia - These Are The Days (Blues Leaf)
Markus James - Snakeskin Violin (Firenze)
Phantom Blues Band - Footprints (Delta Groove)
Colin Linden - Easin' Back To Tenessee (True North)
Mark Nomad - Electric Church (Blue Star)
Stevie Ray Vaughan - Solos, Sessions, and Encores (Epic/Legacy)
Otis Taylor - Recapturing The Banjo (Telarc)
Popa Chubby - Deliveries After Dark (Blind Pig)

Blue Michigan...
The Motor City Shieks - Hombres Perfecto (Top Flite)
Sharrie Williams - I'm Here To Stay (Electro-fi)
Stacia Petrie - Ruby Blue (Stacia Petrie)

 


Mainstream Jazzm Jazz
On the charts...
Ron Carter Dear Miles (EMI)
Bad Plus Prog (Heads Up)
Charles Mingus Cornell 1964 (Blue Note)
Floratone Floratone (Blue Note)
Billie Holiday Remixed and Reimagined (Sound Legacy)
Kenny Burrell 75th Birthday Bash Live! (Blue Note)
Soulive No Place Like Soul (Stax)
Ella Fitzgerald  Love Letters From Ella (Concord)
Joshua Redman Back East Nonesuch
Nina Simone  Just Like a Woman Columbia Legacy
We All Love Ella Various Artists Verve
Charlie Mingus In Paris: The Complete America Sessions Sunnyside-Universal France


World Music
Bob Marley Roots, Rock Remixed Quango
Zap Mama Supermoon Heads Up
Doubet Gnahore Na Afrika Cumbancha
Daby Toure Stereo Spirit RealWorld
Spanish Harlem Orchestra United We Swing Six Degrees
Bebel Gilberto Momento Six Degrees
Corey Harris Zion Crossroads Telarc
Putumayo...World Party Various Artists Putumayo
Putumayo Presents: Jazz Various Artists Putumayo
Angelique Kidjo Djin Djin  Razor and Tie
Putumayo Presents: World Hits Various Artists Putumayo


SOME OF OUR FAVORITE SITES

        

 

   


 

Interested in submitting music to WLNZ for airplay?
We are currently accepting the following music genres for airplay consideration:

Acoustic Rock
Alternative Country
Blues
Folk
Roots Rock
Western Swing

Tracking calls are not accepted at this time. However you may contact us by email at anytime at wlnzmusic@yahoo.com