the Smooth Jazz Cafe’
… getting Up Front & Personal …
Angela Maria
is a Chicago Native affectionately known as “Angie or Ang” was introduced to Jazz at 10 yrs. old.
As a child, I grew up on Wes Montgomery, Nancy Wilson, Nat King Cole, Sarah Vaughn, and Gene “Jug” Ammons. My parents would play Jazz throughout our home. Although I listened to all genres of music throughout my childhood and teenage years – there was something about “Jazz” that captured my attention.
At 13 yrs. old, I vividly remember rushing to Metro Music to buy Grover Washington Jr’s “Paradise” album. I must have played the ridges off that album! The passion and colors I felt from Grover playing the Sax blew me away!
Angela received her BA in Communications from Columbia College.
Blessed with given the opportunity to start my Radio Career with Satellite Music Network, one of the first satellite-delivered networks then owned by ABC with 24 hour Syndicated Stations having 32 affiliates. Program Director, Glenn Cosby hired me for “The Touch” which was an Urban formatted station.
Glenn took me under his wing and taught me everything about the station; Production, operating a Massive Soundboard, reading a Rotation Clock, Opening/Closing the mic, etc. To start my Radio Career with an ABC-Owned/operated Network was an experience of a lifetime!
Returning to Chicago, I joined WJPC 106.3 FM – after receiving a call from Program Director, Al Greer to host overnights. WJPC was an Urban/Old School/Steppers formatted station. Under Al’s programming, the station was a major contender in Chicago Radio for Stepper’s Music. Al taught me the importance of song placement regarding programming music.
As fate would have it “Jazz” would come back to me… My experience, personality, and work ethic caught the attention of Mr. Charles R. Sherrell II, owner of WBEE “Classic Jazz” Radio Station. I hosted middays on WBEE playing the likes of Sarah Vaughn, Nancy Wilson, and Duke Ellington. WBEE personified Jazz in Chicago Radio. This was a launching pad for me to identify the various styles of Jazz music. After a 45-year history in playing Jazz, the station was sold.
Pursuing another Passion ~ “Real Estate ~
Angela became a licensed Real Estate Broker in Illinois, working in the business for 23 years while achieving licenses in Georgia & Florida. Although there was Excitement & Freedom in assisting clients coupled with the lifestyle achieved through Real Estate – something was missing…
With much prayer, deliberation, and planning Angela relocated to Atlanta, GA after sending “Air Checks” to a couple of stations. Receiving offers from both stations, Angela joined “JazzBeatsRadio” to host the drive time slot. CEO, Darryl Davis educated me on the Operations of an Internet Radio Station.
JazzBeatsRadio also provided the opportunity to have TOTAL control regarding; Producing, Programming, Scheduling, Selecting Artists for Interviews, and the overall concept of my show.
Angela’s engaging, charismatic and personable style has brought her “Up Front & Personal” with some of the BEST artists in Smooth Jazz; Nick Colionne, Will Downing, Kirk Whalum, Acoustic Alchemy, Damien Escobar, Paul Richmond, Vann Burchfield, Karen Briggs, Brendan Rothwell and Jaman Laws.
Realizing it was time to take things to the Next Level, Angela brought her vision into fruition, SJCafe’.net also known as the SmoothJazzCafewithAngelaMaria.com. Angela is the CEO/Producer & Host. Music is a universal language that creates one common bond. My Relentless Faith & Drive has brought another one of my Vision’s into a Reality.