Steve Quirk’s Fusion Flavours 2024!
Steve Quirk’s Fusion Flavours is back.
Fusion Flavours is what feelings sound like.
Fusion Flavours is not just a radio program. It is a brand that has endured into its 34th year, through changing radio formats and changing tastes. It is a labour of love for its creator Steve Quirk, who first introduced the concept on Manchester’s then soul music station Sunset Radio in 1990.
Steve started as the Sunset Radio staff librarian -- but within a year, he was promoted to musical director. During the 1990 Easter holiday, the regular DJs were off, so his boss and long-time mentor Mike Shaft gave Steve the chance to go on air. Fusion Flavours was born Good Friday 1990, with the first ever record played on the show being Bob James ‘Westchester Lady.’
Steve’s amazing musical journey has included a 25-year friendship and partnership with the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. Last year, Quirk produced a weekly edition of Fusion Flavours: Berks Jazz Fest. In 2024, that partnership continues and will feature interviews and music of many artists performing at the fest. Programs will be downloaded to this page each Friday leading up to the fest.
2024 Episodes — new episodes released every weekend through the opening of the Boscov’s Berks Jazz FesT
Finale of Berks Jazz Fest 2024
So, it’s “Finale Weekend…” If you thought last weekend was exciting…
The second weekend started early with the legendary “Chuck Loeb Memorial All-Star Jam.
On the show, we look back to the BJF 1998 with music from performers Bobby Caldwell and Grover Washington Jr. We “Remember Grover Washington Jr” and hear the man talk to me the year before he passed in 1999. Be sure to see the “Remembering Grover Washington Jr” Show with Kirk Whalum, Everette Harp, Kim Waters, Gerald Veasley & the Berks Horns & more on Friday April 12th 9.30pm at the DoubleTree Grand Ballroom!
Chuck Loeb tells us about his first time at Berks sitting in for Larry Carlton who was stuck in a snowstorm.
We also have music from performers Nicole Henry, Brian Simpson, Brian Culbertson, & Jerome Collins who closes this year’s Fest.
The second hour features music and conversation with my good friend “Chris Big Dog Davis,” talking about highlights of his career and his message from Stevie Wonder. He also talks openly about his journey through cancer and his optimistic view. He’s looking forward to “Celebrating Women of Jazz III”…this Saturday 13th April 6pm at the Scottish Rite Cathedral. PLUS hear amazing tracks from his NEW album “After The Storm.”
Have a wonderful “Finale Weekend!”
I must say a big huge Thank You to my good friend Mr. John Ernesto. I’ve known John for 25 years and he has done so much for me personally over the years. I wish him a wonderful time in the background. The Berks Jazz Fest is in a better place because of him. Stay Blessed, my friend.
Music is what feelings sound like.
Enjoy the BJF and enjoy Fusion Flavours.
April 5: Berks Jazz Fest!
The 33rd annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest is underway.
Steve Quirk’s Fusion Flavours Season 2 Episode 6 features:
A look back at the BJF 2011 and some amazing music from George Duke Trio featuring Al Jarreau, Fourplay with Bob James, Nathan East, Harvey Mason, and the late Chuck Loeb.
Music from Dave Grusin and Lee Ritenour along with Incognito & Maysa Leak.
Jonathan Butler and Marcus Miller talk about recording Ubuntu, the latest release from Jonathan.
Kirk Whalum delights us with music from his “Gospel according to jazz” project.
The second segment features a conversation with Brian Culbertson, who talks about his recent Trilogy Tour, recording session with Prince, and recording with Earth Wind & Fire’s Maurice White.
Brian also previews his NEW show which will be debuted at the Scottish Rite Cathedral Sunday.
Enjoy the fest!
March 29: Berks Jazz Fest Week 5
Wishing everyone a very Happy Easter.
And do we have an “egg citing” show for you this week (sorry).
We are a week away from the start of the 33rd annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest.
This week, Fusion Flavours starts with a look back to the 2009 fest, featuring music from The Average White Band and Take 6.
Other highlights include:
-- An in-depth look at the opening weekend of fest, including the just-announced screening of the award-winning documentary “Dave Grusin: Not Enough Time” on Saturday, April 6, in the DoubleTree Amphitheatre.
-- Music and conversation with Pat Metheny talking about his solo Dream Box Tour, and an exclusive cut from his forthcoming album Moondial.
-- Aubrey Logan and Oli Silk talk about “The Future Is Now” Show with David P Stevens, Phil Denny, Kim Scott, Ilya Serov, Curtis McCain
-- New music from guitarist Adam Hawley
The second segment features:
-- In-depth conversation with the amazing Kirk Whalum, who talks about being discovered by Bob James and signing to Columbia Records; his work with Quincy Jones and Luther Vandross; and being part of Bill Clinton’s inauguration celebration.
-- Kirk also previews his three major performances during the fest.
Again, Happy Easter.
Enjoy your Weekend. Enjoy Fusion Flavours.
March 22: Berks Jazz Fest Week 4
Welcome to Fusion Flavours at Berks Jazz Fest.
Fest is two weeks away and excitement is building.
And I have a great show for you.
During the first half, we take you back to 2007 festival -- and what a year -- featuring music from the legendary Dionne Warwick (“So Amazing”), who appeared on the “Celebrating the Life & Music of Luther Vandross” show along with Jason Miles, Kirk Whalum, Cissy Houston, Doc Powell and Nat Adderley Jr.
Other highlights:
Music from the funky “The Sax Pack” -- Steve Cole, Kim Waters & Jeff Kashiwa.
George Benson turns 81 this weekend and he tells us about the classic recording of “Breezin” from 1976.
Greg Adams and Keiko Matsui talk about their shows at this year’s fest.
New music from fest performers Brian Simpson and Steve Oliver.
Every week during second half of program, I enjoy our music and conversation segment with a special guest.
This week, it is South African guitarist Jonathan Butler, who I have known for over 30 years.
We look back at his amazing career, talking about his early years in Cape Town and much more.
Enjoy the program!
March 15: Berks Jazz Fest Week 3
Welcome to the third program of the Berks Jazz Fest Fusion Flavours series.
In the opening segment, we look back at the 2004 fest and enjoy music from the legendary George Benson and the UKs very own Acoustic Alchemy.
The second hour features my conversation with my good friend Paulette McWilliams.
Some highlights from first hour:
Music and conversation with “Straight No Chaser” front man Jerome Collins, who debuts his new project at Berks on Sunday, April 14, at Miller Center.
Updates on Gerald Veasley’s Unscripted Jams, including a preview of the special “Jammin’ for Nico.”
New music this week from Luther Vandross bassist Byron Miller and guitarist Reza Khan.
As mentioned, the second segment is all about iconic vocalist Paulette McWilliams, who will perform twice during at Berks -- on Friday, April 12 with her band; and Saturday, April 13, with Chris “Big Dog” Davis’ Celebrating Women in Jazz.
Paulette and I discuss and reflect on her amazing career.
Singing, recording, and touring with Luther Vandross for 20 years.
Being the original singer with “Ask Rufus” before Chaka -- and getting Chaka the life-changing gig.
Recording with the legendary Quincy Jones, Johnny Mathis, and Michael Jackson.
Performing with Bette Midler as a member of the “Harlettes.”
If you have a question or would like to get in touch regarding Fusion Flavours, I would love to hear from you at steve@fusionflavours.com
Enjoy this week’s program.
March 8: Berks Jazz Fest Week 2
Great to be back for another week of Fusion Flavours: Berks Jazz Fest.
Thanks for all the positive feedback from last week’s program.
To get things started this week, you will hear the music from Al Jarreau and Roberta Flack, headliners during BJF 2001.
The rest of the program includes:
Music from BJF headliners Incognito with Maysa -- and the UK’s very own Oli Silk, who will be performing in “The Future Is Now” concert.
Paulette McWilliams, performing twice on the second weekend, performing her version of “Too Hot,” featuring Tom Scott and Will Downing.
New music from Doc Powell, longtime guitarist with Luther Vandross’ band who now performs with Kirk Franklin.
Janis Seigel, founding member of The Manhattan Transfer, talking about working with Rod Temperton and Stevie Wonder on “Spice of Life.”
Classic music from Greg Adams & East Bay Soul.
The second half of program opens with more conversation with John Ernesto, BJF Artistic Director, who is retiring after guiding the fest for 34 years.
Alex Bugnon, performing with Najee & Friends at fest, reminisces about his days with Freddie Jackson as I share music from Alex’s catalogue.
Enjoy the program -- and your weekend.
FEBRUARY 28 — Berks Jazz Fest Week 1 Preview
The premier Fusion Flavours show for the 33rd annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest features an extensive interview with John Ernesto, Berks Jazz Fest artistic director, who discusses this year’s amazing lineup and some of his favorite shows and memories from past festivals.
The two-part program also will include:
Music from the inaugural 1991 Berks Jazz Fest featuring Diane Schuur and Stanley Jordan.
Birthday celebration for legendary guitarist Larry Carlton, who turns 76 on March 2.
Music of first-weekend performers Najee, Alex Bugnon, Marcus Miller, Jonathan Butler, Lee Ritenour, Dave Grusin, Kirk Whalum, and Pat Metheny, who is making his long overdue Berks Jazz Fest debut with his Dream Box Tour.
And I want to introduce my listeners to one of my favorite artists Jalen Ngonda and music from his new CD “Come Around and Love Me.”