Terry Conrad co-founded MTPR (along with Phil Hess) in 1973. Among his countless contributions to public radio in the state, he brought Jazz to the airwaves and has been spinning it ever since. Jazzoula Spring '23 will honor Terry with a concert tonight. Tune in to MTPR to listen live from 8 to 10 p.m. We asked his longtime coworkers to share their thoughts about Terry. Here's what they said.
Tune in for two upcoming programs to celebrate the music of this giant of jazz guitar, Wes Montgomery as the 100th anniversary of his birth approaches.
Monday's Freeforms "will be my indirect tribute of sorts to former longtime Monday Freeforms host William Marcus . Monday’s program will focus on contemporary female vocalists – many of whom are also excellent songwriters."
Larry Garde's wide range of musical interests includes early R&B, soul music, blues, lots of jazz, Brazilian, folk music, rock n' roll, etc.. He frequently works out of town; but, when in Missoula, Larry enjoys occasionally hosting Free Forms and Pazz n' Jop.
I know we need rain here in western Montana; but I’m hoping it doesn’t rain this Thursday (May 6, 2021). You see, I’ve been asked to host Thursday Free Forms at 11 a.m., which is one of my favorites of the shows I get to do on MTPR. And I’ve got what I think is a great set of songs for a bright sunny morning in May.
Larry Garde
I am thinking I’ll dedicate the show to some former MTPR hosts that set the tone for the program in our station’s earlier years. Long-time MTPR listeners will remember the late Den Morrison and John Meyers. Both were adept at mixing genres, and throwing in surprises with their song selections. In Den’s case it might be the forgotten show tune, while John might pepper a thematic show with a rare selection from a folk artist who recorded in the 1930s.