In order to find our more about our current show hosts, we are going to ask them all the same three questions. We also wanted to have a chance to catch up on former show hosts and find out how they are doing and ask them similar questions.

We thought we would start with long time Wednesday Morning Set Host, K. Balewa.

Best new CD you’ve heard outside the genre you play on your show on OZ?

I don’t listen to much outside the jazz I play so I’ll mention one you may not know, saxophonist, Eric Alexander. He’s a fine tenor player who has been around for a short while. He has recorded with Nicholas Payton, Cedar Walton, and Ron Carter. I especially like his past recordings with soul-jazz organist. Charles Earland. Alexander’s new CD, Temple of Olympic Zeus (HighNote 717) is great and all of the song are originals.

Best thing you like/liked about doing a show on OZ?

I look forward to finding new Jazz music and artists. I love that some of the older jazz is finally being reissued on CD. Best of all is the interaction with our listeners and talking to people all over the world about Jazz.

Do you a have a favorite Jazz Fest memory?

I don’t get out to Jazz Fest as much as I used to but I remember fondly a Pharoah Sanders concert from some years ago. It was a hell of a performance. It knocked me out.

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The first of our former show hosts we asked the “three questions” was Former WWOZ Kitchen Sink Host, Michael Dominichi.

We also caught up with long time Kitchen Sink Host, Michael Dominichi who know lives in San Francisco.

What is the best new CD you’ve heard ?

That’s a tough one these days. When I was an active show host on WWOZ part of my ritual was to seek out new music at least once a week. These days, not so much. My favorite song recently was Lucinda Williams ‘Are You Alright?’ which whether intentionally or not seemed to capture the post Katrina numbness without naming as such. ‘Goin’ Home’ is probably my recent favorite in terms of sheer breadth and spirit. I’m so proud of the work producer Bill Taylor has done and love that he put this impressive project together so brilliantly.

What was the best thing you liked about doing a show on OZ?

I miss the direct connection that WWOZ had both locally and internationally via the internet. I miss a lot of things about New Orleans but, nothing more than the inexplicable joy of being given the precious opportunity to express the tremendous diversity and spirit of music on WWOZ.

Do you a have a favorite Jazz Fest memory?

Wow. I have so many great ones…let’s go back to some early memories such as seeing The Jolly Boys at the Koindu Stage. Also, Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens. Never knew a thing about either at the time, and was completely blown away by both. Abbey Lincoln made me cry. Charles Lloyd played his entire set with his eyes closed and that was one of the most spiritual and beautiful jazz performances I can recall. K-Doe! Eddie Bo! Fats…I think at the same time one year. I had to be fast on my feet for that. Lucinda Williams interview with Ben Sandmel. She was an hour late but, made it up by performing a few exquisite songs in a wonderfully intimate setting. Similarly, loved Vernel Bagneris doing Jelly Roll with Morton Gunner-Larsen. And of course, John Boutte is a perennial inspiration; when I think of who captures the spirit of New Orleans right now, without a doubt, it’s John Boutte.