Getting to know: David "Kid" Jensen
Find out more about the broadcasting legend's deep love of jazz music and more...
Last updated 18th Feb 2021
Ahead of his debut show on Jazz FM, we sat down with renowned broadcaster David "Kid" Jensen to uncover his love of jazz, broadcasting and find out a bit more about his role with Parkinson's UK.
Tell us about your new series on Jazz FM…
"I’m loving it. For the first time in my working career, I have the complete freedom to play whatever I want. People may be surprised that I am so passionate about jazz, but with the current output of new music alongside the all-time greats I feel like a kid (excuse the pun!) in a sweetshop. I’ve always listened to Jazz FM and getting this series proves that your dreams can come true at any time in your life!"
What is it about Jazz music that you love?
"I love the honesty of the genre. In many ways, when a player is on stage, mid freeform, there is nowhere to hide. It is like a team sport played by incredible individuals – it’s like a Brazilian team full of Peles. Artistry, emotion, skill, endeavour and raw talent all blended together. It touches my soul in a way other genres of music cannot."
Are you a musician yourself?
"In my dreams I am. I’d be playing a tenor sax with John Coltrane, and then trumpeting my talent alongside Miles Davis. But as I said, this is in my dreams. The reality is that I have a saxophone under the bed and had fully intended to take lessons purely for my own enjoyment. There is something about a saxophone that very appealing to me. I love the form and just holding the thing in my hands transports me to some of the great jazz haunts around the work. It really is an emotive instrument. I just wish I could play it."
What made you want to become a broadcaster in the first place?
"Radio has always been very important in my life. My father was a radio presenter and when he wasn’t playing jazz records on air, he was in the basement playing tunes. It was a kind of osmosis whereby I became imbued with the spirit of that music. If fact, a love of music in general and this led me to want to impart this passion to a wider audience over the airways. I feel that the immediacy of live radio, and its ability to broadcast across continents, has a way of bringing people together regardless of race, religion or creed, which in my mind is something very life-enhancing."
"...a way of bringing people together regardless of race, religion or creed, which in my mind is something very life-enhancing."
What was the most pivotal or most memorable moment of your career?
"I sent a recording of the show I was doing at a small radio station in Vancouver, to Radio Luxembourg via Steve Young (formerly of Radio Caroline) and at the same time, I sent a similar recording to Mark White of Radio 1. They got back to me independently of each other and both offered me an opportunity. So I suppose the most pivotal moment was deciding to plump for the Radio Luxembourg gig. "
Who is the most noteworthy Jazz musician you’ve met? Do you have any particular moments which stand out?
"Meeting Herbie Hancock was great. It was at a time when he was changing perceptions of his music, moving from being a sideman to being the main man in the studio. He had a great sense of humour and was inspiring to be around."
"I also have to say that meeting Ray Charles was quite incredible. He was such a gentleman and towering musician that when I found myself interviewing him in the Holiday Inn in Luxembourg, I couldn’t believe it was happening. Me and Ray Charles. Mind blown!"
What is your top jazz album of all time?
"This is an impossible question to answer, but if pushed, it has to be Kind of Blue by Miles Davis. The album transports me to a kind of different level of being. It’s almost other-worldly: as well as being profoundly complex I’m stunned by how simple the great master makes it sound. It truly is a work of genius."
What is your favourite gig from over the years?
"Jimi Hendrix at the Isle of White Festival. The gig was fantastic and Hendrix had such confidence and stage presence that it seemed like the entire place came to a complete standstill when he played. I will remember it forever."
How has your life changed since your Parkinson’s diagnosis?
"I was diagnosed 10 years ago this week. It’s been quite a ride. The thing about Parkinson’s is that there are 40 symptoms and there is no logic to how it will affect you. Personally, I take regular medication which controls my symptoms to a certain extent but currently, there is no cure. However, we as a charity are taking great strides towards helping research and development of further treatments. On a personal note, I’m still happily broadcasting and am hugely looking enjoying recording my current Jazz FM series."
Tell us about your role as Ambassador for Parkinson’s UK…
"It’s something I’ve grown into. The more I’ve done, the more I’ve wanted to become involved as I’ve seen first-hand the amazing work that the charity does. I am delighted when I can use my profile to speak on television and radio to get the message out there, that this is a fast-increasing illness and if my appearances even help one person then I am hugely gratified. To be honest I feel this is such a privilege."
Do you have any words of advice for anyone who has recently been diagnosed?
"Be around positive people. Anxiety and depression are common side-effects of the illness and being in the company of cheery and optimistic relatives and friends is good advice. From a physical point of view, keeping fit is vital. I have recently taken up tai chi and I always make time to walk briskly for an hour each day. Be honest with your family and friends about your condition but absolutely do not ever give up."
"And above all, if you have one, try to keep your partner happy because they are going through it with you."
When will 'David Jensen's Jazz' be broadcast?
'David Jensen's Jazz' starts on Sunday 21st February 2021 from 9pm, running until Sunday 28th March.