Skip to Main Content
In A Mellow Tone
Join your hosts Natalie McGrath, Ian Mackenzie and/or Heavy Ben for 2 hours of great jazz. An introduction to the entire history of jazz.
Hosted by: Ben Armstrong, Natalie McGrath and Ian Mackenzie
Airs: Every Wednesday from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Coming up at 9:00 PM on April 2nd, 2025:
Mary Lou Williams - the 80th anniversary of the Zodiac Suite plus an interview with Adam Fairhall about his new release of Mary Lou Williams’ compositions.

In A Mellow Tone

Date Host Highlight On Demand
Apr. 2, 2025 Ian M Mary Lou Williams and the Zodiac Suite at 80: exploring the compositions of Mary Lou Williams with Adam Fairhall and recreating the Zodiac Suite, composed in 1945
available
Mar. 26, 2025 Heavy Ben Vinyl Sides 8 - Abbey Lincoln, Maynard Ferguson, J Jazz, Fela Kuti & Roy Ayers, Jaimie Branch, The Necks
available
Mar. 19, 2025 Natalie McGrath Joystick Jazz: Legendary Video Game Soundtracks
available
Mar. 12, 2025 Ian M Lil Hardin Armstrong - her music and legacy
available
Mar. 5, 2025 Heavy Ben Vinyl Sides 7 - Dorothy Ashby, Lee Gagnon, Barigozzi Group, Timeless Record Label, Madlib, Devin B Waldman (Brahja)
available
Feb. 26, 2025 Natalie McGrath Quit Harping on the Small Stuff - A Night of Enchantment with Harpist Brandee Younger
available
Feb. 19, 2025 Ian M "Jazz Revolutionary: the Life and Music of Eric Dolphy" - an interview with the author Jonathon Grasse on Dolphy's music and influence
available

IN A MELLOW TONE INTRODUCES LISTENERS TO THE ENTIRE HISTORY OF JAZZ, FROM ITS BEGINNINGS TO THE LATEST INNOVATIONS. THE HOSTS DRAW ON THEIR LARGE PERSONAL CD AND LP COLLECTIONS TO SUPPLEMENT CKCU'S EXTENSIVE RESOURCES.

IN A MELLOW TONE was created and hosted by Ron Sweetman until he retired from radio in Septermber 2015. The program has been a weekly fixture on CKCU-FM 93.1 since May 1976. He was a founder member of L’Atelier de Musique Experimentale (1972), Jazz Ottawa (1976), and Music Now (1997). He has written for CODA magazine since 1970, and has been a member of the Down Beat International Critics Poll since 1982.

IN A MELLOW TONE is now hosted by a rotating collective of jazz zealots including Natalie McGrath,  Heavy Ben and Ian M. They intend on taking IAMT forward with the high standards of broadcasting that Ron Sweetman established for decades.

Like us on Facebook: http://facebook.com/ckcumellowtone