Phoenix Jazz Broadcaster Blaise Lantana To End Run At KJZZ.

After more than three decades introducing listeners to jazz artists, recordings and performances across the Valley, veteran broadcaster and musician Blaise Lantana is retiring from her role as music director and on-air host at Maricopa County Community College’s news/talk KJZZ-FM Phoenix (91.5).

Lantana, who joined the station in the mid-1990s and has served as its music director for the past 32 years, will make her final appearance on the station July 2, ending a broadcasting career that made her one of Arizona’s most recognizable voices in jazz radio.

A nightly presence on KJZZ’s jazz programming, Lantana introduced listeners to legendary performers such as Miles Davis, Sarah Vaughan and Wynton Marsalis while also highlighting emerging artists and members of Arizona’s jazz community. Throughout her tenure, she became known for blending music, artist interviews and commentary aimed at connecting listeners with both national and local jazz scenes.

Lantana came to Phoenix in 1994 after working in public radio in Corpus Christi, TX. She initially joined KJZZ’s sister station, KBAQ, before moving into the music director role at KJZZ, where she was given responsibility for programming the station’s jazz content.

During a recent interview on KJZZ’s “The Show,” Lantana reflected on the changes she witnessed in radio over the years, including the migration of much of the station’s jazz programming from traditional FM broadcasting to HD Radio channels. She said the industry’s transition to digital platforms contributed to a changing listening environment, although she emphasized that she remains passionate about jazz and the musicians who perform it.

Lantana also downplayed the impact she’s had on listeners over the years.

“You know what’s funny is [that] I’m kind of shocked when people tell me that,” she said. “I mean, because just like I’m talking to you, that’s how I talk on the air. Like I’m talking to my friends. “Hey, have you heard this guy? Hey, have you ever gone out and listened to jazz live? There’s something really exciting about that. Don’t miss out on that.’”

Lantana said she plans to remain active as a performer after leaving the station. A lifelong musician who has performed with jazz and blues ensembles for decades, she indicated she hopes to spend more time playing live music, attending jam sessions and potentially forming a new band.

Colleagues credited Lantana with helping cultivate appreciation for jazz among generations of Arizona listeners. During a tribute on KJZZ, contributor Robrt Pela described her as a familiar and influential presence whose name was widely recognized among station listeners.

In announcing her retirement, KJZZ noted that Lantana’s influence extended beyond the airwaves through her support of local musicians and her efforts to connect audiences with live jazz performances throughout the Phoenix area.