Local Physician Takes His Love of Jazz to the Airwaves on WISE-FM
June 20, 2000

For local surgeon Dr. Lance Dozier, jazz has been a passion since his college years at Brown University.

As a medical student at Thomas Jefferson University, Dozier was exposed to Philadelphia's premier jazz radio stations and his interest in the music deepened. Gradually, he began building an impressive collection of more than 300 albums. His library is filled with recordings from jazz greats from his favorite musical eras - the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. Among them are works by legendary artists like John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Charlie Parker, and Dozier's undisputed favorite, Miles Davis.

"I was first moved by jazz while listening to Miles Davis," Dozier said.

The hundreds of albums Dozier amassed over the years look and sound exactly as they did when he bought them in the late seventies and early eighties. They are pristine, with practically no scratches or pops. The album covers, also in mint condition, offer a glimpse of jazz history. These vinyl treasures will soon be heard on WISE-FM as part of Dozier's weekly show, "Jazz at Wise."

A devoted fan of public radio, Dozier was enthusiastic when he learned UVa-Wise planned to launch a public radio station. "When I heard about the creation of WISE-FM, I volunteered to help advise on jazz programming," Dozier said. "I didn't envision myself doing my own show."

Although a newcomer to radio production, Dozier's smooth delivery and well-planned commentary make the surgeon sound like a professional broadcaster. "I have a particular feel for what a person who isn't an experienced jazz listener would want to hear," Dozier said. "I want to give the listeners music they have not heard before. The challenge is making the show flow and keeping their attention."

Dozier, a Philadelphia native, moved to Norton in 1989. A general surgeon who practices at Norton Community Hospital, St. Mary's Hospital, Wellmont Lonesome Pine Hospital, and Whitesburg ARH Hospital, Dozier uses his preparation for the next week's broadcast as a way to relax. Dozier spends two to three hours before each hour-long show, selecting the right songs and compiling mini biographies of the musicians. "A lot of the knowledge I have I got from reading the backs of album covers," Dozier said.

"Jazz at Wise" will debut Monday, June 26 at 8 p.m. and will be the regular Monday night feature on WISE-FM's "8 O'Clock Jazz." The program will be rebroadcast at 8 p.m. on Saturdays.

Dozier plans to feature classic jazz renditions, songs with staying power. "This is the kind of music that can be listened to repeatedly," Dozier said.

The first locally produced jazz music program to air on WISE-FM, "Jazz at Wise" will join other national programs in the "8 O'Clock Jazz" line up such as National Public Radio's "Piano Jazz," "Jazz Profiles," and "Jazz Set with Branford Marselis."

"We are delighted that Dr. Dozier is willing to share his amazing record collection and his vast knowledge of jazz with WISE-FM listeners," said Scott Pippin, station manager of WISE-FM. "Plus, his delivery is fresh and professional; he's a lot of fun to hear."

WISE-FM is a National Public Radio station, featuring news, classical and jazz music and cultural and informational programming 24 hours a day. The station is heard at 90.5 FM and on Adelphia Cable channels 51 and 55. WISE-FM is also testing its new Norton translator at 91.7 FM and its new Big Stone Gap translator at 90.1 FM.

For more information, contact Jane Meade-Dean in the Office of College Relations at 540-328-0130, or Scott Pippin, station manager of WISE-FM, at 540-328-0300.