Gary G. Vercelli
Jazz Music Director

Gary Vercelli knew at an early age that jazz was his passion. "In high school, there was a 24-hour jazz station in Los Angeles, when commercial radio and jazz were not the oxymoron they are today," says Gary. "I used to listen to that station and think, one day, I'd like to work there." Eventually, he did. While attending college at the University of California at Santa Barbara, Gary launched his radio career. "After graduating, I worked at KCRW, an NPR affiliate in Santa Monica," he recalls. "While I was there, I coordinated 70 hours of weekly jazz programming and produced a pilot for NPR's Jazz Alive! series."
Gary then accepted a job at KBCA, the commercial jazz station of his high school days. During this time, he also served as the L.A. correspondent for Down Beat magazine and wrote liner notes for leading jazz record labels.
In 1980, Gary moved to Sacramento to serve as Jazz Music Director at KXPR, Capital Public Radio’s original, multi-format station. For the next 11 years, in addition to supervising the station's jazz programming and concert activity, he produced and hosted Jazz International, a popular nightly jazz program. When CapRadio added its second station, KXJZ, with a jazz and news format in 1991, Gary easily assumed the role of music director. Before the station celebrated its fourth anniversary, Gary was named "Jazz Broadcaster of the Year" by the Gavin Report, a respected, national music industry chart. In 1993, the same publication proclaimed KXJZ "National Jazz Station of the Year." More recently, Gary was recognized by Jazz Week with the prestigious Duke Dubois Humanitarian Award, acknowledging his lifetime of achievement and service to the community.
CapRadio’s program schedules have changed over the years, meeting the community’s growing demand for more NPR and NPR-style news programming. The “Excellence in Jazz” sound established by Gary nearly four decades ago – a sound he continues to refine -- is now featured Sunday through Friday evenings, following a full day of classical music on KXPR, KXSR, and KXJS. Gary continues to host EIJ three nights a week, along with Acid Jazz, Saturdays on KXJZ. He also programs CapRadio’s 24-hour digital music service, www.JazzStream.org.
When he's not on the air or previewing music for the station, Gary enjoys visiting the Bay Area, cooking, and teaching Iyengar yoga, which he has studied for more than 30 years. "I also have an interest in fine Italian wines, which is diametrically opposed to my yoga interest," he laments with a grin. "I guess I'm a classic example of east meets west."
Acid Jazz
Old school, New school...the soulful experience of Acid Jazz
Hosting
Excellence in Jazz
The Giants of Mainstream Jazz plus today's most exciting straight-ahead emerging artists with contemporary vocals and spices of Blues and Latin Jazz.
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Michael Wolff: Jazz Innovator, Life Optimist
May 16, 2022
Remember jazz pianist Michael Wolff? He's best known as Arsenio Hall's sidekick and music director. Wolff has overcome many physical challenges and details it all in his recently published memoir, "On That Note."
Spencer Day does Broadway his way on 'Broadway by Day'
March 30, 2022
Spencer Day's new album celebrates the alliance of musical theater and jazz. CapRadio's Gary Vercelli spoke with him about the new album, his recent collaborators and how he came to love jazz.
Jazz music that got us through another year of the pandemic
December 22, 2021
CapRadio’s jazz hosts share their top picks for jazz music that came out in 2021.
Veronica Swift: Tradition in transition
November 16, 2021
At age 27, Veronica Swift has established herself as an elite jazz vocalist. She can swing and scat like nobody else. She’ll be performing at the Mondavi Center Nov. 21.
Interview: Saxophonist Mindi Abair In Her Own Words
August 30, 2021
Saxophonist Mindi Abair is a two-time Grammy nominee who has worked with artists as diverse as Duran Duran, Lalah Hathaway, the Backstreet Boys and Aerosmith.
Interview: Tower Of Power’s Roger Smith In His Own Words
August 25, 2021
Sacramento keyboard master Roger Smith has been a key member of Tower of Power’s rhythm section for over two decades. Nine years ago, Smith and his longtime friend Mike Smolich also founded Bump City Winery.
Ear To Ear: A Decade Of Distinguished Music With CTI Records
March 2, 2021
Gary G. Vercelli highlights four notable recordings from Creed Taylors’ CTI Records, featuring Paul Desmond, Joe Farrell, Freddie Hubbard and Jim Hall.
Ear To Ear: Jingle Bell Jazz
December 1, 2020
Gary Vercelli has been the keeper of CapRadio’s database of holiday jazz music for many years. He’s here to share some of his favorite new releases as well as some classics from years gone by.
Pacific Jazz Festival Goes Virtual
October 23, 2020
The University of the Pacific in Stockton presents its annual Pacific Jazz Festival Friday and Saturday Oct. 23-24, bringing concerts and masterclasses to a video screen near you.
Voter Soundtrack: Jazz & Soul Music To Inspire You This Election
October 5, 2020
The 2020 election is set to be consequential for our nation in many ways. No matter how you’re voting, here are some jazz songs to motivate you to use your voice as you cast your ballot this year.