DZLL-FM

Smooth FM 107.1 (DZLL 107.1) is an FM radio station owned by Primax Broadcasting Network. Its studio and transmitter is located at Upper Dominican Hill, Baguio City, Philippines. The station's radio format consists of Pop Jazz, Bossa Nova, Soul and R&B.

Smooth FM 107.1, formerly known as Smooth Jazz 107.1, was a very popular radio station in Baguio City during 2000–2003, with its fan-base consisting mostly of yuppies, college, and high school students. Contrary to its name at that time, Smooth Jazz 107.1 gained its fame by being one of the only stations to have an "American" radio format; playing songs that were famous in the U.S. at a time when the Baguio City radio scene was dominated by the novelty, or masa sound. Its DJs also played a big part in its rise to fame. Popular names at that time were Nicki, KC Jones, Sebastian Kidd, J. Webber, Stacey, and Jersey but little was known about the pioneering DJs like "Danny V", "Dr. Soul" and "Johnny Handsome" when the station was transitioned from Mellow Touch (Love Song Based Format) to Smooth Jazz 107.1 in 1997. In 2002–2003, the station started playing a mix of alternative, rock, and R&B.

Rise to Fame

During its transition from Mellow Touch 107.1 in 1997, Smooth Jazz's radio format was strictly jazz. With the rising popularity of Hip Hop and R&B in the late 90s, Smooth Jazz 107.1 slowly started incorporating these genres into its play list being the only radio station in Baguio City to do so at the time. The growing number of listeners requesting for more R&B and Hip Hop songs led to the birth of Smooth Jazz's first flagship program "The Beatbox."

The Beatbox

Established by John McKnight, The Beatbox was a first of its kind being the only radio program dedicated to pure Hip Hop and R&B (McKnight would later move to rival station Jesse @ 102.3 to establish a similar program called "The Groove"). KC Jones took over The Beatbox and soon the program started to gain momentum as KC Jones updated its play list, added a weekend countdown, and shortly partnered with radio personality Private Ryan.

When KC Jones left Smooth Jazz in 2000, J. Webber took over The Beatbox and started incorporating more Rap to the program and less R&B. This coincided with the increasing popularity of Hip Hop in the early 2000s and led to even more listeners tuning in to the station. The 2000-2001 KBP-RRC survey showed that Smooth Jazz 107.1 captured the number 1 spot from 5pm-9pm in Baguio City while J. Webber was handling the program. Webber also used the program to introduce local rap groups such as the 2600 Kings (formerly Six Sign) and the Renegades of Funk. Because of the strict English policy of the radio station, rap groups were only allowed to perform songs in English. These segments eventually led to Philippine Hip Hop icon Boom Dayupay signing Six Sign to his label. J. Webber was given a better offer from another radio station and left the Beatbox with John Blaze until the station reformated.

The Breakfast Club

DJs Nicki and Sebastian Kidd hosted the morning show called "The Breakfast Club". Another innovative radio program in Baguio City that closely followed the format of Manila personalities like Chico and Delamar, The Breakfast Club would evolve around random topics which would let listeners interact with the DJs and give their opinion. Nicki and Kidd's thoughtful and witty comments drew even more listeners to Smooth Jazz 107.1 every morning.

Reformat to Smooth FM 107.1

In the 2nd half of 2002, Smooth Jazz lost 3 of its popular personalities who played major roles in the station's success. Jersey and J. Webber moved to ABS-CBN's MOR 103.1, while Nicki pursued another career outside radio. The tagline is now "Your stress-free radio" replacing the erstwhile popular catchphrase "Take it Easy."

This station used to be an affiliate of Raven Broadcasting Corporation in Manila. It was known as City Lite 107.1. City Lite was dropped from the name when Raven Broadcasting Corporation changed hands sometime in 2000 and 107.1 ceased to be an affiliate.

Smooth Jazz 107.1 Program Line Up (2000-2003)

Monday to Saturday
5:00 am - 11:00 am The Breakfast Club
11:00 am - 4:00 pm The Smooth Jazz Express
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm The Beatbox
8:00 pm - 12:00 am The Midnight Serenade
Sunday
8:00 pm - 12:00 am Master's Jazz

Former DJs

Andre Mendes
Bianca
Danica
Dr. G
J. Webber
jammin joe
Jaymie
Jersey
John Blaze
Jojo Jones (RIP)
KC Jones
Nicki
Pepper
Private Ryan
Sebastian Kidd
Stacy
Steve Knight
The Dark One
The Whatsup Boys (Reymon, Gimo, Roy)

References