Jack Frieden
Host, The Vocal Sound of JazzA native of Norfolk, Jack graduated from Granby High School in 1968 and the University of Georgia in 1972. Following graduation, Jack spent four years in the Washington DC area. An avid music fan since his teens, it was those years in Georgia and Washington that saw Jack's musical interests expand from folk and rock to include jazz and world music as well.
Jack has written numerous articles about music, contributing to Metro Magazine and for many years serving as a rock, pop, and jazz writer for The Virginian-Pilot newspaper. He has also contributed liner notes to albums by Maxine Sullivan and Sir Roland Hanna.
Jack began producing and hosting the Vocal Sound Of Jazz on January 4, 1980. Originally a 30-minute program that aired on Friday evenings, the program expanded to its current 60-minute format and moved to Saturday evenings during the 90s. It also aired over WUOM in Ann Arbor Michigan for five years in the late 1980s.
In 2001 he formed VSOJAZ Records and the label released the much lauded album Intersection by vocalist Laura Martier. The album, which was conceived and co-produced by Jack, was a strong reflection of his musical roots as it showcased tunes by 1960s icons like David Crosby, Brian Wilson, Bob Dylan and Laura Nyro in an imaginative totally mainstream jazz setting. In 2002 VSOJAZ Records second release spotlighted the sublimely talented vocalist Diane Hubka accompanied by some of the jazz world's finest guitarists.
Jack currently divides his time between residences in Virginia Beach and Miami Beach. Married for more than 35 years to Jodie, they are parents of two adult daughters. Outside of his musical endeavors, Jack serves as president of TFA Benefits, a TowneBank company located in Southeastern Virginia.
You can reach Jack at vsojaz@aol.com.