Dennis Newhall
Host, KZAP on CapRadio and Jazz

Dennis Newhall has worked as an announcer and program director at a number of popular stations including KZAP, KSFM, and KROY in Sacramento and KSJO in San Jose. His visibility in the community makes him a welcome addition to our jazz staff. Asked how he became aware of jazz, Dennis responded:
"My lifelong interest in popular and rock music began early on. I had the radio tuned to the new "Top 40" stations when Hound Dog was a hit in 1957. I was only six years old. In those days, kids were exposed to jazz while listening for the less sophisticated pop hits and novelty songs of the day. I might love hearing the Chipmunk Song and stay tuned for Take Five. Eventually, I looked forward more to Jimmy Smith's Walk on The Wild Side and didn't care so much about Alley Oop.
"At the end of high school, KZAP came on the air in Sacramento playing a wide variety of music, including jazz. Lots of CTI artists, Miles,'Trane, and some really way out stuff. By 1972, I was working at KZAP, adding more to my knowledge and working all kinds of jazz into my show. Back then, we were all excited about new artists like Al Di Meola, Larry Coryell, Chick Corea, and Pat Metheny. Whenever something new by Grover Washington, Jr. or Eddie Henderson came out, we were on it!
"I also found myself listening to the Bay Area's KJAZ whenever I got near enough to tune it in.
"Since its inception, I've been a fan of KXJZ's programming. Even before then,I used to tune in to Gary Vercelli's Jazz International when jazz was on late at night on KXPR. So, to be a member of the jazz staff, and to have an opportunity to immerse myself in what's going on in the world of jazz is really exciting for me."
K-ZAP On CapRadio
Each week you’ll hear favorite artists making fresh music and fresh artists making new favorites, from Led Zeppelin to Foo Fighters to Beck. It’s all in the free form tradition of Sacramento’s legendary rock radio station.
Hosting
Chris & Jocelyn Arndt Rock Out Before Show At Harlow's
August 14, 2017
Jazz host Dennis Newhall talks with Chris and Jocelyn Arndt before their show at Harlow's on Wednesday.
Falling In Love Supreme: Dennis Newhall Recalls The Moment He Fell For Jazz
January 27, 2015
Jazz Host Dennis Newhall tells the tale of the time he found an appreciation for jazz music.
Sound Advice: New Songs From Favorite Musicians
December 18, 2014
Insight has new music from some of your old favorites, just in time for Christmas shopping.
Bob Dylan: The Great White Wonder Finally Up From The Basement
November 6, 2014
Dennis Newhall reviews the Basement Tapes Complete: The Bootleg Series Vol. 11.
Insight: Sound Advice: Dennis Newhall
June 26, 2014
Learn about CapRadio's Final-Ever Used Record & CD Sale.
The Beatles Chronology, U.S.A., U.K., Yesterday And Today
June 24, 2014
2014 marks half a century since the Beatles made an indelible mark on rock and roll. Through the lens of a new collection, Dennis Newhall explains an ocean’s worth of difference between the band’s releases.
Jazz Review: Bob James & David Sanborn: Quartette Humaine
September 13, 2013
Jazz host Dennis Newhall explores the gamut of moods and structures in this album of joint studio sessions from pianist Bob James and saxophonist David Sanborn - their second combined effort in three decades.