In the UK we have a talk-show host by the name of Michael Parkinson. He's a down-to-earth, straight talking, cricket-loving, real ale drinking Yorkshireman.
At least that's how he's marketed these days since his big comeback.
Back in the 1970's he was just a talk-show host. He also exerts quite an influence over how the British public get their dose of jazz through his BBC Radio 2 show and his CD compilations along the lines of 'The Best Of Jazz...' Lately he has featured many new jazz stars on his TV programme; Jamie Cullum, Norah Jones, Jane Monheit.......Rod Stewart.... I don't watch his shows by the way, but find out who's on through the listings. Honest.
Last week he had Madeleine Peyroux on his show. Maybe I should stop using him as a gauge on which artists to avoid because I'm fairly broad-minded, but I find, with the exception of Stacey Kent who I still luuurrve, his musical guests get very quickly over exposed and their acts become very tired quickly.
I'll have a listen to her on the wireless then go by gut instinct, avoiding splashing out valuable cash on stuff I'll listen to a few times.