Richard Terfry will have a regular day job soon.
The musician (who plays under the name Buck 65) will be the host of Radio 2 Drive when the show launches next week. The Halifax Chronicle-Herald profiled Terfry Tuesday and got his thoughts on what you’ll be hearing starting September 2:
We kept it real simple, something punchy, thinking about the fact that we’re going to be reaching a lot of people during their afternoon commute and we’re going to be providing a soundtrack for that….
As for the description of Drive as a “songwriters’ show,” Terfry hopes that the term is inclusive enough to reach as many listeners as possible, while opening up the spectrum of musical guests that will join him in the studio every week to talk about the creative process and even play a song or two.
“It’s really broad,” he admits. “We use that designation fairly loosely. There’s a lot of talk of songs, and a lot of singer-songwriters pop up on our playlist, as far as I can see it doesn’t really exclude much from what we can play
We’re playing a lot of Canadian stuff, 75 to 80 per cent, but a lot of stuff from around the world in practically every genre you can think of. [We'll play] some hip-hop, which may not be the first type of music you’d think of froma singer-songwriter perspective, but there’s also been those artists you’d expect like Ron Sexsmith and Kathleen Edwards and Neil Young. Neil’s like a holy figurehead around here.
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I will miss the old Radio 2 programming. I switch off the other stations because I can’t stand the main stream music. I don’t want to listen to Neil Young on my way home - I want to listen to classical and relax. While I’ll give it a try - I’ll most likely be breaking out my old CD’s.
Now all we need is for CBC to spread the love outside major urban centres and get Radio 2 on some more radio towers! Would love to listen to Drive on the road home to Squamish each day. And an FM station in Vancouver for Radio 1 is still sorely needed.
“It’s really broad” “We use that designation fairly loosely”
Richard Terfry thoughts are like my dogs breakfast.
Sorry, won’t be listening!!
Richard Terfry?? Jian Ghomeshi?? Bummer! If I wanted to listen to young, ‘hip’, dilettantes I’d phone up my friends. What an incredible drag!
Lister Sinclair will rise from the grave and devour their brains.
“We kept it real simple, something punchy”
And from the Globe and Mail article “However, Terfry said, “We’re not going to turn our backs on our friends because they have become successful. So, for example, we wouldn’t not play Feist because she’s had humongous hits - because her music is a perfect fit for our show.”
Gosh, what an articulate, thoughtful chap - almost as articulate in print as he was during the interview with Jurgen Gothe earlier in the week.
From Bach to Feist and Coldplay. The barbarians are running the institution.
I can hardly wait to turn off my radio come Tuesday.
We have lost the most articulate, knowledgeable, insightful and droll radio host the country has ever seen. I have nothing against Richard Terfry or the music he will play, and would even support the inclusion of a show like this one in the CBC Radio 2 line-up (once a week, in off-peak hours)… but to turf out Jurgen Gothe and the enduring brilliant eclecticism of Disc Drive in favour of this mundane mix is bewilderingly and astonishingly foolish. As a Niagara resident, I will now be tuning into NPR out of Buffalo, egeregious fundraising drives and flat nasal commentary notwithstanding, or switching to Radio Canada, which has apparently remained immune to the stupidity virus that infected senior management of CBC’s English-language programming.
The loss of disc drive, studio sparks, and here’s to you hurts too much to be soothed by the balm of buck 65’s insights. Here in Vancouver, starting teusday we will have no classical music on the airwaves in the morning or afternoon. Fiest and colplay? shoot me now.
As someone who likes both western classical and canadian singer-songwriter music, I am disturbed by the timbre of the comments around here. I feel that people are being really offensive, and it makes me sad.
Here especially, it is truly reprehensible that disgruntled listeners have lowered themselves to throwing insults at the new host.
Please, show some basic decency for a person who just wants to do his job, and a person with a certain taste in music, even if it runs contrary to your own.
I feel like I’ve lost a dear friend. Jurgen Gothe was part of my life every weekday. I think CBC are making a huge mistake and will lose far more listeners than they will gain. Have they never heard “don’t fix it if it ain’t broke”? My husband (who isn’t a classical music fan) switched from Radio One to Two at 3:00 every day to listen to Jurgen Gothe and I imagine he wasn’t the only one. Not only Disc Drive but “Here’s to You” and “Studio Sparks”. They weren’t about classical music - they are about Canadians and I don’t believe the new programming will have near the audience that these shows did.
I switch my radio to my son’s Classic Rock station when Tonic comes on and I expect will be either listening to Classic Rock or Seattle Classical come September 2nd.
I feel betrayed.
Please tell me that Jurgen Gothe wanted out. There can not have been a more talented radio host on the airwaves this side of the Atlantic. If he didn’t “retire” but was in fact pushed aside for Buck 65, the CBC deserves to be shut down.
This wholesale ripping out the soul of Radio 2 will be an election issue for me.
On the dial CBC was the place of sanity and inspiration, glorious music delivered in a wonderful conversation by the shows’ hosts.
Create another station for “everywhere music takes you” ! I was happy just where I was thanks ! Was there a great clamouring around the nation to do this ?
..so for the other (how many ?)people who want a change create a wonderful mishmash of whatever this is…but not on our beloved Radio2 !!
This cannot be..
There’s way too much moaning and groaning going on here over what?? change?? Get over yourselves. While you were snoozing the country and its people changed. So should our public broadcaster. After all, our new countrymen foot the bill too.
For the most part you haven’t even listened to the new programs. That in itself discounts any commentary you may have. Give it some time. I guarantee that after a few months, many of you same complainers, would be up in arms if someone decided to change the new programs.
Don Messer died a long time ago. Did you want to wait until some of the old hosts died on air? In one case, it sounded like he already had. I for one am delighted that someone realized the old shows were getting moldy.
Right about now 96.3 will sound really good. I have listened to the CBC, whenever a radio was available, most of my adult life.
Today is the last day.
If you maniacs really think that Rich Terfry actually effected some sort of hostile takeover of this hallowed timeslot on this sacred frequency, you’re just shy of loony bin status. It’s not like Mr Gothe showed up for work one day and his key no longer fit the locks. The station restructured for its own reasons and shuffled personnel accordingly.
Whatever you think of the new format of CBC Radio 2, this whining and snide commentary is childish and unless I’m very much mistaken and the median age of listeners who prefer classical music on Radio 2 is six years old, you should be ashamed of yourselves.
I agree wholeheartedly with Simon. Yes. Jurgen Gothe is, simply stated, the best radio host in Canada and possibly in North America. He has a sublime talent for being quiet, but for making you want to listen to every word. Excellent taste in music, of course, and the funniest, laugh-out-loud humour on the airwaves. I am shocked and dismayed. I have been a huge supporter of cbc radio for years, but will have to withdraw support if this is the type of, excuse me, Crap that is going to ensue.
I miss the old format. I will miss the classics and the long intervals of music with no snappy DJ patter. I will miss Jurgen Goethe who basically invented the programming format you’re trying to copy. Your new DJ’s talk way too much. Your mix so far sucks air.
We are very disappointed and sorry that both Jurgen Goth and Eric Friesen are no longer on CBC 2. Jurgen has been a favourite for many years and after I listened to Drive for half an hour this afternoon, I then went to my satellite dish to get FM 96 in Toronto. Whoever made the decisions to change the programming so drastically and lose your many listeners has, in our opinion, made a serious error in judgment. They do not know their radio audience.
Discussing this with the age group CBC is wanting to attract, they have their own favourite stations and changing to CBC is not likely to happen.
We will now get our radio listening from FM 96 and NPR.
I’m in the age group the station is supposed to be targeting, and I’m so sad about the changes. My family and I stopped listening in the evenings when the beautiful and relaxing classical programs were removed from the evening schedule, but we still loved the daytime programs. “Here’s to You”, “Studio Sparks” and “Disc Drive” were all simply superb programs, so lively, engaging, uplifting, and educational. They were instilling a real love and appreciation for classical music in our children, because those programs were such a big part of days, suited to everything from doing artwork or baking in the kitchen, to driving to and from getting groceries or going to activities. The programs really gave a sense of connectedness to other Canadians, and just could not have been better. How sad to have them replaced with the mediocre to unlistenable ones that aired today, September 2. It was sad today, hearing Tom Allen, who has such a wealth of knowledge about classical music to share, hosting what sounded like a commercial radio program.The classical music program seemed lifeless and dull, compared to its predecessors.We’ll probably switch to CD’s after 3 pm. I still hope these bad decisions can be reversed, and high quality CBC classical radio 2 can return.
I listened to Rich Terfry today, and was pleasantly surprised by his charm and wit. I think this thing will work if only the old fuddy duddys would give it a chance. As for me, I’m in my 50s and I like the new Radio 2. Lighten up people, it’s just radio. Get out your old 78s or whatever you have, if you can’t cope with change. Radio 2 belongs to everyone. Finally, radio to call our own.
What have you done to CBC radio 2? For 30 years I woke up to beautiful music, listened to Danielle Charbonneau at dinner time and went to bed with jazz. When the last two shows got cancelled at least I was left with classical in the morning. Now I cannot listen to the CBC. My husband and I live in Vancouver, but there are no other classical radio options for us. I am grieved. we work, so our options for listening to classical music are nil.
I cannot believe that this cultural icon (the CBC) has become a station playing Fiest and Neil Young first thing in the morning. I teach secondary music and many of my student s enjoy listening to classical music too. What message are you giving them? I resent my tax dollars going towards this awful programming and plead that you bring back classical music to radio 2 to the level it was before. You proudly state “Classical music 5 hours a day”. Who exactly are you representing? Certainly not for the working professional. We can’t listen to classical music at all during the day. Prior to September 2 there were 12 hours a day of classical music. Bring it back.
Yes Gail the barbarians are running the institution…
Wholesale slaughter is what the new CBC programming sounds like to me. In another two days I won’t even be able to tune in to my former favourite station. I can listen to the muzak you are now putting out anywhere thanks. The comments and musical education I have received have been irreplaceable. I won’t be tuning in to CBC on the web for that reason. NPR in the States will be my choice. Where are the wonderful Catherine Belyea, Eric Friesen and Jurgen Gothe? I am devastated by the loss of these great hosts. As I have been by the loss of Andy Sheppard’s 10 pm jazz program. Laurie Brown is a wonderful person and host, but the music is not CBC 2 material and I can rarely handle it.
So long CBC
Daphne Derry
Ha…adult music…you should be XXX…
All the laws regulating Canadian content aren’t enough? Now we have to give these guys jobs hosting radio programs?
Disc Drive used to follow me home everyday. After listening to its replacement for a few minutes I had enough. I’ll be re-dedicating that pre-set to something else. Until I find it, I’ll be driving home to the tune of the traffic report on AM1130.
Words cannot convey my disdain for the garbage we are now inflicted with. Eric, Jurgen et al raised out horizons to where we could perhaps should be… This current drivel is even an insult to where we are…
No Jurgen? No Drew.
Jurgen Gothe was the main reason — on many days, the only reason — I listened to CBC. I was horrified to find him gone when I turned n my car radio yesterday.I do not believe for a moment that the “demographic” that likes the music that I heard on CBC-2 yesterday is the “demographc” that will ever ever try CBC. Shall I make that clear? Not ever, ever, ever. — So, you were broadcasting for what you consider an outmoded minority. Now you will be broadcasting to almost nobody. This is what you may consider progress — but not me.
Although I miss disc drive I am loving the new show. Ecletic mix of highly listenable music. The new kid on the block feels as passionately for his music as jurgeon did.
Look, change is good! How can you call artist’s like Fiest garbage?? And Bedouin Sound Clash?? And Kriesha Turner??You’re being small minded. At least I listen to more than just Beethoven and Mozart, there is so much to listen to out there and I think that it’s time a radio station actually makes an effort to put good solid music out there.
This new program is just awesome!! I love hearing new music and such a great array of sounds! I have been listening to cbc radio for years, now I am 21 and loving it even more. If cbc wants to attract younger listeners they’re headed in the right direction. I just got an 18 year old friend of mine hooked and word is spreading with my friends. I ALWAYS loved cbc radio, but there were times when I wanted to hear more than classical, which I was raised on. I think that cbc has made an excellent call on stretching their listeners and growing their musical branches!!! My only issue is the country music….please stop! I have been stuck growing up in a small town in rural Ontario…..I do not need to hear anymore country!! Maybe play a little classical instead….that could be a great compromise!!! Thank you for your station cbc, I don’t know what I would’ve done without your cultural influence in my life!!
Your replacement for Jurgen Goethe is terrible. I don’t know what you folks are trying to do, but it certainly is not to improve your programming, or to increase your audience. What a load of garbage!!!
Jurgen Goth has always been a delight to hear. CBC has made a terrible mistake to remove him from the commuter hours and reduce his terrific choices of eclectic music to only one hour a week. Shame on you!
Well to be fair I to Radio2 Drive for the entire show today and I just felt so disappointed that Disc Drive is gone. I am a fan of all kinds of music but Disc Drive was THE best for winding down after work.
Hi Buck,
Here is a note from a 25-year CBC radio fan, and a seemingly rare voice in the cacophony of of complaints you are getting above and beyond. I sympathize with those who will miss wall-to-wall classical programming however I am excited for those like me who are looking for thoughtful programming that introduces and builds awareness for other genres and artists not found anywhere else on the dial. Much as r1 provides depth, diversity and context for current events, affairs of state & mind, I hope the new r2 format brings the same to the breadth of quality music and verse I have not and might otherwise never know. In particular, I very much look forward to your show.
Steve F
I am devastated by the loss of “Here’s to You”, “Studio Sparks”, and “Disk Drive”. Catherine Belyea, Eric Frieson and most of all, Jurgen Gothe were the most articulate and talented radio hosts on the radio, anywhere! I felt as if they were my friends. We travel across the country often and listen to many stations in the USA and Canada; no announcer comes close to their level of knowldge and delivery. I even wrote to our local classical music radio station to suggest that their announcers listen to CBC2 to learn how to speak in other than singsong voices. This is a huge loss to an avid radio listener. I sure won’t be listening to your new format.
I am an Ottawa listener to CBC 2 especially between 3-6pm and like other writers above am devastated and horrified by the replacement music for Jurgen Gothe and DiscDrive which has degenerated into a cacophony of loud drum and guitar beats with screaming unintelligble lyrics. Tonic at six pm is no better with majority of the music having a South American beat and Spanish or Mexican lyrics. Richard Stursberg wrote that the CBC conducted an “exploratory ethnographic study” before coming up with this new format. Was he canvassing Brazil and Cuba? It is odd that as noted above, French Radio Canada at 6 pm play more melodious jazz with ENGLISH lyrics but French speaking commentators. Perhaps Radio Canada wants to boost its ratings? I agree with above comment that children being taught music at school are being short changed and derived of a musical heritage. Disc Drive was NOT all classical but eclectic and yes, humorous at times. That subtle, tongue in the cheek wit of Jurgen Gothe will be sorely missed as will the variety and range of the music played from the Choir of St. Martin-in-the-Fields to Blossom Deery’s “My Attorney Bernie”. To totally obliterate a well liked format with no compromise or ease of transition is most undemocratic and smacks of a communist totalitarian mentality at the CBC. “Take what we give you, shut up and like it.” Lister Sinclair must be rolling his eyes in disbelief!
Since they censored my last comment I’ll town it down. Gist of it being I used to be a fan of buck 65.
This show being the final nail in the coffin. You will never get another one of my $ RICH.
SIR: You have made a most foolish error in changing the programming of CBC Radio 2. I don’t have the time to tell you how many comments I have heard from people telling me that they do miss the old format so much.
Please reconsider this move.
Allan E. Jones
Sir: What in heaven’s name do mean “your comment is awaiting moderation”? It is a already a most moderate comment.
Allan E. Jones
What if CBC Radio 2 dumbed down their content with dilettantish hosts and than there was no ear to hear it — would they still play this mainstream Americana? Seems they are sticking to it — I’ve tried to listen these two weeks and always cringe either at the vacuous bantering or the choice of Muzac — my ears have wandered elsewhere — barbarians have taken over CBC
The comments for this post will be closed in three days, it says. Yup, you get a chance to have your say and then that’s it. New topic. Well guess what, I haven’t listened to cbc radio 2 since the new programming began, so see ya later, too. I will never support cbc radio again.
Who is running the CBC now? Everything I loved to listen to, everyone I loved to listen to is gone. Jurgen Gothe played an eclectic grouping of music - half of my CD collection is a direct result of what I heard on his programme. And now, Shelagh Rogers - also gone. (?)I thought the CBC stood alone in providing a well-balanced listening experience - I could count on hearing things on either station that I wouldn’t hear anywhere else. I cannot believe what I’m hearing now when I turn on Radio 2 or 1 - I’ll continue to subscribe to the podcasts of those programmes that they haven’t messed with - but the new ones - not impressed.
You have completely destoyed my listening pleasure!!!!!!! I cannot believe that anyone with any knowlege or love of music would substitute what is being heard on the new programming for what we were formerly offered by Jeurgen, Eric, Howard etc. -
and where are they ???? I”d sure like to hear what
they have to say about this disaster - TRUTHFULLY!
Actually, Leah, I don’t know how anyone could call Bedouin Sound Clash good.
And I do listen to things other than Beethoven and Mozart, thank you very much.
I’ve been an avid CBC radio listener and supporter since adolescence and now in my 30’s. Disk Drive was one of my favourite shows. Over the years it was a rare weekday when my radio was not tuned in to CBC radio 2 from 3pm – 6pm. I looked forward to hearing Jurgen every weekday, whether for a soothing background during my studies, while at work, travelling or just relaxing. My CD collection too, has largely been inspired by the programme and I am shocked not only to find that Jurgen Gothe is not longer gracing the airwaves during these hours, but that the replacement could be so completely lacking in every way.
Disk Drive was such an integrated part of my life that for the first week of September it was without thinking that I turned the radio on at 3:00pm. I’ve tried listening to the new show, more than once but it’s terrible! And for the record, I enjoy many genres of music and support Canadian artists. Over the years, the quality of the programming has slowly diminished and I find less and less reason to tune in. With Jurgen Gothe down to one hour on Sundays and other greats such as Eric Friesen, Andy Sheppard, and Catherine Belyea gone (and please tell me what’s been done to Tom Allen), well, I’ve heard BBC is good…
The lack of maturity displayed by some of the new radio hosts is disheartening. With a self-description like “a person who just wants to do his job”, well Trevor, your “job” is a bit more than a “day job”… it is hosting a radio show on CBC radio, public radio, primarily funded by Canadian taxpayers. Every single post is from someone who contributes to your pay check and should be considered invaluable considering that without their loyal support over the years, you would not be sitting where you are right now.
It seems to me that CBC is completely unaware of its listeners or of the demographics of Canada. The very small percentage of our population that represents the apparent target audience would likely be found online or lost in their iPods. I support public radio but the diversity is being taken out and replaced by bumbling monoculture.
I submitted a comment that was both polite and candid, stated my thoughts on CBC programming and the new show as well. It was not posted and I was not imformed as to why. CBC loses more of my respect every day… In short, I do not like the new show (and much of the other new programming), miss Jurgen and simply will not be tuning in anymore, except to hear Tonic.
CBC, you have lost my support.