Al Dean

Jazz Matinee, 12-4pm, Sunday

Al grew up listening to the music of the 40’s on his father’s EH Scott radio and 78 records. Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Benny Goodman were family favorites.

During high school and college in the 50’s he went to Boston to listen to Herb Pomeroy, Christ Connor, Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Byrd, and Vic Dickenson, to name a few. There were many places to hear great jazz including Storyville, The Stable, Mahogany Hall, Morley’s, Hi Hat and Lenny’s on the Turnpike in Peabody.

He lived near from the Totem Poll Ballroom in Auburndale, Vaughn Monroe’s Meadows in Natick,  10 acres in Wayland and Nuttings on the Charles in Waltham where one could bring a date and dance the night away listening to live bands.

Following Retirement in 1998 from his managerial positions the automobile world (Volkswagen dealer, regional manager for Subaru of America and Midas franchisee) , Al became an on-air host at WICN. This is first experience in the broadcasting field and allows him to dig into his closet of old vinyls and share them with his audience on the Sunday afternoon edition of the Jazz Matinee. He enjoys talking with and meeting the listeners and he entertainers who make the music  possible. During his time away from the station he flies his airplane, which he built himself, up and down the east coast to visit with friends and family. He also assists other builders in the construction of their airplanes. Al’s other hobbies and interests include maintaining his 1955 Bug, the restoration of old radios, model work and his 4 granddaughters.
Email: al@wicn.org