Maxology with Maxine Michaels
Fridays 7pm to 11pm
Maxine Michaels’ signature style and programming selections are enjoyed by a huge list of friends and fans around the globe. Maxine consistently innovates with an uncanny ability to educate the masses about the rich history of jazz, cultural information and more.
She takes great pride in having given many Detroit-based music artists their first radio airplay, she has consistently stood as an advocate in support of Detroit area music makers and has worked to increase public awareness of talent through live jazz performances. She has also provided unforgettable service to the church and community Mayflower Music Series. Love from Detroit!
Maxine’s Latest Playlist
TIME – DURATION – ARTIST – SONG – ALBUM – LABEL
1/16/26 7:00pm 2:35 Mahalia Jackson – He’s Got The Whole Word In His Hands – Best Of Mahalia Jackson – Columbia
1/1//26 7:03pm 10:36 Herbie Hancock – I Have A Dream – Blue Note Sixties Session – Blue Note
1/16/26 7:14pm 5:30 Donny Hathaway – Someday We’ll All Be Free – These Songs For You, Live! -Atlantic
1/16/26 7:20pm 10:05 Mulgrew Miller Trio – Comes Love – Live At Yoshi’s – Max Jazz
1/16/26 7:31pm 15:43 Lee Morgan – Search For The New Land – Search For The New Land – Blue Note
1/16/26 7:47pm 10:37 Ben Sidran Hammond Quartet – Cave Dancing – Elen Noches – Nardis Music
1/16/26 7:57pm 5:04 Duke Ellington Orchestra – C Jam Blues – Happy Birthday Duke! – Laser Light
1/16/26 8:02pm 7:15 King Curtis – Memphis Soul Stew – Live At Fillmore West – ATCO
1/16/26 8:10pm 5:10 Papo Vazquez -NY Latin Jazz Mambo – Mighty Pirates Troubadours – Pixaros Records
1/16/26 8:16pm 16:21 Miles Davis & John Coltrane – Walkin’ – The Final Tour – Legaccy
1/16/26 8:32pm 5:32 Shahida Nurullah – Send In The Clowns – Ruby And The Pearl – Alembic Arts
1/16/26 8:38pm 12:49 Ralph Peterson – Caravan – The Messenger Legacy – ONYX
1/16/26 8:49pm 6:33 Toots Thielmans – Night Train – Toots Live In Tokyo – Denon Records
1/16/26 8:54pm 3:42 Billy Paul – Love Buddies – Going East – Sony Music
1/16/26 8:58pm 6:54 Esther Phillips – God Bless The Child – Kudu Years – Raven Records
1/16/26 9:05pm 7:18 Emmet Cohen Trio – You Don’t Know What Love Is – Dirty In Detroit – Self Releash
1/16/26 9:13pm 5:59 Leslie DeShazzor – Acceptance – Journey With Me – Leslie DeShazor Music
1/16/26 9:19pm 3:58 Ron Bishop – Colors Of The Wind – Piano Vibrations – Trayanna Records
1/16/26 9:24pm 6:54 Pat Cronley – Goodbye Porkpie Hat – PC Culture – Chronic Records
1/16/26 9:31pm 13:45 William Hill III Trio – Tell Your Story – Three’s Company – William Hill Music
1/16/26 9:45pm 6:00 Lousi Jones III – PeekABoo – Motions – Louis Jones Music
1/16/26 9:51pm 5:03 Earth, Wind & Fire – Devotion – Plugged In Live – CNR Music
1/16/26 9:57pm 10:33 Jimmy Smith – Root Down And Get It Live – Root Down – Verve
1/16/26 10:08pm 7:55 TBone Paxton – Cease The Bombing – Joys -Eastlawn
1/16/26 10:16pm 3:36 Natalie Cole & Diana Krall – Better Than Anything – Ask A Woman Who Knows – Verve
1/16/26 10:18pm 9:18 Chick Corea Acoutistic Band – On Green Dolphin Street – Alive – GRP
1/16/26 10:28pm 12:28 Cannonball Adderley Quintet – This Here – Live In San Francisco – Concord Music
1/16/26 10:46pm 7:12 Kronos Quartet – Piece Peace – Music Of Bill Evams – Savoy Jazz
* (all air time is approximate)
Cleo
December 6, 202501:56:04Hi Max !
I’ve been under the weather for a while. A friend of mine posted something about Jazz and thought about your show and here I w. It’s good to be back.
WorkerB
December 8, 202518:19:57Hi Cleo,
The Good News & Notes:
Delightful to know you’re listening . . .
Wishing Best Health – Happy Holiday Season
~ Max
Sheila Landis
November 22, 202518:31:05Maxine, you’ve done it again! On a Friday night in the heart of downtown Detroit all a-buzz and a-glow and jammed with traffic on the side-streets on the evening of the celebration of the Christmas tree lighting and what do you know Trombone Shorty’s in town performing at the Music Hall, we plow northward towards I-75. “Of course, that’s Lou Rawls!” “Pah rum, pa, pum-pum” I say to Rick Matle at the wheel. I’d know that signature husky quality that only Lou Rawls could spin anywhere!” “Where do you think I learned to sing the blues? I heard Lou sing “Tobacco Road” when I was a teenager. That settled that, and then I instantly recognized an alluring female voice confidently crooning “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year…”— my much younger self, in the esteemed company of: George “Sax” Benson, Cliff Monear on piano, Nick Calandro on bass, Rick Matle on guitar and Bob Harsen on the drums. Another musically memorable montage spun into the airwaves–only Maxine Michaels can transition tunes together like that! We love “Maxology”! Best wishes to all for a wonderful holiday season in Detroit and surrounding areas!
WorkerB
November 24, 202503:48:25I’ve learned that preparation, timing is everything…glad you caught the movements. Happy Holiday Season!
Elizabeth Volaric
October 24, 202510:37:51This mornings program was much more pleasant. Thank you. Nice way to start the day
Randy Johnston
August 16, 202501:10:48SO SWINGING!
Thanks for playing ALL this great music!
Randy Johnston
WorkerB
August 18, 202518:15:00We thank you for sharing your great music.
~ Max
Wren
August 3, 202518:04:51Looking forward to the playlist for August 1. Going crazy trying to remember the name of one piece. Thanks!
WorkerB
August 7, 202509:02:07Hi Wren, that playlist is now up!
Sheila Landis
August 2, 202515:25:43Hello Maxine, hope all things are going great with you. As usual, the gritty, soulful song selections on your August 1, 2025 broadcast of “Maxology” held us spellbound as we drove home from our Friday night gig in downtown Detroit. When we unexpectedly heard our “live” version of “It Don’t Mean a Thing if it Ain’t Got That Swing” we listened with edge-of-seat excitement. “That’s US!” exclaimed guitarist Rick Matle (pronounced MAY-tull). Thank you for the “shout-out” Detroit style. In these times of massive governmental cuts to public media organizations, I’m mailing an additional donation in support of WRCJ today!
WorkerB
August 3, 202501:45:25Hi Sheila, we appreciate the additional support! And thanks for the music!
Ray Jackson
July 12, 202500:57:42Why is it so hard to find your playlist for evening jazz? I want to find out what was playing between 8PM and 9PM Friday, July 11, 2025. Can you help?
WorkerB
July 14, 202508:12:32Hi Ray, here are the songs from that time.
B.B. King & Bobby Bland – I Like To Live The Love I Sing About
Gerard Gibbs & Dr. Professor Leonard King – Gerard’s A-100 Alley Blues
Jimmy Smith – After Hours
Larry Smith & Company – A Night In Tunisia
William Hill Trio – Tell Your Story
Naima Shambouguer & Marion Hayden – Sugar
Al Jarreau – So Good
P.S. thanks for listening
Vonda Jeter
July 11, 202523:39:29You make it so hard to leave my office on Friday’s after work. Smooth Jazz, like back in the day in Detroit.
WorkerB
July 12, 202507:32:45Thank you Vonda! If anyone asks, you stay late because you’re a good worker, not because of the music.
Roger Tucker
June 28, 202502:17:54I’m listening! Sounds great to me!
WorkerB
June 28, 202505:33:57Thank you Roger!
Kepton Fletcher
May 24, 202501:53:26I mean Maxine don’t stop
Kepton
May 24, 202501:46:05The realest on the station Maxology you know how to bring it keep up the good work. In Vegas enjoying Detroit talents
Tarik Abass
April 26, 202501:33:09Can someone please tell me what song was playing about 4 songs ago? It was a long instrumental and ended with a keyboard solo. It ended at 9:14pm. I think Stevie wonder came on after. (Today’s date is April 25)
Kenneth Hill
April 19, 202501:31:47HI Maxine:
I love your show. I listen frequently from Chicago. However, I lived in Detroit for 40 years before I returned to my hometown(Chicago). Also, I’d like your help. I am trying to contact Mojo. We did a program on Detroit Black Journal in the late 1990’s called the “Technology Explosion”. Mojo may have a copy of the TV program. Best,
Kenneth
WorkerB
April 22, 202516:51:14Awww that is a priceless note on many levels. Mojo is a Detroit radio legend and one of my mentors. Thanks Kenneth – Love From Detroit!
Naima Shamborguer
April 18, 202500:41:10You are a genius. Where you get them tunes.
Robin mills
March 8, 202500:27:39Just the show who was that last artist with xylophone?it was great!!thank you
WorkerB
March 9, 202504:41:41Hi, thanks for listening, we’ll check with Maxine…
Paul Vornhagen
February 15, 202517:36:50Happy Valentine’s weekend, Maxine. Just checking in to see if you received a copy of my latest recording, Paul Vornhagen–Live at the Blue LLama on Global Pulse Records. Thanks so much
WorkerB
February 17, 202519:28:42Hello Paul, Special thanks for the note…anxiously watching for your new project. ~ Max
Sheila Landis
February 7, 202516:47:27Hello Maxine, You’ve done it again! You played a simply “dance-in-your-seat” segment of songs back-to-back: “Jan Jan”, “Song For My Father” and “It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing” (which guitarist Rick Matle and I thoroughly appreciated hearing while safely strapped in our seat belts driving home after the downtown gig during the 10 o’clock hour of “Maxology” on Friday January 31, 2025. Thank you!
WorkerB
February 7, 202523:16:06Hi Sheila & Rick,
What a sweet note…speaks volumes to the perfect timing and perfect placement for you to catch all that.
Warmest thanks for sharing great music.
~ Max
Eric L. Wilkins
January 4, 202515:30:19Last night (1/3/25) I heard an amazing live version of Love for Sale! Please tell who is the singer and band. Thank you and happy new year. 🕊️
WorkerB
January 8, 202515:11:59Hi Eric, that was Dee Dee Bridgewater doing Love For Sale from her album Live At Yoshi’s on the Verve label. Thanks for listening!
Steve Holt
December 4, 202400:11:06Still matching donations?
WorkerB
December 4, 202405:31:19Hi Steve, our Giving Tuesday donation match has ended but we hope to have another special event like that again soon. Thank you for checking!
Kristie Sharon
November 16, 202401:46:16What was played at 8:37-840 pm on Friday night with Maxology 11.15.24!!!! Very sexy!!!
WorkerB
November 20, 202415:55:49You heard Jr. Walker + The All Stars the track Cleo’s Mood.
P.S. thank you for listening.
~ Max
Mickie G
October 24, 202401:56:37WOO! This is a jam that has elements of James Brown’s J.B.s and FUNKY FUNKY FUNKY get-down jazz! Maxology is in the house! Thanks for the soulful Detroit-vibe!
WorkerB
October 24, 202405:29:13Felt That Funky & Soul ’cause we do that too. ..BONUS.to receive your pledge in support. Love From Detroit!
Dave Thomas
September 17, 202403:41:11Hi Maxine,
I caught a portion of your show on Friday the 13th and it was fabulous. Please post the playlist soon!
Dave Thomas aka Mr. T
Volunteer Broadcaster Host of Positive Amplitude
Elizabeth Hunter
September 21, 202413:44:34To Detroit treasure Maxine M. – Love your show. Great songs, awesome variety.
1. What is the name of the category of songs that include talking, ie, telling a story? (Like By the Time I Get to Phoenix which you played last night) I’d like to do a search on that category to have a list of them. 2. I see your playlist from Sept. 13 on WRCJ site, and wonder how to see past playlists?
WorkerB
September 23, 202406:15:13With honor to your mention as a Detroit treasure – truly humble & thankful. Appreciate the splash of love on the show for the variety in it.
Truth told I don’t do category of songs but prefer to weave groove theory and what feels good in the programming moments. The story telling is a bonus art form – glad you caught Isaac Hayes (By The Time I Get To To Phoenix).
Search sometimes we need the music and sometimes we need the lyrics . . .
Maxine M.
MAXOLOGY!
WorkerB
September 17, 202422:04:27Hi Dave, that playlist is now posted. Thanks for tuning in!
Garry Green
August 19, 202412:26:05MAXINE MICHAELS is Definitely a Detroit treasure that needs to be unearthed more!! …love her sets
Jerry
August 16, 202423:44:17Can you give me more info on that song you played around 7:30 on Friday, 08/16/24 ?
By …James (last name, I think)…song “Breathe” ? Lots of flute on it. Thanks.
WorkerB
August 19, 202417:38:09Hi Jerry, that was the James Russell Project doing Breathe.
Eric Vogel
August 10, 202402:31:21What show is playing now? It might have just ended at 1030pm (Friday 9th)guy was telling the story of jazz
WorkerB
August 13, 202412:27:25Hi Eric, there was some technical trouble so we switched over to John Hill’s program briefly but here’s what Maxine was playing around that time:
08/09/24 22:13 16:17 Lou Rawls – Tribute Medley – Live At Mark Hellinger Theater – Lou Rawls Music
08/09/24 22:30 11:16 Ahmad Jamal – La Costa – Live At Baker’s – Personal Compilation CD – Ahmad Jamal Music
08/09/24 22:41 5:59 Rachelle Ferrell – You Don’t Know What Love Is – Live In Montreux – Blue Note
Noreen Brown
April 30, 202421:51:33I think the station should say something about the passing of
O C Roberts MC for the Reggae Sound Blast on 90.9. His passing was April 13, 2024 and service was April 28, 2024.
WorkerB
May 3, 202405:36:12Hi Noreen, we’re very sorry to hear that news.
Sheila Landis
April 22, 202418:03:42Hello Maxine! Just a word to let you know that you are the undisputed “Queen of the Airwaves” a.k.a. “Queen of the Highway” as we barrel northward on I-75 with the radio tuned to WRCJ, driving home on Friday nights from our gig in downtown Detroit. Especially remarkable on 4/5/24 was hearing the Dobbins, Krahnke and Weed Trio performing “Love You Madly”, followed by the loquacious Lou Rawls spinning the tale of the “Charge Card Blues”. Thank you for making our road trip so much more pleasant with the sounds of “Maxology”. Maxine, I realize that your comment page may not be the most appropriate format on which to invite you to an event but here I go! On Thursday, May 2nd from 8-10:30pm I will be celebrating my 50th year as a Detroit Jazz Artist at Alchemi, located at 215 S. Main Street in Royal Oak. Live music by Sheila Landis, Rick Matle and drummer Darryl Pierce. Food and beverages will be available. There is no cover charge. Reservations may be made at http://www.alchemiroyaloak.com. Hope to see you there! Thank you for keeping the jazz flame alive with “Maxology” on WRCJ! Yes, you DO understand!
WorkerB
April 23, 202414:20:24Hello Sheila, Maxine says:
Your flashback to the playlist of 4/5/24 in the 10:00pm hour was a WOW MOMENT TODAY! Heartfelt thanks for the priceless note…makes me feel like what I do makes an impact.
Extra thanks for your show invitation.
Yes, You DO Understand!
Pat Cronley
January 20, 202403:01:48Hello Maxine, this is Pat Cronley. You’ve played my music years ago. Loving the sounds !! Saw you down at Det Jazz Fest , fabulous !
You played Killer Joe tonight, Jan 19 around 9:00 . Can you please tell me who the artist was ??
Thank you
Pat
WorkerB
January 20, 202413:36:30Hi Pat, Your note is a great surprise. Glad you caught the Quincy Jones Project – Cool Joe, Mean Joe (Killer Joe). You’ll find it on the CD – Q’s Jook Joint. Thanks! -Max
Michael Giles
January 6, 202422:25:30Max is Mighty,💪🇺🇸 Semper Fi
Kenneth Hill
November 18, 202309:30:11I love this jazz show.
Ms. Michaels is very creative with the excellent programming.
Naima Shamborguer
October 28, 202300:11:44Love the show tonight
WorkerB
October 29, 202300:45:42Thank you for the music Naima!
Charles E
August 25, 202323:35:08My first visit, and I am loving the vibe already already! The song, Gengie how is it actually spelled? I’
WorkerB
August 28, 202320:51:58Charles E., Awww glad you caught it – the correct spelling Dindi it’s the Willie Bobo version Live At Watts Jazz Festival. Special thanks for listening. -Max
David
August 16, 202312:31:34Been jazzin with you since way back when. Love it! Keep doin what you do how you do.
WorkerB
August 16, 202318:05:26Like An Old Soul Record…We Go A Long Way Bach. Very Special Thanks! -Max
Rich
August 1, 202318:30:24Max, just want to give you a heads-up about a Brazilian group that you may already be aware of ? They’re called Milk’nBlues and play a nice blusy /jazz style that is so easy to listen to like “Sade, smooth operator” and others. I found them on YouTube & Spotify Check them out ! You might be surprised. Love your work.
WorkerB
August 3, 202302:24:19From The Desk Of Rich: Now I Know And Special Thank YOU! -Max
William Sturm
July 24, 202323:26:15Hi Maxine, I want to say that I very much appreciate your show and the July 21 set list was especially good. Thanks!
WorkerB
July 25, 202300:40:43Hotter Than July….Cool Comment
William Special Thanks WRCJ 90.9 FM / MAXOLOGY!
-Max
Rich
July 22, 202323:15:30You are truly unique ! Voice, tone and style. Music selection is the BEST ! You always seem to capture my mood and make me smile. Keep on keepin’ on !
Love you !
WorkerB
July 24, 202306:47:56Note To Rich: More Love, More Kindness, More Peace & More Smiles – Great Thanks. – Max
Keith Warren
July 15, 202307:10:38Hello Maxine I’m a big fan of yours and I love your playlist I listen every night I wished you guys played jazz all day keep up the amazing work yours truly one of Detroit’s Biggest jazz fans!
WorkerB
July 16, 202303:39:26Maxine appreciates your priceless note Keith… awww and we thank you.
Barak
July 10, 202304:20:48Max is amazing @ i have friends in Singapore, across Europe and Jamaica and in South Africa I also have a friend that is the Captain of a all female crew in on a seafaring international cargo ship that listen to her show where ever they are!
WorkerB
July 10, 202318:59:25Wow, an international ship playing 90.9 across the seas, that’s cool!
K
June 19, 202313:56:11LOVE LOVE LOVE your show, your selections are outstanding.
Would love to hear Dinah Washington’s Salty Papa Blues one day. Or really, any Dinah.
Keep it on, and thanks
WorkerB
June 20, 202313:20:56To K: Love, Love, Love – your note is inspiring…Dinah At Your Request – Max
Harold
June 17, 202302:45:27Happy birthday young lady!!
WorkerB
June 20, 202313:20:42To Harold: Birthday Thanks! -Max
Thea Simmons
May 25, 202318:08:58Hello, you are one of Detroit’s jewels! Do you still do any activities for the community like the monthly concerts at the church?
WorkerB
May 26, 202303:41:34Thea, awww the note makes me sweet weep…plans on-going to restore Mayflower Music Series. Sending a special thank YOU! -Max
Sheila Landis
May 13, 202313:10:45Hello Maxine! Your show on Friday 5/12/23 helped us keep our cool as we successfully navigated the road construction ongoing along I-75–gigantic trucks barreling past us, impatient drivers changing lanes, unexpected traffic shifts and suddenly disappearing lanes–as we headed homeward after our downtown gig! Special highlights included Rahsaan Roland Kirk’s rambunctious delivery of “Afro Blue” followed by David Fathead Newman’s silken tenor sax, Emmett Cohen’s masterful command of the piano and the soothing prayer of Donny Hathaway’s soulful voice on “Sack Full of Dreams”. Rick Matle and I are grateful for your presence on WRCJ!
WorkerB
May 14, 202302:26:08Sheila & Rick, At your service…to make navigating the roads more bearable.
Priceless note and special thank YOU! – Max
Bill Spaulding
May 6, 202301:53:28What was your playlist between 8:00 & 10:00 PM on 5/5/23….. it was fantastic!
WorkerB
May 8, 202300:36:32Hi Bill, thank you, the playlist has been posted!
Anthony
May 1, 202319:58:02Hi. Love the program. Is the playlist from 4/28 available? There was a great track that I can’t remember ( I think it was called “come with me” )
WorkerB
May 2, 202321:27:33Hi Anthony,
Love to your listening, search and buy her music. Tania Maria – Come With Me
Thanks! WRCJ / MAXOLOGY
D Mitchell
April 29, 202300:02:29Hello. While in the car driving, I heard the song A dream deferred. Who made that beautiful song?
WorkerB
April 29, 202304:36:28A Dream Deferred by trumpeter John Douglas – CD titled JD’s Pursuit.
Thank you for listening.
MAXOLOGY!
Darryl
March 31, 202323:55:30THOROUGHLY enjoy listening to Maxology! The playlists are diverse and the commentary is enlightening! Ms Michaels is the best and I could listen to her for hours on end!😍😍
WorkerB
April 1, 202302:46:41We are happy to hear that, thank you Darryl!
Richard King
March 31, 202308:48:43Play Wayne Shorter Music
Sharon Blount
February 18, 202302:26:54This year I had done nothing for Black History month. But your Feb 17th show took me where I needed to go. Hearing the Black National Anthem put me on the road. From that point on I sang, laughed, cried and danced. You touched my soul and made me happy! From an old Detroit jazz head, thank you
WorkerB
February 18, 202321:06:52Wow, thank you Sharon, it’s nice to know our music touched you so deeply. Thanks for listening and keep on laughing and dancing!
Sign Up for the 90.9 WRCJ Newsletter
