A sign that people, for some unknown reason, will always enjoy faceless, unobtrusive music: The Weather Channel seems to be having some success with the smooth jazz (also variously known over the years as “elevator,” “mall,” or “dentist office” music) they play over their weather maps, and are releasing their first CD this fall.

While the disc features jazz artists such as Chick Corea, Jeff Lorber, Dave Koz and Najee, not all the music played on “Local on the 8s” is jazz. Sometimes it’s light rock or holiday tunes. But most all of it’s instrumental.

“We tested some vocals, but the consumers didn’t like it,” says Shari Pace, vice president of licensing for the cable channel. “When I travel to a different city and have the Weather Channel on, the music is comforting to me. I like the calmness of it. When there are vocals with it, it changes.”

Released in October on Nashville-based Midas Records, the CD is available online and at Barnes & Noble and other retail stores. It’s currently No. 2 on Billboard magazine’s contemporary jazz chart.

THE ironic gift of the season? Maybe!

General, Music