Fusion Flavours is more than a radio show; it's a brand that has stood the test of time for 33 years, evolving through changing formats and tastes. Created by Steve Quirk, it began in 1990 at Manchester's Sunset Radio, where Steve started as a staff librarian before quickly becoming Musical Director. On Good Friday of that year, with regular DJs off for Easter, Steve was given the chance to go on air, and Fusion Flavours was born, with Bob James’ “Westchester Lady” as the first track played.

Manchester, known for its northern soul scene, became the perfect backdrop for Steve’s fusion of soul, jazz, and smooth jazz, helping to shape a new generation's musical tastes. His love for music began early, with the Isley Brothers’ “That Lady” being the first single he bought in 1973. When Sunset Radio shut down, Steve brought Fusion Flavours to Jazz FM, where the show became a hallmark of the station for eight years. In 1999, Steve was appointed Musical Director at Jazz FM, where he made significant changes, including increasing the station’s smooth jazz content, which helped grow its audience and led to the station’s live smooth jazz events. These concerts brought big names like Dave Koz and Marc Antoine to the UK, with shows often selling out, including a memorable midnight performance of Guitars and Saxes.

During his time at Jazz FM, Steve also compiled successful smooth jazz compilation CDs, which were widely praised for their expansive track lists and quality. His Jazz Fusions 4 compilation, released in 1996, is regarded as one of the best smooth jazz compilations ever.

In 2002, after a format change at Jazz FM, Steve moved Fusion Flavours to BBC Radio Manchester, but his journey with the show didn’t end there. When Jazz FM transitioned to Smooth FM in 2004, Fusion Flavours returned to the station’s Sunday midnight slot, and Steve also hosted a popular late-night smooth jazz show during the week. His passion for the genre extended internationally, with a syndicated show in the US, Fusion Flavours – Smooth Jazz from Around the World, airing on WNUA 95.5 in Chicago and LOVE 94 in Miami in the mid-2000s.

Steve’s connection with Jazz FM was rekindled in 2008 with the launch of the new Jazz FM on DAB, where he hosted Smooth Jazz in the Afternoon, later evolving into Fusion Flavours. Returning to the station after six years away felt like coming home, as Steve continued to share his love for jazz and soul with a new generation of listeners.

In 2012, after four years at Jazz FM, Steve embraced new opportunities, including hosting shows on The Dave Koz Cruise, a highlight in the smooth jazz community, and working with the Berks Jazz Fest, a renowned festival he’s been involved with for over 20 years. He also spent three years hosting Fusion Flavours on The Wave in Canada, though the show is currently on hiatus due to Covid.

Through all these years, Steve’s passion for music remains unwavering. As he reflects, "If you enjoy what you do, you never work a day in your life." His dedication to his craft is evident in the countless hours of behind-the-scenes work that go into each show. After 33 years, Steve Quirk still hasn’t felt like he’s been working, and he’s looking forward to the future with excitement and enthusiasm.