DAVE KOZ & GERALD VEASLEY JOIN SMOOTH JAZZ WJJZ PHILADELPHIA'S TALENT LINE UP

Greater Media has announced the talent line up for its Smooth Jazz/WJJZ Philadelphia, and while the morning show has yet to be finalized, afternoons will be hosted by Grammy-nominated sax star Dave Koz. The lineup to date includes Music Director Margo Marano overnights, PD Michael Tozzi handling middays and Koz driving Philly Jazz fans home weekday afternoons, 3PM – 7PM. Weekend afternoons will be hosted by Gerald Veasley with Teri Webb doing Saturday 10AM – 3PM and swing shifts. "We're thrilled to have some old friends join us for the re-launch of Smooth Jazz in Philadelphia at its new address at 97.5," said Tozzi. "We've brought back the familiar voices of Teri Webb and smooth jazz bassist, Gerald Veasley for weekends, and enlisted saxophonist Dave Koz to handle the smooth ride home weekdays for WJJZ."

CHUCK LOEB JOINS HEADS UP INTERNATIONAL

Guitarist Chuck Loeb is set to release his next CD Presence on Heads Up International on January 24, 2007. The first single from the album Good To Go has already been released to smooth jazz radio. Loeb is scheduling 2007 dates as he will be touring in support of the CD upon its release. This is Loeb’s first release since he recently signed with Heads Up International, joining a label roster that includes Philip Bailey, Michael Brecker, Paquito D’Rivera, Hiroshima, Hugh Masekela, Marion Meadows, Andy Narell, Spyro Gyra, Nestor Torres, Gerald Veasley and the Yellowjackets, among others.

ANITA BAKER PLANNING HOLIDAY CONCERTS

Grammy-winning singer Anita Baker will give her fans a reason to rejoice this holiday season with five select concerts and a special appearance on national TV in December. Starting December 2, Baker will visit Los Angeles, Oakland, Minneapolis, Chicago and Washington, D.C. for holiday performances featuring songs from her holiday CD, Christmas Fantasy (Blue Note), as well as songs from her acclaimed CD, My Everything (Blue Note), and other favorites. Baker also teamed up with jazz great Dave Koz and an array of international skating stars including Nancy Kerrigan, Ekaterina Gordeeva and Todd Eldredge, for ‘The Capital One Holiday Celebration On Ice’ television special, which will air on NBC on December 25 from 4pm-6pm ET, and will re-air on the Style Network on December 26, from 6pm-8PM ET. Baker’s Christmas Fantasy CD mixes traditional Christmas carols, standards, re-imagined classics, Broadway show tunes, and three new songs by Baker and producer/arranger Barry Eastmond. Guests on the CD include Joe Sample on piano, Larry Carlton on guitar, Nathan East on bass, Ricky Lawson on drums, and jazz quartet The Yellowjackets.

THE AMAZING STORY OF R&B LEGEND RUTH BROWN

The incomparable Ruth Brown, whose musical legacy was matched by her fight for royalty reform for herself and other R&B Artists, passed away on November 17, 2006 in a Las Vegas area hospital from complications following a stroke and heart attack. Howell Begle, longtime friend and legal representative, made the announcement for the family.

Known as "The Girl with a Tear in her Voice," "The Original Queen of Rhythm & Blues," "Miss Rhythm & Blues," and the well-known moniker of "Miss Rhythm," the nickname given her by Mr. Rhythm, Frankie Lane, Ruth Brown was also credited as the first star made by Atlantic Records. Her regal hit-making reign from 1949 to the close of the '50s helped tremendously to establish the New York label's predominance in the R&B field, a track record for which the young label was referred to as "The House That Ruth Built."

Brown's two dozen hit records included the single So Long, the signature song of Little Miss Cornshucks, and a favorite of Atlantic Records' Executive Herb Abramson's partner, Ahmet Ertegun, as well as Teardrops From My Eyes which brought out the more swaggering, aggressive side for which Ruth was rewarded with her first Number One R&B hit. For the duration of the Fifties, Brown dominated the R&B charts with such red-hot sides as 5-10-15 Hours and (Mama) He Treats Your Daughter Mean.

The relationship with Atlantic Records would last until 1961. With the onset of the turbulent '60s, musical styles changed and, like so many R&B Pioneers, Miss Brown was left behind. Ruth was thrust into the role of single parent raising two boys alone, forcing her to take jobs as a maid, driving a school bus, and as a Head Start teacher.

The story might have ended there, but Brown enjoyed a career renaissance in the mid-Seventies. She began recording blues and jazz for a variety of labels. She toured overseas in 1979 and 1980 and upon her return to the United States, she starred in Allen Toussaint's off-Broadway musical "Staggerlee" and made a spectacular splash in the film "Hairspray" as Motormouth Maybelle. Beginning in 1985, Ruth hosted the Harlem Hit Parade series on National Public Radio and in 1989 won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for the Broadway revue "Black And Blue."

In 1989 Ruth Brown received a Grammy Award for the album Blues On Broadway. In 1993, she was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Ruth was recognized in 1999 with a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Blues Foundation, in addition to receiving two W.C. Handy Awards from the organization. Her autobiography, "Miss Rhythm," received the Ralph Gleason Award for Music. Ruth was given a Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation, an organization which was founded as a direct result of her efforts to foster wider recognition and provide financial assistance to Rhythm and Blues musicians of any stature.

"Ruth was one of the most important and beloved figures in modern music. You can hear her influence in everyone from Little Richard to Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin and divas like Christina Aguilera today. She set the standard for sass, heartache and resilience in her life as well as her music, and fought tirelessly for royalty reform and recognition for the R&B pioneers who never got their due. She taught me more than anyone about survival, heart and class. She was my dear friend and I will miss her terribly."

- Bonnie Raitt, Friend and fellow musical Artist
"The Foundation is deeply saddened by the loss of not only our beloved co-founder of the organization but also by what will now become a glaring absence in the fight for Pioneer R&B Artists to achieve recognition, dignity and support of their work. The Foundation, its Board and Staff celebrate Ruth and her life and hope that others will now pick up her call."

- Kendall Minter, Chairman of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation
The firstborn of seven children in a family with deep religious roots, Ruth Weston's father worked on the docks at the seaport in Portsmouth, VA and was choir director at Emmanuel AME Church. Ruth is survived by her two sons, Earl Swanson and Ron Jackson, and siblings: Leonard Weston, Delia Weston, Benjamin Weston and Alvin Weston.

The Rhythm and Blues Foundation will be planning a public memorial to honor Ruth Brown and celebrate her contribution to Rhythm and Blues in New York City, details to be announced at a later date. For more information click to - Official Website: www.RuthBrown.net

THE SECOND VOLUME OF 2005’S GRAMMY-NOMINATED LUTHER VANDROSS TRIBUTE – FOREVER, FOR ALWAYS, FOR LUTHER

On November 21st, Rendezvous Entertainment released Forever, For Always, For Luther Volume II. Once again produced by Rex Rideout and Bud Harner, Vol. II boasts a new cast of all-star singers and players that includes: Gerald Albright, Patti Austin, Norman Brown, Will Downing, Jonathan Butler, Everette Harp, Jeff Lorber, Maysa, Najee, Wayman Tisdale, Kevin Whalum and Kirk Whalum.

"Huge personality, huge talent...Luther Vandross will be forever missed," says label founder Dave Koz. "I am thrilled and honored that Rendezvous could be part of the legacy, and help keep the man and his music alive." In keeping with tradition, Rendezvous Entertainment is partnering the release with the American Heart Association's lifesaving campaign "The Power To End Stroke." Especially targeted to the African-American community, the program seeks to raise the awareness of the warning signs of stroke in order to prevent and minimize many of its debilitating consequences.

"When you look at the African-American community, you see a greater disposition to virtually all the risk factors for stroke," states the American Heart Association's Dr. Bruce Ovbiagele. "This is exacerbated by the fact that there's a shortage of accurate information out there, especially in the black community on stoke. That's leading to a stroke epidemic in the black community, and it's critical that we act now to stop it."

Patti Austin who often recorded with Luther, will be one of the project's spokespersons. On November 30th 94.7-THE WAVE and Rendezvous will be hosting a benefit concert at VAULT in Los Angeles for the American Heart Association, Diabetic and the American Diabetes Association.

On April 16, 2003, Luther Vandross suffered a catastrophic diabetes-induced stroke that left him in a coma for several weeks. A month later, Verve partnered with the American Diabetes Association in an innovative fund-raising and awareness campaign: "Send A Love Letter To Luther." Forever, For Always, For Luther would go on to scan 115,000 units, garner a #1 Urban AC single, a #1 and Top 5 Smooth Jazz single and a 2005 Grammy® nomination for Best Pop Instrumental. For more information click to www.rendezvousmusic.com

ANDRE DELANO RELEASES SMOOTH JAZZ CHRISTMAS CD

Saxophonist Andre Delano’s debut, Full Circle, took the smooth jazz world by storm in 2005. His dynamic live performances wowed genre enthusiasts into immediate Delano fans. Now the East Saint Louis native brings his fans tides of great joy with a holiday offering with First Christmas, on 7th Note Entertainment. While the CD includes many traditional Christmas favorites, the title track, First Christmas, is an original vocal tune written by Delano and dedicated to his baby daughter, Makenna. Delano will be performing songs from First Christmas and Full Circle on December 5 at The Jazz Bakery in Culver City, California. Delano is also saxophonist in the house band for "The Megan Mullaly Show" television show, is working on a new smooth jazz CD scheduled for release in 2007.

SMOOTH JAZZ FROM THE ‘70’s & ‘80’S TO BE FEATURED ON ‘SMOOTH JAZZ ODYSSEY’

Saxophonist Everette Harp is hosting "Smooth Jazz Odyssey," a weekly two-hour radio show playing smooth jazz music from the ‘70’s and ‘80’s. The show debuted on Gross Communications WLOG-FM in Orlando on Saturday, November 11. "I believe that smooth jazz was at its best during these two decades. My love for the diversity, the uniqueness and the musicianship of these artists is profound. I am definitely a product of this era," say Harp. "Unfortunately some of this great music does not get regular airplay. There are thousands of smooth jazz listeners who have never heard what we are going to play. ‘Smooth Jazz Odyssey’ will bring nostalgia to some and discovery to others." "We are excited about debuting Everette’s show," says WLOQ VP GM Rick Weinkauf. "The music is outstanding and Everette’s natural warmth will connect with listeners." WLOQ PD Brian Morgan adds, "Our listeners want to hear more music from this era; Joe Sample, The Crusaders, Bob James, Gato Barbieri, Stanley Turrentine, Michael Franks and David Sanborn are the legends who built this format." "Smooth Jazz Odyssey" will be available for national syndication.

JOSS STONE IN THE STUDIO RECORDING NEW ALBUM

Singer Joss Stone is working on her new album at Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas along with production by Raphael Saadiq, whose resume includes work with Angie Stone, Jill Scott, Kelis and Erykah Badu. The album is a follow-up to 2004’s Mind, Body & Soul which debuted at No. 11 on The Billboard 200 chart and has sold over 1.2 million albums in the United States. The album will include the following songs: Headturner, Tell Me What We’re Gonna Do Now, Music, Tell Me ‘Bout It, Nothing Better Than (The iPod Song), and I Wish I Never Met You. The album is due out on March 6 on the Virgin label.

NEW NORAH JONES CD ‘NOT TOO LATE’ DUE JANUARY 30

Singer/songwriter Norah Jones is preparing to release her new CD Not Too Late on January 30. The album will feature all-new original songs and features guitarists Adam Levy and Jesse Harris, keyboardist Larry Goldings, drummer Andy Borger, saxophonist Bill McHenry, vocalist and flutist Daru Oda, cellist Julia Kent and cellist Jeff Zeigler of the classical-jazz group Kronos Quartet. This release will mark the first time that all the songs are either written or co written by Jones. Not Too Late will be her third solo release for the Blue Note label, following her 2002 smash debut, Come Away With Me, and 2004’s Feels Like Home.

GERALD LEVERT DIES OF A HEART ATTACK

We are sad to report that R&B singer Gerald Levert died on November 10 of a heart attack in his hometown of Cleveland. He had just turned 40 in July. The son of O’Jays lead singer Eddie Levert, Levert had become a well-regarded singer/songwriter and producer. Gerald Levert came to prominence as a member of Atlantic Records’ Levert, comprised of his brother Sean and friend Marc Gordon. The trio scored with Pop in 1986, followed by the No.1 R&B/No. 5 pop hit Casanova. In 1991, he launched his solo career and went on to record eight solo albums, with the most recent being 2004’s Do I Speak For The World? Voices, is a compilation of Levert duets and was released last year. He was also a member of LSG, which included Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill. Levert’s talents also included songwriting and producing and his collaborations included projects with Barry White, Stephanie Mills, Teddy Pendergrass and the Winans. He also co-wrote and co-produced Barry White’s last hit, 1994’s Practice What You Preach.

KEEPIN’ THAT FEELING ON ‘EAST COAST PROJECT’ NEW FROM BRADLEY LEIGHTON; NEW SINGLE ‘ODE TO BILLY JO' PRODUCED BY JASON MILES

Soon after his January 2006 release Back to the Funk hit the charts, flutist Bradley Leighton was back in the studio – this time traveling to New York to work with award winning producer Jason Miles and a group of some of that area's finest players Leighton was encouraged by the initial success of Funk - Critical reviews were uniformly positive and the album was nominated for "Best Jazz Album of the Year" by the San Diego Music Academy. With a series of east coast appearances upcoming in November, Leighton decided to release three new tunes as digital downloads before the completion of the East Coast Project. The first single, Ode to Billy Jo, is a slick, greasy, soulful interpretation of the popular ballad written and performed by Bobbie Gentry in 1967. The original stood at number one for four weeks on the Billboard charts. "It's a tune I heard growing up – Mom always played country music radio around the house – and I've been playing the tune live for years… it's a favorite song of mine," says Leighton. The radio add date for the smooth jazz format was October 30th. In addition to Billy Jo, two more tunes will also be released. What You Gonna Say? an upbeat original song penned by Miles and Leighton together and Keep That Same Old Feeling, a beautifully crafted arrangement of the classic Wayne Henderson (Crusaders) tune. What You Gonna Say features the keyboard work of Jason Miles while Keep That Same Old Feeling features the beautiful vocal stylings of singer/songwriter/producer Katreese Barnes. Keep That Same Old Feeling is another one of those tunes I've been playing live for years," says Leighton, "I've often used it to close a show… it's a tune that really stands the test of time." Also new for this project will be the availability of "lossless.aif" format downloads at no extra charge. Leighton made the decision because, "I think there is a growing group of people who are tired of the sonic degradation inherent in the mp3 format. Yes, the downloads are large – but with broadband access becoming more and more the norm – why should we have to settle for the poor audio quality of mp3? In a lossless download there is NO degradation - they will sound exactly as the original recording." Leighton's recordings began debuting in 2003 with Groove Yard, a beautiful collection of jazz standards. Released in 2005, Just Doin' Our Thang is comprised of inventive arrangements of standards and four original compositions in a traditional jazz setting that finds Leighton backed by a Hammond B3 organ trio. The albums have received critical praise from such respected outlets as JazzTimes, Audiophile, All About Jazz, All Music Guide, L.A. Jazz Scene, and the San Diego Reader. Just Doin' Our Thang was also nominated for "Best Jazz Album of the Year" in 2005 by the San Diego Music Academy. Pacific Coast Jazz is distributed in the U.S. by Big Daddy Music. When the full album East Coast Project is completed in 2007, it too will be distributed by Big Daddy Music.East Coast Project currently contains the following tracks: Ode to Billy Jo, What You Gonna Say?and Keep That Same Old Feeling.

Audio clip: http://www.bradleyleighton.com/music.php
For more information on Bradley, click to www.fluteguy.com
For more on Jason Miles, click to www.jasonmilesmusic.com

JOHN MAYER PLANS CONTINUUM TOUR; U.S. WINTER DATES ANNOUNCED

John Mayer returns from his international tour to begin a series of U.S. dates in support of his third studio album, Continuum, released September 12, 2006 on Aware/Columbia Records. The Grammy-winning singer/songwriter has received critical praise for his latest album, which debuted at the top of the charts with first week's sales of 300,000. The highly praised release showcases the culmination of his influences, skill, and recordings to date with a rich mixture of soul, pop, and blues elements. Several appearances will precede the newly announced winter dates. On Nov. 1, Control Room, the #1 provider of live digital entertainment, presented an exclusive performance live from NYC's Webster Hall on-demand at MSN (beginning Nov. 1) and in rotation on DirecTV (Nov. 7 through Dec. 8). Clear Channel's STRIPPED series, available on nearly 190 Clear Channel radio station websites, will showcase stripped-down songs from Continuum, Heavier Things, and Room For Squares, including a rare rendition of Jimi Hendrix's Bold As Love, beginning November 7. Mayer will also perform on the American Music Awards on November 21 at 8pm ET/PT on ABC and for the third year in a row, John Mayer will perform on The Late Show with David Letterman on Thanksgiving night on CBS. Before hitting the road, Mayer discussed on his widely-read blog his excitement to tour again and debut songs off the highly anticipated Continuum. "It's a brand new show," Mayer wrote on johnmayer.com. "Even the old tunes are new." The co-headlining tour with Sheryl Crow drew tremendous accolades from press and fans for its creative performances combining new material with his time-tested fan favorites.

Continuum Winter Tour Dates:
1/25/07 - Jacksonville, FL @ Veterans Memorial Arena
1/26/07 - Coral Gables, FL @ BankUnited Center
1/27/07 - Orlando, FL @ TD Waterhouse Centre
1/29/07 - Pensacola, FL @ Pensacola Civic Center
1/30/07 - Baton Rouge, LA @ Baton Rouge River Center
2/1/07 - Fayetteville, AR @ Barnhill Arena
2/2/07 - Memphis, TN @ FedEx Forum
2/3/07 - Oklahoma City, OK @ Cox Convention Center
2/5/07 - Huntsville, AL @ Von Braun Center
2/6/07 - Knoxville, TN @ Knoxville Coliseum
2/7/07 - Roanoke, VA @ Roanoke Civic Center
2/8/07 - Columbia, SC @ Colonial Center
2/13/07 - St Paul, MN @ XCEL Energy Center
2/14/07 - Madison, WI @ Alliant Energy Center
2/16/07 - Murray, KY @ MSU Regional Special Events Center
2/17/07 - Bloomington, IL @ US Cellular Coliseum
2/18/07 - Omaha, NE @ Qwest Center
2/20/07 - Dekalb, IL @ NIU Convocation Center
2/22/07 - Grand Rapids, MI @ Van Andel Arena
2/23/07 - Columbus, OH @ Nationwide Arena
2/26/07 - Amherst, MA @ Mullins Center
2/27/07 - Syracuse, NY @ ONCenter Complex
2/28/07 - New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden

Continuum is a pop/rock album showcasing Mayer's diverse influences, rich lyrics, the groove of the guitar-slinging bluesman, and the vocals of the soulful crooner. Continuum earned four stars from Rolling Stone Magazine, USA Today wrote, Mayer's "smartly crafted third album combines singer/songwriter pop and sinewy guitar blues," and the New York Times opined, "Mayer has been writing songs again, good ones, with all the leanness and directness that distinguish his strongest work." Continuum was co-produced by John Mayer and Steve Jordan and includes the #1 hit Waiting On The World To Change, and its follow-up single, Belief. The album features sultry grooves such as I Don't Trust Myself With Loving You, Slow Dancing In A Burning Room, and the Sam Cooke-flavored I'm Gonna Find Another You. Fans of the John Mayer Trio will recognize Vultures and Gravity reworked for the studio by John, Steve, and Pino, as well as a blazing display of fretwork on Jimi Hendrix's Bold As Love. Longtime fans will recognize Heart of Life and Stop This Train as keeping in-step with trademark Mayer material. A musician and collaborator who exceeds genre boundaries, John Mayer famously toured and recorded with power players Pino Palladino and Steve Jordan as the John Mayer Trio, whose live album Try! was released in November '05. Mayer 's other collaborations -- from Rock to Blues, Hip-Hop to Jazz to Country -- include Eric Clapton, BB King, Buddy Guy, T-Bone Burnett, Herbie Hancock, Dixie Chicks, Kanye West, Alicia Keys, and Ahmir ?uestlove. From his acclaimed debut Room For Squares in 2001, through 2003's Heavier Things, to his most recent work with the John Mayer Trio, the guitarist, vocalist and songwriter has sold more than eight million albums and earned three Grammy Awards.

For more info visit http://www.johnmayer.com
For John Mayer's Control Room performance from Webster Hall http://music.msn.com/johnmayer
For John Mayer's Stripped performance visit http://www.strippedmusic.com

NEW RELEASES FROM EARTHA KITT, BRIAN CULBERTSON, CHRIS BOTTI, JOCELYN BROWN, BETTE MIDLER, KYLE EASTWOOD, KENNY LATTIMORE & CHANTE MOORE…

Airto – Fingers
Akira Ishikawa & Count Buffalos - Electrum
Amp Fiddler – Afro Strut
Ana Lucia – Canta Triste
Antonio Carlos Jobim – Warner Brothers Years
Bette Midler – Cool Yule
Beverly Kenny – Snuggled On Your Shoulder
Bobby Womack – Across 110th Street (1973 soundtrack album)
Brian Culbertson – A Soulful Christmas
Brute Force – Brute Force
Burt Bacharach & Friends – Gold (2-CDs)
Bwana Trio – Bwana Trio
Chi-Lites – Sweet Soul Music (DVD)
Chris Botti – December
Clara Hill – All I Can Provide
Conya Doss – Love Rain Down
David Ruffin – Great David Ruffin – The Motown Solo Albums Vol. 2
Deborah Bond - Afterday
Eartha Kitt – She’s So Good
Eddie Kendricks – Thin Man – The Motown Solo Albums Vol. 2
Elizabeth Shepherd Trio – Start To Move
Ennio Morricone – Morricone Western – An Exclusive Collection of Rare Spaghetti Western Tunes
Four Tet – Remixes
Hector Costita Sextet – Impacto
Helena De Lima – Una Note No Cangaceiro
Hu Vibrational – Universal Mother
Incognito – Bees And Things & Flowers
Ithamara Koorax – Brazilian Butterfly
James Brown – Fine Old Foxy Self – Over 30 Years From The Godfather Of Soul (3-CD)
James Brown – And I Do Just What I Want – The James Brown Collection
James Taylor – James Taylor At Christmas
Jazzanova & Others – Broad Casting
Jazzinho – Atlas
Jocelyn Brown – Unreleased
Joe Bataan – Saint Latin Day’s Massacre
Karma – Latenight Daydreaming
Kenny Lattimore & Chante Moore – Uncovered/Covered (2-CDs)
Koop – Koop Islands
Kyle Eastwood – Now
Leopard Lounge Presents All Nite Long Swinging Vocals From The Atlantic & Warner Vaults (Various Artists)
Lucky Thompson – Lucky Thompson Meets Oscar Pettiford Vols. 1 & 2
Luiz Chaves & Seu Conjunto - Projecao
Medeski, Scofield, Martin & Wood – Out Louder
Mel Torme – Velvet Moods – Featuring The Original California Suite
Mr. Scruff’s Big Chill Classics (Various Artists)
Musique Dessinne 01 - Just A Groove! (Various Artists)
New Jazz Orchestra – Western Reunion London 1965
Nina Simone – The Nina Simone Collection (3-CD)
Nina Simone – Remixed And Reimagined
Nino Rota & Others - Tutto Fellini
Oddjob – Luma
Paradise – World’s Midnight
Peter Hader – Memories Of The Heart
Positive Flow featuring Donna Gardier - Positivity
Ramsey Lewis – Maiden Voyage
Serge Gainsbourg – D’autres Nouvells Des Etoiles (2-DVD)
Sister Bossa Classics – The Best Of Cool Jazzy Cuts With A Brazilian Flavour (Various Artists)
Soul Lounge 3 – 40 Soulful Grooves (Various Artists)
Soul Project - Reconnection
Spanky Wilson & Quantic Orchestra – I’m Thankful
Spinners – Sweet Soul Music (DVD)
Sting – Songs From The Labyrinth
Stylistics – Sweet Soul Music (DVD)
TM Juke - Forward
Toquinho – A Bossa Do Toquinho
Toquinho – Bossa Da Noite
Van Morrison – Live At Montreux, 1974 & 1980 (DVD)
Willie Bobo – Lost And Found

DAVE KOZ PLAYS HOMAGE TO CLASSIC FILM MUSIC WITH NEW CD, ‘AT THE MOVIES’

For his upcoming album, world-renowned saxophonist Dave Koz turned to one of his favorite pastimes for inspiration. At The Movies is a lush, inspired collection of twelve timeless movie themes, underscoring the crucial role music plays in film, making it a must-have album for music and film lovers everywhere. As a musician, Koz is especially cognizant of the importance music plays in making a film memorable. "These are songs that are so much a part of people's lives that I felt it was important to respect the original while nonetheless putting my own unique spin on them," he says. Guest artists include India.Arie (It Might Be You Tootsie), Anita Baker (Somewhere West Side Story), Barry Manilow (Moon River Breakfast at Tiffany's), Johnny Mathis and Chris Botti (Shadow Of Your Smile Love Theme From The Sandpiper), Donna Summer (A Whole New World Aladdin) and Vanessa Williams (The Way We Were from the film of the same name). The album also includes six stunning instrumentals showcasing Koz's interpretations of the themes from Casablanca, Schindler's List, Cinema Paradiso, Pink Panther and Summer of '42 as well as an exuberant rendition of Over the Rainbow that leads off with a sample of Judy Garland's unforgettable vocal. The collection was produced by the legendary Phil Ramone and features a full orchestra."It's kind of a dream-come-true project, recording these classic film melodies with great guest artists," says Koz. It was Koz's vision that attracted the stellar group of vocalists to the endeavor. Recalls Manilow: "Who doesn't know Henry Mancini's Moon River? I was delightfully surprised that Dave had figured out a very hip way of rendering Moon River. At The Movies is the 8th studio album for the Platinum-selling Dave Koz, from which he has garnered four Grammy(R) nominations.

The track listing for At The Movies as well as a rundown of each song's Oscar nominations/wins follows:

DAVE KOZ'S AT THE MOVIES
Track Listing with Guest Artists and Oscar History for Each Song
1. Over The Rainbow (with a sample of Judy Garland), The Wizard of Oz Oscar-winning song 1940
2. Moonriver with Barry Manilow Breakfast At Tiffany's Oscar winning song, 1962
3. As Time Goes By, Casablanca Oscar-nominated score, 1944
4. Somewhere with Anita Baker, West Side Story Oscar-winning score, 1962
5. The Shadow Of Your Smile (Love Theme from The Sandpiper) with Johnny Mathis and Chris Botti, The Sandpiper Oscar-winning song 1966
6. The Pink Panther, The Pink Panther Oscar-nominated score, 1965
7. The Way We Were with Vanessa Williams, The Way We Were Oscar-winning song, 1974
8. The Summer Knows (Theme from the Summer of '42), Summer Of '42 Oscar-winning score 1972
9. It Might Be You with India.Arie, Tootsie Oscar-nominated song, 1983
10. Cinema Paradiso Suite, Cinema Paradiso
11. A Whole New World with Donna Summer, Aladdin Oscar-winning song, 1993
12. Schindlers's List, Schindler's List Oscar-winning score, 1994
Bonus Tracks:
13. It Might Be You with Peter White (Instrumental)
14. The Shadow Of Your Smile (Love Theme from The Sandpiper), with Chris Botti (Instrumental)
For more information on Dave Koz, visit http://www.davekoz.com

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NEW RELEASE FROM XM AND CONCORD MUSIC GROUP ‘WATERCOLORS: BLUE’ NOW IN CIRCUIT CITY STORES ACROSS THE U.S.

XM, the nation’s leading satellite radio service with more than 7 million subscribers, and Concord Music Group, one of the world’s largest independent record labels, today announced that Watercolors: Blue, the latest joint release from the two companies, is now available in stores. The 12- track compilation disc is the second release in a series of co-branded compilations created with the best music from Concord’s rich catalog and designed to reflect specific XM channels and original XM music shows. The album is on sale exclusively in Circuit City stores across the United States. Based on the sound of Watercolors (XM 71), XM’s contemporary jazz channel, Watercolors: Blue sums up the channel perfectly with a mix of vocal and instrumental performances from some of the best artists in contemporary jazz. Watercolors: Blue features incredible performances from Patti Austin, Regina Belle and David Pack. Making up the remainder of the album are instrumentals from some of the biggest names in smooth jazz including Spyro Gyra, Eric Marienthal, Marion Meadows and more. "XM is proud to have so many contemporary jazz greats featured on Watercolors: Blue. This compilation brings the essence of XM’s Watercolors channel to contemporary jazz fans across the country, and serves as another example of the sounds and moods both the jazz universe and the XM musical landscape have to offer," said Lee Abrams, chief creative programming officer, XM. Produced by Concord VP of Jazz and Catalog A&R Nick Phillips and Shirlitta "Trinity" Colón, XM’s senior program director of Jazz and Blues programming, Watercolors: Blue follows the critically-acclaimed Blistering Licks – Red Hot Riffs from the Giants of Jazz, which was released in June as the first CD in the Concord-XM co-branded compilation series.

The track listing for Watercolors: Blue follows:
1. Joe McBride – After Sunset
2. The Rippingtons - Avalon
3. Patti Austin – Out of Love
4. Marion Meadows – Suede
5. Spyro Gyra - East River Blue
6. David Pack – You’re the Only Woman
7. Eric Marienthal – New York State of Mind
8. Pieces of a Dream – Night Vision
9. Regina Belle – Lazy Afternoon
10. O’2L – Riders on the Storm
11. Gerald Albright – Georgia on My Mind
12. Lee Ritenour – Night Rhythms

PRINCE TO APPEAR AT 3121 AT THE RIO ALL-SUITE HOTEL & CASINO

The Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas has announced that Prince has signed on to appear at 3121, their live entertainment venue. In the deal, Prince will both perform and present various artists for an indefinite time period. Prince will perform on Fridays and Saturdays with a cover charge of $125 for the concerts in the 1,500 capacity club. Prince will presents various artists on Wednesdays for a cover charge starting at $31.21. My guess is that you can look forward to seeing Sheila E. Morris Day & The Time, Maseo Parker, Larry Graham and many others who have worked with Prince in the past. 3121 opens on November 10 inside the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino.

THE YOUTUBE PHENOMENOM

YouTube is a popular free video sharing website that lets users upload, view, and share video clips. Their wide variety of site content includes movies and TV clips and music videos, including plenty from the world of smooth jazz. According to a July, 2006 survey, 100 million clips are viewed daily on YouTube, with an additional 65,000 new videos uploaded every 24 hours. The YouTube site has over 20 million visitors each month. In August, YouTube announced that within 18 months they hoped to offer every music video ever created, and keeping the service free of charge. Last month it was announced that the company will be purchased by Google for $1.65 billion USD in stock. Click to www.youtube.com to search for your favorite smooth jazz and chill videos.

SMOOTH JAZZ WJZI 93.3 FM NEWS

Radio personality Patti Genko, who left the radio business to devote more time to her own communications company, will return to the WJZI airwaves on November 13, when she becomes the co-host of the morning show at Smooth Jazz WJZI-93.3 FM. In a 25-year radio career, Genko became one of Milwaukee's signature radio personalities at WKLH-96.5 FM. In her new gig, she will work the 6 to 10 a.m. shift and spend the afternoons building her business, Patti Genko Communications, which provides voice recordings and other marketing services for corporate clients. "They (WJZI officials) made me a great offer, and I get to listen to the music that I love. This will give me some cash flow, and I can still continue to work on my business," says Genko. "There's no doubt Patti knows how to put on a quality show. She knows how to entertain her audience, while never losing sight of what the radio station is all about … quality music delivered in a professional manner. She is an outstanding air talent and a great addition to our team," said Bill Hurwitz, vice president and general manager of WJZI.

PAOLO RUSTICHELLI’S SINGLE ‘BLUE ANGEL’ GOES TOP 40 AC FMQB

The gods are smiling on Paolo Rustichelli. Blue Angel the debut single from the veteran composer/producer's latest album Neopagan has jumped in the Top 40 (#35 with a bullet) on the Adult Contemporary FMQB Chart. Says Rustichelli, "Choosing the title Neopagan for the new project is a way of saying this is my path, this is my affection and deep love for planet earth. Neopagan means that pagans are not just bizarre sorcerers or witches lost in the forest invoking the Gods, but they also can be normal human beings in love with the earth and trying to respect it. I want to communicate that despite any difference in spiritual beliefs, we are all in some ways on the same path." Paolo Rustichelli is currently putting together a new website dedicated to the Neopagan project, www.neopagan.com, that will automatically stream music from both Adult Contemporary and Smooth Jazz versions of the album. For more information on Paolo Rustichelli, click to www.paolo.org or www.luckmedia.com

‘COOL JAZZ CHRISTMAS’ TOUR FEATURING MICHAEL FRANKS, KIRK WHALUM, DAVID BENOIT & JONATHAN BUTLER

Here's the full set of tour dates...

November 30 - Tulsa, OK - The Brady Theater
December 1 - Houston, TX - Verizon Wireless Theater
December 2 - San Antonio, TX - Lila Cockrel Theater
December 5 - Ft. Pierce, FL - Sunrise Theater
December 6 - Sarasota, FL - Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
December 8 - Naples, FL - 1208 Philharmonic Center for the Arts
December 9 - TBA
December 10 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Broward Center for the Arts
December 15 - San Francisco, CA - Nob Hill Masonic Center
December 16 - Dallas, TX - The Majestic Theater
December 20 - Mesa, AZ - Mesa Arts Center
December 21 & 22 - Cerritos, CA - Cerritos Center for the Arts

NEW YORK’S CD101.9 TO PRESENT THE ‘ULTIMATE 2006 HOLIDAY CONCERT’

New York’s CD101.9 FM is hosting the Ultimate 2006 Holiday Concert featuring Al Jarreau, Brian Culbertson, Bobby Caldwell, Warren Hill, Ray Parker, Jr. and Eric Darius. It’s set for December 9th at the Beacon Theater.