SMOOTH JAZZ II FROM THE WEATHER CHANNEL

The Weather Channel has released a follow-up second compilation of smooth jazz selctions, "Smooth Jazz II," The strong enthusiasm expressed by consumers about music they hear during "Local on the 8s" on The Weather Channel is the impetus behind the network's venture into the music business. Midas Records is the licensing partner with The Weather Channel for the smooth jazz series. The first compilation of music taken from the network's local forecasts, "The Weather Channel Presents Smooth Jazz," climbed to the top of the Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart after its release last fall.

The Weather Channel has also recently released the second DVD compilation of network programming. Epic Conditions, a high-energy series of sports performed during peak weather conditions, is available in standard and Blue Ray formats at Best Buy. The licensing partner, Madacy Entertainment, reported that the DVD version was its #1 title during the first week after its release on May 26. Many of the titles of the new "Smooth Jazz II" music compilation have a strong reference to weather in their titles and in their moods. These include: "Rainbow Seeker" by Joe Sample and "Cast Your Fate to the Wind" by David Benoit. Another selection on the CD is the Jeff Lorber hit, "Pacific Coast Highway," which evokes a feeling a riding to the beach surrounded by sunshine and blue skies. Lorber, who says that The Weather Channel is one of his favorite networks, comments, "I love the music that's played on The Weather Channel and I'm honored to be part of their compilation."

Other songs in the "Smooth Jazz II" compilation that The Weather Channel are: "Restless Heart" by Chris Geith, "Big Country;" by Eric Marienthal, "Brave New World" by Russ Freeman and the Rippingtons, "Friday's Child" by Bradley Joseph, "Breakfast At Igor's" by Spyro Gyra, "La Salsa En Mi" by Bernie Williams, , "Wade in the Water" by the Ramsey Lewis Trio, "Now's The Time" by the Charlie Parker Quartet, and "Lydian" by Norman Brown. The CD is available at all major music store outlets.