UPCOMING NEW RELEASES

NEW HEADS UP INTERNATIONAL RELEASES
Heads Up International has announced some upcoming releases due soon from George Duke (Dukey Treats); Fourplay (Energy); SMV comprised of Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller & Victor Wooten (Thunder); Taj Mahal (Maestro); and Take 6 (The Standard). No release dates have been announced; however, both "Dukey Treats" from George Duke, and "Energy" from Fourplay are both available for pre-release purchase directly at the Heads Up International website.

TIM BOWMAN SIGNS WITH TRIPPIN ‘N’ RHYTHM
Tim Bowman has signed with Trippin ’N’ Rhythm as this marks his highly anticipated return from a long recording hiatus with his fifth release. Coming off a string of hit records and his most recent #1 chart topper, "Summer Groove", Tim Bowman has firmly established himself in the smooth jazz rank and file as one of the formats most dynamic and prominent players. "I’m really excited about being part of the Trippin "N" Rhythm family and looking forward to making good music together," says Bowman. President/CEO of Trippin "N" Rhythm, Les Cutmore, comments "Having long been a fan of Tim’s music and seeing how he commands an audience in his live shows, I have been courting Tim for some time now. I’ve always believed that stylistically he was a perfect fit for the company and let’s face it the fans love this guy. The long courtship is finally over, the marriage has been recorded and we couldn’t be happier, as we embark together on this new adventure." The new CD is set to hit retail this September 3rd, and it features guest appearances by smooth jazz musicians Kirk Whalum and Jeff Lorber

SHEILA E. & THE PETE ESCOVEDO ORCHESTRA
Sheila E. along with her father, legendary Latin jazz percussionist Pete Escovedo, brothers Juan and Peter Michael and the Pete Escovedo Orchestra have just completed their first family album, Love's All Around, scheduled for release early next year. They are all headlining JazzFest West (formerly the Old Pasadena JazzFest) in San Dimas, California, on July 19. "We just started playing together again because of the CD. We're playing the new songs from the record, which we've actually written, to see everyone's reaction. So far it's been extremely positive; everyone really loves the new songs. So we know we're on the right track to get the buzz going with the family," Sheila said from her office in Van Nuys, California. Sheila E. is scheduled to perform with the Pete Escovedo Orchestra featuring Juan and Peter Michael Escovedo at JazzFest West (formerly the Old Pasadena JazzFest) on Saturday, July 19 at 8 p.m. JazzFest West will be held at Bonelli Park, 120 Via Verde, in San Dimas, California. If you are looking for some of Sheila E.’s earlier releases, word is that Rhino Encore will re-release several of Sheila E.’s Prince-related albums, including Sheila E,. Romance 1600, and Sex Cymbal. These are scheduled for release on July 29. All are available via Amazon.com (see the Amazon link here at The Jazz Chill Corner).

Earth, Wind & Fire’s "Live In Japan" DVD is scheduled for release on August 26 from Eagle Rock Entertainment.

New from Joan Osbourne is "Little Wild One" on the Time/Life label out on September 9.

Telarc has announced the August 26 release for ‘Vinho Do Porto" from The Portinho Trio.

"Love & Life" from Eric Benet will be released Reprise Records on Sept. 2.