MICHAEL JACKSON: 1958 - 2009

Michael Jackson, one of the most widely beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all-time, leaves an indelible imprint on popular music and culture. Five of Jackson’s solo albums – “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” “Bad,” “Dangerous” and “HIStory,” all with Epic Records, a Sony Music label – are among the top-sellers of all time. During his extraordinary career, he sold an estimated 750 million records worldwide, released 13 No.1 singles and became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized Jackson as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and “Thriller” as the Biggest Selling Album of All Time. Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards and received the American Music Award’s Artist of the Century Award. Michael Jackson started in the music business at the age of 11 with his brothers as a member of the Jackson 5. In the early 1980s, he became a dominant figure in popular music and the first African American entertainer to amass a strong crossover following on MTV. The popularity of his music videos airing on MTV, such as "Beat It", "Billie Jean" and "Thriller"—widely credited with transforming the music video from a promotional tool into an art form—helped bring the relatively new channel to fame. Videos such as "Black or White" and "Scream" made Jackson an enduring staple on MTV in the 1990s. With stage performances and music videos, Jackson popularized a number of physically complicated dance techniques, such as the robot and the moonwalk. His distinctive musical sound and vocal style influenced many hip hop, pop and contemporary R&B artists.

JEFF GOLUB - BLUES FOR YOU

E1 Music has announced the release of "Blues For You," the new album by contemporary jazz guitarist Jeff Golub, on August 25, 2009. “Blue For You” is produced by legendary producer John Porter (Los Lonely Boys, The Smiths, Buddy Guy, etc.), "Blues For You" has Golub exploring the blues and R&B roots that he's developed over years of touring and recording with Rod Stewart, Peter Wolf, John Waite, Dar Williams and more, while keeping a taste of the chart-topping contemporary jazz for which he's become known. "Blues For You" also features Shawn Pelton on drums ("Saturday Night Live" band), Tony Garnier on bass (Bob Dylan), and Kenny White on keyboards (Shawn Colvin, Marc Cohn) to round out the rhythm section. Unlike his previous albums, Golub has four vocal songs on "Blues For You." He enlisted vocalists Billy Squier on the track "Everybody Wants You," Triple-A favorite Mark Cohn on "I Don't Worry About a Thing" and the legendary Peter Wolf on "Rooster Blues" and John Waite on "Lost Mind."

The band recorded this album live at Skyline Recording Studio in Manhattan in about four days, with special guests floating in and out. There is not one fade out ending on the entire record. "Not that we always had a prearranged ending," Golub says. "You can hear how the band is following each other. This can only happen recording a live band made up of musicians who are really listening." Golub has released 6 solo albums and 3 albums as the leader of the instrumental band Avenue Blue. Before becoming an instrumentalist, Jeff worked as a sideman to a number of very successful rock and pop artists. Golub got his first major gig with rocker Billy Squier after relocating to New York from Boston in 1980. He performed with Squier for several years, appearing on 7 albums and 3 world tours. He also spent many years working with iconic singer Rod Stewart, and appeared on 5 world tours and 4 recorded albums.

http://www.kochrecords.com/
http://www.jeffgolub.com/

BARBRA STREISAND - LOVE IS THE ANSWER

Columbia Records has just announced the release of Love Is The Answer, the eagerly-awaited new studio album from Barbra Streisand, available everywhere on Tuesday, September 29. The first full-length collection of new studio recordings from eight-time Grammy award winner Barbra Streisand since 2005's Guilty Pleasures, and first new Barbra Streisand album since Live In Concert 2006, Love Is The Answer presents the artist as a cabaret and jazz singer of emotional clarity, depth and maturity, offering the listener a warm and intimate selection of late night meditations on love's powers, heartbreaks and solaces. Love Is The Answer provided an opportunity for Streisand to work for the first time with the Grammy-winning Canadian jazz artist Diana Krall (piano) and her quartet (guitar, bass, drums) who brought a refined and sensual poignancy to the album's spare and subtle accompaniments. Rounding out the album's smoky after hours ambience with his sublime orchestrations is the legendary songwriter ("The Shadow of Your Smile") and Grammy-winning arranger Johnny Mandel (who worked with Streisand on her 1993 Back to Broadway album and arranged/co-produced Krall's 1998 Grammy-winning When I Look In Your Eyes).

According to the RIAA, Barbra Streisand is the #1 best selling female recording artist in history and the only woman to make the Top 10 all time best selling artists list, which includes Elvis Presley and The Beatles. Over the course of her career, Streisand has recorded 50 gold, 30 platinum and 13 multi-platinum albums. An artist of unparalleled accomplishments in multiple entertainment fields, Streisand has made her mark as an award winning actress of stage and screen, recording artist, concert performer, movie producer, film director, screenwriter and songwriter. Having earned two Oscars (Best Actress and Best Song), five Emmys, 11 Golden Globes, 10 Grammys including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement and Grammy Legend Awards, a special Tony Award (in 1970 as "Star of the Decade"), two Cable Ace and three Peabody awards, she is the only performer to hold honors from all of those institutions. In addition, Streisand is a recipient of the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award, America's National Medal of Arts and France's Legion of Honor. In December 2008 she became the first female director to receive the prestigious Kennedy Center Honor.

STING - IF ON A WINTER'S NIGHT...

This fall, Sting is preparing to release a new album entitled "If On a Winter's Night..." In collaboration with esteemed producer and arranger, Robert Sadin, "If On a Winter's Night..." features traditional music of the British Isles as its starting point. Sting and guest musicians interpret a stirring collection of songs, carols, and lullabies including The Snow it Melts the Soonest (traditional Newcastle ballad), A Soalin' (traditional English "begging" song) Gabriel's Message (14th century carol), Balulalow (lullaby by Peter Warlock) and Now Winter Comes Slowly (Henry Purcell). Two of Sting's own compositions are also featured on the album, Lullaby for an Anxious Child and The Hounds of Winter, which originally appeared on his previous release Mercury Falling, alongside Hurdy Gurdy Man, -- a musical reworking and English translation (by Sting) of Der Leiermann from Schubert's classic winter song-cycle Winterreise. For this exploration of the themes and emotions of Winter, Sting is joined by friend and long time colleague, guitarist Dominic Miller. Additional guests include an ensemble of three remarkable musicians from Northern England and Scotland: Kathryn Tickell (fiddle and Northumbrian pipes), Julian Sutton (melodeon) and Mary MacMaster (metal string Scottish harp), along with Daniel Hope (violin), Vincent Segal (cello), Chris Botti and Ibrahim Maalouf, (trumpet), Cyro Baptista and Bijan Chemirani (percussion), the Webb Sisters (vocals) and Stile Antico (vocal ensemble). As a solo musician and member of The Police, Sting has sold over 100 million records and received sixteen Grammy Awards for his work. "If On a Winter's Night..." will be released on October 27, 2009 on Deutsche Grammophon.
http://www.sting.com/

NICOLA CONTE - A SWINGING JOURNEY THROUGH THE LOST CLASSICS of 60's POPULAR BRAZILIAN MUSIC

Nicola Conte is one of my most favorite artists of all-time and he's just released a new compilations of lost Brazilian classics. Note that the following is from a great website known as Dusty Groove America. Do check them out if you have a chance. The new Nicola Conte release is an amazing batch of rare 60s bossa nova -- all hand-picked by the mighty Nicola Conte, an artist who definitely shows a strong love of the bossa in his own music! The package digs even deeper than Conte's first volume in the Viagem series -- and brings together loads of rare bits we haven't seen reissued before, mixed with some other killers from the RGE catalog of the 60s -- definitely the farther reaches of bossa recordings in Brazil from the time, and the kind of tunes we're happy to have together in a sweet little set like this! There's loads of groovy rhythms, jazzy instrumentation, and great lead vocals on some of the cuts -- and the collection features 18 gems that include "Bossa Nova" by Bobby McKay, "Balanco Do Mar" by Zil Rozendo, "Ninguem Na Rua" by Dick Farney, "Sem Deus A Familia" by Cesar Roldao Vieira, "Yema Tres" by Tema Tres, "Queimada" by Anamaria Bom, "Miss Bikini" by Marcia with Manfredo Fest Trio, "Se A Treisteza Chegar" by Lygia, "Maria Fulo" by Flora, "Redondo Sambao" by As Meninas, "Consolacao" by Tenorio Jr, "Sambinha" by Vera, "Amanha" by Janinha, "Bossa So" by Sansa Trio, and "Deixa O Morro Cantar" by Claudia.
Source: www.dustygroove.com

CHITOWNSMOOTHJAZZ.COM

I’ve just discovered a new website – ChitownSmoothJazz.com and after a few listens I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this site! This site is in response to a lack of a smooth jazz radio station in Chicago. As you all know, FM radio stations have been dropping the Smooth Jazz format -- including stations in New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco and also Chicago. As these stations flip their formats they are abandoning hundreds of thousands of listeners who love Smooth Jazz music as part of their day. ChitownSmoothJazz.com consists of nine different channels of music, focusing on different styles, instruments, and moods. They also promise to include more channels in the near future, including a 24/7 channel dedicated to Chicago-based artists. They also promise to play far fewer commercials than your standard FM stations. Instead of 8-12 minutes per hour of spots, they will have less than 2 minutes per hour. One of the features of the site is that you can customize the artists we play on your stream via the "Artist list" tab. You can also skip songs you don't like. Another feature is their comprehensive “Now Playing” information, including title, artist, album, composer, year of release, and a link to the Amazon page for the CD that's playing. One real plus is that they have deeper playlists which translate to literally thousands of songs instead of just a few hundred. Also, a greater emphasis on actual jazz artists (i.e., less "pop adult contemporary"). And for those of you from the Chicago area, they also hope to bring back some of your favorite Chicago-based Smooth Jazz air personalities, as the folks behind ChitownSmoothJazz.com have already reached out to them. I truly hope this site becomes a huge success. Enjoy the music!

CHICAGO AFROBEAT PROJCT

Chicago Afrobeat Project, winner of the "Best African Artist" award in the 2009 Chicago Music Awards has added new dates to its 2009 Summer Tour. The tour crosses the U.S. from the West Coast to the Southeast. Known for its blazing live shows, the band blends pulsating funk, aggressive jazz, and rock energy into an explosive stage performance that is classified unmistakably as "American Afrobeat." The group is at the forefront of the afrobeat revival in North America and was recently featured on the compilation album "Rough Guide to Afrobeat Revival."

Chicago Afrobeat Project has released three studio albums to date and is currently working on its fourth for release in autumn, 2009. As a result of its seven-year history, the group's sound has coalesced into a distinct and refreshing interpretation of the afrobeat music pioneered by Fela Kuti in Nigeria in the early '70s. The influence of the genre's politicized and polyrhythmic roots are evident, while the group's urban-crafted musicianship injects an edgy, improvisational element into the song structures. Drummer Marcus Evans (Prefuse 73, Fred Anderson, Nicole Mitchell) and drummer/percussionist Ricardo Gonzalez (Boubacar Diabate) join Chicago Afrobeat Project for the 2009 Summer Tour.

Chicago Afrobeat Project Tour Dates:
June 25 - @The Union Terrace - Madison, WI
June 29 - @Taste of Chicago, World Music Day - Chicago, IL
July 3 - @Quixote's - Denver, CO
July 4 - @Whistler's - Nederland, CO
July 6 - @Exchange Place Plaza - Salt Lake City, UT
July 7 - @Reef - Boise, ID
July 8 - @The Good Foot - Portland, OR
July 9 - @Eastside Club Tavern - Olympia, WA
July 10 - @Oregon Country Fair - Veneta, OR
July 11 - @Downtown Bend Festival - Bend, OR
July 12 - @Red Fox Tavern - Eureka, CA
July 13 - @Yoshi's - San Francisco, CA
July 15 - @Moe's Alley - Santa Cruz, CA
July 16 - @Zanzibar - Santa Monica, CA
July 18 - @Truckee Park Amphitheater - Truckee, CA
July 25 - @Tabfest - Mendon, OH
July 26 - @Celebrate Clark Street Festival - Chicago, IL
August 5 - @Studio on 4th - Reno, NV
August 6 - @Urban Lounge - Salt Lake City, UT
August 7 - @Dancin' in the Streets Festival - Denver, CO
August 8 - @Zoo Bar - Lincoln, NE
August 11 - @Millennium Park - Chicago, IL
August 12 - @ Mulberry Mountain Festival - Ozark, AR
August 13 - @ Mercy Lounge - Nashville, TN
August 14 - @Emerald Lounge - Asheville, NC
August 15 - @World Grotto - Knoxville, TN

LAURA IZIBOR - LET THE TRUTH BE TOLD

Atlantic recording artist Laura Izibor has released her much anticipated debut album, "Let The Truth Be Told," today in the U.S. The album, which features the hit single, "From My Heart To Yours," is already shaping up as a breakthrough hit for the Dublin-based singer. The song is currently ascending the airplay charts at multi-format radio outlets nationwide, including Urban Mainstream and Urban AC, where it has just bulleted into the Top 10. Izibor has drawn tremendous praise in a wide range of national and international publications, including Rolling Stone, which featured her among its "Artists To Watch." Billboard wrote, "'Let The Truth Be Told'... is personal, real, honest, strong and biblical." Ebony declared Laura to be the "Soul of Ireland," noting that her music "brings to mind the echo of older, soulful songstresses like Aretha Franklin," while Essence hailed Laura "Best New Artist."

In addition, Isibor will hit the road alongside Maxwell which began on June 17th at the DeVos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids, MI. The tour culminates with a coveted slot on the main stage of the Essence Festival on July 4th in New Orleans, LA. (See below for full listing of dates.) Laura, a tireless performer, recently finished up a U.S. tour supporting India.Arie, and has shared the stage with such greats as Aretha Franklin, Al Green, John Legend, James Brown, Angie Stone, and Atlantic labelmate Estelle.

In the UK, The Guardian singled out Izibor's melodic and lyrical gifts, pointing out that "Let The Truth Be Told" is "full of the kind of catchy tunes that usually mean a record label has spent a mint on expensive writers and producers -- but the writing is all her own work... Her lyrics are more intelligent than your average 21-year-old's -- more sophisticated young woman than gobby teen." Vibe also waxed effusive, naming Laura one of its "Next: Artists On The Verge," and praising "Let The Truth Be Told" as "a marvel -- (Izibor's) killer voice slicing through a passel of breezy R&B."

Izibor -- who is currently featured as Steve Madden Music's "Artist Spotlight" -- has already had her songs included in an array of films and television series, including "Grey's Anatomy," "The Nanny Diaries," "Step Up 2: The Streets," "Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married," "Seven Pounds," and MTV's "The Hills." Laura will make her national TV debut performing as part of "CBS Saturday Early Show's" "Second Cup Café" series on June 20th (check local listings).

Born and raised in Dublin, Izibor became enthralled with the sounds of classic soul and R&B at an early age. By 15, she had honed her vocal talent to such a high level that she won Ireland's prestigious RTÉ 2fm Song Contest. It wasn't long before Laura began working on what would ultimately become "LET THE TRUTH BE TOLD," recording her self-penned songs in such cities as New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Dublin. From the sassy "Shine" to the deeply personal "If Tonight Is My Last," "Let The Truth Be Told" is rich with authenticity and passion, its songs revealing Izibor's uniquely heartfelt take on life and love.

For more info click to:
http://www.lauraizibor.com/
www.myspace.com/lauraizibor.

Laura Izibor Tour Dates With Maxwell:
June 17 - Grand Rapids, MI @ DeVos Performance Hall
June 19 - Hammond, IN @ The Venue
June 20 - Milwaukee, WI @ Riverside Theatre
June 23 - Seattle, WA @ Paramount Theatre
June 24 - Vancouver, CAN @ The Centre
June 26 - Las Vegas, NV @ The Pearl
June 29 - Phoenix, AZ @ Dodge
July 1 - Austin, TX @ Bass
July 2 - San Antonio, TX @ Majestic Theatre
July 4 - New Orleans, LA @ Essence Festival @ The Superdome

THE JULY CONCERT CALENDAR

Simply Red @ Vaerket Outdoors, Randers, Denmark, July 1
Maxwell @ Bass, Austin, TX, July 1
King Sunny Ade @ Ravinia, Highland Park, IL, July 1
Spyro Gyra @ Smooth Cruises Chelsea Piers, New York, NY, July 1
Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire @ Target Center, Minneapolis, MN, July 1
Diana Krall @ Cape Cod Melody Tent, Hyannis, MA, July 2
Maxwell @ Majestic Theatre, San Antonio, TX, July 2
Buddy Guy @ Festival International de Jazz de Montreal, Montreal, QC, July 2
George Benson @ Royal Albert Hall, London, UK, July 2
Diana Krall @ Meadowbrook Pavilion, Gilford, NH, July 3
Simply Red @ Westerpark, Amsterdam, Netherlands, July 3
Bettye LaVette @ Muskegon Summer Celebration, Muskegon, MI, July 3
Bela Fleck @ Caramoor Festival, Katonah, NY, July 3
King Sunny Ade @ Rothbury Festival, Rothbury, MI, July 3
New York Salsa All Stars @ Auditorium Stravinski, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 3
Oscar D’Leon @ Auditorium Stravinski, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 3
Dave Valentin @ Auditorium Starvinski, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 3
Kirk Whalum @ Utsikten Conference Center, Nynanshamn, Sweden, July 3
Al Green, Anita Baker, Beyonce, Blind Boys Of Alabama, Brand New Heavies, Eric Benet, John Legend, Lalah Hathaway, Ledisi, Maxwell, Raphael Saadiq, Robin Thicke, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Teena Marie, Zap Mama @ 15th Annual Essence Music Festival, New Orleans Superdome, New Orleans, LA, Jul 3-5
Simply Red @ Foret National, Brussels, Belgium, July 4
Bettye LaVette @ Comerica CityFest, Detroit, MI, July 4
King Sunny Ade @ Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, ON, July 4
Richie Havens @ Finch Park, Ramsey, NJ, July 4
Bela Fleck @ City Festival, Dayton, OH, July 4
Buddy Guy @ Taste if Chicago, Chicago, IL, July 4
Santana @ B’estfest Festival, Bucharest, Romania, July 4
Steely Dan @ Auditorium Stravinski, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 4
Joe Cocker @ Atlantic City Hilton, Atlantic City, NJ, July 4
Simply Red @ Markplatz, Lingen, Germany, July 5
Buddy Guy @ Comerica CityFest, Detroit, MI, July 5
King Sunny Ade @ Festival International de Jazz de Montreal, Montreal, QC, July 5
Richie Havens @ Concerts Under the Stars, King of Prussia, PA, July 5
Bela Fleck @ Summerstage, New York, NY, July 5
Herbie Hancock @ Auditorium Stravinski, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 5
Santana @ Kuracesna Arena, Istanbul, Turkey, July 6
Bela Fleck @ Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, ME, July 6
Victor Wooten @ Miles Davis Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 6
Stanley Clarke @ Miles Davis Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 6
Marcus Miller @ Miles Davis Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 6
Simply Red @ Parkuhne, Hannover, Germany, July 7
King Sunny Ade @ Higher Ground, South Burlington, VT, July 7
Bill Evans @ Miles Davis Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 7
Creed Taylor @ Miles Davis Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 7
Airto @ Miles Davis Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 7
Hubert Laws @ Miles Davis Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 7
Jamie Cullum @ Miles Davis Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 7
Flora Purim @ Miles Davis Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 7
CTI All Star Band 2009 @ Miles Davis Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 7
Diana Krall @ Heinz Hall, Pittsburgh, PA, July 8
Santana @ Kallimarmaro Stadium, Athens, Green, July 8
Kirk Whalum @ Eden Rock Hotel, Miami Bach, FL, July 8
Bettye LaVette @ Common Ground Music Festival, Lansing, MI, July 8
Alex Bugnon, Paul Taylor @ Smooth Cruises Chelsea Piers, New York, NY, July 8
Chris Botti @ The Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, CA, July 9
Buddy Guy, Bettye LaVette @ Quadcentennial Festival, Burlingtn, VT, July 9
David Sanborn @ Auditorium Stravinski, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 9
Raphael Saadiq @ Miles Davis Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 9
Steve Winwood @ Auditorium Stravinski, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 9
Chris Botti @ The Nugget, Sparks, NV, July 10
Bettye LaVette @ North Carolina Museum Of Art, Raleigh, NC, July 10
Santana @ Olympiako Skopje CityStadium, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia July 10
Buddy Guy @ Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, Hampton Beach, NH, July 10
King Sunny Ade @ Ottawa Bluesfest, Ottawa, ON, July 10
Baba Maal @ Auditorium Stravinski, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 10
Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire @ The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillio, Houston, TX, July 10
Monty Alexander @ Auditorium Stravinski, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 10
Ernest Ranglin @ Auditorium Stravinski, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 10
Third World @ Auditorium Stravinski, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 10
Leela James @ The Keswick, Philadelphia, PA, July 11
Angelique Kidjo @ Auditorium Stravinski, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 10-11
Diana Krall @ Chastain Park Amphitheatre, Atlanta, GA, July 11
King Sunny Ade @ Quebec City International Summer Fest, Quebec City, QC, July 11
Dianne Reeves @ Auditorium Stravinski, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 11
Santana @ Youth Festival, Belgrade, Serbia, July 11
Ashford & Simpson @ Carter Barron Amphitheater, Washington, DC. July 11
Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire @ Nokia Theatre At Grand Prairie, Dallas, TX, July 11
Simone @ Auditorium Stravinski, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 11
Grace Jones @ Miles Davis Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 11
Lizz Wright @ Auditorium Stravinski, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 11
Dave Koz, Brian Culbertson, Peabo Bryson @ Thornton Winery, Temecula, CA, July 11-12
Chris Botti @ Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco, CA, July 11-12
Bobby Caldwell @ The Rrazz Room, San Francisco, CA, June 11-14
Santana @ Varazdin Stadium, Croatia, July 12
Kirk Whalum @ RIT Inn & Conference Center, Rochester, NY, July 12
King Sunny Ade @ Music Haven, Schenectady, NY, July 12
Maxwell @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, July 12
Susan Tedeschi @ Auditorium Stravinski, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 12
Sly & Robbie @ Miles Davis Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 12
Kenny Babyface Edmonds @ Miles Davis Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 13
Maxwell @ Palace Theatre, Louisville, KY, July 13
Bill Laswell Presents Methods Of Defiance @ Miles Davis Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 12
B.B. King @ Auditorium Stravinski, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 12
Chris Botti @ The Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, CA, July 13
Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire @ Sandia Amphitheatre, Sandia, NM, July 13
George Duke @ Auditorium Stravinski, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 13
George Benson @ Auditorium Stravinski, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 13
Rachelle Ferrell @ Auditorium Stravinski, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 13
Lee Ritenour @ Auditorium Stravinski, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 13
Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire @ Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, Denver, CO, July 14
Chucho Valdes @ Miles Davis Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 14
King Sunny Ade @ Wiggins Park, Camden, NJ, July 14
Bill Frisell @ Miles Davis Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 14
Bettye Lavette @ Auditorium Stravinski, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 14
McCoy Tyner Trio @ Miles Davis Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 14
Joe Cocker @ Pier Six Pavilion, Baltimore, MD, July 14
Santana @ Trieste Piazza unita d’Italia, Trieste, Italy, July 14
John Scofield Piety Street Band @ Miles Davis Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 14
Santana @ Piazza della Loggia, Brescia, Italy, July 15
Maxwell @ Palace Theatre, Columbus, OH, July 15
King Sunny Ade @ Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA, July 15
Bela Fleck @ City Festival, Quebec City, QC, July 15
Kool & The Gang @ Auditorium Stravinski, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 15
Bobby Caldwell @ Smooth Cruises Chelsea Piers, New York, NY, July 15
Earth Wind & Fire @ Auditorium Stravinski, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 15
Ray Parker Jr. @ Auditorium Stravinski, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 15
Joe Cocker @ Live at the Gardens, Memphis, TN, July 16
Maxwell @ Allen Theatre, Cleveland, OH, July 16
Leon Ware @ The Jazz Café, London, UK, July 16
Madeleine Peyroux @ Miles Davis Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 16
Allen Toussant @ Miles Davis Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 16
Santana @ Festival, Kitzbuehel, Austria, July 17
Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire @ WaMu Theatre, Seattle, WA, July 17
King Sunny Ade @ 9:30 Club, Washington, DC, July 17
Ceu @ The Roxy, Los Angeles, CA, July 17
Melody Gardot @ Auditorium Stravinski, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 17
Peter Cincotti @ Auditorium Stravinski, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 17
Richie Havens @ Master Musicians Festival, Somerset, KY, July 17
Seal @ Auditorium Stravinski, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 17
Jeff Beck @ Miles Davis Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 17
Joe, Chico DeBarge @ The Keswick, Philadelphia, PA, July 17
Sax For Stax w/Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright @ Bob Hope Theatre, Stockton, CA, July 17
Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire @ Rose Garden Theater Of The Clouds, Portland, OR, July 18
Bela Fleck @ Grass Roots Festival, Trumansburg, NY, July 18
Bob Baldwin @ Hartford Jazz Festival, Hartford, CT, July 18
Ceu @ Herbst Theatre. San Francisco, CA, July 18
Joe, Chico DeBarge @ Carter Barron Amphitheater, Washington, DC, July 18
Bettye LaVette @ Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Festival, Sioux Falls, SD, July 18
Simply Red @ Amphitheater, Gelsenkirchen, Germany, July 18
Santana @ City Park Fair, Mainz, Germany, July 18
Mindi Abiar, Peter White, Will Downing @ JazzFest West, San Dimas, CA, July 18
Maxwell @ Heinz, Pittsburgh, PA, July 18
Dave Koz, Brian Culbertson @ Weesner Amphitheater, Apple Valley, MN, July 18
Buddy Guy @ Mid-America Center Ribfest, Council Bluffs, IA, July 18
Sax For Stax feat. Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum @ JazzFest West. San Dimas, CA, July 18
Simply Red @ Muensterplatz, Ulm, Germany, July 19
Bettye LaVette @ Grand Targhee Folk & Americana Festival, Alta, WY, July 19
Maxwell @ Sheas Performing Arts Center, Buffalo, NY, July 19
Mindi Abair, Peter White @ KIFM Jazz at the Beach Oceanside Pier, Oceanside, CA, July 19
Buddy Guy @ Mile High Music Festival, Commerce City, CO, July 19
Teena Marie @ Bonelli Park, San Dimas, CA, July 19
Santana @ Jazz on the Danube Festival, Straubing, Germany, July 19
Mindi Abair, Peter White @ Oceanside Pier Amphitheatre, Oceanside, CA, July 19
Stanley Jordan @ Iridium, New York, NY, July 20
Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire @ HP Pavillion At San Jose, San Jose, CA, July 21
Santana @ Gerry-Weber Arena, Halle, Germany, July 21
Ceu @ The Highline Ballroom, New York, NY, July 21
Toots & The Maytals @ BB King’s, New York, NY, July 21
Maxwell @ The Palace, Albany, NY, July 21
Maxwell @ NJ Performing Arts Center, New Jersey, July 22
Santana @ Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, Germany, July 22
Rippingtons @ Smooth Cruises Chelsea Piers, New York, NY, July 22
Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire @ Citizens Business Bank Arena, Ontario, CA, July 22
Steely Dan @ Wang Theatre, Boston, MA, July 22-25
Richie Havens @ Castle Cltino Battery Park, Tupper Lake, NY, July 23
Santana @ Stadtpark, Hamburg, Germany, July 23
Buddy Guy @ Cape Cod Melody Tent, Hyannis, MA, July 23
Buddy Guy @ Turning Stone Resort, Verona, NY, July 24
Maxwell @ Borgata, Atlantic City, New Jersey, July 24
Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire @ Jobing.com Arena, Glendale, AZ, July 24
Dave Koz, Brian Culbertson @ House of Blues, Dallas, TX, July 24
Bobby Caldwell @ Four Seasons Resort, Carlsbad, CA, July 24
Sax For Stax w/Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright @ ArenaTheatre, Houston, TX, July 24
Bettye LaVette @ Central Park Summerstage, New York, NY, July 24
Kool & The Gang @ BB King’s, New York, NY, July 24
Bettye LaVette @ Blues Under The Bridge, Colorado Springs, CO, July 25
Dave Koz, Brian Culbertson @ House of Blues, Houston, TX, July 25
Santana @ Silverstone Race Track, Northamptonshire, UK, July 25
Buddy Guy @ Wellmont Theatre, Montclair, NJ, July 25
Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire @ The Joint @ The Hard Rock & Casino, Las Vegas, NV, July 25
Maxwell @ Foxwoods, Foxwoods, CT, July 25
Norman Connors @ Blues Alley, Washington DC, July 25
Will Downing @ Country Club Hills, Chicago, IL, July 25
Sax For Stax w/Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright @ Jean Klock Beach, Benton Harbor, MI, July 25
Dave Koz, Brian Culbertson, Peabo Bryson @ Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Center, El Paso, TX, July 26
Buddy Guy @ Gathering of the Vibes, Bridgeport, CT, July 26
Charlie Wilson @ The Keswick, Philadelphia, PA, July 26
Nona Hendryx, Maya Azucena @ SOB’s, New York, NY, July 26
Grace Jones @ KCRW World Festival, Los Angeles, CA, July 26
Lonnie Liston Smith, Average White Band @ Luke Easter Park, Cleveland, OH, July 26
Sax For Stax w/Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright @ Hideway Park, Winter Park, CO, July 26
Maxwell @ Chrysler Hall, Norfalk, VA, July 27
Maxwell @ Johnny Mercer, Savannah, GA, July 28
Laura Izibor @ SOB’s, New York, NY, July 28
Nicole Henry @ Blues Alley, Washington, DC, July 28
Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire @ Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, Los Angeles, CA, July 28
Bob James, Earl Klugh @ Blue Note Jazz Club, New York, NY, July 28-Aug 2
Steely Dan @ Beacon Theatre, New York, NY, July 28-Aug 1
Earth Wind & Fire @ Humphreys Concerts By The Bay, San Diego, CA, July 29
Sax For Stax w/Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright @ Chene Park Amphitheatre, Detroit, MI, July 29
Sax For Stax w/Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright @ Ameristar Casino, St. Charles, MO, July 30
Maxwell @ Ruth Eckerd Hall, Tampa, FL, July 30
Jody Watley, The Birchmere Music Hall, Alexandria, VA, July 30
Maxwell @ The Knight Center, Miami, FL, July 31
Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire @ The Greek Theatre, Berkeley, CA, July 31
Jody Watley @ BB Kings, New York, NY, July 31
Dave Koz, Brian Culbertson, Peabo Bryson @ California Mid-State Fair, Paso Robles, CA, July 31
Bobby Caldwell @ The Hyatt Newporter, Newport Beach, CA, July 31

A CHICAGO-EARTH, WIND & FIRE ALBUM?

Fans of both Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire should take note that these '70's hitmakers are planning a full-scale collaborative album project. The two groups have been touring together for each of the last couple of summers. In conjunction with their 2009 summer tour, which kicked off June 5 in Orange Beach, Alabama., the two groups put together a special set of songs for download, with proceeds going to World Hunger Year. Chicago recorded a version of Earth, Wind & Fire's "I Can't Let You Go," while Earth, Wind & Fire covered Chicago's "Wishing You Were Here." The two bands then collaborated on a new Earth, Wind & Fire-composed song called "You." Chicago and Earth, Wind &Fire are asking their fans who come to the shows to bring three cans of non-perishable food or $3 -- which will go to local food banks -- in exchange for a download card. The songs can also be accessed by making a donation at EWFandChicago.com. According to a recent interview with Billboard.com, Chicago's Robert Lamm predicted that a Chicago-Earth, Wind & Fre album "would sound big. It obviously has to genetically reflect where the two bands are coming from sonically and writing-wise, but I'm hoping that something new could emerge, something modern, something contemporary that the sum of the two bands is greater than that, so that's my fantasy of what it could be." Lamm further mentioned that he and Chicago's other songwriters were recently in Nashville "doing some recording for our own amusement" with no firm plans for any of those songs yet. The group's Bill Champlin will release a solo album, "No Place Left to Fall," on Aug. 4, while Lamm says he's "always" entertaining ideas for solo projects and has also been in touch with former Chicago bassist Peter Cetera about doing some writing together.

MARK ISHAM & KATE CEBERANO - BITTERSWEET

Academy Award nominated jazz trumpet player and film composer Mark Isham has collaborated with ARIA Award winning Australian vocalist Kate Ceberano to create the new jazz album Bittersweet, a compilation of favorite jazz standards released in the U.S. on May 19, 2009. The album is already the #3 in Australia, where it was released on April 10, 2009 on the Universal Australia label. Bittersweet was recorded and mixed by Bernie Kirsch at Mad Hatter Studios in Hollywood, California, with assistance by Buck Snow and Melissa Kirkland, and mastered by Bernie Grundman at Bernie Grundman Mastering in Hollywood. Mark Isham produced the music, with Donna Isham serving as executive producer. Ceberano's management is Ralph Carr for RCM, with Ben Balfour as production manager. The album photography is by Michael Doven and CD artwork designed by Pierre Baroni.

Mark Isham's musical accomplishments have earned him Grammy, Emmy, Clio, and Academy Award nominations. In addition to his critically acclaimed jazz albums, Isham is known for his groundbreaking electronic music. He is also one of the most celebrated Hollywood film composers today, with credits on over 50 movies, including Crash, Bobby and The Black Dahlia, as well as several television scores.

Kate Ceberano is a multi-platinum and gold selling recording artist. Her soulful vocal style has earned her numerous nominations at the People's Choice Awards, ARIA Awards and the Mo Awards in Australia. The jazz band on Bittersweet, comprised of legendary jazz performers, includes Peter Erskine on drums, Alan Pasqua on piano and Tom Warrington on bass.

The official album site, http://www.bittersweetthealbum.com/, features special offers including the ability to stream 3 songs from the album, view the album's EPK video directed by Michael Doven, enter to WIN a FREE CD, and purchase either the CD, a Hi-Res 96k version for audiophiles, or even the individual audio file stems so that one can remix the album using Apple's Garageband or similar programs.

Quick links:
http://www.bittersweetthealbum.com/
http://www.isham.com/
http://www.kateceberano.com/

BETTYE LAVETTE - A CHANGE IS GONNA COME SESSIONS

Before her appearance at the Presidential Inauguration this past January, singer Bettye LaVette had a sporadic 2009 performance schedule. Now ever since she performed the incredible “A Change Is Gonna Come" along with Jon Bon Jovi, she has amassed a full concert schedule with bookings through next year. Bettye LaVette was born in Muskegon and grew up in nearby Detroit, where she was discovered by Johnnie Mae Matthews, a Detroit record producer. In 1962, at age16, she recorded a single, "My Man - He's A Lovin' Man" with Matthews, which became a hit after Atlantic Records bought distribution rights. Through the years she toured with Clyde McPhatter, Ben E. King, Barbara Lynn and Otis Redding, and even James Brown in her youth. Afterwards, she spent six years on Broadway and touring with the musical Bubbling Brown Sugar opposite Cab Calloway. During the disco years, she managed a small hit "Doin' The Best That I Can". She was signed to Motown and recorded Tell Me A Lie, with the single "Right in the Middle of Falling in Love" which was also a modest hit. Her career took her to the European festival circuit. In 1991, she completed the album Not Gonna Happen Twice for Ian Levine's Motorcity label. Now Bettye follows her amazing performance at Obama's Inagural festivities with her own recorded version of Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come." The Grammy-nominated singer will release a six song digital EP on iTunes, dubbed "A Change is Gonna Come Sessions" available June 16.

A Change Is Gonna Come Track Listing:
1. “A Change Is Gonna Come” (Sam Cooke)
2. “'Round Midnight” (Thelonious Monk)
3. “God Bless The Child” (Billie Holiday / Arthur Herzog)
4. “Lush Life” (Billy Strayhorn)
5. “Ain't No Sunshine” (Bill Withers)
6. “Ain’t That Lovin’ You” (Jimmy Reed)

Bettye LaVette Tour Dates:
June 4 @ Twilight Alive, Kingsport, TN
June 5 @ Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga,TN
June 11 @ The Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant, Minneapolis, MN
June 13 @ Chicago Blues Festival, Chicago, IL
June 24 @ Museum Of Fine Arts, Boston, MA
June 25 @ NYC Rockin The River Cruise, New York, NY
June 26 @ North By Northwest, Philadelphia, PA
June 28 @ Freihofer’s Jazz Festival, Saratoga Springs, NY
July 3 @ Muskegon Summer Celebration, Muskegon, MI
July 4 @ Comerica CityFest, Detroit, MI
July 8 @ Common Ground Music Festival, Lansing, MI
July 9 @ Burlington International Waterfront Festival, Burlington,VT
July 10 @ North Carolina Museum Of Art, Raleigh, NC
July 14 @ Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux, Switzerland
July 18 @ Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Festival, Sioux Falls, SD
July 19 @ Grand Targhee Folk & Americana Festival, Alta, WY
July 24 @ Central Park Summerstage, New York, NY
July 25 @ Blues Under The Bridge, Colorado Springs, CO
August 8 @ Sunflower River Blues & Gospel Festival, Clarksdale, MS
August 9 @ San Jose Jazz Festival, San Jose, CA
August 30 @ Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival, San Francisco, CA
August 31 @ Jimmy Mak’s, Portland, OR
September 1 @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA
September 2 @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA
September 4 @ Anthology, San Diego, CA
September 5 @ Long Beach Blues Festival, Long Beach, CA
September 12 @ Playing With Fire, Omaha, NE
September 20 @ Brisbane Festival, Brisbane, Australia
September 21 @ Brisbane Festival, Brisbane, Australia
September 25 @ The Sheldon Concert Hall, St. Louis, MO
September 26 @ Singletary Center For The Arts, Lexington, KY
October 23 @ James Lumber Center For The Performing Art, Grayslake, IL
October 24 @ McAninch Arts Center, Glen Ellyn, IL

2010 Tour Dates
February 2 – Hopkins Center For The Performing Arts, Hopkins, MN
March 12 @ The Community Theatre At Mayo Center, Morristown, NJ
March 18 – Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown, NY
March 19 – Flynn Center For The Performing Arts, Burlington, VTMarch 20 – Quick Center Of The Arts, Fairfield, CT

SANTANA REVISES CONCERT/TOUR DATES

The HDNet Concert Series presents the premiere of "Santana: Multi-Dimensional Warrior: Live at the Fillmore," Sunday, June 7 at 8:00 p.m. ET. It’s Carlos Santana's unprecedented return to the legendary Fillmore in San Francisco, California in 2008. "Santana: Multi-Dimensional Warrior" features a two hour set of favorites such as "Smooth," "Shapeshifter," "Jingo," and a really cool version of "Superstition."

Santana has also announced some August & September Concert date changes at The Joint At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Due to scheduling adjustments, the following changes to the upcoming performance schedule for Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through The Hits are as follows: performances originally scheduled for August 26, 27, 29 and 30 have been removed from the schedule. These shows will no longer take place on these dates. Performances scheduled for September 4, 5, 6 and 9 will be performed as scheduled!

Performances on September 11, 12, 14 and 15 will be added to the schedule. Check out http://www.supernaturalsantana.com/ page for additional tour dates, venue information and ticket buy links.

July European Tour dates Announced.
Here are the dates for the Santana July European Tour.
7/4/2009 Bucharest, Romania, B'estfest Festival
7/6/2009 Istanbul, Turkey, Kuracesna Arena
7/8/2009 Athens, Greece, Olympiako Stadium Athenas Spyros Louis
7/10/2009 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia, Skopje CityStadium
7/11/2009 Belgrade, Serbia, Youth Festival
7/12/2009 Croatia, Varazdin Festival
7/14/2009 Trieste, Italy, Trieste Piazza unita d'Italia
7/15/2009 Brescia, Italy, Piazza della Loggia
7/17/2009 Kitzbuehel, Austria, Festival
7/18/2009 Mainz, Germany, City Park Fair
7/19/2009 Straubing, Germany, Jazz on the Danube festival
7/21/2009 Halle, Germany, Gerry-Weber Arena
7/22/2009 Dortmund, Germany, Westfalenhalle
7/23/2009 Hamburg, Germany, Stadtpark
7/25/2009 Northamptonshire, Silverstone Race Track

ZERO 7 - YEAH GHOST

Atlantic recording group Zero 7 have announced the details of their fourth studio album, "Yeah Ghost," which is due at all physical and online retailers in the U.S. on Sept. 8th. "Yeah Ghost" will see Zero 7 (Sam Hardaker and Henry Binns) teaming up with several guest vocalists, including soul/jazz artist Eska Mtungwazi, folk singer/songwriter Martha Tilston, and electronic hip-hop performer Rowdy Superstar. Their first album in three years, "Yeah Ghost" is the follow up to 2006's Grammy-nominated, critically acclaimed "The Garden." Leading up to the album release, Zero 7 will perform at notable European music festivals, including Sudwest in Portugal on August 7th, Pukkelpop in Belgium on August 20th, and Electric Picnic in Ireland on September 4th. Sam Hardaker and Henry Binns first made themselves known as engineers in the late 1990s, working behind the scenes with such artists as Pet Shop Boys and Robert Plant. Teaming up as Zero 7, the duo emerged from the studio and captured the attention of music lovers around the world with their now-classic 2001 debut, "Simple Things." That era-defining collection was followed in 2004 by their acclaimed second album, "When It Falls," along with their contribution ("In The Waiting Line") to the Grammy-winning soundtrack of "Garden State." "The Garden," the group's third album released in 2006, featured appearances by Jose González and Sia Furler, and garnered much praise in the music press for its sunshine-soaked ambient soul.

Yeah Ghost Tracklisting:
1. Count Me Out
2. Mr. McGee
3. Swing
4. Everything Up (Zizou)
5. Pop Art Blue
6. Medicine Man
7. Ghost sYMbOL
8. Sleeper
9. Solastalgia
10. The Road
11. All Of Us

STEELY DAN TOUR DATES

Steely Dan are back on the road this summer season and have scheduled a number of show that will feature select albums. See information below as they will perform the following concerts:

June 9 @ Performing Arts Center,Durham, NC
June 12 @ Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, FL
June 13 @ Mizner Park Amphitheatre, Boca Raton, FL
June 15 @ Barbara B. Mann Center, Ft. Meyers, FL
June 18 @ St. Augustine Amphitheatre, St. Augustine, FL
June 19 @ The Wharf, Orange Beach, AL
July 22 (Aja) @ Wang Theatre, Boston, MA
July 24 (Gaucho) @ Wang Theatre, Boston, MA
July 25 (Requests) @ Wang Theatre, Boston, MA
July 28 (Aja) @ Beacon Theatre, New York, NY
July 29 (Gaucho) @ Beacon Theatre, New York, NY
July 31 (Royal Scam) @ Beacon Theatre, New York, NY
August 1 (Requests) @ Beacon Theatre in New York, NY
August 7 @ Foxwoods Casino, Mashantucket, CT
August 8 @ Borgata Hotel, Atlantic City, NJ
August 14 @ Mud Island, Memphis, TN
August 15 @ Chastain Park Amphitheatre, Atlanta, GA
August 21 (Aja) @ Gibson Amphitheatre, Los Angeles, CA
August 22 (Gaucho) @ Gibson Amphitheatre, Los Angeles, CA
August 24 (Royal Scam) @ Gibson Amphitheatre, Los Angeles, CA
August 25 (Requests) @ Gibson Amphitheatre in Los Angeles CA
August 28 @ Palms, Las Vegas, NV
August 31 (Aja) @ Chicago Theatre, Chicago, IL
September 1 (Gaucho) @ Chicago Theatre, Chicago, IL
September 3 (Royal Scam) @ Chicago Theatre, Chicago, IL
September 4 (Requests) @ Chicago Theatre, Chicago, ILSeptember 6 @ MotorCity Casino, Detroit, MI

KENNY RANKIN: 1940-2009

Musician-songwriter Kenny Rankin, who played guitar on Bob Dylan's landmark 1965 album 'Bringing It All Back Home', died on Sunday (June 7) in Los Angeles. He was 69. Kenny Rankin was a brilliant pop vocalist and highly regarded musician-songwriter whose stylings ranged from jazz to pop to the world music influences he picked up as a child in living in the Washington Heights area of New York.

In addition to being a renowned songwriter he also wrote songs for Peggy Lee (“In The Name Of Love”), as well as "Haven't We Met," performed by Carmen McRae and Mel Torme. Rankin also reworked Beatles tunes, which reportedly impressed Paul McCartney so much he asked him to perform 'Blackbird' when he and John Lennon were inducted into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame. Rankin wrote and recorded the pop standard "Peaceful." Rankin had been preparing to record an album of new material when he became ill a few weeks ago. Recording sessions scheduled with producer Phil Ramone were canceled as his health began to deteriorate.

Kenny Rankin signed with Decca in the late 1950s he released a handful of singles before moving on to Columbia Records, also the home of Dylan. There, he took part in the recording of "Bringing it All Back Home," the album in which Dylan moved firmly from an all-acoustic folk music sound to an electric mixture of pop and rock 'n' roll. Soon after, he made his first appearance on "The Tonight Show," where he impressed host Johnny Carson so much that Carson contributed liner notes to Rankin's first album, 1967's "Mind Dusters." Other albums included "Family," ''Like a Seed," ''Inside and "Silver Morning:" He would go on to appear as Carson's "Tonight Show" guest more than 20 times. Rankin spent much of the past 20 years touring, although he returned to the studio in the mid-1990s to release a pair of albums, "Professional Dreamer" and "Here In My Heart." He also released a Christmas album in 1999.

Rankin is survived by his son, two daughters and granddaughter. A memorial service in Los Angeles is expected to take place within the coming days. Here is a list of his recordings: Mind-Dusters (1967); Family (1970); Like a Seed (1972); Inside (1975); Silver Morning (1975); The Kenny Rankin Album (1976); After the Roses (1980); Hiding in Myself (1988); Because of You (1991); Professional Dreamer (1994); Here in My Heart (1997); A Christmas Album (1999); A Song for You (2002); Peaceful: The Best of Kenny Rankin (1996)

JEFFREY OSBOURNE - GREATEST HITS LIVE

E1 Music has announced the release of "Greatest Hits Live!" the first live album ever by R&B superstar Jeffrey Osborne, on July 7th, 2009. This comprehensive collection showcases electrifying renditions of all the Osborne classics from his three decades as a solo artist, and includes songs by the legendary L.T.D. Jeffrey Osborne began his professional singing career in 1969 with the popular funk group L.T.D. After more than ten years with the band, he decided to pursue a solo career. In 1982, Osborne released his self-titled debut album, which featured two hit singles, "On The Wings Of Love" and "I Really Don't Need No Light", peaking at #29 & #39 on the pop chart respectively. This was followed up the next year by Stay With Me Tonight, his first gold album (later reaching platinum album status), which spawned two more hits, "Don't You Get So Mad" (#25) and the title track (#30).Osborne had two more gold albums, Don't Stop and Emotional, the latter of which had his highest charting solo pop hit, "You Should Be Mine (The Woo Woo Song”, which peaked at #13 in 1986. The following year, Osborne had the highest-charting hit of his career on a duet with Dionne Warwick on "Love Power", which reached #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and also topped the Adult Contemporary singles chart. His solo career has garnered Osbourne recorded five gold and platinum albums.

Jeffrey Osbourne – Greatest Hits Live – Track Listing
1. We're Going All The Way
2. Don't You Get So Mad/Don't Need No Light
3. Only Human
4. We Party Hearty
5. Stranger
6. Stay With Me Tonight
7. Close the Door
8. On The Wings Of Love
9. Holding On
10. Concentrate On You
11. We Both Deserve Each Other's Love
12. Love Ballad
13. You Should Be Mine (The Woo Woo Song)
14. Back In Love Again
15. I'll Be Around

KKSF RESPONSE TO SMOOTH JAZZ LISTENERS

Michael Erickson, who works for Clear Channel, which dumped smooth jazz KKSF to make it a greatest hits rock station, has written a response to the 6,400 fans who complained about the move and offered places they could still hear the smooth format. "It's business," says Erickson, who I know as one of the nicest and most genuine guys in the medium. You can still hear the format online, at kksf.com. Another place is on weekends on KISS-FM, 98.1. And lastly, for the two of you who have them, on your HD radio at 98.1 HD-2. There will also be smooth jazz concerts, such as Diana Krall at the Mountain Winery Aug. 18 and 19 and India.Arie June 11. (And there will be smooth blues at next year's Santa Cruz Blues Festival, Memorial Day weekend.)

Here is the text of his note:

Thank you for the over 6,400 responses expressing your frustration, anger, disappointment, and passion for Smooth Jazz and KKSF. After reading over 5,000 of them, to use some of your words, it's time for this idiotic, spineless, moron to respond. Your question, Why? I know it's not popular, but the answer is, it's business. As many of you know, there have been numerous Smooth Jazz stations replaced in many cities around the country, the latest being WNUA in Chicago. Here in the Bay Area, we have a population of over 6 million people. Successful radio stations are determined by which get the most people to listen most often. While we all place a high value on being unique, different, and special, those qualities alone do not always equal success. What research and ratings have definitively shown is there are a lot more people in the Bay Area who enjoy the kind of music that you hear on "The Band" compared to Smooth Jazz. Not thousands, not tens of thousands, but hundreds of thousands more. From a business stand point, the decision was obvious. What made it so difficult were you, the loyal, passionate listeners. While we cannot bring back Smooth Jazz to your FM radio at this time, we have created a way where you can listen to Smooth Jazz in your car, at work, or at home. HD radio. Right now, you can hear all the great Smooth Jazz songs you love, plus personalities like Miranda Wilson, Dave Koz, and Maria Lopez on 98.1 HD-2. We do not make one penny off the purchase of HD radios, this is simply a way to get the music and DJs you love on a radio. To find out about HD radios, click here, or go to KKSF.com and enter the keyword: HD. If you aren't familiar, you can also listen to Smooth Jazz on your iPhone or Blackberry by downloading the free iHeartradio app.KKSF.com will continue to stream Smooth Jazz, as well as provide you with updated concert information and Smooth Jazz news. Many of you have asked if there will be a Summer Jazz Fest in Concord this year, and the answer is YES, we've been told by Live Nation there is one scheduled for August 22nd. We will update you with more information just as soon as we get it.One more Program note: beginning this Sunday June 8th, (and every Sunday) from 8am to 10am you can listen to "Smooth Jazz Weekend" on 98.1 KISS FM. (regular FM radio) This two hour show features the same great Smooth Jazz music you are used to listening to, plus interviews with some of your favorite artists (find out more below). No, this is not supposed to be a replacement for KKSF, just a way to keep Smooth Jazz on the airwaves, and to support the music and artists in the Bay Area.

Michael Erickson
KKSF Program Director

Source: www.examiner.com

WILL DOWNING - CLASSIQUE

Will Downing will release “Classique” a collection of original and cover classic songs on June 16 on the Peak record label. Downing beautifully covers Barry White's 1973 hit “I'm gonna love you just a little more baby;” David Ruffin's 1976 hit “Stature of a fool,” and Marvin Gaye's “Baby I'm for real,” which features the tenor vocals of Phil Perry. “Not that I have anything against artists and what they are doing, but it doesn't last,” Will said about the meaning of the CD, “Classique” which is classic in French. “The music I grew up with are classic songs (now)...their stuff is lasting.”“Classique” (Peak ecords/Concord Music Group) will be in stores June 16, 2009 and marks his 20th anniversary as a recording artist. Aside from those covers songs mentioned some of my other favorites on the album include the foot tapping “More time (Tic Toc),” “Just think about it” and “I won't stop,” which is sure to be a classic love song. Will received production help from his long time friend Rex Rideout.

Will’s start in the business was back in the 80’s when he would work on the albums for Jennifer Holiday, Kool & the Gang, Gerald Albright, Regina Belle and Billy Ocean. He later signed with 4th & Broadway, then Island Records and ended up at Mercury Records. It was at Mercury that he recorded four albums “Love's the place to be,” in 1993; “Moods” in 1995, “Invitation Only” in 1997, and in 2000 he received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Traditional R&B Album for “”All the Man You Need.”

Blurring the line between jazz and classic soul in a musical era that often pushes style over substance, Will Downing has amassed a timeless body of work that has never forced his listeners to make that compromise. The consistent choice of classy style over flashy trends, have fueled the success of a 12 album-two decade long career, with millions of albums sold in countries all over the world. Most of today's performers would be fortunate to accomplish a track record only half as long. As one of the lone surviving mature male vocalists in a youth driven market, this Brooklyn native emerges at the top of his game and continues to expand his fan base with each new musical chapter.

Recognized by the Grammy's and the NAACP Image Awards for his excellence on the stage and in the studio, Will Downing is starting to become equally well known for his talents outside of that realm. Unbeknownst to many of his listeners, Will Downing is a noted and equally skilled photographer. His subjects of choice are his musical contemporaries whom he captures live on-stage or in candid moments behind the curtain.

TEENA MARIE - CONGO SQUARE

Congo Square is Teena Marie's Stax Records debut due and it marks the Grammy nominated singer's 30th year as one the most admired and influential R&B artists of her generation. It's is an ode to all those who came before her like Sarah Vaughan, Curtis Mayfield and Marvin Gaye to name a few. The first single from Teena Marie's long-awaited, forthcoming Stax Records debut "Can't Last A Day" features Faith Evans and is available digitally at iTunes, Amazon MP3 and all other digital retailers. Teena and Faith move back and forth throughout the song with powerful emotion. "Musically, the song has that Gamble & Huff, Teddy Pendergrass, Philadelphia International sound," offered Teena. "It's about that mystical, joined-through-God kind of love...really powerful...like the love I felt when I spoke to my auntie who was married for 57 years, and the love reflected in my mother who was married to my father for 36 years until he died. When she dies she'll be buried next to him. I'm talking about people being together until the end of time. I think we're really missing that level of love today." Teena lights up when describing how Faith became involved in the song, "It was after I had recorded the song I got the idea to put Faith on it. I've always loved Faith and her vocal style. She reminds me of myself, personally and professionally. Of the younger ladies, she's the one I love most."

Capitalizing on the revolutionary changes affecting the music industry, R&B icon Teena Marie has launched a new Internet television presence, Official Teena Marie Tv Network (www.officialteenamarie.tv) to get closer to her fans and be personally involved in the promotion of her soon to be released CD, "Congo Square." Assisting and guiding her in this effort is Internet television guru, Mario Hemsley of Pax Stereo Tv (www.paxstereo.tv). According to Mario, this is a match made in the stars. "Teena Marie is uniquely suited for the types of campaigns that we have been launching lately" he points out. "She already is tweeting and messaging throughout the day, and she also has multiple two-way conversations going on all the time. Now, with our application, fans can listen in and even participate whenever they desire." Music industry veteran Danielle Holland is Pax Stereo's VP of Marketing, Promotion & Public Relations, and is personally overseeing the launch of the Official Teena Marie Tv Network. "We are working closely with Teena's staff to make this transition to new media as smooth as possible. Mario sets it all up so that from the beginning everything is up, integrated and working, which makes it easy for me to hit the ground running." An added perk is getting to see results unveil in real-time using the latest in Twitter monitoring technology. This is a new twist Danielle insists she loves. "We setup the client to see the results of our efforts in real-time wherever they are in the world. They are always connected, and always in control." She smiles, "but seeing it in action is something else entirely."

Scheduled for this Monday, June 8th, at 10AM PST is the Official Grand Opening of the Internet "Tv" ("Tv"=Internet Television) network, with the first broadcast being the songstress' live in-studio appearance on Pax Stereo Tv's "Morning Coffee with Mario" (www.paxstereo.tv/morningcoffee). The live streaming special event is being simulcast over the Internet to both Pax Stereo Tv and the Official Teena Marie Tv Network. Mario reminds everyone that this is a "take home" package. "Everyone can go the the channel, grab the embed code, and put Teena Marie's broadcasts on their Facebook, MySpace, or wherever they want. Everything is designed to go viral."

While results are already being felt, additional plans are underway for the future streaming of live free concerts from Teena Marie's home specifically packaged for her legion of loyal fans. Victor Allen, who is directs, films and produces many of the programs at Pax Stereo Tv is looking forward to making as much of Teena available as possible. "Teena is a videographer herself, so I am really looking forward to all of the content she already has, as well as the upcoming intimate live performance video footage."

The "Congo Square" CD is scheduled for release on June 9th, 2009 on Stax Records. Pax Stereo is a member of the YouTube Partner Program, and has had over 1.8 million views of their original content on Youtube (www.youtube.com/paxstereo).

Teena Marie CONGO SQUARE Tour Dates
5/8 Constitution Hall - Washington D.C.
5/9 City Boardwalk Hall - Atlantic City, NJ
5/10 Beacon Theater - New York, NY
5/25 Stone Soul Picnic (KBLX) - Sleep Train Performance - Concord, CA
6/21 Philly West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival - Philadelphia, CA
7/5 Essence Festival - Louisiana Superdome - New Orleans, LA
7/19 Bonelli Park – San Dimas, CA
8/8 Spirit Fest - Merriweather Post Pavilion - Columbia, MD
8/29 Country Club Hills - Chicago, IL 8/30 Fox Theater - Detroit, MI
9/4 Spirit Mountain Casino - Grand Ronde, OR
9/26 Viejas Casino & Resort - Alpine, CA

PETER SMITH - HERE IT COMES

Jazz pianist and composer, Peter Smith, has released his long-awaited debut album "Here It Comes," featuring Molly Ringwald. The album has already received considerable critical acclaim.." You might remember Molly Ringwald as the superb actress in countless films, but few know that her singing career began when she was a little girl, making her recording debut with her Jazz pianist father, Robert Ringwald. More recently, she led the Broadway cast of "Cabaret," and the national tour of "Sweet Charity." Peter is the musical director of her ensemble, and the musicians on this album comprise Molly's "working band." Much of the original music here was tried and tested on the bandstand as "opening numbers" for Molly's performances. Although Molly only sings on two tracks, she is, essentially, the impetus for this group and this album.

The musicians' contributions on "Here It Comes" are superlative. Charles Owens, Allen Mezquida, Trevor Ware, and Clayton Cameron play with great fluidity and effortless mastery. Every track commands attention, but a selected sampling should include the following: "Put My Fears to Rest" is the gem of the album, interpreted by Patrice Quinn. "Once Again" swings in the classic, "Art Blakey" style. "Mean Streets" features the incomparable brush-work of Clayton Cameron, and "Blues for LeDonne" is a real "tap-your-foot" blues, inspired by Mike LeDonne. "My Daughter" plays like an art song. "I Just Want to Be with You," which Smith and Ringwald co-composed, harkens back to the sweet standards of old, and Allen Mezquida's gorgeous alto solo reminds one that the "walking ballad" is not a lost art.

Peter Smith – Here It Comes - Tracklisting
1. Once Again (P. Smith)
2. I'll Take Romance (B. Oakland/ O. Hammerstein)
3. Mean Streets (aka "Verdandi"-- T. Flanagan)
4. I'm in the Mood for Love (D. Fields/ J. McHugh)
5. I Just Want to Be with You (M. Ringwald/ P. Smith)
6. Webs (A. Mezquida)
7. My Daughter (P. Smith)
8. Blues for LeDonne (P. Smith)
9. Put My Fears to Rest (P. Smith)
10. Here it Comes (P. Smith)

Album Credits:
Molly Ringwald (vocal, 2, 5)
Patrice Quinn (vocal, 9)
Allen Mezquida (alto sax, 1,2,5,6,7,10)
Charles Owens (tenor sax and flute, 1,2, 6, 7, 9, 10)
Peter Smith (piano; vocal, 4, 7)
Trevor Ware (bass)
Clayton Cameron (drums)

eMUSIC TO FEATURE SONY MUSIC CATALOG

eMusic, the internet's corner music store, and Sony Music Entertainment have announced that they have reached an agreement to sell songs from Sony Music's back catalog on the eMusic website. Beginning in the third quarter, eMusic will offer its U.S. subscribers classic recordings from all Sony Music labels, such as Arista, Columbia, Epic, Jive, LaFace, Legacy Recordings and RCA, including artists such as Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, The Clash, Jeff Buckley, Johnny Cash, Leonard Cohen and OutKast. The agreement covers music that is two years old or more. Additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.

eMusic offers music fans a deeper, more immersive alternative to mass market digital music stores and will present Sony Music artists with the same award-winning editorial focus that it brings to its current catalog. The site, geared to adults over the age of 25, will contextualize albums and songs from Sony Music's renowned artists, drawing meaningful connections between "major" and "indie" artists, and featuring in-depth discographies and collections built around genres and themes.

"We welcome the opportunity to expand the reach of Sony Music catalog artists online to include eMusic's large and passionate subscriber base. We look forward to working with them to promote discovery and sales of all the great music available from Sony Music's recent past and legendary history," said Thomas Hesse, President, Global Digital Business, U.S. Sales and Corporate Strategy.

"We're excited to bring Sony Music's vast catalog of music to eMusic's customers," said Danny Stein, eMusic CEO and Chairman. "First and foremost, eMusic is about a quality customer experience. We are eager to bring eMusic's in-depth approach and curatorial excellence to these incredible recordings -- as we've done for independent labels for the last 10 years."

eMusic launched in 1998 and was one of the first digital music services to sell MP3 download and the first to launch a download-to-own subscription service for music in 2000. Its subscription pricing offers the ability to download 24 tracks for as little as $11.99 per month.

SANTANA: MULTI-DIMENSIONAL WARRIOR: LIVE AT THE FILLMORE

The HDNet Concert Series premieres "Santana: Multi-Dimensional Warrior: Live at the Fillmore," Sunday, June 7 at 8:00 p.m. ET. Carlos Santana's unprecedented return to the legendary Fillmore in San Francisco, California in 2008 is his fan's greatest opportunity to see the enigmatic axe man in a rare and intimate setting, what many consider to be his greatest homecoming. Santana has captivated audiences since first taking the stage at the Fillmore West Theater on June 16, 1968 - many of the band members were high school friends. Carlos Santana, with his signature Latin-tinged guitar, experienced critical and commercial success in the 60's and 70's and returned to prominence with a literal "who's-who" of guests on his massively successful, Grammy Award winning album "Supernatural." The album became his best seller. Santana then released "Shaman" in 2005. "Santana: Multi-Dimensional Warrior" features a two hour set of favorites such as "Smooth," "Shapeshifter," "Jingo," and a breath-taking version of "Superstition." on HDNet.

HDNet is a network that is original, thinks independently and delivers unique content and provocative, authentic programming that appeals to men of all ages, delivered in true high definition. HDNet is the exclusive, high definition home for popular, original programming, including television's only HD news feature programs "HDNet World Report," and the Emmy Award winning "Dan Rather Reports," featuring legendary journalist Dan Rather. Only HDNet goes beyond the headlines to deliver real news that is redefining the way we look at our world. HDNet News is provocative, sometimes controversial and always relevant - telling the important stories of our time in-depth, with attitude and with independence. HDNet also delivers the world's largest and most diverse concert line-up through the HDNet Concert Series. The HDNet Concert Series features leading artists and bands including Coldplay, Gwen Stefani, John Mayer and more. HDNet also features revealing lifestyle programming featuring "Art Mann Presents," "Vegas Confessions," "Deadline" and "Get Out!" HDNet is also the exclusive high definition home to critically acclaimed and award winning documentaries as part of the InFocus series. "NASA on HDNet" presents all live shuttle launches through 2010.

NEW RELEASES FROM U-NAM, VANESSA WILLIAMS, S-TONE INC., JOCELYN BROWN, BOOKER T. JONES & MORE...

Afrozone Orchestra – Future Afrobeat/Tongana (Soultronik)
Allen Toussaint – The Bright Mississippi (Nonesuch)
Anita Baker – The Best Of Anita Baker (Atlantic/Rhino)
B.B. King – Live At Montreux 1993 DVD Eagle Rock)
Barry White – Just For You (Island/Mercury)
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy – Hob Big Can You Het? A Tribute To Cab Calloway (Vanguard)
Blood, Swaeat & Tears – Blood, Sweat & Tears 4 – Remasted (Columbia)
Booker T. Jones – Potato Hole (Anti)
Buju Banton – Rasta Got Soul (Gargamel)
Burnt Sugar – Making Love To The Dark Ages (Livewired)
Caetano Veloso – Zii & Zee (Universal Brazil)
Carlos Nino – High With A Little Help From My Friends (Kindred Spirits)
Carlos Nino & Miquel Atwood-Ferguson – Suite For Ma Dukes (Mochilla)
Chicago – Chicago Transit Authority (Rhino)
Chicago – Chicago II (Rhino)
City Champs – Safecracker (Electrophonic)
Dee Alexander – Wild Is The Wind (Blujazz)
Diana Krall – Quiet Nights (Verve)
Diana Ross – Reach Out And Touch: The Very Best Of Diana Ross – Vinyl (Motown)
Down To The Bone – Future Boogie (Shanachie)
Duane Williams – These Songs Are For You (Soul Junction)
El Michaels Affair – Walk On By (Truth & Soul)
Frank Sinatra –My Way: 40th Anniversary Edition – Remastered/Bonus Tracks (Concord)
Frank Sinatra – Classic Sinatra II (Capitol/EMI)
Frank Sinatra – Live At The Meadowlands – Unreleased Tracks (Concord)
Freddie Hubbard – Without A Song: Live In Europe 1969 (Blue Note)
Gianni Basso & Irion De Paula – Recado Bossa Nova (Déjà vu)
Harry Belafonte – The Early Years At Capitol Records (DRG)
Iggy Pop – Preliminaires (Astralwerks)
Ike & Tina Turner – The Collection (Capitol)
Incognito – Live At The Java Jazz Fest Jakarta - DVD (I-Music)
Indigo Trio – Anaya (Rogue Art)
Jabberloop – Check This Out (Sony)
Jazz Liberatorz – Fruit Of The Past (KIF)
Jocelyn Brown – One From The Heart (Warners)
Jose Feliciano Band - The Paris Concert - DVD (I-Music)
Jose Roberto Betrami & His Modern Sound – Aventura (Far Out)
Kyle Eastwood – Metropolitan (Rendezvous)
Liza Minnelli – The Capitol Years (Capitol/EMI)
Lorenzo Tucci – Touch (Schema)
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell – United – Vinyl (Motown)
Melissa Morgan – Until I Met You (Telarc)
Melody Gardot – My One And Only Thrill (Verve)
Melvin Gibb – Elevated Entity (Ancients Speak)
Michael McDonald – Soundstage: A Tribute To Motown Live - DVD (Koch)
Miles Davis – The New Miles Davis Quintet (Prestige)
Moleskins – Dedication (Lights Out)
Nomo – Invisible Cities (Ubiquity)
Nostalgia 77 – Nostalgia 77 Sessions (Tru Thoughts)
Oleta Adams – Let’s Stay Here (E1 Music)
Perry Robinson & Buton Greene – Two Voices In The Desert (Tzadik)
Quasimodo & Others – Golden Works (Geneon)
Quiet Nights Orchestra – Chapter One (Lights Out)
Ray Charles – A Message From The People – Remastered (Concord)
Ray Charles – Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music, Volumes 1 & 2 (Concord)
S-Tone Inc. – Moon In Libra (Schema)
Shirley Bassey – The Collection (Capitol)
Simply Red – The Greatest Video Hits DVD (EMI)
Sly & Robbie – Live 86 (MVD Audio)
Smokey Robinson – A Quiet Storm – Vinyl (Motown)
Solomon Burke – Essential Recordings: It Don’t Get Better Than This (Rounder)
Sonny Rollins - Reel Life (OJC)
Soothsayers – One More Reason (Soothsayers)
Sophie Millman – Take Love East (E1 Entertainment)
Stefania Rava – Send In The Clowns (Déjà vu)
Stevie Wonder – Songs In The Key Of Life – Vinyl (Motown)
Sweet Vandals – Lovelite (Unique)
Tortured Soul – Did You Miss Me (Tortured Soul)
U-Nam – Unanimity (Trippin N Rhythm)
Vanessa Williams – The Real Thing (Concord)
Various Artists – Smooth Jazz Number Ones (Concord)
Wigald Boning – Jet Set Jazz (Compost)