Tuesday, March 23, 2010
33rd ANNUAL FREIHOFER'S SARATOGA JAZZ FESTIVAL
The Saratoga Performing Arts Center has announced that the 33rd annual Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival will present a lineup that includes Gladys Knight, jazz singer Al Jarreau & the George Duke Trio, legendary blues icon Taj Mahal, guitarist extraordinaire Al Di Meola and two piano legends - Ramsey Lewis and Ahmad Jamal. The Saturday, June 26 and Sunday, June 27 jazz festival will feature more than 20 performances over the two-day weekend on SPAC's Amphitheater and Gazebo stages. Located in scenic Saratoga Springs, New York, Saratoga Performing Arts Center has been the site of Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival since George Wein established it in 1978. With an inside seating capacity of 5,200, lawn seating of 20,000, world class jazz talent and just three hours driving time from Boston, New York or Montreal, SPAC's Jazz Festival draws thousands of jazz lovers from across the Northeast and the United States. "The Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival offers a jazz lineup of unparalleled quality and diversity, with musicians from every corner and tradition in the jazz world displaying the extraordinary range and richness of the art form," said Marcia J. White, SPAC's President and Executive Director. "Our Festival also offers an atmosphere that is as spectacular as the music. Our lush lawn, framed by the 50 to 60 foot emerald pines of the Saratoga Spa State Park, is the perfect place to stretch out, relax and take in the music. In addition, our free parking, the opportunity to bring in your own food, beverages, blankets and tents make our festival a fabulous, affordable escape. Truly, our event offers an experience that few others can match," she added. The full two-day Festival lineup is available at www.spac.org.
Monday, March 22, 2010
BRAD MEHLDAU - HIGHWAY RIDER
The new album from jazz pianist Brad Mehldau sees him re-team with producer Jon Brion for a work that mixes jazz and pop sensibilities. Highway Rider is their first collaboration since the 2002’s Largo, which sold 34,000 copies (solid numbers for a jazz album) and was one of the most influential jazz releases of recent years. Over the last two decades Mehldau has established himself as a acclaimed pianist in the style of Bill Evans, playing as sideman with a variety of musicians including the Joshua Redman quartet before forming his own trio in 1994, with bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jorge Rossy, and later Jeff Ballard.
His debut album Introducing Brad Mehldau (1995) was followed by Art Of The Trio, Vol. 1 (1997), with two volumes coming soon after. He returned with Elegiac Cycle (1999), Art Of The Trio, Vol. 4: Back At The Vanguard (1999) and Places (2000), the latter featuring original compositions focusing on various cities. Another Art Of The Trio album arrived in 2001, but a year after he came out with Largo (2002), which saw Mehldau perform with other groups outside of his usual trio format and team up with producer Brion, best known for his work with artists such as Fiona Apple, Aimee Mann and Kanya West. Mehldau followed this the standards-based Anything Goes (2004), Live In Tokyo (2004), Day Is Done (2005), House On The Hill (2006), Love Sublime (2006), and the double-disc Live (2008) which was recorded with his trio at the Village Vanguard.
The latest album sees Jon Brion again in the producer’s chair with Mehldau’s usual trio of Matt Chamberlain (drums), Joshua Redman (saxophone) and a small chamber orchestra led by Dan Coleman. Using a broader instrumental palette than Largo, this 15-track song cycle – which was written, orchestrated, and arranged by Mehldau – reflects his recent experience writing longer-form pieces.
Speaking of his renewed collaboration with Brion, Mehldau has said:
“I knew from working with Jon on Largo that he was the guy who would find a way to put all the pieces together for this project.It was really quite a beast sonically at some points – two drummers playing at the same time, bass, sax, and piano, and then the orchestra on top of that. I wanted to record everything live whenever possible but wasn’t sure if we could do it. Jon had the foresight during the recording, and then a great deal of craft during the mixing, to bring it all together and sound like it does. And we were able to avoid what the conductor Dan Coleman jokingly referred to as “disco strings” – that is, adding the orchestra onto the jazz group’s performance after the fact.”
His debut album Introducing Brad Mehldau (1995) was followed by Art Of The Trio, Vol. 1 (1997), with two volumes coming soon after. He returned with Elegiac Cycle (1999), Art Of The Trio, Vol. 4: Back At The Vanguard (1999) and Places (2000), the latter featuring original compositions focusing on various cities. Another Art Of The Trio album arrived in 2001, but a year after he came out with Largo (2002), which saw Mehldau perform with other groups outside of his usual trio format and team up with producer Brion, best known for his work with artists such as Fiona Apple, Aimee Mann and Kanya West. Mehldau followed this the standards-based Anything Goes (2004), Live In Tokyo (2004), Day Is Done (2005), House On The Hill (2006), Love Sublime (2006), and the double-disc Live (2008) which was recorded with his trio at the Village Vanguard.
The latest album sees Jon Brion again in the producer’s chair with Mehldau’s usual trio of Matt Chamberlain (drums), Joshua Redman (saxophone) and a small chamber orchestra led by Dan Coleman. Using a broader instrumental palette than Largo, this 15-track song cycle – which was written, orchestrated, and arranged by Mehldau – reflects his recent experience writing longer-form pieces.
Speaking of his renewed collaboration with Brion, Mehldau has said:
“I knew from working with Jon on Largo that he was the guy who would find a way to put all the pieces together for this project.It was really quite a beast sonically at some points – two drummers playing at the same time, bass, sax, and piano, and then the orchestra on top of that. I wanted to record everything live whenever possible but wasn’t sure if we could do it. Jon had the foresight during the recording, and then a great deal of craft during the mixing, to bring it all together and sound like it does. And we were able to avoid what the conductor Dan Coleman jokingly referred to as “disco strings” – that is, adding the orchestra onto the jazz group’s performance after the fact.”
Thursday, March 18, 2010
BROADCAST ARCHITECTURE LAUNCHES CHILLOUT RADIO NETWORK
Broadcast Architecture, the researcher and consultant that syndicates the Smooth Jazz Radio Network, adds a new 24/7 format, the Chillout Radio Network. The format offers "music that feels good," with core artists including Sade, Beyonce, Kenny G, Colbie Caillet, Maroon 5, Seal, Michael Jackson, Alicia Keys, Norah Jones, George Benson, John Mayer, and Phil Collins. "Our new format offers something new and fresh in both variety and feel," BA President Allen Kepler said. "Everyone needs a 'feel good' station on their radio, a bright place to regain their zone and help them escape from the stress of the day, relax, chill out, and feel good Like smooth jazz did for a generation of listeners over the last 20 years, the Chillout Radio Network targets today's adults who need a break from rap, hip-hop and edgy rock music."
Doesn’t this sound like the Smooth Jazz Network but with a new name? The reality is that these artists were and are being played on smooth jazz stations all over the country, or should I say the ones that are actually left. Seems to me that Broadcast Architecture is getting ready to continue riding the wave as more stations around the country drop the smooth jazz format in search of bigger advertising profits. Don’t let the name (Chillout Radio) fool you as in no way shape or form will they add actual ‘chill’ tracks to the playlist. The best example of a chill station was New York’s own WQCD which as we all know barely lasted 2 years before it was dropped. Of course, it was not 100% chill (plenty of smooth jazz included), but nevertheless, it was a bold attempt at the time.
Doesn’t this sound like the Smooth Jazz Network but with a new name? The reality is that these artists were and are being played on smooth jazz stations all over the country, or should I say the ones that are actually left. Seems to me that Broadcast Architecture is getting ready to continue riding the wave as more stations around the country drop the smooth jazz format in search of bigger advertising profits. Don’t let the name (Chillout Radio) fool you as in no way shape or form will they add actual ‘chill’ tracks to the playlist. The best example of a chill station was New York’s own WQCD which as we all know barely lasted 2 years before it was dropped. Of course, it was not 100% chill (plenty of smooth jazz included), but nevertheless, it was a bold attempt at the time.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
VIVIAN GREEN - BEAUTIFUL
R&B singer and songwriter Vivian Green is set to release her long-awaited new album, Beautiful, on Tuesday, April 6th, 2010 on E1 Music. The album's track, "Beautiful," broke into the Top 20 at Urban AC radio, and is currently #15 and rapidly rising. The new video for "Beautiful" (directed by Chris Stanford) has been added to soul network Centric. To celebrate the release of her album, Green will perform at The Birchmere in Alexandria, VA on 4/5 and S.O.B.'s in New York City on 4/6. In contrast to her first two albums, which were recorded in a variety of studios with multiple producers, Vivian approached the recording of "Beautiful" in a more intimate, organic manner. With the exception of "Save Me" and "I Know How," which she cut with Jason Farmer (Keyshia Cole, Rihanna, Wyclef Jean) in the producer's seat, Vivian recorded the entire album with Grammy-nominated producer Anthony Bell, a longtime friend and collaborator who made key production contributions to her first two albums, and whose extensive resume also includes work with Jazmine Sullivan, Jewel, Musiq, Raheem DeVaughn and Jill Scott.Vivian is now leaking another track from her forthcoming new album entitled "When We're Apart." Click here to listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rp8aS-zQRw
The final track listing for "Beautiful" is:
01. "Beautiful"
02. "When We're Apart"
03. "I Know How..."
04. "Better Man (skit)"
05. "Better Man"
06. "Save Me"
07. "Too Intense"
08. "Somewhere"
09. "Caught Up"
10. "Search Is Over"
11. "So Far Gone"
12. "Jordan's Song"
13. Bonus Track: "One Of None"
Sunday, March 14, 2010
THE APRIL CONCERT CALENDAR
John Mayer @ GM Place, Vancouver, BC, Apr 1
Dave Grusin, Lee Ritenour @ Macky Auditorium Concert Hall,
Boulder, CO, Apr 1
Norah Jones @ The Paramount Theatre, Charlottesville, VA, Apr 1
Norah Jones @ Warner Theatre, Washington, DC, Apr 2
Michael Buble @ Rose Garden, Portland, OR, Apr 2
Norah Jones @ Tower Theatre, Philadelphia, PA, Apr 3
Michael Buble @ Key Arena, Seattle, WA, Apr 3
Bobby Caldwell @ The Soiled Dove Underground, Denver, CO, Apr 3
Chris Botti @ Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space, Tokyo, Japan, Apr 3
George Benson @ Cape Tow Int’l Convention Centre,
Cape Town, South Africa, April 3-4
John Mayer @ Pengrowth Saddledome, Calgary, AB, Apr 3
Najee @ B.B. King’s, New York, NY Apr 3
John Mayer @ Rexall Place, Edmonton, AB, Apr 4
Vivian Green @ SOB’s, New York, NY, Apr 5
Chris Standring @ Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Apr 5
John Mayer @ Credit Union Centre, Saskatoon, SK, Apr 6
Baaba Maal @ Telus Center, Toronto, ONT, Apr 6
Vivian Green @ The Birchmere, Alexandria, VA, Apr 6
Michael Buble @ Oracle Arena, Oakland, A, Apr 6
Lionel Louke @ Capilano College, Vancouver, BC, Apr 6
Pat Metheny @ Creative Arts Theatre, Morgantown, WV, Apr 6
Dee Dee Bridgewater @ Casa da Musica, Oporto, Portugal, Apr 6
John Mayer @ MTS Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Apr 7
George Winston @ Colonial Theatre, Phoenixville, PA, Apr 7
Pat Metheny @ Univ of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, Apr 7
Melody Gardot @ Olympia, Paris, France, Apr 7-9
Lionel Louke @ Mondavi Center @ UC Davis, Davis, CA, Apr 7-10
John Mayer @ Fargodome, Fargo, ND, Apr 8
Michael Buble @ US Airways Center, Phoenix, AZ, Apr 8
Pat Metheny @ Ferst Center For The Arts, Atlanta, GA, Apr 8
Mindi Abair, Peter White @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Apr 8
Baaba Maal @ Wisconsin Union Theatre, Madison, WI, Apr 8
George Benson @ Winston-Salem Sate Univ., Winston-Salem, NC, Apr 8
Pink Martini @ Renee & Harry Segerstrom Concert Hall,
Costa Mesa, CA, Apr 8-10
Peter White @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Apr 8-11
Pat Metheny @ Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, FL, Apr 9
Spyro Gyra @ One World Theatre, Austin, TX, Apr 9
Chris Standring @ Spaghettini, Seal Beach, CA, Apr 9
Michael Buble @ Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA, Apr 9
King Sunny Ade @ Highline Ballroom, New York, NY, Apr 9
Karla Bonoff @ The Birchmere Music Hall, Alexandria, VA, Apr 8
Corinne Bailey Rae @ Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC, Apr 9
George Winston @ Music Center At Strathmore, N. Bethesda, MD, Apr 9
George Benson @ Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA, Apr 9
Baaba Maal @ Venue TBD, Chicago, IL, Apr 10
Pat Metheny @ Fillmore Miami Beach, Miami Beach, FL, Apr 10
George Benson @ Bergen PAC, Englewood, NJ, Apr 10
Dee Dee Bridgewater @ Tivoli Koncerthouse, Copenhagen, DEN, Apr 10
John Mayer @ United Center, Chicago, IL, Apr 10
George Benson @ Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington, DC, Apr 11
Pat Metheny @ University of Florida Phillips Ctr, Gainesville, FL, Apr 11
Corinne Bailey Rae @ Roseland Theatre, Portland, OR, Apr 11
Angelique Kidjo @ Kulturfabrik, Krefeld, Germany, Apr 11
Roberta Flack @ Philharmonic Center For The Arts, Naples, FL, Apr 11
Dave Grusin, Patti Austin @ Adrienne Arsht Center Miami, FL, Apr 11
George Winston @ Tryon Fine Arts Center, Truon, NC, Apr 12
Corinne Bailey Rae @ Moore Theatre, Seattle, WA, Apr 12
Angelique Kidjo @ Kesselhaus, Berlin, Germany, Apr 12
Ceu @ The Triple Door, Seattle, WA, Apr 12-13
Angelique Kidjo @ Fabrik, Hamburg, Germany, Apr 13
Baaba Maal @ Buchanan Hall, Arcata, CA, Apr 13
Pat Metheny @ Nokia Theatre, Grand Prairie, TX, Apr 13
Dee Dee Bridgewater @ Philharmonie Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Apr 13
Baaba Maal @ Laxson Auditorium, Chico, CA, Apr 14
Ceu @ Alladin Theatre, Portland, OR, Apr 14
Pat Metheny @ Paramount Theatre, Austin, TX, Apr 14
Carole King @ Budokan Hall, Tokyo, Japan, Apr 14, 16
Baaba Maal @ Mondavi Performing Arts Center, Davis, CA, Apr 15
Angelique Kidjo @ Botfrabrick, Frankfurt, Germany, Apr 15
Corinne Bailey Rae @ Regency Ballroom, San Francisco, CA, Apr 15
Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau @ Longwood Gardens,
Kennett Square, PA, Apr 15
George Winston @ Peace Center For Performing Arts,
Greenville, SC, Apr 15
Madeleine Peyroux @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Apr 15-18
Pat Metheny @ Lensic PAC, Santa Fe, NM, Apr 16
Ceu @ Coachella, Indio, CA, Apr 16
Angelique Kidjo @ Cully Jazz Festival, Zurich, CH, Apr 16
Michael Franks @ One World Theatre, Austin, TX, Apr 16
Bobby Caldwell, Diane Schuur @ Arkley Center, Eureka, CA, Apr 16
Pink Martini @ Benaroya Hall, Seattle, WA, Apr 16
Nick Colionne @ Borders Book Store, Panama City Beach, FL, Apr 16
Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau @ Carnegie Hall, New York, NY, Apr 16
Nick Colionne @ Seabreeze, Panama City Beach, FL, Apr 16 -18
Baaba Maal @ Royce Hall Auditorium, Los Angeles, CA, Apr 17
Take 6 @ Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis, MD, Apr 17
Pat Metheny @ Mesa Arts Center, Mesa, AZ, Apr 17
Corinne Bailey Rae @ Coachella, Indio, CA, Apr 17
Steele Pulse @ Copper Mountain Resort, Copper Mountain, CO, Apr 17
Angelique Kidjo @ La Cigale, Paris, France, Apr 17
Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau @ Staller Center For Arts,
Stonybrook, NY, Mar 17
Baaba Maal @ Campbell Hall, Santa Barbara, CA, Apr 18
Norah Jones @ Paramount Theatre, Seattle, WA, Apr 18
Pat Metheny @ Rialto Theatre, Tucson, AZ, Apr 18
Ceu @ The Independent, San Francisco, CA, Apr 18
Take 6 @ Kennedy Center For Perf Arts, Washington, DC, Apr 18
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy @ Philharmonic Center For The Arts,
Naples, FL, Apr 18
B.B. King @ Temple Hoyne Bluell Theatre, Denver, CO, Apr 19
Norah Jones @ Arlene Schnitzel Hall, Portland, OR, Apr 19
Pat Metheny @ Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles, CA, Apr 19
Dee Dee Bridgewater @ Athens Concert Hall, Athens, Greece, Apr 19
Baaba Maal @ Zellerbach Auditorium, Berkeley, CA, Apr 20
Steel Pulse @ Roseland Theater, Portland, OR, Apr 20
Pat Metheny @ Campbell Hall, Santa Barbara, CA, Apr 20
Simply Red @ Credicard Hall, Sao Paulo, Brazil, Apr 20
Angelique Kidjo @ Amager Nio, Copenhagen, DL, Apr 20
Jack Jones @ The Rrazz Room At Hotel Nikko,
San Francisco, CA, Apr 20-25
Pat Metheny @ Spreckels Theatre, San Diego, CA, Apr 21
Norah Jones @ The Fillmore, San Francisco, CA, Apr 21
Steel Pulse @ Showbox, Seattle, WA, Apr 21
Simply Red @ Chevrolet Hall, Belo Horizonte, Brazil, April 21
Ceu @ Dakota Bar & Grill, St. Paul, MN, Apr 21-22
Baaba Maal @ Scottsdale Center For The Performing Arts,
Scottsdale, AZ, Apr 22
Angelique Kidjo @ Cosmopolitan, Oslo, Norway, Apr 22
Kenny G @ Arena Theatre, Houston, TX, Apr 22
Corinne Bailey Rae @ Vic Theatre, Chicago, IL, Apr 22
Baaba Maal @ Scottsdale Ctr For Perf Arts, Scottsdale, AZ, Apr 22
George Winston @ Phelps Stokes Auditorium, Berea, KY, Apr 22
Pat Metheny @ Grand Sierra Resort & Casino, Reno, NV, Apr 23
Steel Pulse @ New Orleans Jazz Fest, New Orleans, LA, Apr 23
Peter White @ Hammerson Hall Living Arts Centre,
Mississauga, Ontario, Apr 23
Ceu @ Green Dolphin, Chicago, IL, Apr 23
Simply Red @ Citibank Hall, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, Apr 23
Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau @ Symphony Center, Chicago, IL, Mar 23
B.B. King @ Sangamon Auditorium, Springfield, MI, Apr 23
Norah Jones @ Orpheum Theatre, Los Angeles, CA, Apr 23
Mavis Staples @ Kennedy Center For Perf Arts, Washington, DC, Apr 23
Incognito @ The Legion, Prince George, BC, Apr 23-24
Pink Martini @ Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth, TX, Apr 23-25
Norah Jones @ Spreckels Theatre, San Diego, CA, Apr 24
Corinne Bailey Rae @ St. Andrews Hall, Detoit, MI, Apr 24
Steel Pulse @ Festival Int’l de Louisiane, Lafayette, LA, Apr 24
Nick Colionne @ Tri C Jazz Fest, Cleveland, OH, Apr 24
Angelique Kidjo @ Gotakallaren, Stockholm, Sweden, Apr 24
Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau @ Krannert Center, Urbana, IL, Mar 24
Baaba Maal @ New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival,
New Orleans, LA, Apr 24
Pat Metheny @ Zellerbach Auditorium, Berkeley, CA, Apr 24
Baaba Maal @ Houston Int’l Festival, Houston, TX, Apr 25
Steel Pulse @ Sam Houston Park, Houston, TX, Apr 25
Norah Jones @ Dodge Theatre, Phoenix, AZ, Apr 25
Pat Metheny @ Napa Valley Opera House, Napa, CA, Apr 25
B.B. King @ House Of Blues, Chicago, IL, Apr 25
Ceu @ Highline Ballroom, New York, NY, Apr 25
Corinne Bailey Rae @ Queen Elizabeth, Toronto, Ontario, Apr 26
Simply Red @ Lunar Park, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Apr 26
Pat Metheny @ Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, Santa Cruz, CA, Apr 26
Mindi Abair, earl Klugh, Boney James @ Emory University, Atl, GA, Apr 26
Baaba Maal @ UNC Chapel Hill Memorial Hall, Chapel Hill, NC, Apr 27
Angelique Kidjo @ Gazarte, Athens, Greece, Apr 27
Angelique Kidjo @ Gazarte, Athens, Greece, Apr 28
Pat Metheny @ Aladdin Theatre, Portland, OR, Apr 28
Corinne Bailey Rae @ Club Soda, Montreal, QC, Apr 28
Norah Jones @ Kiva Theatre, Albuquerque, NM, Apr 28
Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau @ Flynn Center, Burlington, VT, Mar 28
Simply Red @ Movistar Arena, Santiago, Chile, Apr 28-29
Norah Jones @ Plaza Theatre, El Paso, TX, Apr 29
Baaba Maal @ Lisner Auditorium, Washington, DC, Apr 29
Pat Metheny @ Washington Center For Perf Arts, Olympia, WA, Apr 29
Baaba Maal @ Fillmore East, New York, NY, Apr 30
Pat Metheny @ Meany Hall, Seattle, WA, Apr 30
Corinne Bailey Rae @ House Of Blues, Seattle, WA, Apr 30
Peter White @ Buffalo State College, Buffalo, NY, Apr 30
Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau @ Weinberg Center, Frederick, MD, Mar 30
Dave Grusin, Lee Ritenour @ Macky Auditorium Concert Hall,
Boulder, CO, Apr 1
Norah Jones @ The Paramount Theatre, Charlottesville, VA, Apr 1
Norah Jones @ Warner Theatre, Washington, DC, Apr 2
Michael Buble @ Rose Garden, Portland, OR, Apr 2
Norah Jones @ Tower Theatre, Philadelphia, PA, Apr 3
Michael Buble @ Key Arena, Seattle, WA, Apr 3
Bobby Caldwell @ The Soiled Dove Underground, Denver, CO, Apr 3
Chris Botti @ Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space, Tokyo, Japan, Apr 3
George Benson @ Cape Tow Int’l Convention Centre,
Cape Town, South Africa, April 3-4
John Mayer @ Pengrowth Saddledome, Calgary, AB, Apr 3
Najee @ B.B. King’s, New York, NY Apr 3
John Mayer @ Rexall Place, Edmonton, AB, Apr 4
Vivian Green @ SOB’s, New York, NY, Apr 5
Chris Standring @ Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Apr 5
John Mayer @ Credit Union Centre, Saskatoon, SK, Apr 6
Baaba Maal @ Telus Center, Toronto, ONT, Apr 6
Vivian Green @ The Birchmere, Alexandria, VA, Apr 6
Michael Buble @ Oracle Arena, Oakland, A, Apr 6
Lionel Louke @ Capilano College, Vancouver, BC, Apr 6
Pat Metheny @ Creative Arts Theatre, Morgantown, WV, Apr 6
Dee Dee Bridgewater @ Casa da Musica, Oporto, Portugal, Apr 6
John Mayer @ MTS Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Apr 7
George Winston @ Colonial Theatre, Phoenixville, PA, Apr 7
Pat Metheny @ Univ of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, Apr 7
Melody Gardot @ Olympia, Paris, France, Apr 7-9
Lionel Louke @ Mondavi Center @ UC Davis, Davis, CA, Apr 7-10
John Mayer @ Fargodome, Fargo, ND, Apr 8
Michael Buble @ US Airways Center, Phoenix, AZ, Apr 8
Pat Metheny @ Ferst Center For The Arts, Atlanta, GA, Apr 8
Mindi Abair, Peter White @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Apr 8
Baaba Maal @ Wisconsin Union Theatre, Madison, WI, Apr 8
George Benson @ Winston-Salem Sate Univ., Winston-Salem, NC, Apr 8
Pink Martini @ Renee & Harry Segerstrom Concert Hall,
Costa Mesa, CA, Apr 8-10
Peter White @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Apr 8-11
Pat Metheny @ Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, FL, Apr 9
Spyro Gyra @ One World Theatre, Austin, TX, Apr 9
Chris Standring @ Spaghettini, Seal Beach, CA, Apr 9
Michael Buble @ Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA, Apr 9
King Sunny Ade @ Highline Ballroom, New York, NY, Apr 9
Karla Bonoff @ The Birchmere Music Hall, Alexandria, VA, Apr 8
Corinne Bailey Rae @ Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC, Apr 9
George Winston @ Music Center At Strathmore, N. Bethesda, MD, Apr 9
George Benson @ Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA, Apr 9
Baaba Maal @ Venue TBD, Chicago, IL, Apr 10
Pat Metheny @ Fillmore Miami Beach, Miami Beach, FL, Apr 10
George Benson @ Bergen PAC, Englewood, NJ, Apr 10
Dee Dee Bridgewater @ Tivoli Koncerthouse, Copenhagen, DEN, Apr 10
John Mayer @ United Center, Chicago, IL, Apr 10
George Benson @ Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington, DC, Apr 11
Pat Metheny @ University of Florida Phillips Ctr, Gainesville, FL, Apr 11
Corinne Bailey Rae @ Roseland Theatre, Portland, OR, Apr 11
Angelique Kidjo @ Kulturfabrik, Krefeld, Germany, Apr 11
Roberta Flack @ Philharmonic Center For The Arts, Naples, FL, Apr 11
Dave Grusin, Patti Austin @ Adrienne Arsht Center Miami, FL, Apr 11
George Winston @ Tryon Fine Arts Center, Truon, NC, Apr 12
Corinne Bailey Rae @ Moore Theatre, Seattle, WA, Apr 12
Angelique Kidjo @ Kesselhaus, Berlin, Germany, Apr 12
Ceu @ The Triple Door, Seattle, WA, Apr 12-13
Angelique Kidjo @ Fabrik, Hamburg, Germany, Apr 13
Baaba Maal @ Buchanan Hall, Arcata, CA, Apr 13
Pat Metheny @ Nokia Theatre, Grand Prairie, TX, Apr 13
Dee Dee Bridgewater @ Philharmonie Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Apr 13
Baaba Maal @ Laxson Auditorium, Chico, CA, Apr 14
Ceu @ Alladin Theatre, Portland, OR, Apr 14
Pat Metheny @ Paramount Theatre, Austin, TX, Apr 14
Carole King @ Budokan Hall, Tokyo, Japan, Apr 14, 16
Baaba Maal @ Mondavi Performing Arts Center, Davis, CA, Apr 15
Angelique Kidjo @ Botfrabrick, Frankfurt, Germany, Apr 15
Corinne Bailey Rae @ Regency Ballroom, San Francisco, CA, Apr 15
Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau @ Longwood Gardens,
Kennett Square, PA, Apr 15
George Winston @ Peace Center For Performing Arts,
Greenville, SC, Apr 15
Madeleine Peyroux @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Apr 15-18
Pat Metheny @ Lensic PAC, Santa Fe, NM, Apr 16
Ceu @ Coachella, Indio, CA, Apr 16
Angelique Kidjo @ Cully Jazz Festival, Zurich, CH, Apr 16
Michael Franks @ One World Theatre, Austin, TX, Apr 16
Bobby Caldwell, Diane Schuur @ Arkley Center, Eureka, CA, Apr 16
Pink Martini @ Benaroya Hall, Seattle, WA, Apr 16
Nick Colionne @ Borders Book Store, Panama City Beach, FL, Apr 16
Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau @ Carnegie Hall, New York, NY, Apr 16
Nick Colionne @ Seabreeze, Panama City Beach, FL, Apr 16 -18
Baaba Maal @ Royce Hall Auditorium, Los Angeles, CA, Apr 17
Take 6 @ Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis, MD, Apr 17
Pat Metheny @ Mesa Arts Center, Mesa, AZ, Apr 17
Corinne Bailey Rae @ Coachella, Indio, CA, Apr 17
Steele Pulse @ Copper Mountain Resort, Copper Mountain, CO, Apr 17
Angelique Kidjo @ La Cigale, Paris, France, Apr 17
Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau @ Staller Center For Arts,
Stonybrook, NY, Mar 17
Baaba Maal @ Campbell Hall, Santa Barbara, CA, Apr 18
Norah Jones @ Paramount Theatre, Seattle, WA, Apr 18
Pat Metheny @ Rialto Theatre, Tucson, AZ, Apr 18
Ceu @ The Independent, San Francisco, CA, Apr 18
Take 6 @ Kennedy Center For Perf Arts, Washington, DC, Apr 18
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy @ Philharmonic Center For The Arts,
Naples, FL, Apr 18
B.B. King @ Temple Hoyne Bluell Theatre, Denver, CO, Apr 19
Norah Jones @ Arlene Schnitzel Hall, Portland, OR, Apr 19
Pat Metheny @ Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles, CA, Apr 19
Dee Dee Bridgewater @ Athens Concert Hall, Athens, Greece, Apr 19
Baaba Maal @ Zellerbach Auditorium, Berkeley, CA, Apr 20
Steel Pulse @ Roseland Theater, Portland, OR, Apr 20
Pat Metheny @ Campbell Hall, Santa Barbara, CA, Apr 20
Simply Red @ Credicard Hall, Sao Paulo, Brazil, Apr 20
Angelique Kidjo @ Amager Nio, Copenhagen, DL, Apr 20
Jack Jones @ The Rrazz Room At Hotel Nikko,
San Francisco, CA, Apr 20-25
Pat Metheny @ Spreckels Theatre, San Diego, CA, Apr 21
Norah Jones @ The Fillmore, San Francisco, CA, Apr 21
Steel Pulse @ Showbox, Seattle, WA, Apr 21
Simply Red @ Chevrolet Hall, Belo Horizonte, Brazil, April 21
Ceu @ Dakota Bar & Grill, St. Paul, MN, Apr 21-22
Baaba Maal @ Scottsdale Center For The Performing Arts,
Scottsdale, AZ, Apr 22
Angelique Kidjo @ Cosmopolitan, Oslo, Norway, Apr 22
Kenny G @ Arena Theatre, Houston, TX, Apr 22
Corinne Bailey Rae @ Vic Theatre, Chicago, IL, Apr 22
Baaba Maal @ Scottsdale Ctr For Perf Arts, Scottsdale, AZ, Apr 22
George Winston @ Phelps Stokes Auditorium, Berea, KY, Apr 22
Pat Metheny @ Grand Sierra Resort & Casino, Reno, NV, Apr 23
Steel Pulse @ New Orleans Jazz Fest, New Orleans, LA, Apr 23
Peter White @ Hammerson Hall Living Arts Centre,
Mississauga, Ontario, Apr 23
Ceu @ Green Dolphin, Chicago, IL, Apr 23
Simply Red @ Citibank Hall, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, Apr 23
Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau @ Symphony Center, Chicago, IL, Mar 23
B.B. King @ Sangamon Auditorium, Springfield, MI, Apr 23
Norah Jones @ Orpheum Theatre, Los Angeles, CA, Apr 23
Mavis Staples @ Kennedy Center For Perf Arts, Washington, DC, Apr 23
Incognito @ The Legion, Prince George, BC, Apr 23-24
Pink Martini @ Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth, TX, Apr 23-25
Norah Jones @ Spreckels Theatre, San Diego, CA, Apr 24
Corinne Bailey Rae @ St. Andrews Hall, Detoit, MI, Apr 24
Steel Pulse @ Festival Int’l de Louisiane, Lafayette, LA, Apr 24
Nick Colionne @ Tri C Jazz Fest, Cleveland, OH, Apr 24
Angelique Kidjo @ Gotakallaren, Stockholm, Sweden, Apr 24
Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau @ Krannert Center, Urbana, IL, Mar 24
Baaba Maal @ New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival,
New Orleans, LA, Apr 24
Pat Metheny @ Zellerbach Auditorium, Berkeley, CA, Apr 24
Baaba Maal @ Houston Int’l Festival, Houston, TX, Apr 25
Steel Pulse @ Sam Houston Park, Houston, TX, Apr 25
Norah Jones @ Dodge Theatre, Phoenix, AZ, Apr 25
Pat Metheny @ Napa Valley Opera House, Napa, CA, Apr 25
B.B. King @ House Of Blues, Chicago, IL, Apr 25
Ceu @ Highline Ballroom, New York, NY, Apr 25
Corinne Bailey Rae @ Queen Elizabeth, Toronto, Ontario, Apr 26
Simply Red @ Lunar Park, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Apr 26
Pat Metheny @ Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, Santa Cruz, CA, Apr 26
Mindi Abair, earl Klugh, Boney James @ Emory University, Atl, GA, Apr 26
Baaba Maal @ UNC Chapel Hill Memorial Hall, Chapel Hill, NC, Apr 27
Angelique Kidjo @ Gazarte, Athens, Greece, Apr 27
Angelique Kidjo @ Gazarte, Athens, Greece, Apr 28
Pat Metheny @ Aladdin Theatre, Portland, OR, Apr 28
Corinne Bailey Rae @ Club Soda, Montreal, QC, Apr 28
Norah Jones @ Kiva Theatre, Albuquerque, NM, Apr 28
Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau @ Flynn Center, Burlington, VT, Mar 28
Simply Red @ Movistar Arena, Santiago, Chile, Apr 28-29
Norah Jones @ Plaza Theatre, El Paso, TX, Apr 29
Baaba Maal @ Lisner Auditorium, Washington, DC, Apr 29
Pat Metheny @ Washington Center For Perf Arts, Olympia, WA, Apr 29
Baaba Maal @ Fillmore East, New York, NY, Apr 30
Pat Metheny @ Meany Hall, Seattle, WA, Apr 30
Corinne Bailey Rae @ House Of Blues, Seattle, WA, Apr 30
Peter White @ Buffalo State College, Buffalo, NY, Apr 30
Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau @ Weinberg Center, Frederick, MD, Mar 30
Saturday, March 13, 2010
NEW RELEASES FROM BOB SINCLAR/SLY & ROBBIE, JOSE FELICIANO, JOSE JAMES, SOULJAZZ ORCHESTRA & OTHERS...
Belleusche – The Liberty
Bickley Rivera – Chillin’ After Five
Bob Sinclar/Sly & Robbie – Made In Jamaica
Brazilian Groove Band – Anatomy Of A Groove
Dee Dee Bridgewater – Eleanora Fagin: To Billie With Love From Dee Dee
Dira – Something About The Girl
Garricha – Estrella Solitaire
Georgia Anne Muldrew – Kings Ballad
Guiseppi Logan – Guiseppi Logan Quintet
Guy ‘Pop Du’ Johnson – Life Is Good
Jean F. Cochois – Gold In The Attic
Jose Feliciano – Free Soul: The Classic Of Jose Feliciano
Jose James – Black Magic
Julian Vaughn – The Purpose Project
LEMS – Ping Pong Box
Limbo – Out Of Body
Main Gazana – Tot For Tat
Nina Simone – Free Soul: The Classic Of Nina Simone
Orleya – Chill Out Hits Of The World:The String Sessions
Peet Project – Pink Spirit
Peter Thomas – Jerry Cotton: FBI’s Top Man Music From The Original Series 1965-1969
Prince Sampson – Living In The Moment
Raheem DeVaughn – Love And War Masterpiece
Ronny Jordan – The Rough & The Smooth
Rurals – Rural Soul
Soulpersona – Solacoaster
Soul Jazz Dynamiters – Soul Jazz Dynamiters
SoulJazz Orchestra – Rising Sun
Various Artists – Ambient Summer
Various Artists – Bar Jazz Vol. 1
Various Artists – Everyday Blue Note Mixed By Gilles Peterson
Various Artists – Lola Luna Paris Lounge
Various Artists – Lounge Affair – Pop Meets Lounge Vol. 2
Various Artists – Mezzanine De Lalcazar 8
Bickley Rivera – Chillin’ After Five
Bob Sinclar/Sly & Robbie – Made In Jamaica
Brazilian Groove Band – Anatomy Of A Groove
Dee Dee Bridgewater – Eleanora Fagin: To Billie With Love From Dee Dee
Dira – Something About The Girl
Garricha – Estrella Solitaire
Georgia Anne Muldrew – Kings Ballad
Guiseppi Logan – Guiseppi Logan Quintet
Guy ‘Pop Du’ Johnson – Life Is Good
Jean F. Cochois – Gold In The Attic
Jose Feliciano – Free Soul: The Classic Of Jose Feliciano
Jose James – Black Magic
Julian Vaughn – The Purpose Project
LEMS – Ping Pong Box
Limbo – Out Of Body
Main Gazana – Tot For Tat
Nina Simone – Free Soul: The Classic Of Nina Simone
Orleya – Chill Out Hits Of The World:The String Sessions
Peet Project – Pink Spirit
Peter Thomas – Jerry Cotton: FBI’s Top Man Music From The Original Series 1965-1969
Prince Sampson – Living In The Moment
Raheem DeVaughn – Love And War Masterpiece
Ronny Jordan – The Rough & The Smooth
Rurals – Rural Soul
Soulpersona – Solacoaster
Soul Jazz Dynamiters – Soul Jazz Dynamiters
SoulJazz Orchestra – Rising Sun
Various Artists – Ambient Summer
Various Artists – Bar Jazz Vol. 1
Various Artists – Everyday Blue Note Mixed By Gilles Peterson
Various Artists – Lola Luna Paris Lounge
Various Artists – Lounge Affair – Pop Meets Lounge Vol. 2
Various Artists – Mezzanine De Lalcazar 8
Friday, March 12, 2010
MINDI ABAIR IN HI FI STEREO
Mindi Abair has wrapped up recording sessions for a new CD, Mindi Abair in Hi Fi Stereo, and it's set for release the last week of May by Concord Records. Abair co-produced it with Rex Rideout, a familiar face in smooth jazz. “He’s an amazing producer,” she says. “We had everyone together in a room and just played and had a blast. I really feel that the spirit of these sessions shines through. Everyone left a little of their heart and soul on these recordings, and I can feel the energy of all of us as I listen back now.” Guests performers on the CD include vocalist Lalah Hathaway, vocalist Ryan Collins, and David Ryan Harris. The CD has 10 original songs and a cover of James Brown’s “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World,” which features Hathaway. Abair, who made her major-label debut in 2003 with It Just Happens That Way, following that with Come As You Are, Life Less Ordinary and Stars. Her hit singles include “Lucy’s,” “Flirt,” “Salt and Lime,” “Save the Last Dance,” “Make a Wish,” “True Blue,” “Bloom,” “Out of the Blue” and “Smile.”
Mindi Abair in Hi Fi Stereo track listingL
1. Any Way You Wanna (Abair/Theard)
2. All Star (Abair/Rodrigues)
3. L’Esprit Nouveau (Abair/Stevens)
4. Get Right [featuring Ryan Collins] (Abair/Collins/Rodrigues)
5. Be Beautiful [featuring David Ryan Harris] (Harris)
6. Down For The Count (Abair/Theard)
7. Girls’ Night Out (Abair/Hager)
8. Let The Whole World Know (Sing Your Song) (Abair/Rodrigues)
9. It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World [featuring Lalah Hathaway] (Brown/Newsome)
10. Take Me Home (Abair/Theard/Parlapiano)
11. The Alley (Abair/Lee/Gore/Tate/Belled)
Mindi Abair in Hi Fi Stereo track listingL
1. Any Way You Wanna (Abair/Theard)
2. All Star (Abair/Rodrigues)
3. L’Esprit Nouveau (Abair/Stevens)
4. Get Right [featuring Ryan Collins] (Abair/Collins/Rodrigues)
5. Be Beautiful [featuring David Ryan Harris] (Harris)
6. Down For The Count (Abair/Theard)
7. Girls’ Night Out (Abair/Hager)
8. Let The Whole World Know (Sing Your Song) (Abair/Rodrigues)
9. It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World [featuring Lalah Hathaway] (Brown/Newsome)
10. Take Me Home (Abair/Theard/Parlapiano)
11. The Alley (Abair/Lee/Gore/Tate/Belled)
Thursday, March 11, 2010
QUINCY JONES - SOUL BOSSA NOSTRA
Some of today's biggest recording artists and producers have joined together to celebrate the music of multi-Grammy winning producer, composer and arranger Quincy Jones by recording contemporary versions of popular recordings from his massive catalog for a new album from Interscope Records entitled Q: Soul Bossa Nostra. A "family celebration," Q: Soul Bossa Nostra will be released May/June, 2010. Renowned for blending musical genres as he did with his 1989 multi-Grammy winning "Album of the Year" Back on the Block and 1995's platinum Q's Jook Joint, Q: Soul Bossa Nostra will feature an assortment of artists and producers from the Pop, R&B and Hip-Hop worlds such as Usher, Ludacris, Akon, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, T-Pain, Robin Thicke, LL Cool J, John Legend, Snoop Dogg, Wyclef Jean, Q-Tip, Talib Kweli, Three 6 Mafia, David Banner, BeBe Winans, Mervyn Warren, Jermaine Dupri, DJ Paul, and Scott Storch, among others who wanted to pay tribute to these works by Jones.
Jones, who serves as Executive Producer for the album commented, "Q: Soul Bossa Nostra features some of my favorite artists and producers on the scene today from the Pop, R&B and Hip-Hop worlds performing selections from my catalog that people really loved when they were originally recorded. Each artist picked a song that really resonated with them for different reasons - some of them having a connection because they remembered their parents playing the track when they were growing up. I am honored that everyone wanted to be a part of this celebration of these songs. They all made them their own, and knocked them out of the park."
Jones continued, "Each of these songs had incredible artists and unique stories from when we originally recorded them. I think that these new interpretations will not only introduce these songs to a whole new generation of music fans, but inspire them to seek out the original recordings and show that these songs really stand the test of time…that's the ultimate mark of a great tune."
The first single from Q: Soul Bossa Nostra, available March 24th, will be Akon's interpretation of the 1977 Brothers Johnson classic "Strawberry Letter 23." The album will also include Jennifer Hudson (produced by Scott Storch) performing acclaimed songwriter Rod Temperton's "You Put A Move On My Heart," from Jones' 1996 album Q's Jook Joint; Ludacris and Naturally 7 (produced by Naturally 7) on the title track "Soul Bossa Nostra," a hip-hop revamp of Jones' 1962 single "Soul Bossa Nova" which was re-born as the Austin Powers theme song and was sampled by Ludacris on his 2005 single "Number One Spot" for which he garnered a VMA; and Usher, Robin Thicke, LL Cool J, Trey Songz, Tyrese and Tevin Campbell with Barry White's original vocals (produced by Jermaine Dupri) on "Secret Garden," originally recorded on 1989's Back On The Block.
Commented singer/producer Akon, "Quincy Jones is a musical legend and an incredible mentor. Just being around him and watching him work over the years has taught me how to develop as an artist and grow as a producer. When Quincy called and told me about this album, I said you have to let me do "Strawberry Letter 23" and the funny thing is that's the song he was thinking about already. We brought a new modern feel to this classic and I think everyone's going to really enjoy it."
Also contributing to Q: Soul Bossa Nostra singer/actress Jennifer Hudson commented, "When I was asked to work on a project honoring Quincy Jones' songs my answer was an immediate YES!!!. He is an icon in our industry and to have been fortunate enough to work with him is just amazing. He is a true artist, genius and professional. It was an unforgettable experience and I truly hope I will have the chance to collaborate with him again very soon!!"
Additional tracks on Q: Soul Bossa Nostra will feature Jamie Foxx (produced by David Banner and Warryn Campbell) on the Grammy Award-winning classic "Give Me The Night," originally recorded in 1980 by Jones, George Benson and Rod Temperton; John Legend (produced by Ted Chung) on the Brothers Johnson/Siedah Garrett-penned ballad "Tomorrow," from Back On The Block; T-Pain and Robin Thicke (produced by T-Pain) on a re-make of Michael Jackson, James Ingram and Jones' Grammy nominated dance staple "P.Y.T." from Thriller; Mary J. Blige and Q-Tip (produced by Q-Tip) on the funk classic "Betcha Wouldn't Hurt Me," originally written by Stevie Wonder for Jones' multi-Grammy winning 1980 album The Dude; BeBe Winans (produced by Mervyn Warren) on Bernard Igher's sultry "Everything Must Change" from Jones' 1974 album Body Heat – the title track being sampled in 1996 by Dr. Dre and Tupac Shakur on their hit "How Do You Want It;" and Wyclef Jean on "Oluwa (Many Rains Ago),"
Jones and Caiphus Semenya's Emmy Award-winning title track from 1977's hit television mini-series Roots. Rounding out the album are performances by Snoop Dogg (produced by Terrence Martin) on the Brothers Johnson disco classic "Get The Funk Out Of My Face;" Talib Kweli (produced by Quincy Jones) on Jones' synthesizer infused theme song from the 1967 television show Ironside; and Three 6 Mafia and David Banner (produced by David Banner) on "Hickky Burr (Wrath of Katrina)," Jones and Bill Cosby's collaboration for the theme song of 1969's The Bill Cosby Show.
A 27-time Grammy Award winner (the most of any living musician) and the all-time most nominated Grammy artist with a total of 79 nominations, Quincy Jones' career has spanned six decades and encompassed the roles of composer, arranger, conductor, instrumentalist, record producer, record executive, film and television producer, magazine founder, multi-media entrepreneur and humanitarian.
Jones, who serves as Executive Producer for the album commented, "Q: Soul Bossa Nostra features some of my favorite artists and producers on the scene today from the Pop, R&B and Hip-Hop worlds performing selections from my catalog that people really loved when they were originally recorded. Each artist picked a song that really resonated with them for different reasons - some of them having a connection because they remembered their parents playing the track when they were growing up. I am honored that everyone wanted to be a part of this celebration of these songs. They all made them their own, and knocked them out of the park."
Jones continued, "Each of these songs had incredible artists and unique stories from when we originally recorded them. I think that these new interpretations will not only introduce these songs to a whole new generation of music fans, but inspire them to seek out the original recordings and show that these songs really stand the test of time…that's the ultimate mark of a great tune."
The first single from Q: Soul Bossa Nostra, available March 24th, will be Akon's interpretation of the 1977 Brothers Johnson classic "Strawberry Letter 23." The album will also include Jennifer Hudson (produced by Scott Storch) performing acclaimed songwriter Rod Temperton's "You Put A Move On My Heart," from Jones' 1996 album Q's Jook Joint; Ludacris and Naturally 7 (produced by Naturally 7) on the title track "Soul Bossa Nostra," a hip-hop revamp of Jones' 1962 single "Soul Bossa Nova" which was re-born as the Austin Powers theme song and was sampled by Ludacris on his 2005 single "Number One Spot" for which he garnered a VMA; and Usher, Robin Thicke, LL Cool J, Trey Songz, Tyrese and Tevin Campbell with Barry White's original vocals (produced by Jermaine Dupri) on "Secret Garden," originally recorded on 1989's Back On The Block.
Commented singer/producer Akon, "Quincy Jones is a musical legend and an incredible mentor. Just being around him and watching him work over the years has taught me how to develop as an artist and grow as a producer. When Quincy called and told me about this album, I said you have to let me do "Strawberry Letter 23" and the funny thing is that's the song he was thinking about already. We brought a new modern feel to this classic and I think everyone's going to really enjoy it."
Also contributing to Q: Soul Bossa Nostra singer/actress Jennifer Hudson commented, "When I was asked to work on a project honoring Quincy Jones' songs my answer was an immediate YES!!!. He is an icon in our industry and to have been fortunate enough to work with him is just amazing. He is a true artist, genius and professional. It was an unforgettable experience and I truly hope I will have the chance to collaborate with him again very soon!!"
Additional tracks on Q: Soul Bossa Nostra will feature Jamie Foxx (produced by David Banner and Warryn Campbell) on the Grammy Award-winning classic "Give Me The Night," originally recorded in 1980 by Jones, George Benson and Rod Temperton; John Legend (produced by Ted Chung) on the Brothers Johnson/Siedah Garrett-penned ballad "Tomorrow," from Back On The Block; T-Pain and Robin Thicke (produced by T-Pain) on a re-make of Michael Jackson, James Ingram and Jones' Grammy nominated dance staple "P.Y.T." from Thriller; Mary J. Blige and Q-Tip (produced by Q-Tip) on the funk classic "Betcha Wouldn't Hurt Me," originally written by Stevie Wonder for Jones' multi-Grammy winning 1980 album The Dude; BeBe Winans (produced by Mervyn Warren) on Bernard Igher's sultry "Everything Must Change" from Jones' 1974 album Body Heat – the title track being sampled in 1996 by Dr. Dre and Tupac Shakur on their hit "How Do You Want It;" and Wyclef Jean on "Oluwa (Many Rains Ago),"
Jones and Caiphus Semenya's Emmy Award-winning title track from 1977's hit television mini-series Roots. Rounding out the album are performances by Snoop Dogg (produced by Terrence Martin) on the Brothers Johnson disco classic "Get The Funk Out Of My Face;" Talib Kweli (produced by Quincy Jones) on Jones' synthesizer infused theme song from the 1967 television show Ironside; and Three 6 Mafia and David Banner (produced by David Banner) on "Hickky Burr (Wrath of Katrina)," Jones and Bill Cosby's collaboration for the theme song of 1969's The Bill Cosby Show.
A 27-time Grammy Award winner (the most of any living musician) and the all-time most nominated Grammy artist with a total of 79 nominations, Quincy Jones' career has spanned six decades and encompassed the roles of composer, arranger, conductor, instrumentalist, record producer, record executive, film and television producer, magazine founder, multi-media entrepreneur and humanitarian.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
SMOOTH JAZZ 94.7 KSSJ SACRAMENTO FLIPS FORMATS
Sacramento’s Smooth Jazz station 94.7 KSSJ has flipped formats – this was effective March 3rd at 12:00 PM. In a press release the station management announced as follows:
“As we all know, the one thing we can count on in life is change. It’s in that spirit that I must tell you that the format on 94.7 KSSJ is going to change Wednesday, March 3rd at 12:00 pm. Playing Smooth Jazz favorites is one side of who we are – it’s the side you hear. The other side is the reality that operating a radio station is a business – that’s the side we see. In the past few years, the business side of KSSJ has become increasingly difficult. There are many reasons for it, but the unfortunate fact is that the audience for the station can no longer sustain the business of the station. In that way, we’re no different from a retail business that doesn’t have enough customers to keep the doors open.”
Entercom Communications, the parent company of KSSJ, pulled the plug on the smooth jazz format and instead brought alternative music back to Sacramento. The company's no stranger to the alternative music format. Entercom was the parent company of KWOD 106.5 FM, an alternative music station that relaunched as an all-90s station called "The Buzz." The format flip came as a surprise to the Sacramento market. No announcement was made prior to the launch of the alternative station, branded simply as "RADIO 94.7."The latest Arbitron ratings show KSSJ was Sacramento's 23rd-most listened to station in town among individuals between the ages of 18- and 49-years-old. Entercom-owned KRXQ, branded as "98Rock," was the most-listened to station among 18- to 49-year-old individuals, and among 25- to 54-year-old individuals.
“As we all know, the one thing we can count on in life is change. It’s in that spirit that I must tell you that the format on 94.7 KSSJ is going to change Wednesday, March 3rd at 12:00 pm. Playing Smooth Jazz favorites is one side of who we are – it’s the side you hear. The other side is the reality that operating a radio station is a business – that’s the side we see. In the past few years, the business side of KSSJ has become increasingly difficult. There are many reasons for it, but the unfortunate fact is that the audience for the station can no longer sustain the business of the station. In that way, we’re no different from a retail business that doesn’t have enough customers to keep the doors open.”
Entercom Communications, the parent company of KSSJ, pulled the plug on the smooth jazz format and instead brought alternative music back to Sacramento. The company's no stranger to the alternative music format. Entercom was the parent company of KWOD 106.5 FM, an alternative music station that relaunched as an all-90s station called "The Buzz." The format flip came as a surprise to the Sacramento market. No announcement was made prior to the launch of the alternative station, branded simply as "RADIO 94.7."The latest Arbitron ratings show KSSJ was Sacramento's 23rd-most listened to station in town among individuals between the ages of 18- and 49-years-old. Entercom-owned KRXQ, branded as "98Rock," was the most-listened to station among 18- to 49-year-old individuals, and among 25- to 54-year-old individuals.
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
31st TRI-C JAZZFEST CLEVELAND
The 31st Annual Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland kicks off spring with a line-up of artists and packed with the variety that JazzFest fans have come to love. From a red carpet birthday salute to the music of Henry Mancini, the jazz of iconic pianist Ramsey Lewis, to fan favorite The Roots and an evening with the Smooth Jazz All-Stars, this year's fest offers something for everyone.JazzFest continues its tradition of spotlighting up-and-coming artists with the "Debut Series," this year featuring the Gerald Clayton Trio and the Theo Croker Group. "Women in Jazz" salutes Antonio Carlos Jobim, the Grammy-winning songwriter of "The Girl from Ipanema," while the prodigious Charlie Haden plays double duty, appearing with his Quartet West and Joe Lovano, and closing out JazzFest with TCJF SoundWorks, now in its second year. Haden is the Tri-C JazzFest Distinguished Artist-in-Residence. For the young, and young at heart, Joe Hunter reprises his "Jazz for Kids" series at the Children's Museum of Cleveland, while Omar Sosa offers a joyful mix of jazz and Afro-Caribbean rhythms at the Museum of Contemporary Art. From France, the 10-piece Orchestre National de Jazz pays homage to Robert Wyatt, a member of the venerable 1960's and 70's band Soft Machine.
Here's a partial performance listing from the 2010 Tri-C JazzFest lineup:
Friday, April 16, 8:00 p.m. – Happy Birthday Henry Mancini!, Allen Theatre, PlayhouseSquare
Saturday, April 17, 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. – Jazz for Kids Featuring Joe Hunter & Friends, Children's Museum of Cleveland
Saturday, April 17, 8:00 p.m. – The Roots, Produced by Jill Newman Productions, Allen Theatre, PlayhouseSquare
Sunday, April 18, 4:00 p.m. – Debut Series with the Gerald Clayton Trio and the Theo Croker Group, East Cleveland Public Library
Monday, April 19, 7:00 p.m. – Jack Wilkins and the Cleveland Jazz Initiative Showcase, Brothers Lounge (Tickets $10)
Tuesday, April 20, 8:00 p.m. – The Eddie Baccus Organ Summit with Special Guest Tony Monaco, Karamu House
Wednesday, April 21, 8:00 p.m. – Omar Sosa Afreecanos Quartet, MOCA Cleveland
Thursday, April 22, 8:00 p.m. – Charlie Haden's Quartet West with Special Guest Joe Lovano, Tri-C Metropolitan Auditorium
Friday, April 23, 8:00 p.m. – An Evening with Ramsey Lewis and Patti Austin, Allen Theatre, PlayhouseSquare
Saturday, April 24, 8:00 p.m. – Orchestre National de Jazz "Around Robert Wyatt", Tri-C Metropolitan Auditorium
Saturday, April 24, 8:00 p.m. – Smooth Jazz All-Stars, Allen Theatre, PlayhouseSquare
Sunday, April 25, 7:00 p.m. – TCJF SoundWorks Plays Charlie Haden's Liberation Music Orchestra with Special Guest Charlie Haden, East Cleveland Public Library
Here's a partial performance listing from the 2010 Tri-C JazzFest lineup:
Friday, April 16, 8:00 p.m. – Happy Birthday Henry Mancini!, Allen Theatre, PlayhouseSquare
Saturday, April 17, 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. – Jazz for Kids Featuring Joe Hunter & Friends, Children's Museum of Cleveland
Saturday, April 17, 8:00 p.m. – The Roots, Produced by Jill Newman Productions, Allen Theatre, PlayhouseSquare
Sunday, April 18, 4:00 p.m. – Debut Series with the Gerald Clayton Trio and the Theo Croker Group, East Cleveland Public Library
Monday, April 19, 7:00 p.m. – Jack Wilkins and the Cleveland Jazz Initiative Showcase, Brothers Lounge (Tickets $10)
Tuesday, April 20, 8:00 p.m. – The Eddie Baccus Organ Summit with Special Guest Tony Monaco, Karamu House
Wednesday, April 21, 8:00 p.m. – Omar Sosa Afreecanos Quartet, MOCA Cleveland
Thursday, April 22, 8:00 p.m. – Charlie Haden's Quartet West with Special Guest Joe Lovano, Tri-C Metropolitan Auditorium
Friday, April 23, 8:00 p.m. – An Evening with Ramsey Lewis and Patti Austin, Allen Theatre, PlayhouseSquare
Saturday, April 24, 8:00 p.m. – Orchestre National de Jazz "Around Robert Wyatt", Tri-C Metropolitan Auditorium
Saturday, April 24, 8:00 p.m. – Smooth Jazz All-Stars, Allen Theatre, PlayhouseSquare
Sunday, April 25, 7:00 p.m. – TCJF SoundWorks Plays Charlie Haden's Liberation Music Orchestra with Special Guest Charlie Haden, East Cleveland Public Library
Monday, March 08, 2010
LEGACY REISSUES INCLUDE ISAAC HAYES, DAVE MASON, ANGELA BOFILL & OTHERS...
Legacy Recordings, the world's foremost catalog music label, is continuing its on-going digital reissue initiative with a fresh round of classic album titles, from a variety of genres, to be released for the first time in the online digital realm in early 2010. "Legacy is delighted with this year's first set of digital releases," said Adam Block, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Legacy. "With acknowledged classics and forgotten treasures from a variety of genres, we believe we're offering something for every discriminating music fan." The Legacy Recordings winter 2010 Digital Audio Longplay release schedule includes:
Blood, Sweat & Tears - New Blood (1972), No Sweat (1973), New City (1975) - Though New Blood, the fifth BS&T album, marked a number of significant personnel changes, including the departure of lead singer David Clayton-Thomas, the band's drummer and album producer Bobby Colomby carpe diemed the project into the Top 40 with a setlist that ran that gamut from Bob Dylan's "Down In The Flood" to Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage" with a single, "So Long Dixie," penned by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. BS&T's No Sweat, released in 1973, was produced by American jazz legend Steve Tyrell and features a cover of Traffic's "Empty Pages." 1975's New City marked Clayton-Thomas' return to the BS&T line-up with killer performances of "Ride Captain Ride," John Lee Hooker's "One Room Country Shack" and "Got To Get You Into My Life."
Angela Bofill - Too Tough (1983) - Bronx-born Latina R&B singer-songwriter-performer Angela Bofill came on strong with 1983's Too Tough, her second album for Arista. The album is a showcase of soulful ballads and dancefloor smashes performed by Angela and her band of heavy-hitters, including Sheila E on percussion, Randy Jackson on bass, Marc Russo on horns, and Narada Michael Walden on drums and keyboards kicking out an amazing setlist of fantastic originals and a definitive interpretation of "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing" featuring Boz Scaggs sharing co-lead vocals.
Jan Hammer Group - Oh, Yeah? (1976) - Prague-born keyboard wizard Jan Hammer won a pair of Grammys in 1985 for his "Miami Vice Theme," a veritable touchstone for the decade. A profoundly influential ensemble player and solo artist, Hammer helped outline the possibilities of jazz-rock fusion with edge-cutting albums like Oh, Yeah?
Isaac Hayes - U-Turn (1986) - A forgotten hot-buttered-soul classic from the mid-1980s, U-Turn includes Hayes' emotionally charged interpretation of Freddie King's "Hey Girl" alongside the old-school anti-crack screed "Ike's Rap VIII" and the most sensuous "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" ever recorded.
Dave Mason - Mariposo de Oro (1978) - English singer-songwriter-guitarist-bon-vivant Dave Mason first rose to fame as a founding member of Traffic, who made many of his songs, notably "Feelin' Alright" into enduring hits. By the mid-1970s, Mason hit his stride as a solo artist with his easy-going flow of contemporary soft-rock. Mariposo de Oro finds Dave in prime, especially on album's Top 40 single, a distinctively plaintive read of the Shirelles' "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?"
Legacy Recordings, the world's premier catalog music label, has opened its vaults to create the Legacy Digital Reissue initiative, making an incredible selection of classic albums and deep catalog rarities available for the first time in the digital realm. Drawing from the vast resources of the Sony Music archives, spanning the entire history of commercial recordings, the ongoing Legacy Digital Reissue program offers music fans an opportunity to rediscover old favorites, experience forgotten musical rarities, and explore an incomparably rich variety of genres, artists and sounds from the last 125 years.
www.LegacyRecordings.com
Blood, Sweat & Tears - New Blood (1972), No Sweat (1973), New City (1975) - Though New Blood, the fifth BS&T album, marked a number of significant personnel changes, including the departure of lead singer David Clayton-Thomas, the band's drummer and album producer Bobby Colomby carpe diemed the project into the Top 40 with a setlist that ran that gamut from Bob Dylan's "Down In The Flood" to Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage" with a single, "So Long Dixie," penned by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. BS&T's No Sweat, released in 1973, was produced by American jazz legend Steve Tyrell and features a cover of Traffic's "Empty Pages." 1975's New City marked Clayton-Thomas' return to the BS&T line-up with killer performances of "Ride Captain Ride," John Lee Hooker's "One Room Country Shack" and "Got To Get You Into My Life."
Angela Bofill - Too Tough (1983) - Bronx-born Latina R&B singer-songwriter-performer Angela Bofill came on strong with 1983's Too Tough, her second album for Arista. The album is a showcase of soulful ballads and dancefloor smashes performed by Angela and her band of heavy-hitters, including Sheila E on percussion, Randy Jackson on bass, Marc Russo on horns, and Narada Michael Walden on drums and keyboards kicking out an amazing setlist of fantastic originals and a definitive interpretation of "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing" featuring Boz Scaggs sharing co-lead vocals.
Jan Hammer Group - Oh, Yeah? (1976) - Prague-born keyboard wizard Jan Hammer won a pair of Grammys in 1985 for his "Miami Vice Theme," a veritable touchstone for the decade. A profoundly influential ensemble player and solo artist, Hammer helped outline the possibilities of jazz-rock fusion with edge-cutting albums like Oh, Yeah?
Isaac Hayes - U-Turn (1986) - A forgotten hot-buttered-soul classic from the mid-1980s, U-Turn includes Hayes' emotionally charged interpretation of Freddie King's "Hey Girl" alongside the old-school anti-crack screed "Ike's Rap VIII" and the most sensuous "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" ever recorded.
Dave Mason - Mariposo de Oro (1978) - English singer-songwriter-guitarist-bon-vivant Dave Mason first rose to fame as a founding member of Traffic, who made many of his songs, notably "Feelin' Alright" into enduring hits. By the mid-1970s, Mason hit his stride as a solo artist with his easy-going flow of contemporary soft-rock. Mariposo de Oro finds Dave in prime, especially on album's Top 40 single, a distinctively plaintive read of the Shirelles' "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?"
Legacy Recordings, the world's premier catalog music label, has opened its vaults to create the Legacy Digital Reissue initiative, making an incredible selection of classic albums and deep catalog rarities available for the first time in the digital realm. Drawing from the vast resources of the Sony Music archives, spanning the entire history of commercial recordings, the ongoing Legacy Digital Reissue program offers music fans an opportunity to rediscover old favorites, experience forgotten musical rarities, and explore an incomparably rich variety of genres, artists and sounds from the last 125 years.
www.LegacyRecordings.com
Friday, March 05, 2010
PATTI LABELLE, MARUCS MILLER, FRANKIE BEVERLY HEADLINE SUNFEST
SunFest, Florida's largest music, art and waterfront festival, has announced several national acts scheduled to appear at the 28th annual event being held April 28-May 2, along one of the most scenic sections of Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach. National acts scheduled to perform include Ben Harper and Relentless7, Patti LaBelle, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Damian Marley, and, Marcus Miller.
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly will perform Friday evening, April 30. They are internationally renowned musical artists, known for their soulful and mellow jazz sound. The musicians have been performing together since 1977 when the group released its first of a string of nonstop gold albums, the self-titled Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. Other gold albums include Inspiration, Joy in Pain, and Back to Basics. The group has racked up 24 Top 40 singles. Favorite hits include "Happy Feelings," "We Are One" and "Can't Get Over You."
Patti LaBelle will perform Friday evening, April 30. As an R&B and Soul singer, Patti has been the main singer for the Bluebelles and Labelle. When singing with Labelle, her breakthrough song "Lady Marmalade" made it to the #1 spot on the charts. She then went on to a solo act and has come out with hits including "On My Own," "If you Only Knew," and "I'm in Love Again."
Damian Marley will perform Sunday afternoon, May 2. Marley is the son of reggae legend Bob Marley. In 2006 Marley became the first Jamaican reggae artist to win multiple Grammy Awards in one night. He won Best Reggae Album for his record Welcome to Jamrock, and Best Urban/Alternative Performance for the single "Welcome to Jamrock". His albums include Mr. Marley, Halfway Tree and Welcome to Jamrock.
Marcus Miller will perform Sunday afternoon, May 2. He was born and raised in New York and is a musician, producer, and composer. He is famous for being a multi-instrumentalist including the bass guitar, clarinet, keyboard, and saxophone. He was a part of the Saturday Night Live Band and has toured with many people including Luther Vandross, Miles Davis, and Roberta Flack. Miller has also won many Grammy Awards as a professional producer.
Singer-songwriter and two-time Grammy Award winner Ben Harper will perform Sunday evening, May 2. Harper is known for his guitar-playing skills, vocals, and live performances. His hit singles include "Steal My Kisses," "With My Own Two Hands," "Diamonds On The Inside," "Brown Eyed Blues" and "Wicked Man." His gold albums include Fight for Your Mind, Burn to Shine and Live from Mars.
More entertainment announcements will be made as they are confirmed.
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly will perform Friday evening, April 30. They are internationally renowned musical artists, known for their soulful and mellow jazz sound. The musicians have been performing together since 1977 when the group released its first of a string of nonstop gold albums, the self-titled Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. Other gold albums include Inspiration, Joy in Pain, and Back to Basics. The group has racked up 24 Top 40 singles. Favorite hits include "Happy Feelings," "We Are One" and "Can't Get Over You."
Patti LaBelle will perform Friday evening, April 30. As an R&B and Soul singer, Patti has been the main singer for the Bluebelles and Labelle. When singing with Labelle, her breakthrough song "Lady Marmalade" made it to the #1 spot on the charts. She then went on to a solo act and has come out with hits including "On My Own," "If you Only Knew," and "I'm in Love Again."
Damian Marley will perform Sunday afternoon, May 2. Marley is the son of reggae legend Bob Marley. In 2006 Marley became the first Jamaican reggae artist to win multiple Grammy Awards in one night. He won Best Reggae Album for his record Welcome to Jamrock, and Best Urban/Alternative Performance for the single "Welcome to Jamrock". His albums include Mr. Marley, Halfway Tree and Welcome to Jamrock.
Marcus Miller will perform Sunday afternoon, May 2. He was born and raised in New York and is a musician, producer, and composer. He is famous for being a multi-instrumentalist including the bass guitar, clarinet, keyboard, and saxophone. He was a part of the Saturday Night Live Band and has toured with many people including Luther Vandross, Miles Davis, and Roberta Flack. Miller has also won many Grammy Awards as a professional producer.
Singer-songwriter and two-time Grammy Award winner Ben Harper will perform Sunday evening, May 2. Harper is known for his guitar-playing skills, vocals, and live performances. His hit singles include "Steal My Kisses," "With My Own Two Hands," "Diamonds On The Inside," "Brown Eyed Blues" and "Wicked Man." His gold albums include Fight for Your Mind, Burn to Shine and Live from Mars.
More entertainment announcements will be made as they are confirmed.
Thursday, March 04, 2010
VIVIAN GREEN - BEAUTIFUL
R&B singer and songwriter Vivian Green is set to release her long-awaited new album, Beautiful on Tuesday, April 6th, 2010 on E1 Music. The title track, "Beautiful" was #1 most added at Urban AC radio last week with over 32 stations adding the record (beating out Mariah Carey and Chrisette Michelle). The track is just outside the Urban AC top 20 and climbing fast. In contrast to her first two albums, which were recorded in a variety of studios with multiple producers, Vivian approached the recording of Beautiful in a more intimate, organic manner. With the exception of "Save Me," which she cut with Jason Farmer (Keyshia Cole, Rihanna, Wyclef Jean) in the producer's seat, Vivian recorded the entire album with Grammy-nominated producer Anthony Bell, a longtime friend and collaborator who made key production contributions to her first two albums, and whose extensive resume also includes work with Jazmine Sullivan, Jewel, Musiq, Raheem DeVaughn and Jill Scott.Green released her debut album, A Love Story, in 2002. The album was certified Gold and featured the hits "Emotional Rollercoaster" and "Fanatic." She followed it up with her sophomore album, in 2005, Vivian, which featured the hit singles, "Gotta Go, Gotta Leave (Tired)" and "I Like it But I Don't Need It." Green sold close to 800,000 between the two releases. Ms. Green also has a well-earned reputation as a riveting live performer, and has shared stages with such artists as Maxwell, Teena Marie, Betty Wright, Chaka Khan, Q-Tip, Anthony Hamilton, and Common.
Vivian portrayed Billie Holiday in the Cole Porter biopic "Delovely," and appeared in the ABC series "American Dreams" as Brenda Holloway, and performed Holloway's classic Motown song "Every Little Bit Hurts." She also wrote "Dear God" for Boyz II Men for their platinum-selling album "Evolution" and wrote the music for David E. Talbert's popular all-star stage play "Love in the Nick of Tyme," which debuted in 2007.
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
CAREFUSION JAZZ FESTIVAL NEW YORK
CareFusion, a leading global medical device company, and festival producer George Wein today announced the schedule for the CareFusion Jazz Festival New York, which takes over the city June 17 - 26 with 45 concerts at 20 venues throughout New York City. "I am grateful that CareFusion came forward to re-ignite the tradition of New York's annual jazz festival in June. With more than 1,000 jazz events taking place throughout New York every month, it's an exciting challenge to program a 10-night festival," said Mr. Wein, CEO of New Festival Productions, LLC. "We booked the festival using the underlying theme of "accentuate the positive," which includes partnering with some of the city's hottest venues from Manhattan to Queens, from Brooklyn to the Bronx. Together, we have booked a stellar festival filled with great music for all tastes and at all prices."
As in past years, some of the great legends of jazz will make their only major New York appearances. At Carnegie Hall, the CareFusion Jazz Festival New York presents Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock, Jack DeJohnette on June 17; An Evening with Chris Botti, June 19; The Genius of Joao Gilberto, June 22; and Herbie Hancock, Seven Decades: The Birthday Celebration featuring the birthday honoree himself, Herbie Hancock, plus Terence Blanchard, Bill Cosby, Joe Lovano, Wayne Shorter and others, June 24.
For the free concert of a lifetime, head to Central Park SummerStage on June 23 for dynamic sets starring the McCoy Tyner Quartet featuring Ravi Coltrane, Esperanza Spalding and Francisco Mela plus the Stanley Clarke Band featuring Hiromi. The festival continues with the best in jazz at concert halls, clubs, parks, museums and libraries across the city.
"The CareFusion Jazz Festival Series uses jazz to shine a light on patient safety and those working to improve health care," said David Schlotterbeck, chairman and CEO of CareFusion. "We are especially excited to bring back the New York Jazz Festival this year and support and preserve the arts in New York City and the surrounding communities."
For the complete schedule of the CareFusion Jazz Festival New York, click to http://www.nycjazzfestival.com/. For more information about the CareFusion Jazz Festival Series, click to to http://www.carefusionjazz.com/.
As in past years, some of the great legends of jazz will make their only major New York appearances. At Carnegie Hall, the CareFusion Jazz Festival New York presents Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock, Jack DeJohnette on June 17; An Evening with Chris Botti, June 19; The Genius of Joao Gilberto, June 22; and Herbie Hancock, Seven Decades: The Birthday Celebration featuring the birthday honoree himself, Herbie Hancock, plus Terence Blanchard, Bill Cosby, Joe Lovano, Wayne Shorter and others, June 24.
For the free concert of a lifetime, head to Central Park SummerStage on June 23 for dynamic sets starring the McCoy Tyner Quartet featuring Ravi Coltrane, Esperanza Spalding and Francisco Mela plus the Stanley Clarke Band featuring Hiromi. The festival continues with the best in jazz at concert halls, clubs, parks, museums and libraries across the city.
"The CareFusion Jazz Festival Series uses jazz to shine a light on patient safety and those working to improve health care," said David Schlotterbeck, chairman and CEO of CareFusion. "We are especially excited to bring back the New York Jazz Festival this year and support and preserve the arts in New York City and the surrounding communities."
For the complete schedule of the CareFusion Jazz Festival New York, click to http://www.nycjazzfestival.com/. For more information about the CareFusion Jazz Festival Series, click to to http://www.carefusionjazz.com/.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
SEABREEZE JAZZ FESTIVAL
The 12th Annual Seabreeze Jazz Festival will be held April 16th-18th at the Pier Park Amphitheater in Panama City Beach, Florida. Pier Park became the new home for the ResortQuest Seabreeze Jazz Festival last year and the response from attendees was overwhelming positive. Nick Colionne will be the Seabreeze Jazz Festival host again this year. Other Jazz artists include Fourplay (Bob James, Larry Carlton, Harvey Mason, & Nathan East) Tower of Power, The Sax Pack (Jeff Kashiwa, Kim Waters, & Steve Cole), Rick Braun, Richard Elliot, Euge Groove, Oli Silk, Brian Simpson, Marc Antoine, Jessy J, Steve Oliver, Jackiem Joyner, Shilts, Alex Bugnon, Gerald Veasley, Matt Marshak, Drew Davidsen, Ken Ford, Joey Sommerville, BK Jackson, RomanStreet, Jones and Co. and more! Festival activities begin on Thursday April 15th at 7:00 pm with a Smooth Jazz Dinner Cruise aboard "The Solaris". On Friday April 17th, the Seabreeze Jazz Fest Golf Tournament begins at 8:00am and at 3 pm there will be a Seabreeze Meet & Greet CD Signing at Borders Books at Pier Park where artists will be available for photos and CD signings. The Jazz swings into high gear on Friday at 6:00pm as artists take the stage and concludes with a "Chill Out" after party at 11:00pm. The festival resumes at 10:00am on Saturday, with more jazz greats taking the stage and includes a Smooth & Swanky after party beginning at 10:30pm. Jazz artist take the stage again at 10:00am on Sunday and the festival ends at 8:30pm on Sunday.
Monday, March 01, 2010
GRACE JONES PERFORMS AT 18 ANNUAL ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION
The legendary Grace Jones will perform for guests at the 18th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Award Viewing Party. The gala event, which will take place March 7, 2010, at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, has brought some of the most iconic musicians to the stage over the years, but none as theatrical as the incomparable Grace Jones.
Ms. Jones' first album, Portfolio, released in 1977, resulted in a string of dance-club hits that transformed the international club scene. Her following albums Fame and Muse generated considerable success in the market and solidified her as a major recording artist. Jones later adapted to the emerging New Wave music to create a different style for herself. This resulted in the acclaimed albums Warm Leatherette, Nightclubbing and Living My Life.
Equally known for her roles in the fashion, art and film communities, Jones has established a presence that has stood the test of time. Born in Jamaica and raised in Syracuse, New York, she began her career as a successful high-fashion model. Starring roles followed in such films as the James Bond blockbuster "A View to a Kill", "Conan the Destroyer" with Arnold Schwarzenegger and the vampire thriller "Vamp." Jones took the art world by storm when she became the muse to famed artists Andy Warhol and Keith Haring, resulting in an iconic series of portraits by Warhol and Haring's famous series of body paintings. With her dramatic visual makeover created in partnership with Jean-Paul Goode, Jones starred in the concert special "A One Man Show" and created a persona that has intrigued fans and established her as an international entertainment icon.
Ms. Jones' first album, Portfolio, released in 1977, resulted in a string of dance-club hits that transformed the international club scene. Her following albums Fame and Muse generated considerable success in the market and solidified her as a major recording artist. Jones later adapted to the emerging New Wave music to create a different style for herself. This resulted in the acclaimed albums Warm Leatherette, Nightclubbing and Living My Life.
Equally known for her roles in the fashion, art and film communities, Jones has established a presence that has stood the test of time. Born in Jamaica and raised in Syracuse, New York, she began her career as a successful high-fashion model. Starring roles followed in such films as the James Bond blockbuster "A View to a Kill", "Conan the Destroyer" with Arnold Schwarzenegger and the vampire thriller "Vamp." Jones took the art world by storm when she became the muse to famed artists Andy Warhol and Keith Haring, resulting in an iconic series of portraits by Warhol and Haring's famous series of body paintings. With her dramatic visual makeover created in partnership with Jean-Paul Goode, Jones starred in the concert special "A One Man Show" and created a persona that has intrigued fans and established her as an international entertainment icon.