BOB BALDWIN - NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE: A TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON

June 25th, the day that rocked the music world with the tragic death of the King Of Pop, will mark a day of celebration of the life of Michael Jackson with the release of Never Can Say Goodbye, a fitting title to this thoughtful collection of past to present Jackson hits from contemporary jazz pioneer, Pianist/Arranger Bob Baldwin and speaks of the sentiment felt by millions of fans worldwide. Radio promotions as well as a pre-produced radio special, will be made available for broadcast on June 25th across the terrestrial, satellite, internet jazz radio spectrum, including Baldwin’s own “NewUrbanJazz” Lounge' radio program.

Having received the blessing of the Jackson estate, and as a follow up to previous Jackson hits on previous discs, Never Can Say Goodbye is the first jazz record to pay homage to MJ and boasts a sterling handpicked collection of Jackson classics served up Baldwin style. This stirring and feel good tribute to all the man was and the influence he had across the musical spectrum, features original Baldwin reads on the early Jackson 5 hit, 'I ll Be There', Jackson and McCartney s 'The Girl Is Mine', the laid back and soul drenched 'Lady In My Life' (from the 'Thriller' vaults) to the funky side with unique touches on 'Bad' and the Gamble and Huff classic 'Let Me Show You The Way Go', and the highly infectious title track, featuring a cameo appearance from new Fourplay guitarist Chuck Loeb. "She's Out of My Life" gets the Nashville treatment, with the soulful guitar riffs ushered in by Special Efx staple Chieli Minucci. The personal Baldwin tribute "Prodigious" is soulful and sensitive, much like his approach to the entire project, while "Don't Say Goodbye" is haunting and reflective.

Baldwin was not a late-comer to the fanfare of Michael Jackson. "In 2000, it was time to give MJ his kudos", says the NY native. "I grew up listening to 'Never Can Say Goodbye' as a kid and watching the J5 on the Ed Sullivan Show, so he was in the fabric of my musical pop life, in between listening to Duke Ellington and Miles. Quincy really elevated his sense of harmony and you heard it in his later work". Baldwin also released "I Wanna Be Where You Are" in 2004 after recorded the song in Ipanema with some of his Brazilian compadres, so in many ways, the seed was already planted. A week or so following his death, my associate Brenda Hazel suggested I just finish the MJ thought and go full circle. We had to get the business straight, however, so getting the Jackson estate blessing was a real honor". Collaborating with Trippin' N Rhythm will bring this project full circle, which is also an honor.

Baldwin is no stranger to tributes and kudo efforts as his 2nd Haiti effort, the "2010 Jazz For Haiti" benefit concert has led to a worldwide collaboration with the American Red Cross to further assist that tragedy. Goodbye, should do well to invigorate Baldwin’s massive legion of fans across the world as he continues to look forward, but not without keeping an eye on and honoring those who influenced his past. It's the "Feelgood" album of 2010 indeed.

Never Can Say Goodbye: A Tribute to Michael Jackson Track List
Bad (feat. Ragan Whiteside)
Human Nature
The Girl Is Mine (feat. Steve Oliver)
I Can’t Help it
I’ll Be There
Prodigious
I Wanna Be Where You Are
Lady In My Life
Let Me Show You (feat. Joey Sommerville)
She’s Out of My Life (feat. Chieli Minucci)
Don’t Say Goodbye
Never Can Say Goodbye (feat. Chuck Loeb)