NEW RELEASES COMING SOON...

Ace Records (UK) plan the release of a compilation disc featuring Jackie DeShannon, whose “What the World Needs Now Is Love,” a memorable version of Hal David/Burt Bacharach’s timely hit. The 26-track CD is called Come And Get Me – The Complete Liberty and Imperial Singles Volume 2 and is currently slated for UK release on January 31.

T-Bird Records will reissue Sheffield Steel (1982) by Joe Cocker on January 24.

Legacy Recordings plan the DD reissue of Free (1972 – CTI) by Airto Moreira, scheduled for February 15.

Atlantic Records has assembled a 2-CD ‘best of’ collection of 30 Aretha Franklin hits that will be released on March 22. The album is called - 30 Greatest Hits.

Ghostlight Records will release a CD version of Steppin’ Out Live by Ben Vereen on February 15.

Friday Music plans the CD reissue of the excellent L Is For Lovers (1986) by the great Al Jarreau on February 15.

Domino Jazz UK will release a 2-CD Live set featuring Miles Davis called The Unissued Japanese Concerts 1964. This set is scheduled for February 21.

There is new Gil Scott-Heron coming on February 22, a collaboration with Jamie XX called We’re New Here. The album will be released on all formats (CD/DD/LP).

MRI Records will reissue Hawaii Five-O (1969) by The Ventures on March 1.

Verve Forecast plans Contact by Boney James for a March 29 release date.

Concord Jazz will re-release a CD version of McLemore Avenue (1970) by Booker T & The MGs on May 10.

Concord Jazz also plans The Staples Singers CD reissue of Be Altitude: Respect Yourself (1972), which contains the awesome Ingram/Rice cover of “Respect Yourself”, and “I’ll Take You There”. It’s scheduled for May 10.

Fantasy Records plan the reissue of Taylored In Silk (1973) by Johnny Taylor as a CD set on May 10.

TAKE A LOOK: ARETHA FRANLKIN COMPLETE ON COLUMBIA

The 50th anniversary of Aretha Franklin's arrival on the popular music scene is set for a major celebration in 2011. Signed to Columbia Records by the legendary John Hammond in the spring of 1960 (soon after her 18th birthday), Aretha released her debut album, Aretha (With The Ray Bryant Combo), on February 27, 1961. Her coming of age at Columbia as a young artist in New York is one of the great stories in the annals of popular music, and set the stage for her ascendance as the Queen of Soul at Atlantic Records.

Take A Look: Aretha Franklin Complete On Columbia marks the first time that Aretha's entire Columbia output, including master takes, unissued performances, rare mono mixes and studio conversations, have been preserved in one deluxe 12-disc (11 CDs + DVD) box set. The package is available for pre-order at www.arethafranklin.net in advance of its March 22, 2011, release at all physical and digital retail outlets through Columbia/Legacy, a division of Sony Music Entertainment. The suggested retail price for the box is $169.98.

Take A Look also includes a comprehensive 64-page booklet with never-before-seen photos by Columbia staff photographer Don Hunstein; recollections by John Hammond, who signed the young gospel singer; a discography of Aretha's Columbia LPs and singles; and an expansive essay "Bold Soul Ingenue" by Daphne A. Brooks, Professor of English and African American Studies at Princeton University. Columbia/Legacy will also release Aretha Franklin: The Great American Songbook on March 22nd. This single-CD collection of evergreens composed by Billy Strayhorn, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, George and Ira Gershwin, Johnny Mercer and Hank Williams, among others, is drawn entirely from the repertoire of TAKE A LOOK. Liner notes were written by Anthony Heilbut, author of The Gospel Sound: Good News and Bad Times (Simon & Schuster, 1971).

The wide range of studio and live recordings that Aretha made for Columbia from the summer of 1960 to the fall of 1965 have been a source of controversy and heated critical debate for nearly a half-century. There is unanimous agreement, however, that Aretha's years at Columbia were a necessary step in her artistic evolution. Aretha, who turns 69 on March 25th, still commands the oft-cited R word (for R-E-S-P-E-C-T). Her voice remains one of the glories in American music. She has won 18 Grammys; was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987; has performed at two presidential inaugurations; and received a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005 – the nation's highest honor. She was also recognized as "the greatest singer of the rock era,'" according to a Rolling Stone poll published in November 2008.

"The golden anniversary of Aretha's introduction to the pop world from her gospel beginning at Chess Records is a singular moment in America's musical, social and cultural heritage," says Adam Block, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Legacy Recordings. "Take A Look is a long-overdue tribute to an American icon."

Take A Look begins with expanded editions of Aretha's seven original Columbia albums:
•Aretha (with the Ray Bryant Combo) (released February 27, 1961)
•The Electrifying Aretha Franklin (1962)
•The Tender, the Moving, the Swinging Aretha Franklin (1962)
•Laughing On The Outside (1963)
•Unforgettable – A Tribute To Dinah Washington (1964)
•Runnin' Out Of Fools (1965)
•Yeah!!! In Person With Her Quartet (in two sequences: the original 1965 album recorded live in the studio with overdubbed applause, followed by a new previously unreleased version without the overdubbed ambience)

Two CDs reflect Aretha's collaborations with the influential producers Bobby Scott and Clyde Otis -- collaborations that were either shelved or issued as singles, but never on LP:
•Tiny Sparrow: The Bobby Scott Sessions (1963)
•Take A Look: The Clyde Otis Sessions (1964)

Two CDs are new compilations:
•A Bit of Soul (the full album as it was compiled in 1965, but never released)
•The Queen In Waiting (includes Aretha's last seven Columbia recordings which were produced by Bob Johnston, who was noted for his work during this time with Bob Dylan; the disk also features new recordings of Aretha's songs that Columbia "sweetened" after she left the label)

A bonus DVD, Aretha '64! Live on The Steve Allen Show, features Aretha singing and playing piano on the legendary comedian's television program, syndicated by Westinghouse TV, in the spring of 1964. The performances include "Lover Come Back to Me," "Rock-A-Bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody," "Won't Be Long," "Skylark," and "Evil Gal Blues."

The lavish 64-page booklet was designed by Michael Boland for The Boland Design Company. It contains:
•A 3,700-word essay by Daphne A. Brooks, distinguished professor of English and African American Studies at Princeton University; author of Bodies in Dissent: Spectacular Performances of Race and Freedom, 1850-1910 (Duke University Press, 2006), Jeff Buckley's Grace (Continuum 33 1/3 series, 2005) and the forthcoming Subterranean Blues: Black Women and Sound Subcultures (Harvard University Press)

•An excerpt from John Hammond's 1977 autobiography, On Record, in which he reflects on the joy of discovering a singular talent, and the heartbreak of losing her to Atlantic Records

•Newly published photographs by Vernon L. Smith and the Columbia staff photographers Don Hunstein, Hank Parker and Sandy Speiser

•Complete discography of albums and singles

In every case, the CD jackets replicate the original LP jackets, including back cover liner notes. These include liner notes written by many of the most prominent music journalists of the day, including Frank Driggs (Aretha With the Ray Bryant Combo); Pete Welding (The Electrifying Aretha Franklin); Billy James (The Tender, The Moving, The Swinging Aretha Franklin); Leonard Feather (Unforgettable); and Dan Morgenstern (Yeah!!! In Person With Her Quartet).

After leaving Columbia in 1966, Aretha proceeded to earn 30 consecutive Top 10 hit singles over the next seven years, 15 of which went to #1 R&B. At the end of the '60s and into the '70s, she was a powerful figure in the Civil Rights and anti-war movements, Black power, and the rise of feminism.

Author David Ritz was Aretha's collaborator on her candid autobiography, From These Roots (Villard Books, 2000). It remains the definitive account of her life and charts the course of modern R&B, alongside Ritz's biographies of Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, Etta James, Smokey Robinson, Jerry Wexler and others.

Of Aretha's Columbia years, Ritz writes: "We see a teenager turn into a woman, and a woman blossom into an artist of astounding emotional depth."

"Hearing Aretha on Columbia is like seeing a sunrise," he continues. "The colors dazzle; the world expands; our hearts are excited by possibility, hope, a glimpse of glory. An Aretha love song, even when the story is sad, soars with a spirit that defies defeat. Whether forlorn ballads or broken-hearted blues, Aretha draws on the highest power of inspiration. The material may be secular, but the source remains spiritual. Her message and inspiration come from the same place: the mysterious, inexhaustible nature of love."

Take A Look was compiled and produced by Grammy Award-nominated producer Leo Sacks, who has supervised more than 300 compilations, remixes and new recordings for Legacy which have been vital to preserving the works of such American masters as Earth, Wind & Fire, Marvin Gaye, Bill Withers, The Isley Brothers, Luther Vandross and the producers Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff.

The package was mastered by Mark Wilder, who has won three Grammy Awards for his work preserving the legacies of Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday and Miles Davis.

"These stunning performances capture a gritty soul about to take flight," Sacks says.

Aficionados, collectors and Aretha's devotees will rejoice at the care and devotion that Legacy has accorded her rich catalog in the time-honored tradition of comparable deluxe commemorative box sets by Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett, Bob Dylan and Elvis Presley, among others. Historical accuracy, attention to detail and painstaking studio archival restoration has endeared Legacy to music lovers everywhere.

http://www.arethafranklin.net/

ST. LUCIA JAZZ FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES LINEUP

In celebration of the 20th anniversary, six time Grammy winner and multi-Platinum artist John Legend will headline this year's Saint Lucia Jazz Festival. Singer, songwriter and pianist, Legend has sold more than five million albums worldwide, garnered multiple hit singles ("Ordinary People," "Used to Love U," "So High," "Save Room," "Heaven," "Another Again") and has received countless awards. Legend demonstrates a rare ability to fuse classic old school soul music with the edgy flavor of 21st century hip-hop. From April 30 to May 8, 2011, this year's festival lineup is comprised of an international roster of renowned musicians from jazz, R&B, pop, soul and world music from the United States, UK, France, Africa and Saint Lucia, including:

•Ledisi – Singer-songwriter Ledisi returns to the jazz festival stage sharing highlights from her Grammy nominated albums Lost & Found and Turn Me Loose.

•Regina Carter – American jazz violinist, Regina Carter, lauded as one of the finest violinists of her generation, will share African folk tunes from her newest album, Reverse Thread.

•Bad Ass Brass – Influenced from the sounds of traditional New Orleans brass bands but adding their own unique twist, the group won the opportunity to play at this year's jazz festival through a contest in the UK hosted by the Saint Lucia Tourist Board.

•Maceo Parker – American funk and jazz saxophonist, who had a long term association with the late, great James Brown, will perform hits from his latest album Roots & Grooves, which won a Jammie for best Jazz Album in 2009.

•Saint Lucian Collective – An ensemble of Saint Lucian's jazz icons who will perform a melange of sweet pulsating Caribbean beats.

"As the leading and longest running jazz event in the Caribbean, year after year we welcome thousands of visitors from all corners of the globe to our legendary island to celebrate the premier voices in the music industry," said Saint Lucia Tourist Board Director of Tourism Louis Lewis. "We're thrilled to be marking our 20th anniversary with another sensational lineup. Combined with our world-class resorts, unique activities, exotic cuisine, unspoiled nature and warm people, this is still the best party in the Caribbean." The festival will have multiple complimentary daily shows of acoustic, new age, jazz, soul, reggae, and R&B sounds held in a variety of locations and venues around the island, including Jazz on the Square in Castries and Fond d'Or Jazz in Dennery. Headliners will perform at the main stage performances which will be held at Pigeon Island National Park and Gaiety in Rodney Bay, the island's epicenter of musical entertainment, featuring local clubs, lounges and restaurants. Several resorts on the island will be celebrating the jazz festival with special packages. For a full concert schedule, festival tickets and updates, visit the official Saint Lucia Jazz website http://www.stluciajazz.org/.

ThejaZZVnU NOW STREAMING 24/7

ThejaZZVnU, a private internet radio station, recently debuted a 24/7 streaming music website specifically geared towards jazz. With six different genres of jazz, visitors can preview a little taste of what the site has to offer before becoming a member. ThejaZZVnU offers members the ability to browse a library of thousands of jazz songs, ranging from Vocal Jazz, Latin Jazz, Classic Jazz, Instrumental Jazz, Smooth Jazz, and Urbane Jazz, bookmark songs, and listen to songs anytime, anywhere. In announcing ThejaZZVnU’s launch, Godsey Tross, President/CEO stated, “We are thrilled to reveal the birth of ThejaZZVnU, offering jazz music enthusiasts an around-the-clock, six genre music mix for listening pleasure, and we know our audience will find this to be a stimulating and an engaging experience.” This innovative jazz station has been created to meet the diverse and changing music needs of millions of young internet radio listeners and experienced jazz lovers around the world. ThejaZZVnU is keeping jazz alive and romantic, and moving into the future with six separate and personalized jazz genres for listeners to experience anytime, anywhere, and as often as they want.

The “Urbane Jazz” genre signals the emergence of a new generation of jazz musicians and listeners. This genre is influenced by past and current generations of musicians, popular American, and International music cultures and roots, and is a fusion of deep funk, soulful instrumental and vocal jazz, and popular contemporary music. “We are beyond excited about this station, and committed to creating a unique jazz format and sound that is global in nature, providing our members, listeners, and visitors to the site with a wide variety of music they would not otherwise hear on Terrestrial Stations or other Internet Radio Stations,” stated Tross. Listeners can join and become a “Jazz-ite” member with access to the best blends of romantic jazz music, rich in sound and of CD quality from a music catalogue consisting of over 275,000 songs. There is also access to three hours of LIVE music provided by ThejaZZVnU hosts Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 PM - 12:00 AM EST/US.

Other features of the website include: Featured Jazz Artists - Shining the spotlight on an artist for a week, and playing a different song from their collective body of work each day. Community Board - Providing a forum where registered members can post messages and interact with the global community. Chat Room - Where members can meet and share information of common interest with other members of the jazz community. ThejaZZVnU’s mission is “To provide music lovers around the world and from all walks of life with a distinctive blend of jazz music that is enjoyable, romantic, relaxing and entertaining.” Tross adds, “The development of this station and website is the result of a true labor of love, dedication and countless hours spent crafting its texture, nuances and intricacies for one purpose, to share our love of jazz with jazz lovers around the world. We are extraordinarily proud of the considerable contribution ThejaZZVnU will bring to online radio listeners and the global jazz community.”

SMOOTH JAZZ NEW YORK PRESENTS A VALENTINE'S CRUISE WITH PHIL PERRY

Smooth Jazz New York kicks off Valentine’s weekend with A Valentine’s Cruise with Phil Perry featuring two special sailings and performances on February 11, 2011. With Phil Perry’s rich and tender jazz sounds resonating against breathtaking skyline views of Manhattan, guests can start their weekend of romance as they sail aboard The Spirit of New York departing Pier 61 at the Chelsea Piers at 6:30PM for a sunset/evening cruise or at 9:30PM for a moonlight cruise. “With Valentine’s Day falling on a Monday, we wanted to do something special to set a romantic tone for the entire weekend… when people can take the time to kick back and celebrate without having to go to work the next day,” says Sam Kimball, Smooth Jazz New York co-founder. “Phil Perry was absolutely the artist of choice, for his repertoire of love songs, sensuous grooves, and passionate R&B melodies,” Kimball adds. Perry first came to the attention of soul music fans as the lead singer of the Montclairs in the early 1970s, He has released 10 solo albums over the last two decades; most recently his Christmas 2009 CD entitled “The Gift of Love.” A well respected singer-songwriter, his songs have been performed by such notable performers as Aretha Franklin, Patti Austin, Bobby Caldwell, and Lee Ritenour, among others. As one of the most sought-after background vocalists in the music business, Perry’s warm, rich tones can be heard on the recordings of top artists including Bill Withers, George Duke, Barbara Streisand, Johnny Mathis, Anita Baker, Boz Scaggs, Rod Stewart, Peabo Bryson, and Chaka Khan. Smooth Jazz New York is a subsidiary of Marquee Concerts, producers of the CD101.9 Smooth Cruises for the last 12 years. With CD101.9 off the air, enthusiasts of this genre of music have come to rely on Smooth Jazz New York to fill the void. The organization produces and promotes New York's biggest and best Smooth Jazz shows and serves as the portal for live jazz shows in the New York Metropolitan area. Learn more at http://www.smoothjazznewyork.com.

UPCOMING RELEASES TO LOOK OUT FOR...

Virgin UK will release a 3CD Box of selected works by Tangerine Dream when the band were at their peak. With albums like Stratosfear (1976), Rubycon (1975), Ricochet (1975), Cyclone (1978), which featured vocals, and Force Majeure (1979), this collected set containing 23 timeless songs will be a good pickup. The Box, called The Virgin Years: 1974-1978, is scheduled for release on January 17.

Masterworks Jazz has delivered an LP reissue of Prelude (1972) by Deodato on December 7 (last night). Prelude is the album that contained that contagiously funky adaptation of Strauss’ “Also Sprach Zarathustra”. The album contains the longer version of the song (so you know). The particularly good news here is that Masterworks Jazz will reissue the album on CD planning for January 25.

Ace Records (UK) plan the release of a compilation disc featuring Jackie DeShannon, whose “What the World Needs Now Is Love,” a memorable version of David/Bacharach’s timely hit. The 26-track CD is called Come And Get Me – The Complete Liberty and Imperial Singles Volume 2 and is currently slated for UK release on January 31.

Legacy Records and Columbia Records will release Aretha Sings The Great American Songbook (a practice that seems to be in great favour by Sony, singing the Great American Songbook) from Aretha Franklin on February 1.

J Records will go a step further and stick their fingers in the collected albums of Rod Stewart Sings The Great American Songbook, baking the “best” tracks into a ‘best of’ called The Best of Rod Stewart Sings the Great American Songbook. February 1.

Epic Records and Legacy will deliver The Intimate Luther Vandross on February 1.

Legacy Records will release Bitches Brew Live featuring Miles Davis on February 8.

The timing could not be more perfect for the release of Desire- in time for the Valentine’s holiday. Long considered the purveyor of sexy and sensual sides, Hardcastle gathers many of his most intimate soundscapes from the past 20 years, complimented by three brand new tracks, ‘Valentines,’ featuring the vocals of daughter Maxine, ‘Ready or Not,’ and ‘Dont You Know (Ibiza Chill Mix),’ the sum of which is, as the title suggest, the ultimate album of seduction.Named after one of the most popular hits, ‘Desire’ seems the apt title for the assemblage of songs rife with feeling and emotion that will surely provide the perfect soundtrack for any holiday or occasion that speaks of feelings for a loved one. A must have for Hardcastle fans and lovers alike.

Time/Life will release a 9 DVD Box collection called The Best of Soul Train on February 15.

429 Records will release Live at the Royal Albert Hall featuring Joan Armatrading on CD and CD/DVD and planned for February 22.

Fantasy Records has pencilled in June 7 of 2011 for the reissues of Explorations (1961) by the Bill Evans Trio, Thelonius Alone In San Francisco (1959) from Thelonius Monk, In New York (1958) by Chet Baker, and Easy Living (1986) by Ella Fitzgerald.

NEW RELEASES FROM MARCOS VALLE, RON ISLEY, SUNSET LOUNGE ORCHESTRA & MORE...

Aloe Blacc – You Make Me Smile
Bad Jazz Troupe – Looking For Jupiter
Ben L’Oncle Soul – Ben L’Oncle Soul
Best Of Bossa Lounge (Various Artists)
Brad Rambur – Can’t Put It Down
Café Del Mar Recommends Music For Dreams (Various Artists)
Cal Harris Jr. – Inside Out
Charley Langer – Never The Same
Chieli Minucci – Without You
Chris Bennett – Sail Away
Houston Person – Moment To Moment
In The Christmas Groove (Various Artists)
IRMA Christmas Box: Snowy Tunes In An Icy Lounge Style
Jazz 2010 (Various Artists)
Kirk Whalum – More of Everything Is Everything: The Music Of Donny Hathaway
Klyde Jones – Waltz Of The Wild Rose
Leon – All For Love
Lisa McClowry – It Wouldn’t Feel Like Christmas
Lyambiko – Something Like Reality
Marcos Valle – Estatica
Mario Biondi – Yes You Live
Mark Mosley – TLC
Melba Moore – Closer (Reissue)
Peven Everett – Home Cookin’ An Acoustic Album
Ron Isley – Mr. I
Rudiger Baldauf – Own Style
Sister Sledge – We Are Family: The Essential Sister Sledge
Shawn Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra – Hooked Up Classics
Sunset Lounge Orchestra – The ABBA Cool Down Experience
Sunset Lounge Orchestra – The Michael Jackson Cool Down Experience Part 2
Sunset Lounge Orchestra – The Santana Cool Down Experience
Sunset Lounge Orchestra – The U2 Cool Down Experience
Sylvia Bennett – It’s Christmas Time With Sylvia Bennett
Tom Jones – Greatest Hits Rediscovered

DAVE KOZ & ALEX BUGNON TEAM @ SMOOTH JAZZ NEW YORK

Smooth Jazz New York has announced that saxophone sensation and six-time Grammy nominee Dave Koz will take the stage along with keyboard artist Alex Bugnon for a one-time only Valentine's show kicking off a weekend of love on Friday, February 11, 2011 at 8 pm. For lovers of contemporary jazz and romantic favorites, this special concert at the Best Buy Theater in New York City's Times Square will be the hottest ticket in town. Music magazine concertlivewire.com describes Dave Koz's performances as packing "brassy -- and sassy -- appeal" that confirms his top spot in the current jazz scene, along with mounting crossover appeal. His concerts are "refreshing, technically impressive demonstration of instrumental and vocal precision." Often compared to David Sanborn in style, Koz is known for his sultry, soulful, and high energy performances. A platinum-selling artist, Koz first made a splash on the contemporary jazz scene with his self-titled album and went on to be nominated for six Grammy awards and an NAACP Award for Saxophonic. In 1994, Koz began hosting a syndicated radio program, "The Dave Koz Radio Show" (formerly "Personal Notes"), featuring the latest music and interviews with a Who's Who in the genre. After a career spanning nearly two decades, Koz recently released a new album, Hello Tomorrow, his first with Concord Records. The album features new collaborations with Grammy-winning producers Marcus Miller and John Burk as well as a guest appearance from legendary trumpet player, Herb Alpert. Alex Bugnon lends to the evening his white hot, slow-burning style that draws on a mixture of funk, R&B, gospel, and his experience touring with such musical legends as Patti Austin, Freddie Jackson, Earth Wind and Fire, and Keith Sweat. "I'm thrilled to be back in the great jazz town of New York City," Koz says. "We're going to make this a special evening for lovers - and for lovers of smooth jazz. Music, like romance, has the ability to touch souls in a way that words can't do." Smooth Jazz New York is a subsidiary of Marquee Concerts, producers of the CD101.9 Smooth Cruises for the last 12 years. With CD101.9 off the air, enthusiasts of this genre of music have come to rely on Smooth Jazz New York to fill the void. The organization produces and promotes New York's biggest and best Smooth Jazz shows and serves as the portal for live jazz shows in the New York Metropolitan area.

http://www.smoothjazznewyork.com/.

ICON RELEASES FROM EL DEBARGE, ALEXANDER O'NEAL, BILLIE HOLIDAY & OTHERS...

The new year kicks off with more than a dozen new releases in the Icon series from Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) featuring great artists and great songs at a great price. The 14 new collections of greatest hits, signature tunes and fan favorites, released January 4, 2011, embrace a variety of music genres including R&B and jazz.  Releases include albums from a resurgent El DeBarge to love song collections just in time for Valentine's Day from Motown legends Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, jazz immortals Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, and R&B's Brian McKnight to "best ofs" from  The S.O.S. Band, Alexander O'Neal and Cherrelle, three Tabu artists now exclusive to UMe. Each album boasts 12 tracks. The Icon albums are as follows:

--El DeBarge – Icon (Universal Motown/UMe): Hot on the heels of his recent acclaimed solo comeback album, the smooth singer is heard with classic earlier performances both solo and as lead singer for the DeBarge family group, including "Rhythm Of The Night," "Time Will Reveal" and "You Wear It Well."

--The SOS Band – Icon (Tabu/UMe): The flagship group for Tabu Records scored super-sized '80s hits thanks to producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, including "Take Your Time (Do It Right)," "The Finest" and "Just Be Good To Me" (heard here in its rare 12" vocal remix).

--Alexander O'Neal – Icon (Tabu/UMe): Contemporary and classic, the R&B singer hit in the '80s and '90s with a pair of gold albums and the singles "Fake" (here in a rare extended version), "Criticize" and "Never Knew Love Like This," a duet with labelmate Cherrelle.

--Cherrelle – Icon (Tabu/UMe): Soaring to #1 R&B in 1988 with the Jimmy Jam/Terry Lewis-helmed "Everything I Miss At Home" as well as the Top 10 R&B "Saturday Love" with labelmate Alexander O'Neal (here in its rare extended version), the singer earlier hit Top 10 R&B with her debut "I Didn't Mean To Turn You On."

--Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell – Icon – Love Songs (Universal Motown/UMe): R&B's and Motown's most revered male-female duo recorded immortal classic after immortal classic, including "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing," "Your Precious Love" and "Come On And See Me."

--Billie Holiday – Icon – Love Songs (Verve/UMe): The legend's greatest love songs on Decca, Verve and MGM include her brilliant interpretations of the standards "All The Way," "Crazy He Calls Me," "It Had To Be You" and "Come Rain or Come Shine" plus the rarely anthologized "Everything I Have Is Yours."

--Ella Fitzgerald – Icon – Love Songs (Verve/UMe): The First Lady of Song helped create the Great American Songbook with her renditions of the Gershwins' "Someone To Watch Over Me" and "I've Got A Crush On You," Cole Porter's "From This Moment On" and Irving Berlin's "Always."

--Brian McKnight – Icon – Love Songs (Universal Motown/UMe): The R&B singer with an impressive 16 Grammy nominations and three platinum-plus albums notched five solo R&B Top 10s in the '90s and all of them are here--"One Last Cry," "Anytime," "The Only One For Me," "Crazy Love" and "Back At One."