FRANK SINATRA - A JOLLY CHRISTMAS FROM FRANK SINATRA

Frank Sinatra's 1957 holiday classic, A Jolly Christmas From Frank Sinatra, will be released Friday, November 26 as a limited edition, 180-gram vinyl LP with faithfully replicated original album art. Newly remastered at Capitol Mastering from the original analogue master tapes, the deluxe vinyl reissue will be available exclusively at Record Store Day-participating independent music retailers across the U.S. Sinatra's first full-length holiday album, A Jolly Christmas From Frank Sinatra sold more than one million copies. The LP reissue replicates the album's original art to the smallest detail, including an exclamation point that was (mistakenly) added to the song title "Silent Night" on the original LP jacket.

A Jolly Christmas From Frank Sinatra
1. Jingle Bells
2. The Christmas Song
3. Mistletoe and Holly
4. I'll Be Home for Christmas
5. The Christmas Waltz
6. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
7. The First Noel
8. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
9. O Little Town of Bethlehem
10. Adeste Fideles (O, Come All Ye Faithful)
11. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
12. Silent Night

http://www.sinatra.com/

BOBBY CALDWELL RETURNS TO B.B. KINGS BLUES CLUB & GRILL

Legendary song stylist Bobby Caldwell, best known for the smash hit “What You Won’t Do For Love,” has announced that he will return to the stage on January 29, 2011, for two shows, 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., at the B.B. King Blues Club & Grill. “I consider Bobby Caldwell’s return a re-introduction to one of the great soul/jazz singers of our time,” says Chris Rizik, music critic and founder of the online music magazine Soul Tracks. “He is a versatile vocalist who can handle Sinatra as well as Stevie Wonder, the artist he was most often compared to in his early years. His performances provide an excellent take on some of the great songs of the 1940s and 1950s.” “An Evening with Bobby Caldwell” will feature some of Caldwell’s best loved hits, including “What You Won't Do For Love,” “Come To Me,” and “Let It Be Me.” Known as the original “blue-eyed soul singer,” Caldwell’s return will remind audiences that this highly respected and often-imitated vocalist and songwriter has continued to touch audiences and impact musicians across genres, including R&B, smooth jazz, Big Band, contemporary pop, and rap.

Caldwell’s 1978 hit “What You Won’t Do For Love” has been recorded and sampled by more than 100 artists, including Boys II Men. A sample of Bobby’s song “Open Your Eyes” appeared in the Grammy nominated platinum rap hit “The Light” by Common. Versions of Caldwell’s numerous songs have been covered or sampled by a diverse array of artists such as Tupac Shakur, Michael Bolton, Roberta Flack, Go West, Vanessa Williams, and Notorious B.I.G. “I’ve enjoyed a remarkable career as an entertainer both here in the United States and abroad,” says Caldwell, who is well-known for his slouch hat. “I’ve also been fortunate in that my songs have been hugely popular and have earned hits for me and, I’m proud to say, for some wonderful musicians like Chicago, Boz Scaggs, Peter Cetera, Amy Grant, Neil Diamond, and Al Jarreau. I consider this concert a way of giving back to my fans for making all of this possible. It’s going to be a great evening!”

“An Evening with Bobby Caldwell” is presented by Smooth Jazz New York, (http://www.smoothjazznewyork.com//), a subsidiary of Marquee Concerts.

Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show are $45 in advance; $50 day of show; VIP Booths $65 advance and day of show. Tickets for the 10:00 p.m. show are $40 in advance; $45 day of show; VIP Booths $60 advance and day of show. B.B. King Blues Club & Grill is located at 237 West 42nd Street, New York, N.Y.

http://www.bobbycaldwell.com/

JAN HAMMER & THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF MIAMI VICE

This week marks the 25th anniversary of Jan Hammer's now iconic Miami Vice theme's ascent to the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In those 25 years, there has not been another instrumental track that has experienced an equal measure of chart success. While Miami Vice the television show came to epitomize the 1980s, spawning fashion trends and a culture that have long fallen out of fashion, the theme that Hammer composed for the show has in no way lost its edge. It has been featured in films such as Adam Sandler's The Wedding Singer, Charlie's Angels, television shows such as The Simpsons, American Idol, America's Got Talent, and the UK's Top Gear, and in countless commercials.

"Crockett's Theme" - which Hammer also wrote for Miami Vice and which was originally featured on Hammer's album, Escape From Television - adds sonic texture to the LeBron James video, "What Should I Do?" which also features a cameo by Don Johnson. The video is currently airing on the Nike website, as well as on YouTube, where it's received nearly 4 million views. "Crockett's Theme" will also be featured in the television spot for James' new basketball shoe the LeBron 8 South Beach Edition.

"Crockett's Theme" has been included on over 100 CD compilations in addition to Escape from Television, including Virgin's double-platinum Pure Moods. Recently, Hammer collaborated with urban vocalist TQ on a rap version, which was the #1 downloaded track for several weeks on iTunes in Europe.

Hammer's talents continue to be tapped by other musicians. Drummer Gary Husband's upcoming Abstract Logix November 16 release, Dirty and Beautiful Volume One features Hammer and fellow Mahavishnu Orchestra alumni John McLaughlin and Jerry Goodman, auspiciously marking the first time the three have performed on the same project since the group disbanded in 1973. Hammer performs on the opening track, "Leave Em On," and Husband also includes a Hammer composition, "Between the Sheets of Music," which was included on the keyboardist's 1979 Asylum release, Black Sheep.

Hammer also recently collaborated with big beat/electronica's Junkie XL (whose version of Elvis Presley's "A Little Less Conversation" was a # 1 hit in over twenty countries) on the Dutch remix master’s latest project, Fairlight EP, for which the two wrote and performed the track “Made For Each Other."

FOR COLORED GIRLS

Atlantic Records has announced the forthcoming release of  For Colored Girls: Music From And Inspired By The Motion Picture Soundtrack, an all-female musical companion to the upcoming Lionsgate drama. The much buzzed about film -- directed and executive produced by Tyler Perry - premieres in theatres nationwide on November 5th. The trailer for the film is now available for viewing at http://www.forcoloredgirlsmovie.com/. For Colored Girls: Music From And Inspired By The Motion Picture Soundtrack sees an all-female line up ranging from newcomers Janelle Monàe, Estelle and Laura Izibor to Grammy Award nominee Leona Lewis, as well as the legendary Gladys Knight. The soundtrack, which features 13 brand new, unreleased songs, also includes the stand out tracks "What More Can They Do" by Laura Izibor and "Four Women," a cover of the Nina Simone original of the same title, which features Nina herself, her daughter Simone, Laura Izibor, and Ledisi. The collection also features music from Estelle, Janelle Monàe, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Lalah Hathaway, Zaki Ibrahim, and Anika Noni Rose (see tracklisting below.) Directed and written by Tyler Perry (Diary Of A Mad Black Woman, Madea's Family Reunion, Why Did I Get Married?), For Colored Girls stars Academy Award-winner Whoopi Goldberg (The Color Purple, Sister Act), Janet Jackson (Nutty Professor II, Why Did I Get Married?), Anika Noni Rose (Dreamgirls), Thandie Newton (Crash, The Pursuit of Happiness), Phylicia Rashad (The Cosby Show, Uncle Tom's Cabin), Loretta Devine (The Preacher's Wife, Crash), Kerry Washington (Save The Last Dance, Ray), and Kimberly Elise (John Q, The Great Debaters). For Colored Girls, the film adaptation of Ntozake Shange's 1975 Obie Award-winning play, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf is a unique collection of poems illustrating the power of women of color to survive in the face of pain and despair. The many stories of struggle told within the film's choreopoem reflect women's ongoing battle with love, abandonment and the finding of self -- among the tales told are those of a woman who chooses to have an abortion, a woman who has fallen victim to domestic violence and a woman who embraces life by running away with the man she loves.

FOR COLORED GIRLS: MUSIC FROM THE ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK

1. Main Title - Loretta Devine, Kimberly Elise, Whoopi Goldberg, Janet Jackson, Thandie Newton, Phylicia Rashad, Anika Noni Rose, Tessa Thompson, Kerry Washington (with Joshua Bell, Aaron Zigman & The Hollywood Studio Symphony Orchestra)

2. Longer & Stronger - Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
3. All Day Long (Blue Skies) - Estelle

4. What More Can They Do - Laura Izibor

5. Sun - Lalah Hathaway

6. Ansomnia - Zaki Ibrahim

7. Settle - Gladys Knight

8. La Donna In Viola - Karen Slack, Andrea Jones-Sojola & The Hollywood Studio Symphony Orchestra

9. Sechita (A Senhora em Amarelo) - Anika Noni Rose & Carondelet Percussion Ensemble

10. Stand Up - Macy Gray

11. Without A Fight - Janelle Monàe

12. Four Women - Nina Simone, Simone, Laura Izibor & Ledisi

13. I Know Who I Am - Leona Lewis

CHARLIE WILSON – YOU ARE

Charlie Wilson is back with a new single that is currently climbing the Urban AC chart "You Are," which gave Wilson his biggest career debut on both the Billboard Urban Adult Contemporary Singles chart and the R&B/Hip-Hop singles chart. After three weeks on the charts, "You Are" is currently in the Top 15 on the Urban Adult Contemporary chart, the song is resonating at radio with several stations on board and heavy syndication airplay on the Steve Harvey, Tom Joyner and Michael Baisden shows. The sparkling love song is the first single from Just Charlie, Wilson's third solo album slated for release December 7th. Jive Records artist Wilson produced the single along with P Music Group producer Wirlie Morris. "You Are" is a soon-to-be wedding classic brought to life by one of R&B's classic and enduring voices. Just Charlie is the follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2009 album Uncle Charlie. The sophomore set earned two 2010 Grammy Award nominations for Best R&B Album and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for "There Goes My Baby." Written by multiple Grammy winner Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds and Calvin Richardson, "Baby" tallied nine weeks at No. 1—besting Wilson's 2005 six-week run at that perch with the single "Charlie Last Name Wilson." Remaining on the Urban AC chart for over a year, "There Goes My Baby" also became the No. 1 most-played single that year on the same chart. Uncle Charlie, meanwhile, resided on the Urban Adult Contemporary Albums chart for more than a year after debuting at #1 on the R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart. Those feats led to Wilson being crowned Billboard's 2009 Urban AC Artist of the Year. Wilson also received a 2009 Soul Train Icon Award from BET. Showcasing Wilson's soaring, steeped-in-soul vocals, "You Are" presents yet another example of the singer's knack for perfectly fusing contemporary and old-school into a fresh, vibrant sound. Everyone's favorite uncle—and the godfather of R&B—is indeed back.

WALTER BEASLEY - BACKATCHA!

Many artists start their careers strong, hit a peak and then continue on a consistent, comfortable plateau. Not saxophonist and vocalist Walter Beasley. His recording career started with a bang as one of a handful of jazz artists to have an urban radio hit. Yet, in 2010, more than two decades down the line, he hit #1 on the contemporary jazz radio charts. Now Shanachie Entertainment has released what may well be Walter Beasley's best album yet - the delightfully varied Backatcha! which brings together many facets of Walter's wide-ranging artistry - rock solid grooves, inventive soloing, an absolutely exquisite tone, an uncanny synthesis of jazz and R&B and, on one track - Bill Withers' "Lovely Day"- an effortlessly seductive vocal. It is a career highlight from a true renaissance man who manages the difficult trick of maintaining simultaneous careers as recording artist, performer, composer and educator, thanks to his long time professorship at the prestigious Berklee School Of Music. Unusual for an album by a noted jazz instrumentalist, Backatcha!, produced by Chris "Big Dog" Davis and Phil Davis, kicks off with a vocal - the forementioned wonderful version of "Lovely Day," but in the space of the first four songs shows Walter's versatility. The second track, "Expressway," written by producer Chris Davis, is a somewhat edgy slice of contemporary jazz then moves to a languorous, spell-casting interpretation of Isaac Hayes' "Ellie's Theme" and then kicks into a smooth yet fresh version of The Five Stairsteps' classic song "Ooh Child."

Indeed the album shows off Walter's wide-ranging musical sensibility, which encompasses everything from straight-ahead jazz and fusion to R&B and hip-hop. Unlike many jazz musicians, Beasley does not disdain any styles but utilizes any number of genres as a source of inspiration. For instance, he takes rap artist Drake's recent hit "Find Your Love" and turns it into a moody, atmospheric mid-tempo piece. On the other hand, for sheer beauty and lyricism, it would be hard to top Walter's sensitive playing on his original composition "Simply Put." The achievements of Backatcha! is just the latest high point in a career replete with success. Walter Beasley holds the distinction of being the best-selling saxophonist in the world during the past decade and he has sold more than 800,000 albums over his career. He has scored numerous Top Ten Contemporary Jazz hits as well as hitting the R&B charts on several occasions --a rarity for a jazz musician--and being a regular in the Top Twenty of the Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart. But like George Benson, Walter is one of the very few jazz musicians who also sings--well enough to score hit records with his vocals.

He is also widely considered by critics and fans as "the heir to Grover Washington, Jr.'s throne." Indeed Grover Washington, Jr. sparked Walter's interest in music when, as a nine year-old growing up in El Centro, California, his aunt gave him a record by the sax giant which led Walter to become fascinated with the possibilities of the saxophone. He was also inspired as a singer by the music of legendary R&B singer and songwriter Donny Hathaway. By age 14, Walter was playing saxophone and singing in various bands around California. By his late teens he was studying at the prestigious Berklee School Of Music, where his classmates included future stars Branford Marsalis and Rachelle Ferrell. A sign of his prodigious talent as well as his natural gift for teaching, Walter was, shortly after his graduation at age 22, invited by Berklee to become a teacher there. By 1987 Walter had scored a recording contract with Mercury Records, and scored an R & B radio hit that year with "I'm So Happy," which kicked off a string of best-selling albums that melded jazz and R&B. He began touring widely, playing major festivals and concert venues as well as performing with such jazz and R & B icons as Brian McKnight, Gerald Albright, Bob James, George Howard, Stephanie Mills, Vanessa Williams and Rachelle Ferrell. In 1996 Walter was signed by Shanachie Entertainment and continued his successes, especially in the contemporary jazz arena, with such hits as "Comin’ At Cha” and “TanTam” as well as his hit vocal of "Do You Wanna Dance." He later went on to record for the N-Coded and Heads Up labels, scoring a #2 smooth jazz radio hit in 2007 with "Ready For Love" and another top 5 hit in "Oh Yeah." But even with all this success, Walter has continued to maintain a full-time teaching position at Berklee, rising to the position of Full Professor, because of his commitment to teaching and mentoring up-and-coming musicians.

As musician, recording artist, concert performer, composer, and educator, Walter Beasley has hit some of the highest heights possible. With Backatcha! Walter has matched his previous peaks and delivered what in this era of single-track downloads is a rarity--a true album experience. No doubt "Lovely Day" the first single from Backatcha!, will join Walter's list of hits, but years hence, when the chart numbers are forgotten, Backatcha! will stand as one of the finest artistic statements to hit the contemporary jazz scene in many years.

UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP PARTNERS WITH eMUSIC

Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music company, has partnered with eMusic, the Digital Music Club, to offer its U.S. members access to UMG’s deep and rich catalogue of groundbreaking and chart-topping artists starting in November, 2010. This agreement is another step in eMusic’s evolution to a digital music club that offers a comprehensive catalogue, the best value, editorial and contextualization plus significant additional benefits for the most passionate music consumers. The deal will add more than 250,000 tracks to the eMusic catalogue, which now stands at ten million. “We’re delighted to be working with eMusic,” stated David Ring, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Business Affairs for UMG’s eLabs. “The service has a proven track record of connecting an audience passionate about music to their favorite artists, as well as encouraging true music discovery.” “eMusic is committed to offering our members more music at a great value,” said Adam Klein, eMusic Chief Executive Officer. “Our deal with UMG is one more major milestone in the expansion of our catalogue and in serving the eMusic membership, for whom music is an integral part of their lives. Consistent with what members value in our service, we look forward to curating the UMG catalogue and introducing our members to both its classic artists and hidden gems.” eMusic will initially offer UMG catalogue titles and highlight them through its expert editorial lens, including overviews of iconic artists and explorations of classic albums that introduce members to their lesser-known roots and influences.

Universal Music Group's record labels include A&M/Octone, Decca, Deutsche Grammophon, Disa, Emarcy, Fonovisa, Interscope Geffen A&M Records, Island Def Jam Music Group, Lost Highway Records, Machete Music, MCA Nashville, Mercury Nashville, Mercury Records, Island Records, Polydor Records, Show Dog – Universal Music, Universal Motown Republic Group, Universal Music Latino and Verve Music Group as well as a multitude of record labels owned or distributed by its record company subsidiaries around the world. The Universal Music Group owns the most extensive catalog of music in the industry, which includes the last 100 years of the world's most popular artists and their recordings. UMG’s catalog is marketed through two distinct divisions, Universal Music Enterprises (in the U.S.) and Universal Strategic Marketing (outside the U.S.). Universal Music Group also includes eLabs, its new media and technologies division; Bravado, its merchandising company; and Twenty-First Artists, its full service management division.

eMusic (http://www.emusic.com/) is a digital music club. With a more immersive, authentic music experience and better prices than mass market digital music retailers, it is the best way for music lovers and casual music fans to expand their music collection. eMusic combines award-winning editorial, a state-of-the-art recommendations system, and social media features to provide the most musical context for an enthusiastic community of music fans, record labels, and artists alike. Customers are encouraged to explore music with subscription pricing that rewards discovery at a better value than any legal competitor. eMusic also sells downloadable audio books http://www.emusic.com/audiobooks/index.html from all major audio book publishers. Based in New York with an office in London, eMusic is available in the U.S., Canada, the E.U., Norway and Switzerland. eMusic.com Inc. is owned by Dimensional Associates, Inc., the private equity arm of JDS Capital Management, Inc.

http://www.umusic.com/

SINATRA DANCE WITH ME

To celebrate and honor Frank Sinatra's 95th birthday on December 12, Wynn Las Vegas will premiere performances of Sinatra Dance With Me in the Encore Theater on December 11, 2010. "We will present an extraordinary evening of Frank Sinatra—his words and music set to incredible movement by Twyla Tharp. This mesmerizing treatment of the man and his music moves with an intense, electrifying fascination," said Steve Wynn. Sinatra Dance With Me follows four couples as they fall in and out of love at a swinging nightclub. Blending the legendary vocals of Frank Sinatra with a big band and 14 of the world's finest dancers, Sinatra Dance With Me weaves classic standards including "Fly Me To The Moon," "My Way" and "That's Life" in a soaring dance fantasy of romance and seduction. By special arrangement with Frank Sinatra Enterprises and The Sinatra Family, Sinatra Dance With Me features original recorded masters of Frank Sinatra's voice backed by a live on-stage, 17-piece big band. The show's score combines classic vocal performances from the Sinatra catalog and archives along with signature Sinatra arrangements (Nelson Riddle, Billy May, Quincy Jones) and some brand new orchestrations for this innovative spectacle.

Sinatra Dance With Me is the next and most elaborate chapter in one of the most exciting collaborations in contemporary dance. Twyla Tharp's creative relationship with the music of Frank Sinatra began in 1976 with the premiere of Once More Frank, a duet created for the American Ballet Theatre and performed by Tharp and Mikhail Baryshnikov. The collaboration continued with Nine Sinatra Songs, Tharp's acclaimed piece for 14 dancers, and was followed by Sinatra Suite, featuring Baryshnikov. Tharp's production Come Fly Away played in New York City earlier this year and was described by Time Magazine to be "the purest jolt of pleasure to be found on a Broadway stage!" Sinatra Dance With Me features scenic design by James Youmans, costume design by Katherine Roth, lighting design by Donald Holder and sound design by Peter McBoyle. Music supervision is by the late Sam Lutfiyya and Patrick Vaccariello. Ticket prices are $69 and $89, plus tax and service charge. Sinatra Dance With Me plays at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas at 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday through January 29, 2010. The theater is dark on Sundays. Frank Sinatra Enterprises (FSE) is a joint venture between the Sinatra family and Warner Music Group.

FSE owns Sinatra's recordings from the Reprise era as well as a treasure trove of films, television specials and unreleased footage, photos and audio recordings, which collectively represent one of the foremost bodies of artistic work of the modern era. FSE also owns and manages Sinatra's name and likeness rights and represents the artist's rights to the Columbia and Capitol catalogues. FSE pursues innovative new product and venture opportunities with respect to the legendary entertainer's name and likeness, as well as Sinatra's audio and visual recordings.

http://www.sinatra.com/
http://www.encorelasvegas.com/
http://www.wynnmacau.com/
http://www.wynnlasvegas.com/

PRINCE – WELCOME 2 AMERICA TOUR

Prince, one of the most prolific and groundbreaking artists of our time whose recorded music, live performances and powerful artistry have affected music and pop culture like no other, will bring his extraordinary live production, WELCOME 2 AMERICA, to the New York area in December. After 21-nights of sold out shows in London, Prince makes his first return to the East Coast since 2004. A different experience every night, Prince will be joined by various performers including Maceo Parker, Janelle Monae, Mint Condition, Esperanza Spalding, Cassandra Wilson, Sinbad, Lalah Hathaway, Sheila E. and Graham Central Station. As part of the live events, Prince will play a solid gold Fender ® Custom Stratocaster® guitar master-built by Senior Master Builder Yuriy Shishkov. At the end of the run, the guitar will be auctioned off to benefit the Harlem Children's Zone. The Harlem Children Zone (www.hcz.org) is a community based organization serving over 17,000 children living in Harlem NYC. Harlem Children Zone's CEO, Geoffrey Canada was also on hand at the press conference. After 100 million albums sold, seven GRAMMY® Awards, a Golden Globe, an Oscar®, and a Webby Award for visionary use of the Internet, the influence of Prince is endless. His chameleon-like image, signature style and constantly evolving sound all echo in the work of two generations of artists across multiple genres. As a songwriter and producer, he has collaborated with legendary artists including Mavis Staples, Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder, Celine Dion, Madonna, and Sinead O'Connor. For five decades, Prince has given the world countless musical, entrepreneurial, and spiritual gifts. Love is at the foundation of all he gives: love of God and humanity in the world.

Tour Dates:

Dec. 14 East Rutherford, NJ Izod Center

Dec. 15 East Rutherford, NJ Izod Center

Dec. 17 East Rutherford, NJ Izod Center

Dec. 18 New York, NY Madison Square Garden

Dec. 29 New York, NY Madison Square Garden

2011 PANAMA JAZZ FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES LINEUP

 The Eighth Annual Panama Jazz Festival will be held on January 10-15, 2011. Already a reference in the global jazz calendar and attracting more than an estimated 100,000 people since its inception, this year's edition is dedicated to Victor "Vitín" Paz, one of the most remarkable musicians in the history of Panamanian popular music. Festival founder/Artistic Director Danilo Pérez & his trio. Pianist, composer, educator and social activist, Danilo Pérez is among the most influential and dynamic musicians of our time. Born in Panama in 1965, Pérez started his musical studies when he was three years old with his father, a bandleader and singer. By age 10, he was studying the European classical piano repertoire at the National Conservatory in Panama. After receiving his bachelor's degree in electronics in Panama, he studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music. From 1985-88, while still a student, he performed with Jon Hendricks, Terence Blanchard, Claudio Roditi and Paquito D'Rivera. Quickly established as a young master, he soon toured and/or recorded with artists such as Dizzy Gillespie (with the trumpeter's United Nations Orchestra, 1989-1992). Wayne Shorter, Steve Lacy, Jack DeJohnette, Charlie Haden, Michael Brecker, Joe Lovano, Tito Puente, Wynton Marsalis, John Patitucci, Tom Harrell, Gary Burton, and Roy Haynes. In 1993, Pérez turned his focus to his own ensembles and recording projects, releasing eight albums as a leader, earning a Grammy nomination for Central Avenue (1989) and nominations for a Grammy and a Latin Grammy for Motherland (2000). While he continues to lead his own trio, featuring Ben Street and Adam Cruz, and remains a member of the Wayne Shorter Quartet, Pérez also serves as Artistic Director of the Panama Jazz Festival, Artistic Advisor of the Jazz Up Close series at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, Board Member at the Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center, and Artistic Director of the Berklee Global Jazz Institute at Berklee College of Music.

Pérez, who served as Cultural Ambassador to the Republic of Panama and Goodwill Ambassador to UNICEF, has received a variety of awards for his musical achievements, activism and social work efforts. In 2009, he was one of five Panamanian individuals to receive the prestigious Legacy Award from The Smithsonian Latino Center in Washington D.C. The award recognizes Panamanian achievement in the arts, science and the humanities. Additionally, Perez was awarded the 2010 ASICOM International Award by the Ibero-American Association of Communication (ASICOM) and the University of Oviedo (Principality of Asturias). ASICOM gives this prize each year to individuals who have made or are making significant contributions in IBEROAMERICA, helping to build and rebuild that historical region through their work and vision. He released the critically acclaimed, Providencia, on August 31 - his debut for Mack Avenue Records label.

Danilo Perez will be joined by bassist Ben Street, drummer Adam Cruz, special guests, Indian-American alto saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa, Puerto Rican percussionist Paoli Mejias, flutist Matt Marvuglio, Portuguese vocalist Sara Serpa - are set to perform music from and celebrate their new critically acclaimed release, Providencia. Among the other artists slated to headline are Chilean vocalist Claudia Acuña's Quartet, Grammy nominated trombonist Conrad Herwig's The Latin Side of Herbie Hancock, Grammy winning trumpeter Brian Lynch, and The Victor "Vitín" Paz Orchestra with special guests. Additional performers include: bassist Ricardo Del Fra and the Conservatory of Paris Ensemble, The Harlem String Quartet, a Flamenco Jazz Band, and the Pan-American Percussion Ensemble.

"When we started in 2003, very humbly, it was 'madness' as some told us, and we wondered if we'd have a second edition. Now, we are in our eighth," states Pérez. "Thanks to the vision and work of many, the Panama Jazz Festival is becoming an event that is a cultural reference in Latin America. For a week in January, Panama is the capital of jazz in Latin America and that is an achievement of all of us, for all of us." Reflecting on this year's theme, Pérez states, "Vitín Paz is one of the Panamanian masters who has left his mark in the international music scene." Paz's extraordinary career includes work with masters such as Dizzy Gillespie, Nat King Cole, Benny Moré, Mario Bauzá, Tito Rodriguez, and Frank Sinatra.

Pérez continues, "What is especially noteworthy and we'd like to call attention to with this tribute, is that Maestro Paz, over the course of five decades, has performed an extensive array of musical styles including traditional Jazz, Latin Jazz, and Broadway shows with musicians from many genres. After all of this experience, Paz returned to Panama to share his experience with the youth, helping to improve music education in the country." Paz is the festival's first living honoree and will actively participate in educational programs/events.

Previous festivals have been dedicated to figures such as pianist Luis Russel, who worked as the Music Director for Louis Armstrong's band beginning in 1935; pianist Victor Boa - known as the "Master of the Panamanian Keyboard"; flutist Mauricio Smith, who performed with a variety of musicians ranging from Mongo Santamaria to Charles Mingus; vocalist Barbara Wilson, whom Pérez once called "the Billie Holiday of Panama"; composer and bassist Clarence Martin Sr., who influenced several generations of Panamanian musicians from a wide range of musical styles; and Ellerton Oswald, best known as Sonny White, who recorded with Billie Holiday.

A core mission of the Panama Jazz Festival is music education. "While the Panama Jazz Festival is a music festival, our intentions, our hopes, go well beyond music," declares Pérez."The festival was founded with the objective of contributing to the cultural, social, touristic, academic and economic strengthening of Panama. And for us it's not a line in a speech. We've had, and we'll have again, exceptional artists giving us the best they have on stage. But just as, or even more important, is their hidden work, offstage, in clinics, seminars and workshops. There we are talking about giving our young tools to grow, discipline, good examples and, especially, hope and opportunities.

The educational component of the festival, where all invited artists will teach master classes and hold music clinics for students from all parts of Latin America, will be held at Atlapa Convention Center. During the festival, several institutions make Panama their Latin American musical hub, offering lessons and holding auditions for admission and scholarships to their different academic programs. The institutions that confirmed their participation include: Berklee College of Music and the Berklee Global Jazz Institute, New England Conservatory, Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico, Conservatory of Paris, Siena Jazz Foundation, Fundacion Tonica from Mexico and The Golandsky Institute. "The educational component of the festival is the highlight of the festival for students from all latin America, explains Pérez. "In 2010 we had more than 800 students from Panama, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Colombia, Chile, USA, Mexico. Each year, we hope to have even more students from other countries."

Also of note among the festival's educational programs, the newly established Berklee Global Jazz Institute, based in Boston, MA and led by festival Artistic Director, Danilo Pérez, will provide instruction, performances and will do social work with Panamanian youth. The Golandsky Institute, will offer a week-long program of daily master classes for jazz and classical pianists as well as other instrumentalists, emphasizing the application of the Taubman approach to build technical ease and to explore musical interpretation. This approach has proven to be highly effective in the resolution of technical and artistic limitations, as well as in curing and preventing repetitive stress injuries in musicians.

The Panama Jazz Festival also offers master classes on Panamanian Folkloric music taught by the Maestro of the Panamanian tambor, Ricaurte Villareal and classical music lessons with students and fellows from the New England Conservatory. Underscoring its focus on education, the Panama Jazz Festival and the participating educational institutions, have provided scholarships valued over one million dollars. "To educate a child, to offer opportunities, is also to change a family, a neighborhood, a city and perhaps a country," states Pérez. What we do is not just to educate better musicians but better citizens."

ERIC BENET - LOST IN TIME

R&B soul singer, songwriter, and producer Eric Benet is about to release his fifth studio album, Lost In Time, on Reprise Records on November 30th. Featuring duets with Faith Evans, Chrisette Michele, Ledisi, and the O'Jays' Eddie Levert, Lost In Time is at once a sumptuous homage to and an expansion of the sweet soul of the 1970s. "People just need to have some feel good R&B in their lives," says the three-time Grammy Award nominee. "I want people to remember what music can feel like, and that desire took me all the way back to that time. My development as an artist is a direct result of being immersed in that era." To keep his connection to the music that shaped him, Benét returned to his hometown of Milwaukee, WI and recorded with local musicians, including the Milwaukee Symphony's string section. "When it comes to something that resonates in your soul, you have to have something constructed with live musicians," Benét says. The emotion runs deep on first single "Sometimes I Cry," which has been steadily climbing the charts and is currently No. 5 on the Urban AC Chart. The song was written and produced by Benét and long-time creative partner (and cousin) George Nash Jr. "'Sometimes I Cry' is about how you've completely moved on but still there's still some melancholy about the break-up," Benét says. "Maybe you're even dating somebody, but sometimes, when you're alone, you're sad about what could have been." To support Lost In Time, Benét will embark on a nationwide tour which begins in Richmond, VA on November 4th and runs through January 1 in St. Louis, MO. Lost In Time is the follow-up to 2008's Love & Life, which debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart, spawned the multi-week Urban AC radio No. 1 "You're The Only One," and earned Benét two Grammy nominations, including one for Best R&B album. An exclusive Target-only version of Lost In Time will contain two additional bonus tracks for fans.

Eric Benet tour dates are as follows:
11/04 - Landmark Theatre - Richmond, VA
11/05 - Chrysler Hall - Norfolk, VA
11/06 - Tower Theatre - Philadelphia, PA
11/07 - Meyerhoff Hall - Baltimore, MD
11/10 - J Mercer Theatre - Savannah, GA
11/11 - Fox Theatre - Atlanta, GA
11/12 - Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center - Tampa, FL
11/13 - Moran Theatre - Jacksonville, FL
11/14 - JL Knight Theatre - Miami, FL
11/17 - Ovens Auditorium - Charlotte, NC
11/18 - War Memorial Auditorium - Greensboro, NC
11/19 - Township Auditorium - Columbia, SC
11/20 - BJCC Concert Hall - Birmingham, AL
11/24 - Nokia Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
11/26 - Copley Hall - San Diego, CA
11/27 - Paramount Theatre - Oakland, CA
12/02 - Verizon Grand Prairie - Dallas, TX
12/03 - Desoto Civic Center - Memphis, TN
12/04 - UNO Civic Center - New Orleans, LA
12/05 - Reliant Arena - Houston, TX
12/08 - Old National at Murat - Indianapolis, IN
12/09 - Palace Theatre - Louisville, KY
12/10 - Fox Theatre - Detroit, MI
12/11 - P&G at Aronoff Center
12/12 - Bell Auditorium - Augusta, GA
12/27 - Beacon Theatre - New York, NY
12/28 - D.A.R Constitution Hall - Washington, DC
12/29 - State Theatre - Cleveland, OH
12/30 - Auditorium Theatre - Chicago, IL
01/01 - Fox Theatre - St. Louis, MO

http://www.ericbenet.net/

THE NOVEMBER CONCERT CALENDAR

Esperanza Spalding @ Goteborg Konzerthus, Goteborg, Sweden, Nov 1
Acoustic Alchemy @ Jazz Mix-World Concert, Moscow, Russia, Nov 1
Bill Frisell @ Silver Platters, Seattle, WA, Nov 2
Esperanza Spalding @ Black Diamond, Copenhagen, Denmark, Nov 2
Bobby Womack @ Key Arena, Seattle, WA, Nov 2
Max Weinberg Big Band @ Belcourt Theatre, Nashville, TN, Nov 2
B.B. King @ Hult Center, Eugene, OR, Nov 3
Bobby Womack @ Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC, Nov 3
Esperanza Spalding @ Logen Thatre, Bergen, Norway, Nov 4
B.B. King @ Snoqualmie Casino, Snoqualme, WA, Nov 4
Herbie Hancock @ Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, UK, Nov 4
Bill Frisell @ University of Alabama, Nov 5

John Medeski, James Carter @
Tampere Jazz Fest, Tampere, Finland, Nov 5

Esperanza Spalding @ Sentrum Scene, Oslo, Norway, Nov 5
B.B. King @ Red Robinson Theatre, Coquitlam, BC, Nov 5-6
Max Weinberg Big Band @ South Orange PAC, South Orange, NJ, Nov 6
Bill Frisell @ Dan’s Silverleaf, Denton, TX, Nov 6
Bill Frisell @ One World Theater, Austin, TX, Nov 7
Simply Red @ O2 Arena, Dublin, Ireland, Nov 7
Simply Red @ Belfast Arena, UK, Nov 8
Esperanza Spalding @ Theatre de L’Atelier, Paris, France, Nov 8
B.B. King @ Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, Calgary AB, Nov 8
Medeski Martin & Wood @ Teatro Manzoni, Milan, Italy, Nov 8
Steve Arrington, Jocelyn Brown @ Park Central Hotel, New York, NY, Nov 9
Nick Colionne @ Jammin’ In Jamaica, Rose Hall, Jamaica, Nov 8-13
George Duke @ NOS Event Center, San Bernadino, CA, Nov 9
B.B. King @ Conexus Centre, Regina, SK, Nov 10
Esperanza Spalding @ Victoria Hall, Geneve, CH, Nov 10
B.B. King @ Centennial Concert Hall, Winnipeg, MB, Nov 11
Simply Red @ Arena Fyn, Odense, Denmark, Nov 11
Medeski Martin & Wood @ State Theatre, State College, PA, Nov 11
B.B. King @ State Park Theatre, Minneapolis, MN, Nov 12
Medeski Martin & Wood @ 9:30 Club, Washington, DC, Nov 12
B.B. King @ Riverside Theater, Milwaukee, WI, Nov 13
Simply Red @ O2 Arena, Berlin, Germany, Nov 13
Esperanza Spalding @ Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, UK, Nov 13
Medeski Martin & Wood @ Mr. Smalls Theatre, Pittsburgh, PA, Nov 13
Simply Red @ Tesla Arena, Prague, Czech Republic, Nov 14
Kim Waters @ Trenton Marriott, Trenton, NJ, Oct 14
Medeski Martin & Wood @ Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown, NY, Nov 14
Pete Escovedo, Take 6 @ Vina Danks Middle School, Ontario, CA, Nov 15
Simply Red @ Arena Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany, Nov 16
Pete Escovedo, Take 6 @ Perris Hill Park, San Bernadino, CA, Nov 16
Paco De Lucia @ Zenith Paris, Paris, France, Nov 16
Lee Ritenour @ The Blue Note, Milan, Italy, Nov 16
Medeski Martin & Wood @ Asbury Hall, Buffalo, NY, Nov 16
Acoustic Alchemy @ Pizza Express Jazz Club, London, UK, Dec 16-23
Simply Red @ Festhalle, Frankhurt, Germany, Nov 17
Esperanza Spalding @ Teatro F. Fernan Gomez, Madrid, Spain, Nov 17
Medeski Martin & Wood @ Calvin Theatre, Northampton, MA, Nov 17
B.B. King @ Shea’s PAC, Buffalo, NY, Nov 18
Bill Frisell @ Purdue University, IN, Nov 18
Simply Red @ Hallenstadion, Zurich, Switzerland, Nov 18
Medeski Martin & Wood @ Westcott Theatre, Syracuse, NY, Nov 18
Bill Frisell @ Space, Evanston, IL, Nov 19
Esperanza Spalding @ Auditorio, Zaragoza, Spain, Nov 19
Medeski Martin & Wood @ Port City Music Hall, Portland, ME, Nov 19
B.B. King @ Casino Rama, Rama, ON, Nov 19-20
Esperanza Spalding @ Festival Jazz Cartagena, Cartagena, Spain, Nov 20
Simply Red @ Mediolanum Forum, Milan, Italy, Nov 20
Bill Frisell @ Society for Ethical Culture, New York, Nov 20
Medeski Martin & Wood @ House Of Blues, Boston, MA, Nov 20

Bunny Wailer, Steel Pulse, Toots & Maytals
@ Bayfront Park, Miami, FL, Nov 20

B.B. King @ National Arts Centre, Ottawa, ON, Nov 21
Nicola Conte @ Motion Blue, Yokohama, Japan, Nov 21
Esperanza Spalding @ Teatro Isabel La Catolica, Granada, Spain, Nov 21
Simply Red @ Arena, Innsbruck, Austria, Nov 22
Marcos Valle @ Voodoo Room, Edinburgh, UK, Nov 22
Nicola Conte @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Nov 22-25
Marcos Valle @ Band On The Wall, Manchester, UK, Nov 23
Michael Buble @ Giant Center, Hershey, PA, Nov 23
Simply Red @ Stadhalle, Vienna, Austria, Nov 23
Michael Buble @ Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA, Nov 24
Simply Red @ Olymnpiahalle, Munich, Germany, Nov 24
Marcos Valle @ Ronnie Scott’s, London, UK, Nov 24-25
Michael Buble @ Prudential Center, Newark, NJ, Nov 26

Mindi Abair, Peter White, Rick Braun @ Hyatt Regency,
Newport Beach, CA, Nov 26

Simply Red @ Hanns Martin Schleyer Halle, Stuttgart, Germany, Nov 26
Michael Buble @ TD Garden, Boston, MA, Nov 27
Simply Red @ SAP Arena, Mannheim, Germany, Nov 27
Acoustic Alchemy @ Pizza Express Jazz Club, London, UK, Dec 27-31
Michael Buble @ Madison Square Garden, New York, NY, Nov 28
Simply Red @ Color Line Arena, Hamburg, Germany, Nov 29
Michael Buble @ Verizon Center, Washington, DC, Nov 30
Simply Red @ Konig Pilsener Arena, Oberhausen, Germany, Nov 30

Mindi Abair, Peter White, Rick Braun
@ One World Theatre, Austin, TX, Nov 30

LAURA IZIBOR - FOR COLORED GIRLS...

Atlantic recording artist Laura Izibor is about to unveil a new track recorded especially for her debut appearance on The CW's hit series, One Tree Hill. The song, entitled "Can't Be Love." That same day will see the Dublin-based singer performing "Can't Be Love" as part of her television acting debut on the long-running drama. Izibor will join the One Tree Hill cast as "Erin," a recurring role slated to appear throughout the series' current season. "There's a musician I fell in love with and a storyline I fell in love with," One Tree Hill creator/executive producer Mark Schwahn recently told TVGuide.com,"and we actually married them together for Laura Izibor. She's really compelling, I loved her record, I really loved her accent and her vibe,and felt that was an energy we hadn't included on our show." What's more, Izibor's new rendition of the show's official theme song, "I Don't Want To Be" by Gavin DeGraw, will premiere alongside her acting debut. The song will also be made available on the One Tree Hill website,
http://cwtv.com/shows/one-tree-hill. In other news, Izibor will be featured on Atlantic's For Colored Girls: Music From & Inspired By The Original Motion Picture, the official soundtrack companion to Tyler Perry's upcoming film, For Colored Girls. The album is highlighted by a stunning rendition of the classic Nina Simone song, "Four Women," performed by Izibor alongside the late Nina Simone herself, Simone (the legendary singer's daughter), and Ledisi. Izibor's own "What More Can They Do" will be also included among new and unreleased tracks from an assortment of female artists, including Estelle, Janelle Monáe, Macy Gray, Leona Lewis, and Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings. For Colored Girls: Music From & Inspired By The Original Motion Picture will be released on November 2nd, while Lionsgate/34th Street Films' production of For Colored Girls hits theatres nationwide on November 5th. You can catch Izibor perform "What More Can They Do" live on BET's The Mo'Nique Show, slated for broadcast on Wednesday, October 27th at 11pm/10c (check local listings).

The critically acclaimed Irish soul singer, who is currently in the studio recording the eagerly awaited follow-up to her acclaimed 2008 debut, Let The Truth Be Told was recently among the influential young stars showcased on the BET/Centric series, Grey Goose Presents Rising Icons. The show, which features an in-depth interview with Izibor as well as an intimate live performance, debuted earlier this month and is scheduled to re-air on Centric throughout October (check local listings). The segment is also now streaming at http://www.bet.com/video/1359442. Born and raised in Dublin, Izibor became enthralled with the sounds of classic soul and R&B at an early age. By 15, she had honed her vocal talent to such a high level that she won Ireland's prestigious RTÉ 2fm Song Contest. It wasn't long before Laura began working on what would ultimately become Let The Truth Be Told recording her self-penned songs in such cities as New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Dublin. Highlighted by the hit singles, "From My Heart To Yours" and "Don't Stay," the album instantly established Laura as a major presence in contemporary R&B while reaping tremendous praise from such national and international publications as Rolling Stone, which featured her among its "Artists To Watch." An array of other honors followed, including a prestigious "Best Newcomer" nomination from the MOBO Awards, the UK's annual celebration of music of black origin. A tireless performer, Izibor spent much of the past two years on the road, sharing stages with such greats as John Legend, Maxwell,India.Arie, Aretha Franklin, Al Green, John Legend, James Brown, Angie Stone, and Atlantic label mate Estelle.

http://www.lauraizibor.com/

PHIL COLLINS - GOING BACK LIVE FROM ROSELAND, NYC

Cineplex Entertainment via our Front Row Centre events and Eagle Rock Entertainment, has announced their next concert event – Phil Collins Going Back Live from Roseland, NYC. This concert will play in select Cineplex Entertainment theatres across Canada for one-night only on Wednesday, October 27th, 2010 at 7:00 pm local time in all regions. "Phil Collins is a legendary performer and this concert is must-see entertainment," said Pat Marshall, Vice President, Communications and Investor Relations, Cineplex Entertainment. "From his days as the frontman for Genesis to his solo career, Phil Collins has a host of hits that will take us all down memory lane. The concert features Phil Collins backed by an 18-piece band so he needed Cineplex's big screens to fit it all in." Going Back was filmed live at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City. The production is full of classic songs from the likes of The Temptations, Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson including great versions of You've Really Got A Hold On Me, Standing In The Shadows Of Love and Heatwave (Love Is Like A Heatwave). The 18-piece band includes three of Motown's original backing band The Funk Brothers: Bob Babbitt on bass and guitarists Eddie Willis and Ray Monette, as well as two stalwarts of Genesis' live shows: Chester Thompson on drums and Darryl Stuermer on guitars.Tickets for this event are on sale now at participating theatre box offices listed below and online at www.cineplex.com/events.

BRITISH COLUMBIA
Coquitlam
SilverCity Coquitlam Cinemas, 170 Schoolhouse Street
Kamloops
Cineplex Odeon Aberdeen Mall Cinemas, 700-1320 Trans Canada Highway
Langley
Colossus Langley Cinemas, 20090 91A Avenue
Nanaimo
Galaxy Cinemas Nanaimo, 213-4750 Rutherford Road
Vancouver
Scotiabank Theatre Vancouver, 900 Burrard Street
Vernon
Galaxy Cinemas Vernon, 2306 Highway 6
Victoria
SilverCity Victoria Cinemas, 3130 Tillicum Road

ALBERTA
Calgary
Scotiabank Theatre Chinook, 6455 Macleod Trail SW
Edmonton
Scotiabank Theatre Edmonton, 8882-170 Street

MANITOBA
Winnipeg
SilverCity Polo Park Cinemas, 817 St. James Street

SASKATCHEWAN
Regina
Galaxy Cinemas Regina, 420 McCarthy Boulevard N
Saskatoon
Galaxy Cinemas Saskatoon, 347 2nd Avenue

ONTARIO
Ancaster
SilverCity Ancaster Cinemas, 771 Golf Links Road
Barrie
Galaxy Cinemas Barrie, 72 Commerce Park Drive
Burlington
SilverCity Burlington Cinemas, 1250 Brant Street
Etobicoke
Cineplex Odeon Queensway Cinemas, 1025 The Queensway
Gloucester
SilverCity Gloucester Cinemas, 2385 City Park Drive
Hamilton
SilverCity Hamilton Mountain Cinemas, 795 Paramount Drive
Kingston
Cineplex Odeon Gardiners Road Cinemas, 626 Gardiners Road
London
SilverCity London Cinemas, 1680 Richmond Street
Mississauga
SilverCity Mississauga Cinemas, 3055 Vega Boulevard
Newmarket
SilverCity Newmarket Cinemas, 18151 Yonge Street
Niagara Falls
Cineplex Odeon Niagara Square Cinemas, 7555 Montrose Road
Oakville
SilverCity Oakville Cinemas, 3531 Wyecroft Road
Oshawa
Cineplex Odeon Oshawa Cinemas, 1351 Grandview Street N
Peterborough
Galaxy Cinemas Peterborough, 320 Water Street
Port Hope
Capitol Theatre, 224 Main Street
Richmond Hill
SilverCity Richmond Hill Cinemas, 8725 Yonge Street
Sault Ste. Marie
Galaxy Cinemas Sault Ste. Marie, 293 Bay Street
Scarborough
Coliseum Scarborough Cinemas, 300 Borough Drive
Sudbury
SilverCity Sudbury Cinemas, 355 Barrydowne Road
Thunder Bay
SilverCity Thunder Bay Cinemas, 850 North May Street
Toronto
Cineplex Odeon Sheppard Cinemas, 4861 Yonge Street
Scotiabank Theatre Toronto, 259 Richmond Street W
Waterloo
Galaxy Cinemas Waterloo, 550 King Street N
Windsor
Cineplex Odeon Devonshire Mall Cinemas, 3100 Howard Avenue

QUEBEC
Brossard
Cineplex Odeon Brossard Cinemas, 9350 boul. Leduc
Gatineau
Starcité Gatineau Cinemas, 115 boul. Du Plateau
Granby
Cinéma Élysée, 160 rue Simonds nord
Jonquière
Cinéma Jonquière, 2445 rue St. Dominique
Kirkland
Coliseum Kirkland Cinemas, 3200 rue Jean Yves
Montreal
Scotiabank Theatre Montreal, 977 rue Ste-Catherine O
St-Eustache
Cinéma St-Eustache, 282 Hector Lanthier
Ste. Foy
Cineplex Odeon Ste. Foy Cinemas, 1200 boul. Duplessis
Terrebonne
Cinéma Triomphe, 1100, rue Yves-Blais

WAYMAN TISDALE - THE FONK RECORD

After a stellar career that produced eight best-selling jazz CDs and one gospel project, before his untimely death last year Wayman Tisdale was ready to show the world a completely different side, one that was 12 years in making. With a not so hidden passion for funk music, The Fonk Record featuring Tiz & The Fonkie Planetarians was a true passion project for Tisdale. Featuring 11 all-original songs, Tisdale’s own funky vocals and a crew of funky musicians, The Fonk Record also includes three very special guest stars with extensive funk resumes – George Clinton, George Duke and Ollie Woodson. Wayman Tisdale’s posthumous CD will be released on October 26th on Mack Avenue Records’ imprint Rendezvous Music.
The Fonk Record cover features a colorful illustration of Tisdale sporting an Afro and green shades. Inside the CD, Tisdale’s transformation from a jazz musician to a funk master is portrayed comic-book style. This should not be a surprise to true fans of Wayman Tisdale. The funk begins with “The Introduction,” in which Tisdale welcomes listeners to “WTIS .. where it’s not simulated, it’s authenticated.” The first collaboration is “Let’s Ride” featuring George Duke, who wields his magic dukey stick on some hard-charging synthesizer solos while Tisdale channels his best Larry Blackmon of Cameo. Next is “This Fonk Is 4U” with the unmistakable vocals of George Clinton, and the late Ollie Woodson of the Temptations joins Tisdale on the slow-jam “Been Here.” Those who were lucky enough to catch Tisdale in concert got a small glimpse of his alter ego during his brief funk-filled interludes during his jazz shows. After all, Tisdale’s biggest radio hits were his unique interpretations of funk and R&B classics – “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now,” “Get Down on It” and “Can’t Hide Love.” When he played his renditions of these songs in concert, that was when the party really began. Prior to his unexpected death, Tisdale was still riding high on the tide of his very successful jazz career, hosting jazz cruises, headlining tours and being a loving father and husband. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2007, Tisdale decided to accomplish one goal that he long set out to do, finishing The Fonk Record. There’s no doubt that The Fonk Record will appeal to longtime Tisdale followers and new fans alike.

NEW RELEASES FROM DAVE KOZ, ELTON JOHN & LEON RUSSELL, NICOLA CONTE, CHIC & OTHERS...

Bellaruche -270 Stories
Benito Gonzalez - Circles
Bilal – Airtight’s Revenge
CTI Records: The Cool Revolution
Cal Harris Jr. – Inside Out
Chic – The Chic Organization Boxset Vol. 1
Core - Party
Dave Koz – Hello Tomorrow
DJ Inc & Marqueal Jordon – Sounds Cool
Dante Lewis – Set The Mood
Eddie Henderson – For All We Know
Elton John & Leon Russell – The Union
Emilie-Claire Barlow – The Beat Goes On
James Brown – Complete James Brown Christmas
Jason Adasiewicz - Sunrooms
Jed & Lucia – Jump Street
Jeff Hendrick – Color Blind
Julius Wiedemann & Joaquim Paulo – Funk & Soul Covers
Keith & Julie Tippett – Live At The Purcell Room
Lori Williams - Healing Within
Mike Reed Loose Assembly With Roscoe Mitchell – Empathetic Parts
Neon Quartet – Catch Me
Nick Bartsch’s Ronin – Llyrica
Nicola Conte – Other Directions (Expanded Edition)
Pena – Pena
Preston Glass – Colors Of Life
Radio Citizen – Hope & Despair
Ray Harris & The Fusion Experience – Live Impressions
Rhonda Thomas - Listen
Rick Wilhite Presents Vibes: New & Rare Music
Soul Talk - Soul Talk
Tamco – Don’t Think Twice
Tammi Terrell – Come On & See Me: The Complete Solo Collection
Urban Soul Connection Vol. 1
William Parker Organ Quartet – Uncle Joe’s Spirit House

PAQUITO D’RIVERA – PANAMERICANA SUITE

Paquito D’Rivera’s latest CD, Panamericana Suite, was recorded live at Pittsburgh’s Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild for MCG Jazz in April 2008. Panamericana Suite takes its name from a piece commissioned by Jazz at Lincoln Center that D’Rivera premiered in 2000. A stunning cultural synthesis encompassing North, Central, and South America leavened with a Caribbean rhythmic sensibility, the project reflects D’Rivera’s embracing musical vision. “I am an eclectic person,” D’Rivera says. “I grew up the son of a classical saxophone player who loved jazz. He loved to put on Heifetz and Mario Lanza, and then listen to Benny Goodman and the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Growing up in Havana, Latin American music was in the air.” The new CD boasts an all-star international cast, with Pedro Martinez (batas, timbales, vocals), Pernell Saturnino (percussion), Oscar Stagnaro (bass), and Mark Walker (bass) comprising the supple rhythm section. Also featured in the Panamericana Orchestra are pianist Alon Yavnai; Dana Leong on trombone and cello; Hector del Curto, bandoneon; Andy Narell on steel pans; Dave Samuels, vibraphone and marimba; trumpeter Diego Urcola; the Colombian harpist Edmar Castaneda; and the Puerto Rican lyric soprano Brenda Feliciano. “This recording expresses the essence of Paquito D’Rivera,” says Marty Ashby, who produced the CD with his brother Jay Ashby. “From refined Classical compositions to swinging jazz, Paquito takes the listener on a journey celebrating the multitude of Latin and World rhythms, connecting them with the best of jazz and classical traditions.” Panamericana Suite will be released by the MCG Jazz label on November 2.

Since making his way to the U.S. in 1979, Paquito D’Rivera has established himself as a force in the jazz world, with numerous solo albums and a long-running association with Dizzy Gillespie, culminating when he became one of the musical directors of the trumpeter’s last great band, the United Nation Orchestra. D’Rivera led the United Nation Orchestra to a Grammy nomination for Best Latin Jazz Album at the 40th annual Grammy Awards with its "Live at MCG" CD, which was recorded at Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild. In 2005, he was named an NEA Jazz Master and awarded the National Medal of Arts at the White House. He’s

the only artist ever to have won Latin Grammy Awards in both Classical and Jazz categories, for 2003’s Stravinsky’s "Historia del Soldado (L’Histoire du Soldat)" and "Brazilian Dreams." No matter what style he’s exploring, D’Rivera consistently collaborates with the finest musicians and ensembles, from the Ying Quartet, Turtle Island Quartet, Imani Winds, and Yo-Yo Ma to the London Royal Symphony, Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra. As a leader of numerous bands and projects, and an increasingly acclaimed composer, D’Rivera continues to blaze new trails, combining the styles and traditions that excite his imagination. He was recently commissioned by Caramoor, as Composer in Residence, to write a concerto for the St. Luke’s Chamber Orchestra; the work, titled “Conversations with Cachao,” is dedicated to the Cuban bass legend. D’Rivera has just released a new CD called "Tango Jazz: Live at Jazz at Lincoln Center" on Paquito Records/Sunnyside Records.

DAVE BRUBECK: LEGACY OF A LEGEND

With every passing decade, the national treasure known as Dave Brubeck continues to amaze his millions of fans across the globe.  His energy seems to transcend all bounds, as his quartet performed more than 50 concerts in 2010, and new compositions continue to pour from his fertile imagination.  On Monday, December 6, 2010, the world will celebrate his 90th birthday, an event to be commemorated by Turner Classic Movies (TCM) with the premiere of Dave Brubeck: In His Own Sweet Way, a new documentary executive-produced by Clint Eastwood. In advance of the film's premiere, Legacy Recordings will release Dave Brubeck: Legacy of a Legend, a new 21-track double-CD compilation with every track handpicked by Brubeck himself.  The commemorative collection, featuring extensive annotation and anecdotal liner notes written by his son Darius, will be available at all physical and digital retail outlets starting November 16th through Columbia/Legacy. This significant package finds Brubeck reflecting on his 17 core years at Columbia Records.  He opens in 1954 with "Jeepers Creepers" from his second Columbia LP (and first studio album for the label) Brubeck Time; and closes with a pair of tracks from 1970 with Gerry Mulligan, "Out Of Nowhere" and "St. Louis Blues" from the Live At The Berlin Philharmonie LP.

On CD Two, Brubeck dips into his deep personal archive of recordings for a previously unreleased live version of "Three To Get Ready" from the final concert of the classic quartet: Brubeck on piano, alto saxophonist Paul Desmond, bassist Eugene Wright, and Joe Morello on drums.  "Three To Get Ready" was a centerpiece of the breakthrough album of 1959, Time Out, one of the quartet's first LPs together, so it is an appropriate choice for Legacy of a Legend to include this version from their final concert together.

Over the course of CD One, Legacy of a Legend shows the evolution of the quartet.  Brubeck, Desmond, and drummer Joe Dodge were together since 1953, with a succession of bassists through the mid-'50s.  In late 1953, on a weekend 'field trip' to Helen Noga's Blackhawk nightclub in San Francisco, Columbia Records staff producer George Avakian heard the quartet and signed them (along with a young singer named Johnny Mathis, managed by Noga).  The quartet already had made several successful live college concert recordings on Fantasy (in 1953), so Avakian extended the concept to their Columbia debut of 1954. Brubeck was skeptical when Avakian decided to record the quartet in a proper studio later that year, Columbia's imposing 30th Street facility.  The results, however, as heard on Brubeck Time (with Brubeck, Desmond, Dodge, and bassist Bob Bates), became a program comprised almost entirely of standards (including Johnny Mercer's "Jeepers Creepers"), proving that the quartet had little to fear from the absence of a concert audience.  Within weeks of the sessions, Brubeck was featured on the November 8, 1954, cover of TIME magazine, a phenomenal coup, only the second jazz artist to appear on the magazine's cover.

Avakian returned the quartet to a live setting in 1955, New York's Basin Street East night club, for Red, Hot & Cool ("Taking A Chance On Love" from the Broadway musical, Cabin In The Sky).  At that point, after several LPs mainly consisting of standards with the quartet, the time was right in 1956 for Brubeck's first solo piano album of original compositions, Brubeck Plays Brubeck ("The Duke"). Morello was introduced to the lineup on Jazz Impressions Of The U.S.A. ("Ode To A Cowboy"), a program of Brubeck originals inspired by his travels across the country with the quartet.  (Bates' brother Norman had taken over on bass.)  Brubeck was similarly inspired by a trip to Disneyland with his family in 1957.  The result was a concept album, his final LP with Avakian, comprised entirely of tunes from four of Walt's animated features, Dave Digs Disney ("Someday My Prince Will Come," from Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs).

The quartet headed overseas in 1958, for a grueling tour of 80 concerts in 14 countries, and a State Department-sponsored trip that took them to Poland, India, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq.  Brubeck captured the spirit on his original compositions for Jazz Impressions Of Eurasia ("Thank You").  The 20th anniversary of Gone With The Wind in 1959 inspired an LP of southern-rooted songs, including Stephen Foster's "Camptown Races" and the timeless MGM movie theme. With new bassist Eugene Wright now fixed in the quartet lineup, and new producer Teo Macero, the stage was set for the 1959 recording of Time Out.  An incalculable watershed moment in jazz history, with every cut in a different time signature, it brought modern progressive jazz into the mainstream.  Time Out hit #2 in Billboard and became the first jazz album to sell a million copies, while the single "Take Five" b/w "Blue Rondo A La Turk" changed all the rules, played on jukeboxes around the world.

As if in counterpoint to Time Out, Brubeck accepted an offer from Jimmy Rushing to do an album with the 57 year-old singer, 'Mr. Five By Five,' the former front man for the Count Basie Orchestra in the 1930s and '40s, who was still at the top of his game ("Evenin'").  Working with a singer proved so delightful that Brubeck organized a musical revue in 1961 called The Real Ambassadors, which rallied against racism (on songs written by Dave and his wife Iola) sung by Carmen McRae ("My One Bad Habit"), Louis Armstrong ("Summer Song") and others.  The ongoing success of 1959's Time Out – 164 weeks on the Billboard chart – called for a 'sequel' in 1961.  Time Further Out hit the Top 10 on its way to a 46-week chart run, and earned jukebox singles play with "Unsquare Dance."  Another sequel to the Jazz Impressions series was inspired by the Big Apple, Jazz Impressions Of New York ("Something To Sing About").

Brubeck disbanded the quartet in 1967, to concentrate on composing.  In 1998, Legacy compiled Buried Treasures, a CD of previously unreleased material from 1967, recorded live in Mexico City.  "Mr. Broadway" and "Three To Get Ready" are swan songs to one of the most important aggregations in jazz history.  Within a year, of course, Brubeck was back with the first of many new groups, this one featuring old friend, baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan, plus bassist Jack Six and drummer Alan Dawson, a lineup that stayed together until 1973.  One of their finest sessions was recorded in 1970, Live At The Berlin Philharmonie ("Out Of Nowhere," "St. Louis Blues"), which brings this collection to its conclusion.

Throughout his long career, Brubeck has received numerous national and international honors, including  the Living Legacy Jazz Award from the Kennedy Center (2007),  the National Medal of the Arts from President Clinton, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, the Smithsonian Medal, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He holds numerous honorary doctorates from American, Canadian, English, Swiss, and German universities. He is a Duke Ellington Fellow at Yale University, and in the year 2000, the National Endowment for the Arts declared him a Jazz Master.  On December 6, 2009, Brubeck was awarded Kennedy Center honors.

Turner Classic Movies will dedicate an afternoon to the legendary artist with the December 6 premiere of  Dave Brubeck: In His Own Sweet Way.  The film, which will premiere at 5 p.m. (EST), takes its name from "In Your Own Sweet Way," one of Brubeck's most famous tunes.  The song has been recorded by countless musicians, including Miles Davis.  The documentary is produced and directed by award-winning jazz filmmaker and longtime Eastwood collaborator Bruce Ricker, whose credits include Tony Bennett: The Music Never Ends, Thelonious Monk: Straight No Chaser, The Last of the Blue Devils, and many other titles.

TCM's premiere of Dave Brubeck: In His Own Sweet Way will be accompanied by two classic films featuring Brubeck himself.  At 1 p.m. (EST), Brubeck is among a number of legends performing in All Night Long (1962), a jazz update of Shakespeare's Othello starring Patrick MacGoohan, Marti Stevens and Betsy Blair.  Then at 3:15 p.m. TCM will present Southern Crossing (1981), a fascinating chronicle of the five-day jazz festival held in Sydney, Australia.

DAVE BRUBECK: LEGACY OF A LEGEND
(Columbia/Legacy 88697 80563 2)

CD One
Title Rec. From album Rel.
1. Jeepers Creepers - recorded 10/12/54; from the LP Brubeck Time released 2/14/55
2. Taking A Chance On Love - recorded 7/23/55; from the LP Red, Hot & Cool (live) released 9/19/55
3. The Duke 4/19/56 Brubeck Plays Brubeck 7/16/56
4. Someday My Prince
Will Come 6/30/57 Dave Digs Disney 12/30/57
5. Ode To A Cowboy 11/26/56 Jazz Impressions
Of The U.S.A. 4/29/57
6. Thank You 8/23/58 Jazz Impressions
Of Eurasia 10/28/58
7. Camptown Races 4/23/59 Gone With The Wind 8/1/60
8. Gone With The Wind 4/22/59 Gone With The Wind 8/1/60
9. Blue Rondo a la Turk 8/18/59 Time Out 12/14/59
10. Take Five 8/18/59 Time Out 12/14/59
11. Evenin'
(vocal: Jimmy Rushing) 8/4/60 Brubeck & Rushing 12/12/60

CD Two
Title Rec. From album Rel.
1. My One Bad Habit
(vocal: Carmen McRae) 12/19/61 The Real Ambassadors 8/27/62
2. Somewhere 2/14/60 Bernstein Plays Brubeck Plays Bernstein 7/4/60
3. Unsquare Dance 6/8/61 Time Further Out 10/16/61
4. Summer Song
(vocal: Louis Armstrong) 9/13/61 The Real Ambassadors 8/27/62
5. Something To Sing About 6/25/64 Jazz Impressions Of New York 12/21/64
6. You Go To My Head
(live at the Newport Jazz Festival) 7/7/63 Time Out - Legacy Edition 5/26/09
7. Mr. Broadway (live) 5/14/67 Buried Treasures 10/20/98
8. Three To Get Ready (live) 12/26/67 previously unreleased [11/16/10]
9. Out Of Nowhere
(with Gerry Mulligan) 11/70 Live At The Berlin Philharmonie 5/11/73

THE JOHN TESH RADIO SHOW ADDS IT’S 371st STATION

When John Tesh came up with the idea for a radio show with a one-of-a-kind format, he never expected it to grow to become one of the largest syndicated shows in the country. Recently, the John Tesh Radio Show reached two new landmarks: adding its 371st station to air the show since its inception, and moving into yet another radio format: Talk Radio. Each week, more than 14.5 million listeners tune in to hear the John Tesh Radio Show, featuring its unique mix of music interspersed with John’s tips on a variety of topics including health, finance, career success, parenting, nutrition, and much more. The show has added three new stations (CKNI/FM-Moncton, NB Canada, CHNI/FM-St. John, Canada, and WOCA/AM-Ocala, Florida) marking the 369th, 370th and 371st stations to air the John Tesh Radio Show since its inception. But even more significant is that the John Tesh Radio Show has moved into yet another format: Talk Radio. Because of the show's unique design, which allows individual stations to play their normal music, The John Tesh Radio Show is heard on a variety of radio genres including Adult Contemporary, Hot Adult Contemporaty (AC), Adult Standards, Country, Oldies, Smooth Jazz and Contemporary Christian. With the addition of its three newest stations, CKNI/FM and CHNI/FM in Canada and WOCA/AM in Ocala, Florida, Tesh has now moved into the coveted Talk Radio format. John Tesh, host of the show, said, "It's thrilling to see our message resonate so strongly with millions of listeners from all backgrounds, age groups and musical tastes. Our move into talk radio will provide differentiation and an alternative to political talk. Our listeners call it life coaching on the radio." The popular entertainer was inspired to create the John Tesh Radio Show by his wife, Connie Sellecca, and the stack of unread magazines piling up on her side of the bed. Tesh believed there was an audience for the kind of advice offered in the magazines, but easily delivered in a radio format in between songs. He launched the show in 2000 and hired a team of researchers to deliver small but achievable ideas that can add up to a big difference in the quality of anyone’s life. Tesh branded this concept, Intelligence for Your Life. Based on the success of the John Tesh Radio Show and Intelligence for Your Life, John and his producers created a second show earlier this year. Hosted by John's wife and focusing on healthy living, Intelligence for Your Health with Connie Sellecca has also grown rapidly, adding its 30th radio station, WVVE/FM in Panama City, Florida, this week.



The John Tesh Radio Show is one of the largest independently syndicated radio talk shows in North America, airing on more than 350 radio station affiliates across the US and Canada with roughly 14.5 million listeners. The show appeals to listeners of all ages and features a mix of advice and tips presented with humor and

“TO CARRY ON…” THE STORY OF LAURA NYRO

Mimi Cohen presents “To Carry On…” a one-woman tribute to the life and music of Laura Nyro. Mimi is a fixture in the New York Cabaret scene who studied with actress Julie Halston (Hairspray, Gypsy), singers Margaret Whiting and Chris Calloway (Cab Calloway’s daughter), and Second City founder, Paul Sills. The characters in the play are comprised of real people in and around Laura Nyro’s life, such as her parents and managers, David Geffen and Artie Mogull. The show runs from November 17-26 at the Cherry Pit Theatre in New York City. This Off-Broadway show is directed by Gretchen Cryer, who is best known for starring in and writing the book and lyrics for the 1978 Joseph Papp-produced “I’m Getting My Act Together and Taking It On The Road.”  Jeffrey Klitz, the conductor for Broadway’s “Guys And Dolls,” is the Musical Director.

2010 saw Laura Nyro nominated to the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame and inducted to the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.  While the Bronx-born Laura Nyro did not experience huge commercial success, she was extremely influential.  She was managed by David Geffen, signed by Clive Davis, produced by Gamble & Huff and Gary Katz (Steely Dan). She recorded with Labelle and opened for Bob Dylan.  Her songs were covered by the 5th Dimension; Blood, Sweat & Tears; Peter Paul & Mary; Three Dog Night; and Barbra Streisand.  People such as Sandra Bernhard, Bette Midler, Todd Rundgren, Joni Mitchell, Suzanne Vega, and Jackson Browne call themselves fans of the music.  Laura recorded ten studio albums (one released posthumously) and six live albums. In 1969, three songs she wrote were in the Billboard Top Ten in the same week.  Laura Nyro died of ovarian cancer at the age of 49 in 1997 - the disease also claimed her mother’s life at that age. If you have never experienced the music of Laura Nyro I highly recommend that you purchase her albums – you’ll just love her sound.

To Carry On...
November 17-26, 2010
The Cherry Pit Theatre, 155 Bank Street (bet Washington & West Streets)
212.989.2020

$20/$15 for groups of four and larger
Nov 17-26 (dark on Thanksgiving)
Wed-Fri, 8pm; Sat, 2p & 8p; Sun, 3p

http://mimicohen.net/ for ticket information

WXJC-FM FLIPS FORMAT TO SMOOTH AC

Seems like several of the former Smooth Jazz radio stations in the U.S. are now switching over to Smooth Adult Contemporary (AC). Now word come to us that yet another station - WXJC-FM in Gainesville - Florida is flipping formats. After a dozen years as a traditional Smooth Jazz outlet, Asterisk Communications' WXJZ-FM in Gainesville moves to Broadcast Architecture's vocal-focused Smooth AC format. According to a press release, "It was our desire to freshen up our successful 12-year run of Smooth Jazz with new artists and more vocals in order to attract a younger, more mass-appeal audience," WXJZ-FM General Manager John Starr said. "Broadcast Architecture's Smooth AC is the logical choice." Braodcast Architecture President Allen Kepler said, "We are very excited to assist John, Bill Elliott, and their team on bringing the Smooth AC Network to Gainesville. With typical AC stations moving away from the softer approach, we know that there are many adults looking for a companion to help them relax and enjoy their day. The music mix offers a variety of styles, genres, and eras of music not found on other stations, and we see this to be a solid opportunity to deliver strong 25-54 PPM ratings." For those of you unfamiliar with the Smooth AC format – it’s about 75 percent vocals, with core artists including Sade, Michael Buble, Michael Jackson,and Seal. The rest of the music comes from such Smooth Jazz staples as Boney James, Dave Koz, Grover Washington, George Benson, Brian Culbertson and Chris Botti, among others.

SMOKEY ROBINSON – NOW AND THEN

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store has announced that the newest CD release in its exclusive music program will be with R&B legend and American icon Smokey Robinson! Entitled Now And Then, this CD will feature 12 songs. Six are live versions of his well-known classics, including "Going to a Go-Go," "I Second That Emotion," The Tracks of My Tears," and "The Tears of a Clown," recorded in 2010 during various performances. The other six are from his 2009 CD, Time Flies When You're Having Fun, including "Time Flies," Don't Know Why," and "Girlfriend."  Now And Then serves up smooth ballads and some of the classic Motown hits that made Smokey Robinson one of the most beloved and influential figures in the history of popular music. This new CD goes on sale November 1st, and will be available only at Cracker Barrel. "We are very excited to work with Smokey Robinson," said Cracker Barrel Vice President of Marketing Peter Keiser.  "After fifty years in the business, Smokey is still writing and performing songs that are very, very popular and he sounds great!" Keiser added, "Now and Then is a perfect CD project for Cracker Barrel because so many Americans, including me, have an emotional connection with Smokey Robinson. Who hasn't cried 'The Tears of a Clown'?"

Smokey Robinson has logged 37 Top 40 hits in his career and has received a number of significant awards, including a Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award, a Grammy® for "Best R&B Performance, Male," and the Soul Train Music Award for Career Achievement. He has been inducted into the Songwriter Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has also received the prestigious Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award from ASCAP (the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers). Smokey Robinson has been inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame both as a solo artist and with his group, The Miracles. He received a Kennedy Center honor in 2006 and is the sterling pen and satin voice behind such mega hits as "Shop Around," "Tracks of My Tears," "You've Really Got a Hold on Me," "Tears of a Clown," "I Second That Emotion," and "Going to a Go-Go," among many others. "I am glad to have my new CD, Now And Then, available exclusively at Cracker Barrel," said Smokey.  "I think many of my fans are also Cracker Barrel fans, and having my CD available when they come in to have a meal will please them. With almost 600 locations and a website, I am confident that my fans will be able to get this CD easily, and that's important these days when places that sell music are becoming rarer."

NORMAN JOHNSON - IF TIME STOOD STILL

If Time Stood Still, the debut solo release from guitarist Norman Johnson on the Pacific Coast Jazz label, is an exquisite expression of music that has been waiting to happen. From sonic grooves reminiscent of Wes Montgomery and George Benson to the mysterious, sultry melodies that frame Johnson’s distinctive sound, this recording integrates the best of contemporary and traditional jazz. With over twenty recordings as a sideman, playing with highly respected musicians (Dave Brubeck, Jerry Bergonzi, Bill Mays, Harvie S., Phil Wilson and Steve Gadd) along with composing and recording music for corporate clients, this release puts Norman Johnson in the spotlight he truly deserves. “We’re excited to have the opportunity to represent the debut CD, If Time Stood Still, from such a talented and experienced artist,” says Donna Nichols, founder and president of Pacific Coast Jazz. “This CD is way overdue for Norman who is a high caliber musician and composer.” Nichols’ label has teamed up with publicist Joy Foster of SV Media and radio promoter Adam Leibovitz at ASL Music Media for access to international media buying and radio promotion. If Time Stood Still is well worth the wait with exceptional original songs that incorporate Latin and contemporary jazz grooves and a special arrangement of the Pat Metheny cover tune, “Always and Forever. “There are five different types of guitars used on this recording, a string quartet on the title cut and a wide range of instruments that include, Tyler VanOstrand (bass), Ken Fischer (piano), Chris Herbert (sax and flute), Steve Davis (trombone), Josh Bruneau (trumpet), including drummers, Bob Forte, Arti Dixson, Anthony Cusano, Chris Lemp drums and percussionists, Martin Obeng, Greg Allan and Eric Galm.“The songs and arrangements allow each musician to create interesting parts and improvise,” commented Johnson. “I would like people to hear this recording for what I intended it to be, good songs played by fine musicians, accessible to everyone whether you love jazz or not.“

PRINCE TO TOUR WITH ESPERANZA SPALDING, MACEO PARKER, CASSANDRA WILSON, SHEILA E. & OTHERS

At New York's Apollo Theater last night, Prince has announced to a packed audience that he's planning a tour that will kick off "on a purple day" in December where he will be serving as Master of Ceremonies. He said the tour is "best described as what we've all been waiting for." He told his fans "The nights of entertainment will feature some of the best artists this country has to offer," Prince promised reporters. "They know what time it is. So come early and come often, because every time we play it's always something new. No two shows will be the same. I have a lot of hits. Bring your friends, bring your children, bring your own foot spray -- it's going to be funky!" Though no specific dates, cities or venues were announced, the shows are scheduled to kick off in December and will feature Prince playing a gold-plated Fender guitar that will be auctioned off at the end of the live run with proceeds beneftting the Harlem Children's Zone. Wearing gold-rimmed aviator sunglasses and a black turtleneck with his 21 Nights In London DVD flashing on a projector behind him, the legendary pop wunderkind announced the shows, titled "Welcome 2 America," which will feature funk, R&B and jazz artists including Maceo Parker, Janelle Monae, Cassandra Wilson, Sheila E., Lalah Hathaway, Mint Condition, Esperanza Spalding and famed funk outfit Larry Graham & Graham Central Station. The Minnesota native also confirmed that he and the New Power Generation would also perform nightly alongside featured acts. "I didn't want to talk too much but how many have seen 'Waiting for Superman,' " he asked before bringing out Harlem Children's Zone head Geoffrey Canada who also spoke briefly about how grateful he is Prince chose Harlem as the venue to announce the series. BET's President of Music Programming Stephen Hill, a long-time fan of 'The Purple One,' introduced Prince to the throngs of media outlets present at the press conference. A few months back, the network awarded Prince with a Lifetime Achievement award at the 2010 BET Awards. Hill reminisced on his first Prince concert in 1982 at the Apollo and more recently flying to Nice, France to see his two-hour set and another two-hour long after-hours set. "I know what I hope he's here to announce," but admitted he was out of the loop on what the big announcement was. At the press conference, Prince also debuted the full version of his new song 'Rich Friends.' Earlier this year, he released his album '20Ten' in newspapers across Europe and in the UK, but refused to allow access to the album to digital download services.