ANOTHER SMOOTH JAZZ RADIO STATION BITES THE DUST

In an earlier post we asked what was happening to smooth jazz radio as both WQCD-FM in New York and WJZW-FM in Washington had flipped formats, both within weeks of each other. Now comes news that KJCD-FM 104.3 in Denver has done the same. The station owner, Lincoln Financial Media dropped Smooth Jazz programming on 104.3 KJCD-FM in Denver on Thursday, March 6. Lincoln Financial Media moved Sports 950 The Fan KKFN Denver to the 104.3 signal that had been home to KJCD at 1pm yesterday. KKFN will simulcast on 950 and 104.3 until the end of March, when a new format will debut on 950. The Smooth Jazz format will continue on 98.5 KYGO-HD2 and SmoothJazzDenver.com. T

he Fan offers a combination of local and syndicated programming, including The Sports Guys in mornings; Jim Rome in middays; Irv Brown, Joe Williams, and Jim Armstrong in afternoons; and Dan Patrick in nights. Colorado Avalanche and Denver Nuggets games also move to the FM. KJCD's website at www.smoothjazzdenver.com gives listeners the details, citing "declining audience ratings over the past couple years combined with a decline in advertising support from our clients." What else is new?

Haven’t you noticed that the owners of WQCD-FM and WJZW-FM cited the same reasons for switching formats. Let’s hope this is not pattern that other Smooth Jazz station owners will follow. The Smooth Jazz programming will be streamed from the website and heard as an HD subchannel of Country clustermate KYGO, and station e-mail updates will continue.

SARAH MCLACHLAN TO RELEASE RARITIES, B-SIDES AND OTHER STUFF VOLUME 2

Pulled from Sarah McLachlan's illustrious recording career, the Rarities, B-Sides 2 And Other Stuff, Volume 2 collection contains Sarah McLachlan material never before available before on one CD. The collection includes live performances, rare recordings, remixes and soundtrack contributions. In addition, the album includes exceptional, one of a kind duets with Bryan Adams, Cyndi Lauper, Emmylou Harris, and more! The CD will be released on April 29, 2008 and see below for a tentative listing of the included songs. Note that the final CD package is being assembled as of this writing.

Since signing with Arista nearly two decades ago, every one of Sarah McLachlan's studio and live albums and videos have been certified gold, platinum, multi-platinum, or diamond by the CRIA, starting with Touch (1988) and Solace (1991), both platinum sellers. Her 1994 breakthrough, Fumbling Towards Ecstasy (2x platinum) was followed by the digitally enhanced multimedia version of The Freedom Sessions (1995, gold). Sarah's landmark fourth album, the Diamond certified Surfacing (1997), contained two Grammy Award-winning tracks, as "Building a Mystery" won for Best Female Pop Vocal, and "Last Dance" was voted Best pop Instrumental. 1999's quadruple-platinum Mirrorball, and its platinum long-form videocounterpart, were both culled from that year's Lilith Fair tour, and spun off Sarah's third Grammy-winning performance, as "I Will Remember You" won for Best Female Pop Vocal. The 5 times platinum Afterglow followed in 2003,
and received a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album, while its opening track, "Fallen" was nominated for Best Female Pop Vocal.

***Note - Working Track listing below - Final to be announced shortly:
1. Ordinary Miracle
2. Blackbird
3. Time After Time (with Cyndi Lauper)
4. River
5. Don't Let Go (with Bryan Adams)
6. Angel (Live) (with Emmylou Harris)
7. Pills (Live) (with The Perishers)
8. The Rainbow Connection
9. Prayer of St. Francis
10. Unchained Melody
11. Silence (DJ Tiesto ISOS Remix

MINDI ABAIR, THE RIPPINGTONS, STEEL PULSE TO TOPLINE SUNFEST

SunFest, Florida's largest music, art and waterfront festival, will be held April 30-May 4, along one of the most scenic sections of Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach. National headline entertainment scheduled to perform include Sheryl Crow, Fergie, The Black Crowes, John Legend, Natasha Bedingfield, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Steel Pulse, Hellogoodbye, Stephen Marley, The Academy Is, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Little Feat, Hot Tuna, The Rippingtons, Classic Albums Live, Little River Band, Mindi Abair, and Morris Day & the Time. Additional entertainment announcements will be made as they are confirmed.

"SunFest is a kick-off to the summer festival and touring season," said Paul Jamieson, Executive Director of SunFest. "We're excited about our line-up and believe it is one of the best in years." SunFest 2008 will be held from April 30-May 4 along the Flagler Drive waterfront in West Palm Beach, Florida. SunFest of Palm Beach County, Inc., a nonprofit organization based in West Palm Beach, is a Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council Funded Project and is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Arts Council.

Sheryl Crow will perform on the WaMu Stage, Wednesday evening April 30. Sheryl Crow's lyrics touch (relate) personal issues that she has struggled with through life. Her new album, Detours, touches on the world around us and how it is changing. She is a three-time Grammy winner, with featured hits, "All I Wanna Do," "Strong Enough," "First Cut is the Deepest" and "My Favorite Mistake."

George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic will perform on the AT&T Real Yellow Pages Stage, Wednesday evening April 30. Clinton is internationally known as one of the fathers of funk and performs with Parliament Funkadelic.

Michael Franti & Spearhead will perform on the AT&T Real Yellow Pages Stage, Wednesday evening April 30. Michael Franti is an American poet and musician. The band Spearhead is a mix of hip-hop, funk, reggae, jazz, folk, and rock. The band's hits include "Everyone Deserves Music," "We Don't Stop," and "Bomb the World."

Good Charlotte will perform on Thursday evening May 1 during New Music Night at SunFest. From the opening sounds of Good Charlotte's fourth album Good Morning Revival -- which launches with an artful, innovative sound collage that slides into the irresistible "Misery"-- the world-famous band has sold over nine million albums. Good Charlotte includes singer Joel Madden, guitarist Benji Madden, bassist Paul Thomas, guitarist/keyboardist Billy Martin, and new Good Charlotte drummer Dean Butterworth.

Finger Eleven will perform on Thursday, May 1 during New Music Night at SunFest. Finger Eleven originated from Ontario as Rainbow Butt Monkeys. Their music varies from Rock to Country and dance to funk. They are known for their hits "Paralyzer" and "One Thing."

Fergie will perform on the WaMu Stage, Friday evening May 2. Fergie is best known as a member of the Grammy Award-winning hip-hop group the Black Eyed Peas. Her first solo album, The Dutchess, went triple platinum, featuring hits songs "Glamorous," "Big Girls Don't Cry," and "Clumsy."

Hot Tuna will perform on the AT&T Real Yellow Pages Stage, Friday evening May 2. Hot Tuna has led American music with their acoustic and electric blues sound. Hot Tuna has been accompanied by some of the greatest musicians such as Erik Diaz and Barry Mitterhoff.

Little Feat will perform on the AT&T Real Yellow Pages Stage, Friday evening May 2. Little Feat's music goes beyond boundaries with a freewheeling combination of California rock and Dixie inflected funkboogie. Little Feat also expresses blues, country, folk, rock, and jazz in the mix of their music. The band's hits include "Rocket in My Pocket," "Rock and Roll Doctor," "Let it Roll," and "Easy to Slip."

Steel Pulse will perform on the Tire Kingdom Stage, Friday evening May 2. Steel Pulse is a well-known reggae band from England. Their music sends a message of hope, education, and activism to listeners. Their hit "Babylon the Bandit" earned them a Grammy Award.

The Black Crowes will perform on the WaMu Stage, Saturday evening May 3. The Black Crowes' music is a mix of rock, blues, country, gospel, and soul. Their just releases seventh album includes the hit "Goodbye Daughters of the Revolution."

Classic Albums Live will perform on the AT&T Real Yellow Pages Stage, Saturday afternoon May 3. Classic Albums Live is a Canadian classic rock group that performs tributes to Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Doors, Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones and more. At SunFest, they will perform
music from Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and The Doors.

Little River Band will perform on the AT&T Real Yellow Pages Stage, Saturday afternoon May 3. Little River Band is an Australian rock group that named themselves after a road sign, Little River. They are the first Australian band to make it big in the United States, with over 25 million records sold. Little River is known for their hits, "Take it Easy on Me," "Lady" and "Reminiscing."

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones will perform on the AT&T Real Yellow Pages Stage, Saturday evening May 3. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones' music mixes third wave ska and hard-core punk sounds. They have released seven albums, three EP's, and one live record. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones are best known for their hit "The Impression That I Get."

The Academy Is will perform on the WaMu Stage, Saturday evening May 3. The Academy Is has a sound that mixes rock, indie and emo. According to Rolling Stone Magazine, The Academy Is was ranked one of the top ten artists to watch. Featured hits of The Academy Is include "We've Got a Big Mess on our Hands," "Neighbors" and "Sleeping with Giants."

Natasha Bedingfield will perform on the Tire Kingdom Stage, Saturday evening May 3. Natasha Bedingfield is a pop singer and songwriter known for her albums Pocket Full of Sunshine and Unwritten.

Stephen Marley will perform on WaMu Stage, Sunday afternoon May 4. Stephen Marley, son of Bob Marley, is a producer, singer, songwriter, and a multi-instrumentalist. He won five Grammy Awards, which is more than any reggae artist. His latest album Mind Control features hits "Mind Control" and "Chase Dem."

Mindi Abair will perform on the AT&T Real Yellow Pages Stage, Sunday afternoon May 4. Mindi Abair is a soul, jazz, and pop saxophonist with stellar melodies, insinuating rhythm and seductive vocals. Her album Life Less Ordinary includes hits "Do You Miss Me," "Ordinary Love" and "Long
Ride Home."

The Rippingtons will perform on the AT&T Real Yellow Pages Stage, Sunday afternoon May 4. The Rippingtons are considered a contemporary, smooth jazz group. In 2006, The Rippingtons celebrated their 20th anniversary and released their greatest hits album. The Rippingtons hits
include "Let It Rip" and "Wild Card."

John Legend will perform on the WaMu Stage, Sunday evening May 4. John Legend is a five-time Grammy Award winner and multi-platinum singer, songwriter, and performer whose with his debut studio album Get Lifted featured the hit song "Ordinary People." His sophomore album Once Again, featured hit single "Save Room."

Morris Day & the Time will perform on the AT&T Real Yellow Pages Stage, Sunday afternoon May 4. Morris Day is an American composer, musician, drummer, and lead singer of the band The Time. The Time is a funk and dance ensemble band formed in the 80's known for hits "Jungle Love" and "The Bird" and appearance in the movie Purple Rain.

Hellogoodbye will perform on the Tire Kingdom Stage, Sunday afternoon May 4. Hellogoodbye is a punk rock group that started out as a small band in California. Their single "Here (In your Arms)" went platinum and helped launch their career.

More entertainment announcements will be made as they are confirmed. Reserved seats for the WaMu national headline performances will go on sale to the public on March 20. The purchase of reserved seats is available now to Club SunFest members. For tickets information for SunFest 2008 click to http://www.sunfest.com.

WHAT'S HAPPENING TO SMOOTH JAZZ RADIO?

Given the recent demise of two major market smooth jazz radio stations in New York and Washington, one has to wonder what’s happened to the format. A radio-industry Website recently pondered if it’s “time to sound a death knell for the format.” In New York, long-time smooth jazz station WQCD-FM 101.9 switched formats (Rock) after 20 years, and in Washington, 14-year smooth jazz station WJZW-FM 105.9 made the move to Oldies.

But let’s face it – both of these stations are corporate-owned and are in a world where it’s a numbers game. Ratings = advertising revenue = stock value – well you get the picture. It’s all actually a game where your numbers (and value) need to rise from quarter to quarter in comparison to your local competition, and if it doesn’t, then upper management looks for ways to enhance value. In these particular cases, it was determined that a format switch was necessary.

New York’sWQCD 101.9 and Washinton’s WJZW 105.9 still live on; however, you need to have and HD radio to tune in. Even if you did own an HD radio, these stations are not really what they used to be considering that they are totally automated without any radio jocks. The loss of both of these stations leaves smooth jazz listeners with really no alternative in both of those markets. Such a shame.

One bright spot for the format is a Seattle smooth jazz station - KWJZ-FM/ 98.9. KWJZ-FM has been a consistent top 10 ratings and rankings performer, according to Arbitron data. Among listeners 12 and older, KWJZ ranked sixth in fall, fourth in summer, among commercial stations in the market. One advantage for KWJZ is that it's part of a privately held company, which actually makes it less susceptible to the pressures to cut spending to satisfy Wall Street, a trend now sweeping many publicly traded radio companies. In fact, KWJZ just started a new television advertising campaign. Interestingly, those ads still use the word smooth -- as in "smooth out," the implication being that the station is an antidote to a hectic world. But neither they nor the new logo uses "jazz." The saxophone in the old logo has been replaced by a highly stylized suggestion of a sax.

JUDY GARLAND - GARLAND AT THE GROVE

DRG Records has announced the CD debut of the very first professionally-preserved Judy Garland concert recording -- her first official and legitimate "live" album, GARLAND AT THE GROVE. Every song Judy sang that night is being presented for the first time ever on one release, as the original LP deleted three songs. Those missing songs and all of the others have now been Digitally Remixed, Remastered and Restored in glorious 24-bit stereo sound here, from the original 3-track tapes made on that historic night.

Using Algorithmix EQ and restoration tools, Alan Silverman of Arf! Digital brought the sound back to life, and restored spectral imbalances in the original recording. The CD's producer Scott Schechter says this digital debut of GARLAND AT THE GROVE thus "presents the extra richness and fullness heard at the Cocoanut Grove that night, but not quite preserved on the original LP. Listening to this CD, you'll feel like you're at a glamorous 1950s nightclub, right in the audience, sitting at the best table at the Grove."

This CD release marks the 50th Anniversary of the year the album was recorded, 1958. GARLAND AT THE GROVE was recorded on the closing night of Judy's July 23rd-August 5th, 1958, 2-week engagement at the famed Cocoanut Grove, in Los Angeles, CA. Her label, Capitol Records, dispatched its remote recorders to capture Garland's performance using the then-new multitrack stereo sound. Yet it has taken nearly 50 years for the world to finally hear her entire nightclub act -- From the time Judy makes her entrance, to the post-performance announcement that the evening was recorded for an album, every second of tape is included here: All 13 songs are at last on this one CD.

The songs range from the old (Judy's movie masterpieces "The Trolley Song," "You Made Me Love You," "After You've Gone," and "Over The Rainbow") to newer songs she'd just cut for Capitol ("Day In, Day Out," "I Can't Give You Anything But Love," and "Do It Again"), to songs that had either recently become concert stables or would be repeated on her later TV series ("Rock-a-bye Your Baby," and a sizzling "When The Sun Comes Out"). Another highlight is the star's take on the newest song in the lineup, the smash novelty song "The Purple People Eater." Judy is backed on GARLAND AT THE GROVE by the bright, swinging orchestra conducted by the Cocoanut Grove's resident musical director, Freddie Martin. Along with the sparkling sound, GARLAND AT THE GROVE features the original album artwork, and new detailed liner notes by Schechter, preeminent Garland-Minnelli historian, and author of "Judy Garland: The Day-by-Day Chronicle of a Legend," and "The Liza Minnelli Scrapbook."

TRACK LISTING:
1) Garland Overture
2) When You're Smiling (The Whole World Smiles With You)
3) Day In, Day Out
4) I Can't Give You Anything But Love
5) Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart
6) Purple People Eater
7) Medley : You Made Me Love You / For Me and My Gal / The Trolley Song
8) Do It Again
9) When the Sun Comes Out
10) Rock-a-Bye Your Baby With a Dixie Melody
11) Over The Rainbow
12) After You've Gone
13) A Pretty Girl Milking Her Cow
14) Swanee

STEVE WINWOOD - NINE LIVES

Steve Winwood has signed a new deal with Columbia Records. His label debut, "Nine Lives," will arrive April 29. The nine-track set is Winwood's first studio album since 2003's "About Time," which he released on his own Wincraft label. Steve Winwood is also teaming up with ex-bandmate Eric Clapton for a series of upcoming concerts. Eric Clapton, who played briefly with Winwood in Blind Faith in the late 1960s, contributes guitar on first single from the album "Dirty City," which is currently available, and it hit the U.S. radio outlets on February 25.

Both Steve Winwood and Eric Clapton were reunited last July at the Crossroads Guitar Festival in Chicago, which leads them to the upcoming three-shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden. They will be will be backed by bassist Willie Weeks, drummer Ian Thomas and keyboardist Chris Stainton.In addition, this summer, Steve Winwood will be back on the road in the U.S. as the support act for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

Track list for "Nine Lives":
"I'm Not Drowning"
"Fly""Raging Sea"
"Dirty City"
"We're All Looking"
"Hungry Man"
"Secrets"
"At Times We Do Forget"
"Other Shore"

Steve Windwood Tour Dates
May 30 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Van Andel Arena
May 31 – Auburn Hills, MI @ The Palace of Auburn Hills
June 3 – Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre
June 5 – Philadelphia, PA @ Wachovia Center
June 6 - Philadelphia, PA @ Wachovia Center
June 8 – Bristow, VA @ Nissan Pavillion
June 10 - Burgettstown, PA @ Post-Gazette Pavilion
June 11 - Hartford, CT @ New England Dodge Music Center
June 13 - Boston, MA @ TD Banknorth Garden
June 14 - Mansfield, MA @ Tweeter Center for the Performing Arts
June 17 – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
June 18 – Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center
June 21 - Darien Center, NY @ Darien Lakes Performing Center
June 22 - Cuyahoga Falls, OH @ Blossom Music Center
June 25 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl
July 2 – Chicago, IL @ United Center
July 3 – Noblesville, IN @ Verizon Wireless Music Center
July 5 – Milwaukee, WI @ Marcus Amphitheater
July 8 – Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center
July 9 – Atlanta, GA @ Verizon Wirless Amphitheater
July 11 – Charlotte, NC @ Charlotte Verizon Wirless Amphitheatre
July 12 – Raleigh, NC @ Walnut Creek Amphitheatre
July 15- Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ BankAtlantic Center
July 16 – Tampa, FL @ St. Pete Times Forum
July 19 – Denver, CO @ Mile High Music Festival
July 20 – Omaha, NE @ Quest Center Omaha
July 22 – Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
July 23 – Minneapolis, MN @ Target Center
August 7 – Maryland Heights, MO @ Verison Wireless Amphitheatre
August 9 – Winnipeg, MB @ MTS Centre
August 11 – Calgary, AB # Penbrowth Saddletone
August 12 – Edmonton AB @ Rexall Place
August 15 – George, WA @ The Gorge
August 16 – George, WA @ The Gorge
August 20 – Glendale, AZ @ Jobing.com Arena
August 22 – Irvine, CA @ Verizon Wireless Amphiteatre
August 23 – San Francisco, CA @ Golden Gate Park
August 26 – Selma, TX @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

NO WOMAN NO CRY: MY LIFE WITH BOB MARLEY

The Weinstein Company has announced that they have acquired the rights to develop, produce and distribute the first ever biopic about the legendary Jamaican singer, songwriter, guitarist, and activist, Bob Marley and his wife Rita Marley. The feature film will be based on the autobiography "No Woman No Cry: My Life With Bob Marley" which was written by Rita Marley, the widow of the legendary reggae musician. The book is an intimate and epic account of their relationship, which went from the streets of Trenchtown to the heights of the international music and political worlds. Rudy Langlais ("The Hurricane") is set to produce the film from a script written by Lizzie Borden ("Working Girls"). Rita Marley will serve as executive producer.

Bob Marley was born under the name of Nesta Robert Marley in the Jamaican countryside town of Nine Miles in 1945. His father was a white Jamaican Marine Officer and Captain of English descent, while his mother was a young black Jamaican girl. After his father's death, Bob Marley moved with his mother to the Kingston ghetto of Trenchtown. There he began playing music, imitating American R&B, and soon formed a band with several other musicians, including Neville O'Riley Livingston and Peter Tosh, calling themselves The Wailers. Their music evolved into what they called "reggae," expressing their rebellious spirit against British colonial rule. Financed by Island Record owner and fellow Jamaican Chris Blackwell, Marley and the Wailers soon were brought to international attention and broke out into world fame. Marley went solo under Blackwell's direction and became an international legend, his music addressing everything from passionate love to revolution in the third world, to humanity's unity in the anthem "One Love." Bob Marley died of a long- gestating cancer in 1981. At the end of the century, Time Magazine and The New York Times named him the most important popular artist of the 20th Century and his record "Exodus" the important record of the century. He was also awarded the United Nations Medal of Peace for the Third World.

Production Executive, Ben Famiglietti brought this project to The Weinstein Company, along with Michael Cole, Co-Head of Production. They will oversee the project on behalf of The Weinstein Company. Eric Roth, EVP of Business and Legal Affairs negotiated the deal on behalf of The Weinstein Company. Mickey Freiberg from ACME Talent Literary along with Eric Weissmann from Weissmann, Wolf, Bergman, Colman & Silverman negotiated on behalf of Rudy Langlais and Lizzie Borden. Attorneys Bob Epstein, Marvin Zolt and Claude Ismael represented Rita Marley in negotiations."No Woman No Cry: My Life with Bob Marley" written by Rita Marley with Hettie Jones, was published by Hyperion in May of 2004.


Rita Marley was born in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, married Bob Marley in 1966 and remained married to him until his death in 1981. She was the mother of two of his children, who displayed musical talent like their parents. Rita was also a musician, and performed with a girl-group called
the I-Three who had been the back-up singers to Bob Marley and the Wailers. After having witnessed the visit of Ethiopian leader Haile Selassie to Jamaica in 1961, Rita Marley converted to the Rastafarian religion and introduced it to Bob as well. He began to devote his spiritual life to its
beliefs and adopted its traditions, which included wearing his iconic dreadlocks. As Marley's music and persona became more and more controversial in Jamaica, the political turmoil it stirred resulted in an assassination attempt on the eve of a concert in Kingston, at which Bob and Rita were shot. To this day, Rita Marley is a benefactor of numerous humanitarian causes. She continues to perform worldwide and lives in Ghana, West Africa.

Rita Marley stated, "Bob always told me, 'Wherever you are I will be there' and I didn't understand it until much later. Our lives began in a government yard in Trenchtown with hopes of reaching the world through music and through our dreams. I wrote my book to tell my story -- of the dreams we shared and those days we spent living and believing in our hope. I saw it and now we get to tell it through our movie. I've waited a long time to tell this story, about growing up in Jamaica and meeting Bob and making our music and falling in love and making our family. All that, and all that we went through went into this. Now is that time. This is my story."

The Weinstein Company (TWC) was created by Bob and Harvey Weinstein, the brothers who founded Miramax Films Corporation in 1979. TWC is a multi-media company that officially launched on October 1, 2005. Dimension Films, the genre label that was founded in 1993 by Bob Weinstein, is also included under the TWC banner. During the Weinsteins' tenure at Miramax Films the company released some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful independent feature films which received 249 Academy Award(R) nominations and won 60 Oscars(R), have generated billions of dollars in worldwide box office receipts and billions more in home video sales. In its history, Dimension Films has released some of the most successful franchises including "Scream," "Spy Kids" and "Scary Movie.

The film will be released worldwide in 2009.

2ND ANNUAL PORT-AU-PRINCE INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL

Port-au-Prince, Haiti, has just kicked off the Port-au-Prince International Jazz Music Festival. It’s the 2nd Edition of this eight-day jazz festival celebrating Haitian and world jazz music. The festival started on March 2 and runs through March 9. The performances are being held at the historic "Canne a Sucre", Kiosque Occide Jeanty (Champ de Mars), and l'Institut Francais d'Haiti (French institute).

The Port-au-Prince International Jazz Festival is a form of cultural exchange and it features nine international jazz bands coming from Brazil, United States, Mexico, Canada, Chile, Spain, Switzerland, France, as well as Haitian jazz musicians - Mushy Widmaier, Les Freres Courtois, Mark Richard, Jowee Omicil, Thurgot Theodat, among others.

The founder of the Jazz Festival is Joel Widmaier, who is himself a well-known Haitian drummer from the group Zekle (one of the bands at the heart of the 1980s Nouvel Jenerayson movement). Widmaier’s hopes that the Festival will help promote Haitian Jazz across the country and perhaps the world. "We have some excellent Haitian musicians playing jazz, and its a great movement to promote in Haiti. Joel and the festival organizing committee, which includes the embassies of the United States, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Switzerland, and the Haiti Cultural Ministry, seek to build on the success of the Jazz Festival from last year. Due to the current political landscape in Haiti, the Festival is not expected to draw foreign visitors. However, for the Haitians of Port-au-Prince, the opportunity to listen to these styles of jazz is more food for the soul of a music loving nation.

Jazz music is not new to Haiti, the island has a long history of a rich musical culture. Following several decades after World War I and the two American occupations ( 1915 & 1934), jazz was being played everywhere in Haitian high society, dance halls, and in the military. Jazz Des Jeunes, the premiere Haitian orchestra of the 30's and 40's, adapted some form of American jazz and fused it with folklore to conjure up the term ' Haitian jazz". Before Konpa came along the mid 50's, Jazz Des Jeune inspired a whole new generation of Haitian musians, including some of Haiti's great's folklore/ jazz singers Gerald Dupervil, Edner Guinard (Jazz Guinard), Raoul Guillaume, Issa El Saieh, Toto Bissainthe, David Mettelus ( Ti-Coca), Dodolphe Legros, Guy Durosier, Joe Trovillog, Raoul Guillaume, Saxophonist Nemours Jean Baptiste and Weber Sicot.

FRANK SINATRA - SINATRA AT THE MOVIES

Frank Sinatra was a titan of 20th Century entertainment, with record-breaking successes in both music and film throughout his legendary career. Capitol/EMI celebrates Ol' Blue Eyes' musical contributions to many of Hollywood's most memorable classic films, in several of which he also starred, with the April 15 release of a new 20-track CD and digital collection titled Sinatra At The Movies.

Born Francis Albert Sinatra on December 12, 1915, Frank Sinatra passed away on May 14, 1998, leaving behind an unparalleled cultural legacy that continues to thrive. Sinatra's global album sales total more than 150 million copies, and Capitol/EMI's 2002 release, Classic Sinatra, has sold
approximately two million units in the U.S. alone.

Sinatra At The Movies is one of several high-profile music and DVD releases honoring the Chairman of the Board's storied career as a pioneering legend of entertainment. Other upcoming salutes to Sinatra include a commemorative U.S. postage stamp to enter circulation on May 13
and special TV programming, co-hosted by his children, through the month of May on Turner Classic Movies (TCM), including more than 30 of Sinatra's films and four of his television specials.

Sinatra At The Movies includes title themes from The Tender Trap, From Here To Eternity, Young At Heart, Three Coins In The Fountain and Not As A Stranger, as well as "Chicago" and "All The Way" from The Joker Is Wild, "I Could Write A Book" and "The Lady Is A Tramp" from Pal Joey, "How Deep Is The Ocean" and "All Of Me" from Meet Danny Wilson, "To Love And Be Loved" from Some Came Running, and more.

With a career that spanned more than six decades, Frank Sinatra was truly "The Entertainer of the 20th Century." Also known as "Ol' Blue Eyes," "The Chairman of the Board" and "The Voice," Sinatra racked up 31 gold albums, one gold single, nine platinum albums (including three that went multi-platinum), and two gold and platinum videos in the United States. He won 10 Grammy Awards(R), and when he was awarded the Grammy Legend Award in 1994 he was introduced by U2 singer Bono, who said, "His songs are his home and he lets you in, but you know that to sing like that you've got to have lost a couple of fights. To know tenderness and romance you've got to have had your heart broken."

Frank Sinatra appeared in 58 films and won three Academy Awards(R) (including an honorary Oscar(R) for The House I Live In). He also starred in his own television show and in numerous specials, earning Emmys(R) and a Peabody Award(R), and he performed thousands of tour dates around the world. Frank Sinatra was saluted by The Kennedy Center Honors as a cultural icon, and was awarded the Presidential Medal Of Honor and the Congressional Gold Medal (Congress' highest civilian award).


SINATRA AT THE MOVIES (CD & Digital Album)

1. (Love Is) The Tender Trap [The Tender Trap]
2. From Here To Eternity [From Here To Eternity]
3. I Love Paris [Can Can]
4. How Deep Is The Ocean [Meet Danny Wilson]
5. I Could Write A Book [Pal Joey]
6. All The Way [The Joker Is Wild]
7. Young At Heart [Young At Heart]
8. Not As A Stranger [Not As A Stranger]
9. All Of Me [Meet Danny Wilson]
10. High Hopes [A Hole In The Head]
11. The Lady Is A Tramp [Pal Joey]
12. Monique [King's Go Forth]
13. Chicago [The Joker Is Wild]
14. Three Coins In The Fountain [Three Coins In The Fountain]
15. I Believe [It Happened In Brooklyn]
16. Wait For Me [Johnny Concho Theme] [Johnny Concho]
17. C'est Magnifique [Can Can]
18. I Couldn't Sleep A Wink Last Night [Higher And Higher]
19. Just One Of Those Things [Young At Heart]

20. To Love And Be Loved [Some Came Running]

ERIC BURDON & WAR REUNION CONCERT

For the first time in 37 years, Eric Burdon and WAR will be performing together - for one night only - at London's historic Royal Albert Hall on April 21. Incidentally, Rhino Records is also planning to reissue the two Eric Burdon and WAR classic albums. The two Burdon/WAR collaborations, 1970's "Eric Burdon Declares WAR" and "Black Man's Burdon," are to be released March 24 in the U.K., followed by the release of their 1976 compilation album, "Love Is All Around," on March 31. It was the Burdon-led, near-chart-topping "Spill the Wine" that introduced the masses to the group in 1970.

The Eric Burdon and WAR lineup for the show will be comprised of Burdon and keyboardist Lonnie Jordan, as well as Start Ziff (guitar), Francisco "Pancho" Tomaselli (bass), Fernando Harkless (saxophone), Mitch Kashmar (harmonica), Marcos Reyes (percussion) and Salvador Rodriguez (drums). The performance will also be filmed for subsequent DVD release.

Eric Burdon is also in the midst of a solo tour and concert dates are as follows:
March 1 – Lake Tahoe, NV @ Harrahs
March 28 – Stuttgart, Germany
March 29 – Stuttgard, Germany
April 26 – Hubbard Park – Band Shell Stage, CT
May 3 – Ridgefield Playhouse, CT
May 4 – New York, NY @ The Fillmore at Irving Plaza
June 11 – Peace Plaza, MN
Sept. 13 – The Cannery Casino, NV

2008 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

This year the festival will include performances by Dave Koz, Terence Blanchard, John Pizzarelli and Poncho Sanchez, among others. Here’s the full 2008 schedule.

April 11
7 p.m., The Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition: Five finalists compete for a $3,500 award and the chance to perform at Metropolitan Park on Sunday.

April 12
1 p.m., Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition Winner2 p.m., Lynne Arriale Trio featuring special guest Benny Golson; Lynne Arriale (piano), Rufus Reid (bass), Anthony Pinciotti (drums), and Benny Golson (tenor sax)
3:30 p.m., 20th Anniversary Celebration of the University of North Florida Jazz Program “Past, Present, and Future” featuring the UNF Jazz Ensemble 1 Big Band, the UNF Jazz Faculty and the 2008 UNF Alumni Reunion Group.
5:30 p.m., Terence Blanchard
7 p.m., The St. Johns River City Band with John Pizzarelli
Noon–10 p.m., Art at the Met Art Show and Sale
Noon–10 p.m., 38° Latitude: A Wine Tasting Experience

April 13
10 a.m.–1 p.m., Jazz Brunch
10 a.m., Najee
11:30 a.m., Norman Brown
1:30 p.m., Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band
3 p.m., Dave KozTickets will go on sale in early March and will be $10 a day.

Tickets for the Jazz Brunch tickets are available for $40 and include general admission into Metropolitan Park on April 13. Tickets are available at www.jaxjazzfest.com or by calling (904) 355-2787.

UPCOMING CD RELEASES

My Blueberry Nights Soundtrack
The soundtrack for My Blueberry Nights will be released on the Blue Note label on April 1. The My Blueberry Nights soundtrack CD will feature songs by Cat Power, Ry Cooder, Amos Lee, Mavis Staples, plus a new track by Norah Jones (“The Story”).

Also on tap from Blue Note is a Wynton Marsalis release entitled, He And She, on May 13.

New Verve Releases
Verve Records is preparing a batch of new release set to go out on March 18. Here’s a list of what to expect: I Got A Woman And Some Blues from George Benson; Live At The Village Gate by Jimmy Smith; A Night At The Vanguard by Kenny Burrell; New Orleans Night by Louis Armstrong; Fantabulous by Oliver Nelson; Plays Count Basie by Oscar Peterson;; Bridge Over Troubled Waters by Paul Desmond; and Jazz Giants ’58 from Stan Getz and the Oscar Peterson Trio.

Eric Burdon & WAR Reissues
Rhino Records is also planning to reissue the two Eric Burdon and WAR classic albums. The two Burdon/WAR collaborations, 1970's "Eric Burdon Declares WAR" and "Black Man's Burdon," are to be released March 24 in the U.K., followed by the release of their 1976 compilation album, "Love Is All Around," on March 31.

August Darnell, Kid Creole & Dr. Buzzard’s Savannah Band
A Kid Creole deluxe CD! Yes folks! Finally a release that includes Kid Creole, August Darnell and everything else in between (including Dr Buzzard’s Savannah Band with the great Cory Daye). Strut Records (from the UK) is packaging a deluxe digipak release, along with a 16-page booklet. The album will include a batch of August Darnell projects, and this includes the Kid Creole and the Coconuts music - - and maybe even the Dr. Buzzard stuff. This will also be released in the U.S. on March 25.

KENNY G - RHYTHM AND ROMANCE

Kenny G’s new album “Rhythm And Romance” is his first since signing a new deal with Starbucks Entertainment and Concord Records. The new CD (released on February 5) is a selection of Latin love songs. Kenny G is backed by Latin musicians on this set, including drummer Alex Acuna, percussionists Michito Sanchez and Paulinho Da Costa, bassist John Penia, and guitarist Ramon Stagnaro. Camilia and Barbara Munoz contribute vocals throughout. Kenny G is touring in support of the album and listed below are a select number of upcoming U.S.dates. Kenny G will then head on to Asia (including China) for a series of concert dates before heading back for additional North American concerts.

March 7 - Juneau, AK @ Centennial Hall Convention Center
March 9 - Fairbanks, AK @ Hering Auditorium
March 10 – Anchorage, AK @ Atwood Concert Hall
March 14 – Kahului, HI @ Castle Theater
March 15 – Honolulu, HI @ Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall
March 16 - Honolulu, HI @ Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall
March 19 – Greenville, SC @ Peace Center
March 21 – West Palm Beach, FL @ Raymond Kravis Ctr. For Perf. Arts
March 22 – Melbourne, FL @ King Center For Performing Arts
March 24 – Clearwater, FL @ Ruth Eckerd Hall
March 25 – Fort Myers, FL @ Barbara B. Mann Perf. Arts Hall
March 26 – Miami Beach, FL @ Fillmore At Jackie Gleason Theater

THE RETURN OF RETURN TO FOREVER

Beginning this June, a reunited Return To Forever will be hitting the road for the first time in 25 years. The classic lineup of keyboardist Chick Corea, bassist Stanley Clarke, guitarist Al Di Meola, and drummer Lenny White are so far scheduled to play between 30 to 40 concerts across the U.S.

After a series of major concerts in theaters and small amphitheaters in major U.S. markets as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, and New York, Return to Forever will head for Europe in July. The band will then come back to the States in August.

"It's been a long time coming," says founder Chick Corea, "and I think it's going to be a blast! We plan to take the songs from the albums we made in the '70s and just play them like they've never been played before."

"In retrospect, the '70s were a very powerful time in instrumental music," Stanley Clarke adds. "We're going to go out and play our music as honestly as we did then, and it will be a great thing for all of us."

Al Di Meola says, "This is something we've talked about for close to 30 years... how's that? 30 years! We've come close a few times, but finally the timing was right.""We all felt the time was right to come back on a grand scale, raise the bar again and show people what serious music is really about," Lenny White concludes.

Return To Forever are releasing an anthology album of remixed and remastered songs from such classic albums as “Where Have I Known You Before,” “Romantic Warrior,” No Mystery,” and “Hymn Of The Seventh Galaxy.” Return to Forever helped create and define fusion, a new genre that brought multitudes of rock 'n' roll fans into the jazz world for the first time.

Chick Corea, Al Di Meola, and Stanley Clarke are also scheduled with their own tours this year. Stanley Clake is supporting his new CD, “The Toys Of Men,” which recently debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Contemporary Jazz chart last month. Al Di Meola is supporting two recent releases” “Consequence Of Chaos” and “Diabolic Inventions And Seduction For Solo Guitar, Vol. 1: Music Of Astor Piazzolla.

2008 PLAYBOY JAZZ FESTIVAL

Bill Cosby is set for the role of the master of ceremonies at the 30th annual Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl. Among the artists performing this year includes Herbie Hancock, Al Jarreau, Poncho Sanchez, Keb’ Mo’, Dr. John, and Dee Dee Bridgewater, among others. One of the most popular annual music festivals in Southern California, the Playboy Jazz Fest boasts a half-dozen straight-ahead jazz acts and musicians performing everything from funk to big band to Brazilian jazz to smooth jazz to blues.The June 14-15 festival will bring back Cosby, who has missed only three turns as host since the first presentation in Los Angeles in 1979.

The June 14 lineup includes the Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band; the James Moody Quartet; Dr. John; R and R featuring Rick Braun and Richard Elliot; Hirmoi's Sonicbloom; Sherrie Maricle and the Diva Jazz Orchestra; and pianist Robert Glasper. Emcee Bill Cosby will again oversee the Cos of Good Music, which this year will feature Ambrose Akinmusire, Dwayne Burno, Ndugu Chancler, Benny Green, Billy Harper, Jerry Peters and David T. Walker.

Herbie Hancock will appear with bassist Dave Holland, drummer Vinnie Colaiuta and guitarist Lionbel Loueke, plus saxophonist Chris Potter on June 15, day two of the fest. Al Jarreau and Tower of Power are first-day headliners. Besides Hancock, the June 15 lineup features Keb' Mo', Roy Hargrove Big Band, Guitars & Saxes, Ivan Lins with Oscar Castro-Neves, Plena Libre, Ryan Shaw and the View Park Prep Jazz Ensemble.

THE RETURN OF JAZZ FM IN LONDON

Jazz FM in London and the North West are being revived by GMG Radio as a digital-only station. The relaunch comes just weeks after GCap Media announced plans to close down its digital-only jazz station, theJazz. Jazz FM is scheduled to be revived later in the year pending approve by media watchdog Ofcom. It will be available on the digital audio broadcasting (DAB) platform, 24 hours a day. GMG had rebranded Jazz FM in London and the North West to Smooth FM three years ago in a bid to broaden the stations appeal and boost audiences; however, it now seems that the Jazz FM brand could still garner some audiences with an online presence. GMG Radio chief executive, John Myers, says the demise of theJazz means there is an opportunity to revive the Jazz FM format for fans of the genre. He adds: "We have always carried on Jazz FM online but we now hope that the gap left by theJazz will enable us to win an increase audience to this new service." Jazz FM was widely known for its mix of smooth jazz, chill, R&B, funk, and dance, all fused for what was a great sounding station. Of course, as we have seen so many times before with so many other radio stations, it’s all about the business of radio. In other words, radio is created for the masses and not for the particular few. This is why niche radio formats will never work on a grand scale. And so this is why all of these unsuccessful formats have gone to live streaming on the Internet. Oh well.

SIMPLY RED'S MICK HUCKNALL TO RELEASE SOLO ALBUM: "TRIBUTE TO BOBBY"

The Bobby in question is the enormously influential African- American singer Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland, sometimes referred to as the ‘Lion of the Blues’. ‘Tribute to Bobby’ is a twelve track master class in soul, blues and R&B and a tribute to one of Mick Hucknall’s most important inspirations and musical idols. Along with such artists as Sam Cooke, Ray Charles and Junior Parker, Bland developed a sound that mixed gospel with blues and R&B. He sang classics such as big-band blues number ‘Farther Up The Road’ (US R&B top 10 hit in 1957) and perfected his craft in the 1960’s with a series of releases including ‘Cry Cry Cry’ and ‘I Pity The Fool’.

Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland perhaps achieved his greatest recognition much later in his career; in 1992 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and in 1997 he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.On the album ‘Tribute to Bobby’ Hucknall’s compelling vocals emphasise the sentiment of each of the twelve cover songs, whilst masterfully adopting the songs and making them entirely his own. The album is set for release in the U.K. on May 19th.

Here are the Mick Hucknall solo tour dates announced so far are:
29 June Bristol, UK - Colston Hall
30 June Wolverhampton, UK - Civic Hall
1 July Liverpool, UK - Summer Pops
3 July Manchester, UK - Apollo
4 July Newcastle, UK - City Hall
5 July Oxford, UK - New Theatre
7 July Leicester, UK - De Montfort Hall
8 July Ipswich, UK - Regent
9 July London, UK - Indigo 02 Arena
12 July Weert, Holland - Bospop
13 July Werchter, Belgium – Werchter Boutique Festival
16 July Munich, Germany – Tollwood Festival
18 July Zurich, Switzerland – Live At Sunset Festival
25 July Tuln, Austria – Danube Festival

All these UK dates go on sale at 9am on Friday 29th February. For more information click to www.simplyred.com and www.myspace.com/simplyred

NEW MUSIC RELEASES THIS WEEK

Here's a batch of some new stuff that available now...

Alice Babs – Illusion (Vax/Sweden)
Angela Johnson – Woman’s Touch (Purpose)
Antonio Carlos Jobim – Pure Bossa Nova: A View On The Music Of Antonio Carlos Jobim (Verve)
Average White Band – Soul & The City: Recorded Live At B.B. King’s (Copycats)
B.B. King – Live (Geffen)
Beady Belle – Belvedere (Jazzland/Norway)
Carlos Lyra - Pure Bossa Nova: A View On The Music Of Carlos Lyra (Verve)
Fanga – Natural Juice (Underdog/France)
Funky Muchachos – Funky Muchachos Play Soul Jazz (Tito’s Record/UK)
Gilles Peterson – Gilles Peterson In The House LP 1 (Defected/UK)
Jsoul – Love Soldier (Blackout Studios)
Larry Graham & Graham Central Station – Star Walk (Warner/Wounded Bird)
Lizz Wright – Orchard (Verve)
Lulu – To Sire With Love/It’s Lulu (Epic/Wounded Bird)
Nara Leao - Pure Bossa Nova: A View On The Music Of Nara Leao (Verve)
National Bank – Come On Over To The Other Side (Universal/Norway)
Nicola Conte – Nicola Conte Presents Viagem: A Collection Of 60’s Brazilian Bossa Nova & Jazz Samba (Som Livre/Far Out/UK)
Nicodemus – Endangered Species Remixed (ESL)
Nina Simone – Tell It Like It Is: Rarities & Unreleased Recordings 1967 to 1973 (RCA/UK)
Os Cariocas - Pure Bossa Nova: A View On The Music Of Os Cariocas (Verve)
Pete Rock – NY’s Finest (Nature Sounds)
Peter Brotzmann/Peter Uuskyla Duo – Born Broke (Atavistic)
Roberto Menescal - Pure Bossa Nova: A View On The Music Of Roberto Menescal (Verve)
Swing Out Sister – Beautiful Mess (Avex/Japan)
Sylvia Telles - Pure Bossa Nova: A View On The Music Of Sylvia Telles (Verve)
Tamba Trio - Pure Bossa Nova: A View On The Music Of Tamba Trio (Verve)
Tammy Harris – Natural Vibe (Root Soul)
Vandermark 5 – Beat Reader (Atavistic)
Walter Wanderly – Pure Bossa Nova: A View On The Music Of Walter Wanderly (Verve)
Various Artists – Putumayo Presents Euro Groove (Putumayo)

DONNA SUMMER -CRAYONS

Donna Summer is ready to release her first brand new studio album of all new-material on May 20. She’s just signed a new contract with Sony BMG’s Burgundy Records for a new CD called “Crayons.” Summer helped define the 70’s pop music generation and “Crayons” will have all the characteristics that made Donna Summer an icon. “Crayons” will contain a mix of up-tempo tunes and ballads.

With this release, Donna Summer is working with a wide range of collaborators, including Danielle Brisebois, Greg Kurstin, JR Rotem, Lester Mendez and Evan Bogart (co-writer of Rihanna’s smash “SOS” and the son of legendary record executive and Donna’s mentor, Neil Bogart).

Donna describes the background of the title Crayons and the aesthetic of the album as "a menagerie of colors and styles, with hints of different ethnic traditions and sounds. My dream is that when people hear the music it will remind them of their youth, their childhood and the joy and wonderment they felt exploring their first pack of Crayons."

Remixes of the track "I'm A Fire" were serviced to U.S. clubs on February 16, and the first single, "Stamp Your Feet", is set for release in April 2008. Donna Summer's last album of completely new material was 1991's "Mistaken Identity" (Atlantic). Since then, she has released holiday and live albums, as well as 1996's "I'm a Rainbow," featuring tracks originally cut in 1981

Donna's long list of musical accomplishments include: 14 #1 Billboard singles, 12 Gold and Platinum singles, 5 Grammy Awards, 6 American Music Awards, 2 Double Platinum albums, 1 Platinum album, 8 Gold albums. Her song "Last Dance" won both Oscar and Golden Globe awards.

For additional information, click to http://www.bmg.com/ and http://www.DonnaSummer.com/

SIMPLY RED COLLECTOR'S EDITION - STARS

Here's a treat for all of you Simply Red fans. They have just released a fantastic new collector's edition of the Stars album as part of a new joint venture between Simply Red and Warners. This 2CD and DVD set is released this week in the UK (other countries may vary). It contains over 4.5 hours of content including: the original album, the Robert Johnson sessions, Live In Hamburg 1992 and 11 dance mixes. In addition, a DVD wit the Montreux Jazz Festival concert 1992 and 5 videos, and a 36 page booklet with new notes and rare photos remastered from the original tapes.

Tracklisting:

Disc 1 - Original Album (Remastered)

1. Something Got Me Started

2. Stars

3. Thrill Me

4. Your Mirror

5. She's Got It Bad

6. For Your Babies

7. Model

8. How Could I Fall

9. Freedom

10. WonderlandBonus Tracks (Robert Johnson sessions)

11.Come On In My Kitchen [Remastered]

12. Ramblin' On My Mind [Remastered]

13.Me And The Devil Blues [Remastered]

14. When You've Got A Good Friend [Remastered]

Bonus Tracks (Live In Hamburg 23rd Feb 1992)

15. Sad Old Red [Live Remastered]

16. More [Live Remastered]

17. Something Got Me Started [Live Remastered]

18. Thrill Me [Live Remastered]

19. Your Mirror [Live Remastered]

20. She's Got It Bad [Live Remastered]

Disc 2 - Mixes (Remastered)

1. Stars [PM-ized Mix]

2. For Your Babies [Edition Francais]

3. Something Got Me Started [Esmoove's Late Night Mix]

4. Thrill Me [Steppin' Razor Mix]

5. Freedom [Perfecto Mix]

6. Stars [Comprende Mix]

7. Something Got Me Started [Hurley's 7" Mix]

8. Thrill Me [Connoisseurs Mix]

9. Freedom [How Long Mix]

10. Something Got Me Started [Perfecto Mix]

11. Thrill Me [Nellee Hooper's Dub Mix]

Disc 3 - DVD Featuring the 1992 Montreux Jazz Festival Concert plus 5 promo videos

ALICIA KEYS TEAMS UP WITH CHARITY

Multi-Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter, producer, actress and philanthropist Alicia Keys recently partnered with Seattle-based Treemo (http://www.treemo.com) to launch the innovative "As I Am" contest, a mobile and web contest to support the Keep A Child Alive (KCA) charity. The contest directly benefits KCA as Treemo will donate $1 to the cause for every unique user who enters the "As I Am" contest, up to $10,000.

Keys is the Global Ambassador for Keep A Child Alive, a charity providing an urgent response to the AIDS pandemic ravaging Africa. KCA provides comprehensive AIDS care to over 20,000 people living with AIDS; including provision of life-saving AIDS medications, nutritional support and treatment for AIDS-related illnesses. They also provide care and support to thousands of children who have lost their parents from this devastating disease. KCA uses 100% of public donations for the cause, a fact very few charities can honestly claim.

"This contest and Treemo's support will not only increase our ability to spread the word about the realities of this pandemic, but also recruit more potential donors who can easily see they can indeed save the life of someone who needs their help. It's only $1 a day to sustain a life; it's time we all start giving a buck," said Leigh Blake, Founder and President of KCA. For more information about Keep A Child Alive, click to http://www.keepachildalive.org/.

The "As I Am" contest celebrates the third track on the album titled "Superwoman" by allowing fans to create a Treemo.com account at http://alicia.treemo.com and upload via their mobile phone or web, a photo, video, or text, telling a story about someone they know who is a "Superwoman." Since launching, the contest has generated over a thousand entries from throughout the US, each full of rich personal stories of courage, admiration, and heart-felt nominations.

"Keep A Child Alive's mission is to empower and inspire people to act and save lives. Now my fans can share with me in real-time, from anywhere anytime, their own personal stories of empowerment and help support KCA's efforts," said Alicia Keys.

At http://alicia.treemo.com, users may browse all the contest entries, receive updates on Alicia's favorites, and download ring tones of her hit tracks "No One" and "Like You'll Never See Me Again" from her number one multi-platinum selling album "As I Am."

The contest will be promoted via a nationwide Top 40 radio campaign in major urban markets, from KKDA in Dallas to KUBE in Seattle to WJMN in Boston and more. Each of these radio stations will review the contest entries and select three winners to receive an iPod Touch and an "As I Am" CD signed by Keys. Each station will then choose three semi-finalists to compete for the grand prize concert trip giveaway to see Alicia Keys on tour in the United States. Fans may text ALICIA to 873366 to receive contest news and view the latest entries via their mobile phones. Entries for the "As I Am" contest must be received at http://alicia.treemo.com by February 28, 2008. For complete Contest Rules, visit http://alicia.treemo.com/static/contest_rules.

As I Am Contest Radio Shortcode: Text ALICIA to 873366
"We are thrilled to partner with Alicia to power the "As I Am" contest and contribute to Keep a Child Alive," said Brent Brookler, Treemo's CEO. "Within the entertainment industry, we are witnessing the arrival of forward thinking artists like Alicia who are paving the way in the industry with integration of web and mobile community features to better connect with fans. Treemo's platform allows these artists to promote their brand and social causes with powerful social media tools and creative campaigns that reward fans for participating in the artist's community."

RYODISC TO CELEBRATE 25TH ANNIVERSARY - OFFERS FREE DOWNLOADS!

Rykodisc, the first label to embrace and usher in the compact disc era, proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2008. As a way of saying thanks for supporting our music, Rykodisc is offering 5 free downloads, commemorating our first 25 years, every month of 2008 at www.rykodisc.com. Subsequent downloads will be posted on the 25th of every month during 2008.

The first 5 downloads highlight our rich history with world music. Artists to be featured include Nigeria's juju master King Sunny Ade, world renowned guitarists Ali Farka Toure & Ry Cooder, the sophisticated instrumental sounds of Toumani Diabate, Baka Beyond from the rainforest of Cameroon, and Taj Mahal & Toumani Diabate.

Rykodisc is a recognized leader within the independent music arena. Originally founded as the first CD-only label, Rykodisc is home to a collection of visionary artists including Frank Zappa, Bill Hicks, Morphine, Joe Jackson, Gary Louris, Brian Eno and Elf Power. The label's continued mission is to cultivate an environment that is artist-driven, progressive and forward-thinking as we approach the next 25 years in an ever-changing musical landscape.

John Esposito, President and CEO of WEA Corp., Warner Music Group's US retail sales and marketing company, said, "From the first time I picked up one of those green jewel cases back in the day, I knew Rykodisc was a music company with a distinct point of view. Every album I have enjoyed since has been special and unique. Today, Rykodisc remains a safe haven for creativity, integrity and inspiration."

Rykodisc and its sister company, Ryko Distribution, are headquartered in New York City and are subsidiaries of Warner Music Group. In 2007, Rykodisc merged Cordless Recordings into its operations. Cordless Recordings focuses on developing and exposing new talent through the digital media space. The label was founded by legendary industry veteran, Jac Holzman, who also founded the esteemed labels, Elektra and Nonesuch Records.

In 2008, look for Ryko to complement its signature green jewel case with innovative eco-friendly "green" packaging on selected releases. We begin the year with a stellar album from Joe Jackson, followed by new releases by such artists as Gary Louris, Supreme Beings of Leisure, Elf Power, Was (Not Was), and many more.

MICHAEL JACKSON'S THRILLER RE-RELEASE SELLS 166,000 UNITS!

With first week's sales in the United States totaling 165,805 units,Thriller 25 enters the Billboard Top Pop Catalog chart at #1. (During thepast 52 week period, the average first week's sales for an album hitting #1on the Top Pop Catalog chart has been 16.6 thousand pieces; Thriller 25entered the chart with 10x that number. Because of a technicality in the rules of Billboard charting, Thriller 25 is ineligible to chart on the Top 200. Based on first week's sales, Thriller 25, if eligible, would have entered the Top 200 at #2, nestled between Jack Johnson at #1 and AmyWinehouse at #3.)

Michael Jackson's iconic music film for "Thriller" is currently the #1music video download on iTunes. With more than one million copies of Thriller 25 shipped around theworld, and re-orders already flooding in, the new edition of Michael Jackson's classic collection has hit #1 in France; #1 in Belgium; #2 inGermany; #2 in Australia; #2 in the Netherlands; #2 in Norway (Thriller's highest position ever in that country); #2 in Sweden; #2 in Switzerland; #3 in the UK; #3 in Denmark; #3 in New Zealand; #4 in Spain; #5 in Austria; #5in Ireland; #6 in the Czech Republic; and #6 in Italy.

Global response to the release of Thriller 25, the newly expanded deluxe 25th anniversary edition of Michael Jackson's Thriller, the world'stop- selling album of all-time, reached a fever pitch across the planet with surprise hit singles, an ongoing 40-episode "ThrillerCast" podcastevent, the premiere of the "Thrillicious" Sobe Life Water ad campaign at the Super Bowl, the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to Michael Jackson at the NRJ Music Awards at Cannes and a host of upcoming events and surprises.

In one of the most groundbreaking aspects of the Thriller 25 campaign, fans will soon be able to go online and star in Michael's signature"Thriller" video. Using newly developed technology from innovative media company Big Stage, fans can create photo-realistic 3-D avatars ofthemselves to be inserted into Michael's role in the classic clip. (Fulldetails TBA.)

The Michael Jackson Thriller 25th anniversary celebration runs throughout 2008 with a multi-faceted global marketing campaign featuring high-profile television, radio and online events around the world and themajor re-launch of Michael's official website, http://www.michaeljackson.com

Originally released in the US on November 30, 1982 by Epic Records,Thriller, Michael Jackson's sixth solo album and second with producer Quincy Jones, first entered the Billboard Top 200 album chart at #11 in December 1982. The original Thriller went on to spend an astounding 80 consecutive weeks in the American Top 10, 37 of those at #1, while making history as the first and only record to be America's top-selling album two years running (1983 and 1984). Thriller has been certified 27x platinum by the RIAA, giving it Double Diamond Award status in the US. In 1985, the Guinness Book of Records named Thriller the Best Selling Album of All Time, an achievement which remains unsurpassed to this day.

THRILLER - 25 The World's Biggest Selling Album of All Time
Thriller - original track listing - US Billboard Chart Peaks
"Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" - (#5 Hot 100, #5 R&B)
"Baby Be Mine"
"The Girl Is Mine" (with Paul McCartney) - (#2 Hot 100, #1 R&B, #1 Adult Contemporary) "Thriller" - (#4 Hot 10, #3 Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks)
"Beat It" - (#1 Hot 100, #1 R&B)
"Billie Jean" - (#1 Hot 100, #1 R&B, #9 A/C)
"Human Nature" - (#7 Hot 100, #2 Adult Contemporary)
"P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" - (#10 Hot 100)
"The Lady in My Life"

Bonus Material:
10. Vincent Price Excerpt From "Thriller" Voice-Over Session

Previously Unreleased Tracks for 25th Anniversary Edition
11. The Girl Is Mine 2008 with will.i.am
12. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) 2008 with will.i.am
13. Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 2008 with Akon
14. Beat It 2008 with Fergie
15. Billie Jean 2008 Kanye West mix
16. For All Time (unreleased track from original Thriller sessions)

DVD - The Short Films
1. BILLIE JEAN
2. BEAT IT
3. THRILLER
4. BILLIE JEAN - The Legendary Performance from Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, and Forever

25th Anniversary Executive Producer: Michael Jackson
Original Album Produced by Quincy Jones for Quincy Jones Productions

Related links:
http://www.legacyrecordings.com
http://www.michaeljackson.com
http://www.epicrecords.com

LAST.FM IS FASTEST GROWING ONLINE MUSIC NETWORK

Last.fm, the CBS Corporation-owned social networking music Web site, released figures today that showed it to be the fastest growing online music network in the U.S., as their free-on-demand music service saw a unique listener increase of 92% since it was launched four weeks ago. In addition, since the launch of free-on-demand, unique visitors continued to show sustained growth, up 59%, while page views increased 58%. Last.fm receives more than 21 million active users worldwide every month. Martin Stiksel, Last.fm co-founder, said: "We've created a new model that works for everyone -- listeners, artists and copyright holders -- and the user response proves that it is working. Free is the future, and this is signaled not only by the industry's growing acceptance of what we're doing, but more importantly, by the incredibly fast increase of users accessing music on Last.fm since we launched free-on-demand."

"It's very gratifying to see the U.S. market take to Last.fm this way," said Felix Miller, co-founder, Last.fm. "There's no question that free-on- demand streaming has proven to be a tremendously powerful value proposition for the U.S. consumer. It's also clear that the music industry is looking outside itself to maximize existing revenue opportunities while developing new ones, and Last.fm and CBS are showing what can be done. And it's not only the music industry that understands the potential of our model -- we're also attracting major sponsors like BMW and Philips. Additionally, our successful offline activity around the Grammy Awards, and other events we are planning, show that we're working to achieve what we promised when
we launched last month."

While the free-on-demand offering has been the catalyst of the growth in U.S. traffic, the site received a tremendous boost after Last.fm received on- air promotional exposure during the Feb. 10 airing of the Grammy Awards, as well as the Jan. 25 Garth Brooks concert airing on the
CBS Television Network.

In launching the free-on-demand service earlier this year, Last.fm became the first music Web site to offer free, global, on-demand access to the largest licensed catalogue of music built on partnerships with all four major record labels -- Universal Music Group, Sony/BMG, Warner and EMI -- as well as CD Baby, IODA, the Orchard, Naxos and more than 150,000 independent labels and artists. Free-on-demand listening is available without registration, or the download of any software. Last.fm has become one of the leading places in the world where people can go to listen to music online. Its vast library has attracted a community of more than 20 million unique monthly users in 240 countries around the globe. The heart of Last.fm is a powerful recommendation engine that guides listeners to music they are likely to enjoy based on prior selections, connecting them with the music they love and with others who share their tastes. Last.fm's free-on-demand service is advertiser supported, allowing clients many unique opportunities to reach a highly targeted and engaged audience.

Currently the free-on-demand service is available in the U.S., U.K. and Germany available without registration, or the download of any software, and is scheduled to roll out globally in the coming months.

Founded in 2002 in London, Last.fm is the online, social music revolution that connects people with music and artists with listeners. By joining the Last.fm community, music fans can choose to share their music preferences by linking their media player to the Last.fm database. This database is populated continually with over 600 million monthly track submissions from Last.fm music fans. As a result, Last.fm can intelligently recommend songs, artists, local concerts and even other members based on their musical tastes.

Thanks to partnerships with Universal, EMI, Warner Music Group, Sony BMG, CD Baby, independent aggregators The Orchard and IODA, and more than 150,000 independent artists and labels that upload music directly to the site, Last.fm can draw recommendations from the largest licensed online catalogue of music. From January 2008, Last.fm started offering free-on-demand access to music on the site, without the need to log-in, as well as an unprecedented Artist Royalty program through which unsigned artists can earn revenue directly from Last.fm every time their music streamed. Learn more about Last.fm by clicking to http://www.last.fm.

CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS.A and CBS) is a mass media company with constituent parts that reach back to the beginnings of the broadcast industry, as well as newer businesses that operate on the leading edge of the media industry. The Company, through its many and varied operations, combines broad reach with well-positioned local businesses, all of which provide it with an extensive distribution network by which it serves audiences and advertisers in all 50 states and key international markets. It has operations in virtually every field of media and entertainment, including broadcast television (CBS and The CW -- a joint venture between CBS Corporation and Warner Bros. Entertainment), cable television (Showtime and CSTV Networks), local television (CBS Television Stations), television production and syndication (CBS Paramount Network Television and CBS Television Distribution), radio (CBS Radio), advertising on out-of-home media (CBS Outdoor), publishing (Simon & Schuster), interactive media (CBS Interactive), music (CBS Records), licensing and merchandising (CBS Consumer Products), video/DVD (CBS Home Entertainment), in-store media (CBS Outernet) and motion pictures (CBS Films). For more information, click to http://www.cbscorporation.com.

BOZ SCAGGS: NEW TOUR AND ALBUM IN 2008

Grammy Award-winning artist and smooth jazz radio favorite Boz Scaggs, is back out on the to perform his best known songs from his career. These include hits that are constantly requested like "Lido Shuffle," "Look What You've Done To Me," "Miss Sun," "Jo Jo," "Heart Of Mine," "Lowdown," "Harbor Lights," "We're All Alone" and many others will be showcased throughout the tour. Soon the tour will come to the Spotlight 29 Casino in Coachella, California on April 19. Next up for Boz Scaggs will be a new studio record in April, 2008.

Boz Scaggs was born in Texas and raised with an abiding respect for a wide spectrum of American roots music, Scaggs has combined rock, jazz, R&B and blues to create a trademark sound. With an extensive and distinctive career that has spanned 30 years and many accolades, Scaggs continues to prove himself as one of music's most creative and original artists.

Tickets for Boz Scaggs are $65, $55 and $45 and are on sale now at Spotlight29.com and at the Spotlight 29 Casino Gift Shop or by calling (800) 585-3737. Show time is 8 p.m. Put the spotlight on headliner entertainment at Spotlight 29 Casino, the Coachella Valley's most exciting place to play. Spotlight 29 Casino is a business venture of the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians. Click to http://www.Spotlight29.com for more information on Spotlight 29 and for a roster of upcoming entertainment shows.

NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL ADDS SHERYL CROW

Grammy winner Sheryl Crow has been added the the entertainment roster for the upcoming New Orleans Jazz and Hertitage Festival. On April 25, nine-time Grammy winner Sheryl Crow will headline the first night of this year's New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (also known as JazzFest) as part of a short run of dates -- a preview of her extensive upcoming summer tour. Last week Crow's sixth studio album, the highly personal Detours, debuted on Billboard's Top 200 Album Chart at #2, and has already been hailed as a classic. The album marks the return of producer Bill Bottrell and "USA Today" calls it "Crow's Magnum Opus."

Crow will also be playing dates in Wichita, KS (April 22), Tulsa, OK (April 23), Pensacola, FL (April 26), Jacksonville, FL (April 27) and Clearwater, FL (April 29) in preparation for her full-scale nationwide tour this summer. One dollar from each ticket sold will go to the United Nations' World Food Programme. New Orleans holds a special place in Crow's heart; she recorded her eponymous second album there, and she pays tribute to the city's undying optimism and resilience in her current single, "Love is Free."

Sheryl Crow is in the midst of a publicity for her latest album (Detours) and single (Love Is Free), and has a number of television appearance scheduled. Here is a breakdown of those tv shows:

March 10 – The Tonight Show
March 11 – The Ellen DeGeneres Show
March 13 – Jimmy Kimmel Live
March 14 - Last Call With Carson Daly

New Orleans holds a special place in Crow’s heart; she recorded her eponymous second album there, and she pays tribute to the city’s undying optimism and resilience in her current single, “Love is Free.” Sheryl Crow will also be playing dates in Wichita, KS (April 22), Tulsa, OK (April 23), Pensacola, FL (April 26), Jacksonville, FL (April 27) and Clearwater, FL (April 29) in preparation for her full-scale nationwide tour this summer. One dollar from each ticket sold will go to the United Nations’ World Food Programme.

ERYKAH BADU: NEW AMERYKAH PART 1 ON VHISOUL.COM

When VH1 Soul "SoulStage" made its debut in August 2007 with R&B songstress Jill Scott, it was clear that the soul was about to become unstoppable. Wyclef Jean continued to stir up the soul as the featured artist of the second presentation of VH1 "SoulStage," where he performed new music from his "Carnivale" album. Now, Grammy Award-winning, R&B and hip hop singer/songwriter Erykah Badu takes her place among the elite artists in the VH1 "SoulStage" franchise. Shot in front of a live studio audience, VH1 "SoulStage," provides viewers with exclusive world premiere performances of songs from Erykah Badu’s brand new album, providing viewers with an inside look into the heart and soul of her eclectic and cerebral musical stylings.

VH1 Soul "SoulStage: Erykah Badu presented by Infiniti" will premiere on VH1 Soul on Tuesday, February 26 at 9PM.* This 30-minute musical experience will feature Erykah Badu performing songs "Honey" and "Soldier" for the first time from her upcoming album "New Amerykah: Part 1 (4th World War)," in stores February 26, 2008. Viewers will also have the opportunity to hear Erykah share her inspiration behind such hits as "Otherside of the Game" and "On & On." The full show, plus additional exclusive performances not seen in the broadcast will be available online at VH1Soul.com beginning Tuesday, February 26.

VHI Soul was launched in 1997, and is the 24-hour network that brings music lovers the hottest, soul, neo-soul an R&B hits from the 90s and today featuring core artists such as Alicia Keys, Jill Scott, Outkast, Mary J. Blige and Usher. VH1 Soul, the premier source for all R&B and soul music, is now seen in the Top 20 U.S. markets for African-Americans and is available in nearly 20 million U.S. households. VH1 Soul "SoulStage" is a production of VH1. Lee Rolontz and Keshia Williams are executive producers.

CAROLE KING - TAPESTRY: THE LEGACY EDITION

Carole King's 1971 masterpiece, Tapestry, endures as an artistic benchmark, a cornerstone of '70s pop, and an industry phenomenon. The original home to such classics as "It's Too Late," "I Feel the Earth Move," and "You've Got a Friend," the album is now being released with a second CD of live performances. Tapestry: Legacy Edition arrives in stores April 15th on Epic/Ode/Legacy, a division of SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT.

Original album producer and Ode Records founder Lou Adler, who served as King's manager for those years, was also her West Coast music publishing rep for nearly a decade prior to Tapestry - no one was closer to Carole King's music, except Carole King herself. He knew the power of her meticulously crafted piano & vocal demo recordings, going back to the Brill Building era. Adler always sensed that King's solo moments in concert (before and/or after the band joined her onstage) came closest to capturing the spirit of her demos, especially the Tapestry demos.

The humble roots of Tapestry are those very demos that Carole King would share with Lou Adler at the Ode office on LaBrea Avenue in Los Angeles. For those who have lived and loved the album down the years, from LP to 8-track to cassette to its half-dozen different CD configurations, this Legacy Edition finally offers a chance to experience Carole King's vision in its original "unplugged" brilliance - winter, spring, summer or fall.

Tapestry: Legacy Edition finally realizes Adler's decades-long dream concept, as it marries a newly remastered version of the classic 12-song album with a second CD containing previously unreleased live piano-voice concert versions of songs from the album (in the same order) recorded in 1973 (Boston; Columbia, Maryland; and New York's Central Park), and 1976 (San Francisco Opera House).

Also included is a 1,700-word liner notes essay has been written by L.A. music journalist Harvey Kubernik, who describes the live material: "What you will hear is completely unadorned: King at the piano, spilling her soul to the faithful, utterly in the moment and at one with the wind...and her gift. The intimacy intoned is palpable, and these emotive efforts impart an unbridled perspective of some of the most endearing songs of the 20th Century."

Released in late-March 1971, Tapestry struck a universal chord at an opportune time in pop music history - the intersection of folk-rock's introspective and socially conscious sense of romanticism in a world-gone- crazy, with the burgeoning rise of sunny West Coast naturalism centered in the saturated Los Angeles music colony known as Laurel Canyon. The tinderbox was the deregulation of the FM bandwidth, which resulted in a mini-explosion of so-called new 'progressive' or 'underground' or 'free-form' radio stations eager to nurture their own artists and playlists separate from the mainstream Top 40. Carole King was the rare artist who lived in both worlds.

The first single from Tapestry, "It's Too Late" b/w "I Feel the Earth Move" hit the Billboard Hot 100 a month later, in April. Also in April, Carole's close pal James Taylor - who played on five Tapestry tracks - issued "You've Got a Friend" [a different recording than on Tapestry] as the first single from his new album, Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon. In addition to hosting sessions for Carole King and James Taylor, A&M Studios was also being used by Joni Mitchell during this period, and Mitchell and Taylor ended up adding vocals to "Will You Love Me Tomorrow."

In the issue dated June 19th, both "It's Too Late" and Tapestry hit the #1 spot together - "It's Too Late" for a 5-week stay, and Tapestry for a 15-week stay, the beginning of a fabled 302-week chart juggernaut.

The release of Tapestry: Legacy Edition also acknowledges Carole King's 50th year as a recording artist. It was 1958 when she graduated from New York's High School Of Performing Arts (PA), met songwriting partner and future husband Gerry Goffin at Queens College, and signed with Al Nevins and Don Kirshner's Aldon Music (in the legendary Brill Building). Her debut single, "The Right Girl" was released on ABC-Paramount Records in May 1958.

A decade of songwriting success followed, during which Goffin-King penned a dazzling run of U.S. and U.K. hits: "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" (Shirelles), "Some Kind Of Wonderful" (Drifters), "Halfway To Paradise" (Tony Orlando), "Every Breath I Take" (Gene Pitney), "Take Good Care Of My Baby" (Bobby Vee), "Crying In the Rain" (Everly Brothers), "The Loco-Motion" (Little Eva), "Up On the Roof" (Drifters), "Chains" (Cookies), "Go Away Little Girl" (Steve Lawrence), "Don't Say Nothin' (Bad About My Baby)" (Cookies), "One Fine Day" (Chiffons), "Hey, Girl" (Freddie Scott), "I'm Into Somethin' Good" (Herman's Hermits), "Don't Bring Me Down" (Animals), "Take a Giant Step" and "Pleasant Valley Sunday" (Monkees), "A Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel Like)" (Aretha Franklin), "Goin' Back" and "Wasn't Born To Follow" (Byrds), "So Much Love" and "Hi-De-Ho" (Blood, Sweat & Tears), and many more. The songwriting partnership dissolved in 1968, after their divorce, as Carole King (by then a single mother of two) earnestly began to pursue a solo recording career again.

At the 14th annual Grammy Awards ceremonies in March 1972, Carole King became the first woman to win the "grand slam" - Record Of the Year ("It's Too Late"), Album Of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal (both for Tapestry), and Song Of the Year (James Taylor's version of "You've Got a Friend," for which he won Best Male Pop Vocal).

When asked to comment about the impact of Tapestry, Carole King said, "I feel honored that Tapestry has made a difference in small ways and large ways in people's lives around the world. It's been a major part of my life, too," she adds. "As a songwriter, I'm so happy that the songs have held up for all of these years. As a performer, I'm still enjoying playing them live, most recently on my Living Room Tour."

VAN MORRISON - KEEP IT SIMPLE TOUR DATES

The new album from Van Morrison (Keep It Simple), already scheduled for March 11 by Lost Highway, will also be released on vinyl in addition to the CD release. Van Morrison has announced three special upcoming shows surrounding the release the album. The brief tour will begin with a concert in Austin, Texas on March 10th, followed by a March 12th gig in Nashville, Tennessee. Van Morrison's last visit to Nashville, in support of his 2005 release Pay The Devil, marked his first time playing in the city. Morrison will wrap the promotional tour by helping to kick off St. Patrick's Day weekend in Boston with a show on March 13th. Keep It Simple is Morrison's first new album in two years.

Van Morrison tour dates :
March 10 - Austin, TX - Austin Music Hall
March 12 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium
March 13 - Boston MA - Wang Theater

LENNY KRAVITZ - IT IS TIME FOR LOVE REVOLUTION

It Is Time For a Love Revolution, the latest studio album from best-selling singer, songwriter, and guitarist Lenny Kravitz, has debuted at No. 4 this week on Billboard's Top 200 Album chart, selling 73,000 copies in the U.S. since its release by Virgin Records on February 5th. The album also scored Kravitz several additional career highs, debuting No. 1 in Japan, Switzerland and Argentina, Top 5 in Canada, Germany, France, Austria, UAE, Holland, and Italy, and Top 10 in Belgium, Spain, and Hong Kong.

A thunderous rock 'n roll call-to-arms, It Is Time For A Love Revolution features a universal blend of soul, funk, and jazz grooves and the undeniable anthemic lyricism that's been Kravitz's trademark since the New York-born artist burst onto the rock scene with his 1989 debut Let Love Rule. Featuring 14 new songs, It Is Time For A Love Revolution once again finds the multi-instrumentalist writing, producing, arranging, and playing all the tracks on the album, as he has on every release throughout his career.

The success of It Is Time For A Love Revolution, Lenny Kravitz's eighth studio album and first since 2004's gold-certified Baptism, has undoubtedly been fueled by fan anticipation for what Rolling Stone has called "the best album Lenny Kravitz has ever made -- a visceral, expertly tailored blend of late-'60s and early-'70s classic rock. ... " It has already spawned two red-hot singles "Bring It On," which was featured in the NFL Superbowl Highlights video, as well as in the promo spots for the new season of Survivor, and "I'll Be Waiting," whose video has been added to VH1, VH1 Soul, Fuse, BET, and MTV Hits, and currently sits at No. 7 on Billboard's European airplay chart. A video for a third track, "Love Love Love," is currently available for viewing on Amazon.com. Last week, the four-time Grammy Award-winner appeared on Good Morning America, Live with Regis and Kelly, and The Late Show with David Letterman. Kravitz will also be profiled on an upcoming episode of CBS Sunday Morning.

In November, Lenny Kravitz performed "I'll Be Waiting" on the 2007 American Music Awards live broadcast, followed by a December 31st live performance during NBC's New Year's Eve with Carson Daly. He recently completed the "Get On the Bus with the Love Revolution Tour," where contest winners got the opportunity to travel on a Kravitz-designed custom Love Revolution tour bus and become part of his entourage on the road, with full backstage access to the live concert events.

In March, Lenny Kravitz will kick off a worldwide tour behind It Is Time For A Love Revolution. Though illness forced the postponement of several recent European shows, Kravitz will return to Europe in late February to fulfill these commitments, including a show in Berlin on February 28th. The previously announced European tour dates that begin in May will continue as scheduled. For more on Lenny Kravitz, click to http://www.lennykravitz.com.

JESSE COOK - FRONTIERS

KOCH Records announces the release of "Frontiers," the new album by world music guitar virtuoso Jesse Cook, on March 18th, 2008. Over the course of a dozen years and numerous best-selling albums, the skilled guitarist has explored the outer limits of popular music. In the past, Jesse Cook has blended African percussion, Cajun accordion, classical cello and pop vocals with his own rumba flamenco style to create a breathtaking, multi-textured global hybrid.

This latest release is complemented by collaborations with Egyptian-Canadian singer Maryem Tollar, Latin vocalist Amanda Martinex and Canadian songwriter Melissa McClelland. The album's 13 songs, among which is a brilliant interpretation of Bob Dylan's "It Ain't Me Babe," explore more personal frontiers for Jesse Cook. Cook wrote "Frontiers" while awaiting the birth of his first child. That sense of anticipation translated into Cook's most personal album yet.

For Jesse Cook, "Frontiers" is a reflection of how music, like life, is rich in discovery and constantly evolving. "It's all about new ground, personally and artistically," he says. "Rumba has come to be my house, it's where I live. But there's no limit to where you can take the music. The possibilities really are endless."

Jesse Cook will be headlining at the Dubai International Jazz Festival at the end of February. Immediately following, he will be kicking off a U.S. tour on March 7th, 2008.

The confirmed tour dates are as follows with more dates still to come:

March 7 - Corpus Christi, Texas @ Richardson Performance Hall - Del Mar College
March 8 - Crockett, Texas @ Crockett Civic Center
March 9 - Austin, Texas @ One World Theatre
March 13 - Tampa, Florida @ Ferguson Hall at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
March 15 - Lake Worth, Florida @ Duncan Theatre at Palm Beach Community College
March 18 - Spartanburg, South Carolina @ Chapman Cultural Center
April 11 - Huntington, New York @ Inter-Media Art Center
April 13 - Newport News, Virginia @ Yoder Barn Theatre, Ferguson Center for the Arts
April 17 - Wilmington, Delaware @ The Baby Grand
April 18 - Easton, Pennsylvania @ State Theatre Center for the Arts
April 20 - Annapolis, Maryland @ Rams Head On Stage
April 22 - Boston, MA @ Scullers
May 9 - Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin @ Jazz on the Vine - The Osthoff Resort
May 15 - San Diego, CA @ Humphrey's Concerts
May 16 - Henderson, NV @ Henderson's Event Plaza
May 17 - Phoenix, AZ @ Celebrity Theatre
May 18 - Newport Beach, CA @ Lexus Jazz Festival

For more information, including video content and streaming music, go to www.jessecook.com.

CHAKA KHAN & CHRISETTE MICHELE TOPLINE JAZZ IN THE GARDENS

Jazz the Gardens music festival headliners, Chaka Khan and Chrisette Michele, were among the most talented artists recently nominated for their musical contributions at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards. Chaka Khan received two nominations for Best R&B Album for her album, 'Funk This,' and Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals for her single titled 'Disrespectful,' featuring Mary J. Blige. Chaka Khan walked away with both Grammy awards. Chrisette Michele was nominated for the Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.

These new Grammy affirmations make Chaka Khan a ten-time Grammy winner, from 1973 to 2008, in a musical career that spans three decades. She is an internationally loved diva of 'old school' soul music, praised for her energy, versatile soulful voice, dynamism, and passion. Having worked in practically every genre of music from pop, classical R&B to jazz, Chaka has brought her special brand of vocal magic to audiences the world over.

Newcomer Chrisette Michele earned her first Grammy nomination for her 'If I Have My Way,' her first single off her debut album, 'I Am.' This prestigious recognition from the Academy cements Michele's distinct talent and amazing vocals. Before recently signing to Def Jam records, the singer, songwriter and composer toured with more established artists like KEM and India Arie. She was a VH1 "You Oughta Know: Artist on the Rise" for January 2008 and is enjoying airplay on jazz and R&B stations worldwide.

Chaka Khan and Chrisette Michele are just two artists on the star-studded line-up for the City of Miami Gardens' 3rd annual Jazz in the Gardens music festival, being held on Saturday, March 15th and Sunday, March 16th at Dolphin Stadium. They will be joined by George Benson, the O'Jays, Wyclef Jean, Nancy Wilson, KEM, George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Mike Phillips, Anthony David along with a number of other well known artists.

"Jazz in the Gardens has really become an internationally recognized event. It's exciting to know people from all over the world look forward to coming to Miami Gardens. It's incredible how music has the power to transcend language and culture, as it serves to unite people. With this year's line-up of jazz greats, we will continue to make Miami Gardens a proud community and a more visible destination," says Miami Gardens Mayor Shirley Gibson.

In just three years, Jazz in the Gardens has become a premiere music festival in South Florida, raising the bar each year with its star studded line-up. This festival delivers a diverse mix of music genres that range from jazz, R&B and Caribbean sounds.

With the tremendous line-up of artists, on-site attractions, and local, regional and national promotional efforts, this year's attendance is expected to top 20,000, a 200% increase on 2007's attendance.

Jazz in the Gardens is presented by The City of Miami Gardens and Dolphin Stadium and sponsored by Royal Caribbean International, UAIG, Tootsies Cabaret, American Airlines, Shula's Hotel & Golf Club, Miccosukee Resort & Casino, Southern Wines & Spirits, National Constructors, Warren Henry Auto, and Publix.

For more information click to www.jazzinthegardens.com or www.miamigardens-fl.gov.

MICHAEL BUBLE WINS GRAMMY AWARD

With a shining new Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album of 2007 packed in his suitcase, Canadian singing sensation Michael Buble is scheduled to begin a series of sold out shows across the US beginning with the Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida on February 20th. As a result of immediate sell outs within minutes as well as intense ticket demand in many markets, the US promoter of Michael Buble's tour, Don Fox of Beaver Productions, added more seating in several venues including Jacksonville, Florida on Feb. 24th, Austin, Texas on Feb. 27th and Houston, Texas on March 1st and other arenas on the tour. The current leg of the tour is scheduled to end with two shows at The Borgata in Atlantic City on March 21st and 22nd. Buble's current smash CD "CALL ME IRRESPONSIBLE" has sold close to two million copies. The Buble-penned hit singles "Home" and "Everything" were both No. 1 singles on the Billboard Charts.

"Winning a Grammy was a dream come true. It was a first for me and you always remember your first time," commented Buble who has been previously nominated for four Grammies in the course of a career that has sold well over 15 million albums worldwide. "It makes it doubly exciting to get back on the road to perform for my fans," he concluded. "In the tradition of the great standards singers before him, Buble has a sterling voice that is only outshined by his undeniable wit, confident banter and flirtatious charm," raved The Denver Post of his current tour. "A major pop star" hailed the NY Times of a recent Buble performance at NY's Radio City Music Hall.

A list of tour dates follow:
2/20/08 - Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live
2/22/08 - Tampa, FL @ St. Pete Times Forum
2/23/08 - Orlando, FL @ UCF Arena
2/24/08 - Jacksonville, FL @ Veteran's Memorial Arena
2/26/08 - New Orleans, LA @ N.O. Arena
2/27/08 - Austin, TX @ Frank Erwin Center
2/29/08 - Bossier City, LA @ Century Tel Center
3/1/08 - Houston, TX @ Toyota Center
3/1/08 - Dallas, TX @ Nokia Live
3/2/08 - Dallas, TX @ Nokia Live
3/4/08 - Oklahoma City, OK @ Ford Center
3/5/08 - St. Louis, MO @ Fox Theater
3/7/08 - Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
3/8/08 - Little Rock, AR@ All Tell Arena
3/9/08 - Memphis, TN @ FedEx Forum
3/12/08 - Nashville, TN @ Sommet Center
3/14/08 - Louisville, KY @ Freedom Hall
3/15/08 - Cincinnatti, OH @ US Bank Arena
3/17/08 - Norfolk, VA @ Constant Center
3/18/08 - Charlotte, NC @ Bobcats Arena
3/19/08 - Charlottesville, VA @ John Paul Jones Arena
3/21/08 - Atlantic City, NJ @ Borgata Event Center
3/22/08 - Atlantic City, NJ @ Borgata Event Center

KEXP COMING TO 91.5 FM IN NY

SEATTLE - KEXP, Seattle's listener-supported radio station, and Radio New York 91.5 FM, the city's public radio station, announced today that they are joining forces to create Radio Liberation, an unprecedented partnership dedicated to listeners and independent music.

Beginning on March 24, 2008, Radio Liberation will air KEXP-produced programming Monday through Friday on Radio New York 91.5 FM. The programming will feature a three-hour drive-time eclectic music show followed by three simulcast hours of The Morning Show with John Richards, a nightly world music show and a weekly music variety show hosted by KEXP DJ and senior director of programming Kevin Cole.

"This partnership will not only give greater voice to artists from the Northwest, New York and around the world, it will bring music that matters into the lives of more listeners than ever before," said Tom Mara, KEXP executive director.

Radio New York already has a very successful television channel and is now setting its sights on radio. "Radio is the next great frontier and re-launching Radio New York 91.5 FM in partnership with such a strong brand as KEXP makes perfect sense," said Arick Wierson, general manager of NYC Media Group.

Through the Radio Liberation partnership, KEXP will be able to reach another 14 million terrestrial listeners in New York, sharing Seattle's unique music community with New Yorkers.
"Radio New York will bring a fresh new sound to New York radio and galvanize a community hungry for great content," said Matthew Tollin, CFO/GM of Radio Operations for NYC Media Group. "Listeners will get the opportunity to fall in love with radio all over again."

As part of the partnership, KEXP and Radio New York will produce hundreds of live performances a year. With increased access to New York bands and touring artists, Radio Liberation will also bring additional "in-studio" performances to listeners on both coasts.
"We have always been about the listener and the artist," said KEXP DJ John Richards. "We all share a passion for music."

For more information about Radio Liberation, visit www.kexp.org.

ABOUT KEXP PUBLIC RADIO KEXP is an influential, non-commercial radio station based in Seattle and supported through financial contributions from listeners and businesses worldwide. Over the last three decades, KEXP has built a reputation as a champion of new and emerging artists and musical forms. Today, KEXP programs a rare mix of music spanning multiple genres and the station brings listeners more than 380 live, in-studio performances each year. KEXP has a mission to enrich people's lives by providing a wide array of music and by exploring, developing and applying relevant technology to deepen and extend musical experiences. Listeners enjoy KEXP at 90.3 FM in Seattle and around the world at KEXP.org. The station is governed by the Friends of KEXP, a nonprofit organization that operates the station on behalf of the University of Washington, which holds the FCC license. A partnership with Vulcan Inc. provides facility support and programming collaboration. The University of Washington's information technology group provides KEXP with the development and application of streaming services, technical expertise and other relevant technology to extend the music experience.

ABOUT RADIO NEW YORK / NYC MEDIA GROUPLaunched in January 2005, NYC Media Group is the entity responsible for managing the media assets of the City of New York including one broadcast television channel and five cable television channels known collectively as NYC TV; one broadcast radio station, Radio New York (Radio New York 91.5 FM); as well as production and syndication arms that produce and distribute New York City-centric content all over the world across multiple platforms. Over the past three years, NYC TV has won 14 New York Emmy Awards and been nominated 34 times. The network has also been awarded 14 Telly Awards for its outstanding content. Building on its success in television, NYC Media Group is now transforming Radio New York (Radio New York 91.5 FM). While keeping its commitment to airing diverse ethnic and cultural programs, Radio New York looks to attract new listeners with a slate of innovative talk and music programs. Radio New York's strengthened lineup will further complement its sister television stations that are part of NYC TV. To learn more about Radio New York and NYC Media Group, please visit www.nyc.gov/radio.