NEW MUSIC RELEASES WEEK OF NOV. 15

A Man Called Adam – Space-Tranquil Volume Uno (AZL)
Abbey Lincoln – Talking To The Sun (Enja)
Albert Mangelsdorff – Shake Shuttle & Blow (Enja)
Alex Graham – Goodlife (Origin)
Attila Zoller – Common Cause (Enja)
Bill Evans – Kohl Concert 1976 (Gambit)
Bill Evans – Complete February 1972 Paris ORTF Performance (Gambit)
Bill Evans - Live In Rome 1979 (Gambit)
Bill Ransom – Generations (Bongo Time)
Billie Holiday – Ghost Of Yesterday (USD)
Blossom Dearie – Tweedlesum & Tweedledee (Daffodil)
Bob Marley – The Legend Live (Drive-Thru)
Box – Ten Variations On An Unknown Theme (Origin)
Boz Scaggs – The Collection (Cube version, Legacy)
Carli Munoz – Maverick (Pelosenel)
Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band – Express Yourself (Collectibles)
Chet Baker – Strollin’ (Enja)
Chick Corea – Rendezvous In New York: Chick Corea & Bobby McFerrin Duet (DVD, Image Ent.)
Chick Corea – Rendezvous In NewYork: Three Quartets Band (DVD, Image Ent.)
Chico Hamilton – Three Faces Of Chico/Gongs East (Collectibles)
Elemer Balazs – Refracting Sounds (Budapest Music)
Elvin Jones – Going Home (Enja)
Elvin Jones – It Don’t Mean A Thing (Enja)
Elvin Jones – Youngblood (Enja)
Frank Sinatra – The Collection (Cube version, Legacy)
Gentle Giant – On Reflection: The Ultimate Anthology (3-CD, DRT Entertainment)
Gloria Cooper – Dedicated To You (Origin)
Isley Brothers – Greatest Hits Live (DVD, Eagle Entertainment)
Isley Brothers – The Collection (Cube version, Legacy)
Italian Instabile Orchestra – Litania Sibilante (Enja)
Jason Smith – Think Like This (Alternity)
Jazzanova – Remixes 2002-2005 (SKY)
Jerry Gonzalez & The Fort Apache Band – River Is Deep (Enja)
Jerry Gonzalez & The Fort Apache Band – Obataia (Enja)
John Scofield – Shinola (Enja)
Kenny Barron – What If? (Enja)
Kenny Barron – Scratch (Enja)
Kevin Mahogany – You Got What It Takes (Enja)
Kevin Mahogany – Songs And Moments (Enja)
Luther Vandross – The Collection (Cube version, Legacy)
Makoto Ozone, James Genus & Clarence Penn – The Trio (Concord)
Michele Rosewoman & Quintessence – Guardians Of The Light (Enja)
Miles Davis – The Collection (Cube version, Legacy)
Miles Davis Quartetr with John Coltrane – Live In Zurich (Gambit)
Nat Yarbrough – Triple Play (Capri)
Odyssey Band – Back In Time (PI)
Patti LaBelle – Gold (2-CD. MCA/UME)
Project Z – Lincoln Memorial (Abstract Logix)
Santana – Live By Request (DVD, Arista)
Satoko Fujii – Toward, To West (Enja)
Satoko Fujii – Future Of The Past (Enja)
Stephen Scott – Vision Quest (Enja)
Sylvie Courvoisier – Y2k (Enja)
Tete Montoliu & Orquestra Taller De Musics – Taller De Musics (DiscMedi Blau)
Various Artists (Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughan) – For Lovers (3-CD, Verve)
Various Artists (Chet Baker, John Coltrane, Stan Getz) – For Lovers (3-CD, Verve)
Wayne Krantz – 2 Drink Minimum (Enja)
Wes Montgomery Quartet – Live In Belgium 1965 (Gambit)

JAZZ CHILL NEWS BITS: MERRY MIXMAS, ELVIS COSTELLO & ALLEN TOUSSAINT, UB40

DEAN MARTIN & JULIE LONDON GLOW ON MERRY MIXMAS
New from Capitol vaults is Merry Mixmas which features remixes of popular Christmas songs from classic crooners. Merry Mixmas is a set containing 15 songs ranging from Bing Crosby to the silky sultriness of Julie London, and from the smooth vocals of Lou Rawls to the crooning elegance of Dean Martin. Merry Mixmas is, simply put, an album that gives you all of the classics with an update that refreshes rather than detracts. Featured songs include Winter Wonderland from Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole's All I Want For Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth) , Dean Martin's Baby, It's Cold Outside, Ella Fitzgerald's classic, Sleigh Ride, Eartha Kitt's Santa Baby, and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Lou Rawls is a gorgeous and tasty remix that elevates the standard to a higher plane for this set, changing percussively as the song progresses. Also included on this set is Nancy Wilson's The Christmas Waltz, Julie London's sexy I'd Like You For Christmas and a few other gems.

ELVIS COSTELLO & ALLEN TOUSSAINT TO RETEAM
Verve Records has announced that Elvis Costello is scheduled to head into the studio the week of Thanksgiving to begin a collaboration with songwriter/arranger/pianist Allen Toussaint. Joe Henry will produce the album for Verve. New Orleans veteran Toussaint recently performed with Costello at a number of New York benefits for the victims of hurricane Katrina. Toussaint, who has written such songs as Dr. John's Right Place, Wrong Time and Lee Dorsey's Workin' in a Coal Mine, appeared as a pianist on some of Costello's early 1980s albums.

NEW ALBUM IN '06 FROM UB40
UB40 will finally release their latest album Who You Fighting For? in North American on January 24 via Rhino. The album was previously released in the UK this past summer and it has spawned several hit singles. The album contains the covers of the Jamaicans' The Things You Say You Love, Matumbi's After Tonight and Lennon & McCartney’s I'll Be on My Way. UB40 is scheduled to be on tour for the rest of 2005, with shows due to begin Nov. 23 in Belfast and wrap Dec. 22 in Birmingham, England. A three-week tour of Australia and New Zealand will get underway Feb. 4, 2006 in Perth.

OTTMAR LIEBERT INTERPRETS HOLIDAY CLASSICS IN LATEST CD

Renowned nouveau flamenco guitarist, Ottmar Liebert has put a fresh bloom on an inspiring collection of traditional, classical, and new songs in his latest CD, the appropriately titled Winter Rose. Liebert breathes new life into holiday favorites with sensitive, even haunting, arrangements of O Little Town of Bethlehem and O Holy Night. The CD also includes fresh interpretations of classical music, including Fauré's Pavane and Les Roses D'Isphahan and Tchaikovsky's Le Café from The Nutcracker. But perhaps the greatest delight are the six new songs written by Liebert especially for Winter Rose, including Westcoast, The Longest Night, Kora/River of Stars, and A Sweet Persimmon. Each captures the essence of the season. The result is an album that is both familiar and inventive, heartwarming and evocative. For Winter Rose Liebert teams up with an unusually talented and diverse team of musicians, including the versatile Jon Gagan on fretless and fretted electric bass guitars, saz (Turkish stringed instrument) and keyboards, and Robby Rothschild on cajon (drum box) and kora (African harp). Winter Rose is also a pioneering album for the music industry, issued under a Creative Commons license rather than a typical copyright. Instead of threatening to punish fans who file-share music, this license actually encourages fans to share the music, or even sample songs to create create original "mash-ups" of their own.The new album is available on CD as well as via instant download from Ottmar Liebert's ListeningLounge (http://www.ottmarliebert.com). Songs from Ottmar Liebert as well as other artists sell for $1 each. All music sold on the ListeningLounge is digitally encoded at a much higher quality than is available on any other music download service, and employs no restrictive copy controls (digital rights management) making it easy to transfer the music to MP3 players or burn CDs.The ListeningLounge also proudly presents Ottmar Liebert's Tears in the Rain, an album of solo guitar improvisations available exclusively via download. These songs were recorded as naturally as possible, with all the warmth and character of a live performance and none of the electronic sound processing usually applied to studio recordings. As with most albums on the Listening Lounge, customers who want to burn their own CDs can also download a printable booklet for Tears in the Rain.

JAZZ CHILL NEWS BITS: FRANK MCCOMB, MATISYAHU, CHRISTMAS JAM, SERGIO MENDES, DARREN MOTAMEDY, WJZW SMOOTH JAZZ 105.9, MINDI ABAIR & PEABO BRYSON

Singer Frank McComb has written, produced, programmed and sang every note on his latest album – Straight From The Vault. And from the first notes of the opening song, White Line In The Sky, it is clear that this is another fine disc that McComb's rabidly loyal fan base will eat up. His latest album, Straight From The Vault is a rich blend of soul, jazz and pop music that radio programmers should take notice of. The disc also includes three instrumentals, including the smooth George Duke-like Morning Glory. This is an album for lovers of classy, jazzy soul to seek out.

Bill Laswell has produced the debut studio album for Hasidic reggae rapper Matisyahu - entitled Youth, to be released Jan. 31 via Epic/Or Music/J Dub. Matisyahu’s previous release Live At Stubb's, reached No. 2 on Billboard's Top Reggae Albums chart and No. 14 on the Top Heatseekers survey. The album has sold 87,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Youth will feature two songs from Live At Stubb's: King Without A Crown and Warrior.

John Scofield, Ivan Neville and John Medeski join the lineup for Warren Haynes' 17th Annual Christmas Jam concert set for Dec. 17 at the Civic Center Arena in Asheville, N.C. Also scheduled to perform are Trey Anastasio, Ray Lamontagne, Electric Hot Tuna, Audley Freed, Kevn Kinney, Edwin McCain, Dave Schools, Dr. Ralph Stanley, Marty Stuart , Patterson Hood and Jason Isbell. The 2003 and 2004 events raised $100,000 each, bringing the total for the last four years to more than $300,000.

Brazilian-legend Sergio Mendes returns with his new album, Timeless, due Febuaray 14, 2006. This project is being produced by the Black Eyes Peas’ will.i.am. This new disc will feature Mendes collaborating with Stevie Wonder, Jill Scott, John Legend, Q-Tip and Erykah Badu, and it will be released through Concord Records and Starbucks Hear Music.

Seattle sax-player Darren Motamedy easily blends jazz, urban, pop, funk, hip-hop and blues on his latest album, Intimate. This is Motamedy's 8th release since 1989’s First Generation and since then he has performed alongside Ray Charles, Chris Botti, David Lanz and the Rippingtons. For those of you in the Seattle-area, he can be seen leading the Monday night jam sessions at the Waimes Brewing Co. in Kirkland.

The WJZW 105.9 Smooth Jazz Vol. 3: The Sound of DC recently debuted at #27 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart. The CD features songs by Marcus Johnson – 18th & M; Richard Elliot – Your Secret Love; Chaka Kahn – Through The Fire; Nils – Pacific Coast Highway; Pieces Of A Dream – Love’s Silhouette; Michael McDonald – Ain’t No Mountain High Enough; Ken Navarro – You Are Everything; Bass X – Vonnie; Spur Of The Moment – In My Corner; Paul Hardcastle – Serene; Otis Redding – The Dock Of The Bay; and Derryck Dawkins – Italy.

And speaking of WJZW 105.9 FM, the station’s very own Marcus Johnson will be appearing tonight (Nov. 11) and tomorrow in Atlanta as he promotes his soon-to-be holiday classic, Smooth Jazz Christmas. Here’s the schedule of where you can catch him: Nov. 11 – South Beach Bistro & Bar, Atlanta; Nov. 12 – Bluelights Entertainment Restaurant, Atlanta; and Nov. 18 – Los Angeles Athletic Club, Los Angeles. Additional dates will be announced shortly that will feature music and artists from both the Smooth Jazz Christmas and the Sound of DC. albums. Marcus Johnson (and Jacqui Allen) can be heard weekday mornings on Smooth Jazz 105.9 from 5:00 am to 8:30 am.

The All-Star Smooth Jazz Cruise is set to sail from Nov. 12-20th along with Rick Braun, Boney James, Al Jarreau, Peter White, Brian Culbertson, Euge Groove, Joyce Cooling and Mindi Abair. The ship will be cruising out of Galveston, TX and stopping in Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel.

Mindi Abair joins Peter White and Rick Braun as part of A Peter White Christmas Tour featuring Mindi Abair and Rick Braun. It kicks off after Thanksgiving and the show will feature Mindi’s original music as well as classic Christmas songs and 2 of Mindi’s original Christmas songs. One of Mindi’s original Christmas songs, I Can’t Wait For Christmas, is being featured on the Bath And Body Works Christmas CD along with songs by Melissa Etheridge, Barenaked Ladies, Guster, Diana Krall, Dean Martin, Ashanti, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye, Billie Holiday, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Destiny’s Child, Sarah McLachlan, Jessica Simpson, Aretha Franklin, Cyndi Lauper, Tony Bennett, Liz Phair, Rachael Yamagato, Wham!, Peter Droge and Martina McBride.

PEABO BRYSON - LIVE IN CONCERT: LADIES REQUEST
When you think of Peabo Bryson, you remember songs such as Tonight, I Celebrate My Love, the ever-popular hit duet with R&B legend Roberta Flack; Show And Tell; A Whole New World from the Disney movie Aladdin recorded with Regina Belle; and Feel The Fire. This special 10-song DVD from Time Life features 'live' performances of some of Bryson's most popular and highly successful love ballads. Bryson is certainly no stranger to music, as a multiple GrammyAward-winner and one of the premiere male love balladeers in contemporary music. "This type of music is in my soul, and I'm sharing what I would like for others to feel through music. I want to make husbands and wives remember their love, girlfriends remember boyfriends, and let those who are still looking know that love is real," says Bryson.

With a music career that spans more than twenty-five years, Bryson's unprecedented international success has resulted in him being the first artist in music history to have records topping four different music genre charts including pop, adult contemporary, classical crossover, and contemporary jazz.. Currently serving as the spokesperson for Time Life Classic Soul BalladsCollection, which recently reached 3 million CD's sold, Bryson adds, "partnering with Time Life allows the music that we all remember and have experienced to continue to be recognized. I am proud to be a part of a reputable company that treasures the music of life and soul. Performing "Live In Concert" allows me to do what I do best, which is share my musical gift with the ladies." Peabo Bryson Live In Concert: Ladies Request is now available in retail stores nationwide.

RAFE GOMEZ, SOULIVE, LEWIS TAYLOR & ISLEY BROTHERS

RAFE GOMEZ MIX #14
Check out the latest online mix (Mix 14) from Rafe Gomez (Groove Boutique) as he offers a seamless blend of old school sounds and new grooves from the one and only Blue Note Records! Featured tracks include tastiness from Soulive, Horace Silver, Grant Green, Karl Denson, Richard Groove Holmes, and many more. It's over an hour long, it's FREE, and it's ready to be dug! www.grooveboutique.com.

SOULIVE OPENING FOR DAVE MATTHEWS BAND
Smooth jazz band Soulive have announced that they will be opening for the Dave Matthews Band this December. Dates are as follows: 12/3 – Detrot, MI @ Joe Lewis Arena; 12/4 – Toronto, Canada @ Air Canada Centre; 12/6 – State College, PA @ Jordan Center; 12/7 – Rochester, NY @ Blue Cross Arena; and 12/9 – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden.

LEWIS TAYOR – STONED
Stoned is a special new package of Lewis Taylor's UK album Stoned, Pt 1 but it includes five additional tracks to get Americans caught up. The title cut, Positively Beautiful and Back Together show the experimental rock side of his brain while other tunes are quieter soul numbers. Taylor's music revisits raw seventies funk, swirling Beach Boys harmonies and Marvin Gaye style heartache, sometimes all in one single track. As a triple threat - a singer/songwriter, instrumentalist and producer - the Brit is said to possess a natural ease and musical depth seen in legends like Stevie Wonder. With 4-star reviews from USA Today, Mojo, Q and Uncut, get ready to discover this talented artist and his album, which The LA Weekly called "one of the finest albums of the year."

THE ISLEY BROTHERS – SUMMER BREEZE: GREATEST HITS LIVE ON DVD
Eagle Rock Entertainment, the leading independent source for high quality music audio/visual programming, will release the Isley Brothers: Summer Breeze- Greatest Hits Live on DVD on November 15th, a seamless live set of classics from the songbook of one the true fountainheads of R&B, funk and soul.

NEW MUSIC RELEASES WEEK OF NOV. 8

Bob Marley & The Wailers – Live At The Rainbow (June 1977 London concert, DVD, Universal)
Bob Marley & The Wailers – Africa Unite: The Single Collection (Island)
Cyndi Lauper – The Body Acoustic (Daylight/Epic)
Daryl Hall & John Oates – Our Kind Of Soul Live (DVD, Image)
Eros Ramazzotti – Calma Aprante (Columbia International)
Fahir Atakoglu – If (Far & Here Music)
Lounge Art Ensemble – Music For Moderns (Fuzzy Music)
Marcus Johnson – Smooth Jazz Christmas (Three Keys)
Melissa Scott – Why Now (FeetFirst)
Nat King Cole – The Nat King Cole Collection (DVD, 3-discs, Koch Vision)
Nat King Cole – The Complete Capitol Transcription Sessions (Blue Note)
Sonny Rollins – The Essential Sonny Rollins: The RCA Years (2-CDs, RCA/Legacy)
Steve Tyrell – Quite Frank: The Songs Of Sinatra (Hollywood)
Yerba Buena Stompers – Duff Campbell’s Revenge (Diamond Stack)
Various Artists – Quiet Revolution: 30 Years of Windham Hill (Sony Legacy)
Various Artists – New York For Lovers (Verve)
Various Artists – Paris For Lovers (Verve)

SANTANA JOINS AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS LINEUP

ABC will televise the American Music Awards on November 22 live from Los Angeles. The show will include performances from Santana and Los Lonely Boys as they perform their collaboration of I Don’t Wanna Lose Your Love off of Santana’s latest All That I Am. Other performers are Cyndi Lauper and Sarah McLachlan teaming on Time After Time, from Laupers newest Epic Album – The Body Acoustic. The Rolling Stones and Sheryl Crow will also appear in performances, among others.

BOOZOO BAJOU TO PERFORM AT BLU 102 ANNIVERSARY PARTY

KLBU 102.9 (BLU 102) chill radio in Santa Fe, New Mexico is about to celebrate their 2nd year anniversary. The station known for their superb and unique chill selections with their moniker "dance music for intelligent people" will host a party on November 16 at the El Paseo Music Hall. The event will include a performance by German duo Boozoo Bajou. Doors open at 8pm, Boozoo at 9pm. Admission is $10, and includes the afterparty (10p-2am) at El Paseo Bar and Grill with local deejays Melanie Moore, Donovan, Feathericci, 13 Pieces and JonRa in a 2 x 4.

FLOETRY RELEASES FLO'OLOGY

Natalie Stewart (the Floacist) and Marsha Ambrosius (the Songstress) return with their new album Flo’Ology. The pair flourished in the spoken word circuit before their Dreamworks released debut album Floetic (2002) earned six Grammy nominations, six Soul Train awards and a NAACP nomination for best new artist. With their new album, Flo'Ology, the London duo remains true to form by uniting passionate vocals and elegant spoken word with the rhythms of classic soul, funk and a little bit of island spice! Working with producers who really spoke to them, they enlisted the help of Rafael Saadiq on I Imagination and Whiteleaf Productions on I'll Die and Closer. In addition, the London ladies brought in Scott Storch to work on the tunes My Apology and the first single SupaStar which features a back and forth with the one and only Common. "The highest compliment that anyone could give Flo'Ology is to say we've changed. People are so scared to for some reason, but that's what life is. That's what this album is all about."

JOSE PADILLA & BRAZILIAN GIRLS TO PERFORM AT BANG! MUSIC FESTIVAL

Jose Padilla (of Café Del Mar fame) and the Brazilian Girls are among the many acts performing at the first annual Bang! Music Festival. www.bangmusicfestival.com. More than 15,000 revelers are expected to celebrate the start of the Miami winter season 2005-06, on Saturday, November 26, 2005, during this 13-hour, outdoor party-a-thon. More than just another mega outdoor "club" party with a singular music message, Bang! aims to be a preview — or Best Of — all that Miami promises for the season ahead. So rather than limiting itself to a purely house music format like similar Miami events which have come before, Bang! will be a celebration of the city’s nightlife diversity. The festival will include performances which equally celebrate established and emerging stars in electronic, pop, retro, Latin, and, yes, house genres, presented on thematic stages.

WORLD RENOWNED FEMALE VOCALIST ENJA RELEASES NEWEST ALBUM AMARANTINE

One of the top-selling female vocalists of all time, Enya, follows her 13 million selling album A Day Without Rain with the release of her sixth album. The newest album, Amarantine, will be available on November 22, 2005 from Reprise Records.

Recorded in Ireland, Amarantine is classic Enya and once again, the record is a product of the extraordinary and long-standing creative partnership Enya has enjoyed throughout her career with producer/arranger Nicky Ryan and lyricist Roma Ryan. With its atmospheric blend of sublime melodies, symphonic caverns of sound and classical motifs, Amarantine will delight her legion of fans, to whom Enya's music acts an oasis of calm and beauty in a world of clamor and chaos.

With more than 65 million album sales to date, Enya is one of the world's biggest selling artists. Yet her path to the top has hardly been a conventional one, not least because she's achieved her success by eschewing the usual trappings of celebrity, keeping her private life her own and letting her music do the talking.

Born Eithne Ní Bhraonain in Gweedore, County Donegal into a musical family, her own training was in classical music rather than on the Irish folk scene. Her career took flight and Enya rapidly became the biggest-selling Irish solo artist of all time. Watermark, her 1988 Reprise debut, was driven by the chart-topping success of the single Orinoco Flow, and the album sold eight million copies. Three years later, Enya followed with Shepherd Moons, which sold ten million and earned her first Grammy Award®. Four years later came another Grammy with 1995's The Memory of Trees.

In 2001 two of Enya's songs May It Be and Aníron appeared in the film "The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring" after the director Peter Jackson personally asked her to contribute to the film. Enya, Nicky and Roma were all nominated for an Oscar and a Golden Globe for May It Be. Now comes Amarantine, Enya's most rounded and fully realized work to date, music that is as timeless and enduring as the amaranth itself, the mythical flower that never fades.

Amarantine tracklisting
1. Less Than A Pearl
2. Amarantine
3. It's In The Rain
4. If I Could Be Where You Are
5. The River Sings
6. Long Long Journey
7. Sumiregusa
8. Somebody Said Goodbye
9. A Moment Lost
10. Drifting
11. Amid The Falling Snow
12. Water Shows The Hidden Heart

NEW MUSIC: DIGITABLE PLANETS, ROY AYERS, JOE BATAAN, INCOGNITO, CARLEEN ANDERSON, CURTIS MAYFIELD & FREEDOM DANCE JAZZ

DIGITABLE PLANETS - BEYOND THE SPECTRUM: THE CREAMY SPY CHRONICLES
Digable Planets formed in the early '90s, when Butterfly (b. Ishmael Butler, Brooklyn, NY) met Ladybug (B. Mary Ann Vieira, Silver Springs, MD) while attending college in Massachusetts. The two later hooked up with Doodlebug (b. Craig Irving, Philadelphia, PA), in Washington DC, and began recording. Their first single, Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat), hit the R&B Top Ten while their debut, Reachin' (A New Refutation of Time and Space), was a critical and commercial success. After embarking on an ambitious tour, which included several live musicians, the Planets returned in late 1994 with their best album. Blowout Comb continued the group's jazz-rap fusion, but also saw them branching out to embrace the old school sound of the street as well. After Blowout Comb, Digable Planets gradually dissolved due to the dreaded "creative differences." Ten years later, the group has reunited, recently completing a tour and assembling a collection of hits, remixes and rarities for Blue Note. Beyond The Spectrum: The Creamy Spy Chronicles contains some of contemporary music's first gems and exclusive tracks that have spanned the decade and remain head-boppin' jams for the hip-hop generation.

ROY AYERS - MY VIBES: THE BEST OF THE UNO MELODIC YEARS
This new release includes Roy Ayers 1983 record Lots Of Love plus a later set from 1999! Lots Of Love is an incredible album by Roy - but one that's often overlooked because it was a rare indie effort issued between his years at Polydor and Columbia! The session is Roy's only full album for Uno Melodic - the label he formed to showcase the talents of Sylvia Striplin, Ladies Of The Eighties, and others. Rest assured though, this collection does highlight Ayers groove! Highlights include Chicago, Black Family, the warmly jazzy Lots Of Love, an instrumental with vibes along strings; and the bass bumping Everybody. Other songs include And Then We Were One, DC City, Drive, and Fast Money. Lots Of Love takes up the first 8 tracks on the 16 track CD - and the remaining 8 are from a 1999 session that has Roy grooving in a bit more of a modern way - using more electric percussion at the bottom, but still bringing plenty of warm soul and jazzy touches to the tracks. Tracks include Juice, Wanna Do, Vibes, E Funk, Doing The Do, Bad Baby, and Rapped Up In Your Love.

VARIOUS ARTISTS - FREEDOM JAZZ DANCE BOOK 2
Here’s an 11-track collection of modern dancefloor jazz that includes a fair bit of previously unissued numbers! The groove vibe throughout is contagious with just the right electric augmentation to kick things up a notch or two without dampening the soul. Tracks include Lead The Way by Soulstance, 1974 by Jukka Eskola, My Love Samba by Luis Ferri, Solifer Lento by Dalindeo, Some Kind Of Blues (jazz mood inst) by S-Tone Inc, Heroes of The Conquest by The Invisible Session, Stars by Paolo Fedreghini & Marco Bianchi, Mr. Bond by Quartetto Moderno, and Yes & No by Quintetto Lo Greco.

INCOGNITO - ELEVEN
The 11th release by Incognito makes it clear that the group has had an influence that goes far beyond a straight run of just 11 records. Eleven features lead vocals by Maysa Leak, Imaani and Carleen Anderson, plus some great keyboard lines by Ski Oakenfull. Group leader, Bluey, is the one who has a sense of groove, and love of classic 70s-influenced soul comes through very strongly on all tracks - hitting an on-the-money sound that makes the group, and this latest album, stand head to head with some of the best soul acts of classic years. Another winner from Incognito - not a bit of fluff at all - and a sublime batch of tracks that includes Jacaranda, Show Me Love, We Got Music, Let The Mystery Be, Will I Ever Learn, I'll Get By, As Long As It's You, and When Tomorrow Brings You Down.

JOE BATAAN - JOE BATAAN ANTHOLOGY: THE MERICANA & SALSOUL STUDIO ALBUMS
Four albums and 34 tracks worth of material by the legendary Joe Bataan, all one 2-CD package! Joe’s best is compiled here, along with a great set of notes - and the package is essential stuff for anyone with an ear for funk, Latin, disco, or soul. Tracks include The Bottle, Chico & The Man, Johnny, Latin Strut, Peace Friendship Solidarity, Aftershower Funk, Woman Don't Want To Love Me, When You're Down (Funky Mambo), Ling Ting Chong, Rap O Clap O, I See Hiney, Mestizo, Forever, and Sadie.

ROY AYERS - ROY AYERS REMIXED VOL. 3: MYSTIC VOYAGE/I AM YOUR MIND/MYSTIC BOUNCE (2 x 12 inch LP)
More remixes from the Roy Ayers catalog. Here we have 2 different tunes, but handled in ways that really differ greatly from each other! First is the soulful I Am Your Mind (part 2) - a track that's got a gently gliding groove and spoken part by Roy on the original, but which opens up with a pulsating groove on a Pepe Bradock remix that only further augments the Ayers genius! Mr V also serves up a mix of the tune that really retains the flavor of the original - and goes for a warmly grooving dancefloor mode that Roy would certainly appreciate! A remake of the classic Mystic Voyage is the second track on the set - handled in a completely different way by DJ Marky & XRS, who turn things up to supersonic speed, and push the track much more into the realm of drum n bass. The track's returned to its mellower roots on Mystic Bounce - a slower groove by Jeremy Newell that kicks back nicely with a jazzy approach to soul

CURTIS MAYFIELD -BACK TO THE WORLD...The brilliance of Curtis Mayfield is reflected in this 70’s era reissue. The arrangements are by Rich Tufo, production is by Mayfield, and titles include Future Song (aka Future Shock), Keep on Trippin, Can't Say Nothin, Back To The The World, and Right On For The Darkness.

CARLEEN ANDERSON - SOUL PROVIDENCE
Carleen Anderson is daughter of James Brown diva Vicki Anderson - and with a pedigree like that, she's got a lot to live up to. But with a record like this, she more than lives up to her heritage - and in fact even surpasses it - by going farther than Vicki ever did! The arrangements have a great feel that mix the folksy qualities of some of her recent work with the more straightforward groove of earlier sets - and Carleen's vocals still have that wonderfully rich feel that belies her gospel roots, yet come across with a leaner, smoother style more tuned towards the grooves of the set. Titles include A Different Me, Gotta Believe In The Future, Whose Business, Careful, Parting The Waters, My Door Is Open, Just Like Me, and a remake of Wanna Be Where You Are, done as a duet with Paul Weller! Note by the way that Carleen also contributes lead vocals to Incognito’s latest – Eleven.

UPCOMING MUSIC NEWS

THE WOOD BROTHERS...Chris Wood of Medeski Martin & Wood has teamed up with his older brother Oliver to form the Wood Brothers. The Wood Brothers recently recorded at Allaire Studios in upstate New York. Chris Wood’s other musical brother, John Medeski, produced the session.

JACKIE ALLEN...Chicago-based vocalist, Jackie Allen, recorded her debut for Blue Note this past June in the windy city. Allen enlisted Chicago stalwart Eric Hochberg to produce the date which consists of a variety of love songs, standards, covers and originals. Additional recording and mixing took place recently.

BELA FLECK AND THE FLECKTONES...Bela Fleck and the Flecktones will return with The Hidden Land on January 31, 2006, their first Columbia studio release since 2003’s Little Words. Bela Fleck is currently in the midst of a trio tour with bassist Stanley Clarke and violinist Jean-Luc Ponty. He is planning to regroup with the Flecktones for a North American tour next year.

PAT MARTINO...Pat Martino has recorded his tribute to guitar hero Wes Montgomery in August in New York City. The band - comprised of pianist Dave Kikoski, bassist John Pattitucci and drummer Scott Robinson– tackled a mix of Montgomery originals and songs closely associated with Wes, all newly arranged by Martino. Some of the songs included are Four On Six, Groove Yard, God Bless The Child, and Besame Mucho.

STEFON HARRIS...Stefon Harris has recorded his fifth album as a leader for Blue Note earlier this month. The date included Duke Ellington’s often overlooked New Orleans Suite plus some better known Ellington pieces.

JOE LOVANO...Joe Lovano will record his latest installment for Blue Note this December. The date will consist, in part, of a re-exploration of Miles Davis’ Birth of the Cool album to be orchestrated by the legendary Gunther Schuller. This recording will feature Lovano’s Nonet plus a larger orchestrated group and will reunite Lovano and Schuller for the first time on record since their modern classic Rush Hour which was released on Blue Note in 1995.

DON BYRON... Don Byron is set to embark on his latest recording adventure also this December. This time around Byron will be approaching the music of legendary bluesman Junior Walker. The date will feature vocalist Dean Bowman, guitarist David Gilmore, George Colligan on organ, bassist Brad Jones, and drummer Rodney Holmes.

LADY SINGS THE BLUES...Paramount Pictures and Motown are finally releasing the DVD edition of the 1972 Billie Holiday biopic Lady Sings The Blues. Film and TV producer Suzanne de Passe (an Oscar nominee for the "Lady" screenplay) recently explained the film's long-delayed Nov. 8 DVD was "because there were aspects of the deal that belonged to Paramount and also belonged to Mr. (Berry) Gordy. And I think it took all this time for people to read what they had and come together and make it happen."

ARISTA RECORDS TO RELEASE SANTANA LIVE BY REQUEST DVD ON NOVEMEBER 13, 2005

On the heels of the release of his 38th album, All That I Am which hits stores yesterday November 1, Arista Records will be releasing Santana's Live By Request DVD in stores November 15th. These releases are the follow up to the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and Grammy award winning artist's two smash hit records, Supernatural & Shaman, two albums which in a few short years have sold over 30 million copies worldwide. This DVD presents compelling live performances of tracks from the past two massively successful albums, as well as showcasing outstanding performances of Santana classics.

Live By Request includes several of Santana's unforgettable hits. Showcasing both new and vintage Santana, the DVD highlights several Billboard chart toppers with performances of hit singles Smooth with Rob Thomas, Game Of Love with Michelle Branch, and Maria Maria with Product G&B - as well as incredible performances of career-defining classics such as Oye Como Va, Evil Ways, and Black Magic Woman, to name a few.

Carlos Santana performs on average over 110 shows a year and this DVD captures one of his many classic concerts, recorded for the award winning show "A&E Live By Request."

Track Listing:
1. Smooth Featuring Rob Thomas
2. Black Magic Woman
3. Yaleo
4. Game of Love Featuring Michelle Branch
5. Oye Como Va
6. Evil Ways
7. Maria Maria Featuring Product G&B
8. Foo Foo
9. Blues Jam
10. Soul Sacrifice
11. Europa
12. Adouma

JEN RATHBUN BRINGS COFFEE, CHOCOLATE AND MEN TO JAIJAI JACKSON'S "WOMAN OF JAZZ" RADIO SHOW

Indie musician and jazz vocalist Jen Rathbun will be presented Wednesday, November 9, 2005 at 8 PM (PST) on Jaijai Jackson’s "Woman of Jazz" program. This show, which focuses on emerging jazz artists, will air on www.xradio.biz/lasvegas. Jaijai Jackson (daughter of legendary bassist Chubby Jackson) will interview Jen Rathbun about her music and her life. Between interview segments Jaijai will showcase music from Jen’s latest jazz album Coffee, Chocolate & Men, a unique selection of original jazzy cabaret tunes full of humor and double-entendre.

When asked about Jen, Mikel Gore of Entertainment Headline News said, "You would swear looking at her ‘live’ pictures in the Houston Chronicle that you were transported in time and were listening to Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, or one of the great torch singers of the past. No one in the music business today, writes jazz like Rathbun". Her fans agree that Jen Rathbun is a rising star. Her hit single Married, Buried or Gay recently reached the number one spot on the Texas Top 40 charts.

Born in El Paso, Texas, Jen has always been involved in music, from grade-school piano lessons to her vocal performance degree, and subsequent masters degree in Music Therapy. After several years of applying her music therapy skills to assist brain injured patients, she decided to pursue music full time. "It was really rewarding to work with the patients, but the opportunity arose to pursue my big dream, and I just had to take it."

Not long after she made the switch to performing, she entered and won the National Singer/Songwriter Auditions in 2003, which garnered her a trip to Nashville. There, her jazz album Coffee, Chocolate & Men was born. "You don’t normally think ‘jazz’ when you think of Nashville, but those Nashville players are unbelievably fantastic. I’m so proud of this album."

XRadio.Biz promotes rising jazz artists through Jaijai Jackson’s Las Vegas based show "Woman of Jazz". Listeners all over the world can tune in at www.xradio.biz/lasvegas to hear Jackson’s interviews of the brightest up and coming jazz musicians, including Jen Rathbun. Additional information about Jen Rathbun is available on her web site at www.JenRathbun.com. Her CD, Coffee, Chocolate & Men is available on iTunes and Amazon.com.

MICHAEL BUBLE - CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Canadian singing sensation Michael Buble headlines his first-ever television special, recorded live at L.A.'s famed Wiltern Theatre. PBS’ Great Performances will broadcast Michael Buble: Caught in the Act on Wednesday, December 7, 8:00-10:00 p.m. ET (check local listings). The special presents the playful and charming Buble, accompanied by a soaring 27-piece band, reinventing every standard he sings -- from a heartfelt version of Try a Little Tenderness and a swinging I've Got You Under My Skin to a rocking Latin-themed Sway and a dancing-in-the-aisles Save the Last Dance for Me. Italian pop star Laura Pausini adds a dash of international glamour to a sizzling duet version of You'll Never Find Another Love.

PAUL ANKA ROCK SWINGS - LIVE IN MONTREAL

PBS will broadcast Paul Anka Swings – Live In Montreal on Tuesday, December 6, 2005, 9:00-10:30 p.m. ET (check local listings) in close captioned and in stereo, The concert was taped at the July 2005 Montreal Jazz Festival, Paul Anka Rock Swings – Live In Montreal captures this legend at his best. Whether singing from his latest CD, Rock Swings -- swing-style covers of songs by Michael Jackson, Spandau Ballet and Eric Clapton - or delivering his own greatest hits, such as Diana, Times of Your Life and You Are My Destiny -Paul Anka is a performer for all generations.

FLAMENCO CHILL FROM RONI BENISE, JESUS DE ROSARIO & SERGIO MONROY

RONI BENISE – NIGHTS OF FIRE
Benise: Nights Of Fire is an upcoming television special starring high-energy guitarist Roni Benise, takes viewers on a passionate and exotic journey of Spanish music and dance, from Cuban salsa to Spanish flamenco to Brazilian samba. Traditional Flamenco artists, De La Guarda performers, Broadway dancers and featured soloists join to interpret Benise's vision of wild, yet refined, musical artistry. Nights of Fire is a spectacular journey of Spanish music and dance that pushes the bar of tradition with unprecedented passion. The wild and beautiful sounds of Spanish guitar master Roni Benise evoke a romantic voyage through an exotic territory of cultural fusion. Merging his innovative vision with the creative minds of director Amy Tinkham and Brazilian born choreographer Alex Magno, 19 dancers and other performers join Benise to break all the traditions and rules of Spanish music and dance. World-class musicians include a Havana horn section on his Cuban Salsa numbers, such as Salsa Salsa and a 10 piece orchestra backing bold and beautifully arranged ballads such as Mi Amor and Long Kiss. Benise: Nights Of Fire airs on PBS on Sunday, December 11, 2005, 9:00-10:30 p.m. ET (check local listings).

IBERIA – ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK
The original soundtrack of Iberia, the documentary that was directed by Carlos Saura and was inspired by the suite by the Spanish composer Isaac Albéniz. The record features the fusion of Albéniz's music with flamenco and different Spanish musical genres.

JESUS DE ROSARIO – SIN TANTO
The Madrid guitarist Jesús de Rosario presents this new project that includes bulerías, rondeñas, rumbas and mineras. He counts on the guest appearances of Antonio Carmona, Bernardo Parrilla, Sara Baras and Tomatito.

SERGIO MONROY - MONROY
The first album by Sergio Monroy, the flamenco pianist who, alongside others like Dorantes and Diego Amador, is opening up a niche for the piano in the world of flamenco.

ERIC CLAPTON RENEWS CONTRACT WITH REPRISE RECORDS

Legendary Singer-Songwriter and Guitarist Continues 25-Year Relationship With Label

Eric Clapton has renewed his recording contract with Reprise Records, extending his nearly 25-year relationship with the label. Clapton, arguably the best and most acclaimed rock guitarist of his generation, is a 16-time Grammy award winner, four-time Grammy Hall of Fame award winner, a member of the Songwriters' Hall of Fame, and triple inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame not only as a solo artist, but also as a member of influential '60s blues-rock bands Cream and the Yardbirds. Clapton has released 27 solo albums and scored seven Top Ten singles on Billboard magazine's Hot 100 chart, including the Number One hit from 1974, I Shot The Sheriff.

Clapton first signed with Reprise in 1981. Among some of the prolific bluesman's releases on the label include the studio albums Another Ticket (1981), Money and Cigarettes (1983), Behind the Sun (1985), August (1986), and the highly touted Journeyman in 1989, as well as the best-selling live album 24 Nights (1991) and Live in Montreux (1997). Over the next decade, Clapton had two additional Number One albums: the Diamond-certified Unplugged (1992), selling more than 10 million in the US alone, and From the Cradle (1994). Most recently, Reprise released Back Home, Clapton's 14th album of original songs, which the Los Angeles Times said shows "Clapton's reconnection with his deep blues roots."

In May 2005, Clapton reunited with his bandmates in Cream, bassist Jack Bruce and drummer Ginger Baker, for a four-night stand at London's Royal Albert Hall - the power trio's first shows together in 37 years. On October 4th, Reprise released a double-disc live DVD, entitled Cream - Royal Albert Hall - London May 2-3-5-6 2005, along with an accompanying CD set that captures highlights from the historic reunion. Beginning October 24th, Cream played three sold-out shows at New York's Madison Square Garden. Clapton will make a rare appearance on NBC's "Today Show" on November 18th, performing a solo acoustic version of his song Back Home.

CHRIS BOTTI & BURT BACHARACH

After releasing his new album To Love Again and having the highest chart debut of his career, Chris has been touring the country and bringing the sounds of his exquisite trumpet playing live to crowds across the country. With the month of November here, Chris isn't slowing down a bit with even more touring, special television tapings, and even a guest appearance on a music legend's new album!

This week, Chris will be taping three special TV performances for the longtime-running and popular daytime drama "The Young and The Restless." You can check it out on Friday, December 9 and Monday. December 12! Tune in and watch as Chris performs his sensual sounds on both airdates and even brings a special surprise with him for the December 12th airing! Next week, Chris will be performing LIVE for a taping of the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in NYC. Victoria's Secret will be adding the passionate and steamy sounds of Chris Botti as the most beautiful women in the world strut the runway in the world's sexiest outfits. The TV air-date has not yet been announced as of yet.

In addition, Chris will be lending his gifted talents to one of most music's most influential artists' new album. Chris Botti guests on Burt Bacharach's new album At This Time, a deeply reflective and moving record that marks music icon Burt Bacharach's most political and thought-provoking album yet. Chris appears on the tracks In Our Times, and Dreams. From being one of this generation's best new artists to getting the chance to work with one of music's most legendary, the collaboration is another remarkable milestone in Chris's groundbreaking career.

KENNY "BABYFACE" EDMONDS TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED

Still riding high from the debut of his much anticipated CD, Grown & Sexy, and his "by invitation-only" performances this past summer, 10-time Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter/producer, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, is confirmed to embark on at 13 city tour this fall, beginning November 23, 2005, at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, CA. A consummate performer who absolutely commands the stage, Babyface delighted fans and music industry tastemakers this summer with rare, exclusive performances at various W Hotels across the country as well as selected concert dates. Once again, audiences will get the opportunity to witness Babyface's superstar magnitude as he performs a repertoire of hits ranging from songs he has either written and/or produced for others (Boyz II Men, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Eric Clapton) to his very own #1 hit singles (Whip Appeal, For The Cool In You, Change The World). Joining Babyface on stage will be special guest Rob Lewis Presents The Movement Orchestra.

Babyface continues to be a staple in the Pop & R&B music scene as one of the greatest hitmakers in the history of popular music. Reviews of his 9th and latest CD, Grown & Sexy, have been nothing short of spectacular. Entertainment Weekly stated that Grown & Sexy "is as catchy as ever." People declared that Babyface "makes adult, ultra-romantic R&B that is as smooth as satin sheets."

The tour dates are as follows:
11/23 - Oakland, CA @ Paramount Theatre
11/25 - Los Angeles, CA @ Wiltern LG
11/26 - San Diego, CA @ 4th and B
11/27 - Anaheim, CA @ The Grove
11/29 - Phoenix, AZ @ Celebrity Theatre
12/3 - Merrillville, IN @ Star Plaza Theatre
12/4 - Columbus, OH @ LC Pavilion
12/6 - Detroit, MI @ Palace Of Auburn Hills
12/8 - Upper Marlboro, MD @ The Show Place Arena
12/9 - Atlantic City, NJ @ Music Box at the Borgata
12/10 - New York, NY @ Apollo Theatre
12/12 - Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues
12/13 - Atlanta, GA @ Civic Center

SMOKEY ROBINSON TO PERFORM AT MOTOWN FOREVER TRIBUTE

Smokey Robinson and other Motown artists reunite to illuminate Detroit for one nostalgic evening of magical memories and music, celebrating "Motown Forever: Motown Historical Museum's 20th Anniversary Gala and Tribute to Esther Gordy Edwards." With Berry Gordy as the Honorary Tribute Chair, this exciting, historical event will take place at the Detroit Marriott-Renaissance Center on Saturday, November 12, 2005. "'Motown Forever' will serve as this year's annual benefit gala for Motown Historical Museum. Many of Motown's celebrities and other luminaries are attending to honor their leading lady and founder of the Motown Historical Museum, Esther Gordy Edwards remarkable job with the Motown Historical Museum over the past 20 years. Mrs. Edwards, a former Senior Vice-President at Motown Records, was responsible for managing the careers of many world-famous Motown artists. She was very influential in their careers and their lives, serving as a mentor and sometimes as guardian.

NEW MUSIC FROM JOYCE, GILLES PETERSON, ENNIO MORRICONE, ROY AYERS, EDDIE KENDRICKS, BOBBY WOMACK & OTHERS

HAVANA – LIFE: LIVING IN FEARLESS EMOTION
Underground soul artist, Havana, debuts her new album Life: Living In Fearless Emotion. She will be showcased as a Scion/Toyota featured artist (December 2005) and was the featured artists on Myspace in September 2005. Independently selling over 3,500 copies of her debut single, Shine, underground soul vocalist, Havana, released her debut album Life: Living In Fearless Emotion (Skoolcraft Music) on September 20th, 2005. After building a string Internet buzz, Havana, has garnered the interest of many notable industry insiders. This highly anticipated CD showcases production from some of the underground’s illest beatsmith’s including Nicolay (Foreign Exchange), Symbolic One (Strange Fruit, Art of Onemind) and Waajeed (Bling 47, Pied Pipers).

Life touches on situations we can all relate to and also offers inspirational tunes that are based on overcoming adversity and living life to the fullest. A new staple of in California’s underground soul culture, Havana, has performed live shows alongside other soul acts such as Adriana Evans, Dwele, Platinum Pied Pipers and The Rebirth. This project is destined to shine.

Havana is currently performing and making appearances in promotion of her debut album, Life. She will also be featured on the Scion/Toyota Volume 13 promotional CD that will be distributed to 500,000 consumers via retail, auto shows and lifestyle events in December 2005.
GILLES PETERSON – PRESENTS THE BBC SESSIONS VOLUME 1
The tracks included on this set were all recorded exclusively for the Gilles Peterson BBC radio show, and it includes not just up-and-comers from the global groove underground, but also some surprisingly well-known acts. The CD features 28 tracks in all. Tracks include Telescopic by Heritage Orchestra, The Audience by Matthew Herbert Big Band, Who Is It by Bjork, Gabrielle by Peven Everett, Dreamy Days by Roots Manuva, Round The Bend by Beck, Impoverished Jam by NERD, This Room by Fat Freddy’s Drop, Meltin Pot by The Roots, Romance by Beth Gibbons, The Corner by Common, Red Clay by Dwele, Seedpod by Homelife, Sow Into You by Roisin Murphy, I’m Doin’ Fine by Amp Fiddler, This World by Zero 7, Sometimes by Bilal, Knives And Forks by Kieran Hebden (aka Four Tet) & Steve Reid, The Seed by Cody Chestnutt, and Jam by Plantlife.

JOYCE FEATURING DORI CAYMMI – RIO BAHIA
A great new release by one of the best Brazilian artists ever – Joyce, who only seems to get better with age, and teamed up with Dori Caymmi on guitar. It’s a groove mix of breezy vocals, bossa rhythms, and light guitar. Tracks include Mercador De Siri, Rio Bahia, Jogo De Cintura, Saudade Da Bahia, Demoro, Pra Que Chorar, Joazinho Boa Pinta, and Flor Da Bahia.

ROY AYERS – MASTERCUTS PRESENTS THE ESSENTIAL ROY AYERS
This disc includes tracks from Roy Ayers work for the Uno Melodic label, including some real gems from the early 90’s that have not been available for awhile. Some of the tracks are remakes of older Ayers songs and the sound is full of jazzy vibes and sexy soul all around. Standout tracks include Chicago, the Afro Funk jammer Black Family, the vibesy Mystic Vibrations, and the jazzy changes Drive. Other cuts include Lots Of Love, Unity, Poo Poo La La, Doing The Do, And Then We Were One, and Juice.

EDDIE KENDRICKS – KEEP ON TRUCKIN’ – THE MOTOWN SOLO ALBUMS YEARS VOL. 1
This 2-CD collection features the first four solo albums Eddie Kendricks recorded for Motown. On these tracks he sounds even hipper, deeper and more sophisticated than he was when he was a member of The Temptations. These albums have been in the vaults for years and we are finally happy to see them all together in one set. The albums are All By Myself (1971), People Hold On (1972), Eddie Kendricks (1973) and For You (1974). A total of 33 tracks in all. Songs include Can I, Let’s Go Back To Day One, It’s So Hard For Me To Say Goodbye, If You Le Me, Girl You Need A Change Of Mind, My People Hold On, Date With The Rain, Eddie’s Love. Just Memories, Only Room For Two, Someday We’ll Have A Better World, Any Day Now, Can’t Help What I Am, Keep On Truckin’, One Tear, Shoeshine Boy, Deep And Quiet Love, If, Let Yourself Go, and Each Day I Cry A Little. The collection is available as a limited edition.

VARIOUS ARTISTS – MUSIC FOR A BACHELORETTE’S PAD- SWINGING LOUNGE TUNES FROM THE ATLANTIC AND WARNER VAULTS
Here is another one of those 50’s and 60’s compilation sets that features a hip batch of tunes that’s aimed at the female side of the seduction scene. The CD features 24 tracks – mostly pulled from the Atlantic/Warner catalog from the 50’s and 60’s, but also featuring a few surprising bits from more recent years. Tracks include Hey Stuff from Valerie Capers, Teach Me Tiger ’65 by Nino Tempo & April Stevens, An Occasional Man by Ann Richards, Free Spirits by Chris Connor, T’Aint Nobody’s Bizness If I Do by Nancy Harrow, Caravan by The Sheik’s Man, It Don’t Mean A Thing by Mavis Rivers, Manana by Lavern Baker, Mas Que Nada by Ella Fitzgerald, Evil Gal Blues by Ann Richards, and Able Mable by Mable John.

LUIZ BONFA – LE ROI DE LA BOSSA NOVA
Recorded in Paris at the height of his success – this one is a rare French session by bossa nova guitarist Luiz Bonfa. In addition to his smooth guitar sound, he is supported by some occasional vocals from time to time and a nice bit of flute as well. The CD also features 4 tracks from the EP En Direct Du Brasil – also recorded in Paris – and titles include Lila, Bonfa Nova, Cantiga Da Vida, Amor Por Amor, Santeleco, Balaio, Sorrindo, Bossa Em Re, Voce Chegou, Sincopado Triste, and Mania De Maria.

ENNIO MORRICONE -MORRICONE HAPPENING – ACID SIDES OF THE MAESTRO This collection includes 25 tracks pulled from some of his lesser-known soundtracks and the overall vibe here is slow, mellow, and spacious. The CD features work from the soundtracks to Bluebeard (Barbablu), Burn, Crescente E Moltiplicatevi, La Cosa Buffa, plus a few others – and tracks include Knowing The Ins & Outs, Ballabile No. 4, Samba In Tribunale, Organo Allegro, Zherzi A Parte, Quemada Secondo, Preuldio Alla Prima Moglie, Qui Ci Scappa Il Morto, L’Aliante, and Pazza In Cielo.

BOBBY WOMACK – HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS
This album is pulled from Bobby Womack’s years at Columbia Records and the songs were recorded in both Los Angels and in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. The set includes some great Womack originals, plus a few more great numbers by Prince Phillip Mitchell. Songs include Home Is Where The Heart Is, Something For My Head, A Little Bit Salty, How Long, Standing In The Safety Zone, and One More Chance On Love. The CD also features 5 bonus cuts that include Caught Up In The Middle, Never Let Nothing Get The Best Of You, Wind It Up, Trust Your Heart and It’s Party Time.

IMPULSIVE! REWORKED AND REMIXED
New from Impulse! Is Impulsive! – a collection of reworked classic songs from the catalog of Impulse! Records. Mining a generation of experimental, visionary DJs/producers, Impulsive!
Re-imagines legendary jazz tracks from composers like Charlie Mingus, Dizzy Gillespie, Pharoah Sanders, Yuseff Lateef and more. The music of Impulse! was a crucial component to the development of jazz music in the 60’s and 70’s, allowing its artists a home to work out their most creative ideas, and that spirit continues today with Impulsive!. As with the Verve Remixed edition, an "unmixed" version is also available.

New Music Releases For The Week Of November 2
Burt Bacharach – At This Time (Columbia)
Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band – Express Yourself (Collectibles)
Chico Hamilton – Gongs East (Collectibles)
Diana Krall – Christmas Songs: Count Your Blessings (Verve)
Dusty Springfield – Live At The Royal Albert Hall (DVD, Red Dist.)
Freddie Jackson – Personal Reflections (Artemis/Media World)
George Benson – Live In Montreux 1986 (DVD, Red Dist.)
Isaac Hayes – Ultimate Isaac Hayes: Can You Dig It? (2-CD, Stax)
John Coltrane – Live At The Half Note Nov. 8, 1963 (Passport)
Miles Davis Quartet w/John Coltrane – Live In Zurich (Gambit)
Nat King Cole – The Nat King Cole Collection (DVD, Koch)
Nels Cline – Immolation/Immersion (Strange Attractors)
Santana – All That I Am (Arista)
Sylvie Lewis – Tangos And Tantrums (Cheap Lullaby)
Various Artists – The Complete Verve Remixed Deluxe Box (4-CDs, includes unreleased bonus tracks, Verve)
Various Artists – Live8 At Eden – Africa Calling (DVD, Rhino)
Various Artists – WDAS 105.3FM – Classic Soul Hits (Collectibles)
Wes Montgomery Quartet – Live In Belgium 1965 (Gambit)

SMOOOTH JAZZ NEWS AND BEYOND

CANDY DULFER TOUR DATES
Two shows have been added to Candy Dulfer’s upcoming European tour. Candy and her band will be performing in Landskron/Villach (Austria) on December 2nd and Luzern (Switzerland) on December 14th.

SMOOTH JAZZ RADIO NEWS
In Detroit radio, smooth jazz is king an Infinity-owned smooth jazz WVMV-FM (98.7) quietly took over the overall No. 1 spot in the summer Arbitron ratings, released last week. The smooth jazz station has been No. 1 in the advertiser-coveted 25-54 age group, but never in the overall 12 plus bracket.

America’s favorites weatherman Al Roker is bringing his daily weather forecasts to WQCD-FM (CD 101.9), Emmis Communications’ smooth jazz station in New York. Beginning October 27, Roker’s local weather forecasts will air four times daily, three times in the morning drive and once during afternoon drive. New York is the second top 10 market for the Al Roker Radio Network, which was launched by United Stations Radio Networks earlier this year. Roker’s daily newscasts also air on WMET-AM, IDT’s Talk station in Washington, D.C. WQCD was up slightly in the just released Summer ratings to a 3.0 overall share rating from a 2.9 in the spring.

THIEVERY CORPORATION RELEASE THE TIME WE LOST OUR WAY ON 7 INCH VINYL
The latest 7" vinyl from ELS Music showcases the vocal talents of longtime Thievery Corporation collaborator and multi-lingual songstress LouLou. Taken from Thievery Corporation’s new album, The Cosmic Game, The Time We Lost Our Way finds LouLou crooning wistfully within a framework of stoned hip-hop beats and placid horns. On the B-side, LouLou lilts delicately on Thievery Corporation’s rare and classically lush dub tune Language Symbolique previously available only on the CD compilation Den Of Thieves.

RAFE GOMEZ AT NIKKI MIDTOWN (NEW YORK)
Starting this past October 26, and continuing each and every Wednesday, the place to be if you are in New York City will be Rafe Gomez’s "After Work Groove" at Nikki Midtown (151 East 50th Street, between Lexington and 3td Avenue). Rafe Gomez will weave a sumptuous blend of the same kind of sophisticated flavor that he offers on his weekly radio groove fest, including the tastiest in bossa, Brazilian, Latin, acid, uptempo smooth, nu and old school soul jazz.

REALNETWORKS TO WEBCAST SPECIAL SANTANA CONCERT LIVE FROM NYC, ON NOV 1, SAME DAY NEW ALBUM, ALL THAT I AM, HITS STORES

Audio Selections From Live Concert to Benefit Santana's Milagro Foundation

RealNetworks and Arista Records today announced they are teaming up to give rock fans worldwide exclusive pre-release access starting this week to Carlos Santana's hotly anticipated new album, All That I Am, and an opportunity to see a webcast of a live performance by Santana and special guests at New York City's famed Hammerstein Ballroom on Tuesday, November 1st. All That I Am, to be released November 1, is available now via ReaNetworks award-winning Rhapsody online music service.

All That I Am is the 38th album by music icon and guitar hero Carlos Santana, and the third Santana album on Arista Records. In addition, Rhapsody users will also have exclusive access to a special live recording of the Santana composition Foo Foo that will be available as part of a Rhapsody-exclusive edition of Santana's new album. Fans can listen to the new album and more than thirty other albums from Santana's four decade career through Rhapsody by visiting http://www.rhapsody.com .

To celebrate the release of All That I Am, Rhapsody is hosting a special Santana concert, "Rhapsody presents: Santana 'All That I Am' Live from New York," at the Hammerstein Ballroom on Tuesday, November 1st. Real will offer a live webcast of the event via http://www.rhapsody.com/santana at 8 p.m. EDT/5:00 p.m. PDT, giving fans around the world the opportunity to experience this historic event. The star-studded concert will give fans everywhere the chance to see Carlos Santana and a number of special guests deliver unique and passionate performances of songs from All That I Am and other hits from Santana's career.

Performances from the event will be available through Rhapsody, RollingStone.com, the RealPlayer Music Store, and the RealPlayer's RealGuide in coming weeks. Select tracks from the live concert will be available for download via Rhapsody with proceeds benefiting Santana's Milagro Foundation, which serves at-risk, underrepresented and disadvantaged youth through educational programs and health services.

All That I Am is the follow up to Santana's multi-platinum and GRAMMY award winning Arista Records albums Supernatural and Shaman. All That I Am features a star-studded gathering of world class guest artists including Steven Tyler, Michelle Branch & The Wreckers, OutKast's Big Boi, Mary J. Blige, Metallica's Kirk Hammett, Sean Paul, Los Lonely Boys, Joss Stone, will.i.am, Anthony Hamilton, Bo Bice and Robert Randolph.

OCTOBER 2005 CD RELEASES: JAZZ, SMOOTH JAZZ & CHILL MUSIC

Aaron Weinstein – A Handful Of Stars (Arbors Records)
Acoustic Alchemy – Best Kept Secret (DVD, Verve)
Alain Caron – 5 (Bhm)
Alexandre Cunha – Bate Papo (Tratore)
Amanda Carr – Carr Toons (Original Music Service)
Amanda Carr – Liver In San Giorgio (Original Music Service)
Amina Figarova – September Suite (215 Records)
Amy Stephens – My Many Moods (Oa2)
Anthony Wilson Trio – Savivity (Groove Note)
Antonio Carlos Jobim – Fotografia: Os Anos Dourados De Tom Jobim (2-CD, Planet Rhythm)
Baden Powell – Baden Powell Live – DVD (Fremeaux)
Barbara Russell – Lerner In Love: The Lyrics Of Alan Jay Lerner (LML Music)
Ben Monder – Oceana (Sunnyside)
Bette Midler - Bette Midler Sings The Peggy Lee Songbook
Billy Cobham’s Glass Menagerie – Live In Riazzino, Switzerland (DVD, TDK)
Bob James – One (Koch)
Bob James – Two (Koch)
Bobby McFerrin – Live In Montreal (DVD, Verve)
Boris Vanderiek – Blue & Sentimental (A Records)
Brad Wheeler – The Future Was Yesterday (Origin)
Bradley Lubman – Insomniac (Tzadik)
Brian Bromberg – Brian Bromberg (Artistry)
Carter/Cobham/Harrison – New York Cool: Live At The Blue Note (HighNote)
Charlie Byrd with the Woody Herman Big Band – Bamba-Samba Bossa Nova (Universal)
Chick Corea Elektric Band – Live At Montreux 2004 (DVD, Red Dist.)
Chris Botti –To Love Again (Sony)
Chris Botti – Embraceable You (DualDisc/Sony)
Claudia Quintet – Semi-Formal (Cuneiform)
Craig Chaquico – Holiday (Higher Octave)
Dave Holland Quintet – Live In Freiburg (DVD, TDK)
Dave’s True Story – Project Remix (Bepop)
David Garfield – Tribute to Jeff Porcaro (Crr)
David Rothenberg – Bangalore Wild (Wild Foundation)
Don Cherry – Don Cherry’s Multikulti (DVD, Kultur)
Eyal Maoz – Edom (Tzadik)
Fourplay – An Evening Of Fourplay Volumes One and Two (DVD, Red Dist.)
Geoffrey Keezer – Wildcrafted: Live At The Dakota (MaxJazz)
George Cartwright – Ghostly Bee (Innova)
Giba Favery – Hard Samba (Tratore)
Gonzalez Jerry & Fort Apache – Rhumba Para Buhaina (Random Chance)
Groove Armada – Another Late Night (Azuli)
Guillermo Gregorio – Coplanar (New World)
Harry Connick Jr. – Harry For The Holidays (DualDisc. Columbia)
Hilary Noble & Rebecca Cline – Enclave (Zoho Music)
Jack Teagarden – Time For T (Sounds Of Yesteryear)
Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey – The Sameness Of Difference (Hyena)
James Gregory - Tibet
Jamie Cullum – Catching Tales (Verve Forecast)
Jane Monheit – Season (Epic)
Jean Michel Pilc – Live At The Iridium New York (Dreyfus Music)
Jesse Cook – The Ultimate Jesse Cook (Narada 2-CD)
Jim Caruso – Caruso Live And In Person (LML Music)
Jimmy Smith – Christmas ’64 (Verve)
Joe Locke & The Milt Jackson Tribute Band – Rev-Elation (Sharp-Nine)
Joe McPhee – Pieces Of Light (Altavistic UMC)
Joel Harrison – Harrison On Harrison (HighNote)
John Coltrane – One Up, One Down: Live At The Half Note (2-CD, Impulse)
Julius Tolentino – Just The Beginning (Sharp Nine)
Kenny G – The Greatest Holiday Classics (Arista)
Kyoto Jazz Massive - Spellbinder
Laura Welland – Dissertation On The State Of Bliss (Oa2)
Les Baxter – Fruit Of Dreams (El)
Loren Stillman – It Could Be Anything (Fresh Sound New Talent)
Mat Maneri – Pentagon (Thirsty Ear)
Meat Beat Manifesto – Off Centre (Thirsty Ear)
Moacir Santos – Choros And Alegria (Adventure Music)
Moreno – Jazz Tzigane (Forte Dist.)
Niacin – Organik (Magna Carta)
Nina Simone – The Soul Of Nina Simone (DualDisc/Columbia)
Nina Simone – A Very Rare Evening (Mambo Maniacs)
Nina Simone – Live At Montreux 1976 (DVD, Red Dist.)
No Limit – Homerun (Double Moon)
Ofra Haza – At The Montreux Jazz Festival (COP Int’l.)
Oregon – Moon And Mind (Universe/Italy)
Paris Combo – Living Room (DRG Records)
Paul Gonsalves – Humming Bird (Dutton Vocalion/UK)
Paul Motian Trio – Live At The Village Vanguard (Winter & Winter/JMT)
Pharoah Sanders – Anthology: You’ve Got To Have Freedom (Universal/UK)
Pharoah Sanders w/ Norman Connors & Phyllis Hyman – Love Will Find A Way (Hep Cat)
Ray Brown with Shelly Manne & Joe Sample – The Tree (Test Of Time)
Rebecca Pidgeon – Touch On Crime (The Lab)
Reese Project – Vicodin Dreams (95 North)
Richie Hart – Greasy Street (Zoho Music)
Rick Braun – Yours Truly (Artizen)
Rod Stewart – Thanks For The Memories- The Great American Songbook Vol. 4 (J)
Rodney Jones – Dreams And Stories (Savant)
Rosemary Clooney – A Very Special Christmas With Rosemary Clooney (Sumthing Else)
Roy Ayers – The Essential Roy Ayers: Mastercuts (Mastercuts)
Roy Ayers – My Vibes (Charly)
Russ Freeman, Richard Twardzik, Jimmy Rowles & Clare Fischer – Mosaic Select: Jazz Piano Trios (3 CDs, Mosiac Select)
Shakatak – Easier Said Than Done
Shirley Horn – But Beautiful: The Best Of Shirley Horn (Verve)
Simply Red – Simplified (Verve)
Soft Machine Legacy – Live In Zaandam – May 10, 2005 (MoonJune)
Spider Saloff – Like Glass (Kopaesthetics)
Stan Getz & Jan Wroblewski – Live In Warsaw (Harkit/UK)
Steps Ahead – Steps Ahead (Collectibles)
Steve Lehman – Damien As A Posthuman (Pi Recordings)
Sun Ra Arkestra w/Lester Bowie, Don Cherry, John Gilmore, Marshall Allen, Philly Jo Jones & Sun Ra – East Berlin And West Berlin (DVD, Transparency)
Susan Tedeschi – Hope And Desire (Verve Forecast)
Susie Arioli – Learn To Smile Again (Justin Time)
Susie Arioli – Learn To Smile Again (Justin Time)
Terry Durham – Crystal Telephone (Dutton Vocalion/UK)
Tetuzi Akiyama – Pre-Existence (Locust)
Threadgill Pyeng – Of The Air (Random Chance)
Tim Garland – If The Sea Replied (Sirocco Jazz)
Toby Driver – In The Li Li Library Loft (Tzadik)
Tok Tok Tok – About (Bhm)
Urban Knights – The Best Of The Urban Knights
Various Artists – Searching For Soul: Rare & Classic Soul, Funk & Jazz From Michigan 1968-1980 (Luv N Haight)
Various Artists – Martha Stewart Living – Jazz For The Holidays (Columbia)
Various Artists – Impulsive! Revolutionary Jazz Reworked (Impilse!)
Various Artists – Impulsive! Unmixed (Impulse!)
Victor Wooten – Show Off Hands (Welk)
Victor Wooten – What Did He Say (Welk)
Vince Ector – Renewal Of The Spirit (Mambo Maniacs)

NEW CHRIS BOTTI ALBUM CHART DEBIT COINCIDES WITH JAZZ TRUMPETEER'S MOST SUCCESSFUL SALES WEEK EVER

To Love Again, the much-anticipated new album of pop jazz standards from acclaimed trumpeter Chris Botti, has debuted at #18 on the Billboard Top 200 best-selling album, making history as the first album release from a jazz trumpeter to debut in the Top 50 during the SoundScan era. In addition to its Top 200 breakout, To Love Again has debuted at #1 on the Jazz Traditional Album Sales and the Jazz Overall Album Sales charts, according to SoundScan. With first week's sales of 43,853 copies, it's Botti's best sales week ever. To Love Again has already reached a higher position on the Top 200 than any of Chris's previous albums, including his previous release, the RIAA Gold- certified When I Fall In Love. (When I Fall In Love debuted at #124 before its rise up the charts, peaking at #1 on the Top Jazz Albums chart and #37 on the Top 200.)

Chris Botti has launched a major U.S. tour in support of To Love Again (see full itinerary following). To Love Again, which is available as both a traditional CD and as a DualDisc, showcases Chris Botti's inimitable velvet tone and sublime trumpet phrasings on 13 newly recorded pop and jazz standards featuring nine stand-out vocal performances by some of the greatest singers in modern pop, jazz, and rock. Joining Chris on To Love Again are guest vocalists Sting (What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?), Paula Cole (My One And Only Love), Michael Buble (Let There Be Love), Jill Scott (Good Morning Heartache), Paul Buchanan (Are You Lonesome Tonight?), Gladys Knight (Lover Man), Renee Olstead (Pennies From Heaven), Rosa Passos (Here Comes That Rainy Day), and, yes, that Steven Tyler (on Charlie Chaplin's Smile).

Rounding out To Love Again are the instrumental tracks What's New?, I'll Be Seeing You, Embraceable You, and To Love Again. As on his last album, Chris Botti is joined once again by the London Session Orchestra, who provide lush tonal coloration to the album's arrangements.

The DualDisc edition of To Love Again features an exclusive short film, "Live From Studio A," shot in the famed studio at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles. Chris and his quartet jammed as the cameras rolled and the result is four live songs and twenty three minutes of gorgeous sounding (and looking) contemporary jazz. Two of the four songs performed live on the DualDisc, To Love Again, and I'll Be Seeing You, also appear on the audio CD in their original/studio versions with full orchestra. The other two songs, a pair of Miles Davis classics, Flamenco Sketches and Milestones, do not appear on the audio CD in any form. As a bonus for jazz aficionados, Flamenco Sketches features guest saxophonist David Sanborn. To Love Again follows the extraordinary success of Botti's groundbreaking last album, When I Fall In Love, which has sold more than 500,000 copies to-date.

Chris Botti Tour Dates
10/28/05 - West Palm Beach, FL @ Raymond F. Kravis Center For The Performing Arts
10/29/05 - Melbourne, FL @ Maxwell King Center For The Performing Arts
10/30/05 - Naples, FL @ Performing Arts Center
11/02/05 - Durham, NC @ The Carolina Theater / Durham
11/03/05 - Annapolis Junction, MD @ Ramshead
11/04/05 - Easton, PA @ Pennsylvania State Theatre
11/05/05 - Lebanon, NH @ Lebanon Opera House
11/07/05 - San Diego, CA @ Dave Koz Cruise
11/08/05 - San Diego, CA @ Dave Koz Cruise
11/09/05 - San Diego, CA @ Dave Koz Cruise
11/17/05 - Morristown, NJ @ Morristown Community Theatre
11/18/05 - Troy, NY @ Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
11/19/05 - Westville, CT @ Southern Connecticut State College
11/25/05 - Honolulu, HI @ Neal S. Blaisdell Center, Concert Hall
11/26/05 - Honolulu, HI @ Neal S. Blaisdell Center, Concert Hal
12/01/05 - Los Angeles, CA @ Wilshire Ebell Theatre
12/02/05 - Los Angeles, CA @ Wilshire Ebell Theatre
12/06/05 - New York, NY @ The Blue Note - New York
12/07/05 - New York, NY @ The Blue Note - New York
12/08/05 - New York, NY @ The Blue Note - New York
12/09/05 - New York, NY @ The Blue Note - New York
12/10/05 - New York, NY @ The Blue Note - New York
12/11/05 - New York, NY @ The Blue Note - New York
01/07/06 - Englewood, NJ @ Bergen Performing Art Hall
01/08/06 - Columbus, OH @ Ohio Theatre
01/13/06 - Texarkana, TX @ Perot Theatre, Theatre
01/19/06 - Green Bay, WI @ Meyer Theatre
01/20/06 - Cedarburg, WI @ Cedarburg Performing Art Center
01/21/06 - Jasper, IN @ Jasper Community Arts Center
02/03/06- Greenvale, NY @ Tilles Center For The Performing Arts

FRANK SINATRA DUETS ALBUMS RE-RELEASED AS 2-CD COLLECTION

New 2-CD Collection Includes Both All-Star Collaborative Albums, Plus a Previously Unreleased Willie Nelson Duet of My Way

28 Duets on New Commemorative Collection Include Charles Aznavour, Anita Baker, Tony Bennett, Bono, Jimmy Buffett, Natalie Cole, Neil Diamond, Gloria Estefan, Aretha Franklin, Kenny G, Lena Horne, Chrissie Hynde, Julio Iglesias, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Gladys Knight & Stevie Wonder, Patti LaBelle, Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme, Luis Miguel, Liza Minnelli, Lorrie Morgan, Willie Nelson, Linda Ronstadt, Jon Secada, Carly Simon, Frank Sinatra, Jr., Barbra Streisand, and Luther Vandross.

December 12, 2005 marks the 90th anniversary of Frank Sinatra's birth. Combined, Frank Sinatra's final studio albums, the immensely popular all-star collaborations Duets and Duets II, have sold more than four million units in the U.S. since their original 1993 and 1994 release. On November 22, Capitol/EMI Music Catalog Marketing presents Frank Sinatra - Duets and Duets II: 90th Birthday Limited Collector's Edition, a new 2-CD commemorative package with both original Duets albums, plus a previously unreleased version of My Way, as sung by Willie Nelson and Sinatra. Regarded by many as the greatest popular singer of the 20th Century, Frank Sinatra's dynamic entertainment career spanned an unparalleled seven decades, and he became a household name around the world, also known as "Ol' Blue Eyes" and "The Chairman of the Board."

From 1953 to 1960, Sinatra recorded more than 17 albums for Capitol Records. During Sinatra's years with Capitol, he pioneered and perfected the idea of the "concept album" by recording and sequencing songs on his LPs to strike and complete a specific mood. In 1956, Frank Sinatra was the first artist to record in the newly-built Capitol Studios at Hollywood & Vine in Los Angeles. In June and July 1993, Sinatra returned to his Capitol Records' Studio A home to record his first new album in more than nine years. He was joined by many of the world's most popular contemporary recording artists for what was referred to as "The Recording Event of The Decade." For the recording of Duets and Duets II, Sinatra and his collaborators were accompanied by a 54-piece orchestra. The albums' Musical Director and Conductor was Patrick Williams, one of the music and film industries' most acclaimed conductors. Both albums also feature the work of another great talent, the world-renowned artist LeRoy Neiman. The albums' original covers display Neiman's specially commissioned paintings of Frank Sinatra, both of which are included in Duets - 90th Birthday Edition.

From his first recording sessions in the 1930s until his death in May 1998, Frank Sinatra earned global acclaim as a recording artist and conductor, film producer, director and actor, and radio and television personality. Sinatra's impact on American culture endures to this day, reflected not only in the new music and countless young artists he's inspired, but also as an icon of timeless suave cool. The CD will be released on November 22.

CLUB MODERNO, TONI BRAXTON, GWEN MCRAE & SINEAD O'CONNOR

Club Moderno - Clube Da Esquina - features 14 tracks that bring together some of the best key recordings from EMI/Odeon Brazilian catalogue. Songs include Trio Cruzado by Nelson Angelo & Joyce, Calibre by Lo Borges, Catavento by Alaide Costa, Monte Azul by Beto Guedes, Chuva Na Montanha by Lo Borges, Aqueles Coisas Todas by Toninho Horta, Saidas E Bandeiras by Milton Nascimento, Clube Da Esquinha 2 by Nana Caymmi, and Nada Sera Como Antes by Elis Regina.

Multiple platinum and Grammy winning superstar Toni Braxton has the #1 R&B record this week - Libra. The Blackground/Universal release also lands in the Top 5 on The Billboard Top 200 Album Chart this week at #4. Libra, which is Braxton's sixth studio album - hit stores on September 27th, features the hit song Trippin. The hot single was the #2 most added song at the Urban Adult Radio format when it debuted at the end of September. Toni's eagerly awaited new album was helmed by star producers such as Scott Storch and Vincent Herbert, with the highly regarded disc faithfully embodying the trademark Braxton soulfulness which has made the spirited vocalist a worldwide phenomenon.

Two classic albums from Gwen McRae are finally available on CD – Let’s Straighten It Out and Melody Of Life, both now available on one CD. Let’s Straighten It Out features Latimore’s Let’s Straighten It Out, plus Love Insurance, Cradle Of Love, At Bedtime, and Early Morning Love. Melody Of Life features more of the dance floor classics that McRae is known for, including All This Love I’m Givin’, I Can Only Think Of You, I Found A Love and The Melody Of Life, a total of 14 all together.


Sinéad O’Connor is back with the Roots Reggae inspired Throw Down Your Arms. Though several of her older tracks incorporated her reinterpretation of the reggae sound, Throw Down Your Arms, delves deeper into the genre as she went to Jamaica to work with the legendary production team Sly & Robbie who recruited Jamaica's most esteemed musicians for the project. The record features Sinéad's take on inspirational Roots Reggae songs from the 1970s by Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Burning Spear, Lee Perry and others