AMOS LEE, DON BYRON, PATRICIA BARBER, LENNY WHITE, LARRY CORYELL & OTHER NEWS...

Amos Lee has recently begun recording his sophomore release for Blue Note Records. The Philadelphia native is tracking in his home city with the assistance of producer Barrie Maguire. A prolific writer at 27, Lee is in the process of whittling down a wealth of great new material he’s penned since his successful self-titled debut. The album will document the soulful stylings of this exciting young singer/songwriter who is growing artistically by leaps and bounds.

Patricia Barber recently completed her second album since being signed directly to Blue Note Records. Following up her Live in France jaunt, Barber documented an ambitious suite, three years in the making, entitled "Mythologies". The extended work is inspired by Ovid’s "Metamorphoses" and contains a single song about each of the 11 Greek mythological characters in the work. The pieces will feature her working quartet along with guest appearances by a full choir and three children rapping.

Don Byron recorded his latest studio adventure this past December. This time around Byron approached the music of legendary bluesman Junior Walker. The date featured vocalist Dean Bowman, guitarist David Gilmore, George Colligan on organ, bassist Brad Jones, and drummer Rodney Holmes. Very special guest vocalist/actor Chris Thomas King ("O Brother Where Art Thou?", "Ray") joined the line up on a few select cuts.

Joe Lovano began recording his latest installment for Blue Note Records this past December as well. The date consisted, in part, of a re-exploration of Miles Davis’ Birth of the Cool album orchestrated by the legendary Gunther Schuller. This recording features Lovano’s Nonet plus a larger orchestrated group and reunites Lovano and Schuller for the first time on record since their modern classic Rush Hour which was released on Blue Note in 1995.
Joe Lovano & Hank Jones off the success of Joe Lovano’s two wonderful quartet records featuring the legendary Hank Jones, Blue Note Records will embark on a special one- off album. Lovano & Jones will perform as a duo beginning April 25th at Dizzy’s club @ Jazz at Lincoln Center and we will be running tape for this joyous encounter.

Wynton Marsalis will go into the studio in a few months to record his fourth release for Blue Note Records. This time around Wynton will be documenting an extend work still in progress entitled "From the Plantation to the Penitentiary". The musicians have not been confirmed yet but will most likely be a quartet or quintet joined by young chanteuse Jennifer Sanon on vocals. Delfeayo Marsalis will produce the affair which will begin on June 28-29 in NYC

Upcoming concert news…Smokey Robinson at the Palace Theatre in Marion, OH on April 22; Larry Coryell, Victor Bailey and Lenny White at Iridium in New York City on April 22-23; Lionel Ritchie, El Gran Combo and Brazilian percussionist Xande Cruz will appear at the 14th annual Sonoco Welcome America! Festival taking place June 27 – July 4 in Philadelpha PA.

The iTunes Music Download Store has expanded its catalog to 2.6 million songs, 60,000 podcasts and 9,000 music videos, in addition to about 70 TV shows.

THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER 2006 TOUR DATES

April 21: Birdland in New York, NY (Janis Siegel Solo date!)
April 22: Tri-C Jazz Festival in Cleveland, OH
April 23: Janis Siegel will be sitting in with WMU's vocal Jazz Ensemble Gold Company at Carnegie Hal.
April 28: The World Cafe in Philadelphia, PA (Janis Siegel Solo date!)
May 4: University of Arkansas in Fort Smith, AK (Unplugged)
May 5: Carlsen Center in Overland, KA (Unplugged)
May 6: University of Missouri in St. Joseph, MO (Unplugged)
May 7: Jesse Auditorium in Columbia, MO (Unplugged)
May 11-31: Janis Siegel Quartet European Tour (with Alan Pasqua on piano, Darek Oles on bass and Steve Hass on drums)
June 12: Seoul, Korea
June 14-17: Blue Note in Osaka, Japan
June 19-24: Blue Note in Tokyo, Japan
June 26-29: Blue Note in Nagoya, Japan
July 1: Hong Kong
July 3: Singapore
July 6: Manila, Philippines
July 17-20: Jazz Aspen Snowmass Summer Academy (Janis Siegel with The Eric Reed Trio)Aug. 3: Codroipo, Italy
Aug. 4: Peregine, Italy
Aug. 5: Budapest, Hungary
Aug. 7: Basel, Switzerland
Aug. 9: Haugesund, Norway
Aug.10: Jurmal, Latvia
Aug.12: Jurmala, Kaliningrad
Aug. 15: Follonica, Italy
Aug. 24: Wolfsboro, NH
Aug. 25: Manchester, VT
Aug. 26: Atlantic City, NJ
Aug. 27: West Hampton Beach, CT
Sept. 9: Joe's Pub (Janis Siegel Solo date!)
Sept. 28-30: Jazz Alley in Seattle, WA
Oct.1: Jazz Alley in Seattle, WA
Oct.7: Kennedy Center Jazz Club in Washington, DC (Janis Siegel Solo date!)
Oct.12-15: Bass Hall in Ft. Worth, TX (with Ft. Worth Symphony)
Oct.15: Worthington Hotel in Ft. Worth, TX
Oct 19: Nov 23 - in Europe
Dec.2: University of Las Vegas in Las Vegas, NV (Christmas Show)
Dec. 9: Salina, KS (Christmas Show)
Dec.14-17: Blue Note in New York, NY
Jan.13: Cerritos Center for the Arts in Cerritos, CA
Jan.14: McCallum Center for the Arts in Palm Desert, CA

BELA FLECK & THE FLECKTONES TO LAUNCH PLANET VOL. II TOUR

Bela Fleck & the Flecktones will begin their acoustic Planet Vol. II tour, which will begin June 23 in San Diego. The Flecktones will performed on April 20 at the Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York as part of the sixth-annual Jammy Awards. Their most recent album, The Hidden Land, debuted in March at No. 2 on Billboard's Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart.

Acoustic Planet Vol. II tour dates:
June 23: San Diego (Humphrey's)
June 24: Los Angeles (Wiltern)
June 25: Saratoga, Calif. (Mountain Winery)
June 26: Santa Rosa, Calif. (Wells Fargo Center for the Arts)
June 27: Portland, Ore. (Crystal Ballroom)
June 28: Seattle (Moore Theater)
Aug. 7: Boston (Bank of America Pavilion)
Aug. 8: Hyannis, Mass. (Cape Cod Melody Tent)
Aug. 10: Burlington, Vt. (Shelbourne Farms)
Aug. 11: Danbury, Conn. (Ives Concert Park)
Aug. 12: Philadelphia (Penn's Landing)
Aug. 13: Vienna, Va. (Wolf Trap)
Aug. 14: Baltimore (Pier Six)
Aug. 16: Atlanta (Chastain Park)
Aug. 18: Cary, N.C. (Regency Park)

SANTA MONICA'S KCRW UPDATES PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE

KCRW launched a brand new format for KCRWmusic.com. It’s now got more music, more global, more deejays, more information, plus two new podcasts. If you’ve been listening, you have probably noticed that things have sounded a little different in recent weeks. Here are a couple of things that will help you navigate through the change: to hear Morning Becomes Eclectic or Metropolis live, switch your streaming channel to the simulcast of KCRW’s on-air broadcast at the respective time; playlists for the live shows are at KCRW.com and playlists for KCRWmusic.com shows are at KCRWmusic.com (check the NOW PLAYING feature planted in the middle of the homepage); and if you live in New York, San Francisco or Washington, D.C. – you can win tickets to KCRW.com Presents shows from the new KCRWmusic.com site.
Here is the breakdown (each program is 2 hours and repeats 3 times a day – all times below are Pacific time).

Weekdays
New Ground with Chris Douridas (streams at Noon, 8PM, 4AM)
Morning Becomes Eclectic with Nic Harcourt (streams at 2PM, 10PM, 6AM)
Metropolis with Jason Bentley (streams at 4PM, Midnight, 8AM)
The A Track with Ann Litt (streams at 6PM, 2AM, 10AM)

Weekends
The Sound Garden with Kristina Anderson (streams at Noon, 8PM, 4AM)
Pop Secret with Cathy Tampkin (streams at 2PM, 10PM, 6AM)
Nocturna with Raul Campos (streams at 4PM, Midnight, 8AM)
Connections with Scott Silva (streams at 6PM, 2AM, 10AM)

KCRW has also added a new podcast: Today’s Top Tune. It’s a song a day that represents a cross section of KCRW’s eclectic format. Tracks selected are chosen from recent and upcoming releases as well as live performances on Morning Becomes Eclectic. Here’s a sampling of what’s coming on Today’s Top Tune (Artist, Song, Album):

April 20 – Plastilina Mosh, Baretta 90, Sounds Eclectico (KCRW)
April 21 – Gang of 4, Natural’s Not In It, Morning Becomes Eclectic Live Session
April 24 – Merz, Postcard From A Dark Star, Loveheart
April 25 – Mia Doi Todd, My Room Is White (Flying Lotus Remix), La Ninja
April 26 – Lila Downs, Cumia del Mole, La Cantina

Another new podcast is, The Buzz, a daily four minute commentary featuring a line-up of music critics and pop culture observers who will talk about the latest music industry news, trends and new releases as well as some entertaining personal reflections. On Mondays, music industry veteran Celia Hirshman considers the changes and trends happening in the music business in "On The Beat." On Tuesdays, KCRW’s CD Librarian Eric J. Lawrence scours the stacks of new or forgotten releases including a look at what’s in stores that week. Each Wednesday, KCRW commentator, TV writer/producer Rob Long adds his observations on the entertainment industry in "Martini Shot." Thursdays welcome a new voice to KCRW as music writer Brian Raftery comments on music trends and pop culture from New York City. Each Friday, freelance music writer Nancy "Millions" Miller considers the personal and humorous side of music and life. The Buzz streams everyday during Morning Becomes Eclectic at 3PM, 11PM, and 7AM, or if you prefer you can subscribe to the podcast or listen when you want.

ELECTRO BOSSA DOUBLE SET, GILLES PETERSON & JAZZANOVA 'KINGS OF JAZZ', OTTAWA INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL, DAVID SANBORN &, BLU 102.9 & MORE...

The double-set CD Electro Bossa combines mid tempo Brazilian Bossa with modern-day electronica. Standouts on Electro Bossa are the tracks that feature the sweet and sexy vocals of Graca Cunha, and theses include Sem Voc, Terra & Ceu, and Arrepio & Avia. Other songs include the ambient Acabou A Tristeza, and the 70’s latin fusion vibe of Balanco Do Trem, which is reminiscent of Santana.

David Sanborn, Spyro Gyra, and Regina Belle headline the CD101.9 (WQCD-FM) Spring Concert being held on May 19 in New York. CD101.9 is also sponsoring the 20th Anniversary CD101.9 Red Bank Jazz and Blues Festival, which is being presented by Washington Mutual on June 2-4.

Guitarist Matt Marshak will bring his funky mix of jazz, smooth grooves and world rhythms to the Imac Theatre in Huntington, New York on April 28. His new CD is entitled Groovosphere.

Gilles Peterson and Jazzanova team up to present the compilation Kings Of Jazz, a chronicle of the fusion side of jazz – from yesterday to today. Tracks on the 2-CD package include Randy Weston’s In Memory Of; Art Blakely’s Anthenagin; John Coltrane’s Equinox; Eric Dolphy’s Fire Waltz; Bill Evans’ Peace Piece; 4 Hero’s Spirits In Transit; Nikki O’s Butterflies; Two Banks Of Four’s Two Miles Before Dawn; and Matthew Herbert Big Band/Jamie Lidell’s Everything’s Changed.

The 26th Ottawa International Jazz Festival gets underway June 22- July 2 with headliners Jamie Cullum, John Pizzarelli, Hilton Ruiz, McCoy Tyner, Maceo Parker, Bedouin Soundclash, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. This year’s festival will feature concerts spread at locations in and around downtown Ottawa. For more information go to www.ottawajazzfestival.com.

Palace Lounge Presents Café D’Afrique is a compilation from South African producer Andrew Mitchley. Melding seamlessly in this non-stop mix is a distinct and seductive palette of vocals and jazz-influences electronica. South African artists included on Café D’Afrique include Cofield Mundi, Dino Moran and Goldfish. Already the #1 selling dance music collection in South Africa, Café D’Afrique is a fresh musical addition to the chill out lounge genre that gives these artists their long overdue introduction to US listeners.

Santa Fe’s Chill Radio Station, KLBU (blu102.9) presents Gilles Peterson Worldwide every Sunday night at 5PM with a rebroadcast Wednesdays at 9PM. It’s the same show that Gilles Peterson does on BBC1.

NEW MUSIC DOWNLOAD SERVICE LAUNCHES - FRESHTRACKS MUSIC.COM

While the evolution of digital downloading over the past decade has made music file sharing easier than ever, no company has yet introduced an affordable subscription-based service that allows music fans to legally download unlimited, unrestricted MP3 files -- until now. FreshTracksMusic, a Chicago-based digital downloading company, is turning the digital downloading world on its ear with http://www.FreshTracksMusic.com . By visiting the Web site, music enthusiasts can discover and stream thousands of songs from the best independent bands in the country for free. Those wishing to take the music with them can pay only $4.95 per month for unlimited downloads of unencrypted, iPod-compatible MP3s they will own for life.

"We have created an innovative approach to digital downloading in FreshTracksMusic.com that will fill the gap between today's music industry and its most valuable audience, music fans," said John Wanzung, President of FreshTracksMusic. "Our digital downloading hub provides music fans with a diverse selection of music and offers a way for them to discover and download as many iPod-compatible MP3s as they wish for one low, flat fee." FreshTracksMusic has developed a dynamic technology platform to allow the file-sharing generation to easily, inexpensively and legally download new music. Thanks to a comprehensive network and more than 15 years ofexperience working in the music industry, FreshTracksMusic has earned the attention of, respect from and access to dozens of new artists long before the major labels discovered their talent including the likes of Jack Johnson, O.A.R., G. Love and the Special Sauce, Creed, Dispatch, Marc Broussard, The Verve Pipe (Brian Vander Ark) and Slightly Stoopid.

PAUL HARDCASTLE & THE JAZZMASTERS, CTI RECORDS MASTER COLLECTIONS, BLUE MAGIC, NICOLA CONTE, DIANNE REEVES, ERNEST RANGLIN, BILLY PAUL & MORE...

The 20th Annual Catalina Island Jazztrax Festival is set for October 6-8, 13-15, and 20-22. Paul Hardcastle and the Jazzmasters featuring Chris Standring, Shilts and Gregg Karukus are scheduled for the first weekend of their world premiere performances. Also appearing Oct. 6-8 will be Richard Elliot, Marc Antoine, Tim Bowman and Kim Waters. Paul Hardcastle and the Jazzmasters will return for the second weekend of performances (Oct. 13-15) along with Brian Culbertson, Tim Bowman, Eric Darius, Nick Colionne and Brian Simpson. The 3rd festival weekend (Oct. 20-22) will include performances by Mindi Abair, Eric Darius, Brian Simpson, Nils, Nick Colionne, Kyle Eastwood and Guitars & Saxes featuring Peter White, Richard Elliot, Gerald Albright and Jeff Golub.

Thievery Corporation are planning a special DJ set in New Orleans during the Jazz Fest. The appearance will preview the release of the new remix album, Versions, out on May 16. You can catch them on May 3 @ The Republic Nightclub in New Orleans and on July 23 @ The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. The Bowl appearance is being presented by one of our favorite radio stations, KCRW.

The CTI Records Master Collections of remastered CD releases are finally seeing the light of day featuring the best jazz and funk releases from the 1970’s. Included in the first round of releases are CD’s from George Benson, Stanley Turrentine, Milt Jackson, Freddie Hubbard, Deodato and Esther Philips.

Smooth soul group Blue Magic has released a 4-CD collection entitled Collectables Classics, which features the albums Blue Magic, Live!, The Magic Of The Blue and Thirteen Magic Lane.

New from Concord recording artist Karrin Allyson is the CD Footprints.

Legacy Records will release The Great American Songbook from Billie Holiday on July 18. Legacy also plans The Great American Songbook for both Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong, also on July 18.

Nicola Conte is making his long awaited return to the states for a small run of DJ shows in May. Tour stops include: May 25 @ Cielo, New York, NY; May 26 @ Eighteenth Street Lounge , Washington, DC; May 28 @ Mosaic, Baltimore, MD; and June 2 @ La Santanera, Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Upcoming Jazz albums are due to be released in the coming months from artists Billy Griffin, File Under G, Monet, Eric Person, Shilts, Vernon Reid, Masque, Frank McComb and SounDoctrine .

Six of Carmen McRae’s albums have been assembled for a 5-CD box set (Collectables Classics). The albums are The Art Of Carmen McRae, For Once In My Life, Just A Little Lovin’, Something Wonderful, Sound Of Silence, and Portrait Of Carmen.

Peter White has been scheduled to perform on October 5 at the new Jaxxtrax Festival known as Unplugged at the Wrigley Ranch Night on Catalina Island (CA). The new festival is being presented by Australian guitarist Tommy Emmanuel.

London-based and Sao Paolo raised singer Cibelle is releasing her second album on May 2. Cibelle burst on the scene in 2003 with her beautiful, smokey voice on her self-titled debut. Her new album, The Shine of Dried Electric Leaves, is a quiet masterpiece, full of inventive and quirky arrangements. It combines rootsy acoustic instrumentation and electronic processing along with textural soundscapes and pure melodies.

Ernest Ranglin, Third World, Sean Paul, Sly and Robbie, Buju Banton, Toots and the Maytals, and Burning Spear are among the nominees of this years 25th Silver Anniversary of The International Reggae and World Music Awards. Grammy Award winning artist Damien Marley (youngest son of Bob Marley) will perform at the ceremony which will be held at the World Famous Apollo Theatre on May 6. Marley will be joined by an elite roster of performing artists for this event which include Marcia Griffiths, among many others. See www.irawma.com for a full list of nominees and event information.

Dianne Reeves, the Spinners and Dr. John are among the acts that will perform as part of New York’s annual River to River Festival this summer. The shows are free and are held at Battery Park, South Street Seaport and the World Financial Center.

Gerald Albright is joined by a host of guest musicians on his latest CD, New Beginnings. They include Jeff Lorber, Paul Jackson, Jr., Teddy Campbell, Patrice Rushen, Chris Botti and Walter and Wallace Scott of the Whispers. The Scott brothers appear for a fresh arrangement of the Whispers And The Beat Goes On. On this CD, Gerald Albright delivers a nice mix of smooth jazz and instrumental grooves on his Peak Records debut.

Billy Paul and Hugh Masekela are among those appearing at this year’s Cape May Jazz Festival being held April 21-23 in Cape May, NJ. For more information go to www.capemayjazz.com.

Norman Brown’s Summer Storm 2006 tour are booking dates for their coming tour and here is what has been confirmed thus far: May 20 @ Lexus Jazz Festival, Newport Beach, CA; June 4 @ Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD; June 17 @ Radisson Hotel, Sacramento, CA; June 24 @ Coors amphitheatre, Englewood, CO; July 19 @ Chene Park, Detroit, MI; August 12 @ Robert Mondavi Winery, Oakville, CA; August 18 @ Boulder Station Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV; August 19 @ Wilson Creek Winery, Temecula, CA; August 20 @ Hollywood Bowl/JVC Jazz Festival, Hollywood, CA; September 4 @ Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay, CA; and December 31 @ Hyatt Regency, Huntington Beach, CA.

Upcoming New York area appearances include Nouvelle Vague with DJ Ray Velasquez at Irving Plaza on April 21; Norman Jay at Cielo on April 23; Seu Jorge with Chris Berry and Panjea at Irving Plaza on April 27; and Mylo DJ set at the Hiro Ballroom on May 10.

RENDEZVOUS RELEASES NEW PHILIPPE SAISSE CD AND OFFERS FREE MUSIC DOWNLOADS

Philippe Saisse’s first Rendezvous release The Body And Soul Sessions hits stores today. Look out for Philippe on tour this summer with other Rendezvous artists Marc Antoine and Michael Lington. We are also happy to report that Dave Koz’s Rendezvous Entertainment label now has its entire catalog being carried by eMusic.com. If you start a free trail at eMusic.com, you can download 50 free songs by a Rendezvous Entertainment artist. See the eMusic.com ad link below for more information.

CHICAGO TO HIT THE ROAD THIS SUMMER IN SUPPORT OF NEW RELEASE CHICAGO XXX

Prolific hit-makers and perennial live favorite Chicago are gearing up for a national tour hitting more than 30 cities across the United States. The tour kicks off with a June 9th show at Concord, California's Chronicle Pavilion and culminates on July 29th at Holmdel, New Jersey's PNC Bank Arts Center. Tickets go on sale starting Saturday, April 22. A complete list of dates is below.

Chicago is celebrating its 30th album, Chicago XXX, which was just released by Rhino/Warner Bros. Produced by Jay DeMarcus of the superstar country group Rascal Flatts, Chicago XXX begins a new chapter in Chicago's history. The forthcoming single is Love Will Come Back, which includes the members of Rascal Flatts and will certainly add to the band's long list of extraordinary accomplishments: 40 gold and platinum awards, 20 Top 10 singles and 5 Number One albums. In fact, Chicago is the first American rock band to chart a Top 40 album in 5 consecutive decades. This year, the Grammy-winning Chicago is touring for the 40th straight year.

DATE CITY VENUE
Fri Jun-09 Concord Chronicle Pavilion
Sat Jun-10 Santa Barbara - Santa Barbara Bowl
Sun Jun-11 San Diego - Bayside at the Embarcadero
Tue Jun-13 Los Angeles - The Greek Theatre
Fri Jun-16 Irvine - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Sat Jun-17 Phoenix - Cricket Pavilion
Sun Jun-18 Albuquerque - Journal Pavilion
Tue Jun-20 Denver - Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Thu Jun-22 Oklahoma - City Zoo Amphitheatre
Fri Jun-23 Dallas - Smirnoff Music Centre
Sat Jun-24 San Antonio -Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Sun Jun-25 Houston - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Wed Jun-28 Cincinnati - Riverbend Music Center
Thu Jun-29 Cleveland - Tower City Amphitheater
Fri Jun-30 Columbus - Germain Amphitheatre
Sat Jul-01 Chicago - Charter One Pavilion
Sun Jul-02 Detroit - DTE Energy Music Theatre
Wed Jul-12 West Palm Beach - Sound Advice Amphitheatre
Thu Jul-13 Tampa - Ford Amphitheatre
Fri Jul-14 Charlotte - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Sat Jul-15 Raleigh - ALLTEL Pavilion
Sun Jul-16 Virginia Beach - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Tue Jul-18 Atlanta - Chastain Park Amphitheatre
Thu Jul-20 Hartford - Dodge Music Center
Fri Jul-21 Pittsburgh - Post Gazette Pavilion
Sat Jul-22 Camden - Tweeter Center at the Waterfront
Sun Jul-23 Saratoga Springs - Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Tue Jul-25 Boston- Bank of America Pavilion
Wed Jul-26 Boston - Bank of America Pavilion
Fri Jul-28 Wantagh- Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
Sat Jul-29 Holmdel - PNC Bank Arts Center

FUN 'N SUN SMOOTH JAZZ FESTIVAL, NORMAN BROWN'S SUMMER STORM, DAVID BENOIT, MINDI ABAIR, NELSON RANGELL & OTHER NEWS...

Chaka Khan, Mindi Abair, Euge Groove, Steve Oliver and Joyce Cooling headline the Clearwater (FL) Fun ‘N Sun Smooth Jazz Festival set for April 21-22 at nearby Coachman Park.

Candy Dulfer and Jason Miles team up for several concerts together as they perform at the Old Pasadena Jazz Fest in Pasadena, CA on July 22, and at the Rodney Strong Vinery in Healdsburg, CA on July 29.

Norman Brown’s Summer Storm is headed for the Robert Mondavi Winery Summer Music Festival in California, with a performance set for August 12. Norman Brown’s Summer Storm features Patti Austin, Norman Brown, Alex Bugnon and Paul Taylor.

Yerba Buena and Nouvelle Vague are among the acts set to appear at the three-day Seattle Bumbershoot music festival that will take place over the Labor Day weekend, Sept. 2-4. The festival goes beyond music and will also feature two comedy stages, reading by authors and a film festival, among many other attractions.

Mindi Abair’s new single True Blue was last week’s #1 Most Added Song on the Smooth Jazz Radio charts. Her new album is Life Less Ordinary releasing this week.

MSN is celebrating the return of the legendary New Orleans Jazz & Heritage musical event by bringing select performances into homes around the globe April 28-30 and May 5-7. MSN has entered into an agreement with the 2006 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Musical Festival to be the exclusive webcast provider with concert performances by globally popular artists such as Elvis Costello, the Dave Matthews Band, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Jimmy Buffet, as well as well- known New Orleans music legends including Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas and Buckwheat Zydeco.

Grammy award nominated jazz pianist David Benoit will perform with the Asian America Youth Orchestra on April 23 at the Norris Theatre for the Performing Arts in Rolling Hills Estates, CA.

The Brand New Heavies are reuniting with former lead singer N’Dea Davenport and former label Delicious Vinyl. Their new album, Get Used To It, will be released on June 27. The Brand New Heavies are also embarking on a 25-city nationwide tour in July and August.

Nelson Rangell’s new CD Soul To Souls features five new compositions, as well as his new arrangements of Stevie Wonder’s Send One Your Love, Joe Samples’ Free As The Wind, Earl Klugh’s Vonetta and Dizzy Gillespie’s bebop classic Night In Tunisia. Guitarists Chuck Loeb and Earl Klugh appear as guest musicians, as do bassists Herb Lowe and Brian Bromberg and others.

BOZ SCAGGS 2006 TOUR SCHEDULE

Date Venue & Notes Location
Jul 29, 2006 Mountain Winery Saratoga, CA
Jul 30, 2006 Mountain Winery Saratoga, CA
Aug 01, 2006 Humphries San Deigo, CA
Aug 02, 2006 House of Blues Anaheim, CA
Aug 04, 2006 Luther Burbank Santa Rosa, CA
Aug 05, 2006 Feather Falls Oroville, CA
Aug 06, 2006 Hilton Reno, NV
Aug 09, 2006 Wiltern Los Angeles, CA
Aug 10, 2006 Chumash Santa Ynez, CA
Aug 11, 2006 House of Blues Las Vegas, NV
Aug 12, 2006 Spa Resort Casino Palm Springs, CA
Aug 15, 2006 Towne Hall New York, NY
Aug 16, 2006 Mohegan Sun Uncasville, CT
Aug 17, 2006 Harbour Lights Boston, MA
Aug 18, 2006 North Fork Theatre Westbury, NY
Aug 19, 2006 House of Blues Atlantic City, NY

ROCHESTER INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL LINEUP

Rochester International Jazz Festival Announces Festival Lineup - June 9-17, 2006

The fifth annual Rochester International Jazz Festival presented by Heluva Good Quality Foods, returns June 9-17, 2006. The spectacular nine-day event features over 170 concerts and 600 musicians representing more than a dozen countries. Woody Allen and His New Orleans Jazz Band open the Festival June 9th in a rare performance outside New York City that is an exclusive benefit for the New Orleans Musicians Hurricane Relief Fund. Other stars include the godfather of soul James Brown, Phil Woods, McCoy Tyner, Toots Thielemans, Wayne Shorter, Susan Tedeschi, Etta James, Little Feat, Soulive and Dickey Betts.

The full list of artists follows: James Brown, Asylum Street Spankers, Badi Assad, Ben Allison Quartet, Billy Bang Quintet, BraamDeJoodeVatcher, Bruce Katz Band, Byron Striping, Cedar Walton, Charlie Hunter Trio, Chris Berry & Panjea featuring Michael Kang, Dickey Betts, Djabe, Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers, e.s.t, Eddie Henderson Quartet, Eldar, Etta James & The Roots Band, Folk Alarm 5 featuring Kevin Breit, Gray Mayfield + Delfeayo Marsalis, MK Groove Orchestra, Italian Tenors featuring Frank Tiberi and George Garzone, acob Fred Jazz Odyssey, Jane Bunnett & Spirits of Havana Quartet, Joe Locke / Geoffrey Keezer Quartet, Karrin Allyson,, Kelley Hunt, Kenny Garrett Quartet, Little Feat, Magnus Lindgren Quartet, Mahavishnu Project,McCoy Tyner Trio, Mose Allison, Soulive, Papa Grows Funk, Phil Woods & Strings "Celebrating Bird", Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Red Stick Ramblers, Rigmor Gustafsson Quartet, Rob McConnell Trio, Robert Glasper Trio, Roomful of Blues, Schonig-Henderson Trio Featuring Dr. Lonnie Smith, Sonya Kitchell, Susan Tedeschi Band, Terrell Stafford B3 Band, Tim Posgate Hornband Featuring Howard Johnson, Tom Harrell Quartet, Toots Thielemans & Kenny Werner Duo, Wayne Shorter Quartet, Whit Smith's Hot Jazz Caravan, Woody Allen and His New Orleans Jazz Band and dozens more. Visit http://www.rochesterjazz.com for complete festival information.

BRIAN CULBERTSON, BURT BACHARACH, DAVID BENOIT, LARRY CARLTON & OTHERS TO HEADLINE CONCERTS AT MONTALVO GARDEN THEATRE

Montalvo’s Garden Theatre in the Saratoga Hills of wine valley in Northern California is finalizing it’s summer season schedule of jazz, rock and R&B talent. Here’s a sampling of the schedule thus far:

June 18: Larry Carlton Blues Project
June 22: Joe Jackson
June 23: India.Arie
July 9: Linda Rondstand
July 14: Hapa
July 16: Rendezvous All Stars
July 21: Hootie & The Blowfish
Aug. 6: KPIG Songwriters Festival
Aug. 10: Guitars & Saxes
Aug. 13: Bleeding Edge Festival
Aug. 18: Joshua Bell
Aug. 20 Etta James & Charles Musselwhite
Aug. 24; Chris Botti
Aug. 25: Dave Brubeck Quartet, David Benoit & Yuma Sung
Aug. 31: Kem
Sept. 7: Superstars of Jazz Fusion
Sept. 8: Dan Hicks & Michelle Shocked
Sept. 21: Bo Diddley & Friends
Sept. 22: Burt Bacharach
Sept. 24: Brian Culbertson & Keiko Matsui
Sept. 27: Na Leo
Sept. 28: Classical Savion

HOT NEW CHILL GROOVES & SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS: MINDI ABAIR, SANTANA, TOWER OF POWER, FONTELLA BASS, GLOBAL GROOVE COLLECTIVE & MORE...

HOT NEW CHILL GROOVES & SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS……….Mindi Abair’s True Blue was the number 1 most added smooth jazz radio track last week. True Blue is from her new CD Life Less Ordinary which is due for release on April 18. Mindi will be embarking on a new tour which starts in Clearwater/Tampa, FL on Apri l 21 at Coachman Park……….Carlos Santana is due to be inducted into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame on June 23, 2006. Santana will be performing a few of his songs with the LA Philharmonic Orchestra……….Blue Note records has announced May 16 releases from The Jazz Crusaders: At The Lighthouse; Lou Rawls: Tobacco Road; Serge Chaloff: Boston Blow Up; and Ignacio Berroa: Codes……….Michael Bolton returns with a new release on May 23 entitled Bolton Swings Sinatra on Concord Records……….The Cerritos Center For The Performing Arts in Cerritos, CA is booking talent for the upcoming season and thus far has scheduling the following performers: Dave Brubeck Quartet (Aug. 21); Burt Bacharach and Steve Tyrell (both in Sept.); Tower Of Power (Nov.); Dave Koz’s Smooth Jazz Christmas (mid-Dec.); and Etta James and The Roots Band (March 2007)……….Michael Buble walked away with four awards at the recent 2006 Juno Awards held in Halifax, Nova Scotia and broadcast live on CTV television. Buble dominated the Jazz and Blues categories capturing the lion’s share of awards in the Jazz category (Single of the Year for Home, Album of the Year for It’s Time, Artist of the Year), and one in the Pop category (Pop Album of the year for It’s Time). Pianist Diana Krall took the Jazz Vocal award, while multi-instrumentalist Don Thompson captured the Traditional Jazz award and saxophonist Jane Bunnett received the Contemporary Jazz award for her Cuban recording……….Singer Fontella Bass is among the many special guests being featured on Chico Hamilton’s new release – Believe. The R&B diva is on three tracks including: Love Me A Long, Long Time, Baby, Won’t You Please Come Home and Believe In Him. Other guest musicians include George Bohanon, Jeremy Carlstedt, Evan Schwam, Paul Ramsey, Cary DeNigris and Andrew Hadro. The CD is out now on the Joyous Shot label……….April concerts in the twin cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul include: Etta James (April 11 @ O’Shaughnessy Theatre); and Dee Dee Bridgewater (April 18-19@ Dakota Jazz Club)……….Santa Monica’s Temple Bar will host an evening of world groove music on May 4, with performances by Kwanza Jones and the Global Groove Collective featuring Darrell Crooks, Darrell Diaz, David Leach, Mark Lomax, Brienne Moore, Zakiya Roverts, Timbali and Andre Manga of the group Dumazz. Also appearing will be a special guest performance by W. Ellington Felton and Bilal Salaam. The event is being presented by Innovation Entertainment Group and for more information go to www.globalgroovemusicfestival.com.

NEW RELEASES FROM CHICO HAMILTON, ERIN BOHEME, LISA FULLER, NELSON RANGELL, PAT MARTINO & MORE...

Aldo Romano – Chante
Andrea Orefjard – Push You Love On Me/Cookin’
Anouar Brahem – Le Voyage De Sahar
Beat Konducta – Beat Konducta Vol. 1 & 2
Burnt Sugar – More Than Posthuman: Rise Of The Mojosexual Cotillion
Cassandra Wilson – Thunderbird
Chet Baker – Milano Sessions
Chet Baker & Bud Shank – My Funny Valentine: I’ll Take Romance
Chico Hamilton – Nomad
Coup deBam – Coup deBam
D’Stefanie – Rock The Disco/Funk Up My Day
Ellis Regina – Perolas
Erin Boheme – What Love Is
Gecko Turner - Guapapaseal
Herbie Hancock – Blue Notes Great Sessions
Invisible Session – To The Powerful
Kraak & Smaak – Boogie Angst
Lisa Fuller – Teach Me Tonight
Lyambiko – Love And Then
Medeski, Martin & Wood – Note Bleu: Best Of The Blue Note Years 1998-2005
Miles Davis – Blue Note’s Great Sessions
Moncef Genoud – Aqua
Natalie Walker – No One Else
Nelson Rangell – Soul To Souls
Pat Martino – Remember: A Tribute To Wes Montgomery
Pedro - Pedro
Quito Pedrosa – Noite Rasa
Uniao Black – Banda Uniao Black
Various Artists – Big Bad Bay Area Vol. 1 – Soul Harmony Classics From The Bay Area
Various Artists – Fusion With Attitude
Various Artists – Hot As Hell: Contemporary Jazz & Soul From Helsinki
Various Artists – Intoxical Strange & Sleazy Instrumental Sounds From The SoCal
Various Artists – Kenny Dope & Keb Darge Presents Jay Dee Records
Various Artists – Latin Vibes: Lounge Selection
Various Artists – Masterpiece Vol. 3: The Ultimate Disco Funk Collection
Various Artists – Shapes: A Tru Thoughs/Zebra Traffic Compilation
Various Artists – Spirit Of Philadelphia 2
Various Artists – Traveler 06 (Six Degrees)

DESSY DI LAURO - A STUDY OF A WOMAN'S SOUL

Brazilian-Italian-Cuban singer and songwriter Dessy Di Lauro has arrived in Atlanta for her featured role with Cirque du Soleil’s "Delirium" tour. Di Lauro’s current album A Study Of A Woman’s Soul has already received rave reviews from music critics. Her blend of Soul, Latin and Jazz music, along with her distinctive voice and sonwriting have gained international attention from countries such as U.K., Brazil, France and the U.S. Known for her unique sound, Dessy was chosen to be part o the original cast of the critically acclaimed Cirque de Soleil production, "La Nouba" in 1998. She teamed up with producer, composer and keyboardist, Ric’key Pageot, who is also musical conductor on the "Delirium" tour. For the entire year of 2006, Dessy will tour the U.S and Canada with the latest Cirque du Soleil production, which is a combination of music, acrobatics, comedy, dance, drama and multimedia.

BOB JAMES TO RECEIVE 2006 GEORGE BENSON LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AT SMOOTH JAZZ AWARDS

Bob James will be honored with the 2006 George Benson Lifetime Achievement Award at the upcoming annual Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, being held Friday, April 7, 2006. James is a two-time Grammy Award winner and has been a mainstay of the contemporary smooth jazz scene since the early 1970’s. His 35-plus solo albums includes his latest Urban Flamingo.
As a member of the super group Fourplay, James has consistently topped the contemporary smooth jazz charts and most notably brought smooth jazz into the living rooms of millions with his theme song Angela from the television series "Taxi." He is also a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient from the National Smooth Jazz Awards in the U.S. James will perform at the awards show which takes place at the Living Arts Center in Mississauga, Ontario. He will also be touring in conjunction with his new CD Urban Flamingo, with concerts dates in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and New York.

SMOOTH JAZZ & CHILL NEWS BITS: CANDY DULFER, INCOGNITO, PHIL PERRY, SMOKEY ROBINSON, STING, SI-SE & MORE...

Here’s a list of some hot upcoming concerts as Novo Soundz appear at the Supper Club in San Francisco on March 31; the Four Tops at the Bergen County Performing Arts Center (NJ) on April 1; the Average White Band and Tower Of Power at the Keswick Theatre in Philadelphia on April 7-8; Si-Se appears at SOBs (Sounds of Brazil) in New York on April 13; and the Brazilian Girls are at the Fillmore in San Francisco on April 24……….Saxophonist Candy Dulfer performs on Prince’s new CD, 3121, which also happens to be this week’s #1 album and having sold in excess of 183,000 copies in its first week of release. Dulfer is featured in the horn section on four songs. Candy Dulfer will also play three special shows which commenced March 30 with Dutch hip hop artists Extince during the Dommelsch Double Dutch concerts. The concerts will take place at the LVC in Leiden on March 30, Marquis in Waalwijk on April 5th and Berlage in Eidhoven on April 13……….Incognito heads to London’s 102.2 Smooth FM studio on April 4 for a live broadcast performance. The lineup will include Bluey, Imaani, Tommy Momrelle, Matt Cooper and Francis Hylton. Later in the month Incognito will perform at London’s Jazz Café……….WQCD-FM (CD101.9) in New York is hosting a smooth jazz concert on May 19th at the Beacon Theatre, featuring David Sanborn and Spyro Gyra………Smokey Robinson has joined the ranks of Rod Stewart, Gladys Knight, Carly Simon, Bette Midler, James Darren, Barry Manilow, and the many other pop and R&B performers who have recently released standards albums. The album, Timeless Love, is to be released on June 13 via Universal/New Door. Songs include – I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Tea For Two, Love Is Here To Stay, Speak Low, Fly Me To The Moon, Moody’s Mood For Love and Time After Time. Robinson’s upcoming tour schedule includes the following dates: Casino Rama in Rama, Ontario on April 20; Whiting Auditorium in Flint, Michigan (April 21); Palace Theatre in Marion, Ontari (April 22); Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ (June 17); Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn. (June 20); Carnegie Hall in New York, NY (June 22); Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga, NY (June 24); and the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, CA (Aug. 26)……….Sting, Sheryl Crow and James Taylor are scheduled to perform at the upcoming 2006 Rainforest Benefit, being held at the Tiger Jam in Las Vegas on April 29 and at New York’s Carnegie Hall on May 19. Sting will also perform at the Rock in Rio festival in Lisbon on July 4. Sting’s other international stops include Tobago (April 23), Puerto Rico (April 27) and Moscow (July 28)……….Smooth jazz singer Phil Perry just completed a series of performances in Kuaala Lumpur, Malaysia. He’ll next be one of the headliners at the Las Vegas City of Light Festival on April 22. His latest release is Classic Love Songs on Shanachie……….Over 500 artists will be performing at the 49th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival being held Sept. 15-17 in Monterey, CA. Among those participating will be Bonnie Raitt, the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Dave Brubeck, the Yellowjackets, Dianne Reeves, Robert Glasper, the McCoy Tyner Trio with special guests Bobby Hutcherson and Roy Hargrove, and the Charles Lloyd Quartet.

NEW RELEASES FROM MONTY ALEXANDER, PAMELA WILLIAMS, STRUNZ & FARAH, STEVE OLIVER, PRINCE, PIECES OF A DREAM & OTHERS...

Alphonse Mouzon – Funky Snakefoot
Benjamin Koppel – Ritmo!
Bernardi Jazz Connection – Way I Like It
Bobbi Humphrey – Fancy Dancer
Brazilian Octopus – Brazilian Octopus
Brighter Side Of Darkness – Love Jones
Brown Baby Girl – Brown Baby Girl
Caito – En Bossa Y Algo Mas
Chicago – Chicago XXX
Chris Botti – Christ Botti Live: With Orchestra & Special Guests (DVD)
Christian Scott – Rewind That
David Sills – Down The Line
Don Bagley – Jazz On The Rocks
Earl Grant – Beyond The Reef
Earth Kitt – The Bad Eartha…Plus
ESP 2 – A Tribute To Miles (DVD)
Gal Costa - Legal
Gene Harris – Tone Tantrum
George Benson – The Essential George Benson
George Duke – The Essential George Duke
Gerald Albright – New Beginnings
Herbie Mann – An Introduction To Herbie Mann
Incognito – 20th Century Masters: The Best Of Incognito
Jaco Pastorius Big Band – The Word Is Out
Janis Siegel – A Thousand Beautiful Things
Joey DeFrancesco – Organic Vibes
K.C & The Sunshine Band – Sound Of Sunshine (all instrumentals)
Lou Rawls – The Best Of Lou Rawls
Luis Quintero – Percussion Madness Presented By Louis Vega
Magnetic 4 – Nesse Mundo
Manfredo & Seu Conjungto (Manfredo Fest) – Bossa Nova Nova Bossa
Mantronix – Mantronix
Marci Di Marco Trio – Un Autunno A Parigi
Maria Nazareth – Sem Voce
Marion Meadows – I Believe I Can Fly
Marcos Valle – Vila Sesamo
Masa Collective With Valerie Etienne – Love Is Everywhere
Massive Attack – Collected
Matthias Vogt Trio – Changing Colors
Montefiori Cocktail – Un Sorso Di Montefiori Cocktail
Monty Alexander – Concrete Jungle: The Music Of Bob Marley
Novos Baianos – Vamos Pro Mundo
Orchester Pete Jacques – Round Trip To Rio
Osmar Milito – Osmar Milito E Deixa O Relogio Andar
Pamela Williams – Elixir
Paolo Fedregjini & Marco Bianchi – Several Additional Waves
Phil Perry – Heartbeats: Classic Love Songs
Pieces Of A Dream – Pillow Talk
Prince – 3121
Quantic – One Offs, Remixes & B-Sides
Ramsey Lewis – The Very Best Of Ramsey Lewis
Randy Weston African Rhythms Trio - Zep Tepi
Ray Nance – Body & Soul
Richard Groove Holmes – Workin’ On A Groovy Thing
Rosinha De Valenca – Rosinha De Valenca
Roy Ayers – West Coast Vibes
Sambrasa Trio – Sambrasa Trio Em Som Maior
Serge Gainsbourg – Less 100 Plus Belles Chansons
Shawn Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra – Strings & Things – Ubiquity Sessions Vol. 3
Som 3 – Som 3
Sophie Milman – Sophie Milman
Special Delivery – Special Delivery
Steve Oliver – Radiant
Steve ‘The Scotsman’ Harvey – Everyday People Project Vol. 1
Stoned Soul Picnic – Erotic Cakes/Funk Food
Strunz & Farah – Jungle Guitars
T-Connection – Something For The Weekend
Take Six – Feels Good
Taylor Eigsti – Lucky To Be Me
Teddy Pendergrass – Teddy! Live In ’70 (DVD)
The Invisible Session – To The Powerful
Tom Scott – The Very Best Of Tom Scott
Tony Allen – Lagos No Shaking
Torun Ericksen – Prayers & Observations
Tyrone Washington – Do Right
Various Artists – Late Night Motown
Various Artists – Soul Lounge 2 – 40 Soulful Grooves
Various Artists – Destination Paradise – Orchestral Grooves, Laid Back Beats & Soothing Soul
Various Artists – Lounge, Beat & Movie
Various Artists – Puppet Jazz Remixes
Various Artists – Modern Sounds From Italy 2
Various Artists – Dutch Rare Groove
Various Artists – Fusion With Attitude
Various Artists – C’era Una Volta Il Western
Various Artists - Lagos All Routes
Vox One – Pure Imagination
Yellowjackets – 20th Century Masters: The Best Of The Yellowjackets

XM SATELLITE ADDS NEW COMMERCIAL-FREE 'CHILL' MUSIC CHANNEL

XM Satellite, the nation's leading satellite radio company with more than 6 million subscribers, today unveiled its new channel lineup that will expand the total number of XM channels to more than 170 with the addition of 10 new commercial-free music channels and seven regional news and talk channels coming this spring and summer. Overall, XM's new channel line-up has 69 commercial-free music channels, the most commercial-free music channels in satellite radio. XM added a new commercial-free music channels on March 1: XM Chill (XM Channel 84), devoted to Chill music, among several new channels.

XM (Nasdaq: XMSR) is America's number one satellite radio company with more than 6 million subscribers. Broadcasting live daily from studios in Washington, DC, New York City, the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Toronto and Montreal, XM's 2006 lineup includes more than 170 digital channels of choice from coast to coast: the most commercial-free music, premier sports, talk, comedy, children's and entertainment programming; and the most advanced traffic and weather information.

XM, the leader in satellite-delivered entertainment and data services for the automobile market through partnerships with General Motors, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, Nissan, Porsche, Suzuki, Subaru, and Volkswagen/Audi, is available in more than 130 different vehicle models for 2006. XM's industry-leading products are available at consumer electronics retailers nationwide

TONI BRAXTON TO APPEAR AT TABLE MOUNTAIN CASINO

Table Mountain Casino has announced that the soulful sounds and moving lyrics of Toni Braxton will be presented to another sold out Table Mountain Casino Event Center audience on April 11, 2006. This early sellout reinforces Table Mountain Casino's position as the entertainment destination of choice for those who are tired of binoculars and want an up-close and personal concert experience at an affordable price. Braxton is the latest SRO performance at Table Mountain Casino Event Center. The string of sellouts goes back to early 2005 and includes events as diverse as championship boxing and entertainers like Clint Black, Reba McEntire and Los Lobos.

Long time Toni Braxton fans and new converts alike will be immersed in Braxton's instantly-recognizable vocal style in the friendly 1,200 seat Table Mountain Casino Event Center. Braxton, who possesses one of the most distinctive and recognizable voices in contemporary music, returned to the international marketplace with her 2005 release of Libra, her sizzling debut set for Blackground/Universal Records. In her latest top selling CDs (More Than A Woman (2002) and Libra (2005)), the multiple Grammy award-winning artist is also delivering material that reflects her creative maturity and matches the power of her voice.

In this concert at Table Mountain, Braxton's musical magic is expected to feature songs from Libra that give a nod to the kind of finely-crafted songs that first propelled her to global fame over a decade ago. Now striking a perfect balance between today's radio-friendly grooves (exemplified by the album's hot first single, Please) and 'old school' flavored slow jams (such as Stupid and Midnight), Braxton at Table Mountain should be a very special evening as she joins with fans to explore the way love works.

Braxton, a multi-talented entertainer who began her career with her ten-million-plus selling self-titled 1993 debut album, has been buoyed by an instant radio and club response to Libra and Please. Concert goers should expect this sultry-voiced star of Broadway hit musicals "Beauty And The Beast" and the Tony Award winning "Aida" to present a lyrical and reflective mood during the Table Mountain casino concert. Songs like Finally and Sposed To Be emanate the smooth sensuality that is Toni's musical trademark and tracks like Stupid are throwbacks to '90s Braxton classics like Un-Break My Heart. Her new combination of insightful lyrics and powerful music blending with her traditional strengths as a performer are opening a new, more personal era for Toni Braxton and her fans.

Table Mountain Casino is owned and operated by the Table Mountain Rancheria Band of Indians who is proud to provide celebrity entertainment at affordable prices to Valley fans community.

NEW JAZZ CHILL CORNER MUSIC RELEASE PICKS FROM BRIAN BROMBERG, MARCOS VALLE, OSCAR CASTRO-NEVES, ROY AYERS, TANIA MARIA & MORE...

Billy Kilson’s B.K. Groove – Pots & Pans
Bossa Beats – Nu Brazilian Latin Jazz Funk Dancefloor Grooves (Various)
Bossa Rio – Alegria!
Brian Bromberg – Wood II
Chick Corea & Gonzalo Rubalcaba – Rendezvous In New York (DVD)
Chick Corea’s New Trio – Rendezvous In New York (DVD)
Chick Corea’s Now He Sings, Now He Sobs Trio – Rendezvous In New York (DVD)
Dennis Chambers – Planet Eartth
Don Cherry – Orient/Blue Lake
Ella Fitzgerald – Ella
Joe Bataan – Riot
Manfredo & Seu Conjunto – Bossa Nova Nova Bossa
Marco Montarroyos/Stone Alliance – Brazil
Marcos Valle – Villa Sesamo
Marcos Valle – Vontade De Rever Voce
Oscar Castro-Neves – All One
Quarteto Bossamba – Quarteto Bossamba
Rosinha De Valencia – Rosinha De Vanca
Roy Ayers – West Coast Vibes
S-Tone Inc – Naked Ground
Sambalanco Trio – Reencontro Con Sambalanco Trio
Sambrasa Trio – Sambrasa Trio Em Som Maior
Sansa Trio – Sansa Trio
Secret Love 2 – Another View On Folk By Jazzanova & Resoul (Various)
Skyy – Skyy Deluxe Anthology
Som Imaginario – Som Imaginario
Soul Generation – Beyond Body And Soul
Soul Lounge 2 – 40 Soulful Grooves (Various)
Tania Maria – Via Brasil, Vol. 1
Todd Isler – Two Step
Tom Ze – Nava Maria
Tortured Soul – Introducing Tortured Soul

VAN HUNT'S ON THE JUNGLE FLOOR DUE IN STORES APRIL 4

Hunt Confirmed for 'The Tavis Smiley Show' and 'Morning Becomes Eclectic' week of release with On The Jungle Floor, the follow-up to Van Hunt's Grammy-nominated debut album. The acclaimed singer-songwriter is taking to the airwaves and the road. He'll perform his new single, "Character," on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" and guest on "The Tavis Smiley Show," and KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic." He will then join up with Anthony Hamilton, who's asked him to open on his U.S. tour. Hunt will headline a special show at Los Angeles' Roxy Theatre on April 4th. VH1.com will host an exclusive "Hear Music First on VH1.com" album listening party the week prior to the release of On The Jungle Floor, and AOL, MSN and MP3.com will host album listening parties the week of release. In addition, Hunt will enter AT&T's Blue Room on Tuesday, April 4th, and MSN.com has selected him as one of the artists for its "Ones To Watch" series (the feature will run from April 15 - May 15).

The New York Times Magazine called his 2004 Grammy-nominated debut "the perfect soundtrack for any seduction." With On The Jungle Floor, Hunt seals the deal. Produced by renowned producer Bill Bottrell and co-produced by Hunt, Hunt once again wrote, arranged and performed most of the 14 songs himself. They're raw and direct, funkier and freakier this time around, reflecting such eclectic influences as the Smiths, Rick James, Sly and The Family Stone, the Stooges and the Isley Brothers. In fact, Hunt selected the Stooges' No Sense of Crime as the album's lone cover song -- and on his blistering, blues-drenched rendition, the sexy, jagged grooves heard throughout On The Jungle Floor reach a peak. Rolling Stone Magazine says "On The Jungle Floor shows an impressive range."

Van Hunt has earned a reputation as a riveting performer and has opened for such artists as Kanye West, Coldplay and Seal. He recently performed at Vanity Fair's Academy Awards "Amped for Africa" party, which was hosted by Charlize Theron, and in the much-talked-about Sly And The Family Stone tribute at the 48th Annual GRAMMY(R) Awards. Upcoming tour dates are as follows:

VAN HUNT - TOUR DATES
4/4 Los Angeles, CA Roxy Theatre (headlining)
(Opening for Anthony Hamilton)
4/8 Augusta, GA Bell Auditorium
4/9 Charlotte, NC Ovens Auditorium
4/12 Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre
4/13 N. Charleston, SC Performing Arts Center
4/14 Birmingham, AL BJCC Concert Hall
4/15 Houston, TX Verizon Theatre
4/16 Dallas, TX Nokia Live
4/19 Oakland, CA Paramount Theatre
4/21 Los Angeles, CA Gibson Amphitheatre
4/22 Las Vegas, NV Aladdin Theatre
4/28 St. Louis, MO Fox Theatre
4/29 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium
4/30 Memphis, TN Orpheum Theatre
5/3 New York, NY Beacon Theatre
5/4 Philadelphia, PA Tower Theater
5/5,6 Washington, DC Constitution Hall
5/10 Baltimore, MD Lyric Theatre
5/11 Cleveland, OH State Theatre
5/12 Detroit, MI Fox Theatre
5/13 Chicago, IL Chicago Theatre

MACYS MUSIC FESTIVAL, 101.5 FM MARTINI ON THE ROCKIES, DIANA ROSS JAZZ ALBUM, JAZZ IN PARIS REMIXED & MORE...

SMOOTH JAZZ & CHILL NEWS BITS...Earth, Wind & Fire, Patti LaBelle and Frankie Beverly & Maze have been signed to appear at the Macy’s Music Festival being held in Cincinnatti on July 28 and 29, at Paul Brown Stadium. Other performers include Charlie Wilson, Ciara, Jaheim, KEM, Vivian Green and Gerald Lavert……….Gerald Albright’s new CD, New Beginnings, will be released on March 28. The first single, We Got The Groove, is already very much in rotation at Smooth Jazz stations worldwide……….Two new radio stations went on the air in Denver, Colorado this week. Martini On The Rockies is being broadcast on KTNI 101.5 FM and features music from Norah Jones, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sheryl Crow, Linda Eder, Diana Krall, Michael Buble, Harry Connick Jr., Rod Stewart and Tony Bennett. The other, Sassy 107 is heard on KSYY 107.1 FM and the format is designed for the active adult woman, with music from the likes of Carole King, Carly Simon, the Carpenters, James Taylor, America and Chicago……….Sondre Lerche and the Faces Down Quartet have a new album Duper Sessions, released on March 21 via Astralwerks. The 13-track Duper Sessions features a cover of Cole Porter’s Night And Day and Nightingales by Pregab Sprout’s Paddy McAloon. The Norwegian songwriter also put his own spin on Human Hands by Elvis Costello, with whom he toured with for a month last year……….Motown/UME will release Blue on June 30 from singer Diana Ross. The album of jazz standards was recorded more than 30 years ago and was intended as a companion to the 1972 soundtrack Lady Sings The Blues. The album was never released and shelved. The master tapes were only recently discovered in the Motown vault. Blue was produced and arranged by Gil Askey and features songs such as Cole Porter’s Let’s Do It, Johnny Burke and Jimmy Van Heusen’s But Beautiful, plus I Love Ya Porgy, Had You Been Around, Little Blue Girl, Smile, Easy Living, He’s Funny That Way and Duke Ellington’s Solitude. Most of the tracks were recorded during the Lady Sings The Blues sessions but were never released……….New from Univesal/France is Jazz In Paris Remixed. Much like the Verve series of remixes, this one features some lesser-known remixers. Tracks include Elephant Green by Pierre Michelot remixed by Pierre Audetat Stade, Ascensour Pour L’Echaufaud by Miles Davis remixed by Nicolas Repac, My Funny Valentine by Art Simmons remixed by Jeff Sarel, Les Loups Dans La Bergerie by Serge Gainsbourg & Alain Gourager remixed by Chris Bowden, The Midget by Art Blakely remixed by Art Konik, Ambiance Pourpre by Barney Wilen remixed by Soy Bean, and Everything Happens To Me by Chet Baker remixed by Various.

MAIN THEME "THE WINGS" FROM ACADEMY-AWARD WINNING SCORE GETS DANCE MIXES BY TOP DJs

Gustavo Santaolalla's Academy Award-winning score for the breakthrough American love story, Brokeback Mountain, is getting the dance floor treatment by some of the world's top DJs. The haunting, guitar-driven score's centerpiece track, The Wings, has been reworked into three sweeping dance epics by Gabriel & Dresden, Manny Lehman, Tony Moran and Warren Rigg. Remixes were shipped to major dance club DJs recently and they debut at #1 on Billboard's "Breakout" Hot Dance Club Play chart this week.

The Brokeback Mountain soundtrack continues to gather momentum in conjunction with the heavily-honored, groundbreaking film. More than 300,000 copies have been shipped worldwide and approximately 100,000 have been scanned in the U.S. The album was #1 on the iTunes Top 100 following its win for Best Song at this year's Golden Globes for A Love That Will Never Grown Old, performed by Emmylou Harris and written by soundtrack mastermind Gustavo Santaolalla with famed lyricist Bernie Taupin. That same week, the album was #1 on the Amazon Music Chart and #1 on the iTunes Soundtrack Chart. Over 60,000 digital tracks from the soundtrack sold within its first two weeks of release.

"The idea for club mixes originated with Grant Pavolka in our corporate communications department, and he helped Dahlia Ambach-Caplin A&R the various mixes. As with everything else we have done with the Brokeback Mountain soundtrack, the cooperation and support of James Schamus at Focus Features and Kathy Nelson at Universal Pictures has been especially rewarding," said Ron Goldstein, President & CEO of Verve Music Group. The remixers (who were chosen by Ambach-Caplin and Claudia Cuseta at Maxi Promotions) have taken Santaolalla's main theme and created three vastly different versions, each with something to please the most discerning club music fan. Classically-trained arrangers, Gabriel & Dresden, give the song a lengthy progressive house reworking that honors the heartbreaking, emotional score of the score. The "Collaboration Mix" by Manny Lehman, Tony Moran and Warren Rigg, lushly reproduces the song into a Balearic house mix. Manny Lehman's remix takes a more hard-hitting, tribal approach, and is primed for peak-hour "big room" consumption. A commercial release for the remixes is expected on April 11.

Verve Forecast, the adult music imprint of Verve Music Group, has been aggressively marketing the album by increasing its promotional presence with store window displays at major retailers in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco in anticipation of the score's award season attention. With these new club mixes, the label is reaching out to as many markets as possible.

Rufus Wainwright has also just completed a video for The Maker Makes, another breakout track from the soundtrack. MTV Networks fledgling channel Logo will host the video's world premiere later this month. The Brokeback Mountain soundtrack features Gustavo Santaolalla's Golden Globe and Academy Award nominated score, along with tracks from Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Teddy Thompson, Rufus Wainwright, Jackie Greene, Linda Rondstadt, Steve Earle, Mary McBride, and the Gas Band.

SMOOTH JAZZ ARTIST BRINGS FRESH NEW SOUND

Smooth jazz will get a well-deserved boost on April 1, 2006 as Horny Records recording artist, Rayse Biggs releases his long awaited album, For The Love Of It. Packed with a plethora of Detroit notables, this album has been generating street buzz for months.

For The Love Of It satisfies the appetite for smooth grooves and sophisticated moods. This music gives the expression of both letting go and complete control. It sends sound waves that move its listeners through the musical gratification that each track brings. It also underscores the rich, textured notes that only a true trumpet master can bring.

Known for his dual horn playing technique, producer, composer, and arranger Rayse Biggs is one of the most dynamic horn players in the industry today. Rayse was born in Detroit, Michigan and reared by some of the greatest jazz artists in the world. He has performed with jazz greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Stitt, Donald Byrd, Gene Dunlap, Bob James, Norman Connors, Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, and Kem.

"If any sound on the contemporary jazz scene today is worthy of a Grammy, it's Rayse's," says Mark Morden of BroadBandPromos. "This is the kind of smooth jazz that crosses over into other genre markets, a style to really get excited about." The entire album has been perfected to achieve maximum listening pleasure. This one will be embraced by the true audiophile and casual listener alike. You will love For The Love Of It from the first utterance of sound to the finale. Rayse Biggs brings true musicianship to his audience.

ARTURO SANDOVAL TO OPEN JAZZ CLUB ON MIAMI BEACH

Arturo Sandoval, the world-renowned jazz musician, composer, trumpet player and pianist, is set to open his own jazz club in Miami Beach, Florida, on April 2, 2006. Located between Miami's famed Art Deco District and Bal Harbour in the Deauville Beach Resort, The Arturo Sandoval Jazz Club will showcase the talents of the Grammy Award-winning musician, as well as internationally recognized headliners such as Roberta Flack, Dee Dee Bridgewater, James Moody and Roy Haynes. The Deauville has an illustrious music history, having hosted some of the world's most prominent artists. The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis, Jr., Diana Ross, Buster Keaton, Judy Garland, Tito Puente and Barbra Streisand are among those who have performed at the hotel.

"The Deauville maintains the spirit of those great artists who shared their souls in each magnificent performance. Their energy is infused within its walls," commented Mr. Sandoval, in explaining why he personally chose the Miami Beach hotel as the site of his first jazz club. "Miami's music and nightlife scene is already packed with stars and charged with excitement, but the opening of a club by a jazz legend like Arturo Sandoval will bring our entertainment scene to a new level," noted William D. Talbert, president & CEO of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau. In addition to its "red hot" club scene, Miami is also home to numerous recording studios, is at the nexus of the Latin American music industry and regularly hosts numerous music awards, he noted. "Arturo has been one of Miami's great ambassadors over the years and we're delighted he has chosen Miami for his first club."

GRAMMY & DOVE AWARD-WINNING, MULTI-GENRE ACAPELLA SENSATION TAKE 6 RELEASE NEW ALBUM, 'FEELS GOOD', ON MARCH 21, 2006

"Feels Good" marks band's 11th release and is first release on band's imprint label Take 6 Records.

Ten-time Grammy & Ten-time Dove (GMA Music Award) winner Take 6 is gearing up for their latest release, Feels Good, the highly anticipated acapella project, scheduled for release on March 21st, 2006. The album will premiere on the group’s own recently launched Take 6 Records and combines the best elements of gospel, jazz, pop and R&B and ultimately adds up to a bold and soulful feast of sound. The launch of Take 6 Records marks a new era for the group where the members are not only employing their natural creativity but also branching out into the business side of music. Member Alvin Chea says, "This was a natural progression for us. Traditional record companies want to lock you into a particular category. If you are slightly askew of that, they really don’t know what to do with you. We decided to take the reigns on this project and in our careers so we could position our projects in the marketplace by how we felt lead." The result is an album that stays true to the vision & the sound that Take 6 fans have come to know and love over the years and drives that sound in new and exciting directions. With a staggering eighteen Grammy-Award nominations (ten wins, as aforementioned), Take 6 is the most nominated gospel, jazz, pop or R&B artist in Grammy history. Through the course of the group’s career, Take 6 has also received ten Dove Awards, one Soul Train award and two NAACP Image Award nominations and has reigned over Downbeat Magazine’s readers’ poll, having won "Favorite Jazz Vocal Group" for nine consecutive years. The group has received praise from such esteemed music industry icons as Quincy Jones, and has been honored to perform alongside music legends including Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, David Foster, Al Jarreau, Stevie Wonder, Denyce Graves, The Yellowjackets, The Winans and Wynton Marsalis among a host of others. The Take 6 style has also reached today’s pop culture. Their musical style and tight harmonies have influenced pop groups from Boyz II Men and Backstreet Boys to *NSYNC and has made a major impact in the initial development and influence of the gospel & Christian music genres worldwide

MEDESKI, MARTIN & WOOD: NOTE BLEU - THE BEST OF THE BLUE NOTE YEARS, 1998-2005 & UPCOMING TOUR DATES

Blue Note will release Medeski, Martin & Wood's Note Bleu - The Best Of The Blue Note Years, 1998 - 2005. Hard core Medeski, Martin & Wood fans will want the SPECIAL EDITION, which features bonus tracks not contained on the "regular version", plus a DVD of assorted videos, a 26 minute documentary, "Medeski Martin & Wood's The Dropper" directed by Marie-Pierre Jaury and produced by Jean-Stephane Michaux for Point Du Jour, live footage from the Texaco Jazz Festival (1998) in NYC, plus the Newport Jazz Festival (2005), and various goodies filmed during the Blue Note years. Both versions will feature tracks from all five Blue Note albums: Combustication, Tonic, The Dropper, Uninvisible, and End of the World Party (just in case). In the meantime, Medeski, Martin & Wood are on tour and here is where they are headed for next…

Medeski, Martin & Wood Confirmed Tour Dates
3/23/06 Sao Paulo Brazil - Bourbon Street
3/24/06 Santiago Chile - Teatro Oriente
3/26/06 Buenoa Aires Argentina - Teatro Gran Rex
4/5/06 Albany NY - The Egg (acoustic performance)
4/6/06 New York NY - The Concert Hall at the NY Society for Ethical Culture (acoustic performance)
4/7/06 Philadelphia PA - Kimmel Center (acoustic performance)
4/8/06 Huntington NY - Inter-Media Art Center (acoustic performance)
4/14/06 Live Oak FL - Wanee Music Festival
4/15/06 Charleston SC - Music Farm
6/9/06 Snowmass CO - Chili Pepper
6/17/06 Manchester TN - Bonnaroo Music Festival6
/29/06 Ljubljana Slovenia - Jazz Festival Ljubljana
7/1/06 Warsaw Poland - Warsaw Summer Jazz Days
7/5/06 Milwaukee WI - Summerfest
7/10/06 Vitoria Spain - Polideportivo de Mendizorroza
7/15/06 Sioux Falls SD - South Dakota Jazz and Blues Festival
7/22/06 Detroit Lakes, MN - 10,000 Lakes Fesltival
8/12/06 Oyster Bay, NY - Long Island Jazz Festival
9/1/06 Willisau, Switzerland - Willisau Jazz Festival

SMOOTH JAZZ & CHILL NEWS BITS: BUDDY GRECO, TELLURIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL, LEE RITENOUR, PRINCE, KIRK WHALUM & MORE...

SMOOTH JAZZ AND CHILL NEWS BITS…Legendary jazz pianist/vocalist Buddy Greco and his wife, singer Lezlie Anders, will launch the area's first Vegas-style, intimate dining and entertainment venue at 4:30 p.m., Thursday, March 23, in ribbon-cutting ceremonies at "Buddy Greco's Dinner Club," 68805 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City. The new dinner club, open for two shows nightly from Wednesday through Sunday, will feature headline entertainers, beginning with Buddy, March 24-26. Roberta Linn will appear March 29-April 2; Pete Barbutti, April 5-9; Barbara McNair, April 12-16; Buddy, April 19-May 7; and Fred Travelena, May 10-14. Also featured will be late-night jazz following the last dinner shows, up to 1:30 a.m., with well-known guest star performers who reside in or visit the desert. Greco, recognized internationally as one of the world's top jazz performers, has sold millions of records, been a Vegas headliner since the 50's, and played with music's all-time greats including Benny Goodman, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Nat King Cole and many more……….The Telluride Jazz Festival has been scheduled for August 4-6 in Telluride, CO for the 29th year. A number of performers are being lined up for the festival, including Herbie Hancock, John Mayall, Flora Purim, Airto Moreira, Eyedentity, Soulive, Regina Carter Quartet, Terence Blanchard Sextet, Nnenna Freelon, and the Larry Coryell Trio……….Concord Records is planning to release Lee Ritenour And Friends on August 8………. Prince’s new CD 3121 features guest appearances from new Prince protégé Tamar as well as saxophonist Maceo Parker. The CD features splashes of rock, R&B and jazz, including the recent smooth jazz playlist favorite – Te Amo Corazon. Prince’s last album, Musicology, has sold 2 million copies in the United States according to Nielsen Soundscan……….Christina Aguilera is working on her latest, Back To Basics, for release on RCA on June 2. The CD will feature a mix of soul, jazz and blues, with production from Gang Starr principal DJ Premier, among others………. Kirk Whalum is currently on tour with the following upcoming dates: Brandt’s in St, Louis, MO (March 23 & 24); Single Island Municipal Beach in West Palm Beach, FL (March 25); The Blue Note in Tokyo, Japan (April 1-4); and The Blue Room in Atlanta, GA (April 14 & 15).

ARTURO SANDOVAL TO OPEN JAZZ CLUB ON MIAMI BEACH

Arturo Sandoval, the world-renowned jazz musician, composer, trumpet player and pianist, is set to open his own jazz club in Miami Beach, Florida, on April 2, 2006. Located between Miami's famed Art Deco District and Bal Harbour in the Deauville Beach Resort, The Arturo Sandoval Jazz Club will showcase the talents of the Grammy Award-winning musician, as well as internationally recognized headliners such as Roberta Flack, Dee Dee Bridgewater, James Moody and Roy Haynes. The Deauville has an illustrious music history, having hosted some of the world's most prominent artists. The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis, Jr., Diana Ross, Buster Keaton, Judy Garland, Tito Puente and Barbra Streisand are among those who have performed at the hotel.

"The Deauville maintains the spirit of those great artists who shared their souls in each magnificent performance. Their energy is infused within its walls," commented Mr. Sandoval, in explaining why he personally chose the Miami Beach hotel as the site of his first jazz club. "Miami's music and nightlife scene is already packed with stars and charged with excitement, but the opening of a club by a jazz legend like Arturo Sandoval will bring our entertainment scene to a new level," noted William D. Talbert, president & CEO of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau. In addition to its "red hot" club scene, Miami is also home to numerous recording studios, is at the nexus of the Latin American music industry and regularly hosts numerous music awards, he noted. "Arturo has been one of Miami's great ambassadors over the years and we're delighted he has chosen Miami for his first club."

SMOOTH JAZZ & CHILL NEWS BITS: MATISYAHU, KEM, NAT KING COLE, MALO, KID CREOLE & THE COCONUTS, GEORGE BENSON, BRIAN CULBERTSON & MORE

JAZZ CHILL NEWS BITS…Rising reggae superstar Matisyahu has joined the lineup for this summer’s Lollapalooza, which will be held Aug. 4-6 in Chicago’s Grant Park……….R&B and popular smooth jazz crossover artist KEM’s sophomore CD, KEM Album II has crossed over and reached #5 on the Pop Albums chart and remains on the R&B Albums chart, and it has been certified gold after only two weeks of release. His hit single I Can’t Stop Loving You was designated Radio & Records’ and Billboard’s #1 Adult R&B Record of the Year for 2005. Nearing Platinum selling status, KEM Album II was self-produced by the multi-talented artist, and is the highly-anticipated follow-up to KEM’s 2004 certified gold debut, Kemistry, which delivered the sleeper hit, Love Calls. The single stayed in the Top 20 of radio airplay for more than a year. KEM is currently touring and his remaining tour dates include: San Diego, CA (March 23); Anaheim, CA (March 24); Los Angeles, CA (March 25); Oakland, CA (March 26); and Seattle, WA (March 28)……….Capitol/EMI is set to release The Very Best Of Nat King Cole on May 2. The CD will include 28 remastered Cole classics, from his 1940’s cuts with his Trio to his 1960’s solo singles. The new anthology also includes a previously unreleased version of Morning Star as it was originally recorded for the classic film, St. Louis Blues. Cole recorded nearly 700 songs for Capitol and during his 30-year career and he had more than 150 charted singles on Billboard’s Pop, R&B and Country charts. In January 2005, Nat King Cole made his first return in 40 years to Billboard’s Top 50 with the #41 debut of The World Of Nat King Cole CD. Cole’s last album to reach the Top 50, Unforgettable, peaked at #30 in 1965……….Thump Records will release a live set for Malo called Malo Live on April 25……….Several upcoming UMe imports include The Very Best Of African Soul by Manu Dibango and Wonderful Thing by Kid Creole And The Coconuts (both due on May 2)……….June 13 will see the release of The New Boss Guitar Of George Benson by George Benson……….Upcoming concert dates for smooth jazz pianist Brian Culbertson include: Washington, DC @ the Warner Theatre (March 24); Wyomissing, PA @ the Sheraton Reading Hotel Ballroom (March 25); Wyomissing, PA @ the Berks Jazz Festival (March 26); Jacksonville, FL @ the Jacksonville Jazz Festival (April 8); and Destin, FL @ the Seabreeze Jazz Festival at Seascape Resort (April 22).

SMOOTH JAZZ ARTISTS SET TO TAKE THE STAGE AT THE 6TH ANNUAL RIVIERA BEACH JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL

The City of Riviera Beach (Florida) will host the 6th Annual Riviera Beach Jazz & Blues Festival on Friday, March 24, 2006 from 6 p.m. to midnight and Saturday, March 25, 2006 from 2 p.m. to midnight on Singer Island's Municipal Beach. Staged along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in the City known as the 'Best Waterfront City in Which to Live, Work and Play,' the Riviera Beach Jazz & Blues Festival attracts thousands of music lovers from around the country. It continues to grow in both popularity and magnitude and always delivers an impressive roster of A-list recording artists. The annual 'Jazz on the Beach' celebration provides family-oriented fun for all ages and is a 'must do' tourist attraction.

English duo Floetry will showcase their unique blend of Hip-hop and spoken-word poetry as the headliner on Friday, March 24, 2006. R&B icons Peabo Bryson and Jeffrey Osborne will contribute their trademark smooth vocals along with soul balladeer Percy Sledge. Rounding out the evening's star studded line-up will be smooth jazz favorites David Benoit, Mike Phillips and funk specialists the Zapp Band.

On Saturday, March 25, 2006, the Festival will shift into overdrive with a headline performance from the legendary diva Patti LaBelle. With multiple awards, platinum albums and an endless list of No 1 songs, this industry powerbroker is sure to perform to standing room only and bring down the house like only she can. Contemporary smooth jazz pioneer Najee will also perform along with fellow quiet storm favorites Alex Bugnon, Keiko Matsui and Kirk Whalum. The evening will also feature a performance by R&B crooner Eric Benet.

Scheduled Appearances and Performances:
Friday, March 24, 2006 - 6 p.m. – Midnight: Zapp Band, Percy Sledge, David Benoit, Peabo Bryson, Jeffrey Osborne & Floetry

Saturday, March 25, 2006 – 1–2 p.m.: Donna Richardson Joyner & Shirley Murdock

Saturday, March 25, 2006 – 2 p.m. – Midnight: Mike Phillips, Keiko Matsui, Najee, Alex Bugnon, Kirk Whalum, Eric Benet & Patti LaBelle

THE GROOVE BOUTIQUE RADIO STATION LISTINGS & BROADCAST TIMES

KDEC-FM10.5 – Decorah, IA (Sundays 7-9 p.m.)
KJJZ/K Jazz – Palm Springs, CA (Saturdays 10 p.m. – 12 midnight)
KJZY Jazzy 93.7 – Santa Rosa, CA (Saturdays 8 p.m. -12 midnight)
KKSJ/KTSJ – Lafayette, LA (Saturdays 10 p.m. – 12 midnight)
KTOY – Texarcana, TX (Sundays 7-9 p.m.)
WCIR/103CIR – Beckley, WV
WJSY/WSJF – Jacksonville, FL & St. Augustine, GA (Saturdays 8-10 p.m._
WQCD/CD101.9 – New York, NY (Saturdays 8 p.m. – 12 midnight)
WSBZ/106.3 The Seabreeze – Destin, FL (Saturdays 10 p.m. – 12 midnight)
WSSJ/Smooth Jazz 92.3 – St. Augustine Beach, FL (Saturdays 8-10 p.m.)
WWWS/AM 1400 Solid Gold Soul – Buffalo, NY (Saturdays 10 p.m. – 12 midnight)
WXJZ/Smooth Jazz 100.9 - Gainseville, FL (Saturdays 9-11 p.m.)

JAZZ CHILL NEWS BITS: TOWER OF POWER, AVERAGE WHITE BAND, HERBIE HANCOCK, GLADYS KNIGHT, TOM BRAXTON & MORE...

CD101.9 FM in New York presents an evening of soul and funk when Tower Of Power and the Average White Bank team up for a concert on Sunday, March 26 at the Union County Arts Center in Rahway, NJ……….Herbie Hancock pays tribute to jazzmaster Toots Thielemans at Carnegie Hall, Thursday, March 16, along with Brazilian superstar Ivan Lins, Paquito D’Rivera, Joe Lovano, Eliane Elias, Oscar Castro-Neves, Kenny Werner and others……….New releases this week from…Bonnie Bramlett & Mr. Groove Band (Roots, Blues & Jazz); Donald Fagen (Morph The Cat); Etta James (All The Way); George Benson (In Your Eyes, 1983 album); Hugh Masekela (Hugh Masekela Presents The Chisa Years 1965-75 Rare And Unreleased); and Jazz Crusaders (Paris Concert November 9, 2004 DVD)………. Gladys Knight is working on her upcoming covers CD entitled Before Me . It’s doe out on June 6 via Verve Records, the set features songs originally performed by Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone and Sammy Davis, Jr., among others. Knight is also slated for a handful of upcoming shows on her itinerary, including tomorrow (March 16) in Huntsville, Ala., and Saturday in Westbury, N.Y. A six-date European tour begins June 30 in Birmingham, England. Track listing for Before Me includes: Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me, The Man I Love, Good Morning Heartache, Since I Fell for You, God Bless the Child, This Bitter Earth, I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good, Someone To Watch Over Me, But Not for Me, I'll Be Seeing You, Stormy Weather and Come Sunday……….Tom Braxton has released his fifth CD Bounce on the Rendezvous Music label. Produced by Wayman Tisdale, the CD features Al Green’s signature classic Let’s Stay Together, weaving old school vibes and smooth jazz work by Braxton……….The Dave Brubeck Quartet hit the Gold Circle Santa Cruz (CA) Civic Auditorium on March 15. Saxophonist Bobby Militello, bassist Michael Moore and drummer Randy Jones make up the rest of the Quartet……….Jazz greats of the past, present and future will finally get what the music world acknowledges is due to them at the new International Jazz Spectacular being scheduled for later this year. All jazz artists who released an album between June 1, 2005 and May 31, 2006 will be eligible for a nomination. The event will be presented on global television by IJA through Tamar Entertainment.

MR. SCRUFF, NICOLA CONTE, NOUVELLE VAGUE, DJ CAM, MIGUEL MIGS CONCERT NEWS...

Upcoming New York City Concerts:
Thursday, March 23rd: Mr. Scruff @ Cielo (NY) Thursday, March 23rd: Charles Webster DJ Set @ King King (CA) Friday, March 24th: Mr. Scruff @ Element (NY) Saturday, March 25th: Miguel Migs, DJ Harvey, Norman Jay & More @ Pawn Shop Lounge (FL) Friday, March 31st: Ursula 1000 @ Zanzibar (CA) Friday, April 21st: Nouvelle Vague @ Irving Plaza (NY) Sunday, April 23rd: Norman Jay DJ Set @ Cielo (NY) Thursday, April 27th: DJ Cam @ King King (CA) Wednesday, May 17th: Coldcut @ Irving Plaza (NY) - JUST ANNOUNCED Thursday, May 25th: Nicola Conte DJ Set @ Cielo (NY) - JUST ANNOUNCED

CASSANDRA WILSON'S NEW RELEASE - THUNDERBIRD OUT APRIL 4

Cassandra Wilson never fails to surprise and inspire. Sexy, honey-velvet vocals wrapped around her own jazzy blue compositions or inventive interpretations of others’ material led TIME magazine to name her "America’s Best Singer" in recent years. On her new CD Thunderbird, which Blue Note Records will release on April 4, 2006, she has collaborated with red hot producer T Bone Burnett to surprise, yet again.

"Working with T Bone took the songs into a whole other place," explained Wilson. "He guided me into the deepest recesses of the material, and that attention to detail and nuance allowed me to delve into my own innermost emotions." What’s emerged is a post modern and, at times, primal take on roots music that begins with the title itself.

The legend of the thunderbird is an ancient myth that survives today in some Native American cultures. In the eyes of the ancients, it was a divine and magical animal sent by the gods to protect them from the powers of evil. The thunderbird brought calm and growth to the region. For Cassandra, the spiritual and magical aspects to this creature perfectly described the environment from which these 10 songs grew.

Deftly combining her own compositions—the irresistible Go To Mexico, the sultry It Would Be So Easy, the lovely Poet and the spiritual and celebratory Tarot—with carefully chosen songs that spoke to her like Closer To You by Jakob Dylan, Easy Rider by Blind Lemon Jefferson, the traditional song Red River Valley and Willie Dixon’s I Want To Be Loved, Wilson has woven her plaintive, delicious voice in and out of these tales of betrayal, intimacy and wonder. T Bone contributed two songs to the album in Lost and Strike a Match.

"With Easy Rider, I had always heard the C.C. Rider version of this song covered, but never heard anyone do the Blind Lemon version, which resonated with me," Wilson says. "Jakob’s song Closer to You was, to me, the epitome of intimacy and I just had to do it, couldn’t help myself!" she teases.

The instrumentation chosen for the songs was also a different experience for Cassandra. The groundbreaking sound that Cassandra crafted with producer Craig Street in the mid-1990’s on such classic Blue Note recordings as Blue Light 'Til Dawn and the Grammy-winning New Moon Daughter, was defined by it’s sparse acoustic guitars. However, keyboards play a much larger role in many of the songs on thunderbird, courtesy of keyboardist (and sometimes electric bassist) Keefus Ciancia, who is also the co-producer of the album.

"I hadn’t worked with keyboards for a long time," says Cassandra, referring to her co-producer as "an alchemist. Keefus is amazing. He’s a texture person, very organic and between T Bone, Keefus and I came a lot of the nuances." Also on the album are uber musicians Marc Ribot and Colin Linden on guitar, Mike Elizondo on electric bass, Reginald Veal on acoustic bass and Jim Keltner, Bill Maxwell and Jay Bellerose on drums. Gregoire Maret also plays harmonica on Tarot.

Ultimately, T Bone was the glue that kept it all together and it was his "secret ingredients," as Cassandra describes them, that added that aural special something you just couldn’t put your finger on. So what were T Bone’s "special ingredients?" "I can’t talk about those," she says. "Otherwise, he’d have to kill me."