ERIC CLAPTON ANNOUNCES FALL U.S. TOUR

Clapton Revives His Classics and Rocks European Shows, First Leg of U.S. Tour Focuses on Midwest and East Coast

Following a 14 country sold-out European tour with an impressive seven-night run at London's Royal Albert Hall and a historic show in Moscow's Red Square, Eric Clapton will travel to the U.S. for the first leg of an American tour. European fans have shown great enthusiasm for the varied set list featuring rarely played Derek And The Dominos masterpieces Got To Get Better In A Little While, Layla and Let It Rain along with Clapton classics such as Pretending, I Shot The Sheriff and Cocaine mixed with the newer soulful tunes from the latest Clapton album Back Home. As the London Times headline read, "The guitar hero reawakens," and the Manchester Evening News review said, "Clapton's guitar playing just keeps getting better."
The U.S. tour will begin on September 15 in Minneapolis and will travel to 13 U.S. states plus two Canadian shows in Toronto and Ottawa, along with two nights at Madison Square Garden. Further news and show dates of this tour will be announced shortly. Adding additional guitar power and excitement to the shows, Clapton has assembled an impressive band. The 2006 tour band will consist of: Eric Clapton, Guitar, as well as Doyle Bramhall II and Derek Trucks also on Guitar, Chris Stainton and Tim Carmon on Keyboards, Willie Weeks on Bass, Steve Jordan on Drums, The Kick Horns: Simon Clarke, Roddy Lorimer, and Tim Sanders on Brass, and backing vocals by Michelle John and Sharon White. The Robert Cray Band will serve as the opening act for U.S. shows.

CURRENT LIST OF U.S. TOUR DATES
September 16, 2006 (Sat), Minneapolis, MN @ Xcel Energy Center
September 18, 2006 (Mon), St. Louis, MO @ Savis Center
September 20, 2006 (Wed), Chicago, IL @ United Center
September 21, 2006 (Thur), Grand Rapids, MI @ Van Andel Arena
September 23, 2006 (Sat), Detroit, MI @ Palace
September 24, 2006 (Sun),Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Center
September 26, 2006 (Tue), Ottawa, ON @ Scotiabank Place
September 28, 2006 (Thur), New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
September 29, 2006 (Fri), New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
October 3, 2006 (Tue), Boston, MA @ Bank North Garden
October 6, 2006 (Fri), Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun
October 7, 2006 (Sat), Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun
October 9, 2006 (Mon), Philadelphia, PA @ Wachovia Center
October 10, 2006 (Tue), Washington, DC @ Verizon Center
October 12, 2006 (Thur), Charlottesville, VA @ Charlottesville Arena
October 14, 2006 (Sat), Duluth, GA @ Gwinnet Civic Center
October 15, 2006 (Sun), Raleigh, NC @ RBC Center
October 17, 2006 (Tue), Charlotte, NC @ New Charlotte Arena
October 18, 2006 (Wed), Birmingham, AL @ Birmingham-Jefferson Arena
October 20, 2006 (Fri), Orlando, FL @ TD Waterhouse Center
October 21, 2006 (Sat), Jacksonville, FL @ Veterans Memorial Arena
October 23, 2006 (Mon), Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena

GAMBLE & HUFF, ASHFORD & SIMPSON & JERRY BUTLER ADDED TO 2006 R&B PIONEER FOUNDATION AWARDS

A stellar list of presenters has been announced for the 2006 R&B Foundation Pioneer Awards, according to Kayte Connelly, Executive Director of the Rhythm & Blues Foundation. The Fourteenth Pioneer Awards are scheduled for June 29, 2006 at the Park Hyatt Bellevue in Philadelphia, PA. Confirmed presenters (listed alphabetically) include legendary performer/ songwriters Ashford & Simpson; the "Iceman" Jerry Butler, Chairman Emeritus of the R&B Foundation; producer/songwriters Gamble & Huff who are credited with being the architects of the Philadelphia Sound; promoter and COO of Electric Factory Concerts Larry Magid; award-winning guitarist/singer and R&B Foundation Board Member, Bonnie Raitt; and renowned keyboardist, band leader and R&B Foundation Advisory Board Member, Paul Shaffer. Smokey Robinson and Patti LaBelle were previously announced as hosts. Previously announced individual honorees for the 2006 Pioneer Awards are Chubby Checker, Bettye LaVette, Barbara Mason and producer Thom Bell. Groups who will be receiving the awards are the DelFonics and Maze, featuring Frankie Beverly. Lifetime Achievement honoree is Motown Founder Berry Gordy and the late Otis Redding will be recognized with the Legacy Tribute. Each individual honoree receives a $10,000 honorarium while groups share a $15,000 stipend.

SMOOTH JAZZ 98.1 CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY WITH GERALD ALBRIGHT, WAYMAN TISDALE, EUGE GROOVE,

San Diego’s Smooth Jazz 98.1 is celebrating their 31st Anniversary Festival this Memorial Day weekend with 50 musicians, 35 clubs, two stages – all in one day! It all starts on Saturday, May 27 at 1 PM as the Gaslamp Quarter will groove to the sounds of Mindi Abair, Gerald Albright, Wayman Tisdale, Steve Oliver, Euge Groove, Rob Whitlock and a host of others.

SERGIO MENDES, LANI HALL, GOTAN PROJECT & OTHERS TO TOPLINE KCRW WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL

KCRW’s World Music Festival series comes to the Hollywood Bowl June 25 through September 10. Scheduled to appear are Sergio Mendes, India.Arie, Lani Hall, John Legend, Marcelo D2, Maogani Quartet and host Raul Campos on June 25; Thievery Corporation & Os Mutantes on July 23; Gotan Project, Zero 7 featuring Jose Gonzalez and Sia, & Herbert on August 27; Bob Marley: Roots, Rock, Reggae Festival with Ziggy Marley on August 23; and Willie Nelson, Ryan Adams and Neko Case on September 10.

CD101.9 ANNOUNCES SMOOTH CRUISE SCHEDULE

New York’s smooth jazz station, CD101.9 is hosting a series of smooth cruises as they call it, featuring the sounds of some favorite smooth jazz artists. The cruises board at Pier 63 Chelsea Piers and sail along the Hudson River via Spirit Cruises for what promises to be a ‘smooth’ and beautiful evening. Smooth jazz artists scheduled to appear are: Down To The Bone (June 21); Bobby Caldwell (June 28); Pieces Of A Dream (July 5); David Benoit (July 12); Mindi Abair (July 19); Phil Perry (July 26); Brain Culbertson (August 2); Marion Meadows (August 9); Spyro Gyra (August 16); and The Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman (August 23). Each cruise will be hosted by a CD101.9 radio personality, including Paul Calvalconte, Linda Bruno, Sergio Dean, Sharon Davis, Deborah Rath, Robin Marshall, Meryl Kubrick, Amy McLane, Liz Andrews, and Batt Johnson. Looks like the only person missing is the Groove Boutique’s Rafe Gomez – what’s up with that!

JOE CLAUSSELL, LOUIS VEGA, KENNY DOPE, JODY WATLEY, LUISITO QUINTERO, BLAZE, SEAU JORGE & TONI BRAXTON UPCOMING APPEARANCES

Jody Watley appears at the World Café Live in Philadelphia on May 24…Vivian Green at SOB’S in New York City on May 30…The Hiro Ballroom in New York City presents Nuyorican Soul Session 1 on May 30, with Luisito Quintero, Louis Vega & Kenny Dope of Masters At Work, Joe Claussell, Blaze, Anane and Francis Mbappe….Seau Jorge at the Central Park SummerStage in New York City on July 2…Toni Braxton has signed with the Flamingo Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas to perform six nights a week, beginning August 8 through March 2007. She’ll perform in a full-scale musical production called, "Toni Braxton: Revealed."

ANDRE DELANO RELEASES NEW SINGLE FROM ‘FULL CIRCLE’ CD

Smooth jazz artist Andre Delano, has just released his new single Why Not from his debut album, Full Circle on 7th Note Entertainment. This captivating infectious track takes listeners on a musical freedom ride and features noted smooth jazz pianist/composer Kevin Toney. Andre Delano has toured with well-known artists such as Maxwell, Jeff Lorber and Doc Powell. Delano has also recorded and performed with some of music's biggest stars taking him to audiences around the world. Artists include Stevie Wonder, Usher, Bobby Womack, Chieli Municci, Peter White and Bobby Lyle. His debut solo album, Full Circle, reflects a diverse mixture of jazz, blues and funk. The album is especially significant to Andre because it explains his struggle as an artist who just wants to break free. The album was recently released on the new, independent label, 7th Note Entertainment, Inc. His last single, Footsteps is currently receiving major spin on smooth jazz radio stations across the country.

RAFE GOMEZ & THE GROOVE BOUTIQUE ON QVC – AGAIN!

Rafe Gomez of The Groove Boutique is headed to QVC for a second go-round, and this time he will be spinning and selling the latest jazziness from Down To The Bone, Jeff Lorber, Soul Ballet, Euge Groove, Greg Adams, and Nicole Henry. He'll also be featuring a wide selection of chill CDs, including The Gershwin Project, The Porter Project, Cabana Beach Club Volumes 1 & 2, and Lost Sunset Lounge - as well as his own Groove Boutique:Volume One, which was the top seller on his last QVC appearance. Rafe Gomez’s special guests will be keyboardists Marcus Johnson and Jason Miles, who will both be performing tracks from their latest CDs. The Groove Boutique with Rafe Gomez on QVC is scheduled for Sunday morning June 4 at 4AM EST (1AM PST).

MEDESKI, MARTIN & WOOD UPDATED 2006 TOUR SCHEDULE

6/4/06 Hunter NY - Mountain Jam
6/9/06 Snowmass CO - Chili Pepper
6/10/06 Bellvue CO - Mishawaka Amphitheatre
6/17/06 Manchester TN - Bonnaroo Music Festival
6/20/06 Prague Czech Republic - Slovansky Ostrov
6/29/06 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

TEENA MARIE'S 'SAPPHIRE' FEATURES GUESTS RICK JAMES, SMOKEY ROBINSON & GERALD ALBRIGHT

First Single Ooh Wee Soars to #8 on Urban AC and R&B Adult Radio Charts

Teena Marie released her second Cash Money Classics album Sapphire, on May 9th. The album is a follow-up to her critically acclaimed 2004 album, La Dona, which heralded her return to the music industry after a 10-year absence. The new album already boasts a hit single-the captivating Ooh Wee, which is currently #8 on both the Urban AC and R&B Adult radio charts, garnering a combined listening audience of more than 16 million fans.

Sapphire is the thirteenth album from the effusive vocalist. The new album holds a special place in Teena Marie's heart for many reasons, but the most poignant reason for the singer is that many of the tracks were inspired by her friendship with the late Rick James, who is often credited with mentoring the multi-talented vocalist/producer/arranger. Other guests on the new CD include the legendary Smokey Robinson, Kurupt, Gerald Albright, and her 14-year-old daughter Alia Rose.

A multi-instrumentalist herself, the new album was produced by Teena Marie, and includes the songs Baby Who Is It, Ladies Choice, and Cruise Control, among others. With the exception of her debut album, Wild And Peaceful (1979), Teena Marie has maintained a production-hand in all of her albums. The popular songstress and 3-time Grammy nominee has delivered an arsenal of genre defying albums along the way, including Lady T (1980), Starchild (1984), Naked To The World (1988), which featured the #1 classic Ooo La La La, and 1994's independently released Passion Play. Ms. Marie has also released 10 compilation albums since her national debut on Motown Records in 1979.

DAVID SANBORN & BRIAN AUGER TO TOPLINE MELLON JAZZ CONCERTS

The Allegheny County Parks Department in Pennsylvania and Mellon Jazz just announced an exciting series of Mellon Jazz-sponsored events to be presented as part of the 2006 County Parks series, with Harold Betters to present a noontime concert on Friday, July 21, in the courtyard of the Allegheny County Courthouse; renowned keyboardist Brian Auger bringing his Oblivion Express band to the newly renovated South Park Amphitheater stage on Friday, July 28 at 8 p.m.; and Grammy Award-winning saxophonist David Sanborn entertaining at Hartwood Acres on Sunday, August 13 at 7:30 p.m.

One of the most celebrated saxophonists in contemporary music, David Sanborn was born in 1945 in Tampa, Fla., and has achieved musical preeminence despite a bout with polio during his childhood in Missouri. Recipient of six Grammy awards, Sanborn has recorded more than 20 albums, treating audiences to a repertoire that moves effortlessly between pop and jazz. Sanborn-lead bands have performed some of the most danceable music of our time, and Sanborn has collaborated with a long list of contemporary music giants, including Albert King, Gil Evans, Paul Butterfield, Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, and Sonny Rollins.

The global reach of Brian Auger's acclaim as a jazz and rock keyboardist reflects his international background - born in Bahir, India in 1939 and a leading figure on the British musical scene during the late 1960s and early 1970s, Auger moved to San Francisco in the mid-1970s, and has toured extensively since the early 2000s with the latest edition of his band "Oblivion Express." Unchanged since the days of disco, his band's tongue-in- cheek name belies the lasting contribution this gifted keyboardist has made to pop, rock and jazz music. Prominent among his collaborators are Led Zeppelin founder Jimmy Page, legendary blues harmonica player Sonny Boy Williamson, blues bandleader Long John Baldry and his featured vocalist Rod Stewart, and jazz songstress Julie Tippetts.

For more information on Mellon Jazz activities click to the Mellon Jazz link at http://www.mellon.com.

CHRISTINA AGUILERA GETS 'BACK TO BASICS' ON NEW JAZZ RELEASE

Paying tribute to the music that inspired her, pop icon Christina Aguilera will release her third studio album, Back To Basics, August 15th on RCA Records. A modern take on vintage jazz, soul and blues from the 1920s, '30s and '40s, the album is wildly inventive with a throwback style creating a sound that's gritty and raw. Back To Basics reunites her with producer Linda Perry as well as creating new collaborations with producers such as DJ Premier. The sexy upbeat first single, Ain't No Other Man, produced by DJ Premier and Charles Roane, is set for release on June 12th. It will be world-premiered on the MTV Movie Awards on June 8th.

"This is a concept album that follows a bold, set vision," stated Aguilera. "The touchstones are Billie Holiday, Otis Redding, Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald... what I used to call my 'fun music' when I was a little girl." Back To Basics utilizes an orchestra, choir, string quartet and jazz horns, as well as techniques that offer a vintage sound and sensibility. I Got Trouble incorporates a scratchy blues feel, while Candy Man recalls the tight harmonies of all-girl groups from the '30s and '40s, Save Me From Myself is an emotionally naked, raw-sounding song dedicated to her husband. Thank You, dedicated to her fans, features DJ Premier splicing bits of Genie In A Bottle with fan voicemail messages. Also sure to appeal to Aguilera fans is the risque song Nasty Naughty Boy (which has a '20s burlesque feel) and the sassy club track Still Dirrty.

One of the most accomplished performers of the last decade, Christina Aguilera has sold over 25 million albums worldwide, achieved four #1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and has won three Grammy Awards and a Latin Grammy Award, as well as two top five albums in the United States. She has collaborated with other great artists including Herbie Hancock, Andrea Bocelli and Sean "Diddy" Combs.

A major contributor to the fight against AIDS, Aguilera has participated in the "Whats Going On?" cover project for AIDS Project Los Angeles' Artists Against AIDS. In 2004 she became the new face for the cosmetic company MAC and spokesperson for MAC AIDS Fund. In 2005 Aguilera got involved in awareness campaigns with YouthAIDS and ALDO. She also sponsors and is actively involved in the Women's Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh for battered women and children.

NICOLA CONTE TO APPEAR IN NEW YORK CITY CONCERT

On Thursday, May 25, Giant Step Records proudly presents a long overdue DJ set by Italian quintessential producer-jazzman Nicola Conte. This will be his first NY appearance since Summerstage over five years ago and his first headlining set in a NY club. Nicola Conte’s unique way of feeling jazz is strictly bound to the music of the late Fifties/early Sixties, as he founded the Fez collective in Bari, Italy - where Nicola Conte’s first productions originated and developed, in the midst of the acid jazz movement to bands like Paolo Achenza Trio, Quintetto X, Fez Combo and Intensive Jazz Sextet. Taking inspiration from the Fez, Conte involved himself in the international new jazz scene as both a DJ and producer, producing records for a variety of artists including the Paolo Achenza Trio, Quintetto X and Balanco among others. Through his remixes, he achieved finesse in turning pure jazz rhythms into club-electronic music. His works for the likes of Greyboy, Eli Goulart, Yoshinori Sunahara, Truby Trio, RE: Jazz, The Dining Rooms, Sunaga t Experience, Five Corners Quintet and others are fundamental to understand Nicola Conte’s opus. Fortified by these experiences, Conte defined his own sound with his 2000 release Jet Sounds– an elegant symbiosis of typically Italian sounds, with connections to the world of cinema and influenced by jazz, bossa nova and psychedelia. Conte followed with Bossa Per Due in June 2001 to great critical fanfare, scoring an underground hit with the title track.With such divergent influences, it is no surprise that Conte would tap the likes of Thievery Corporation, Koop and Kyoto Jazz Massive to rework tracks from Bossa Per Due for his 2002’s Jet Sounds Revisited – once again, Nicola Conte turned what was old into something vibrant and new – just a taste of what will be heard from the decks of Mr. Conte.

SAVOY JAZZ REMIXES, ANGELIQUE KIDJO, JANE MONHEIT, GEORGE BENSON, HIROMI, KOOL & THE GANG, TITO PUENTE JR, JON FADDIS & MORE...

The 2006 JVC Jazz Festival in Newport, RI will be held in Newport from Friday, Aug. 11 through Sunday, Aug. 13. On Friday, Aug. 11, the annual opening night celebration at the International Tennis Hall of Fame will feature singer/guitarist John Pizzarelli & His Big Band performing a new program entitled, "Dear Mr. Sinatra." Along with Pizzarelli that night, Jane Monheit & her band will perform. The festival moves to Fort Adams State Park on Saturday, Aug. 12 & Sunday, Aug. 13 and features performances by over 25 artists on three stages plus a crafts area, artist CD signings and more. Each day begins at 11:30 AM and ends at 7:00 PM. George Benson, Al Jarreau, Dave Brubeck, Chris Botti, Savion Glover, Arturo Sandoval, Angelique Kidjo, The Bad Plus, Robert Glasper, Luciana Souza, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Kenny Barron, James Carter, Cyrus Chestnut, Avishai Cohen, and Hiromi are among the artists signed to appear.

Much like the Verve series of jazz remixes, a series of artists, DJs and producers from the worlds of hip hop and dance have taken the masterworks of Charlie Parker, Herbie Mann, Dizzy Gillespie, Cannonball Adderly and others and have reinterpreted them for Re-Bop: The Savoy Remixes. The CD features participation from A Tribe Called Quests’s Ali Shaheed Muhammed, King Britt, Quantic, Saint Etienne, DJ Spooky, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and others. In short, Re-Bop updates the urbane jazz vibes of the past to fit the sounds of a modern cityscape frm the streets to the after hours clubs.

This year the New Haven Jazz Festival is celebating 25 years of live, free Jazz. Here’s the lineup: Aug.5 - Tito Puente Jr and the Dave Brubeck Quartet; Aug.12 – Blue Orchid Orchestra & Kool & The Gang; Aug. – T.S. Monk on Coltrane and Jonny Lang. For more information click to www.newhavenjazz.com.

World-renowned trumpeter Jon Faddis’ debut for KOCH Records is titled Teranga (Senegalese for hospitality) and will be released on June 6, 2006. Jon Faddis' stellar quartet featuring David Hazeltine (piano), Kyoshi Kitagawa (bass) and Dion Parson (drums) is joined by special guests Alioune Faye (sabor), Abdou Mboup (djembe & talking drum), Russell Malone (guitar), Gary Smulyan (baritone saxophone), Frank Wess (alto flute) and Clark Terry (flugelhorn & vocals). Teranga is an album filled with originality, subtlety, joy and astounding musicianship. Teranga contains nine tracks, eight of which are originals written by Faddis exclusively for this group of master musicians. The tracklisting for Teranga is: 1. The Hunters & Gatherers; 2. Hey, Lalo!; 3. Waltz For My Fathers & Brothers; 4. Teranga; 5. The Courtship; 5. The Fibble-Ow Blues; 6. Laurelyn; 7. Transitions; and 8. The Baron

SMOOTH JAZZ & CHILL MUSIC NEWS: DIANA ROSS' BLUE, BONNIE RAITT, CLEAR CHANNEL HIGH-DEF CHANNELS, LIZZ WRIGHT, CLARKE/DUKE PROJECT & MORE...

Diana Ross’ latest CD, Blue, an album of standards recorded in 1971 and 1972 that was never released, will be marketed exclusively for 5 weeks by Starbucks coffee houses before being available on June 20 at traditional retail outlets. Blue was intended to be a companion to the hit 1972 soundtrack to Lady Sings The Blues, however it was shelved, and the master tapes were only recently discovered in Motown’s vault.

The annual Vancouver International Jazz Festival is scheduled for June 23 to July 2. Artists penned to appear include Tony Bennett, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, Allen Toussaint and his New Orleans Horn Section, and Bobby Hutcherson. The festival will include over 400 shows, including 130 free concerts. For more information click to www.coastaljazz.ca.

The Montreal Jazz Festival will run from June 29 to July 9 and will include performances from: Paul Simon (July 5), B.B. King (June 28), Dave Brubeck (July 8), Emmylou Harris with Daniel Lanois (July 6), Elvis Costello with Allen Toussaint (July 3), Bonnie Raitt with Keb’ Mo (July 7), Salif Keita (July 5), Martha Wainwright (July 2), McCoy Tyner (July 2), Brad Mehldau (June 28), Gonzalo Rubalcaba (July 5), Wayne Shorter Quartet (July 1), Ravi Coltrane Quartet (June 29), Chris Potter’s Underground (June 30), Joe Lovano Quartet (July 5), and the Pharoah Sanders Quartet (June 29).

Clear Channel Radio is about to offer 75 new radio channels as programming for its rival broadcasters. The channels (much like those available on both Sirius and XM) will be available to broadcasters who will be able to use the Clear Channel content however they see fit, from just running it as-is to adding it in to their own customized, local content. According to Clear Channel Radio President/CEO, John Hogan, "we’ve created this programming to give broadcasters the most flexible and the best return on investment," said Hogan. "The massive amounts of programming needed to feed rapidly growing numbers of HD2 multicast channels, Internet streams and other near-term opportunities dwarfs the real estate that our industry had to fill with the advent of FM. By making extraordinary programming available even more broadly, the radio industry will be able to fully capitalize on the opportunities we are creating ourselves daily."

The U.S. Bank Saint Louis Jazz Festrival will be held on Friday, June 23 & Saturday, June 24 at Clayton Shaw’s Park, St. Louis County, Missouri. Performers this year include: Dr. John, David Sanborn, Preservation Hall Band, Readus Miller Project, The Clarke/Duke Project, Denise Thimes, LaMar Harris, The Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project, Rick Haydon & The SIUE Jazz Ensemble, Anita Rosamond, New Work, Harmonica Jazz, and Lizz Wright. George Duke and Stanley Clarke will be reuniting for this concert.

NEW JAZZ & CHILL RELEASES FROM ANTHONY BRAXTON, ISLEY BROTHERS, MARISA MONTE, MASTERS OF GROOVE, MAUCHA ADNOT, TILL BRONNER & OTHERS...

Active Force – Active Force
Al Green – The Belle Album: Expanded Edition
Andy Snitzer – Some Quiet Place
Alejandro Escovedo – The Boxing Mirror
Anello Capunano - Spring
Angelyna Martinez – Labor Of Love
Anthony Braxton – 23 Standards (Quartet) 2003
Astrud Gilberto – Non-Stop To Brazil – Jazz Club
Billy Cox & Buddy Miles –The Band Of Gypsys Return
Bob James – Foxie
Bob James – Taxi/Genie
Bobby Previte – Coalition Of The Willing
Break Reform - Fractures
Bucky & John Pizzarelli – The Best Of Bucky & John Pizzarelli
Carlos Sarduy – Charly En La Habana
Carol Riddick – Moments Like This
Cheryl Lynn - In The Night/Instant Love
Chi-Lites – Best Of The Chi-Lites
Chris Standring – Soul Express
David Borsu – Insight
Dells – The Very Best Of The Vee-Jay Years 1955 to 1965
Diana Ross - Blue
Elizabeth Kontomanov – Midnight Sun
Eric Clapton – Guitar Legend: The Very Best Of The Early Years
Frank McComb – 1995 Bootleg
Gloria Lynn & Stanley Turrentine – Flipped Out On Love
Gumbi Ortiz with Al DiMeola, Eric Marienthal & Dave Weckl – Miami
Harry Connick Jr. – Harry On Broadway Act 1
Isley Brothers – Baby Makin’ Music
Jack DeJohnette & Dave Holland – Snap Count
Jane Birkin – Fictions
Janita – Season Of Love
Jazztronick – En:Code – Sampler EP
Jean-Luc Ponty – Calteloupe Island
Joe Gibbs & The Professionals – African Dub All Mighty Chapter 1
Joe Gibbs & The Professionals – African Dub All Mighty Chapter 3
Jukka Eskola –Hub Up
Julie London – Julie Is Her Name
Leni Stern – Love Comes Quietly
Lou Rawls – Black & Blue and Tobacco Road
Louis Prima – Live Jazz At Club 15
Luis Quintero – Percussion Madness Presented by Louis Vega
Manu DiBango – The Very Best Of African Soul
Marisa Monte – Universo Ai Meu Redor
Mark Elf - Liftoff
Marlena Shaw – Free Classic Soul
Martial Solas – Portrait In Black & White
Martin Taylor – The Best Of Martin Taylor
Masters Of Groove – Masters Of Groove Meet DJ-9
Maucha Adnot – The Jobim Storybook
Miles Davis Quintet with John Coltrane – Live In Saint Louis
Moca - Tempomat
Mr Ali – Transit Chasing Life
Nat King Cole – The Very Best Of Nat King Cole
Nik Bartsch’s Ronin – Stoa
Nino Moschella - Fix
Nomo – New Tones
Paul Simon - Surprise
Quintetto Lo Greco – Snap Count
Ray Barretto - Acid
Roy Hargrove Quintet – Nothing Serious
Roy Hargove & The RH Factor – Distractions
Russ Lorenson – A Little Travelin’ Music
Sao Paulo Underground – Suana: Un Dos Tres
Scientist & Prince Jammy – Dub Landing Volume 1 & 2
Shirley Scott – On A Clear Day
Soft Machine Legacy – The Soft Machine Legacy
Soul Source Production (Kenichi Yanai) – He Knows His Place
Steve Davis - Update
Teena Marie – Sapphire
Thievery Corporation - Versions
Till Bronner – That Summer (with Luciana Souza, Carla Bruni & Madeline Peyroux)
Toots Thielemans – One More For The Road (with Oleta Adams, Jamie Cullum, Beth Hart, Lizz Wright, Madeline Peyroux, and others)
Uniao Black – Banda Uniao Black
Various Artists – Recovered Vol.3 – A Spicy Selection of Soulful Cover Versions
Various Artists – Choice: A Collection of Classics Mixed by Kenny Dope
Various Artists – Climate Shift
Various Artists – Compost Black Label Series Vol. 1
Various Artists – Days Of Summer
Various Artists – Fusion With Attitude
Various Artists – Hacienda Classics (3-CD)
Various Artists – Jazz Club – Bossa Nova
Various Artists – Jazz Club – Thriller Jazz
Various Artists – Jazz Club – Soul Jazz
Various Artists – Jazz For The Wee Small Hours
Various Artists – Jazz In An R&B Groove, Vol. 2
Various Artists – Jazz Vocalists: Hear & Now (2-CD, Concord)
Various Artists – Journey Into Paradise – The Larry Levan Story
Various Artists – Panama! – Latin, Calypso & Funk On The Isthmus 1965-1975
Various Artists – Philly Soul Girls Vol. 1
Various Artists – Playboy Jazz: Hef’s Favorites
Various Artists – Re-Bop The Savoy Remixes
Various Artists – Red Hot + Blue: A Tribute to Cole Porter (DVD/CD with Jody Watley, David Byrne, Neneh Cherry, Lisa Stansfield, Thompson Twins, k.d. lang, etc.)
Various Artists – Rewind 5! – Original Classics Re-Worked, Remixed, Re-Edited & Rewound
Various Artists – The Royal Dan: A Tribute To The Genius Of Steely Dan
Various Artists – Soul Brazil
Various Artists – Spirit Of Philadelphia 2
Various Artists – Tom Mouton Mix Vol. 2

WJJZ & KUUS SMOOTH JAZZ RADIO NEWS, GUITARS & SAXES, RENDEZVOUS ALL STARS & MORE...

WJJZ SMOOTH JAZZ SUMMER NIGHTS
Philadelphia’s WJJZ continues to bring smooth jazz to the Philadelphia Waterfront, as WJJZ Smooth Jazz Summer Nights returns for a ninth season at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing on Columbus Boulevard at Chesnut Street. The sounds of local and national Smooth Jazz artists will fill the air every Friday night in August through September 1. The series will kick off on Friday, August 4 with the smooth sounds of Gerald Veasley. Other artists scheduled to appear include Ken Navarro and Steve Cole (both August 18), Michael Lington (August 26), and the Sax Pack, featuring Jeff Kashiwa, Kim Waters, and Steve Cole (September 1). The Smooth Jazz Summer Nights concerts is sponsored by WJJZ.


GUITARS AND SAXES & THER RENDEZVOUS ALL STARS TO PERFORM AT RICK SANBORN’S SMOOTH SUMMER PARTY CONCERTS
Guitars and Saxes featuring Gerald Albright, Richard Elliot, Jeff Golub and Peter White perform as part of Rick Sanborn’s Smooth Summer Party on July 14 at The Pageant in University City, Missouri. Rick Sanborn’s Smooth Summer Party is also presenting the Rendezvous All Stars on July 21 at the same location. The Rendezvous All Stars feature Kirk Whalum, Jonathan Butler, Wayman Tisdale and Brian Simpson.


KUUS (US 105.5) SMOOTH JAZZ RADIO
Smooth jazz radio returns to Fresno, California as Wilks Broadcasting’s country KUUS (US 105.5) switches to smooth jazz. US 105.5 now fills the void created when Clear Channel abandoned the format there earlier this year.

RETRO SMOOTH JAZZ FROM RON PEDLEY...

Check out keyboardist and composer Ron Pedley’s two most recent releases…his solo instrumental effort Around and his pairing with John Pondel as Kombo with their effort, Cookin’ Out (Verve/GRP). Around features 10 funky and smooth jazz tracks in all and includes guest, Andy Suzuki, playing sax on several cuts. My favorite tracks on Around include, Maui Nights, featuring some standout sax and guitar solo work; the Latin-tinged Rain Forest; a bit of straight-up jazz with Dog Boy; Always Moving and Chillin’, each of which showcases Ron Pedley’s talent at the keyboards; and the funkiness of Punky Nugget. Kombo’s Cookin’ Out includes covers of The Fifth Dimension’s Stone Soul Picnic, featuring vocals from Sharon Hendrix, War’s Low Rider and Bill Withers’ Use Me. The CD also includes my personal favorites, Tight and the title cut, Cookin’ Out, both of which include some terrific Hammond organ sounds from Pedley. Everette Harp and Luis Conte are among the guest performers on this CD.

Ron Pedley is certainly no stranger to the business as he has previously charted on the Smooth Jazz charts and has toured and/or performed with Maynard Ferguson, McCoy Tyner, Freddie Hubbard, Stanley Clarke, Stevie Wonder, Donald Byrd, David Foster, Bette Midler, George Wein, the Dallas Jazz Orchestra, Kirk Whalum, Irakere and the Pointer Sisters. He’s been principal keyboardist and musical director for Barry Manilow for the past 16 years. He also currently tours with Air Supply and Ann-Margret; has composed music for films (Slice & Dice, Krumbach’s Error, etc.), and is a versatile musician capable of crossing over to many genres including straight-up jazz, smooth jazz, house, new age and techno. Talk about being a well-rounded musician!

By the way, special thanks to Ron for providing me with a sneak preview of his remix of Ann-Margret’s Someday Soon…. Ron has taken a track recorded back in 1962 and remade it into a chill groove that most certainly needs to be officially released for the world to enjoy. (Hint, hint to all the DJs and record company executives looking for new material to add to those countless chill compilations being packaged for future release). For more information click to www.ronpedley.com.

LINDA RONSTADT: ADIEU FALSE HEART CD & SUMMER CONCERT APPEARANCES

Linda Rondstadt is hitting the road this summer with a series of concerts beginning June 1 in Boston. Here is the tour schedule:
June 1: Boston, MA (Opera House)
June 2: New York, NY (Beacon Theatre)
June 3: Wallingford, CT (Chevrolet Theatre)
June 6: Red Bank, NJ (Count Basie Theatre)
June 7: Eaton, PA (State Theatre)
June 9: Westbury, NY (North Fork Westbury Theatre)
June 13: Wilmington, DE (Grand Opera Theatre)
June 16: Denver, CO (City Light Pavilion)
June 18: Jacksonville, OR (Britt Festivals @ Britt Pavilion)
July 6: San Diego, CA (Humphrey’s By The Bay)
July 7: Universal City, CA (Gibson Amphitheatre)
July 9: Saratoga, CA (Montalvo Arts Center)
July 10: Santa Rosa, CA (Wells Fargo Center For the Arts)
July 11: Costa Mesa, CA (Pacific Amphitheatre)

Linda Ronstadt recently collobrated with Cajun music artist and scholar Ann Savoy on the new CD, Adieu False Heart, due July 25 from Vanguard Records.

CHUCK LOEB: NEW CD & CONCERT UPDATE

Chuck Loeb heads to the Trumpets Jazz Club in Montclair, NJ for a special Mother’s Day concert on Sunday, May 14. Other concerts on his schedule include, the Capital Jazz Fest on June 4 (performing with Chieli Minucci & Paul Jackson Jr.; The Iridium Jazz Club in New York City on June 15, 16, 17 and 18, with Eric Marienthal, Anthony Jackson, Jim Beard & Josh Dion; and The Wilson Creek Winery in California on July 15, with his regular band: Matt King, Brian Killeen and Josh Dion. Braun is also working a new album due for release later in the year, and has completed work on Michael Franks’ new album, Rendezvous In Rio, Spyro Gyra’s Wrapped In A Dream, and Carmen’s new CD, I Will, which features trumpeter Till Bronner, Matt King on piano, Will Lee on bass, and of course Braun on guitar. Carmen’s I Will is due for release in the fall.

CHRIS BOTTI TEAMS WITH DEAN MARTIN, BRAND NEW HEAVIES JOIN LINEUP OF ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL & NEW MATERIAL FROM RICKIE LEE JONES, & MORE...

Rykodisc in conjunction with Commotion and Sony Pictures Classics have announced the May 9th release of Friends With Money Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. The soundtrack features new songs by Rickie Lee Jones and marks her debut writing music for film. Other featured artists include score composer Craig Richey (Lovely & Amazing, Journey Into Night), Neil Halstead, The Weepies and Big Red Button. Says Friends With Money executive producer Tracy McKnight, "Director Nicole Holofcener's film is a wonderful expression on the enduring beauty and importance of friendships in life as they unfold - Rickie Lee Jones captured that essence in her songs - a perfect fit for the film."
Friends With Money marks Jones' first new material since her 2003 release Evening Of My Best Day and features the single Circle In The Sand and the remarkably jangly Hillbilly Song. She says of collaborating with director Nicole Holofcener, "Nicole's directing is intimate and straightforward, and this is a very good match for my music... I could not have had a better film to write for, especially my first time out. Writing for film," she says, "required operating from a different point of reference, you are starting from a picture on the screen rather than your imagination. It was very brave of Nicole to allow me to do this, for her to use music she had not intended to use from the outset. Most directors would have shut down, said 'this is not what I had in mind.' But she took her time, and eventually used musical ideas she had not considered before. It was wonderful for me."

Chris Botti has just finished recording his ‘duet’ of Lerner and Lowe’s I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face with Rat Pack crooner Dean Martin for an upcoming album. The song was originally recorded by Martin in 1957 and in this new version the original instrumentation will be edited and replaced, much like the duets that were re-engineered between Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole. The trumpeter is being featured on a CD that pairs instrumentalists and vocalists with the late singer. The CD is being engineered by Grammy Award winner Al Schmitt and is expected to be released by Capitol Records later this year.

Aaron Neville is in the studio recording his first album for the Burgundy Records (Sony BMG) label. Due in September, the as yet untitled album will be comprised of 15 all-time soul classics, including Otis Redding’s Dock Of The Bay and Sam Cooke’s Bring It On Home To Me. The CD is being produced by Stewart Levine who has worked with a bevy of platinum selling artists, including Jamie Cullum, Simply Red and B.B. King.

Considered to be one of the most remarkable band in Britain – The Guillemots, are grearing up for a U.S. tour and have thus far set the following dates: May 7 at T.T. the Bears in Cambridge, MA; May 8 at World Café Live in Philadelphia, Pa; May 9 at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City; and May 11 at The Roxy in Los Angeles, CA. Their latest CD is From The Cliffs.

The Brand New Heavies have joined the lineup for the upcoming Coca-Cola presents the 2006 Essence Music Festival, to be held July 1,2 and 3 in Houston, Texas. Other artists scheduled to perform include Frankie Beverly & Maze, Charlie Wilson, Loose Ends, Toni Braxton, and Earth, Wind & Fire.

ANDERS HOLST RELEASES 'UNTIL THE END OF TIME' FROM HIS CD, 'FIVE'

UOM, Unheard of Music recording artist Anders Holst has released Until The End of Time from his CD, Five, on May 1st, 2006.

Invitingly sexy, Until the End of Time is a sweet breezy valentine to a loved one featuring the very smooth jazz friendly harmony sax lines of Gerald Albright, guitar by Paul Jackson Jr. and a wonderful flute solo by Magnus Lindgren. The single, which is being serviced to radio through All That Jazz, is Anders' second offering to smooth jazz radio from the 5-song EP, released by UOM, Unheard of Music in 2005. His first single, Love Me Like A River garnered play on over 100 stations nationwide, including "Groove Boutique" on CD101.9 (the country's No 1 Smooth Jazz station). Packed full of heart-warming songs and uplifting melodies, Five has endeared the hearts of fans and critics alike. Jazz Review calls Five "exceptional entertainment. Highly recommended."

Born and raised in Sweden, traveling the world, Anders Holst's songs projects his innate understanding of the way the world works, the human condition and of life's many ups and downs. As a comparison, one could evoke the work of Leonard Cohen with the point being the strong mature sensitivity factor shared by both artists, and one could sense the influences from artists like Van Morrison, Paul McCartney and Sting.

Anders Holst's collection of songs on the album Five is based on his wide breadth of life experiences. It reveals that the man is his music. His songs cover a wide range of emotions: romance, hope, loneliness, disillusionment, and optimism with equal sensitivity. The inherent conviction contained in his songs, he is the co-composer and lyricist of all of them, except for Verrazano Bridge, finds him completely open and unafraid to expose his own vulnerabilities. This is a unique voice and the work of a true artist.

The mood and atmosphere contained in these songs can be considered a mixture of such disparate names and compositions as David Bowie's Low, Antonio Vivaldi's Adagios and the melancholy folk music contained in Jan Johansson's Jazz in Swedish, interpreted in the vein of [modern/new] adult contemporary music.

Holst is currently setting up a fall tour and is recording a full length CD for release in early 2007. Updates and tour schedules can be found at www.andersholst.com.

"This debut offering by the soulful, deep voiced Swedish born singer beautifully blends pop, jazz, classical and chill flavors. Smooth jazz listeners will be listening to these five tracks over and over while waiting for more from this remarkable diverse and undeniable seductive vocal talent." - Smooth Jazz News

"Soulful Swedish singer/songwriter Anders Holst blends smoky jazz with the adult contemporary melodicism of Sting, Seal, and Leonard Cohen. Introspective, spiritual, and romantic, Five deftly weaves pop, jazz, and classical into a smooth style all its own. – All Music Guide

TONINHO HORTA, RON CARTER, GARY BURTON QUARTET REVISTED, BILL FRISELL & OTHERS SET TO APPEAR AT BLUE NOTE TOKYO...

The Blue Note in Tokyo, Japan is set to feature the following artists in the coming weeks and months: Branford Marsalis, May 4-7; Soul Survivors featuring Cornell Dupree & Les McCann, May 10-11; Bill Frisell with Brian Blade & Sam Yahel, May 12-14; Avishai Cohen Trio, May 15-17; Chris Botti, May 18-20; Michel Camilo Trio with Charles Flores & Dafnis Prieto, May 21-26; Gary Burton Quartet Revisted featuring Pat Metheny, Steve Swallow & Antonio Sanchez, May 20-June 3; Diana King, June 4-10; Brian Bromberg, Gary Meer, Rick Braun, Jeff Lorber & Dave Weckl, June 11-14; Satoru Shionoya, June 15-18; Manhattan Transfer, June 19-24; Eliane Elias, June 25-28; Jane Monheit; June 29-July 1; Michael Franks, July 2-8; Earl Klugh, July 9-12; Terumasa Hino Quintet, July 14-16; Clementine with special guest Celso Fonseca, July 16-23; David Lindley & John Hammond, July 24-26; Toninho Horta & Kurt Rosenwinkel Project, July 27-30; Mighty Sparrow, July 31-Aug. 3; Mory Kante, Aug. 4-7; Joe Zawinul & The Zawinul Syndicate, Aug. 8-16; and Ron Carter, Aug. 17-19.

JAZZ VOCALIST & COMPOSER MICHAEL FRANKS TO RELEASE LONG-AWAITED STUDIO RECORDING "RENDEZVOUS IN RIO" JUNE 27

Michael Franks, a mainstay in the contemporary jazz scene since the '70s, is back wit Rendezvous in Rio, his new album featuring 10 new original songs with distinctive arrangements from long-time collaborators Jeff Lorber, Jimmy Haslip, Russell Ferrante, Chuck Loeb and others. Rendezvous in Rio will be released on June 27th, 2006. The music of renowned Brazilian composer Antonio Carlos Jobim has been a great influence to Franks' previous music, and it can be seen in this album as well. Rendezvous in Rio includes an 'unrequited love' song The Question is Why, The Critics Are Never Kind from his musical "Noa Noa," which portrays a musical conversation between artists Gauguin, Van Gogh, and Degas, the bittersweet Songbirds, and two jazzy numbers: The Cool School and Hearing 'Take Five.'

Michael Franks, a California native, has been creating and recording music for the past 33 years, and has released 16 albums to date. He studied music and literature in college, receiving his Masters from UCLA, and his PhD from the University of Oregon. He later taught undergraduate music courses at both UCLA and Berkeley. His musical style seamlessly weaves lyrics of stunning sensuality, wit, reflection and literary eloquence over music that tastefully utilizes top shelf shadings of jazz, soul, pop, chamber and music from around the globe. His most well known songs include Popsicle Toes, Monkey See-Monkey Do, The Lady Wants To Know, When the Cookie Jar is Empty, Tiger in the Rain, Rainy Night in Tokyo and Tell Me All About It. His music has been covered by Ana Caram, Natalie Cole, Patti Labelle, Peggy Lee, Melissa Manchester, Carmen McRae, Ringo Starr, Livingston Taylor and the Yellowjackets.

Michael Franks 2006 Tour Schedule
July 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8 - Tokyo, Japan - The Blue Note
August 11, 12 & 13 - Philadelphia, PA - Zanzibar Blue
August 20 - Hollywood, CA - Hollywood Bowl - JVC Jazzfest
August 21 - San Diego, CA - Humphreys by the Bay
August 26 & 27 - Boston, MA - Scullers Jazz Club

STEELY DAN & MICHAEL MCDONALD SET TO TOUR TOGETHER THIS SUMMER

Steely Dan and Michael McDonald are set to tour this summer, kicking off July 7 at Milwaukee's Summerfest and running through Sept. 2 outside Detroit. Michael McDonald has previously played keyboards and sang backing vocals on such Steely Dan classics as The Royal Scam, Katy Lied and Aja. Each act is expected to play its own set, after which McDonald would join Steely Dan for a number of hits on which he performed.

Steely Dan/Michael McDonald's tour dates:
July 7: Milwaukee (Summerfest)
July 8: Tinley Park, Ill. (First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre)
July 10: Nashville (Starwood Amphitheatre)
July 12: Dallas (Nokia Live)
July 14: Woodlands, Texas (Mitchell Pavilion)
July 15: San Antonio (Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre)
July 18: Phoenix (Cricket Pavilion)
July 19: Irvine, Calif. (Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre)
July 21: San Jacinto, Calif. (Soboba; Steely Dan only)
July 22: Las Vegas (Aladdin Theatre)
July 24: San Diego (Bayside; Steely Dan only)
July 25: Mountain View, Calif. (Shoreline Amphitheatre)
July 27: Portland, Ore. (Clark County Amphitheatre)
July 28: Seattle (White River Amphitheatre)
July 31: Morrison, Colo. (Red Rocks)
Aug. 7: Atlanta (Chastain Park)
Aug. 9: Hollywood, Fla. (Seminole Hard Rock)
Aug. 10: Tampa, Fla. (Ford Amphitheatre)
Aug. 12: Charlotte, N.C. (Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre)
Aug. 13: Bristow, Va. (Nissan Pavilion)
Aug. 15: Virginia Beach, Va. (Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre)
Aug. 17: Wantagh, N.Y. (Jones Beach)
Aug. 19: Camden, N.J. (Tweeter Center)
Aug. 20: Scranton, Pa. (Toyota Pavilion)
Aug. 23: Holmdel, N.J. (PNC Bank Arts Center)
Aug. 24: Hartford, Conn. (NE Dodge Center)
Aug. 26: Atlantic City, N.J. (Trump Taj Mahal)
Aug. 27: Mansfield, Mass. (Tweeter Center)
Aug. 29: Cincinnati (Riverbend)
Aug. 30: Burgettstown, Pa. (Post-Gazette Pavilion)
Sept. 1: Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio (Blossom Music Center)
Sept. 2: Clarkston, Mich. (DTE Energy Music Theatre)

JVC JAZZ FESTIVAL MIAMI BEACH & PLAYBOY JAZZ FESTIVAL LINEUPS

The JVC Jazz Festival in Miami Beach kicks off May 17-21, 2006 and features Israel "Cachao" Lopez, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Arturo Sandoval, Jazid, John Hicks, Eddie Henderson, Eartha Kitt, John Pizzarelli, Mose Allison, The Lee Boys and Way of the Groove with Felix Pastorius, Julius Pastorius, Adam Lucas & Colin James.

The 2006 Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl is set for June 17-18 with the following performers slated to appear: Stanley Clarke/George Duke Project, Branford Marsalis Quartet, Jamie Cullum, Benny Golson Quartet, Golden Striker Trio featuring Ron Carter, Mulgrew Miller and Russell Malone, Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Stefon Harris, Baaba Maal, Daande Lenol, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Hiromi, Cos of Good Music featuring Walter Blanding Jr., Dwayne Burno, Ndugu Chancler, Gerald Clayton, Kevin Eubanks and Steve Turrstrong, McCoy Tyner Trio, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, Groovin’ For Grover featuring Gerald Albright, Jeff Lorber and Kirk Whalum, Ozomatli, Eddie Palmieri Afro-Caribbean Jazz All Stars, Chuck Mangione, Christian Scott & Lesa Terry, Bill Cosby will once again return to serve as Master of Ceremonies after a break in 2005.

NILE RODGERS & CHIC

I recently caught a performance of Chic with Nile Rodgers on the Dish Network’s high-definition channel Rave, and let me tell you they are simply amazing. Their performance was taped at the 2004 Montreux Jazz Festival and it was truly incredible and so I thought I would check out to see where they can be seen in concert. What I discovered was not really a surprise, and that is that bands like Chic and others of the era and genre tend to be much more popular in Europe (shame on the U.S. and their musical tastes). Check out their song entitled Warm Summer Day and you will know what I mean (oh and make sure it’s the original and not the remix off of the Atlantiquity album). Hint to smooth jazz programmers…Warm Summer Day would be a good add to your playlist. In any event, thank you to Nile Rodgers for the great music and keep providing us with the ‘good times.’ Here’s a rundown of where they will be appearing in the coming months…

May 6: Private Event, Brussels, Belgium
May 31: Private Event, Paris, France
June 16: Sonar Music Festival, Barcelona, Spain
June 24: 02 Wireless Music Festival, Hyde Park, London, England
Aug 19: Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, CA

EMUSIC.COM TO OFFER DIGITAL MUSIC DOWNLOAD STARTER KIT

eMusic has just reached out to the mainstream retail consumer with a unique digital music starter kit. The packages, now positioned within Circuit City retailers, offer goodies like artist collector cards and a digital download how-to guide. The kits, which retail for $14.99 each, also offer the buyer an introductory eMusic subscription plan. Other digital music stores position pre-paid digital music cards at physical retailers, though eMusic is hoping to attract music fans with its independent collection and MP3 format. "eMusic tracks play on any device, and we want to make sure consumers know how easy it is to load their digital players with great music - especially the music so often ignored by radio and the other vanilla music stores," explained David Pakman, president and CEO of eMusic.

The starter kits are targeted at a decidedly non-digital music fan. Those consumers may be intimidated by the first steps of downloading music, and are unlikely to signup directly from the Internet. "For consumers new to digital music - those who are buying iPods and other digital music devices - the eMusic digital starter kit offers an easy introduction to digital music,
guides and encourages them to discover new artists, and to rediscover their emotional connection to music," said Pakman. The packages are also available through the Circuit City website.

JVC NEW YORK JAZZ FESTIVAL, WLOQ SMOOTH JAZZ UNDER THE STARS, TORONTO JAZZ FESTIVAL, KKSF 103.7 NEWS & MORE...

Marion Meadows, Najee, Chuck Loeb, Nick Colionne, Norman Brown’s Summer Storm featuring Norman Brown, Patti Austin, Paul Taylor, Andrea Delano & Alex Bugnon, Soul Express featuring Jody Watley, Jeff Lorber & Chris Standring are part of the lineup for the Wilson Creek Winery 5th annual Sunset Jazz in the Vines festival. The series will include four summer concerts beginning Saturday June 17 and ending on Sunday, September 16. For more information check out www.wilsoncreekwinery.com. All proceeds of their Sunset Jazz in the Vines concert series will be donated to BBJazz, a nonprofit 501@3 foundation to benefit children with autism.

Upcoming New York City and Tri-State Area Concerts…Tierney Sutton & Loston Harris appear at Jazz At Lincoln Center on April 27-29; Tony Bennett at North Fork Theater in Westbury on April 27; Chieli Minucci at IMAC Theater on May 5; Spyro Gyra at Ridgefield Playhouse on May 6; Ann-Margret at the North Fork Theater in Westbury; Aretha Franklin at the State Theater in New Brunswick on May 8 and at the House of Blue in Atlantic City on June 23; McCoy Tyner Trio at Jazz At Lincoln Center on May 10 and at the Blue Note May 10-13; Double Hearing with Wynton Marsalis and the Orion String Quartet at Jazz At Lincoln Center May 11-13; Fourplay at Trump Casino on June 3; Diane Schurr at the Blue Note June 6-11; Chris Botti at the Count Basie Theater June 16 and at Carnegie Hall on June 17; and Chuck Mangione at the Blue Note June 11-16.

More than 100 concerts in 20 venues throughout New York City will make up this year’s JVC Jazz Festival. Artists slated to perform include Israel "Cachao" Lopez, Bobby Hutcherson, George Duke, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Smokey Robinson, Etta James, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Ron Carter, Dave Holland, Dave Brubeck, Don Byron, Ken Peplowski, Kenny Davern, Evan Christopher, Marcus Miller, Chris Botti, Roy Hargrove, Trio Da Paz, Kenny Barron and Luciana Souza. The JVC Jazz Festival is scheduled from June 12-24. For more information click to the official JVC Jazz Festival Web site: www.festivalproductions.net.

Smooth Jazz 103.1 WLOQ is presenting Smooth Jazz Under The Stars at Lake Island Park in Winter Park, FL pm April 29. Smooth jazz performers include Walter Beasley, Gregg Karukas, and Nick Colionne.

The upcoming 20th annual Toronto Jazz Festival will be hosting over 350 shows across 10 days and 12 nights in downtown Toronto. The lineup is to include George Coleman, Yusef Lateef, Pharoah Sanders, Kenny Garrett, Paquito D’Rivera, Etta James, John Pizzarelli, De La Soul, Kardinal Offishall, Seu Jorge, Jacksoul, Divine Brown, McCoy Tyner, Marcus Miller, the Mingus Big Band, and Dave Brubeck. The festival runs from June 23 to July 2.

KCRW.com presents the Brazilian Girls at the Fillmore in San Francisco on May 13.

Jazz great Dave Brubeck was honored April 24th by the Gramercy Brass Orchestra of New York with the first ever High Note of Achievement Award. Brubeck was recognized for his lifetime achievements as a leading edge musician for his commitment and contribution to the national advancement of arts and music education. For 17 years, Dave Brubeck led the Dave Brubeck Quartet introducing legions of fans to the world of jazz and producing the first ever million selling jazz single, Take Five.

Smooth jazz artist, Jonathan Butler is being honored by Carsel Events and The Immigrant Magazine as they launch a new monthly international music series in Los Angeles. Their first event will take place at Club Zanzibar in L.A. and will celebrate the local South African community in an event entitled "Focus on South Africa." Their Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Jonathan Butler who will be present to accept the award. For more information click to www.carsalevents.com.

San Francisco’s KKSF 103.7 has planned a series of concerts on the coast the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. Four of the world’s most renowned smooth jazz artists, Peter White, Richard Elliot, Jeff Golub, and Gerald Albright, will perform together as "Guitars, Sax and More", on Monday, May 29 at the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, kicking off the second annual summer season of KKSF 103.7’s Concerts on the Coast. The outdoor concert series continues with "Rendezvous All Stars," featuring Wayman Tisdale, Kirk Whalum, Jonathan Butler, and Brian Simpson, Monday, July 3, and concludes Monday, Sept 4, with "Summer Storm", featuring Norman Brown, Patti Austin, Paul Taylor and Alex Bugnon.

Candy Darling will join the All Star Smooth Jazz Cruise in early 2007. This luxury cruise includes performances by Down To The Bone, Eric Darius, Maysa, Gerald Veasley, Paul Taylor and many others. The cruse (January 28 to February 4, 2007) departs from Galveston Island (TX) in the USA and will visit Montego Bay in Jamaica, Grand Cayman on the Cayman Islands and Cozumel in Mexico. Darling will also join Van Morrison for two show in Germany next month. On May 18 they will perform in Duisburg and in Berlin on May 19.

NEW RELEASES FROM SAINT ETIENNE, BADI ASSAD, MARCOS VALLE, MARK KNOPFLER, EMMYLOUS HARRIS, NESTOR TORRES, OMAR SOSA & OTHERS...

Alison Crockett - Return Of Diva Blue On Becoming A Woman - Remix Project
Amel Larrieux - Morning
Antonio Carlos Jobim - Rio Nights Live (DVD)
Badi Assad - Ondas
Bill Withers - Watching You Watching Me
Bob Belden - Three Days Of Rain
Booker Irvin - In Between
Brazilian Octopus - Brazilian Octopus
Cal Tjader - Plays Burt Bacharach
Calvin Keys - Vertical Clearance
Candido - Hands Of Fire (DVD)
Candi Staton - His Hands
Carli Munoz & Eddie Gomez - Both Sides Now
Charlie Palmieri - Electro Duro
Chick Corea & Orion String Quartet - The Adventures Of Hippocrates
Daniel Humair - Trip Hip Trip
Denise LaSalle - I'm So Hot
Dimitri Vassilikis - Parallel Lines
Donald Byrd - Blackjack
Eddy Grant - Reparation
Ennio Morricone - Morricone Conducts Morricone (DVD)
Eric Lindell - Change In The Weather
Francis Jime - Arquitetura Da Flor
GC Cameron - Shadows
Gabor Szabo - Femme Fatale
Geoff Gascoyne - Keep It To Yourself (with Jamie Cullum, George Fame & Trudy Kerr)
Gilberto Gil - Copacabana Mon Amour
Gilberto Gil - Louvacao
Gotan Project - Lunatico
Groove Collective - Live And Hard To Find
Groove Collective - People People Music Music
Grupo X - Food For The Latin Soul
Harvie S - Funky Cha
Heaven & Earth - I Can't Seem To Forget You
Herbie Hancock - Possibilities (DVD)
Herbie Hancock - Monster (with Carlos Santana, Ray Parker Jr., Alphonse Mouzon & Sheila E.)
Invisible Session - To The Powerful
Jazztronick - Remixes 2
Jimmy McGriff - Collectibles Classics (4-CD box set)
John Coltrane - Reflections
Karrin Allyson - Footprints
Lizzy Mercier Descloux - Best Off
Lizzy Mercier Descloux - Zulu Rock
Kim Nalley - She Put A Spell On Me - Kim Nalley Sings Nina Simone
M.D. West - Ink From My Heart
Marcos Amorim - Sete Capelas
Marcos Valle - The Remix Album Vol. 1
Mark Knopfler & Emmylous Harris - All The Roadrunning
Mindi Abair - Life Less Ordinary
Monquito Santamaria - Black Out
Nat King Cole - Stardust - The Complete Capital Recordings 1955-1959 (11 CDs)
Nekta - Water The Flowers
Nestor Torres - Dances, Prayers & Meditations For Peace
Nina Simone - Empress Live!
No Jazz - Have Fun (with Maurice Whire, Stevie Wonder, Claude Nougro & Mini Cinelu)
Olodum - Pela Vida
Omar Sosa - Mulatos Remix
Os Brazoes - Os Brazoes
Paul Winter & Oscar Castro-Neves - Brazilian Days
Q Continuum - Quintessential Grooves
Ray Barretto - Indestructible
Robin Jones Seven - Latin Jazz - Denga & El Maja
Rosemary Clooney - Collectibles Classics (4 CD box set)
Saint Etienne - Tales From Turnpike House
Sergio Mendes - Collectibles Classics (4-CD box set)
Tab Benoit - Brother To The Blues
Tosca - Souvenirs
Ultrablue - Ultrablue
Vandermark 5 - Free Jazz Classics Vol 3 & 4
Vernon Reid & Masque - Other True Self
Wilton Felder - Let's Spend Some Time
Young-Holt Unlimited - Just A Melody