DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER & LALO SHIFRIN TO PERFORM AT 2006 FIFA WORLD CUP

Jazz legend Dee Dee Bridgewater and film score composer Lalo Schifrin are to appear together on July 7 during the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Cologne, Germany. They will be performing as part of the Sixth Cologne Jazz Night which is designated as part of the 2006 FIFA World Cup arts and culture program in the city. Paris-based Dee Dee Bridgewater, born in 1950 in Memphis, Tennessee, is without doubt one of the greatest living jazz sopranos, her imposing stage presence and supreme improvisation skills continuing a long tradition encapsulated by her idol Ella Fitzgerald. Lalo Schifrin (born 1932 in Buenos Aires) shares a connection to Fitzgerald, as he once accompanied the Grande Dame of jazz as a pianist. Schifrin's music is best known from the movies, as he rates as one of the world's leading cinematic composers (Mission Impossible, Rush Hour, Dirty Harry). The star duo will be backed by the Cologne Music Academy Big Band conducted by Professor Joachim Ullrich. The program is drawn from Schifrin's collected works.

BRAZILIAN SINGER MARISA MONTE TO SIMULTANEOUSLY RELEASE TWO NEW ALBUMS ON METRO BLUE SEPT. 12; ‘UNIVERSO AO MEU REDOR’ & ‘INFINITO PARTICULAR’

On September 12th, Blue Note/Metro Blue Records will simultaneously release two individual albums from the Brazilian superstar Marisa Monte Universo ao meu redor is a collection of Samba songs both old and new, and Infinito Particular is a contemporary Pop record on which Monte returned to various unrecorded songs from over the course of her 15 years of songwriting. Each of the two albums presents a unique identity, and shows the remarkable breadth of Monte’s musicianship, as singer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer and musicologist. The albums, which were released in Brazil this spring and have already sold platinum, feature an impressive array of guest collaborators as well, including David Byrne, Philip Glass, Seu Jorge, Carlinhos Brown and Arnaldo Antunes.

Monte will be announcing fall 2006 U.S. tour dates to support the album releases in the coming weeks. It will be her first U.S. tour since 2000. At the end of the tour for her last solo release Memories, Chronicles & Declarations in 2001, Monte had spent almost two solid years traveling the globe and decided to stay home for awhile and focus on studio projects including 2003’s runaway success Tribalistas, her collaboration with Carlinhos Brown and Arnaldo Antunes that went quadruple-platinum in Brazil, became a hit in Europe, and earned five nominations at the 4th Annual Latin Grammy Awards in the United States. During the recording of Tribalistas Monte became pregnant and gave birth to her first child the same month the CD was released. By necessity, she scaled back all plans for touring and promotion and spent the next couple years at home raising her son. This period gave her the opportunity to explore two projects from which these new albums, Monte’s "non-identical twins" as she jokingly refers to them, were conceived.

Universo ao meu redor (The Universe Around Me), co-produced by Monte and Mario Caldato, is her first-ever recording to focus entirely on the great Brazilian tradition of Samba. Having grown up immersed in Samba (her father Carlos was one of the directors of the famous Portela Samba school in Rio de Janeiro), Monte was aware that there were many songs that were passed along orally that weren’t being recorded and were in danger of being lost. So she began researching these songs and their histories by interviewing Samba composers, as well as their family members & colleagues. Universo ao meu redor places several of her discoveries that date back as far as the 1940s, including songs by Jayme Silva, D. Yvonne Lara, Casemiro Vieira, Moraes e Galvao, and Argemiro Patrocinio, alongside new Samba songs written by Monte with Brown and Antunes and other contemporary composers such as Paulinho da Viola. Ex-Talking Heads frontman David Byrne also makes a guest appearance on the song Statue of Liberty, which he co-wrote with Monte.

During the same time that Monte was doing her Samba research, she also began to sort through her large collection of cassette tapes on which she had documented her songwriting process from the beginning of her career. As she went through the hundreds of tapes, digitizing them for preservation, she came across the early sketches of songs that had since been recorded and made popular, but also many songs that she had abandoned and not yet returned to finish.This inspired Monte, along with songwriting partners both old (Brown, Antunes, Nando Reis, Pedro Baby, and Dadi) and new (Seu Jorge, Adriana Calcanhotto, Marcelo Yuka, Leonardo Reis and Rodrigo Campelo), to readdress some of this unfinished material and bring it to life. The result is the 13 tracks on Infinito Particular (Infinite Private), which was co-produced by Monte and Alê Siqueira, and also features arrangements by Eumir Deodato, João Donato, and the renowned American Classical composer Philip Glass.

Marisa Monte was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1967. Her father, Carlos Monte, was one of the directors of the Portela Samba school, and she begin her musical studies, including piano, drums & music theory, at a very early age. Despite coming of age during the height of the Musica Popular Brasileira movement—MPB was the post-bossa nova popular music of Brazil—Monte’s first interest was in Classical music and Opera, and so inspired by her idol Maria Callas she traveled to Italy at age 18 to study Classical singing. It was while abroad that Monte first fully recognized the musical richness of her homeland, and decided to return to Brazil and join the ranks of the MPB, following in the footsteps of her greatest influences, including Elis Regina, Gal Costa, Jorge Ben, Caetano Veloso, Nara Leão and Maria Bethânia, and establishing herself as a star in her own right.

Monte’s self-titled debut album in 1989 was an instant hit in Brazil, with stunning interpretations of everything from Gershwin and Kurt Weill to Brazilian pop, R&B and an old Carmen Miranda tune. One of her biggest fans, New York City-based guitarist Arto Lindsay, then took on a mentor’s role, helping her craft a string of critically acclaimed international releases that further explored her eclectic and original vision. Mais (1991), Rose And Charcola (1994), A Great Noise (1996), and Memories, Chronicles And Declarations (2000), as well as Tribalistas (2003), her successful collaboration with Carlinhos Brown and Arnaldo.

CHUCK LOEB BUSY IN THE STUDIO AND TOUR UPDATE

Guitartist Chuck Loeb has been quite busy lately with back-to-back concert performances and recording sessions. He’s just finished appearing at the Capital Jazz Festival (June 4), where he appeared with Chieli Minucci and Paul Jackson, Jr. It was their first project as a trio and we hope to hear more of that in the coming months. Looking further ahead at his schedule is a four-day ruin at The Iridium in New York City, June 15 through 18 with a special band comprising of Eric Marienthal (sax), Anthony Jackson (bass), Jim Beard (piano), and Josh Dion (drums). This concert will also feature music from each of these unique artists. From June 30th through July 8th, Loeb will be appearing at the 15th annual Canary Islands Jazz Festival. He and his special Iridium concert band (including German trumpeter Till Bronner), will be playing a series of shows on the various islands. The two final shows will be the gala 15th anniversary shows and will feature invited guests including the great guitarist Hiram Bullock, Paul McCandless, and Brazilian singer, songwriter and guitarist Rosa Passos. Loeb then heads off to the Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula, California for a July 15th concert.

Studio-wise, Chuck Loeb had a guest soloist spot on Will Downing’s latest CD, Soul Symphony; he wrote one song and played on saxaphonist Andy Snitzer’s new CD, Some Quiet Place (Native Language, 2006); guested on Nelson Rangell’s new CD, Soul To Souls; played on Marion Meadows new CD, Dressed To Chill; and on Everette Harp’s latest CD, In The Moment, for which he wrote two new songs as well as a guest soloist. He is also close to completing a new CD and hopes to have it out in the next 6 months Talk about bust – wow!.

KENNY GARRETT, GARY BURTON QUARTET REVISTED, BAABA MAAL, PAQUITO D’RIVERA & OTHERS APPEAR AT SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA CONCERTS IN JUNE

Gary Burton Quartet Revisted with Pat Metheny, Steve Swallow & Antonio Sanchez at Yoshi’s in Oakland (June 8-11); Paquito D’Rivera Quintet at Herbst Theatre (June 11); Goapele at Yoshi’s in Oadland (June 14-15); Baaba Maal at Masonic Center (June 16); Javon Jackson Quartet with Benny Green at Yoshi’s in Oakland (June 20-21); & Kenny Garrett at Yoshi’s in Oakland (June 22-25).

DEBUT CD FROM ROB WHITE

Let It Ride, the debut album from saxophonist Rob White, preceded by the first single Fin De Semana – which is in its sixth week of chart climbing and national spins, just jumped eleven spots on the Smoothjazz.com Top 50 to come in at number 47, and is receiving a noteworthy number of spins on jazz, smooth jazz and urban AC radio – was released nationwide to stores on May 30. For the eleven-song disc, featuring Rob White on soprano and alto saxophone performing original songs and covers, executive producer Beau Huggins, who molded the careers of Najee, Alex Bugnon, Melba Moore, Freddie Jackson and Meli’sa Morgan, paired White with seasoned producer, Yasha. Together, the two have created a musical masterpiece in Let It Ride, filled with special moments – including A House Is Not A Home, a tribute to Luther Vandross. "The chemistry between White and Yasha was undeniably unique," says Charli Huggins, Orpheus Music V.P. Yasha, who helped create the sounds of Najee and Alex Bugnon agrees. ‘When Rob began to play I Wish I Wasn’t it sounded like a Heather Headley song. But when I told him to play two octaves higher, he made it a Rob White song. I saw Najee and Sweet Love all over again," Yasha exclaims. Additional proof of their chemistry is in Summer Groovin’, which almost made the cut list. But Beau said he hears "something special in that song, and proof that Yasha took Rob to a professional level he did not believe was attainable."

THE DAKOTA JAZZ CLUB WELCOMES PAT MARTINO, THE YELLOWJACKETS, EST, KEVIN MAHOGANY & RED HOLLOWAY

Minneapolis’ premier jazz club, The Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant has booked a stellar lineup of artists as part of that city’s Hot Summer Jazz Festival. Scheduled to take to the stage will be Pat Martino, touring in support of his new recording on Blue Note celebrating the music of Wes Montgomery on June 4-5; The Yellowjackets, who are celebrating 26 years of being one of the most successful fusion bands in the genre’s history on June 13; E.S.T. - Esbjorn Svensson Trio, the winners of the 2004 Hans Koller Prize for European Jazz Artist of the Year and numerous Swedish Grammies including Jazz Album of the Year in 1996, 1998 and 2003 on June 18-19; and Kevin Mahogany and Red Holloway on June 26-27. Kevin Mahogany has just recently been recognized by Newsweek magazine as "the standout vocalist of his generation," and Red Holloway has performed alongside the ranks of Dexter Gordon, Lionel Hampton, Jack McDuff, Billie Holiday, Ben Webster, Sonny Rollins, and Lester Young.

BILL WITHERS TO BE HONORED AT 19TH ANNUAL ASCAP RHYTHM & SOUL MUSIC AWARDS

Bill Withers has sung his way into the hearts of millions of fans worldwide with such memorable classics as Ain't No Sunshine, Grandma's Hands, I Want To Spend the Night,In The Name Of Love, Just The Two Of Us, Lean On Me, Lovely Day and Use Me, to name a few. He has received nine Grammy Award nominations, and won three for Best R&B Song for Ain't No Sunshine, Just The Two Of Us, and for the re-recording of Lean On Me by Club Nouveau.

He has received a Clio Award, two NAACP Image Awards and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005. His music and unique voice have been used in countless television and radio commercials, motion pictures and television programs, and his songs have been recorded by hundreds of artists from a variety of genres including Diana Ross, Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Liza Minnelli, Sting, Will Smith, Lionel Hampton, The Temptations, Tom Jones, Joe Cocker, Mick Jagger and Crystal Gayle, just to name a few.

"Bill's music and lyrics have extraordinary accessibility and universal appeal making him one of America's premier singer/songwriters," said Marilyn Bergman. "The ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award is an honor that he richly deserves." The ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award is given to ASCAP members who have had a major impact on the legacy of Rhythm and Soul music. Bill Withers joins a select group of recipients including Peabo Bryson, Earth, Wind & Fire, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Rick James and Chaka Khan.

Established in 1914, ASCAP is the first and leading U.S. Performing Rights Organization representing the world's largest repertory totaling over 8 million copyrighted musical works of every style and genre from more than 240,000 composer, lyricist and music publisher members. ASCAP also represents the repertories created by the international affiliates of 70 foreign performing rights organizations. ASCAP protects the rights of its members and foreign affiliates by licensing the public performances of their copyrighted works and distributing royalties based upon surveyed performances. ASCAP is the only American Performing Rights Organization owned and governed by its writer and publisher members

CORINNE BAILEY RAE LAUNCHES DEBUT ALBUM WITH SOLD-OUT U.S. SHOWS & APPEARANCES ON ‘GOOD MORNING AMERICA’ & ‘THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO’

When singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae's self-titled debut album entered the U.K. album chart at #1 in March, she made chart history as the first female British artist to do so with a debut album of original songs. Corinne Bailey Rae is currently certified double Platinum there, and Gold in numerous other countries, with worldwide sales already well over one million. Now Bailey Rae is poised to take North America, launching the album with performances on "Good Morning America" (June 19th, the day before the album's release) and "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" (June 27th) as well as a series of sold-out shows in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco. While in the States, Bailey Rae will also tape appearances on PBS' "The Tavis Smiley Show" and A&E's "Breakfast with the Arts." Dates are being finalized for a full North American summer tour.

Early reaction has been astounding with Starbucks signing on to carry Corinne Bailey Rae at its Company-operated locations in the U.S. and Canada, a cross-platform You Oughta Know campaign at VH1, VH1 Soul and VH1.com and a BET award nomination. And this week iTunes is featuring an acoustic version of lead single Put Your Records On as Single of the Week. "Rae's music sticks in your mind like a pleasant scent you wish would linger," said Blender while Entertainment Weekly said, "Corinne Bailey Rae is so 5 minutes from now ... Think a warm, sultry blend of Norah Jones Cool and Macy Gray Soul, with songwriting that shows flashes of Fiona Apple."

Put Your Records On spent three weeks atop the U.K. Airplay chart and is now climbing the charts at Smooth Jazz and AAA radio in the States. The accompanying video has already been added by VH1 Soul, where it was recently the #1 most played video. Now it's going into rotation at VH1 and Bailey Rae will be the focus of a massive cross-platform (VH1, VH1 Soul, VH1.com) You Oughta Know campaign beginning June 5th, which will include coverage on VH1 News, live performances, a VH1 Soul Listening Party and an appearance on VH1's Top 20 Countdown. Bailey Rae will also play her favorite videos in a Top 10 Countdown on VH1 Soul. Put Your Records On has been bumped up to "Very Cool" rotation at BETJ and has already earned her a nomination for the "BETJ Cool Like That" award. The BET awards will take place on June 27th.

Bailey Rae is one of six new emerging artists hand-picked by AOL Music for its innovative "Breakers" program. The four-month series of promotions includes an "AOL Sessions" performance, prime placements throughout the network and heavy rotation on AOL Radio. Clear Channel has also singled out Bailey Rae as one of today's most notable new artists, tapping her for its Spring 2006 "NEW!" program, which features three rising artists from five formats on its stations' websites.

In addition to carrying the album in its Company-operated stores in the U.S. and Canada, Starbucks' customers will be introduced to Corinne Bailey Rae with overhead in-store play; web site promotion; programming and promotional spots on Hear Music(TM) Channel 75 on XM Satellite Radio; and a special contest in which Starbucks Hear Music, XM Satellite Radio and Capitol Records are offering the chance to win a trip for two to see one of Corinne's performances on her European tour.

Confirmed US shows are as follows, additional North American dates to be added soon:
June 21 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
June 23 - Chicago, IL @ Schubas
June 26 - Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour
June 27 - San Francisco, CA @ Cafe Du Nord

DIANA KRALL TO RELEASE NEW CD IN SEPTEMBER

Verve has just announced that Diana Krall will release her next studio album on September 12. The new album is being produced by Krall and Tommy LiPuma and it will feature covers of various standards, including From This Moment On, How Insensitive, and It Could Happen To You. Her previous album, The Girl In The Other Room was released in 2004 and has sold 872,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Krall is scheduled to perform at the Jazz Aspen Snowmass in Aspen, CO on June 23, before heading off to Europe for a series of concerts.

UK/COLOMBIA AFRO-LATIN BEATS PHENOMENON SIDESTEPPER WITH FREE NEW DOWNLOAD AND U.S. WEST COAST DATES

Sidestepper is the alter-ego of UK-to-Columbia transplant producer Richard Blair. His eclectic Latin beats collective Sidestepper is back with a brand new single available for free download and a smattering of West Coast dates. His new Palm Pictures single Paloma - download it for free here: www.palmpictures.com/sidestepper .

Paloma is a hypnotic afro-latin groove with sexy male/female call & response, sophisticated rhythmic syncopations and horn arrangements reminiscent of Fela. Paloma (dove, in Spanish) is often used as a metaphor for unrequited love, as singer Ivan Benavides demonstrates on the track. The form and melody, the horns and the lyrics are all very Colombian, coming from a tradition of popular dance music derived from Colombian Cumbia. The groove was inspired by a few 70's funk tunes in Richard Blair’s collection. While working on beats that could maintain this funky feel yet adapted to the Colombian swing, Richard created Paloma in a style that is basically Cumbia and dancehall with a little Afro-beat. Road-tested at sound system parties, where Richard dj'd with live percussion, rappers, guitar and even horns, the beat was a solid hit, and when Ivan and Richard began to compose for a forthcoming album, they knew I was always going to be "ranking." In other words, boom! Sidestepper is the brainchild of UK-to-Colombia transplant producer Richard Blair, who has been living and working in Colombia for more than 10 years. Sidestepper’s pioneering trail has been blazing away since 1997, when Richard’s prowess as a musician, producer, engineer and DJ forged Sidestepper’s unique concept: a seductive blend of Latin, Afro-Colombian, Jamaican and electronic sounds, all filtered through the ears of an English dub-head. Live, Sidestepper is a thunderous blend of bass and beats, tropical, salsa, Vallenato and Cumbia vocals, dance, rap, guitar, drums and live dub effects.

Tour dates:
June 25 - Boonville CA - Sierra Nevada World Music Festival
June 28 - Davis CA - UC Davis
June 30 - San Francisco CA - The Independent
July 1 - Los Angeles CA - Grand Performances
July 2 - Los Angeles CA - Temple Bar

JAZZ GREAT LARRY CORYELL TO PLAY CLUB PASSIM ON JUNE 2, 2006

Legendary Jazz guitarist Larry Coryell will play Club Passin on June 2, 2006 at 8:00 p.m. One of the world’s acknowledged guitar masters, Larry Coryell first played Club Passim in the 1960s, Dubbed "the Godfather of Fusion" by Dan Ouellette of Down Beat Magazine, Larry has recorded more than 70 albums over the past 35 years as a bandleader, soloist and 'featured accompanist'. Born in Galveston, Texas, Larry arrived in New York City via Seattle in 1965, and began honing his formidable instrumental skill as the basis for his musical expression. National recognition then came during his tenure with the Gary Burton Quartet in 1967. The late 60s thru early 70s saw Larry as one of the most in-demand guitarists in rock, jazz and all musical genres. During that time Larry was featured in sessions with Jimmy Webb, the 5th Dimension, Charles Mingus, Billy Cobham, Chick Corea and John McLaughlin. 1974 Larry formed The 11th House, the most popular and successful Fusion band of its time. After The 11th House disbanded, Larry was signed by Clive Davis to Arista Records, where he made a series of solo albums, followed by a direct-to-disc recording with the Brecker Brothers.

"We are honored to have a legendary artist such as Larry Coryell perform in Club Passim," said Matt Smith, manager of Club Passim. "Through his skillful playing, he has earned a reputation as one of today’s guitar virtuosos. This is a must-see performance for those who love jazz." Larry Coryell's recordings and live concert performances have run the gamut from clubs large and small, and concert venues large and small from the 1980s thru today. His appearance at Club Passim offers students and aficionados of jazz to hear from one of today’s masters. About Passim Passim Folk Music and Cultural Center is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to the cultivation and preservation of folk music. Through its diverse programming – Club Passim, Passim School of Music, Archive Project, and Culture for Kids– Passim Center reaches out to people of all ages, backgrounds, and communities. For 47 years in the heart of Harvard Square, the Passim Center has been a cornerstone of the arts community of New England, fostering both performers and audiences alike. For more information click to, http://www.passimcenter.org.

NEW JAZZ AND CHILL RELEASES FROM EVERETTE HARP, JAZZ INVADERS, LALO SHIFRIN, LIQUID SOUL, TAMBA TRIO, THE YELLOWJACKETS & MORE...

Anjani Thomas – Blue Alert
Anthony Braxton – Duo Victoriaville 2005
Baden Powell & Vinicius De Moraes – Afro-Sambas
Bernard Woma – Live At The Pito Bar
Bill Potts – Brasilia Nueve – How Insensitive
Billie Holiday – Lady Day Live
Carlos Lyra – Bossa Nova
Carlos Lyra – Preciso Cantar/Er & Elas
Chet Baker – Chet Baker With Len Mercer & His Orchestra
Chet Baker – Cologne Concert
Diana Ross - Diana
Dick Hyman – Brasilian Impressions
Dr. John – Mercernary
Ellis Regina – Aquarela Do Brasil
Ellis Regina – Como & Porque
Ellis Regina – In London
Eric Clapton –Eric Clapton: Deluxe Edition
Everette Harp – In The Moment
Gal Costa & Caetano Veloso - Domingo
Gilles Peterson – Gilles Peterson Back in Brazil (Various Artists)
Gladys Knight & The Pips – Gold
Jazz Invaders – Up & Out
Jeanette Lindstrom – In The Middle Of This Riddle
Joao Gilberto - Brasil
Jimmy McGriff – Groove Grease
John Lee Hooker – The Definitive Collection
John Mayer – Dhammapada
Karen Bernod – Life @ 360 Degrees
Keith Jarrett – Tokyo Solo
Kenny Dope & Keb Barge – Kenny Dope & Keb Barge Presents Kay Dee Records (Various Artists)
Lalo Shifrin – Letters From Argentina
Lionel Richie – Time
Liquid Soul – One-Two Punch
Lucio Alves, Roberto Menescal & Sylvia Telles – Bossa Session
Marion Meadows – Dressed To Chill
Mark Isham – Pure Mark Isham
Melvin Sparks – Groove On Up
Michael Bolton – Bolton Swings Sinatra: The Second Time Around
Miles Davis – Legendary Prestige Quintet Sessions
Mohammed Jimmy Mohammed - Takkabel
Nara Leao – Meus Sonhos Dourados
Nara Leao – Dez Anos Depois
Nara Leao – Nara
Nara Leao – Onde E Quando
Native – Impressions
Nina Simone – Songs To Sing: The Best Of Nina Simone
Nomo – New Tones
Omar – Sing (If You Want It)
Phil Sunkel – Jazz Concerto Grosso
Quartet Tres Bien – Quartet Tres Bien
Raul A. Fernandez – From Afro-Cuban Rhythms to Latin Jazz
Ray Barretto – A Man And His Music
Ray Barretto – Rican/Struction
Ray Mantilla – Good Vibrations
Rayse Biggs – For The Love Of It
Rotary Connection – Black Gold Of The Sun – The Very Best Of The Rotary Connection
Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’65 – Herb Alpert Presents
Shadowfax – Pure Shadowfax
Tamba Trio– Tempo/Avanco
Tuck & Patti – Pure Tuck & Patti
Yellowjackets – Twenty Five (CD/DVD)
Various Artists – Experience Brazil
Various Artists – Big Band: Remixed + Reinvented
Various Artists – Bonita Bossa Nova
Various Artists – Hot As Hell – Contemporary Jazz & Soul From Helsinki
Warren Parker- Hawaiian Eye
Zeena Parkins – In Despite

VERVE ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF RARE ALBUMS AS RHAPSODY EXCLUSIVES

The Verve Music Group has announced an exclusive program with Rhapsody(R), the award-winning online music service from RealNetworks(R), to make a number of its classic, out-of-print recordings available to consumers as digital releases. Verve has had much success in bringing back titles that either had been deleted from its catalog or were never-before-available and making these titles available as digital-only tracks and albums. Verve and Rhapsody are making this exclusive content available in response to consumer interest.

"Today's consumer lives an on-demand lifestyle and The Verve Music Group is thrilled to have Rhapsody embrace the delivery of out-of-print music to meet the consumer demand for it," says Ron Goldstein, President and CEO of The Verve Music Group. "Verve can now achieve the full potential of its amazing catalog by re-releasing these classic recordings in the digital space." The program will launch with 28 titles. These titles, which are currently unavailable for purchase anywhere in America, was released to Rhapsody beginning on May 23rd and will be available exclusively through the service for three months. Consumers will be able to stream, download, or purchase these classic recordings via the Rhapsody service as well as transfer them to compatible portable devices. Rhapsody and Verve will support this exclusive relationship with a variety of album features and promotions as well as outreach to core music audiences.

"We're very excited to be adding nearly 30 out-of-print titles from Verve Records to Rhapsody," said Tim Quirk, GM of Music Content and Programming. "Rhapsody's infinite shelf space means there's always room for more great music from influential Verve artists such as Art Blakey, EllaFitzgerald, and Oscar Peterson."

Verve titles coming to Rhapsody through the program include:
Albert Mangelsdorff, Jaco Pastorius, and Alphonse Mouzon "Trilogue" (Live)
Alphonse Mouzon "By All Means"
Anita O'Day "Anita"
Art Blakey "The Complete Art Blakey on EmArcy"
Art Tatum "I Got Rhythm Vol. 3 (1935-44)"
Baden Powell "Estudos"
Ben Sidran "I Lead A Life"
Ben Sidran "Puttin' In Time On Planet Earth"
Ben Sidran "The Cat In The Hat"
Ben Webster and Don Byas "Ben Webster Meets Don Byas"
Bill Evans "Symbiosis"
Clark Terry "Clark After Dark"
Dexter Gordon and Slide Hampton "A Day in Copenhagen"
Don "Sugar Cane" Harris "Fiddler On The Rock"
Don Ellis "Soaring"
Duke Ellington "Collages"
Ella Fitzgerald "Songs In A Mellow Mood"
Freddie Hubbard "The Hub Of Hubbard"
George Duke "I Love The Blues, She Heard Me Cry"
Helen Merrill and Ron Carter "Duets"
Jean-Luc Ponty "Sunday Walk"
Joe Henderson "Mirror Mirror"
Marlena Shaw "Out Of Different Bags"
Monty Alexander "The Duke Ellington Songbook"
Oscar Peterson "Bursting Out With The All-Star Big Band"
Stephane Grappelli and the Diz Disley Trio "Violinspiration"
The Jan Hammer Trio "Maliny Maliny"

HERBIE HANCOCK SIGNS ON TO 2006 INDY JAZZ FESTIVAL LINE-UP

Herbie Hanock has joined the artist line-up for the 2006 Indy Jazz Fest being presented by Kroger, held June 16-18 in Indianapolis. Herbie Hancock, the internationally known acoustic, electronic jazz and R&B performer, will replace Wynton Marsalis, who due to a medical condition, had to cancel several of his summer appearances.

CHRIS BOTTI & DAVID HOLMES SET TO APPEAR AT 20th ANNUAL GLASGOW JAZZ FESTIVAL

The 20th annual Glasgow International Jazz Festival is gearing up to take place in venues throughout Glasgow from June 23 to July 2. Artists scheduled to appear this year include: Dennis Rollins Badbone (June 29); David Holmes (June 30); The James Taylor Quartet (July 1); and Chris Botti (July 2). Local talent will include Jeannie Maxwell & the Jazzwegians, George Penman’s Jazzmen and Dave Wilson and the Uptown Shufflers. For more information click to www.jazzfest.co.uk.

MICHAEL BUBLE U.S TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED; ‘IT’S TIME’ SELLS 1.5 CDS

Michael Bublé will be hitting the road across the U.S. this summer with a string of tour dates announced. His album, It’s Time has sold 1.5 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Bublé’s recent live CD/DVD set Caught In The Act (Reprise) has sold 235,000 units.

Here are Michael Bublé’s U.S. tour dates:
June 22: Madison, Wisc. (Coliseum at Alliant Energy Center)
June 24: Moline, Ill. (Mark of the Quad Cities)
June 25: Des Moines, Iowa (Des Moines Civic Center)
June 27: Grand Rapids, Mich. (Van Andel Arena)
June 28: Toledo, Ohio (Stranahan Theatre)
June 29: Kettering, Ohio (Fraze Pavilion)
July 1: Wilkes-Barre, Penn. (Wachovia Arena)
July 2: Hershey, Penn. (GIANT Center)
July 6: Greenville, S.C. (BI-LO Center)
July 8: Pensacola, Fla. (Pensacola Civic Center)
July 9: Baton Rouge, La. (Baton Rouge River Center Arena)
July 11: Birmingham, Ala. (BJCC Concert Hall)
July 12: North Little Rock, Ark. (ALLTEL Arena)
July 18: Albuquerque, N.M. (Sandia Casino Amphitheater)
July 19: El Paso, Tex. (The Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Center)
July 21: Santa Barbara, Calif. (Santa Barbara Bowl)
July 22: Fresno, Calif. (William Saroyan Theatre Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center

DR. JOHN RELEASES ‘MERCERNARY’ AND SETS 2006 SUMMER TOUR SCHEDULE

Dr. John released his brand new full-length studio album Mercernary on Tuesday, May 23 on Blue Note Records. Following on from the release of the mini-album Sippiana Hericane (released in November to raise money for the victims of the New Orleans disaster) Mercernary is a tribute to the legendary American songwriter Johnny Mercer (1909 – 1976). The album features new interpretations of some of Mercer’s most popular songs including Moon River, Lazy Bones and That Old Black Magic as well as an original composition by Dr. John entitled I Ain't No Johnny Mercer.

The full track listing for Mercenary is as follows: 1. Blues In The Night; 2. You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby; 3. Personality; 4. Hit the Road To Dreamland 5. I’m An Old Cow Hand; 6. Dream; 7. Lazy Bones; 8. That Old Black Magic; 9. Come Rain Or Come Shine; 10. Moon River; 11. Tangerine; 12. I Ain’t No Johnny Mercer; and 13. Save The Bones For Henry Jones.

Dr. John is currently on tour with his band The Lower 911, and have a series of bookings confirmed through September. The full tour schedule for Dr. John and The Lower 911 is listed below.

Dr. John’s 2006 tour schedule with his band The Lower 911.
6/3/2006 Los Angeles, CA @ Sheraton Gateway LAX
6/9/2006 Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center (w/ Neville Brothers & Wynton Marsalis)
6/10/2006 Oyster Bay, NY @ Planting Fields (w/ Neville Brothers & Wynton Marsalis)
6/11/2006 Charlottesville, VA @ Charlottesville Pavilion (w/ Neville Brothers & Wynton Marsalis)
6/13/2006 Schenectady, NY @ Proctor Theater (w/ Neville Brothers & Wynton Marsalis)
6/16/2006 Chicago, IL @ Ravinia (w/ Neville Brothers & Wynton Marsalis)
6/17/2006 Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo Festival
6/18/2006 Indianapolis, IN @ Indy Jazz Festival (w/ Neville Brothers & Wynton Marsalis)
6/21/2006 Atlanta, GA @ Chastain Park (w/ B.B. King & The Neville Brothers)
6/23/2006 Clayton, MO @ St. Louis Jazz Fest
6/24/2006 Syracuse, NY @ The Syracuse Jazz Festival
6/25/2006 Norfolk, VA @ Townepoint Park
6/29/2006 Bend, Or @ Tower Theatre
6/30/2006 Portland, OR @ Waterfront Blues Festival
7/1/2006 Vancouver, BC @ Vancouver International Jazz Festival
7/2/2006 Victoria, BC @ JazzFest International
8/5/2006 Bethlehem, PA @ Zoellner Arts Center
8/6/2006 Litchfield, CT @ Litchfield Jazz Festival
8/17/2006 Salt Lake City, UT @ Red Butte Gardens
8/19/2006 San Jose, CA @ San Jose Jazz Festival
8/20/2006 San Francisco, CA @ Golden Gate Music Festival
8/31/2006 Lowell, MA @ Boarding House Park
9/3/2006 Charlestown, RI @ Ninigret Park
9/4/2006 Detroit, MI @ Detroit International Jazz Festival
9/8/2006 Milwaukee, WI @ Potawatomi Casino
9/9/2006 Morton, MN @ Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel
9/14/2006 Kansas city, MO @ Beaumont Club
9/15/2006 Eureka Springs, AR @ Big Time Fest
9/16/2006 Stamford, CT @ Arts, Crafts & Blues on Bedford
9/22/2006 Los Angeles, CA @ Greek Theater (w/ Buddy Guy & George Thorogood)
9/23/2006 Del Mar, CA @ Festival Del Mar

FREIHOFERS JAZZ FESTIVAL TO FEATURE, HERBIE HANCOCK, GERALD ALBRIGHT, SMOKEY ROBINSON, GEORGE DUKE & ETTA JAMES

Freihofers Jazz Festival presented by Chrysler is scheduled for the Saratoga Performing Arts Center on June 24 and 25. This year’s Jazz Festival will showcase a diverse group of artists including, Smokey Robinson, Herbie Hancock Quintet, Jamie Cullum, Arturo Sandoval, Groovin’ For Grover featuring Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum & Jeff Lorber, Etta James, Dave Brubeck Quartet, Stanley Clarke/George Duke Project, Susan Tedeschi, Sonya Kitchell, and many others.

RAYSE BIGGS RELEASES DEBUT CD 'FOR THE LOVE OF IT'

Smooth jazz trumpet player Rayse Biggs released his long awaited solo CD For The Love of It on May 20, 2006. This innovative musician continues to enchant audiences with his improvisational style. Known for his dual horn playing technique, Rayse Biggs is in a jazzy class of his own. The playing of two horns a (Fluglehorn and Trumpet) during his performance has gained him star status with national and international audiences. A sought after performer and arranger, Biggs has toured and performed with Detroit's own Kem, Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Norman Connors, Aretha Franklin, Dennis Edwards and Temptations Review and many many more. The CD For The Love of It has taken 12 years to complete. The CD features some of Detroit's best musicians, Derek Benford, Carl Holmes, Duke Billingslea, Ron Otis, David Myles and Dave McMurray.

SMOOTH JAZZ ARTIST & COMPOSER BRENDA RUSSELL RECEIVES TONY AWARD NOMINATION

Smooth jazz singer and composer Brenda Russell has received a Tony Award nomination for the Original Score for the Broadway smash "The Color Purple". Russell’s music and lyrics were written in collaboration with Allee Willis and Steven Bray. This honor was one of eleven nominations the attendance record-breaking show received, including "Best Musical," "Best Book of a Musical," and "Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical."

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