SMOKEY ROBINSON & THE MIRACLES - THE DEFINITIVE PERFORMANCES

To celebrate Smokey Robinson's 50th anniversary as a recording artist, Reelin' In The Years Productions and Universal Music Enterprises on November 21, 2006 released "Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - Definitive Performances 1963 - 1987" on DVD. Featured for the first time on DVD are 15 classic full-length performances from Motown's pioneering vocal group taken from television appearances spanning their entire career. Also included are three performances of top-ten hits from Smokey Robinson's solo years. Issued with the full cooperation of The Miracles and their estates, this is the first official DVD anthology of classic archival television performances by the group. Continuing in the tradition of "Marvin Gaye -- The Real Thing In Performance 1964 - 1981" and "The Temptations -- Get Ready! The Definitive Performances 1965 - 1972," released earlier this year, the Smokey Robinson & The Miracles DVD includes a wealth of classic performances with re-mastered sound and video, plus, as an extra-special bonus, Smokey Robinson and original Miracles Pete Moore and Bobby Rogers reunite to give their first-ever in-depth interview about the history of the group -- more than 70 minutes of stories about The Miracles, Motown, and their incredible songs!

"Smokey Robinson & The Miracles -- Definitive Performances 1963 - 1987" begins with a staggering performance of their 1962-63 hit "You've Really Got A Hold On Me" filmed at the Apollo Theatre during the famous 1963 Motortown Review. The DVD then progresses through the group's entire career with Smokey leading The Miracles through classic performances of "Shop Around," "Mickey's Monkey," "Ooo Baby Baby," "The Tracks Of My Tears" and "Going To A Go-Go." Also featured is a performance of "I Second That Emotion" from "The Mike Douglas Show" in 1968 and the #1, million-selling hit "The Tears Of A Clown" filmed in 1970 when the song was just beginning its climb up the charts.

Also featured on the DVD are performances by The Miracles after Smokey left the group and featuring Billy Griffin on lead vocals. Included from the Griffin-era Miracles are performances of "Do It Baby" and their #1 hit, the multi-million-seller "Love Machine," both from 1976. Rounding out the DVD are three classic performances from Smokey's solo years: "Cruisin'," "Being With You" and the GRAMMY® award-winning "Just To See Her."

Interspersed between the performances are segments from the historic Smokey Robinson & The Miracles reunion interview, conducted exclusively for this DVD. Featured for the first time anywhere are over 70 minutes of interviews where Smokey and original Miracles Pete Moore and Bobby Rogers recount the history of the group from their early childhood days as friends through the early years of the Miracles and the formation of Motown, all the way up to the present. Also included are the stories behind each song on the DVD as well as other amazing reminiscences including stories about their first performance at the Apollo Theatre and Motown's legendary studio band "The Funk Brothers."

In addition to the television performances, the bonus section of "Smokey Robinson & The Miracles -- Definitive Performances 1963 - 1987" DVD includes a host of unique bonus content including an audio-only feature of eight original a cappella (lead and background vocals only) performances of The Miracles' classic hits discovered in the Motown vaults, and now available on this DVD for the first time anywhere. Fans will feel as if they're in the original Motown recording booth with the group when they hear The Miracles' original vocal masters for "Ooo Baby Baby," "My Girl Has Gone," "The Tears Of A Clown" and five more.

"Smokey Robinson & The Miracles -- Definitive Performances 1963 - 1987" also features a 24-page booklet with an extensive essay by GRAMMY® award-winning writer, Rob Bowman, including rare photographs and memorabilia. Also part of the bonus features section are additional interview segments from the historic Smokey Robinson & The Miracles reunion interview as well as a picture-in-picture section where the viewer can experience the reunited Miracles watching the 1963 performance of "You've Really Got A Hold On Me" for the first time in over 40 years.

For "Smokey Robinson & The Miracles -- Definitive Performances 1963 - 1987" every effort has been made to locate the best possible sound and video; each of the performances has been re-transferred and re-mastered from the best-quality, original masters (some resting in the television vaults for over 40 years). In the case of lip-sync performances, the original Motown stereo master recordings have been used, replacing the original mono broadcast sound and making for a much more enjoyable viewing and listening experience.

Reelin' In The Years Productions LLC is the largest music footage library in the world, housing over 10,000 hours of performances from all genres of music covering the last 50 years. Reelin' In The Years Productions' "The American Folk Blues Festival 1962-1969" three-volume DVD series has received critical acclaim, commercial success and numerous industry awards. "Volume One" was nominated for a GRAMMY award in the category of "Best Long Form Music Video," and "Volume One" and "Two" received The Blues Foundation's prestigious 2004 Keeping The Blues Alive (KBA) Award as well as Honorable Mention in Mojo Magazine's Honors List for best DVD of 2003. Other DVD releases include "Marvin Gaye -- The Real Thing In Performance 1962 - 1981," "The Temptations -- Get Ready! The Definitive Performances 1965 - 1972," "Marvin Gaye -- Live In Belgium 1981," and "Muddy Waters Classic Concerts." Current DVD projects include the first nine DVDs in the Jazz Icons series featuring classic concerts from the '50s and '60s from jazz legends including Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. In addition, Reelin' In The Years Productions has provided footage for numerous DVDs including the platinum-selling "Led Zeppelin," "AC/DC -- Family Jewels," "The Police -- Synchronicity Concert," and "Elvis Costello -- The Right Spectacle -- The Videos."

CHUCK LOEB SIGNED TO HEADS UP INTERNATIONAL

Guitarist Chuck Loeb is set to release his next CD Presence on Heads Up International on January 24, 2007. The first single from the album Good To Go has already been released to smooth jazz radio. Loeb is scheduling 2007 dates as he will be touring in support of the CD upon its release. This is Loeb’s first release since he recently signed with Heads Up International, joining a label roster that includes Philip Bailey, Michael Brecker, Paquito D’Rivera, Hiroshima, Hugh Masekela, Marion Meadows, Andy Narell, Spyro Gyra, Nestor Torres, Gerald Veasley and the Yellowjackets, among others.

STEVE COLE RELEASES NEW CD 'TRUE'

Demonstrating that one can be inspired to greatness by simply returning to their roots, contemporary jazz saxophonist Steve Cole released his fifth album, True, from Narada Jazz/Blue Note Label Group. Cole produced the collection and composed or co-wrote the nine new R&B, jazz, funk, dance and pop songs that comprise the disc. Through his previous albums, Cole established himself as a core artist in contemporary jazz. His consistency as a songwriter and producer also merits recognition and respect as he's scored four No 1 radio hits and ten Top 5 singles since his 1998 debut. True promises to add to Cole's impressive accomplishments.

The album title refers to a return to innocence, a return to the music that inspired Cole to explore his passion for jazz-funk made popular by artists such as Eddie Harris, Grover Washington, Jr., David Sanborn, Junior Walker and George Benson. It was an era of well-crafted songs, live production and expressive music that emerged from the core of the artists' being. Those were the ingredients Cole used to create True. He pushed himself to reach new heights delivering unadulterated artistry and organic musicianship. He was inspired by the music that emerged from his hometown of Chicago where he still resides. On the album, Cole salutes seminal Chicago pioneers such as jazz-funk legend Quincy Jones and soul icon Curtis Mayfield along with clubby house music, which emerged from the Chicago underground. But broadening his saxwork and improvising were equally important objectives for Cole on True. He sought to produce the record as "live" as possible, fostering the setting for expansive soloing. A talented cast of musicians helped make True a reality, including Jeff Golub, Steve Rodby, David Mann, Ricky Peterson, Lenny Castro and Khari Parker.

Last month, the house music-inspired cut Metro, boasting an extended sax solo that's both expressive and functional, was serviced to smooth jazz radio stations where it is presently garnering airplay. The early reaction to the album from music critics has been enthusiastic. All Music Guide said, "If the title of this superior collection is indicative of the true persona that's here to stay, then genre fans will be in for a powerful adventure\'85 Cole has scored many hits while on the road to finding his true voice, and with any luck, he'll stay right there as the perfect antidote to his less imaginative contemporaries." JazzReview wrote, "In this watershed album, Cole lets down his hair and goes for it, showing his talent in featured solos- blending textures, melodies and awesome extremes Cole states, 'A lot of the substance of a player is evident once they get off the melody and start improvising.' That's exactly what Cole does on True, adding fresh notes, compelling hooks and smooth grooves."

DAVE KOZ & GERALD VEASLEY JOIN SMOOTH JAZZ WJJZ PHILADELPHIA'S TALENT LINE UP

Greater Media has announced the talent line up for its Smooth Jazz/WJJZ Philadelphia, and while the morning show has yet to be finalized, afternoons will be hosted by Grammy-nominated sax star Dave Koz. The lineup to date includes Music Director Margo Marano overnights, PD Michael Tozzi handling middays and Koz driving Philly Jazz fans home weekday afternoons, 3PM – 7PM. Weekend afternoons will be hosted by Gerald Veasley with Teri Webb doing Saturday 10AM – 3PM and swing shifts. "We're thrilled to have some old friends join us for the re-launch of Smooth Jazz in Philadelphia at its new address at 97.5," said Tozzi. "We've brought back the familiar voices of Teri Webb and smooth jazz bassist, Gerald Veasley for weekends, and enlisted saxophonist Dave Koz to handle the smooth ride home weekdays for WJJZ."

CHUCK LOEB JOINS HEADS UP INTERNATIONAL

Guitarist Chuck Loeb is set to release his next CD Presence on Heads Up International on January 24, 2007. The first single from the album Good To Go has already been released to smooth jazz radio. Loeb is scheduling 2007 dates as he will be touring in support of the CD upon its release. This is Loeb’s first release since he recently signed with Heads Up International, joining a label roster that includes Philip Bailey, Michael Brecker, Paquito D’Rivera, Hiroshima, Hugh Masekela, Marion Meadows, Andy Narell, Spyro Gyra, Nestor Torres, Gerald Veasley and the Yellowjackets, among others.

ANITA BAKER PLANNING HOLIDAY CONCERTS

Grammy-winning singer Anita Baker will give her fans a reason to rejoice this holiday season with five select concerts and a special appearance on national TV in December. Starting December 2, Baker will visit Los Angeles, Oakland, Minneapolis, Chicago and Washington, D.C. for holiday performances featuring songs from her holiday CD, Christmas Fantasy (Blue Note), as well as songs from her acclaimed CD, My Everything (Blue Note), and other favorites. Baker also teamed up with jazz great Dave Koz and an array of international skating stars including Nancy Kerrigan, Ekaterina Gordeeva and Todd Eldredge, for ‘The Capital One Holiday Celebration On Ice’ television special, which will air on NBC on December 25 from 4pm-6pm ET, and will re-air on the Style Network on December 26, from 6pm-8PM ET. Baker’s Christmas Fantasy CD mixes traditional Christmas carols, standards, re-imagined classics, Broadway show tunes, and three new songs by Baker and producer/arranger Barry Eastmond. Guests on the CD include Joe Sample on piano, Larry Carlton on guitar, Nathan East on bass, Ricky Lawson on drums, and jazz quartet The Yellowjackets.

THE AMAZING STORY OF R&B LEGEND RUTH BROWN

The incomparable Ruth Brown, whose musical legacy was matched by her fight for royalty reform for herself and other R&B Artists, passed away on November 17, 2006 in a Las Vegas area hospital from complications following a stroke and heart attack. Howell Begle, longtime friend and legal representative, made the announcement for the family.

Known as "The Girl with a Tear in her Voice," "The Original Queen of Rhythm & Blues," "Miss Rhythm & Blues," and the well-known moniker of "Miss Rhythm," the nickname given her by Mr. Rhythm, Frankie Lane, Ruth Brown was also credited as the first star made by Atlantic Records. Her regal hit-making reign from 1949 to the close of the '50s helped tremendously to establish the New York label's predominance in the R&B field, a track record for which the young label was referred to as "The House That Ruth Built."

Brown's two dozen hit records included the single So Long, the signature song of Little Miss Cornshucks, and a favorite of Atlantic Records' Executive Herb Abramson's partner, Ahmet Ertegun, as well as Teardrops From My Eyes which brought out the more swaggering, aggressive side for which Ruth was rewarded with her first Number One R&B hit. For the duration of the Fifties, Brown dominated the R&B charts with such red-hot sides as 5-10-15 Hours and (Mama) He Treats Your Daughter Mean.

The relationship with Atlantic Records would last until 1961. With the onset of the turbulent '60s, musical styles changed and, like so many R&B Pioneers, Miss Brown was left behind. Ruth was thrust into the role of single parent raising two boys alone, forcing her to take jobs as a maid, driving a school bus, and as a Head Start teacher.

The story might have ended there, but Brown enjoyed a career renaissance in the mid-Seventies. She began recording blues and jazz for a variety of labels. She toured overseas in 1979 and 1980 and upon her return to the United States, she starred in Allen Toussaint's off-Broadway musical "Staggerlee" and made a spectacular splash in the film "Hairspray" as Motormouth Maybelle. Beginning in 1985, Ruth hosted the Harlem Hit Parade series on National Public Radio and in 1989 won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for the Broadway revue "Black And Blue."

In 1989 Ruth Brown received a Grammy Award for the album Blues On Broadway. In 1993, she was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Ruth was recognized in 1999 with a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Blues Foundation, in addition to receiving two W.C. Handy Awards from the organization. Her autobiography, "Miss Rhythm," received the Ralph Gleason Award for Music. Ruth was given a Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation, an organization which was founded as a direct result of her efforts to foster wider recognition and provide financial assistance to Rhythm and Blues musicians of any stature.

"Ruth was one of the most important and beloved figures in modern music. You can hear her influence in everyone from Little Richard to Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin and divas like Christina Aguilera today. She set the standard for sass, heartache and resilience in her life as well as her music, and fought tirelessly for royalty reform and recognition for the R&B pioneers who never got their due. She taught me more than anyone about survival, heart and class. She was my dear friend and I will miss her terribly."

- Bonnie Raitt, Friend and fellow musical Artist
"The Foundation is deeply saddened by the loss of not only our beloved co-founder of the organization but also by what will now become a glaring absence in the fight for Pioneer R&B Artists to achieve recognition, dignity and support of their work. The Foundation, its Board and Staff celebrate Ruth and her life and hope that others will now pick up her call."

- Kendall Minter, Chairman of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation
The firstborn of seven children in a family with deep religious roots, Ruth Weston's father worked on the docks at the seaport in Portsmouth, VA and was choir director at Emmanuel AME Church. Ruth is survived by her two sons, Earl Swanson and Ron Jackson, and siblings: Leonard Weston, Delia Weston, Benjamin Weston and Alvin Weston.

The Rhythm and Blues Foundation will be planning a public memorial to honor Ruth Brown and celebrate her contribution to Rhythm and Blues in New York City, details to be announced at a later date. For more information click to - Official Website: www.RuthBrown.net

THE SECOND VOLUME OF 2005’S GRAMMY-NOMINATED LUTHER VANDROSS TRIBUTE – FOREVER, FOR ALWAYS, FOR LUTHER

On November 21st, Rendezvous Entertainment released Forever, For Always, For Luther Volume II. Once again produced by Rex Rideout and Bud Harner, Vol. II boasts a new cast of all-star singers and players that includes: Gerald Albright, Patti Austin, Norman Brown, Will Downing, Jonathan Butler, Everette Harp, Jeff Lorber, Maysa, Najee, Wayman Tisdale, Kevin Whalum and Kirk Whalum.

"Huge personality, huge talent...Luther Vandross will be forever missed," says label founder Dave Koz. "I am thrilled and honored that Rendezvous could be part of the legacy, and help keep the man and his music alive." In keeping with tradition, Rendezvous Entertainment is partnering the release with the American Heart Association's lifesaving campaign "The Power To End Stroke." Especially targeted to the African-American community, the program seeks to raise the awareness of the warning signs of stroke in order to prevent and minimize many of its debilitating consequences.

"When you look at the African-American community, you see a greater disposition to virtually all the risk factors for stroke," states the American Heart Association's Dr. Bruce Ovbiagele. "This is exacerbated by the fact that there's a shortage of accurate information out there, especially in the black community on stoke. That's leading to a stroke epidemic in the black community, and it's critical that we act now to stop it."

Patti Austin who often recorded with Luther, will be one of the project's spokespersons. On November 30th 94.7-THE WAVE and Rendezvous will be hosting a benefit concert at VAULT in Los Angeles for the American Heart Association, Diabetic and the American Diabetes Association.

On April 16, 2003, Luther Vandross suffered a catastrophic diabetes-induced stroke that left him in a coma for several weeks. A month later, Verve partnered with the American Diabetes Association in an innovative fund-raising and awareness campaign: "Send A Love Letter To Luther." Forever, For Always, For Luther would go on to scan 115,000 units, garner a #1 Urban AC single, a #1 and Top 5 Smooth Jazz single and a 2005 Grammy® nomination for Best Pop Instrumental. For more information click to www.rendezvousmusic.com

ANDRE DELANO RELEASES SMOOTH JAZZ CHRISTMAS CD

Saxophonist Andre Delano’s debut, Full Circle, took the smooth jazz world by storm in 2005. His dynamic live performances wowed genre enthusiasts into immediate Delano fans. Now the East Saint Louis native brings his fans tides of great joy with a holiday offering with First Christmas, on 7th Note Entertainment. While the CD includes many traditional Christmas favorites, the title track, First Christmas, is an original vocal tune written by Delano and dedicated to his baby daughter, Makenna. Delano will be performing songs from First Christmas and Full Circle on December 5 at The Jazz Bakery in Culver City, California. Delano is also saxophonist in the house band for "The Megan Mullaly Show" television show, is working on a new smooth jazz CD scheduled for release in 2007.

SMOOTH JAZZ FROM THE ‘70’s & ‘80’S TO BE FEATURED ON ‘SMOOTH JAZZ ODYSSEY’

Saxophonist Everette Harp is hosting "Smooth Jazz Odyssey," a weekly two-hour radio show playing smooth jazz music from the ‘70’s and ‘80’s. The show debuted on Gross Communications WLOG-FM in Orlando on Saturday, November 11. "I believe that smooth jazz was at its best during these two decades. My love for the diversity, the uniqueness and the musicianship of these artists is profound. I am definitely a product of this era," say Harp. "Unfortunately some of this great music does not get regular airplay. There are thousands of smooth jazz listeners who have never heard what we are going to play. ‘Smooth Jazz Odyssey’ will bring nostalgia to some and discovery to others." "We are excited about debuting Everette’s show," says WLOQ VP GM Rick Weinkauf. "The music is outstanding and Everette’s natural warmth will connect with listeners." WLOQ PD Brian Morgan adds, "Our listeners want to hear more music from this era; Joe Sample, The Crusaders, Bob James, Gato Barbieri, Stanley Turrentine, Michael Franks and David Sanborn are the legends who built this format." "Smooth Jazz Odyssey" will be available for national syndication.

JOSS STONE IN THE STUDIO RECORDING NEW ALBUM

Singer Joss Stone is working on her new album at Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas along with production by Raphael Saadiq, whose resume includes work with Angie Stone, Jill Scott, Kelis and Erykah Badu. The album is a follow-up to 2004’s Mind, Body & Soul which debuted at No. 11 on The Billboard 200 chart and has sold over 1.2 million albums in the United States. The album will include the following songs: Headturner, Tell Me What We’re Gonna Do Now, Music, Tell Me ‘Bout It, Nothing Better Than (The iPod Song), and I Wish I Never Met You. The album is due out on March 6 on the Virgin label.

NEW NORAH JONES CD ‘NOT TOO LATE’ DUE JANUARY 30

Singer/songwriter Norah Jones is preparing to release her new CD Not Too Late on January 30. The album will feature all-new original songs and features guitarists Adam Levy and Jesse Harris, keyboardist Larry Goldings, drummer Andy Borger, saxophonist Bill McHenry, vocalist and flutist Daru Oda, cellist Julia Kent and cellist Jeff Zeigler of the classical-jazz group Kronos Quartet. This release will mark the first time that all the songs are either written or co written by Jones. Not Too Late will be her third solo release for the Blue Note label, following her 2002 smash debut, Come Away With Me, and 2004’s Feels Like Home.

GERALD LEVERT DIES OF A HEART ATTACK

We are sad to report that R&B singer Gerald Levert died on November 10 of a heart attack in his hometown of Cleveland. He had just turned 40 in July. The son of O’Jays lead singer Eddie Levert, Levert had become a well-regarded singer/songwriter and producer. Gerald Levert came to prominence as a member of Atlantic Records’ Levert, comprised of his brother Sean and friend Marc Gordon. The trio scored with Pop in 1986, followed by the No.1 R&B/No. 5 pop hit Casanova. In 1991, he launched his solo career and went on to record eight solo albums, with the most recent being 2004’s Do I Speak For The World? Voices, is a compilation of Levert duets and was released last year. He was also a member of LSG, which included Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill. Levert’s talents also included songwriting and producing and his collaborations included projects with Barry White, Stephanie Mills, Teddy Pendergrass and the Winans. He also co-wrote and co-produced Barry White’s last hit, 1994’s Practice What You Preach.

KEEPIN’ THAT FEELING ON ‘EAST COAST PROJECT’ NEW FROM BRADLEY LEIGHTON; NEW SINGLE ‘ODE TO BILLY JO' PRODUCED BY JASON MILES

Soon after his January 2006 release Back to the Funk hit the charts, flutist Bradley Leighton was back in the studio – this time traveling to New York to work with award winning producer Jason Miles and a group of some of that area's finest players Leighton was encouraged by the initial success of Funk - Critical reviews were uniformly positive and the album was nominated for "Best Jazz Album of the Year" by the San Diego Music Academy. With a series of east coast appearances upcoming in November, Leighton decided to release three new tunes as digital downloads before the completion of the East Coast Project. The first single, Ode to Billy Jo, is a slick, greasy, soulful interpretation of the popular ballad written and performed by Bobbie Gentry in 1967. The original stood at number one for four weeks on the Billboard charts. "It's a tune I heard growing up – Mom always played country music radio around the house – and I've been playing the tune live for years… it's a favorite song of mine," says Leighton. The radio add date for the smooth jazz format was October 30th. In addition to Billy Jo, two more tunes will also be released. What You Gonna Say? an upbeat original song penned by Miles and Leighton together and Keep That Same Old Feeling, a beautifully crafted arrangement of the classic Wayne Henderson (Crusaders) tune. What You Gonna Say features the keyboard work of Jason Miles while Keep That Same Old Feeling features the beautiful vocal stylings of singer/songwriter/producer Katreese Barnes. Keep That Same Old Feeling is another one of those tunes I've been playing live for years," says Leighton, "I've often used it to close a show… it's a tune that really stands the test of time." Also new for this project will be the availability of "lossless.aif" format downloads at no extra charge. Leighton made the decision because, "I think there is a growing group of people who are tired of the sonic degradation inherent in the mp3 format. Yes, the downloads are large – but with broadband access becoming more and more the norm – why should we have to settle for the poor audio quality of mp3? In a lossless download there is NO degradation - they will sound exactly as the original recording." Leighton's recordings began debuting in 2003 with Groove Yard, a beautiful collection of jazz standards. Released in 2005, Just Doin' Our Thang is comprised of inventive arrangements of standards and four original compositions in a traditional jazz setting that finds Leighton backed by a Hammond B3 organ trio. The albums have received critical praise from such respected outlets as JazzTimes, Audiophile, All About Jazz, All Music Guide, L.A. Jazz Scene, and the San Diego Reader. Just Doin' Our Thang was also nominated for "Best Jazz Album of the Year" in 2005 by the San Diego Music Academy. Pacific Coast Jazz is distributed in the U.S. by Big Daddy Music. When the full album East Coast Project is completed in 2007, it too will be distributed by Big Daddy Music.East Coast Project currently contains the following tracks: Ode to Billy Jo, What You Gonna Say?and Keep That Same Old Feeling.

Audio clip: http://www.bradleyleighton.com/music.php
For more information on Bradley, click to www.fluteguy.com
For more on Jason Miles, click to www.jasonmilesmusic.com

JOHN MAYER PLANS CONTINUUM TOUR; U.S. WINTER DATES ANNOUNCED

John Mayer returns from his international tour to begin a series of U.S. dates in support of his third studio album, Continuum, released September 12, 2006 on Aware/Columbia Records. The Grammy-winning singer/songwriter has received critical praise for his latest album, which debuted at the top of the charts with first week's sales of 300,000. The highly praised release showcases the culmination of his influences, skill, and recordings to date with a rich mixture of soul, pop, and blues elements. Several appearances will precede the newly announced winter dates. On Nov. 1, Control Room, the #1 provider of live digital entertainment, presented an exclusive performance live from NYC's Webster Hall on-demand at MSN (beginning Nov. 1) and in rotation on DirecTV (Nov. 7 through Dec. 8). Clear Channel's STRIPPED series, available on nearly 190 Clear Channel radio station websites, will showcase stripped-down songs from Continuum, Heavier Things, and Room For Squares, including a rare rendition of Jimi Hendrix's Bold As Love, beginning November 7. Mayer will also perform on the American Music Awards on November 21 at 8pm ET/PT on ABC and for the third year in a row, John Mayer will perform on The Late Show with David Letterman on Thanksgiving night on CBS. Before hitting the road, Mayer discussed on his widely-read blog his excitement to tour again and debut songs off the highly anticipated Continuum. "It's a brand new show," Mayer wrote on johnmayer.com. "Even the old tunes are new." The co-headlining tour with Sheryl Crow drew tremendous accolades from press and fans for its creative performances combining new material with his time-tested fan favorites.

Continuum Winter Tour Dates:
1/25/07 - Jacksonville, FL @ Veterans Memorial Arena
1/26/07 - Coral Gables, FL @ BankUnited Center
1/27/07 - Orlando, FL @ TD Waterhouse Centre
1/29/07 - Pensacola, FL @ Pensacola Civic Center
1/30/07 - Baton Rouge, LA @ Baton Rouge River Center
2/1/07 - Fayetteville, AR @ Barnhill Arena
2/2/07 - Memphis, TN @ FedEx Forum
2/3/07 - Oklahoma City, OK @ Cox Convention Center
2/5/07 - Huntsville, AL @ Von Braun Center
2/6/07 - Knoxville, TN @ Knoxville Coliseum
2/7/07 - Roanoke, VA @ Roanoke Civic Center
2/8/07 - Columbia, SC @ Colonial Center
2/13/07 - St Paul, MN @ XCEL Energy Center
2/14/07 - Madison, WI @ Alliant Energy Center
2/16/07 - Murray, KY @ MSU Regional Special Events Center
2/17/07 - Bloomington, IL @ US Cellular Coliseum
2/18/07 - Omaha, NE @ Qwest Center
2/20/07 - Dekalb, IL @ NIU Convocation Center
2/22/07 - Grand Rapids, MI @ Van Andel Arena
2/23/07 - Columbus, OH @ Nationwide Arena
2/26/07 - Amherst, MA @ Mullins Center
2/27/07 - Syracuse, NY @ ONCenter Complex
2/28/07 - New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden

Continuum is a pop/rock album showcasing Mayer's diverse influences, rich lyrics, the groove of the guitar-slinging bluesman, and the vocals of the soulful crooner. Continuum earned four stars from Rolling Stone Magazine, USA Today wrote, Mayer's "smartly crafted third album combines singer/songwriter pop and sinewy guitar blues," and the New York Times opined, "Mayer has been writing songs again, good ones, with all the leanness and directness that distinguish his strongest work." Continuum was co-produced by John Mayer and Steve Jordan and includes the #1 hit Waiting On The World To Change, and its follow-up single, Belief. The album features sultry grooves such as I Don't Trust Myself With Loving You, Slow Dancing In A Burning Room, and the Sam Cooke-flavored I'm Gonna Find Another You. Fans of the John Mayer Trio will recognize Vultures and Gravity reworked for the studio by John, Steve, and Pino, as well as a blazing display of fretwork on Jimi Hendrix's Bold As Love. Longtime fans will recognize Heart of Life and Stop This Train as keeping in-step with trademark Mayer material. A musician and collaborator who exceeds genre boundaries, John Mayer famously toured and recorded with power players Pino Palladino and Steve Jordan as the John Mayer Trio, whose live album Try! was released in November '05. Mayer 's other collaborations -- from Rock to Blues, Hip-Hop to Jazz to Country -- include Eric Clapton, BB King, Buddy Guy, T-Bone Burnett, Herbie Hancock, Dixie Chicks, Kanye West, Alicia Keys, and Ahmir ?uestlove. From his acclaimed debut Room For Squares in 2001, through 2003's Heavier Things, to his most recent work with the John Mayer Trio, the guitarist, vocalist and songwriter has sold more than eight million albums and earned three Grammy Awards.

For more info visit http://www.johnmayer.com
For John Mayer's Control Room performance from Webster Hall http://music.msn.com/johnmayer
For John Mayer's Stripped performance visit http://www.strippedmusic.com

NEW RELEASES FROM EARTHA KITT, BRIAN CULBERTSON, CHRIS BOTTI, JOCELYN BROWN, BETTE MIDLER, KYLE EASTWOOD, KENNY LATTIMORE & CHANTE MOORE…

Airto – Fingers
Akira Ishikawa & Count Buffalos - Electrum
Amp Fiddler – Afro Strut
Ana Lucia – Canta Triste
Antonio Carlos Jobim – Warner Brothers Years
Bette Midler – Cool Yule
Beverly Kenny – Snuggled On Your Shoulder
Bobby Womack – Across 110th Street (1973 soundtrack album)
Brian Culbertson – A Soulful Christmas
Brute Force – Brute Force
Burt Bacharach & Friends – Gold (2-CDs)
Bwana Trio – Bwana Trio
Chi-Lites – Sweet Soul Music (DVD)
Chris Botti – December
Clara Hill – All I Can Provide
Conya Doss – Love Rain Down
David Ruffin – Great David Ruffin – The Motown Solo Albums Vol. 2
Deborah Bond - Afterday
Eartha Kitt – She’s So Good
Eddie Kendricks – Thin Man – The Motown Solo Albums Vol. 2
Elizabeth Shepherd Trio – Start To Move
Ennio Morricone – Morricone Western – An Exclusive Collection of Rare Spaghetti Western Tunes
Four Tet – Remixes
Hector Costita Sextet – Impacto
Helena De Lima – Una Note No Cangaceiro
Hu Vibrational – Universal Mother
Incognito – Bees And Things & Flowers
Ithamara Koorax – Brazilian Butterfly
James Brown – Fine Old Foxy Self – Over 30 Years From The Godfather Of Soul (3-CD)
James Brown – And I Do Just What I Want – The James Brown Collection
James Taylor – James Taylor At Christmas
Jazzanova & Others – Broad Casting
Jazzinho – Atlas
Jocelyn Brown – Unreleased
Joe Bataan – Saint Latin Day’s Massacre
Karma – Latenight Daydreaming
Kenny Lattimore & Chante Moore – Uncovered/Covered (2-CDs)
Koop – Koop Islands
Kyle Eastwood – Now
Leopard Lounge Presents All Nite Long Swinging Vocals From The Atlantic & Warner Vaults (Various Artists)
Lucky Thompson – Lucky Thompson Meets Oscar Pettiford Vols. 1 & 2
Luiz Chaves & Seu Conjunto - Projecao
Medeski, Scofield, Martin & Wood – Out Louder
Mel Torme – Velvet Moods – Featuring The Original California Suite
Mr. Scruff’s Big Chill Classics (Various Artists)
Musique Dessinne 01 - Just A Groove! (Various Artists)
New Jazz Orchestra – Western Reunion London 1965
Nina Simone – The Nina Simone Collection (3-CD)
Nina Simone – Remixed And Reimagined
Nino Rota & Others - Tutto Fellini
Oddjob – Luma
Paradise – World’s Midnight
Peter Hader – Memories Of The Heart
Positive Flow featuring Donna Gardier - Positivity
Ramsey Lewis – Maiden Voyage
Serge Gainsbourg – D’autres Nouvells Des Etoiles (2-DVD)
Sister Bossa Classics – The Best Of Cool Jazzy Cuts With A Brazilian Flavour (Various Artists)
Soul Lounge 3 – 40 Soulful Grooves (Various Artists)
Soul Project - Reconnection
Spanky Wilson & Quantic Orchestra – I’m Thankful
Spinners – Sweet Soul Music (DVD)
Sting – Songs From The Labyrinth
Stylistics – Sweet Soul Music (DVD)
TM Juke - Forward
Toquinho – A Bossa Do Toquinho
Toquinho – Bossa Da Noite
Van Morrison – Live At Montreux, 1974 & 1980 (DVD)
Willie Bobo – Lost And Found

DAVE KOZ PLAYS HOMAGE TO CLASSIC FILM MUSIC WITH NEW CD, ‘AT THE MOVIES’

For his upcoming album, world-renowned saxophonist Dave Koz turned to one of his favorite pastimes for inspiration. At The Movies is a lush, inspired collection of twelve timeless movie themes, underscoring the crucial role music plays in film, making it a must-have album for music and film lovers everywhere. As a musician, Koz is especially cognizant of the importance music plays in making a film memorable. "These are songs that are so much a part of people's lives that I felt it was important to respect the original while nonetheless putting my own unique spin on them," he says. Guest artists include India.Arie (It Might Be You Tootsie), Anita Baker (Somewhere West Side Story), Barry Manilow (Moon River Breakfast at Tiffany's), Johnny Mathis and Chris Botti (Shadow Of Your Smile Love Theme From The Sandpiper), Donna Summer (A Whole New World Aladdin) and Vanessa Williams (The Way We Were from the film of the same name). The album also includes six stunning instrumentals showcasing Koz's interpretations of the themes from Casablanca, Schindler's List, Cinema Paradiso, Pink Panther and Summer of '42 as well as an exuberant rendition of Over the Rainbow that leads off with a sample of Judy Garland's unforgettable vocal. The collection was produced by the legendary Phil Ramone and features a full orchestra."It's kind of a dream-come-true project, recording these classic film melodies with great guest artists," says Koz. It was Koz's vision that attracted the stellar group of vocalists to the endeavor. Recalls Manilow: "Who doesn't know Henry Mancini's Moon River? I was delightfully surprised that Dave had figured out a very hip way of rendering Moon River. At The Movies is the 8th studio album for the Platinum-selling Dave Koz, from which he has garnered four Grammy(R) nominations.

The track listing for At The Movies as well as a rundown of each song's Oscar nominations/wins follows:

DAVE KOZ'S AT THE MOVIES
Track Listing with Guest Artists and Oscar History for Each Song
1. Over The Rainbow (with a sample of Judy Garland), The Wizard of Oz Oscar-winning song 1940
2. Moonriver with Barry Manilow Breakfast At Tiffany's Oscar winning song, 1962
3. As Time Goes By, Casablanca Oscar-nominated score, 1944
4. Somewhere with Anita Baker, West Side Story Oscar-winning score, 1962
5. The Shadow Of Your Smile (Love Theme from The Sandpiper) with Johnny Mathis and Chris Botti, The Sandpiper Oscar-winning song 1966
6. The Pink Panther, The Pink Panther Oscar-nominated score, 1965
7. The Way We Were with Vanessa Williams, The Way We Were Oscar-winning song, 1974
8. The Summer Knows (Theme from the Summer of '42), Summer Of '42 Oscar-winning score 1972
9. It Might Be You with India.Arie, Tootsie Oscar-nominated song, 1983
10. Cinema Paradiso Suite, Cinema Paradiso
11. A Whole New World with Donna Summer, Aladdin Oscar-winning song, 1993
12. Schindlers's List, Schindler's List Oscar-winning score, 1994
Bonus Tracks:
13. It Might Be You with Peter White (Instrumental)
14. The Shadow Of Your Smile (Love Theme from The Sandpiper), with Chris Botti (Instrumental)
For more information on Dave Koz, visit http://www.davekoz.com

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NEW RELEASE FROM XM AND CONCORD MUSIC GROUP ‘WATERCOLORS: BLUE’ NOW IN CIRCUIT CITY STORES ACROSS THE U.S.

XM, the nation’s leading satellite radio service with more than 7 million subscribers, and Concord Music Group, one of the world’s largest independent record labels, today announced that Watercolors: Blue, the latest joint release from the two companies, is now available in stores. The 12- track compilation disc is the second release in a series of co-branded compilations created with the best music from Concord’s rich catalog and designed to reflect specific XM channels and original XM music shows. The album is on sale exclusively in Circuit City stores across the United States. Based on the sound of Watercolors (XM 71), XM’s contemporary jazz channel, Watercolors: Blue sums up the channel perfectly with a mix of vocal and instrumental performances from some of the best artists in contemporary jazz. Watercolors: Blue features incredible performances from Patti Austin, Regina Belle and David Pack. Making up the remainder of the album are instrumentals from some of the biggest names in smooth jazz including Spyro Gyra, Eric Marienthal, Marion Meadows and more. "XM is proud to have so many contemporary jazz greats featured on Watercolors: Blue. This compilation brings the essence of XM’s Watercolors channel to contemporary jazz fans across the country, and serves as another example of the sounds and moods both the jazz universe and the XM musical landscape have to offer," said Lee Abrams, chief creative programming officer, XM. Produced by Concord VP of Jazz and Catalog A&R Nick Phillips and Shirlitta "Trinity" Colón, XM’s senior program director of Jazz and Blues programming, Watercolors: Blue follows the critically-acclaimed Blistering Licks – Red Hot Riffs from the Giants of Jazz, which was released in June as the first CD in the Concord-XM co-branded compilation series.

The track listing for Watercolors: Blue follows:
1. Joe McBride – After Sunset
2. The Rippingtons - Avalon
3. Patti Austin – Out of Love
4. Marion Meadows – Suede
5. Spyro Gyra - East River Blue
6. David Pack – You’re the Only Woman
7. Eric Marienthal – New York State of Mind
8. Pieces of a Dream – Night Vision
9. Regina Belle – Lazy Afternoon
10. O’2L – Riders on the Storm
11. Gerald Albright – Georgia on My Mind
12. Lee Ritenour – Night Rhythms

PRINCE TO APPEAR AT 3121 AT THE RIO ALL-SUITE HOTEL & CASINO

The Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas has announced that Prince has signed on to appear at 3121, their live entertainment venue. In the deal, Prince will both perform and present various artists for an indefinite time period. Prince will perform on Fridays and Saturdays with a cover charge of $125 for the concerts in the 1,500 capacity club. Prince will presents various artists on Wednesdays for a cover charge starting at $31.21. My guess is that you can look forward to seeing Sheila E. Morris Day & The Time, Maseo Parker, Larry Graham and many others who have worked with Prince in the past. 3121 opens on November 10 inside the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino.

THE YOUTUBE PHENOMENOM

YouTube is a popular free video sharing website that lets users upload, view, and share video clips. Their wide variety of site content includes movies and TV clips and music videos, including plenty from the world of smooth jazz. According to a July, 2006 survey, 100 million clips are viewed daily on YouTube, with an additional 65,000 new videos uploaded every 24 hours. The YouTube site has over 20 million visitors each month. In August, YouTube announced that within 18 months they hoped to offer every music video ever created, and keeping the service free of charge. Last month it was announced that the company will be purchased by Google for $1.65 billion USD in stock. Click to www.youtube.com to search for your favorite smooth jazz and chill videos.

SMOOTH JAZZ WJZI 93.3 FM NEWS

Radio personality Patti Genko, who left the radio business to devote more time to her own communications company, will return to the WJZI airwaves on November 13, when she becomes the co-host of the morning show at Smooth Jazz WJZI-93.3 FM. In a 25-year radio career, Genko became one of Milwaukee's signature radio personalities at WKLH-96.5 FM. In her new gig, she will work the 6 to 10 a.m. shift and spend the afternoons building her business, Patti Genko Communications, which provides voice recordings and other marketing services for corporate clients. "They (WJZI officials) made me a great offer, and I get to listen to the music that I love. This will give me some cash flow, and I can still continue to work on my business," says Genko. "There's no doubt Patti knows how to put on a quality show. She knows how to entertain her audience, while never losing sight of what the radio station is all about … quality music delivered in a professional manner. She is an outstanding air talent and a great addition to our team," said Bill Hurwitz, vice president and general manager of WJZI.

PAOLO RUSTICHELLI’S SINGLE ‘BLUE ANGEL’ GOES TOP 40 AC FMQB

The gods are smiling on Paolo Rustichelli. Blue Angel the debut single from the veteran composer/producer's latest album Neopagan has jumped in the Top 40 (#35 with a bullet) on the Adult Contemporary FMQB Chart. Says Rustichelli, "Choosing the title Neopagan for the new project is a way of saying this is my path, this is my affection and deep love for planet earth. Neopagan means that pagans are not just bizarre sorcerers or witches lost in the forest invoking the Gods, but they also can be normal human beings in love with the earth and trying to respect it. I want to communicate that despite any difference in spiritual beliefs, we are all in some ways on the same path." Paolo Rustichelli is currently putting together a new website dedicated to the Neopagan project, www.neopagan.com, that will automatically stream music from both Adult Contemporary and Smooth Jazz versions of the album. For more information on Paolo Rustichelli, click to www.paolo.org or www.luckmedia.com

‘COOL JAZZ CHRISTMAS’ TOUR FEATURING MICHAEL FRANKS, KIRK WHALUM, DAVID BENOIT & JONATHAN BUTLER

Here's the full set of tour dates...

November 30 - Tulsa, OK - The Brady Theater
December 1 - Houston, TX - Verizon Wireless Theater
December 2 - San Antonio, TX - Lila Cockrel Theater
December 5 - Ft. Pierce, FL - Sunrise Theater
December 6 - Sarasota, FL - Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
December 8 - Naples, FL - 1208 Philharmonic Center for the Arts
December 9 - TBA
December 10 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Broward Center for the Arts
December 15 - San Francisco, CA - Nob Hill Masonic Center
December 16 - Dallas, TX - The Majestic Theater
December 20 - Mesa, AZ - Mesa Arts Center
December 21 & 22 - Cerritos, CA - Cerritos Center for the Arts

NEW YORK’S CD101.9 TO PRESENT THE ‘ULTIMATE 2006 HOLIDAY CONCERT’

New York’s CD101.9 FM is hosting the Ultimate 2006 Holiday Concert featuring Al Jarreau, Brian Culbertson, Bobby Caldwell, Warren Hill, Ray Parker, Jr. and Eric Darius. It’s set for December 9th at the Beacon Theater.

SOULFUL GROOVES FROM SOLARRADIO.COM

We recently discovered a fantastic radio station from the U.K. playing soulful grooves on the Internet known as www.solarradio.com. If you like Soul, Jazz, Funk, R&B, Motown, House, and Smooth Jazz from the 60’s through today, then I suggest you give them a try. As a matter of fact, if New York’s own Frankie Crocker were alive today, this is probably the radio station sound that he would be programming if he were still setting the direction for WBLS-FM. Here’s a bit of background with information obtained off of their website. Solar Radio was first launched on October 1, 1998 as Solar FM - broadcasting Soul, Funk and Jazz across Europe from 10PM to 6AM nightly on a sub-carrier of Challenge TV. The response was very encouraging, however, in January 1999 were forced to discontinue broadcasting as their carrier was undergoing some financial difficulties and so Solar Radio went off the air. Determined to continue, and after a great deal of investigation, they eventually tied up a deal with MTV, and on June 1st 1999 began broadcasting Soul, Funk and Jazz music 24 hours a day on an audio sub-carrier of MTV, reverting to the original call-sign of Solar Radio. With the advent of 24 hour broadcasting new DJ's came on-board including Lorna Hetherington, Mark Phillips, Paul Stenning, Mick Farrer and Steve Bennett (who together with Brian Hurst and his producer Alex James were to form internet only station Soul 24-7 in May 2000). Solar Radio started a series of weekend guest shows with many well known Soul & Jazz DJ's including Jeff Young, Mark Webster and Ralph Tee. They then expanded their service to reach a worldwide audience via Internet audio streaming in August 1999. In February 2000 Solar returned to the FM airwaves in London for a 25 day RSL (Restricted Service License) transmission, which included the "Soul of the Century Top 1000" chart which had been originally broadcast when they entered the new millennium. This turned out to be a great success, bringing on board many new listeners. The analog satellite service continued until August 2000. The next major milestone was reached in September with the switch to Sky Digital, and the addition of DJ's including Dez Parkes, Max Rees, Mike Stephens and Bigger. Solar Radio has remained committed to bringing quality Soul-related music to a wide audience, with every DJ having complete freedom of choice. As far as their musical format is concerned, they broadcast music from a musical heritage that is so great and so vast that no ordinary radio station, even with the best intentions, could possibly do it justice; and contrary to what you might imagine, there is still truly fine soul music being made at the moment. Some great albums are coming out of America - not every week, but most weeks at least; and many more isolated tracks on otherwise fairly average albums; also there is still a thriving soul scene in the U.K. - with a number of soul, funk and fusion bands going strong, where their American counterparts have deserted the scene. The number of soul fans may have reduced across the years, but they are still out there - witness the success of various weekenders and one-off gigs. There is also a growing soul scene in other parts of the world. The music has timeless appeal - many tunes that Solar plays will be remembered long after the more chart-ridden pop and dance tracks are forgotten. After all, how many dance (and even pop) tunes have familiar classic soul or funk samples running through them? After listening now for 3 weeks and for about 8 hours a day, I can easily tell you that the sound of solarradio.com is incredible and the DJ’s really know their stuff. Here’s a comprehensive glimpse of the artists off of the solarradio.com playlist … Aaron Neville, A Green, Al Hudson & Soul Partners, Alexander O'Neal, Amerie, Amp Fiddler, Angie Stone, Anthony David, Aretha Franklin, BWB, Barbara Tucker, Barry White, Ben E.King, Beyonce, Billy Griffin, Black Box, Blaze, Bobby Valentine, Bobby Womack, Boney James, Booker T & MG's, Brand New Heavies, Brass Construction, Brenda Russell, Brian Mcknight, Brook Benton, Brothers Johnson, Brown's Bag, Bunny Sigler, Candy Dulfer, Carmen McRae, Carol Williams, Ce Ce Peniston, Cerrone feat Jocelyn Brown, Chaka Khan, Change, Chante Moore, Chico Hamilton, Christina Aguilera, Colonel Abrams, Crusaders, DJ Spinna, Dazz Band, Delfonics, Dennis Edwards, Dexter Wansel. Earth, Wind & Fire, Elaine Elias, Elvis Presley, Frank McComb, Four Tops, Frankie Knuckles, Freddie Jackson, Gap Band, Gary's Gang, Gary Taylor, George Duke, George McCrae, Geraldine Hunt, Gilberto Gil, Gladys Knight & Pips, Gloria Gaynor, Grace Jones, Grant Green, Harold Melvin & Blue Notes, Heatwave, Hil St. Soul, Imagination, Incognito, Inner Life, Intruders, Isley Brothers, Jackie Wilson, Jamie Lewis, Janet Jackson, Jazzanova, Jean Carne, Jean Knight, Jennifer Holiday, Jill Scott, Jimmy Ruffin, Jocelyn Brown, John Legend, Joi Cardwell, Junior Walker & All Stars, Justin Timberlake, Kenny Lattimore & Chante Moore. King Curtis, Lalo Shifrin, Lamont Dozier, Lenny Kravitz, Lionel Richie, Little Anthony, Little Richard. Lonnie Liston Smith, Loose Ends. Lou Rawls, Louis Vega, Louis Vega feat Blaze, Love Unlimited, Love Unlimited Orchestra, LTD, Luisito Quintero, Luther Vandross, Lynne Fiddmont, Main Ingredient. Marques Houston, Martha Reeves & Vandellas, Marvin Gaye, Masters At Work feat Jody Whatley & Roy Ayers, Maxi Priest, Melba Moore, Merry Clayton, Mica Paris, Michael Franks, Miki Howard, Millie Jackson, Monica, Narada Michael Walden, Natalie Cole, New Birth, Nightmares On Wax, Norman Connors, Nuyorican Soul, Odyssey, Omar Cunningham, Omarion, Otis Jackson, Patrice Rushen, Paul Shilts, Perio feat Billy Love, Perry Sisters, Phyllis Hyman, Ramsey Lewis, Randy Crawford & Joe Sample, Rascals, Ray Robinson, Redsoul & Rashaan Houston, Richard Bona, Richard Elliot, Rick Braun, Rihanna, Rippingtons, Rodney Lee, Robin Thicke, Roy Ayers, Roy Hargrove, Rufus feat Chaka Khan, Sarah Vaughan, Sharon Redd, Smokey Robinson, Spinners, Stanley Clarke, Stevie Wonder, Sunshine Anderson, T-Connection, Tata Vega, Teddy Pendergrass, Teena Marie, Temptations, Three Degrees, Tom Browne, Touch Of Class, Ultra Nate, Whispers, Will Downing, Vickie Winans, Viktor Duplex, Vincent Montana Jr. feat Double Exposure, Willie Hutch, and Yusef Lateef, and many, many more…Listen and enjoy!

SMOOTH JAZZ 98.1 FM IN SAN DIEGO NO. 1 RATED STATION

Smooth Jazz 98.1 FM was the number one rated station in San Diego for listeners 12 and up for the summer of 2006, according to ratings released recently. It was a nice boost for the perennial ratings favorite, which finished in third place in the spring ratings. The Top 10 San Diego radio stations for the summer of 2006 were: KIFM/98.1 FM (smooth jazz); Channel 93.3 (contemporary hits); KSON/KSOQ (country simulcast), tied with KYXY/96.5 FM (soft pop); Star 94.1 (adult contemporary); Rock 105.3 (hard rock), tied with Z90 FM (urban hits); KFMB/AM 760 (talk); US 95.7 (country); KOGO/AM 600 (talk), tied with Magic 92.5 (old-school R&B); La Nueva 106.5 (Spanish), tied with Blazin’ 98.9 (hip-hop); and finally KGB/101.5 FM (classic rock), tied with Recuerdo 102.9 (Spanish oldies)

SOUTH FLORIDA CONCERT CALENDAR

The Miami-Ft.Lauderdale-Palm Beaches will host some very hot performers between now and the end of the year. Here's a snapshot of what is coming...

Chick Corea & Gary Burton @ Broward Center For The Performing Arts, Ft. Lauderdale, Nov. 1
Lalah Hathaway @ Carnival Center For The Performing Arts, Miami, Nov. 2
Stylistics, Chi-Lites, Manhattan & Delfonics @ Broward Center For The Performing Arts, Nov. 4
Candido @ Olympic Theater At Gusman Center, Miami, Nov. 4
Tony Bennett @ Seminole Hard Rock Live, Hollywood, Nov.6-7
Andrea Marcovicci @ Carnival Center For The Performing Arts, Miami, Nov 7-12
Gladys Knight @ Seminole Hard Rock Live, Hollywood, Nov. 8-9
Marisa Monte @ Gusman Center For The Performing Arts, Miami, Nov. 10
Strunz & Farah @ Arturo Sandoval Jazz Club, Miami Beach, Nov. 10-11
Jeffrey Osborne & Nestor Torres @ Charles Deering Estate At Old Cutler, Miami, Nov. 11
Wayne Shorter Quintet @ Carnival Center For The Performing Arts, Nov. 18
Ennio Morricone @ Carnival Center For The Performing Arts, Miami, Nov. 19
Lionel Richie @ Bank Atlantic Center, Sunrise, Nov. 19
Nicole Henry @ Carnival Center For The Performing Arts, Miami, Nov. 19
Temptations & Four Tops @ Broward Center/Au-Rene Theater, Nov. 19
Lou Donaldson & Lonnie Liston Smith @ Arturo Sandoval Jazz Club, Miami Beach, Nov. 24-25
Ziggy Marley @ Revolution, Ft. Lauderdale, Nov. 24
John Legend @ Revolution, Ft. Lauderdale, Nov. 28
David Benoit, Michael Franks, Kirk Whalum & Jonathan Butler @ Broward Center/Au-Rene Theater, Dec. 10
Arturo Sandoval @ Carnival Center For The Performing Arts, Miami, Dec. 16
Diane Reeves @ Carnival Center For The Performing Arts, Miami, Dec. 22
John Pizzarelli @ Arturo Sandoval Jazz Club, Miami Beach, Dec. 29-30
Burning Spear @ Culture Room, Ft. Lauderdale, Dec. 30-31

AL GREEN ON TOUR

Known the world over for his extraordinary voice, unmistakable soundand legendary hits, Al Green has hit the road again touring behind his latest release Everything's OK on Blue Note Records. Strong in voice and spirit, Al Green sings with a renewed passion for the kind of music that made him a household name some 30 years ago.The upcoming tour includes two special small club appearances at BB King's Blues Club in New York City on Friday, November 3 and Saturday, November 4. Opening the show at BB King's will be new Blue Note artist Elisabeth Withers, a phenomenally talented R&B singer currently starring in The Color Purple on Broadway, who will be giving a sneak peak at songs from her upcoming debut It Can Happen To Anyone, which will be released January 30, 2007.

Here's Al Green's tour dates:
10/21/06: Galen Center USC, Los Angeles, CA at 9:00PM
10/27/06: Riverfest Stage, Little Rock, AR at 10:00PM
10/28/06: Baton Rouge River Center, Baton Rouge, LA at 8:00PM
11/02/06: Kirby Center for Arts, Wilkes Barre, PA at 7:30PM
11/03/06: BB King's Blues Club, New York, NY at 8:00PM
11/04/06: BB King's Blues Club, New York, NY at 8:00PM
11/15/06: Count Bassie Theater, Red Bank, NJ at 8:00PM
11/17/06: Niagra Falls Casino, Niagra Falls, NY at 8:30PM
11/18/06: Niagra Falls Casino, Niagra Falls, NY at 8:30PM
12/27/06: Nokia Theater Grand Prairie, TX at 8:00PM
1/19/07: Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville, AR at 8:00PM

For more information on Al Green and his releases on Blue Note Records click to the following web sites.http://www.algreenmusic.com and http://www.bluenote.com

ESL REMIXED: THE 100th RELEASE OF ESL MUSIC – DUE NOVEMBER

A decade after dropping its first single, Thievery Corporation's classic 2001 Spliff Odyssey, ESL Music has reached its 100th release! To celebrate this rare milestone Thievery Corporation and their label mates have invited some of the world's finest musicians, DJs, and producers to remix, reinterpret, and rewind gems old and new from the ESL Music catalogue. What better way to honor the catalogue than through the eyes and ears of friends and international music luminaries like Medeski, Martin & Wood, Beatfanatic, Calexico, Boca 45, Quantic, Fort Knox Five, Shawn Lee and more. This is no static retrospective; this is the next stage in the ever intriguing ESL musical journey. The 2-CD release is due November 14, 2006.

KENNY G’S ‘I’M IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE…THE MOST ROMANTIC MELODIES OF ALL TIME’ – FIRST NEWLEY-RECORDED ALL-INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM IN STORES NOVEMER 14

Internationally celebrated Arista recording artist Kenny G -- acclaimed as the biggest-selling instrumental musician and biggest-selling jazz musician of the modern era, with total global sales of more than 75 million albums, singles and videos over the past 24 years (45 million in the U.S. alone) -- will release his first newly- recorded all-instrumental album of popular material in more than four years, when I’m In The Mood For Love…The Most Romantic Melodies Of All Time arrives in stores on November 14th. Following his heart, the world's most renowned soprano saxophone stylist lends his instrumental craft, for the first time, to an entire program of romantic songs featuring several of today's most recent chart hits: If I Ain't Got You (Alicia Keys), You're Beautiful (James Blunt), and You Raise Me Up (Josh Groban). Kenny's choices also pay homage to the great 20th century American Songbook, from The Way You Look Tonight and I'm In The Mood For Love (both extolling the pen of songwriter Dorothy Fields), to Bread's If and Barbra Streisand's The Way We Were (written by Alan & Marilyn Bergman and Marvin Hamlisch). The movies provide three highlights: Nino Rota's Love Theme from Romeo & Juliet, Johnny Mandel's The Shadow of Your Smile (Love Theme from The Sandpiper), and As Time Goes By (from Casablanca). And no collection of love songs would be complete without the Beatles' Yesterday. Also included is a spirited medley and tribute to Sinatra's Fly Me To The Moon and You Make Me Feel So Young. I’m In The Mood For Love ... finds Kenny working once again with his longtime collaborator, producer, arranger and keyboardist Walter Afanasieff (whose credits include Mariah Carey, Luther Vandross, Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Barry Manilow, and many others). I’m In The Mood For Love,,,The Most Romantic Melodies Of All Time, Kenny G's 17th album for Arista Records, follows up last year's indispensable collection of seasonal tunes, The Greatest Holiday Classics, his fourth holiday best-seller. Prior to that in 2004, Kenny released the RIAA gold At Last ... The Duets Album, on which he was joined by such stellar vocalists and fellow instrumentalists as Barbra Streisand, LeAnn Rimes, Gladys Knight, Earth Wind & Fire, Yolanda Adams, Chaka Khan, Burt Bacharach, and Arturo Sandoval. Both albums rose to #1 on Billboard's Top Contemporary Jazz chart, and both were top 30 R&B and top 40 pop crossover successes. It is Kenny G's innate ability to create and set different moods with his music that has made him such an enduring force and earned him Grammy, American Music, Soul Train, World Music and NAACP Image Awards as well as a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Working Track Listing:
I'm In The Mood For Love
As Time Goes By
Love Theme From "Romeo & Juliet"
You're Beautiful
The Way We Were
If
Fly Me To The Moon/You Make Me Feel So Young (Medley)
You Raise Me Up
The Shadow Of Your Smile
It Had To Be You
The Way You Look Tonight
If I Ain't Got You
Yesterday

DIONNE WARWICK’S ‘MY FRIENDS AND ME’ SET FOR RELEASE ON NOV. 9 ON CONCORD

Just when you thought you had seen enough duets albums being released, well guess what – there’s more. Cyndi Lauper, Olivia Newton-John, Celia Cruz, and Gladys Knight will be among the many female singers who are joining Dionne Warwick on her upcoming duets album, My Friends and Me. It’s due for releas on Nov. 7 on the Concord label and the album is being helmed by her son, producer Damon Elliott. Warwick revisits Burt Bacharach and Hal David-penned classics like Wishin' and Hopin', Walk on By and Close to You. Mya, Reba McIntire, Kelis, Gloria Estefan, Wynonna Judd, Cheyenne Elliott, Lisa Tucker, Deborah Cox, Da Brat, Chante Moore and Angie Stone also appear on the album.

Here's the full track listing:
"Walk on By," with Gloria Estefan
"Message to Michael," with Cyndi Lauper
"Close to You" with Mya
"I'll Never Love This Way Again," with Gladys Knight
"Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head," with Kelis
"Deja Vu""I Say a Little Prayer," with Reba McEntire
"Anyone Who Had a Heart," with Wynonna Judd
"Then Came You," with Lisa Tucker
"Wishin' and Hopin,'" with Olivia Newton-John
"Love Will Find AaWay," with Cheyenne Elliott
"The Windows of the World," with Angie Stone, Chante Moore, Deborah Cox and Da Brat
"Do You Know the Way to San Jose," with Celia Cruz

ROY AYERS, JEAN CARNE, WAYNE HENDERSON, BOBBI HUMPHREY, RONNIE LAWS, JON LUCIEN & LONNIE LISTON SMITH UNITE FOR 70’S STYLE JAZZ FUSION CONCERT

Spanning four decades of musical hits, the legendary artists who shaped jazz fusion during the 1970s come together for a special reunion on Thursday, November 16, 2006 at Phoenix Concert Theatre. Father of acid jazz, Roy Ayers, will be joined by Jean Carne, Wayne Henderson, Bobbi Humphrey, Ronnie Laws, Jon Lucien and Lonnie Liston Smith. Vibe master, writer and producer, Roy Ayers championed a new sound in the early days that drew from jazz, R&B, Latin, funk, and dance music. Ayers produced during that time what many regard as his finest works to date including hits such as Everybody Loves the Sunshine, Lifeline, Vibrations, Running Away, You Send Me, and Virgo Red which continue to influence a new generation of artists. Today, he is one of the most sampled artists in the music industry - A Tribe Called Quest, Mary J. Blige, Notorious BIG, Big Daddy Kane, Erykah Badu and Brand Nubian have all sampled from Ayers. Legendary soul diva Jean Carne first arrived onto the scene singing background vocals for Earth, Wind & Fire in the early 1970s. She has since released over half a dozen albums and has performed with Grover Washington Jr., The Temptations, The O'Jays, Stevie Wonder and Duke Ellington. As a member of Jazz Crusaders, trombonist Wayne Henderson achieved commercial success releasing more than twenty-eight albums with the group. In 1976, saxophonist Ronnie Laws' released his debut album that contained the instant jazz-funk classic, Always There, which has since been covered by numerous artists. Bobbi Humphrey, also known as the First Lady of the Flute, was the first female ever to be signed by Blue Note Records back in 1971. Her sound, a mixture of fusion and smooth jazz-pop, would earn her the title Best Female Instrumentalist by Billboard in 1976. An early influence in the quiet storm and smooth jazz format, Jon Lucien is best known for producing such hits as Lady Love and Rashida. Lonnie Liston Smith, on keyboards for Miles Davis during the early 1970s, is often regarded as the man whose sound bridged the gap between John Coltrane and Earth, Wind & Fire.The concert is being presented by R.E.M.G. and Toronto Downtown Jazz at the Phoenix Concert Theatre, 410 Sherbourne Street, in Toronto.

THUNDERBALLS’ ‘CINESCOPE’ 2-CD/LP RELEASED ON OCTOBER 17

Amidst a colorful storm of exotic instrumentations, rich atmospherics, and block party rhythms, Thunderball are back with their third full-length album! Epic in scope, Thunderball's new album Cinescope is their most eclectic and accomplished musical outing yet. With a little help from sprightly songstress Miss Johnna M., soulful crooner Mustafa Akbar, reggae shamans See-I, and hip-hop legend and forefather Afrika Bambaataa, Thunderball bridge the gaps between electro, Bollywood soundtracks, hip-hop, drum&bass, soul, funk, reggae, jazz, and lounge, all awash in beautifully lush string orchestrations. Cinema for the ears, Cinescope is Thunderball's triumphant return.

SMOOTH JAZZ RADIO RETURNS TO PHILADEPHIA

Smooth jazz radio is coming back to Philadelphia radio. Greater Media is looking for the new station to sign-on a month from now on 95.7 FM, now a classic rock station known as the Hawk. Clear Channel Radio pulled smooth jazz off the air on August 10 when it flipped its signal at 106.1 to a rhythmic adult-contemporary format, ‘Philly’s 106.1’, and its station at 104.5 from light-rock Sunny to a Spanish station ‘Rhumba’. Greater Media has applied with the FCC for ‘WJJZ’, which the former smooth jazz station has used for 12 years.

BOSSACUCANOVA TO PLAY THREE U.S. DATES IN OCTOBER

Brazil's Bossacucanova will perform their signature fusion of bossa nova and electronica this October at three US dates. At a time when the practice of mixing these sounds together is more popular than ever Bossacucanova's sound remains unique, partly because the trio's approach continues to treat bossa nova as the main dish and the breakbeats, electronica and other embellishments as garnishes, rather than the other way around.

Fri 10/20/06 @ Clearwater Jazz Festival, Tampa, FL
Sat 10/21/06 @ Rhythm Foundation, Miami, FL
Sun 10/22/06 @ Lake Eden Arts Festival, Black Mountain, NC

GILLES PETERSON TO APPEAR AT CIELO

The legendary Gilles Peterson (BBC Radio 1, Talkin’ Loud, Acid Jazz) is bringing his innovative sound to New York for one night only at Cielo on Tuesday, October 17. This will be his last US appearance for 2006. Influential super DJ and acid jazz pioneer, Gilles Peterson is renowned for his deep and diverse record collection influencing artists from all over the world, from New Zealand to Croatia, Nigeria and the US and everything in between with his unique sound blends. A master of what he calls "joining the dots," Petersons’ weekly radio show, Worldwide on BBC Radio 1, and his various compilation CDs (Incredible Sound of Gilles Peterson, Worldwide Programme, BBC Sessions, and his two Trust The DJ compilations) have paved the way for those searching for the strand of harmony that connects various, sometimes incongruous, genres of music. In this exclusive US performance at Cielo, he’ll take his listeners on a journey through jazz, funk, hip-hop and dance, combining an unparalleled musical experience.

'RHYTHMS DEL MUNDO’ CUBA FEATURING COLLABORATIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB & UK/US ARTSTS SET FOR RELEASE NOVEMBER 14

On November 14, Hip-O Records/Universal Music Enterprises will release Rhythms Del Mundo, an exciting collaborative album, which fuses the hot Afro-Cuban sounds of The Buena Vista Social Club with tracks from today's biggest artists such as U2, Coldplay, Sting, Jack Johnson and Maroon 5 as well as some of the buzziest bands, including The Arctic Monkeys, Franz Ferdinand, The Kaiser Chiefs and many others. It also features the amazing vocals from famed Cuban vocalists, Omara Portuonda, and the last ever recording of the much beloved Ibrahim Ferrer. The album is in aid of Artists Project Earth (APE), which lends support for natural disaster relief and climate change awareness. Universal Music Enterprises will donate a portion of its proceeds from sales of the album in the United States to the Music Rising campaign, an instrument replacement fund for musicians of the Gulf Coast. Rhythms Del Mundo is an electrifying album that fuses music of different cultures and comes up with a melting pot of rare sounds. Arranged by Demitrio Muniz, the main recording sessions took place in Havana at Abdala Studios from April 2005 to June 2006. While the majority of the vocals remain the same, The Buena Vista Social Club took the original orchestration from each song and created something utterly unique casting their trademark mastery over each track. Their noted and exceptional musicianship seduced even the notoriously protective Arctic Monkeys into handing over their track. As a rule, the band has never licensed their music for compilation albums, but were so enamored with the result that they were happy for it to be included on the album. As well as The Arctic Monkeys' track Dancing Shoes, Rhythms Del Mundo includes reworked tracks such as Clocks by Coldplay, Better Together by Jack Johnson, She Will be Loved by Maroon 5, High and Dry by Radiohead and others. Rhythms Del Mundo also includes music by famed Cuban singers Omara Portuondo and the last vocal recording of Afro-Cuban bolero singer, Ibrahim Ferrer, who died tragically in 2005. The other Cuban musicians from The Buena Vista Social Club who perform on this album are as follows: Barbarito Torres, Amandito Valdes, Virgilio Valdes, Angel Terri Domech, Manuel 'Guajiro' Mirabal, Orlando Lopez 'Cachaito' and Demetrio Muniz. Kenny Young, producer and Founder/Trustee of APE, explains how the project emerged: "The project was sparked off by the devastating Tsunami of Xmas 2005. The idea came in to do a project with The Buena Vista Social Club to fuse their Latin sounds with Western artists and their familiar popular songs. The project evolved when more environmental disasters struck -- the Asian Earthquakes and Hurricane Katrina. But the big picture was climate change. You can call these natural disasters but after all the research and scientific data, we know that we're at least partly to blame for some of these disasters. Global warming is now in the news daily. If we don't act in the time frame our experts give us, our grandchildren will curse us eternally." The artists on this album fully support the record as a show of commitment to the music and to the cause that it endorses. Thom Yorke comments, "We need a law, we need to have the Government put climate change in its place. If you leave industry to sort it out on a voluntary basis that's never going to happen. So everybody if they've got any concerns about climate change has to register that concern with their Government officials because it's the only way to go." The packaging for the album is carbon neutral. Rhythms Del Mundo is released on November 14, 2006 through Hip-O Records/Universal Music Enterprises. For more information on the charities that will benefit from this album go to www.Apeuk.org and to www.musicrising.org. http://www.rhythmsdelmundo.com/
Track listing
1. Clocks - Coldplay
2. Better Together - Jack Johnson
3. Dancing Shoes - Arctic Monkeys
4. One Step Too Far - Dido & Faithless
5. As Time Goes By - Ibrahim Ferrer
6. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For - Coco Freeman & U2
7. She Will Be Loved - Maroon 5
8. Modern Way - Kaiser Chiefs
9. Killing Me Softly - Omara Portuondo
10. Ai No Corrida - Vania Borges & Quincy Jones
11. Fragilidad - Sting
12. Don't Know Why - Vania Borges
13. Hotel Buena Vista - Aquila Rose & Idana
14. The Dark of the Matinee - Coco Freeman & Franz Ferdinand
15. High and Dry - El Lele De Los Van Van & Radiohead
Bonus track
16. Casablanca - Ibrahim & Omara

AL JARREAU TO TOPLINE 2007 SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL

Al Jarreau has just been announced to open the 2007 Savannah (GA) Music Festival on March 15, 2007. Other headliners for Savannah’s cultural main event include Wynton Marsalis, Marty Stuart, Dianne Reeves, Anoushka Shankar, John Pizzarelli and the Borodin Quartet. For more information click to www.savannahmusicfestival.org.

ASCAP TO HONOR SONGWRITER JIMMY WEBB WITH VOICE OF MUSIC AWARD

The American Society of Authors, Composers & Publishers (ASCAP) have announced that it will present multiple Grammy-winning songwriter and recording artist Jimmy Webb with the ASCAP Voice of Music Award during its 44th Annual ASCAP Country Music Awards ceremony at Nashville's legendary Ryman Auditorium. The October 23rd gala, which honors the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP's most performed country songs of the year will be followed by a party honoring the night's winners, especially Webb, whose contribution to American music, whether rock, pop, urban or country, is without compare. "I am so proud of Jimmy Webb and am delighted to be honoring him with our Voice of Music Award," said ASCAP President and Chairman, Marilyn Bergman. "It is a pleasure to serve with him on the ASCAP Board of Directors. I've loved and admired Jimmy's songs long before I knew him and could call him 'friend.' He brings something special to everything he does." The prestigious Voice of Music Award, presented in recognition of the artists and songwriters whose music illuminates people's lives through song, has only been given five times in ASCAP's history. Jimmy Webb joins Kenny Chesney, George Strait, Garth Brooks, Amy Grant and Diane Warren in receiving this very special recognition. Jimmy Webb, the son of a preacher from Elk City, Oklahoma, is the only artist to receive Grammys for music, lyrics, and orchestration. He almost single handedly defined the soundtrack of later 20th century music with By The Time I Get To Phoenix, Wichita Lineman, MacArthur Park, Up, Up and Away, Highwayman, The Moon's A Harsh Mistress, Galveston and Didn't We, and Webb provided influential songs for artists as diverse as Linda Ronstadt, r.e.m., Frank Sinatra, Urge Overkill, Rosemary Clooney, Glen Campbell and the 5th Dimension. TIME magazine raved about the National Academy of Popular Music Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member's own recordings, "Webb's gift for strong, varied rhythms, inventive structures and rich, sometimes surprising harmonies." The Country Music Association recognized Highwayman as their Single of the Year from the storied quartet that took their name from the song comprised of Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson. Webb's "Tunesmith: Inside the Art of Songwriting" was also hailed by Musician magazine as "the finest book about songwriting of our generation." "Jimmy Webb exemplifies everything that this award stands for," says ASCAP Senior Vice President Connie Bradley. "He is an artist, a songwriter, an author and a man who brought music to film, television and the stage. For all his diversity, Webb has created an intimacy to his song, each allowing for reflections of individual experiences." Jimmy Webb has recorded ten albums, spanning from 1970's critically acclaimed Words and Music to his more recent Ten Easy Pieces, Twilight of the Renegades and Archive & Live, in addition to a British tribute compilation Someone Left The Cake Out In The Rain. The Oklahoma Hall of Fame inductee has toured the world to rave reviews with his cabaret style performances.The 2006 Country Music Awards will also honor the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP's Most Performed Country Songs of the Year. Special Awards will be given to "Songwriter of the Year," "Songwriter/Artist of the Year," "Song of the Year" and "Publisher of the Year." 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 250,000 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.

ROB GARZA (THIEVERY CORPORATION) BACK WITH NEW SOLO ALBUM & TOUR

Rob Garza's solo project, Dust Galaxy will kick off their debut tour this weekend starting in Philadelphia at the North Star Bar. Expect to hear sounds of psychedelic India , British paisley beats, post-punk, and American roots rock when the self-titled album drops in March. The touring band will feature such luminaries as James Canty (The Make-Up, Ted Leo/Pharmacists) on guitar and effects, Jerry Busher (Fugazi, French Toast) on drums, Ashish Vyas (GoGoGo Airheart,) on bass, along with Rob on guitar and vocals. While recording in London with producer Brendan Lynch (Primal Scream, Paul Weller), Lynch and Garza enlisted guest musicians including Shawn Lee, Martin Duffy & Darrin Mooney (Primal Scream), Adam Blake (Cornershop), and Jim Townsend (the Peoples Revolutionary Choir). These new songs were born out of little musical and lyrical sketches. Look for several singles this fall starting with Come Here the Trumpets featuring remixes by Shawn Lee, Fort Knox Five, and Beyond The Wizards Sleeve.

Tour dates are as follows:
10/15: @ North Star Bar, Philadelphia, PA
10/16: @ TTs, Boston, MA
10/17: @ North Six, Brooklyn, NY
10/18: @ The Hosiery, Washington, DC
10/19: @ Local 506, Chapel Hill, NC
10/20:Â @ The Drunken Unicorn, Atlanta, GA
10/21: @ Farm 255, Athens, GA
11/1: @ KCRW CMJ Showcase @ The Delancey, New York, NY

BELINDA CARLISLE RETURNS WITH ‘VOILA!’

Belinda Carlisle's Voila!, her first new album in a decade, and her first record sung entirely in French, is a radical departure for the pop diva and lead singer of the Go-Go's. Working with producer John Reynolds (U2, Sinéad O'Connor, Indigo Girls, Hothouse Flowers), Carlisle has fashioned a traditional pop album that pays tribute to the classic French chansons and pop music of the '40s, '50s and '60s. Just in time for Valentine's Day, the album is set for release on February 6, 2007. "After I moved to France, I became familiar with the classic French chansons and a lot of French pop music," Carlisle explains. "I realized there was a whole world of artists and singers I was not familiar with. As I discovered all these amazing songs, I came to love this music and wanted to record some of them with a playful, contemporary feel." Carlisle and Reynolds went into the studio with a musical dream team including Brian Eno on keyboards, guitarist Fianchna O'Braonain (Hothouse Flowers), Sharon Shannon, the Irish button accordion player who incorporates reggae, tango and calypso into her music, Julian Wilson (Grand Drive) on piano, Hammond B-3, strings, keyboards and world music star Natacha Atlas (Transglobal Underground) on backing vocals. "We wanted to try everything, no holds barred," Carlisle says. "Since this is not a pop project, we were free to experiment. We played with every song, trying all sorts of instrumentation and different styles of arranging and everything clicked. The only definite idea I had was that I wanted to sing with an accordion. Other than that, there was no conscious effort to cover as much creative ground as we could; we just played around with things and had a blast." The creative energy Carlisle and Reynolds brought to the project is evident on every track. Carlisle's smoky vocals and the diverse arrangements imbue the songs with a simmering Gallic soul. Sous Le Ciel De Paris (Under Paris Skies) sounds like a street carnival waltz with its mournful accordion and eerie keyboard accents, Francoise Hardy's Pourtant Tu M'aimes gets recast as a new wave rocker, La Vie En Rose bounces along on a driving disco backbeat and Jezebel sounds like the twang-drenched theme song from a spaghetti western. Songs like Ne Me Quitte Pas and Avec Le Temps are closer to their original incarnations, wrenching emotional statements made more intense by Carlisle's understated delivery. "You don't really have to know what's being sung to know that Avec Les Temps is a devastating love song," Carlisle says. "When I heard that song the first time, it broke my heart." Carlisle's first venture into French music proves once again that good songs are universal -- timeless expressions of the human soul that need no translation to work their exhilarating magic.

The songs on Voila!
1. "Ma Jeunesse Fout Le Camp" (Guy Bontempelli)
2. "Bonnie et Clyde" (Serge Gainsbourg)
3. "Avec Le Temps" (Leo Ferre)
4. "Sous Le Ciel De Paris" (Hubert Giraud/Jean Drejac)
5. "Des Ronds Dans L'Eau" (Pierre Barouh/Raymond Lesenechal)
6. "Pourtant Tu M'aimes" (Francoise Hardy/Jimmie Cross/Johnny Cole)
7. "Ne Me Quitte Pas" (Jacques Brel)
8. "La Vie En Rose" (Edith Piaf/Louiguy/David Mack)
9. "Contact" (Serge Gainsbourg)
10. "Merci Cherie" (Udo Jurgens/Thomas Horbiger/Baker Cavendish)
11. "Jezebel" (Wayne Shanklin)

The players:
Belinda Carlisle: Vocals
Natacha Atlas: Additional Vocals on Ma Jeunesse Fout Le Camp, La Vie En Rose, Bonnie et Clyde and Des Ronds Dans L'Eau
Brian Eno: Keyboards
Segat Guirey: Flamenco Guitar
Graham Henderson: Accordion
Winnie Horan: Violins
Clare Kenny: Bass Guitar
Fiachna O'Braonain: Guitars and Vocals, male vocal on Bonnie et Clyde
John Reynolds: Drums, Programming, and Producer
Nikki Leighton-Thomas and Pauline Scanlon: Backing Vocals
Sharon Shannon: Button Accordion
Julian Wilson: Piano, Hammond B-3, Strings, Keyboards

COLUMBIA RECORDS RELEASES ‘COOL YULE,” BETTE MIDLERS FIRST-EVER HOLIDAY ALBUM

Columbia Records has released Cool Yule, Bette Midler's first-ever collection of seasonal songs, available now. Cool Yule, Midler's first new album since 2005's Top 10-charting Bette Midler Sings The Peggy Lee Songbook, draws its name and upbeat spirit from the 1950s hipster holiday song, penned by Steve Allen, revamped by Midler for her holiday collection. Produced by Robbie Buchanan -- whose long-time association with Bette began with playing keyboards in "The Rose" band -- and executive produced by Jay Landers (Barbra Streisand, Julio Iglesias, numerous Disney soundtracks), Cool Yule is a swinging celebration of that merriest of seasons, with song selections covering the many moods of Christmas ranging from beloved carols (O Come, O Come, Emmanuel) to classic pop (Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, White Christmas, and an infectious medley of Winter Wonderland/Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! sung with Columbia labelmate Johnny Mathis). "Nearly every great artist eventually makes his or her imprint on this favorite time of the year," writes Jay Landers in his liner notes for Cool Yule. "From Ella to Elvis, Sinatra to Springsteen and Bing to Sting, and of course, 'The King of Christmas' himself, Johnny Mathis. Each new season brings forth a fresh crop of music to create a soundtrack of snowy white ... no matter if you live in Nome, Alaska or Gallup, New Mexico. Now add Bette to this esteemed list."

Bette Midler Cool Yule track listing:
1. Merry Christmas
2. Cool Yule
3. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
4. Winter Wonderland / Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! (Duet with Johnny Mathis)
5. I'll Be Home For Christmas
6. What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?
7. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm
8. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
9. Mele Kalikimaka
10. From A Distance (Christmas Version)
11. White Christmas

One of the world's best-loved and most versatile entertainers, Bette Midler has garnered accolades in all quarters of show business. She's earned four Grammy Awards including Song of the Year (1989: Wind Beneath My Wings; 1990: From A Distance) and Record of the Year (1989: Wind Beneath My Wings); two Academy Award nominations, three Emmy Awards, one
Tony Award, three Golden Globe Awards, and nine American Comedy Awards. Her SRO tours have placed historically in the Top 5 grossing concerts in a calendar year. Ms. Midler has sold more than 14 million albums over the course of her career and holds 25 gold, platinum and multi-platinum certifications from the RIAA for her albums and singles including her most recent gold album, Bette Midler Sings The Rosemary Clooney Songbook, which was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album category.

NEW TONY BENNETT ALBUM ‘TONY BENNET: DUETS/AN AMERICAN CLASSIC’ MAINTAINS TOP 5 CHART POSITION IN SECOND WEEK OF SALES

Tony Bennett's career has enjoyed an extraordinary vitality and longevity and his new CD, Tony Bennett: Duets/An American Classic is showing its own remarkable staying power on the Billboard Top 200. Last week, Tony's CD entered the chart at #3, marking the highest chart debut of the 80-year-old legend's career, and this week, Duets/An American Classic has maintained a solid position (#4) in the chart's Top 5 (Justin Timberlake, coming in at #5, was the only other artist from last week to remain in the Top 5 of the Billboard 200). Tony Bennett: Duets/An American Classic has also maintained its Top 5 chart position in its second sales week in Canada, coming in at #3, after debuting last week at #1 on the Canadian album charts. Tony Bennett is the star and subject of a prime-time special, "Tony Bennett: An American Classic" airing on NBC-TV on November 21. Directed by Oscar winner Rob Marshall, "Tony Bennett: An American Classic" features many of the artist on his Duets CD including Barbra Streisand, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Diana Krall, k.d. Lang, Michael Buble and Juanes. Christina Aguilera joins Tony for a performance segment on the special while segment narrations on Tony's life and career are presented by Billy Crystal, Robert DeNiro, John Travolta, Bruce Willis and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

URSULA 1000 & THUNDERBALL KICK OFF EUROPEAN TOUR IN BERLIN

Ursula 1000 & Thunderball DJ Set tour dates...
10/13: @ Icon, Berlin, Germany
10/14: @ Boiler Club, Aarau, Switzerland
10/19: @ Amsterdam Dance Event @ De Zwijger, Amsterdam, Holland
10/20: @ Universal, Kaliningrad, Russia
10/21: @ Trafo Bar Tango, Budapest, Hungary
10/25: @ Camera Club, Vienna, Austria
10/26: @ Gold Club, Madrid, Spain
10/27: @ Fabric, London, England
10/28: @ Moods, Zurich, Switzerland
10/31: @ Gravity, Vilnius, Lithuania
11/2: @ Razzmataz, Barcelona, Spain
11/3: @ Clube Mercado, Lisbon, Portugal
11/4: @ Klimabar, Dresden, Germany
11/10: @ Bossa Nova @ Zanzibar, Santa Monica, CA
11/11: @ Supperclub, San Francisco, CA
11/13: @ Hi-Fi, Calgary, Alberta

JIM BRICKMAN’S ‘ESCAPE’ IS MOST ADDED ON RADIO AND RECORDS SMOOTH JAZZ AND A/C CHARTS

The Savoy Label Group (SLG) is proud to announce the first week sales success of platinum artist Jim Brickman on his SLG Records debut, Escape, which has entered the Billboard New Age chart at # 1 and hits the Billboard Top 200 Pop Chart. It's a particularly strong showing as Brickman's first project for the label features a stellar showcase of the pianist's composing, performing and songwriting talents. With collaborators such as Sara Evans, Gerald Albright and Marc Antoine, Escape is poised for success due to exposure at multiple radio formats. Escape debuted #1 most added on Radio and Records A/C chart and Smooth Jazz charts this week. Brickman's first collaboration with SLG Records is a fine return to form for the chart-topping, multi-platinum artist. Escape is a lush, unabashed work of romanticism, both in the instrumental compositions and vocal ballads -- a niche that he almost single-handedly dominates. Like his numerous gold and platinum-selling projects, Escape features an enchanting collection of gorgeous piano compositions, romantic piano and vocal ballads and rhythmic light jazz selections. The Academy of Country Music's "Female Vocalist of the Year," Sara Evans, provides powerhouse vocals on Never Alone. Gerald Levert (who attended the same high school in Cleveland with Jim) adds his effortlessly fluid vocals on the beautiful lullaby, My Angel. Other guests appearing on Escape include guitarist extraordinaire Marc Antoine, vocalists Geoff Byrd and Jake Simpson and violinist David Klinkenberg. Jim Brickman's remarkable career includes six Gold and Platinum selling albums, three #1 and twelve Top 10 Adult Contemporary radio hits, consistent debuts at #1 on Billboard Magazine's New Age chart, a Grammy nomination in 2003, SESAC "Songwriter of the Year" award, a Canadian Country Music Award for "Best Vocal/Instrumental Collaboration," a Dove Award presented by the Gospel Music Association for "The Gift" and sold out concert tours internationally. Brickman embarks on his US "Holiday Tour 2006" on November 3 and will cover over 40 cities.