ectric bass playing in jazz,funk and R&B,has united with Heads Up International to form a partnership that will explore various audio and video opportunities. Mostly recognized for its roster of smooth-jazz luminaries such as the Yellowjackets, Mike Stern and Walter Beasley, the Cleveland-based Heads Up, which is a division of Telarc, plans to produce and release Clarke’s albums and videos over the next few years. Clarke already owns Roxboro Entertainment Group, which handles his publishing (as well as others) and will produce the bass virtuoso’s multiple projects, with the goal of maximizing Roxboro’s potential. The inaugural release, Night School: An Evening with Stanley Clarke and Friends, is due on Mar. 28, 2007 and features footage of performances by Stevie Wonder, Wallace Roney, Bela Fleck, Stewart Copeland and others at the third annual Stanley Clarke Scholarship Concert, intercut with commentary by Clarke on the value of education for aspiring musicians. Clarke’s new, as-yet-untitled CD project will follow Night School in June.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
STANLEY CLARKE SIGNS WITH HEADS UP INTERNATIONAL
Bass maven Stanley Clarke, a founding member of Return to Forever who,along with Jaco Pastorius, revolutionized el
ectric bass playing in jazz,funk and R&B,has united with Heads Up International to form a partnership that will explore various audio and video opportunities. Mostly recognized for its roster of smooth-jazz luminaries such as the Yellowjackets, Mike Stern and Walter Beasley, the Cleveland-based Heads Up, which is a division of Telarc, plans to produce and release Clarke’s albums and videos over the next few years. Clarke already owns Roxboro Entertainment Group, which handles his publishing (as well as others) and will produce the bass virtuoso’s multiple projects, with the goal of maximizing Roxboro’s potential. The inaugural release, Night School: An Evening with Stanley Clarke and Friends, is due on Mar. 28, 2007 and features footage of performances by Stevie Wonder, Wallace Roney, Bela Fleck, Stewart Copeland and others at the third annual Stanley Clarke Scholarship Concert, intercut with commentary by Clarke on the value of education for aspiring musicians. Clarke’s new, as-yet-untitled CD project will follow Night School in June.
ectric bass playing in jazz,funk and R&B,has united with Heads Up International to form a partnership that will explore various audio and video opportunities. Mostly recognized for its roster of smooth-jazz luminaries such as the Yellowjackets, Mike Stern and Walter Beasley, the Cleveland-based Heads Up, which is a division of Telarc, plans to produce and release Clarke’s albums and videos over the next few years. Clarke already owns Roxboro Entertainment Group, which handles his publishing (as well as others) and will produce the bass virtuoso’s multiple projects, with the goal of maximizing Roxboro’s potential. The inaugural release, Night School: An Evening with Stanley Clarke and Friends, is due on Mar. 28, 2007 and features footage of performances by Stevie Wonder, Wallace Roney, Bela Fleck, Stewart Copeland and others at the third annual Stanley Clarke Scholarship Concert, intercut with commentary by Clarke on the value of education for aspiring musicians. Clarke’s new, as-yet-untitled CD project will follow Night School in June.
Monday, December 18, 2006
JEFF GOLUB TO COVER SLY STONE, FOUR TOPS & THE BEATLES ON UPCOMING NARADA JAZZ CD
Jeff Golub (Narada Jazz), the Rod Stewart alum and tasty guitarist is putting the finishing touch on his latest installment for Narada Jazz. The album features a diversity of sounds and styles from Golub's pen along with some classic covers including Sly Stone's If You Want Me To Stay, The Four Tops Ain't No Woman which was produced by Rick Braun & features Richard Elliot on sax and The Beatles Something produced by Paul Brown. Golub mastered the album last week.
CHRIS BOTTI, GERALD ALBRIGHT, KIRK WHALUM & OTHERS JOIN JEFF LORBER ON NEW CD
Jeff Lorber (Narada Jazz) is almost finished with the mixing stage of a truly all-star album produced by 
Bobby Colomby, the Blood Sweat and Tears founder who has produced everyone from Jaco Pastorius to Chris Botti. The versatile keyboardist is joined by a diverse cast of musicians including Botti & Randy Brecker on trumpet, Tom Scott, Gerald Albright & Kirk Whalum on saxophone, Hubert Laws on flute, Russell Malone on guitar and the Blood Sweat & Tears horns. Also, featured are Paula Cole & Eric Benet on a soulful duet ala Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell and Benet also lends his silky smooth stylings to a cover of Bill Wither's classic Grandma's Hands. Lorber will master the album this week.
Bobby Colomby, the Blood Sweat and Tears founder who has produced everyone from Jaco Pastorius to Chris Botti. The versatile keyboardist is joined by a diverse cast of musicians including Botti & Randy Brecker on trumpet, Tom Scott, Gerald Albright & Kirk Whalum on saxophone, Hubert Laws on flute, Russell Malone on guitar and the Blood Sweat & Tears horns. Also, featured are Paula Cole & Eric Benet on a soulful duet ala Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell and Benet also lends his silky smooth stylings to a cover of Bill Wither's classic Grandma's Hands. Lorber will master the album this week.
Friday, December 15, 2006
AIR JAMAICA JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL 2007 LINEUP ANNOUNCED
The Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival is back. This time, event organizers promise that this coming year’s festival will be the biggest so far since it is celebrating its tenth year. The upcoming Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival 2007 will be held on January 25 to 27, 2007 in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Grammy-winning artists such as Michael Bolton, Kenny Rogers, and Christopher Cross are set to perform at the festival. As part of the ten-year celebrations, the festival has added a special feature in the main event. Called The Art of Reggae, this additional feature is a special tribute performance honoring reggae music, the music native to Jamaica. World-renowned reggae artists like Shaggy, Wayne Wonder, Luciano, and Freddie MacGregor will spearhead the tribute performance. Other artists scheduled to perform at the festival include Ne-Yo, Cyndi Lauper, Earth Wind and Fire, Roy Ayres, Pieces of a Dream, Monty Alexander, Jamaica’s own jazz legend, among many others.
In line with the organizers plan of staging a bigger and better event, the festival is being moved to the Aqueduct on Rose Hall in Montego Bay, instead of holding it at the driving range at the Cinnamon Hill Golf Course. Satellite concerts by the winners of the recently concluded Jazz Fest Quest, a regional US talent competition for unknown jazz, blues, Latin, and reggae musicians â€" will also be held at various locations in Montego Bay prior to the major event.
The Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival is considered as the premier entertainment showcase in Jamaica. Over the past years, it had bear witness to incredible performances by international artists such as Alicia Keys, John Legend, Mary J. Blige, James Ingram, Air Supply, George Benson, and Patti Labelle.
Grammy-winning artists such as Michael Bolton, Kenny Rogers, and Christopher Cross are set to perform at the festival. As part of the ten-year celebrations, the festival has added a special feature in the main event. Called The Art of Reggae, this additional feature is a special tribute performance honoring reggae music, the music native to Jamaica. World-renowned reggae artists like Shaggy, Wayne Wonder, Luciano, and Freddie MacGregor will spearhead the tribute performance. Other artists scheduled to perform at the festival include Ne-Yo, Cyndi Lauper, Earth Wind and Fire, Roy Ayres, Pieces of a Dream, Monty Alexander, Jamaica’s own jazz legend, among many others.
In line with the organizers plan of staging a bigger and better event, the festival is being moved to the Aqueduct on Rose Hall in Montego Bay, instead of holding it at the driving range at the Cinnamon Hill Golf Course. Satellite concerts by the winners of the recently concluded Jazz Fest Quest, a regional US talent competition for unknown jazz, blues, Latin, and reggae musicians â€" will also be held at various locations in Montego Bay prior to the major event.
The Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival is considered as the premier entertainment showcase in Jamaica. Over the past years, it had bear witness to incredible performances by international artists such as Alicia Keys, John Legend, Mary J. Blige, James Ingram, Air Supply, George Benson, and Patti Labelle.
49th ANNUAL GRAMMY NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED
Larry Carlton, George Benson, Brenda Russell, Natalie Cole, Chris Botti, and Gerald Albright and others are nominated with Grammy nominations this year.
George Benson and Al Jarreau, who collaborated on their new CD Givin’ It Up, were nominated for 3 Grammy’s: Mornin’ for Best Pop Instrumental Performance, Breezin’ for Best R&B Performance By A Duo or Group WithVocals; and God Bless The Child, which features vocals by Jill Scott, for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance. Saxophonist Gerald Albright was nominated for his album New Beginnings in the Best Pop Instrumental Album category. Also nominated for Best Pop Instrumental Album were Larry Carlton for Fire Wire; Fourplay for Fourplay X; and Spyro Gyra for Wrapped In A Dream. Other nominations include: Anita Baker for her song Christmas Time Is Here from the Christmas Fantasy CD; Corrine Bailey Rae for Record Of The Year and for Song Of The Year with Put Your Records On; Natalie Cole for Best Female R&B Performance for Daydreaming; Lionel Richie for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for I Call It Love; Luther Vandross for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for Got You Home from the CD The Ultimate Luther Vandross; Diana Krall for Best Jazz Vocal Album for From This Moment On. In addition, Good Morning Heartache, from Chris Botti’s To Love Again CD featuring vocals from Jill Scott, picked up a Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist nomination for Gil Goldstein and Greg Phillinganes; and Enya with Best New Age Album and Best Pop Instrumental Performance nominations for her album Amarantine. Singer/composer Brenda Russell was also nominated for Best Musical Show Album from the Broadway musical The Color Purple. The 49th Annual Grammy Awards will be held Feb. 11, 2007 in Los Angeles.
George Benson and Al Jarreau, who collaborated on their new CD Givin’ It Up, were nominated for 3 Grammy’s: Mornin’ for Best Pop Instrumental Performance, Breezin’ for Best R&B Performance By A Duo or Group WithVocals; and God Bless The Child, which features vocals by Jill Scott, for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance. Saxophonist Gerald Albright was nominated for his album New Beginnings in the Best Pop Instrumental Album category. Also nominated for Best Pop Instrumental Album were Larry Carlton for Fire Wire; Fourplay for Fourplay X; and Spyro Gyra for Wrapped In A Dream. Other nominations include: Anita Baker for her song Christmas Time Is Here from the Christmas Fantasy CD; Corrine Bailey Rae for Record Of The Year and for Song Of The Year with Put Your Records On; Natalie Cole for Best Female R&B Performance for Daydreaming; Lionel Richie for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for I Call It Love; Luther Vandross for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for Got You Home from the CD The Ultimate Luther Vandross; Diana Krall for Best Jazz Vocal Album for From This Moment On. In addition, Good Morning Heartache, from Chris Botti’s To Love Again CD featuring vocals from Jill Scott, picked up a Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist nomination for Gil Goldstein and Greg Phillinganes; and Enya with Best New Age Album and Best Pop Instrumental Performance nominations for her album Amarantine. Singer/composer Brenda Russell was also nominated for Best Musical Show Album from the Broadway musical The Color Purple. The 49th Annual Grammy Awards will be held Feb. 11, 2007 in Los Angeles.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
SAVOY LABEL GROUP’S ANDREAS VOLLENWEIDER & GROOVE COLLECTIVE NOMINATED FOR 2006 GRAMMY AWARDS
The Savoy Label Group (SLG) is proud to announce that artists Andreas Vollenweider and Groove Collective have been honored with Grammy nominations. Andreas Vollenweider's The Magical Journeys Of Andreas Vollenweider (Kin Kou/SLG) has been nominated for Best New Age Album (category 44) and Groove Collective's People, People, Music, Music (Savoy Jazz Worldwide) has been nominated for Best Contemporary Jazz Album (category 45). The 49th annual Grammy Award winners will be announced February 11, 2007.
The Magical Journeys Of Andreas Vollenweider is a musical travelogue recorded around the world featuring the Grammy-winning artist as well as renowned guest artists including Carly Simon, Milton Nascimento, David Lindley and many others. The CD consists of music recorded in concert in exotic locales throughout Europe, America and Asia including Andreas' breakthrough performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Performances at the Rockpalast-Festival in Berlin, Tokyo's NHK Hall and the town square of Zurich Switzerland where Andreas performed as part of the 70th birthday c
elebration for the Dali Lama are also showcased.
Vollenweider has long been lauded for his distinctively inventive musicianship. He took up the harp as his instrument of choice and in the early 1970s invented the first electro-acoustic harp. Since the release of his debut album, Eine Art Suite XIII Teilen in 1979, the acclaimed harpist has sold over 20 million records worldwide and earned 5 multi-platinum awards in the US alone. He had two chart topping releases in 2005, his greatest hits retrospective Magic Harp and his all new Dualdisc release Vox.
For more than a decade, Groove Collective has been transcending categories w
ith one goal in mind: to move listeners' minds and feet. This crew of New York City-based Jazz-Funk-Afrocuban-Electronic stylistic adventurers have been laying down grooves that buzz and always have the crowd on its feet and dancing. It is appropriate that they are newly signed to the Savoy Jazz Worldwide imprint as People, People, Music, Music takes the listener on a musical journey around the globe beginning with the Afro-pop sound of Forgotten Travelers, and continues into the Cuban jam Tito (a tribute to the legendary Tito Puente) and onwards to the smoky NYC jazz lounge vibe of Herbie Hancock's Speak Like A Child and the club beats of What If and Set Up.
Groove Collective are: Jay Rodriquez (saxophones, flutes, bass clarinet), Genji Siraisi (drums, programming, vocals), Fabio Morgera (trumpet, flugelhorn, effects), Chris "Ifatoye" Theberge (congas, bata drums, percussion), Barney McAll (Fender Rhodes, synthesizers, piano), and Jonathan Maron (bass). Special guests on the album include producer DJ Spinna, funk legend Fred Wesley, vocalists Eddie Bobé and DeLouie Avant, Jr., percussionist Tony Rodriguez, trombonist Reut Regev, guitarist Liberty Ellman and keyboardist Victor Axelrod.
Kin Kou and Savoy Jazz Worldwide are units of The Savoy Label Group (SLG). SLG is the North American unit of CME (Columbia Music Entertainment), the oldest music company in Japan. The Savoy Label Group is lead by Steve Vining. CME is headed by Chairman Strauss Zelnick, founder of Zelnick Media and former CEO of BMG Entertainment. Zelnick Media owns interests in and manages an array of media companies including music-related holdings such as CME, Savoy Label Group and Time Life.
The Magical Journeys Of Andreas Vollenweider is a musical travelogue recorded around the world featuring the Grammy-winning artist as well as renowned guest artists including Carly Simon, Milton Nascimento, David Lindley and many others. The CD consists of music recorded in concert in exotic locales throughout Europe, America and Asia including Andreas' breakthrough performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Performances at the Rockpalast-Festival in Berlin, Tokyo's NHK Hall and the town square of Zurich Switzerland where Andreas performed as part of the 70th birthday c
elebration for the Dali Lama are also showcased.Vollenweider has long been lauded for his distinctively inventive musicianship. He took up the harp as his instrument of choice and in the early 1970s invented the first electro-acoustic harp. Since the release of his debut album, Eine Art Suite XIII Teilen in 1979, the acclaimed harpist has sold over 20 million records worldwide and earned 5 multi-platinum awards in the US alone. He had two chart topping releases in 2005, his greatest hits retrospective Magic Harp and his all new Dualdisc release Vox.
For more than a decade, Groove Collective has been transcending categories w
ith one goal in mind: to move listeners' minds and feet. This crew of New York City-based Jazz-Funk-Afrocuban-Electronic stylistic adventurers have been laying down grooves that buzz and always have the crowd on its feet and dancing. It is appropriate that they are newly signed to the Savoy Jazz Worldwide imprint as People, People, Music, Music takes the listener on a musical journey around the globe beginning with the Afro-pop sound of Forgotten Travelers, and continues into the Cuban jam Tito (a tribute to the legendary Tito Puente) and onwards to the smoky NYC jazz lounge vibe of Herbie Hancock's Speak Like A Child and the club beats of What If and Set Up.Groove Collective are: Jay Rodriquez (saxophones, flutes, bass clarinet), Genji Siraisi (drums, programming, vocals), Fabio Morgera (trumpet, flugelhorn, effects), Chris "Ifatoye" Theberge (congas, bata drums, percussion), Barney McAll (Fender Rhodes, synthesizers, piano), and Jonathan Maron (bass). Special guests on the album include producer DJ Spinna, funk legend Fred Wesley, vocalists Eddie Bobé and DeLouie Avant, Jr., percussionist Tony Rodriguez, trombonist Reut Regev, guitarist Liberty Ellman and keyboardist Victor Axelrod.
Kin Kou and Savoy Jazz Worldwide are units of The Savoy Label Group (SLG). SLG is the North American unit of CME (Columbia Music Entertainment), the oldest music company in Japan. The Savoy Label Group is lead by Steve Vining. CME is headed by Chairman Strauss Zelnick, founder of Zelnick Media and former CEO of BMG Entertainment. Zelnick Media owns interests in and manages an array of media companies including music-related holdings such as CME, Savoy Label Group and Time Life.
CHILL GROOVES & SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS...
Peabo Bryson, Deniece Williams, Stephanie Mills and James Ingram recently performed at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in New Jersey on December 11.
In addition to the recent signing of Shilts, ARTizen Music Group has signed Soul Ballet and Jackiem Joyner to the label and both are scheduled for album releases in early 2007. Shilts by the way is set for a pre-Christmas celebration at Spaghetti's in Seal Beach, CA on Saturday December 23rd with the Smooth Jazz All Stars and at the Miramonte Winery on December 30 in Temecula, CA. Shilts has also been booked for the upcoming Smooth Jazz Cruise hosted by Wayman Tisdale.
Rick Braun will be onboard the 2007 Smooth Jazz Cruise hosted by Warren Hill and Wayman Tisdale, January 20-27, 2007! These cruises sell out early, so be sure to book soon!
Tony Bennett: An American Classic is now available on Blu-Ray disc. Blue-ray special features include: high definition video, full-fidelity PCM stereo & PCM 5.1 surround sound, plus Dolby Digital surround sound.
Got a bunch of new tour dates for Richard Elliot to announce for you…Dec. 30 – Phoenix, AZ @ Celebrity Theatre; Dec. 31- San Diego, CA @ Hyatt – La Jolla; Jan 20 through 27 on the Smooth Jazz Cruise; Feb. 2 & 3 – Dana, CA @ Ocean Institute; Feb. 18 – Detroit, MI @ Seldom Blue; Mar. 17 – Cerritos, CA @ Cerritos Performing Arts Center; April 12 to 15 – Seattle, WA @ Jazz Alley; and Nov. 4 through 11 – the Dave Koz & Friends at Sea Cruise departing from Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.
San Francisco’s Smooth Jazz station KKSF is presenting a Cool Jazz Christmas concert at the Nob Hill Masonic Center on Friday, Dec. 15. The show’s lineup features David Benoit, Jonathan Butler, Michael Franks, and Kirk Whalum.
Singer Will Downing is working on a follow-up to his CD, Soul Symphony. According to Downing, "…it’s an extension of that. And it's very me, what I do, that combination of R&B with contemporary jazz overtones, but with better performances and better songs. I just mixed the first song, After Tonight. It's a sexual love song, and mid-tempo for me since I'm known for my ballads, and it's very radio friendly." Downing is currently on tour.
Fourplay recently finished a world tour that took them to South Africa, Japan, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Europe and the US. They will soon reunite to appear at the upcoming Grammy Awards in Los Angeles in February since they are nominated for Best Pop Intrumental Album, X (10).
BET J has veiled its special programming lineup of classic jazz favorites, star-studded music specials and original programming to celebrate the 2006 Holiday season. Included in their lineup is Najee Sax in South Africa and the Gerald Levert Special, which takes an intimate look back at the phenomenal life and career of the late singer who made a historic mark in the music industry.
If you don’t live in a market where Rafe Gomez and The Groove Boutique cool jazz radio show is being aired, it’s now available online. It streams live on WXJC.com in Gainsville, FL and airs on Saturday nights from 10 pm until midnite EST.
KKBT-FM (Los Angeles) has dropped the Tom Joyner Show from its schedule, as the syndicated program’s last broadcast on KKBT-FM will be Friday, Dec. 15. It hasn’t even been six months since the syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show replaced former NBA star John Salley in the a.m. drive-time slot on KKBT-FM (100.3 The Beat), but Joyner is reportedly the latest victim of major management and format changes at the station this year. The Beat’s program director Kevin Fleming told the Los Angeles Times that its final broadcast for The Tom Joyner Morning Show will take place tomorrow (Dec. 15). While no official replacement has been named for the soon-to-be empty slot, rumor has it that former KJLH-FM morning drive host Cliff Winston will end up filling the vacancy. Additionally, KKBT-FM will reportedly drop "The Beat" moniker and replace it with "Magic 100.3."
In addition to the recent signing of Shilts, ARTizen Music Group has signed Soul Ballet and Jackiem Joyner to the label and both are scheduled for album releases in early 2007. Shilts by the way is set for a pre-Christmas celebration at Spaghetti's in Seal Beach, CA on Saturday December 23rd with the Smooth Jazz All Stars and at the Miramonte Winery on December 30 in Temecula, CA. Shilts has also been booked for the upcoming Smooth Jazz Cruise hosted by Wayman Tisdale.
Rick Braun will be onboard the 2007 Smooth Jazz Cruise hosted by Warren Hill and Wayman Tisdale, January 20-27, 2007! These cruises sell out early, so be sure to book soon!
Tony Bennett: An American Classic is now available on Blu-Ray disc. Blue-ray special features include: high definition video, full-fidelity PCM stereo & PCM 5.1 surround sound, plus Dolby Digital surround sound.
Got a bunch of new tour dates for Richard Elliot to announce for you…Dec. 30 – Phoenix, AZ @ Celebrity Theatre; Dec. 31- San Diego, CA @ Hyatt – La Jolla; Jan 20 through 27 on the Smooth Jazz Cruise; Feb. 2 & 3 – Dana, CA @ Ocean Institute; Feb. 18 – Detroit, MI @ Seldom Blue; Mar. 17 – Cerritos, CA @ Cerritos Performing Arts Center; April 12 to 15 – Seattle, WA @ Jazz Alley; and Nov. 4 through 11 – the Dave Koz & Friends at Sea Cruise departing from Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.
San Francisco’s Smooth Jazz station KKSF is presenting a Cool Jazz Christmas concert at the Nob Hill Masonic Center on Friday, Dec. 15. The show’s lineup features David Benoit, Jonathan Butler, Michael Franks, and Kirk Whalum.
Singer Will Downing is working on a follow-up to his CD, Soul Symphony. According to Downing, "…it’s an extension of that. And it's very me, what I do, that combination of R&B with contemporary jazz overtones, but with better performances and better songs. I just mixed the first song, After Tonight. It's a sexual love song, and mid-tempo for me since I'm known for my ballads, and it's very radio friendly." Downing is currently on tour.
Fourplay recently finished a world tour that took them to South Africa, Japan, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Europe and the US. They will soon reunite to appear at the upcoming Grammy Awards in Los Angeles in February since they are nominated for Best Pop Intrumental Album, X (10).
BET J has veiled its special programming lineup of classic jazz favorites, star-studded music specials and original programming to celebrate the 2006 Holiday season. Included in their lineup is Najee Sax in South Africa and the Gerald Levert Special, which takes an intimate look back at the phenomenal life and career of the late singer who made a historic mark in the music industry.
If you don’t live in a market where Rafe Gomez and The Groove Boutique cool jazz radio show is being aired, it’s now available online. It streams live on WXJC.com in Gainsville, FL and airs on Saturday nights from 10 pm until midnite EST.
KKBT-FM (Los Angeles) has dropped the Tom Joyner Show from its schedule, as the syndicated program’s last broadcast on KKBT-FM will be Friday, Dec. 15. It hasn’t even been six months since the syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show replaced former NBA star John Salley in the a.m. drive-time slot on KKBT-FM (100.3 The Beat), but Joyner is reportedly the latest victim of major management and format changes at the station this year. The Beat’s program director Kevin Fleming told the Los Angeles Times that its final broadcast for The Tom Joyner Morning Show will take place tomorrow (Dec. 15). While no official replacement has been named for the soon-to-be empty slot, rumor has it that former KJLH-FM morning drive host Cliff Winston will end up filling the vacancy. Additionally, KKBT-FM will reportedly drop "The Beat" moniker and replace it with "Magic 100.3."
ANGELA BOFILL, ERIC ROBERTSON, AMEL LARRIEUX, & BRAND NEW HEAVIES TOP THE SOULTRACKS.COM READERS CHOICE AWARDS
SoulTracks.com, America's most popular soul music website, has announced the winners of its 2006 Readers Choice Awards. Thousands of readers from around the world voted for the top independent soul music artists and albums of the year. SoulTracks (www.soultracks.com), America's most popular soul music website, has announced the winners of its 2006 Readers Choice Awards in international broadcasts on NeoSoulCafe (www.neosoulcafe.com), SolarRadio (www.solarradio.com), and the syndicated Michael Baisden Show. The SoulTracks Awards are the largest international awards dedicated to independent soul music - i.e., music released by artists independent of the major international record labels.
"Last year the participation in our Awards by readers was impressive, but this year we were happily overwhelmed by the response, with thousands and thousands of soul music fans from around the world voicing their opinions, more than a doubling of the number of voters from 2005," said SoulTracks publisher Chris Rizik. "It is further confirmation of both SoulTracks' growth and the continuing development of soul music, which is among the fastest rising musical genres in the world."
The biggest winner in the 2006 SoulTracks Awards was singer Eric Roberson, who landed the Album of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year awards for his album, The Appetizer. Soul songstress Amel Larrieux released the album Morning during 2006 and was voted the "Female Vocalist of the Year" by SoulTracks readers. The Duo or Group of the Year award was won by the reunited Brand New Heavies, who released their Get Used to It in 2006. And the winner of the Radio Station of the Year award was Dallas-based Neo Soul Cafe©. Veteran jazz/soul singer Angela Bofill was presented with the first Lifetime Achievement Award ever awarded by SoulTracks, celebrating her legendary three decade recording career.
A complete list of the top five finalists in each category can be found by visiting http://www.soultracks.com/award_winners_2006.htm .
"Last year the participation in our Awards by readers was impressive, but this year we were happily overwhelmed by the response, with thousands and thousands of soul music fans from around the world voicing their opinions, more than a doubling of the number of voters from 2005," said SoulTracks publisher Chris Rizik. "It is further confirmation of both SoulTracks' growth and the continuing development of soul music, which is among the fastest rising musical genres in the world."
The biggest winner in the 2006 SoulTracks Awards was singer Eric Roberson, who landed the Album of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year awards for his album, The Appetizer. Soul songstress Amel Larrieux released the album Morning during 2006 and was voted the "Female Vocalist of the Year" by SoulTracks readers. The Duo or Group of the Year award was won by the reunited Brand New Heavies, who released their Get Used to It in 2006. And the winner of the Radio Station of the Year award was Dallas-based Neo Soul Cafe©. Veteran jazz/soul singer Angela Bofill was presented with the first Lifetime Achievement Award ever awarded by SoulTracks, celebrating her legendary three decade recording career.
A complete list of the top five finalists in each category can be found by visiting http://www.soultracks.com/award_winners_2006.htm .
KTWV 94.7 THE WAVE PAYS TRIBUTE TO LUTHER VANDROSS
KTWV 94.7 The Wave (Los Angeles) morning show hosts Dave Koz and Pat Prescott recently hosted the second annual tribute to Luther Vandross, along with performances by many smooth jazz artists. Among the many artists performing were: Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp, Ray Fuller, Michael Lington, Patti Austin, Dave Koz, Robert Wilson, Cookie Brown, Wayman Tisdale, Brian Simpson, and Ronnie Laws. The November 30 concert coincided with the release of the second volume of the 2005 Grammy-nominated Luther Vandross tribute Forever, For Always, For Luther. Upcoming in 20057 will be an all-star Forever, For Always, For Luther tour that is tentatively scheduled for the spring of 2007.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
VAN MORRISON AT THE MOVIES: THE SOUNDTRACK HITS
Van Morrison At The Movies: The Soundtrack Hits is set for release on February 13 by Manhattan/EMI Music Catalog Marketing. It’s a collection of 19 of Van Morrison’s best-known songs that have been featured in films, including Gloria, Wild Night, Brown-Eyed-Girl, Moondance, and others. The cinematic qualities of Van Morrison’s songs make it no surprise that he is one of the most popular choices for movie music. His compositions have graced the soundtrack of many box office hits over the years. His songs have been used in movies such as, The Outsiders, An American Werewolf In London, An Officer And A Gentleman, French Kiss, Fever Pitch, The Last Waltz, King Of Comedy, and Pope Of Greenwich Village. In the meantime, Van Morrison has been confirmed for the following concert dates:Dec. 30 – Las Vegas, Mandalay Bay
Jan. 2 – Kissimmee, Silver Spurs Arena
Jan. 26 – Brighton, Dome
Jan. 27 – Brighton, Dome
Feb. 7 – Belfast, Waterfront
Feb. 8 – Belfast, Waterfront
Jan. 21 – Los Angeles, Gibson Amphitheatre
Jan. 23 – San Rafael, Marin Center
Apr. 6 – Manchester, Bridgewater Hall
Apr. 7 – Manchester, Bridgewater Hall
Apr. 13 – Oxford, New Theatre
Apr. 14 – Cardiff – Millennium Centre
AL GREEN RECORDING NEW CD
Al Green was in the studio in New York City this past October beginning an exciting new album for Blue Note. The conceptualization for the record is a fresh take on vintage soul. A bridge between the legendary soul man's classic stylings and the sounds of today's R&B and hip-hop is being facilitated by drummer/producer Ahmir 'Questlove' Thompson of The Roots and keyboardist James Poyser who has produced Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Anthony Hamilton and many others. The crew will also be joined by the Al Green of this generation, D'Angelo, and other very special duet partners to be announced soon.
Friday, December 08, 2006
KENNY G JOINS THE SMOOTH JAZZ NETWORK
The No. 1 selling instrumental smooth jazz artist of all time, Kenny G, will join Broadcast Architecture's team of radio hosts on its Smooth Jazz Network's nationally distributed weekend evening shows be
ginning Jan. 6, 2007. The renowned saxophonist will be heard 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. BA president Allen Kepler comments, "Ranking among the top 25-selling recording artists in U.S. history, Kenny has made a huge mark on the music world. As he continues his illustrious recording career, hosting this new network show will deepen Kenny's relationship with his fans across the US. Working with Kenny is a dream come true for me personally."
Kenny G shares, "I am really excited to be a part of this new network. I think it is a great way for me to pe
rsonally be in touch with the people around the country that have supported my music for many years. Allen Kepler's enthusiasm is addictive and I look forward to working with him to create something new and exciting on a national level. This is going to be a wonderful collaboration but the most important thing is that we are all going to be sharing a lot of good music with the entire country."Kenny G's musical career continues to flourish with last week's release of his CD I’m In the Mood for Love… The Most Romantic Melodies of All Time, which entered the contemporary jazz chart at No. 1 (his 12th No. 1) and came in at No. 37 on the Billboard Top 200.
ginning Jan. 6, 2007. The renowned saxophonist will be heard 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. BA president Allen Kepler comments, "Ranking among the top 25-selling recording artists in U.S. history, Kenny has made a huge mark on the music world. As he continues his illustrious recording career, hosting this new network show will deepen Kenny's relationship with his fans across the US. Working with Kenny is a dream come true for me personally."Kenny G shares, "I am really excited to be a part of this new network. I think it is a great way for me to pe
rsonally be in touch with the people around the country that have supported my music for many years. Allen Kepler's enthusiasm is addictive and I look forward to working with him to create something new and exciting on a national level. This is going to be a wonderful collaboration but the most important thing is that we are all going to be sharing a lot of good music with the entire country."Kenny G's musical career continues to flourish with last week's release of his CD I’m In the Mood for Love… The Most Romantic Melodies of All Time, which entered the contemporary jazz chart at No. 1 (his 12th No. 1) and came in at No. 37 on the Billboard Top 200. Kenny G will embark on a tour that includes five concerts celebrating the King of Thailand's 80th birthday, as well as a U.S. tour in January 2007. Kenny G joins other smooth jazz artists-turned-radio-hosts Ramsey Lewis, Dave Koz, Brian Culbertson, Norman Brown and Paul Hardcastle.
BA's Smooth Jazz Network lineup is set as:
Monday - Friday:
6 a.m.-10 a.m. Ramsey Lewis
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Miranda Wilson
3 p.m.-7 p.m. Dave Koz
7 p.m.-midnight Annie Ashe
midnight-6.am. Billy Raven
Weekends:
6 a.m.-10 a.m. Brian Culbertson
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Kenny G
2 p.m.-7 p.m. Norman Brown
7 p.m.-midnight Paul Hardcastle
midnight-6a.m. Billy Raven
The pre-launch of the network is already underway with the Ramsey Lewis morning show on the air at Clear Channel's WNUA/Chicago, WLVE/Miami, WDSJ/Dayton, KIJZ/Portland, KMYT/Temecula and KABQ/Albuquerque. Smooth Jazz format veteran/evening host Annie Ashe is also on the air at WNUA, WZJZ/Ft. Myers, WDSJ, KMYT, KIJZ and KABQ
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
NEW CD RELEASES FROM BRIAN CULBERTSON, EARTH, WIND & FIRE, GLADYS KNIGHT, HALL & OATES, KENNY G & MORE…
Andre Delano – First Christmas
Anthony Pope – With All My Heart
Barbara Lewis – Hello Stranger/Workin’ On A Groovy Thing
Bliss – The New House
Brian Culbertson – Soulful Christmas
Brian Kelly – Pools Of Light
Caterina Valente – Fire & Frenzy/South Of The Border
Chic – Believer
Chic – Take It Off
Earth, Wind & Fire – In The Name Of Love
Ed Taylor – Taylor Made
Edo Castro - Phoenix
Electro-Bossa Songbook Of Guns N’Roses (Various Artists)
Esther Williams – Let Me Show You
Forever, For Always, For Luther: Volume II (Various Artists)
Gabor Szabo – Gypsy ‘66
Gigi Mackenzie – Skylark
Gladys Knight – Before Me
Gladys Knight & The Pips – Everybody Needs Love/Feelin’ Bluesy
Gladys Knight & The Pips – If I Were Your Woman/Standing Ovation
Gladys Knight & The Pips – Knight Time/A Little Knight Music
Gladys Knight & The Pips – Silk & Soul/Nitty Gritty
Hall & Oates – Home For Christmas
John Fluker – J Is For Joy
Johnny Clegg – One Life
Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra – Moving Out Of The Country
Kenny G – I’m In The Mood For Love
King Errison – Magic Man/L.A. Bound
Lenny Welch – It’s All About Love
Lynne Fiddmont – Flow
Mambo Zombies – South-Side Christmas
M’Shell Ndegeocello – Article 3
Nate Wingfield – Rhythm Tree
Peggy Lee – Christmas With Peggy Lee
Quincy Jones – This Is How I Feel About Jazz/Go West Man
Rhonda Smith – RS2
Steve Cole – True
Talia – My Notes
Talking Book – Chasing The Green
Tom Ze – Dance-eh-sa – Dance Dos Herdeiros Do Sacrificio
Waldino – Feel The Magic
Wayne Jones – Forgotten Melody
William Woods – The Hear And Now
Zanussi Five - Alborado
Anthony Pope – With All My Heart
Barbara Lewis – Hello Stranger/Workin’ On A Groovy Thing
Bliss – The New House
Brian Culbertson – Soulful Christmas
Brian Kelly – Pools Of Light
Caterina Valente – Fire & Frenzy/South Of The Border
Chic – Believer
Chic – Take It Off
Earth, Wind & Fire – In The Name Of Love
Ed Taylor – Taylor Made
Edo Castro - Phoenix
Electro-Bossa Songbook Of Guns N’Roses (Various Artists)
Esther Williams – Let Me Show You
Forever, For Always, For Luther: Volume II (Various Artists)
Gabor Szabo – Gypsy ‘66
Gigi Mackenzie – Skylark
Gladys Knight – Before Me
Gladys Knight & The Pips – Everybody Needs Love/Feelin’ Bluesy
Gladys Knight & The Pips – If I Were Your Woman/Standing Ovation
Gladys Knight & The Pips – Knight Time/A Little Knight Music
Gladys Knight & The Pips – Silk & Soul/Nitty Gritty
Hall & Oates – Home For Christmas
John Fluker – J Is For Joy
Johnny Clegg – One Life
Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra – Moving Out Of The Country
Kenny G – I’m In The Mood For Love
King Errison – Magic Man/L.A. Bound
Lenny Welch – It’s All About Love
Lynne Fiddmont – Flow
Mambo Zombies – South-Side Christmas
M’Shell Ndegeocello – Article 3
Nate Wingfield – Rhythm Tree
Peggy Lee – Christmas With Peggy Lee
Quincy Jones – This Is How I Feel About Jazz/Go West Man
Rhonda Smith – RS2
Steve Cole – True
Talia – My Notes
Talking Book – Chasing The Green
Tom Ze – Dance-eh-sa – Dance Dos Herdeiros Do Sacrificio
Waldino – Feel The Magic
Wayne Jones – Forgotten Melody
William Woods – The Hear And Now
Zanussi Five - Alborado
CHILL GROOVES & SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS…LENNY WILLIAMS, BRIAN MCKNIGHT, COOL JAZZ CHRISTMAS TOUR & MORE...
New releases to look out for in 2007 include albums from Spyro Gyra, Pieces Of A Dream, Jaco Pastorius Big Band, Marion Meadows, Nestor Torres, Bobby Lyle, Mike Stern, and Doc Powell.
Lenny Williams, former lead singer of the Tower Of Power during its most prolific period, has just released a new solo CD, It Must Be Love. His single, Tuesday, has just been added to the playlist at SoulRadioOnline.com, in heavy rotation. Williams is next scheduled to perform on December 7 at the San Leandro High School in Northern California, and it’s a benefit concert for the Keep Music Rockin’ Foundation.
Brian McKnight’s new Marvin Gaye-inspired CD, Ten, is in stores now, featuring the singles, Used To Be My Girl and Find Myself In You.
The Average White Band performed in Las Vegas on Dec. 1-2 at Rock’s Lounge at the Red Rock Hotel & Casino, and most impressively admission was free to all who attended!
The Godfather of Soul James Brown headlines a New Year’s Eve concert at the BB King Blues Bar & Grill in New York City. Brown will perform two shows at 8 and 10 pm.
Gilles Peterson is set for an exclusive DJ set at Hiro Ballroom in New York City on January 24, 2007. He’ll be joined by additional acts still to be announced.
Mr. Scruff appears at Cielo in New York City on February 15, 2007.
The Cool Jazz Christmas Tour featuring Kirk Whalum, Jonathan Butler, David Benoit and Michael Franks are on the road through the end of December. Here’s a listing of where they are headed to next: Dec. 8 – Naples, FL @ Philharmonic Center for the Arts; Dec. 10 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Broward Center for the Arts; Dec. 15 – San Francisco @ Nob Hill Masonic Center; Dec. 16 – Dallas, TX @ The Majestic Theatre; Dec. 20 – Mesa, AZ @ Mesa Arts Center; and Dec. 21-22 – Cerritos, CA @ Cerritos Center for the Arts.
Lenny Williams, former lead singer of the Tower Of Power during its most prolific period, has just released a new solo CD, It Must Be Love. His single, Tuesday, has just been added to the playlist at SoulRadioOnline.com, in heavy rotation. Williams is next scheduled to perform on December 7 at the San Leandro High School in Northern California, and it’s a benefit concert for the Keep Music Rockin’ Foundation.
Brian McKnight’s new Marvin Gaye-inspired CD, Ten, is in stores now, featuring the singles, Used To Be My Girl and Find Myself In You.
The Average White Band performed in Las Vegas on Dec. 1-2 at Rock’s Lounge at the Red Rock Hotel & Casino, and most impressively admission was free to all who attended!
The Godfather of Soul James Brown headlines a New Year’s Eve concert at the BB King Blues Bar & Grill in New York City. Brown will perform two shows at 8 and 10 pm.
Gilles Peterson is set for an exclusive DJ set at Hiro Ballroom in New York City on January 24, 2007. He’ll be joined by additional acts still to be announced.
Mr. Scruff appears at Cielo in New York City on February 15, 2007.
The Cool Jazz Christmas Tour featuring Kirk Whalum, Jonathan Butler, David Benoit and Michael Franks are on the road through the end of December. Here’s a listing of where they are headed to next: Dec. 8 – Naples, FL @ Philharmonic Center for the Arts; Dec. 10 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Broward Center for the Arts; Dec. 15 – San Francisco @ Nob Hill Masonic Center; Dec. 16 – Dallas, TX @ The Majestic Theatre; Dec. 20 – Mesa, AZ @ Mesa Arts Center; and Dec. 21-22 – Cerritos, CA @ Cerritos Center for the Arts.
JAMIROQUAI’S ‘HIGH TIMES: SINGLES 1992-2006’
When Jamiroquai exploded onto the music scene with When You Gonna Learn in 1992, few thought that his vintage jazz-funk, sweet horn grooves and quick dance moves would survive 14 years, let alone sell over 20 million albums, receive Grammy & MTV Awards and see Jay Kay & Co. embark on world tours, successfully spanning the globe several times over. High Times: Singles 1992-2006, is a timely reminder of the sheer strength and depth of Jamiroquai's back catalogue, which is presented in all its glory with two new tracks: The funky and hard-edged Radio, and lead single Runaway, a blistering mix of disco strings and infectious bass lines.
One of the UK's greatest musical exports of the past 20 years, Jamiroquai's career took a new direction when the anti-war anthem Too Young To Die, went Top 10 in England in 1993. By the time the inner-city social commentary of his sophomore album Return Of The Space Cowboy hit the shelves Jamiroquai became the face of British urban music. However, it was 1997's Traveling Without Moving, that took Jamiroquai over the top and to the masses. After the dust settled, the album, singles and the irresistibly catchy Virtual Insanity video directed by Jonathan Glazer, had netted 5 MTV Awards, a Grammy, put Jamiroquai on the cover of USA Today and sold more than a million albums in America. Global hits such as Cosmic Girl and Deeper Underground followed, as well as Jamiroquai classics like Little L, Canned Heat, and Love Foolosophy.
The special edition of High Times: Singles 1992-2006, comes with an extra disc of various Jamiroquai remixes (including David Morales, Masters At Work and Bob Sinclar) and videos. In an era when everything's a sanitized sound bite, Jamiroquai are the one band who can be relied upon for their full, frank and unedited opinion. As High Times: Singles 1992-2006 proves with every single frenetic track, music, like the rest of life, would be a hell of a lot duller without them.
Jamiroquai is currently touring and gearing up for their last two shows of the year. They next appear west of the Mississippi at Sam Bond’s Garage in Eugene on December 6, and then in New York at Arlene’s Grocery on December 11.
One of the UK's greatest musical exports of the past 20 years, Jamiroquai's career took a new direction when the anti-war anthem Too Young To Die, went Top 10 in England in 1993. By the time the inner-city social commentary of his sophomore album Return Of The Space Cowboy hit the shelves Jamiroquai became the face of British urban music. However, it was 1997's Traveling Without Moving, that took Jamiroquai over the top and to the masses. After the dust settled, the album, singles and the irresistibly catchy Virtual Insanity video directed by Jonathan Glazer, had netted 5 MTV Awards, a Grammy, put Jamiroquai on the cover of USA Today and sold more than a million albums in America. Global hits such as Cosmic Girl and Deeper Underground followed, as well as Jamiroquai classics like Little L, Canned Heat, and Love Foolosophy.
The special edition of High Times: Singles 1992-2006, comes with an extra disc of various Jamiroquai remixes (including David Morales, Masters At Work and Bob Sinclar) and videos. In an era when everything's a sanitized sound bite, Jamiroquai are the one band who can be relied upon for their full, frank and unedited opinion. As High Times: Singles 1992-2006 proves with every single frenetic track, music, like the rest of life, would be a hell of a lot duller without them.
Jamiroquai is currently touring and gearing up for their last two shows of the year. They next appear west of the Mississippi at Sam Bond’s Garage in Eugene on December 6, and then in New York at Arlene’s Grocery on December 11.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
SOUL RADIO ONLINE.COM GOES LIVE
A new Internet radio station, SoulRadioOnline.com has gone live on the airwaves. The programming is focused on horn-driven soul, funk and jazz, in the spirit of artists such as Tower of Power, James Brown, Edgar Winter, Candy Dulfer, Maceo Parker, Jack Mack & The Heart Attack, Earth, Wind & Fire and many more. Beyond the familiar, SoulRadioOnline.com will endeavor to expose its listeners to artists from every corner of the world. They will also take special effort to play rare tracks, both old and new. The Las Vegas-based enterprise is a collaborative effort of Raoul Fernandez and Andy Ebon, and is broadcast via Live365.com. The Live365 hosting is advertiser-supported, allowing listeners to enjoy the programming for free. Listeners who would like to eliminate the advertising can do so for a small subscription fee. Here are some of the artists in current rotations: Average White Band, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Bruce Conte, Candy Dulfer, Chase, Cold Blood, Delta Wires, Doctorfunk, Dr. Hector & The Groove Injectors, Dr. John, Edgar Winter’s White Trash, Frank Biner, Fred Ross, Greg Adams, Huey Lewis, Jack Mack & The Heart Attack, James Brown, Lenny Williams, Lon Bronson Allstar Band, Maceo Parker, Mic Gillette, Michael Ruff, Mingo Fishtrap, New York Horns featuring Tom Bowes, Otis Redding, Rocco Prestia, Santa Fe, Sly & The Family Stone, Strokeland Superband, The Fabulous Chickenhawks, The Sons of Champlin, The Spyders, Tower of Power, Was Not Was, Wayne Cochran, and Zen Blues Quartet.
PAUL HARDCASTLE JOINS THE SMOOTH JAZZ NETWORK
Multi-talented artist Paul Hardcastle will join the elite team of radio hosts on Broadcast Architecture Smooth Jazz Network's nationally distributed weekend evening shows beginning Jan. 2007. World-renowned composer, producer and performer; Hardcastle will be heard 7 p.m.- midnight Saturday and Sunday evenings. BA’s president Allen Kepler states, "Paul is a very dynamic and creative person. He gained worldwide notoriety with the smash hit '19' in the mid-80s. In 1991 he reinvented himself with debut of The Jazzmasters, and his first smooth jazz single Lost Summer redefined the sound of smooth jazz and continues to impact the format. Even today, you hear his 1980's dance hit Rainforest, as well as numerous Hardcastle and Jazzmasters releases from the past 15 years on most smooth jazz stations. Paul is a perfect team mate as we push smooth jazz into a new era of success with our smooth jazz network." Hardcastle shares, "I am very excited to be part of the new team. The idea of playing other people's music really appeals to me. This is why I was really happy to be invited to become involved in this exciting new project."
CHILL GROOVES & SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS…NATALIE COLE, RANDY CRAWFORD, RAFE GOMEZ, MONTREUX JAZZ, GILLES PETERSON, MARCUS MILLER & MORE NEWS…
The 41st Montreux Jazz Festival is scheduled for July 6-21, 2007 and we can easily bet that Montreux favorites Nile Rodgers and Chic will return once again for a sizzling performance.
Elektra Records has announced that they will release Love Songs by Natalie Cole on January 30, 2007. This collection from both Elektra and Rhino will include Cole’s two hit duets with Nat King Cole, Unforgettable and When I Fall In Love.
A number of major artists, including Richard Elliot, Peter White, Rick Braun, Nick Colionne, Hiroshima, Dazz Band, and George Duke have signed up for the 15th Annual City Lights Jazz Festival 2007. Other performers include Stone Soul Picnic, BarKays, Jonathan Butler, Urban Jazz Coalition, and Philippe Saisse. The event is scheduled for April 20-21, 2007 in Las Vegas.
Toto will headline the 5th edition of the Annual Dubai International Jazz Festival 2007 in Dubai. Toto recently released their latest album, Falling In Between, after nearly seven years of studio inactivity.
Joe Sample and Randy Crawford team up for an upcoming album due for release in early 2007. The pair are currently on tour together.
Upcoming 2007 CDs are due from Maxwell, Ronny Jordan, Jason Miles with Candy Dulfer, Keiko Matsui, Norman Brown, Dave Koz, Acoustic Alchemy, Chuck Loeb, Walter Beasley, Freddie Ravel, and Chieli Minucci with Special EFX.
The Second Annual Valentine’s Day Weekend with Phil Perry Fan Cruise sets sail February 16-19, 2007. Click to www.jazzfesttravel.com/perry_cruise.htm for more information.
Bassist Marcus Miller will host the North Sea Jazz Cruise, July 5-17, 2007. Originating in Copenhagen, the ship will make stops in Oslo, Stockholm, and Munich.
Emmy-award winning singer/songwriter Melissa Manchester returns to radio with a beautiful, brand new Christmas song, co-written with Canadian songwriter, James Collins, My Christmas Song For You. This moving, jazzy tune was recently released on Sony-BMG Canada's Platinum Christmas III. The song is now available worldwide on iTunes, Pure Tracks, and Rhapsody. Also, check out Manchester’s latest album, When I Look Down That Road.
Earth, Wind & Fire return with another brilliant release, In The Name Of Love, which features the band’s core line up of Maurice White, Philip Bailey, Verdine White and Ralph Johnson. As is the case with the best of their 70's recordings, this project is filled with commanding, dazzling romantic ballads (Bailey can still hit the high notes to send shivers up and down the spine) and old-school horn driven funk that will have you groovin'. Co-written by Maurice White and Brenda Russell, Change Your Mind is the first single and is the very definition of "smooth vocal." Round and Round and Cruising are also flawless radio-friendly ballads.
World famous BBC1 radio DJ Gilles Peterson can be heard on the 24/7 chill music station broadcasting out of Santa Fe, New Mexico - blu 102.9 (KLBU) every Sunday night at 5 pm. Here’s a sampling of some the tracks played on the December 3 broadcast: Hypnotic Brass Ensemble – Jupiter; Exploding Star Orchestra – Cosmic Tomes part 3; El Michels Affair – Duel Of The Iron Mic; Menahan Street Band – Karina; Saroos – During This Course; Riton – Hungry Ghost ; 4Hero – Sink Or Swim; and Sunshine State – Day Job (Alister Johnson mix). In case you can’t listen on Sundays, there is a rebroadcast every Wednesday at 9 pm and they also stream via the Internet.
Rafe Gomez of The Groove Boutique has been added to the roster of the Berks Jazz Festival (Reading, PA) in March 2007, and to the Seabreeze Jazz Festival (Destin, FL) in April 2007. The Groove Boutique originates out of New York’s Smooth Jazz WQCD-FM (101.9) and is syndicated around the country. For more information click to www.grooveboutique.com
Bela Fleck & The Flecktones will perform at the 34th annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival in June 2007. Bela Fleck will also collaborate with jazz piano master Chick Corea, and he will also perform with the new quartet formed by Abigail Washburn, the Chinese-influenced Sparrow Quartet.
Elektra Records has announced that they will release Love Songs by Natalie Cole on January 30, 2007. This collection from both Elektra and Rhino will include Cole’s two hit duets with Nat King Cole, Unforgettable and When I Fall In Love.
A number of major artists, including Richard Elliot, Peter White, Rick Braun, Nick Colionne, Hiroshima, Dazz Band, and George Duke have signed up for the 15th Annual City Lights Jazz Festival 2007. Other performers include Stone Soul Picnic, BarKays, Jonathan Butler, Urban Jazz Coalition, and Philippe Saisse. The event is scheduled for April 20-21, 2007 in Las Vegas.
Toto will headline the 5th edition of the Annual Dubai International Jazz Festival 2007 in Dubai. Toto recently released their latest album, Falling In Between, after nearly seven years of studio inactivity.
Joe Sample and Randy Crawford team up for an upcoming album due for release in early 2007. The pair are currently on tour together.
Upcoming 2007 CDs are due from Maxwell, Ronny Jordan, Jason Miles with Candy Dulfer, Keiko Matsui, Norman Brown, Dave Koz, Acoustic Alchemy, Chuck Loeb, Walter Beasley, Freddie Ravel, and Chieli Minucci with Special EFX.
The Second Annual Valentine’s Day Weekend with Phil Perry Fan Cruise sets sail February 16-19, 2007. Click to www.jazzfesttravel.com/perry_cruise.htm for more information.
Bassist Marcus Miller will host the North Sea Jazz Cruise, July 5-17, 2007. Originating in Copenhagen, the ship will make stops in Oslo, Stockholm, and Munich.
Emmy-award winning singer/songwriter Melissa Manchester returns to radio with a beautiful, brand new Christmas song, co-written with Canadian songwriter, James Collins, My Christmas Song For You. This moving, jazzy tune was recently released on Sony-BMG Canada's Platinum Christmas III. The song is now available worldwide on iTunes, Pure Tracks, and Rhapsody. Also, check out Manchester’s latest album, When I Look Down That Road.
Earth, Wind & Fire return with another brilliant release, In The Name Of Love, which features the band’s core line up of Maurice White, Philip Bailey, Verdine White and Ralph Johnson. As is the case with the best of their 70's recordings, this project is filled with commanding, dazzling romantic ballads (Bailey can still hit the high notes to send shivers up and down the spine) and old-school horn driven funk that will have you groovin'. Co-written by Maurice White and Brenda Russell, Change Your Mind is the first single and is the very definition of "smooth vocal." Round and Round and Cruising are also flawless radio-friendly ballads.
World famous BBC1 radio DJ Gilles Peterson can be heard on the 24/7 chill music station broadcasting out of Santa Fe, New Mexico - blu 102.9 (KLBU) every Sunday night at 5 pm. Here’s a sampling of some the tracks played on the December 3 broadcast: Hypnotic Brass Ensemble – Jupiter; Exploding Star Orchestra – Cosmic Tomes part 3; El Michels Affair – Duel Of The Iron Mic; Menahan Street Band – Karina; Saroos – During This Course; Riton – Hungry Ghost ; 4Hero – Sink Or Swim; and Sunshine State – Day Job (Alister Johnson mix). In case you can’t listen on Sundays, there is a rebroadcast every Wednesday at 9 pm and they also stream via the Internet.
Rafe Gomez of The Groove Boutique has been added to the roster of the Berks Jazz Festival (Reading, PA) in March 2007, and to the Seabreeze Jazz Festival (Destin, FL) in April 2007. The Groove Boutique originates out of New York’s Smooth Jazz WQCD-FM (101.9) and is syndicated around the country. For more information click to www.grooveboutique.com
Bela Fleck & The Flecktones will perform at the 34th annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival in June 2007. Bela Fleck will also collaborate with jazz piano master Chick Corea, and he will also perform with the new quartet formed by Abigail Washburn, the Chinese-influenced Sparrow Quartet.
Monday, December 04, 2006
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."
"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."
Monday, November 20, 2006
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."
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.
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
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
ANDRE DELANO RELEASES SMOOTH JAZZ CHRISTMAS CD
Saxophonist And
re 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.
re 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 tha
t 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.
t 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.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
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.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
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
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
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
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
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
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
!
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
!
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
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
Friday, November 03, 2006
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.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
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
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.
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