Patti LaBelle is at the Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) in New Jersey, on Friday, January 19.
Joss Stone is appearing at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City on February 8. Her new CD will be out in the spring.
The CD101.9 Smooth Jazz Valentine’s Day Concert features Dave Koz & Friends featuring Jonathan Butler, David Benoit and a special guest (still to be announced). It’s scheduled for February 14 at the Beacon Theatre in New York City.
Earth, Wind & Fire are the headline act for this year’s Downing Concert Series fundraising event set for March 31 in Wichita, Kansas at the Kansas Coliseum. The Downing Concert Series , established by Paula and Barry Downing, assists area non-profit groups with fundraising and awareness. Last year’s event donated $350,000 to the Wichita, KS Center for the Arts. Tickets go on sale Feb.1. For more information click to www.downingfoundation.org.
Vocalist Anita Baker, an eight-time Grammy Award winner, has been nominated for a Grammy in the Best Traditional R&B Vocal performance category for the song Christmas Time Is Here from her holiday album Christmas Fantasy (Blue Note Records). The awards ceremony will take place Sunday, February 11, 2007, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and broadcast on CBS.
Thinking About You is the first single from Norah Jones’ forthcoming album Not Too Late. iTunes is offering an exclusive bonus with the purchase of Thinking About You. When you download Thinking About You at iTunes, you will also receive an album preview of all the tracks on Not Too Late.
Donny Osmond is in New York recording tracks for his upcoming CD. Based on the worldwide success of Breezin’, we can bet that this new one will also be geared for smooth jazz radio playlists.
Amy Winehouse makes her long-awaited U.S debut on Tuesday, January 16 at Joe’s Pub in New York City.
British nu-soul singer Laura Beth Hassel makes her U.S. in New York City with two shows – Friday, January 19 at The River Room of Harlem , and on Sunday, January 21 at Iridium Jazz Club.
Gilles Peterson and Tita Lima are at Hiro Ballroom in New York City on Wednesday, January 24.
Mr. Scruff is at Cielo in New York City on February 15.
Walter Beasley’s new CD Ready For Love is set for release on January 23, 2007. On this release you can expect grooves ranging from the playful to the introspective and from the old school to the edgy. Ready For Love is filled with a variety of soulful grooves and infectious melodies that showcase countless satisfying shades of Beasley’s rich musical tapestry.
India.Arie, Sergio Mendes, Will Downing, Pieces Of A Dream, Luciano and Paquito D’Rivera headline the City of Miami Garden’s second annual music festival. There will be two days of jazz, Latin jazz, R&B and reggae on March 24 at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens. For more information click to www.jazzinthegardens.com.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
RANDY CRAWFORD & JOE SAMPLE TO RELEASE NEW CD 30 YRS. AFTER 'STREET LIFE'
On Tuesday, February 20, 2007 PRA Records will release Feeling Good, a new album from Randy Craw
ford and Joe Sample. This Tommy LiPuma-produced CD marks a return collaboration between vocalist Crawford and pianist Sample who first worked together more than 30 years ago. To celebrate this special reunion, the album's upbeat title track and
lead single received a literal around-the-world launch in December of 2006, as the song accompanied NASA astronauts on the Space Shuttle STS 116. Astronaut Joan Higginbotham took the song Feeling Good with her on the shuttle, which launched from Kennedy Space Center, and the song was selected by NASA as one of the official songs used by Mission Control to wake the astronauts for their daily chores during the 12-day mission.
From the first downbeat of Feeling Good through the last note of Mr. Ugly, the listener is drawn into the warm embrace of Joe and Randy's musical heritage, a mixture of soul, jazz, gospel, pop, and a touch of the blues. One of the premier songstresses in contemporary music, Crawford showcases her versatile vocal instrument on songs such as All Night Long, End of the Line, and the moving ballad Save Your Love for Me.
ford and Joe Sample. This Tommy LiPuma-produced CD marks a return collaboration between vocalist Crawford and pianist Sample who first worked together more than 30 years ago. To celebrate this special reunion, the album's upbeat title track andlead single received a literal around-the-world launch in December of 2006, as the song accompanied NASA astronauts on the Space Shuttle STS 116. Astronaut Joan Higginbotham took the song Feeling Good with her on the shuttle, which launched from Kennedy Space Center, and the song was selected by NASA as one of the official songs used by Mission Control to wake the astronauts for their daily chores during the 12-day mission.
From the first downbeat of Feeling Good through the last note of Mr. Ugly, the listener is drawn into the warm embrace of Joe and Randy's musical heritage, a mixture of soul, jazz, gospel, pop, and a touch of the blues. One of the premier songstresses in contemporary music, Crawford showcases her versatile vocal instrument on songs such as All Night Long, End of the Line, and the moving ballad Save Your Love for Me.
The lasting mastery of Sample's piano playing skill is evident through each of the album's 13 songs. From their interpretation of Peter Gabriel's Lovetown to the Latin-flavored Rio De Janeiro Blue, to a modernly funky but also softened reading of See Line Woman, Sample's work on the keys surrounds, highlights, and compliments Crawford's voice exquisitely. Some of the other covers chosen for this album include a seductive take on Billie Holiday's Tell Me More and More and Then Some, a breezy run through Everybody's Talking, the tune made famous by Harry Nilsson and the film Midnight Cowboy, and a heartfelt version of When I Need You, written by Albert Hammond and Carol Bayer Sager. A special sentimental choice is Last Night at Danceland, a song written by Sample and originally recorded by Crawford in 1980.
The keen interaction between Sample and Crawford throughout the album is a clear testimony to a musical friendship that began three decades ago, when Joe played on Randy's debut CD, Everything Must Change. Soon after, when writing songs for his influential band The Crusaders, Sample invited Crawford to be a guest on their record and wrote the song Street Life especially for her. Of course, that tune went on to become an international hit, and the two collaborated on and off for years afterwards. With both artists having worked previously with GRAMMY(R)-winning producer Tommy LiPuma, the three coming together to record Feeling Good was a natural fit. Also joining the team was multiple GRAMMY(R)-winning engineer Al Schmitt, whose inimitable touch gives the album its flawless, crystal clear sound, along with Steve Gadd on drums and Christian McBride on bass. The CD from Randy Crawford and Joe Sample - Feeling Good will be available on February 20, 2007.
Monday, January 08, 2007
JEFF GOLUB’S NEW CD ‘GRAND CENTRAL’ RELEASES MARCH 6
Guitarist Jeff Golub is set to release Grand Central, his seventh solo album on March 6th. Golub produced most of the Narada Jazz/Blue Note Label Group collection of electric and acoustic blues, contemporary jazz, rock and pop with Steven Miller, with a few tracks produced by Rick Braun and Paul Brown. The lead track is Hello Betty, which is engineered by Golub's cool-toned electric riffing and powered by an incendiary horn section. The track will be available to smooth jazz radio programmers starting February 5th. Golub has a natural flare for delivering raw and honest recordings. Grand Central was primarily recorded with a live band in a New York studio by musicians Golub jams and improvises with at small, informal club gigs around the city that they do for the love of playing when they're off the road. Golub deftly deployed a clean blues sound to his guitar that took on more of a lyrical, vocal-like quality on the new record. The New York City dweller wrote or co-wrote nine new songs for the disc in addition to selecting a few classics to record, including Sly Stone's If You Want Me To Stay, George Harrison's Something, and the soulful Ain't No Woman, on which saxophonist Richard Elliot shines. Other luminaries contributing were Rick Braun (trumpet, flugelhorn), Kirk Whalum (sax), Philippe Saisse (piano), Stephen Ferrone (drums), Mitchell Foreman (keyboards) and Luis Conte (percussion).
NIKKI BACHARACH, DAUGHTER OF BURT BACHARACH COMMITS SUICIDE
Nikki Bacharach, daughter of Burt Bacharach and Angie Dickinson, committed suicide, the songwriter and actress said in a statement Friday. Nikki Bacharch, 40, had suffered from Asperer’s Disorder, a form of autism. She killed herself on Jan 4 at her condo. She died of suffocation using a plastic bag and helium. Nikki Bacharach was the only child of Burt Bacharach, 77, and Dickinson, 75, who were married from 1965 to 1981. It was the second marriage for both Bacharach, the Oscar-winning composer of "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head," and "What the World Needs Now is Love," and Dickinson, star of the film "Dressed to Kill" and the TV show "Police Woman."
Sunday, January 07, 2007
CHILL GROOVES & SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS: ACOUSTIC ALCHEMY, SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE, PATTI AUSTIN, VINCENT MONTANA, JR. & MORE....
Acoustic Alchemy, The UK-based smooth jazz/new age guitar duo of Greg Carmichael & Miles Gilderdale are in the studio working on their follow up to the successful American/English album. Special guests include Rick Braun and Narada-label mate Down To The Bone. The group is in full gear recording overseas and will master the new album at the end of January.
Getdisconnected.com releases sex kitten Ann-Margret’s EP featuring three Chic-inspired tracks produced by Paul Sabu that somehow never made it onto her 1980 release, Love Rush. The EP contains Everybody Needs Somebody Sometime (Parts 1 & 2) and Hold Me Squeeze Me – each for the first time on CD.
Beat Kaestli’s CD, Happy, Sad And Satisfied, has just been named among the Top 25 Best CDs of 2006 by Indie Music Magazine. Beat Kaestli is gearing up for a busy 2007 with performances being scheduled for New York, D.C., Boston, and a European spring tour. Also on tap is the release of their second CD.
Kirk Whalum is at the Waikiki Shell in Honolulu, Hawaii on March 4.
Patti Austin performs at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, PA on Jan. 14; Waikiki Shell in Honolulu, Hawaii on March 4; McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert, CA on April 14; and at Reynolds Auditorium in Winston Salem, NC on April 21. Austin’s upcoming release on March 6 is Avant Gershwin. The album was recorded completely live in Germany with the WDR Orchestra and features vocal interpretations of Gershwin classics.
Anthony Hamilton, Brian McKnight, Dionne Warwick and others contribute songs to the soundtrack to Tyler Perry’s Daddy’s Little Girls. Warwick performs along with Whitney and Cissy Houston on the track Family First. Tyler Perry’s Daddy’s Little Girls is set for release nationwide on Feb. 14, 2007 and the soundtrack album will be available on Jan 16. 2007.
Here’s a CD to think about purchasing for the 2007 holiday season - Vincent Montana Jr. and the Montana Sextet’s Christmas Time Is Here. The CD blends the holiday spirit and tradition with a nice smooth jazz style - it’s a must have. Hopefully his long in-the-works CD The Revival Project will see the light of day this year – we hope!.
Wayman Tisdale is hosting the Smooth Jazz Cruise, leaving from Ft. Lauderdale, FL on Jan. 20 and making port stops in Turks and Caicos, St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Half Moon Bay through Jan 27. The Caribbean cruise features Mindi Abair, Rick Braun, Jonathan Butler, George Duke, Richard Elliot, Jeff Golub, Euge Groove, Najee, Brian Simpson, Peter White & Al Jarreau. After the cruise, Wayman Tisdale continues on a concert tour that will take him to Pasadena, CA (Sexton Auditorium, Feb. 3); Las Vegas, NV (Boulder Station Casino, Feb. 16 and 17); Honolulu (Waikiki Shell, March 4); Jacksonville, FL (Jacksonville Jazz Festival, April 14); Fort Worth, TX (Main Street Stage, April 19); and Lancaster, CA (California Poppy Festival, April 22).
Getdisconnected.com releases sex kitten Ann-Margret’s EP featuring three Chic-inspired tracks produced by Paul Sabu that somehow never made it onto her 1980 release, Love Rush. The EP contains Everybody Needs Somebody Sometime (Parts 1 & 2) and Hold Me Squeeze Me – each for the first time on CD.
Beat Kaestli’s CD, Happy, Sad And Satisfied, has just been named among the Top 25 Best CDs of 2006 by Indie Music Magazine. Beat Kaestli is gearing up for a busy 2007 with performances being scheduled for New York, D.C., Boston, and a European spring tour. Also on tap is the release of their second CD.
Kirk Whalum is at the Waikiki Shell in Honolulu, Hawaii on March 4.
Patti Austin performs at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, PA on Jan. 14; Waikiki Shell in Honolulu, Hawaii on March 4; McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert, CA on April 14; and at Reynolds Auditorium in Winston Salem, NC on April 21. Austin’s upcoming release on March 6 is Avant Gershwin. The album was recorded completely live in Germany with the WDR Orchestra and features vocal interpretations of Gershwin classics.
Anthony Hamilton, Brian McKnight, Dionne Warwick and others contribute songs to the soundtrack to Tyler Perry’s Daddy’s Little Girls. Warwick performs along with Whitney and Cissy Houston on the track Family First. Tyler Perry’s Daddy’s Little Girls is set for release nationwide on Feb. 14, 2007 and the soundtrack album will be available on Jan 16. 2007.
Here’s a CD to think about purchasing for the 2007 holiday season - Vincent Montana Jr. and the Montana Sextet’s Christmas Time Is Here. The CD blends the holiday spirit and tradition with a nice smooth jazz style - it’s a must have. Hopefully his long in-the-works CD The Revival Project will see the light of day this year – we hope!.
Wayman Tisdale is hosting the Smooth Jazz Cruise, leaving from Ft. Lauderdale, FL on Jan. 20 and making port stops in Turks and Caicos, St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Half Moon Bay through Jan 27. The Caribbean cruise features Mindi Abair, Rick Braun, Jonathan Butler, George Duke, Richard Elliot, Jeff Golub, Euge Groove, Najee, Brian Simpson, Peter White & Al Jarreau. After the cruise, Wayman Tisdale continues on a concert tour that will take him to Pasadena, CA (Sexton Auditorium, Feb. 3); Las Vegas, NV (Boulder Station Casino, Feb. 16 and 17); Honolulu (Waikiki Shell, March 4); Jacksonville, FL (Jacksonville Jazz Festival, April 14); Fort Worth, TX (Main Street Stage, April 19); and Lancaster, CA (California Poppy Festival, April 22).
Friday, January 05, 2007
CHILL GROOVES & SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS: JAZZMASTERS, CHRIS BOTTI, SLY & THE FAMILY STONE, ED TAYLOR, DAVE KOZ & MORE...
Chris Botti and Chuck Loeb are featured on The Magic Touch, a track from saxman Donald Harrison’s 3D album. Harris is an alumnus of Art Blakely’s Jazz Messengers.
Trippin 'N' Rhythm Records has announced the recent signing of the Jazzmasters 2007 tribute tour to Variety Artists with their first confirmed concert date at Art Good's new Indian Wells Jazz Festival in Palm Springs in late March. The band will feature Gregg Karukas, Chris Standring and Shilts. Many more dates to be announced. Also, the Jazzmasters tribute was chosen by Art Good as Best Live performance of the year and picked, Jazzmasters V as one of his top ten albums of 2006 as well as attaining #1 status on both the national radio and billboard retail charts.
Capitol Records will release a deluxe edition of the title debut CD from Corinne Bailey Rae on Feb. 6.
Mindi Abair, Candy Darling, and the music of Paul Hardcastle & The Jazzmasters featuring Paul Shilts, Chris Standring, Gregg Karukas and Ray Parker Jr. will headline the upcoming JazzTrax Festival. The concerts are set for March 30, 31 and April 1 in Indian Wells, California.
Former Motown session guitarist and singer Ed Taylor has released a collection of Smooth Jazz tracks on his new CD - Taylor Made. He’s accompanied on this project with Dennis Blackman on keyboards, Kevin England on trumpet and flugelhorn, Willy Fisher on drums, and John Roberts on bass.
Dave Koz’s new album, At The Movies, is a lush, inspired collection of 12 timeless movie themes. Guests appearing on the CD include India.Arie, Anita Baker, Barry Manilow, Johnny Mathis, Chris Botti, Donna Summer, and Vanessa Williams. The collection was produced by Phil Ramone and features a full orchestra.
Sly & The Family Stone’s first seven studio albums are being remastered for release by Epic/Legacy for release on March 20. Each album will include several bonus tracks and new liner notes. Bonus tracks include previously unreleased songs including instrumental versions of You Better Help Yourself, Positive, Sorrow, My Brain (Zig-Zag), as well as other edits and alternate mixes of other tracks.
Trippin 'N' Rhythm Records has announced the recent signing of the Jazzmasters 2007 tribute tour to Variety Artists with their first confirmed concert date at Art Good's new Indian Wells Jazz Festival in Palm Springs in late March. The band will feature Gregg Karukas, Chris Standring and Shilts. Many more dates to be announced. Also, the Jazzmasters tribute was chosen by Art Good as Best Live performance of the year and picked, Jazzmasters V as one of his top ten albums of 2006 as well as attaining #1 status on both the national radio and billboard retail charts.
Capitol Records will release a deluxe edition of the title debut CD from Corinne Bailey Rae on Feb. 6.
Mindi Abair, Candy Darling, and the music of Paul Hardcastle & The Jazzmasters featuring Paul Shilts, Chris Standring, Gregg Karukas and Ray Parker Jr. will headline the upcoming JazzTrax Festival. The concerts are set for March 30, 31 and April 1 in Indian Wells, California.
Former Motown session guitarist and singer Ed Taylor has released a collection of Smooth Jazz tracks on his new CD - Taylor Made. He’s accompanied on this project with Dennis Blackman on keyboards, Kevin England on trumpet and flugelhorn, Willy Fisher on drums, and John Roberts on bass.
Dave Koz’s new album, At The Movies, is a lush, inspired collection of 12 timeless movie themes. Guests appearing on the CD include India.Arie, Anita Baker, Barry Manilow, Johnny Mathis, Chris Botti, Donna Summer, and Vanessa Williams. The collection was produced by Phil Ramone and features a full orchestra.
Sly & The Family Stone’s first seven studio albums are being remastered for release by Epic/Legacy for release on March 20. Each album will include several bonus tracks and new liner notes. Bonus tracks include previously unreleased songs including instrumental versions of You Better Help Yourself, Positive, Sorrow, My Brain (Zig-Zag), as well as other edits and alternate mixes of other tracks.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
UPCOMING BILLY COBHAM DRUMVOICE VOL. 2
After the great success of Drumvoice – All That Groove (distributed worldwide by Sony on 2001), Nicolosi Productions is set to release Billy Cobham’s Drumvoice Vol. 2 in which Cobham is performing with some old friends from the 1970’s when musicians first experimented with jazz-rock fusion. The CD features an impressive arrary of musicians including Brian Auger (hammond organ), Buddy Miles (voice), Frank Gambale (guitar), Mike Lindup (voice), Dominic Miller (guitars), Jeff Berlin (bass), Guy Barker (flicorno), John Patitucci (bass), Airto Moreira (percussion.), Novecento (band) and Jan Hammer (synths). The CD was recorded in Italy. For more information click to: www.nicolosiproductions.com and www.billycobham.com
‘Arena Concerto’ Will Be Released on January 30th 2007; Live Companion DVD, ‘Arena Concerto,’ to Follow on February 13th, 2007 DRG Records is proud to announce the release of Arena Concerto, a brand new, 2-disc CD recorded live in Verona, Naples and Rome, Italy by legendary soundtrack composer Ennio Morricone. The release features 20 of Morricone's incredible compositions recorded live with a 150-piece symphony orchestra and 100-member chorus. Arena Concerto is Ennio Morricone's first live recording CD ever.
Following this release, DRG Records will also release a live DVD on February 13th, 2007. Titled Arena Concerto as well, the DVD was recorded entirely in Verona, Italy and features a 90-minute bonus interview with Morricone, plus other features. This is the first live Ennio Morricone DVD release.
Morricone will be awarded an honorary Oscar® at the 2007 Academy Awards for his incredible and prolific film scores of the last 5 decades. He will also play in the U.S. for the first time ever at a rare concert at Radio City Music Hall in New York on February 3rd.
Although Ennio Morricone is famous for his memorable scores to "Spaghetti Westerns," many helmed by the great director Sergio Leone, including "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" and "Once Upon a Time in the West," Ennio Morricone has composed the score for more than 500 films and TV series to date, including "Cinema Paradiso," "The Untouchables" and "The Mission."
The tracklisting for Arena Concerto is:
Disc One
1. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (Main Title)
2. Once Upon a Time in the West
3. A Fistful of Dynamite
4. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (The Ecstasy of Gold)
5. The Working Class Goes to Heaven
6. Casualties of War
7. The Desert of the Tartars
8. Richard III
9. The Desert of the Tartars (reprise)
10. Gabriel's Oboe (from The Mission)
11. The Mission
12. In Earth As It Is In Heaven (from The Mission)
Disc Two
1. Deborah's Theme (from Once Upon a Time In America)
2. Cinema Paradiso
3. The Master and Margaret
4. Canone Inverso - Making Love
5. Rampage
6. Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion
7. Battle of Algiers
8. Love Theme from 1900
Also available on DRG Records are other Morricone titles, including Cinema Paradiso, Ennio Morricone: The Gangster Collection, Ennio Morricone: Main Titles Vol. 3, An Ennio Morricone Anthology, Ennio Morricone: Main Titles Vol. 1, An Ennio Morricone & Dario Argento Trilogy, Ennio Morricone Anthology, Ennio Morricone: Spaghetti Westerns Volume One, Volume Two, Volume Three, The Stendhal Syndrome, The Phantom of the Opera (directed by Dario Argento) and more.
CHILL GROOVES & SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS: KENNY THOMAS, CHUCK LOEB, VICTOR FIELDS, EUGE GROOVE & MORE...
U.K. soul singer Kenny Thomas returns with a new CD after many years out of the limelight. The new release, Crazy World (Curb Records) is a gem that must not be overlooked. Included on the CD is a nod to the Dramatics in the slow dancer Let It Rain, the jazzier Foolin' Around, some light funk with Sunshine Girl, and the powerhouse track, Him, produced by Simon Law….
Singer Victor Fields is joined by Nelson Braxton, Chris Camozzi, Jeff Lorber, Richard Elliot, and Rick Braun on his latest project, Thinking Of You (Regina Records). The CD is out now.
Danilo Perez, Billy Cobham, Jorge Sylvester, Nnenna Freelon, Renato Thoms, Carlos Garnett, and Santi De Briano are set to perform at the Panama Jazz Festival 2007, The event is scheduled for Jan. 15 to 20 and it will be dedicated to Barbara Wilson.
Legacy Recordings will release Toni Braxton’s The Essential Toni Braxton on Feb. 20, and Herbie Hancock’s Techno Voodu-Astral Black Simulations, also on Feb. 20.
Singer/songwriter/percussionist, Keith Robertson releases his debut CD, Love, Life & Relationships. The leadoff track is the danceable Love U Like Crazy.
Chuck Loeb’s Good To Go is the first single from his upcoming CD, Presence, and it is already making headways on the smooth jazz charts. The song recently hit #21 on the smooth jazz charts. Presence hits the shelves on Jan. 27.
Euge Groove has begun working in Los Angeles on his next studio effort for Narada Jazz. The saxophone alumnus of artists ranging from Tower Of Power to Richard Marx to Tina Turner is producing his next set of funky tracks with the assistance of producer Paul Brown.
Singer Victor Fields is joined by Nelson Braxton, Chris Camozzi, Jeff Lorber, Richard Elliot, and Rick Braun on his latest project, Thinking Of You (Regina Records). The CD is out now.
Danilo Perez, Billy Cobham, Jorge Sylvester, Nnenna Freelon, Renato Thoms, Carlos Garnett, and Santi De Briano are set to perform at the Panama Jazz Festival 2007, The event is scheduled for Jan. 15 to 20 and it will be dedicated to Barbara Wilson.
Legacy Recordings will release Toni Braxton’s The Essential Toni Braxton on Feb. 20, and Herbie Hancock’s Techno Voodu-Astral Black Simulations, also on Feb. 20.
Singer/songwriter/percussionist, Keith Robertson releases his debut CD, Love, Life & Relationships. The leadoff track is the danceable Love U Like Crazy.
Chuck Loeb’s Good To Go is the first single from his upcoming CD, Presence, and it is already making headways on the smooth jazz charts. The song recently hit #21 on the smooth jazz charts. Presence hits the shelves on Jan. 27.
Euge Groove has begun working in Los Angeles on his next studio effort for Narada Jazz. The saxophone alumnus of artists ranging from Tower Of Power to Richard Marx to Tina Turner is producing his next set of funky tracks with the assistance of producer Paul Brown.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
RADIO ONE, INC. RE-BRANDS LOS ANGELES RADIO STATION
Radio One, Inc. has just announced that, effective December 29, 2006, it has re-branded its Los Angeles radio station from KKBT-FM, "the Beat" to KRBV-FM, "V100, the Best Variety of R&B". The station's programming line-up will be headed by popular Los Angeles-based radio personality Cliff Winston, the new V100 morning drive host, and will also feature Shirley Hayes, Michael Baisden, John Monds and Myke Julius. The new on-air line-up is an impressive arsenal of legendary radio talent which promises to enhance V100’s position in Los Angeles as radio's premier Urban Adult Contemporary station.
Commenting on the Company's new position in Los Angeles, Radio One’s Chief Executive Officer and President, Alfred C. Liggins, III, stated, “With these and other changes we have made in the past few months, we are confident that we have done everything in our power to enhance the performance of our LA radio station. Through the operational leadership of Steve Candullo and the programming leadership of Barry Mayo, we have positioned V100 for significant improvement in what has been a challenging market for us for several years. We are excited by our programming line-up and thank the listeners and advertisers of Los Angeles for being so supportive of us through this transitional period. We are optimistic that 2007 can be a new day for Radio One in the great city of LA!"
Radio One, Inc. (www.radio-one.com) is the nation's seventh largest radio broadcasting company (based on 2005 net broadcast revenue) and the largest radio broadcasting company that primarily targets African-American and urban listeners. Radio One owns and/or operates 70 radio stations located in 22 urban markets in the United States and reaches approximately 14 million listeners every week. Additionally, Radio One owns interests in TV One, LLC (www.tvoneonline.com), a cable/satellite network programming primarily to African-Americans and Reach Media, Inc. (www.blackamericaweb.com), owner of the Tom Joyner Morning Show and other businesses associated with Tom Joyner. Radio One also operates the only nationwide African-American news/talk network on free radio and programs "XM 169 The POWER," an African-American news/talk channel, on XM Satellite Radio.
Commenting on the Company's new position in Los Angeles, Radio One’s Chief Executive Officer and President, Alfred C. Liggins, III, stated, “With these and other changes we have made in the past few months, we are confident that we have done everything in our power to enhance the performance of our LA radio station. Through the operational leadership of Steve Candullo and the programming leadership of Barry Mayo, we have positioned V100 for significant improvement in what has been a challenging market for us for several years. We are excited by our programming line-up and thank the listeners and advertisers of Los Angeles for being so supportive of us through this transitional period. We are optimistic that 2007 can be a new day for Radio One in the great city of LA!"
Radio One, Inc. (www.radio-one.com) is the nation's seventh largest radio broadcasting company (based on 2005 net broadcast revenue) and the largest radio broadcasting company that primarily targets African-American and urban listeners. Radio One owns and/or operates 70 radio stations located in 22 urban markets in the United States and reaches approximately 14 million listeners every week. Additionally, Radio One owns interests in TV One, LLC (www.tvoneonline.com), a cable/satellite network programming primarily to African-Americans and Reach Media, Inc. (www.blackamericaweb.com), owner of the Tom Joyner Morning Show and other businesses associated with Tom Joyner. Radio One also operates the only nationwide African-American news/talk network on free radio and programs "XM 169 The POWER," an African-American news/talk channel, on XM Satellite Radio.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
CHILL GROOVES & SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS: FEDERICO AUBELE, JOCELYN BROWN, MAXWELL, FRANK MCCOMB, JESSICA CALLAHAN & MORE...
The Whispers, O’Jays and Jeffrey Osborne appear at Hampton Coliseum on Feb. 11 in Hampton, VA.
The New Paradise Theater in the Bronx, NY present A Valentine Concert on Feb. 14, featuring the Spinners, Dennis Edwards and the Temptations Review, Russell Thompkins and the New Stylistics, the Intruders, and the Escorts.
The Manhattans perform at Jersey City University in New Jersey on March 7.
Peanuts Whalum appears at Brandts Red Carpet Lounge in St. Louis, MO on the following dates: Jan. 4, 12, 25; Feb. 1, 16, 22; and on Mar. 4 he’s at Waikiki Shell in Honolulu.
Brian Culbertson’s new CD, A Soulful Christmas, features Michael McDonald on the track All Through The Christmas Night, along with Culbertson’s wife, Michelle Culbertson on Some Children See Him.
Federico Aubele has completed work on a new album entitled Panamerica, and its produced by Eric Hilton of Thievery Corporation. The album is scheduled for a spring release and features newcomer Natalia Clavier and Calexico.
Jocelyn Brown is featured on a new track from Ministers De La Funk entitled Believe. The release includes various remixes by Lys, Flower Power and Kiraly & Timmons.
Maxwell will finally release his long-awaited follow-up to Now, which will be released in February, and it will be the first of a three-installment CD series called Black Summer’s Night.
Upcoming CD releases for 2007 include: Chuck Loeb – Presence (January); Dave Koz – At The Movies (January); Vesta – Distant Lover (January); Lenny Williams (January); Joe Sample & Randy Crawford – Feeling Good (February); Maxwell – Black Summer’s Night (February); Various Artists – Interpretations (Earth, Wind & Fire tribute, March); Howard Hewitt - If Only (March); Patti Austin (March); Deniece Williams (March); James Day – Better Days (US release, spring); P.J. Morton (spring); and Whitney Houston (spring) Also be on the lookout for releases from Chris Standring, newcomer Keite Young, Oli Silk, Aretha Franklin duets album, Jazzmasters and Jarred.
Jessica Callahan is set to appear at the following venues during February: Feb. 5 @ Genghis Cohen (Los Angeles); Feb. 11 @ Dublin Heritage Center (Dublin, CA); Feb. 16 & 17 @ The Triple Door (Seattle, WA); and Feb. 19 @ Tangier (Los Angeles).
After a brief hiatus Jacky Terrasson began recording his next effort for Blue Note starting December 12th. For the first time ever, Jacky will document a solo piano recording that will include a range of repertoire from standards to new originals. Terrasson recently recorded at Right Track studios in NYC with engineer Joe Ferla.
Look for singer/songwriter/keyboardist Frank McComb’s newest all-instrumental CD A Tribute To The Masters – you’ll just love it! It’s his homage to many of his strongest musical influences. Check it out at www.soultracks.com for more information.
Oli Silk was chosen best new artist of 2006 by Smooth Jazz News magazine, and picked by Art Good and Jazz Trax as the debut artist of the year.
Gregg Karukas ends the year on a real high with a top 10 single Girl In The Red Dress and an across the board 5 star rating from both consumers and music critics alike.
Chris Standring has garnered high accolades of his own this year, with his song I Can't Help Myself picked by Steve Quirk at Fusion Flavours as #1 Song Of The Year, and Brian Soergel of Smooth Jazz News picking Chris's record Soul Express as his album of the year. Look for the Soul Express tour coming to a city near you in 2007, featuring Everett Harp and Maysa.
The New Paradise Theater in the Bronx, NY present A Valentine Concert on Feb. 14, featuring the Spinners, Dennis Edwards and the Temptations Review, Russell Thompkins and the New Stylistics, the Intruders, and the Escorts.
The Manhattans perform at Jersey City University in New Jersey on March 7.
Peanuts Whalum appears at Brandts Red Carpet Lounge in St. Louis, MO on the following dates: Jan. 4, 12, 25; Feb. 1, 16, 22; and on Mar. 4 he’s at Waikiki Shell in Honolulu.
Brian Culbertson’s new CD, A Soulful Christmas, features Michael McDonald on the track All Through The Christmas Night, along with Culbertson’s wife, Michelle Culbertson on Some Children See Him.
Federico Aubele has completed work on a new album entitled Panamerica, and its produced by Eric Hilton of Thievery Corporation. The album is scheduled for a spring release and features newcomer Natalia Clavier and Calexico.
Jocelyn Brown is featured on a new track from Ministers De La Funk entitled Believe. The release includes various remixes by Lys, Flower Power and Kiraly & Timmons.
Maxwell will finally release his long-awaited follow-up to Now, which will be released in February, and it will be the first of a three-installment CD series called Black Summer’s Night.
Upcoming CD releases for 2007 include: Chuck Loeb – Presence (January); Dave Koz – At The Movies (January); Vesta – Distant Lover (January); Lenny Williams (January); Joe Sample & Randy Crawford – Feeling Good (February); Maxwell – Black Summer’s Night (February); Various Artists – Interpretations (Earth, Wind & Fire tribute, March); Howard Hewitt - If Only (March); Patti Austin (March); Deniece Williams (March); James Day – Better Days (US release, spring); P.J. Morton (spring); and Whitney Houston (spring) Also be on the lookout for releases from Chris Standring, newcomer Keite Young, Oli Silk, Aretha Franklin duets album, Jazzmasters and Jarred.
Jessica Callahan is set to appear at the following venues during February: Feb. 5 @ Genghis Cohen (Los Angeles); Feb. 11 @ Dublin Heritage Center (Dublin, CA); Feb. 16 & 17 @ The Triple Door (Seattle, WA); and Feb. 19 @ Tangier (Los Angeles).
After a brief hiatus Jacky Terrasson began recording his next effort for Blue Note starting December 12th. For the first time ever, Jacky will document a solo piano recording that will include a range of repertoire from standards to new originals. Terrasson recently recorded at Right Track studios in NYC with engineer Joe Ferla.
Look for singer/songwriter/keyboardist Frank McComb’s newest all-instrumental CD A Tribute To The Masters – you’ll just love it! It’s his homage to many of his strongest musical influences. Check it out at www.soultracks.com for more information.
Oli Silk was chosen best new artist of 2006 by Smooth Jazz News magazine, and picked by Art Good and Jazz Trax as the debut artist of the year.
Gregg Karukas ends the year on a real high with a top 10 single Girl In The Red Dress and an across the board 5 star rating from both consumers and music critics alike.
Chris Standring has garnered high accolades of his own this year, with his song I Can't Help Myself picked by Steve Quirk at Fusion Flavours as #1 Song Of The Year, and Brian Soergel of Smooth Jazz News picking Chris's record Soul Express as his album of the year. Look for the Soul Express tour coming to a city near you in 2007, featuring Everett Harp and Maysa.
WJCD-FM 107.7 RETURNS TO SMOOTH JAZZ
WJCD-FM (107.7) in Virginia has returned to their smooth jazz format. In March 2004, WJCD-FM abandoned smooth jazz for soft rock favorites and now after less then two years the station has switched back. “People have been asking for this for a long time," said Travis Dylan, program director for WJCD. “Based on listener feedback, we decided to make a change.” Dylan said the station will play contemporary smooth jazz by Boney James, Pieces Of A Dream and Sade as well as older recordings by such artists as Dave Brubeck and Etta James. The change took place at midnight on Dec. 26. WJCD is owned by Clear Channel Communications.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
SUZANNE VEGA TO RELEASE NEW CD, FIRST SINCE 2001
Suzanne Vega, one of the most distinctive and successful female singer/songwriters of the past 20 years, was in the studio last month recording her Blue Note debut. Since her last album was released in 2001, Vega has been writing new material in her signature style of poetry meets pop. There is an intriguing theme of New York City interwoven into many of the new songs and the album will feature her folk aesthetics along with string orchestrations and electronic beats on certain tracks. The album is being produced by Jimmy Hogarth, the talented UK-based upstart who has recently helmed recordings for Sia, James Blunt, Corinne & KT Tunstall. They resume recording and mixing in London in the New Year
RAMSEY LEWIS RECORDING NEW CD
Ramsey Lewis will record his Blue Note debut and first ever solo piano album this February in Chicago. The program will combine the jazz, soul, gospel and classical sensibilities from the consummate pianist and will feature a wide range of repertoire. Included will be John Coltrane’s Dear Lord, Benny Golson's Classical Dreams, and an African folk hymn by Ramsey, along with pieces that Lewis was commissioned to write for the Joffrey Ballet which will premiere at Ravinia on June 22nd.
THE GODFATHER OF SOUL JAMES BROWN HAS DIED
The man known as the "Godfather of Soul" has died. The agent for music legend James Brown says the performer died early Monday morning at an Atlanta hospital. Brown was admitted Sunday with pneumonia, but doctors say he died of heart failure. His agent says Brown initially seemed fine, and was even telling people he planned to perform as scheduled in New York on New Year's Eve. He was considered one of the most influential musicians of the past half-century. His high-energy performance style paved the way for scores of acts that followed in his footsteps. Brown was 73-years old. James Brown was next due to perform in New York City on New Years Eve.
Friday, December 22, 2006
DIANA ROSS PRESENTS ‘I LOVE YOU,’ A NEW STUDIO ALBUM DEDICATED TO ROMANCE
Diana Ross is a global entertainment icon, a legendary musical treasure whose music has, for decades, inspired romance, happiness and joy. For her new studio album, Diana Ross has drawn inspira
tion from romantic songs that have touched her heart through the years, and she has dedicated the album to this most powerful universal emotion: love. I Love You, to be released by Manhattan/EMI in CD and deluxe CD/DVD packages and digitally on January 16, presents 14 songs personally selected for the album by Diana Ross in appreciation of their timeless, classic expressions of love and romance, including a brand new song, I Love You (That's All That Really Matters), a gentle ballad that captures the emotion of romance. The CD's package includes stunning photos by Herb Ritts, Randee St. Nicholas and Douglas Kirkland and a letter to fans from Diana Ross, who executive produced I Love You.
Beginning and closing with Harry Nilsson's Remember, the song that inspired Ross' vision for her new album, I Love You takes the listener on a vibrant journey through many of music's most timeless and recognizable affirmations of love. All of the songs chosen for the album are important and meaningful to Diana Ross, from the sweet bounce of More Today Than Yesterday, to the sultry allure of I Want You, a song first recorded by Marvin Gaye that was co-written by Ms. Ross' brother, T-Boy Ross.
"We wanted to create the quintessential album to be played at celebrations of love and life: weddings, family gatherings, intimate moments," explains Marylata Jacob. I Love Y
ou is Diana's personal offering to honor these celebrations of love, from the glance of your first true love, through the joy of children, and love everlasting." Recorded at multiple studios in Southern California, New York and London, I Love You features soaring orchestral arrangements to accompany the broad range and sensitivity of Ms. Ross' vocals, one of the world's most cherished musical instruments. The best players and singers from Los Angeles, New York and London were involved with the new album, and Ms. Ross attended every session, from the initial demos to tracking, overdubs and mixing.
I Want You, first recorded by Marvin Gaye in 1974, was co-written by Diana Ross' beloved brother, T-Boy Ross, with Leon Ware. Ross delivers a smoldering, sultry take on this track that honors the original while making it wholly her own.
I Love You (That's All That Really Matters) is a new original song, a gorgeous, heartfelt ballad. The writer, Fred White, has been touring with Diana Ross as a back-up singer for six years. His experience of her live persona and vocal range inspired this song, written specifically with Ross in mind. Ms. Ross fell in love with the song, saying, "To be loved for who you are is the deepest expression of the purest love, wholly selfless and spiritual."
What About Love was written for Oprah Winfrey's stage production of "The Color Purple." The composers are Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. Diana Ross' relationship with Brenda Russell and her great friendship with Oprah inspired Ross' interest in the soundtrack, and she selected this powerful and moving song of love.
The Look of Love - Ross captures all of its romance and anticipation. This classic song was written by two of the finest song writers of all time, Hal David and Burt Bacharach.
Lovely Day has a groove and a simple lyric that has universal appeal. "This song makes me dance," Diana Ross says. "Everyone wants a lovely day." Written by Bill Withers.
Take My Breath Away is the decade's quintessential love song. Ross adds her own signature style to it with her new recording. The original recording is by Berlin.
Only You - A new version decidedly Ms. Ross. Growing up in Detroit, listening to records while slow dancing under a single source of light was as close to heaven as it could get for Diana Ross, her own personal experience of young love.
To Be Loved was written by the legendary Berry Gordy, Jr. and was originally recorded by Jackie Wilson in 1958. It is the ultimate declaration of love, and Ms. Ross deftly balances the emotion of the song's sensitive lyrics with an upbeat and boundless delivery.
This Magic Moment, originally recorded by the Drifters, is made brand new with Ross' rendition. With its calypso-leaning arrangement and backing vocals, Ms. Ross' new version really pops.
Always And Forever was written by famed songwriter Rod Temperton and originally recorded by Heatwave. Ms. Ross brings her brilliant sensitivity and gorgeous vocal delivery to the timeless love song for a magical contemporary classic.
Closing the new album's romantic journey is a reprise of the song that started it all, Remember.
"We must remember love in the past, nurture it in the present, and dream of it in the future," says Ms. Ross.
Diana Ross: "I Love You"
1. Remember
2. More Today Than Yesterday
3. I Want You
4. I Love You (That's All That Really Matters)
5. What About Love
6. The Look Of Love
7. Lovely Day
8. Take My Breath Away
9. Only You
10. To Be Loved
11. I Will
12. Magic Moment
13. You Are So Beautiful
14. Always And Forever
15. Remember Reprise
I Love You Deluxe Edition CD/DVD: DVD contents: The Making Of I Love You + Photo Gallery
tion from romantic songs that have touched her heart through the years, and she has dedicated the album to this most powerful universal emotion: love. I Love You, to be released by Manhattan/EMI in CD and deluxe CD/DVD packages and digitally on January 16, presents 14 songs personally selected for the album by Diana Ross in appreciation of their timeless, classic expressions of love and romance, including a brand new song, I Love You (That's All That Really Matters), a gentle ballad that captures the emotion of romance. The CD's package includes stunning photos by Herb Ritts, Randee St. Nicholas and Douglas Kirkland and a letter to fans from Diana Ross, who executive produced I Love You.The package also contains notes from the album's co-executive producer, Marylata E. Jacob, a Grammy-nominated music supervisor and producer whose professional relationship with Diana Ross spans 22 years, Peter Asher, who produced nine of the album's tracks, and who has collaborated with Diana Ross on many of her most cherished recordings, and the producer of five of the album's tracks, Steve Tyrell, has produced many recordings with Diana Ross including Big Bad Love with Ray Charles, and in 2005 produced her duet with Rod Stewart, I've Got A Crush On You, the lead single from Stewart's Thanks For The Memory: The Great American Songbook . I Love You"s deluxe edition adds a DVD with a photo gallery and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the new album.
Beginning and closing with Harry Nilsson's Remember, the song that inspired Ross' vision for her new album, I Love You takes the listener on a vibrant journey through many of music's most timeless and recognizable affirmations of love. All of the songs chosen for the album are important and meaningful to Diana Ross, from the sweet bounce of More Today Than Yesterday, to the sultry allure of I Want You, a song first recorded by Marvin Gaye that was co-written by Ms. Ross' brother, T-Boy Ross.
"We wanted to create the quintessential album to be played at celebrations of love and life: weddings, family gatherings, intimate moments," explains Marylata Jacob. I Love Y
ou is Diana's personal offering to honor these celebrations of love, from the glance of your first true love, through the joy of children, and love everlasting." Recorded at multiple studios in Southern California, New York and London, I Love You features soaring orchestral arrangements to accompany the broad range and sensitivity of Ms. Ross' vocals, one of the world's most cherished musical instruments. The best players and singers from Los Angeles, New York and London were involved with the new album, and Ms. Ross attended every session, from the initial demos to tracking, overdubs and mixing. "When I was in the studio, sharing these songs, I was filled with strong emotion," says Ms. Ross. "These songs, these singers, these musicians and all my fans are a gift of love to me." Says Peter Asher, who returns to working with Diana having produced her 1991 hit album, The Force Behind The Power, "I am proud that not only have Diana and I remained friends for 41 years, but that I have again been given the opportunity to work with her extraordinary voice in the studio. Her contribution in the studio was very significant, above and beyond her singing -- itself seemingly unchanged by the passing years in its emotional intensity and brilliance, yet having gained a certain wisdom and clarity that makes you believe every word she sings. On this record she tells us an eternal story, and does so with ineffable brilliance and accuracy."
The Songs:
Remember by Harry Nilsson inspired the album and its concept as Diana Ross listened to it while reminiscing over her family's photo albums. Its dreaminess conjures up memories of love and present feelings. Diana Ross feels a connection to Nilsson's work, as she has often performed songs from Nilsson's acclaimed musical, "The Point," in concert.
More Today Than Yesterday is a classic first performed by Spiral Staircase in the late-1960s. Destined to be an audience favorite at Diana Ross' concerts, the song is also one of her favorites. Diana Ross' fun and bouncy new recording of the song is an inspired tribute to the joy of everlasting love.
I Want You, first recorded by Marvin Gaye in 1974, was co-written by Diana Ross' beloved brother, T-Boy Ross, with Leon Ware. Ross delivers a smoldering, sultry take on this track that honors the original while making it wholly her own.
I Love You (That's All That Really Matters) is a new original song, a gorgeous, heartfelt ballad. The writer, Fred White, has been touring with Diana Ross as a back-up singer for six years. His experience of her live persona and vocal range inspired this song, written specifically with Ross in mind. Ms. Ross fell in love with the song, saying, "To be loved for who you are is the deepest expression of the purest love, wholly selfless and spiritual."
What About Love was written for Oprah Winfrey's stage production of "The Color Purple." The composers are Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. Diana Ross' relationship with Brenda Russell and her great friendship with Oprah inspired Ross' interest in the soundtrack, and she selected this powerful and moving song of love.
The Look of Love - Ross captures all of its romance and anticipation. This classic song was written by two of the finest song writers of all time, Hal David and Burt Bacharach.
Lovely Day has a groove and a simple lyric that has universal appeal. "This song makes me dance," Diana Ross says. "Everyone wants a lovely day." Written by Bill Withers.
Take My Breath Away is the decade's quintessential love song. Ross adds her own signature style to it with her new recording. The original recording is by Berlin.
Only You - A new version decidedly Ms. Ross. Growing up in Detroit, listening to records while slow dancing under a single source of light was as close to heaven as it could get for Diana Ross, her own personal experience of young love.
To Be Loved was written by the legendary Berry Gordy, Jr. and was originally recorded by Jackie Wilson in 1958. It is the ultimate declaration of love, and Ms. Ross deftly balances the emotion of the song's sensitive lyrics with an upbeat and boundless delivery.
I Will - Paul McCartney's simplicity of lyric and song melody made it a welcomed song for the heart of I Love You. Ms. Ross' sweet vocals and Peter Asher's long history with the Beatles brought a lovely perspective of range and depth to the new recording.
This Magic Moment, originally recorded by the Drifters, is made brand new with Ross' rendition. With its calypso-leaning arrangement and backing vocals, Ms. Ross' new version really pops.
You Are So Beautiful - The song was chosen for its universal message of love and kindness. "It reaches out and speaks not only to lovers, but to relationships of all kinds, mother to child, child to grandparent, sister to sister, friend to friend," says Ross.
Always And Forever was written by famed songwriter Rod Temperton and originally recorded by Heatwave. Ms. Ross brings her brilliant sensitivity and gorgeous vocal delivery to the timeless love song for a magical contemporary classic.
Closing the new album's romantic journey is a reprise of the song that started it all, Remember.
"We must remember love in the past, nurture it in the present, and dream of it in the future," says Ms. Ross.
Diana Ross: "I Love You"
1. Remember
2. More Today Than Yesterday
3. I Want You
4. I Love You (That's All That Really Matters)
5. What About Love
6. The Look Of Love
7. Lovely Day
8. Take My Breath Away
9. Only You
10. To Be Loved
11. I Will
12. Magic Moment
13. You Are So Beautiful
14. Always And Forever
15. Remember Reprise
I Love You Deluxe Edition CD/DVD: DVD contents: The Making Of I Love You + Photo Gallery
SMOOTH JAZZ RADIO LINKS
We've compiled a list of recommended U.S. Smooth Jazz radio stations for your listening pleasure...
www.wclk.com WCLK-FM 91.9 Atlanta GA
www.1075swjzz.com WJZZ-FM 107.5 Atlanta GA
www.smoothjazz1043.com WSMJ-FM 104.3 Baltimore MD
www.baton-rouge.com WBRH-FM 90.3 Baton Rouge LA
www.wnua.com WNUA-FM 95.5 Chicago IL
www.wnvw.com WNVW-FM 107.3 Cleveland OH
www.columbusjazz.com WJZA-FM 103.5 Columbus OH
www.lighthouseradio.com KYSJ-FM 105.9 Coos Bay OR
www.smoothjazz1075.com KOAI-FM 107.5 Dallas TX
www.daytonjazz.com WDSJ-FM 106.5 Dayton OH
www.wvmv.com/ WVMV-FM 98.7 Detroit MI
www.wsbc.com/ WSBZ-FM 106.3 Ft Walton Bch FL
www.wxjz.com/ WXJZ-FM 100.9 Gainseville FL
www.khjz.com KHJZ-FM 96.5 Houston TX
www.wjyzradio.com/ WJYZ-FM 100.9 Indianapolis IN
www.smoothjazz1053.com WJSJ-FM 105.3 Jacksonville FL
www.wjzlonline.com/ WJZL-FM 92.9 Lansing MI
www.1057theoasis.com/ KOAS-FM 105.7 Las Vegas NV
www.947wave.com/ KTWV-FM 94.7 Los Angeles CA
www.love94.com WLVE-FM 93.9 Miami FL
www.wjzi.com WJZI-FM 93.3 Milwaukee OH
www.krvr.com/ KRVR-FM 105.5 Modesto CA
www.cd1019.com WQCD-FM 101.9 New York NY
www.weibfm.com WEIB-FM 106.3 Northampton MA
www.wloq.com WLOQ-FM 103.1 Orlando FL
www.102kjjz..com KJJZ-FM 102.3 Palm Springs CA
www.wjjz.com WJJZ-FM 106.1 Philadelphia PA
www.kyot.com KYOT-FM 95.5 Phoenix AZ
www.smoothjazzreno.com FM 92.1 Reno NV
www.kssj.com KSSJ-FM 94.7 Sacramento, CA
www.kbzn.com KBZN-FM 97.9 Salt Lake City UT
www.kmgq1063.com KMGQ-FM 106.3 Santa Barbara CA
www.smoothjazz1053.com WSJF-FM 105.5 St Augustine FL
www.kifm.com KIFM 98.1 San Diego CA
www.kblx.com KBLX 102.9 San Francisco CA
www.kjzy.com/ KJZY-FM 93.7 San Francisco CA
www.kwjz.com/ KWJZ-FM 98.9 Seattle WA
www.wsjt.com WSJT-FM 94.1 Tampa FL
www.smoothjazz1059.com Smooth Jazz 105.9 Wash DC
www.wclk.com WCLK-FM 91.9 Atlanta GA
www.1075swjzz.com WJZZ-FM 107.5 Atlanta GA
www.smoothjazz1043.com WSMJ-FM 104.3 Baltimore MD
www.baton-rouge.com WBRH-FM 90.3 Baton Rouge LA
www.wnua.com WNUA-FM 95.5 Chicago IL
www.wnvw.com WNVW-FM 107.3 Cleveland OH
www.columbusjazz.com WJZA-FM 103.5 Columbus OH
www.lighthouseradio.com KYSJ-FM 105.9 Coos Bay OR
www.smoothjazz1075.com KOAI-FM 107.5 Dallas TX
www.daytonjazz.com WDSJ-FM 106.5 Dayton OH
www.wvmv.com/ WVMV-FM 98.7 Detroit MI
www.wsbc.com/ WSBZ-FM 106.3 Ft Walton Bch FL
www.wxjz.com/ WXJZ-FM 100.9 Gainseville FL
www.khjz.com KHJZ-FM 96.5 Houston TX
www.wjyzradio.com/ WJYZ-FM 100.9 Indianapolis IN
www.smoothjazz1053.com WJSJ-FM 105.3 Jacksonville FL
www.wjzlonline.com/ WJZL-FM 92.9 Lansing MI
www.1057theoasis.com/ KOAS-FM 105.7 Las Vegas NV
www.947wave.com/ KTWV-FM 94.7 Los Angeles CA
www.love94.com WLVE-FM 93.9 Miami FL
www.wjzi.com WJZI-FM 93.3 Milwaukee OH
www.krvr.com/ KRVR-FM 105.5 Modesto CA
www.cd1019.com WQCD-FM 101.9 New York NY
www.weibfm.com WEIB-FM 106.3 Northampton MA
www.wloq.com WLOQ-FM 103.1 Orlando FL
www.102kjjz..com KJJZ-FM 102.3 Palm Springs CA
www.wjjz.com WJJZ-FM 106.1 Philadelphia PA
www.kyot.com KYOT-FM 95.5 Phoenix AZ
www.smoothjazzreno.com FM 92.1 Reno NV
www.kssj.com KSSJ-FM 94.7 Sacramento, CA
www.kbzn.com KBZN-FM 97.9 Salt Lake City UT
www.kmgq1063.com KMGQ-FM 106.3 Santa Barbara CA
www.smoothjazz1053.com WSJF-FM 105.5 St Augustine FL
www.kifm.com KIFM 98.1 San Diego CA
www.kblx.com KBLX 102.9 San Francisco CA
www.kjzy.com/ KJZY-FM 93.7 San Francisco CA
www.kwjz.com/ KWJZ-FM 98.9 Seattle WA
www.wsjt.com WSJT-FM 94.1 Tampa FL
www.smoothjazz1059.com Smooth Jazz 105.9 Wash DC
MEDESKI MARTIN & WOOD NEWS
Medeski Martin & Wood are scheduled to return to Mexico in February for an upcoming concert still to be announced. Concert dates for March and April 2007 have been announced as follows: March 7 - Asheville, TN @ The Orange Peel; March 8 - Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse; March 9 - Jacksonville, FL @ Langerado Music Festival; and April 27 - Princeton, NJ @ McCarter Theatre. Other select tour dates are still in the works including summer festivals in Europe others still to be confirmed. John Medeski has just returned from three concerts in Milan, Italy with the Campbell Brothers. Medeski will be performing in St. Petersburg and Moscow, Russia in April with guitarist Marc Ribot and artist Auktyon. The trio recently recorded together in New York last September. Then in July 2007, John Medeski and John Scofield will tour as a duet. Check back here for more information as we receive it.
NEW RELEASE FROM THEIVERY CORPORATION
Thievery Corporation has released a new 12 inch vinyl remix taken from their recent compilations Versions, Originality. It’s a dubbed out sub-heavy collaboration between Thievery Corporation and legendary reggae toaster Sister Nancy. On the flipside comes the swirling echo and reverb of Amerimacka (Thievery Corporation Remix), originally appearing on Thievery’s album The Cosmic Game this time through the echo chamber for a brand new dub version. Thievery Corporation have also remixed Tamarindio by Ocote Soul Sounds & Adrian Quesada. The track features boom-bap drum rhythms, sly funk guitars, keys, and soaring flute passages from the original track while Thievery’s remix picks up the pace with a steady breakbeat groove and trademark psychedelic atmospheres. Thievery Corporation are set to appear at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C. with four shows from Dec. 20 through 23.
BRIAN MCKNIGHT NAMED NEW MORNING HOST FOR KTWV/LOS ANGELES
In a groundbreaking move, CBS KTWV(the Wave)/Los Angeles names Grammy winning Warner Bros. recording artist Brian McKnight host of its morning show; McKnight will be joined by veteran morning personality Pat Prescott and producer Rosemary Jimenez. KTWV VP GM and CBS Los Angeles director of sales Dan Weiner says, "Brian McKnight is an amazing superstar whose mass appeal casts a really wide net for the Wave. His week of guest hosting was all we needed to know that his talent would not only super-serve our core but also help draw in an entirely new audience who follow his music across many different formats than just smooth jazz. He and Pat will make this a seamless transition from five years-plus of success with Dave Koz in the morning."Koz, who plans to embark on world tour in support of his forthcoming At The Movies CD, will sit in with McKnight for his first few shows. McKnight comments, "The Wave is one of my favorite radio stations, so to be joining the station is incredibly exciting. Pat and I have a lot of exciting things planned, and I can't wait to get started.""Brian is a world-class entertainer with the charisma and class our listeners have come to expect from the Wave's air talent," says VP of programming Paul Goldstein. "He's a natural for radio, a compelling communicator who knows how to draw listeners in and make them feel comfortable." McKnight has sold more than 16 million albums since his self-titled debut in 1991.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
THE BERKS JAZZ FEST 2007 LINEUP
The First Energy Berks Jazz Festival is set for March 16-25, 2007 in Reading, PA. Set to appear are Boney James, David Sanborn, Guitars & Saxes featuring Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, Jeff Golub and Tim Bowman, Dave Brubeck, Nelson Rangell, Philippe Saisse, Joyce Cooling, Pat Martino, Mindi Abair, Chuck Loeb, Ann Hampton Calloway, Gerald Veasley, Kevin Mahogany, David Lieberman, the Sax Pack featuring Jeff Kashiwa, Kim Waters and Steve Cole, Warren Hill, Nick Colionne, Berks All-Star Jazz Jam featuring Rick Braun, Chuck Loeb, Gerald Veasley, Richard Elliot, Nick Colionne, Warren Hill and Joe McBride, Keb’ Mo’ Band, Tab Benoit, and Frank Bey & Swing City Blues Band.
Music director and keyboardist and keyboardist Jason Miles will produce some very special ensemble concerts, including a celebration of the life and music of Luther Vandross. Miles has assembled co-music director and keyboardist Nat Adderly Jr, Dionne Warwick, Doc Powell, Kirk Whalum, Walter Beasley, James ‘D Train’ Williams, Cissy Houston, Lisa Fischer, Paulette McWilliams, Buddy Williams, and Tinker Barfield.
The world premiere Soul Summit concert features Jason Miles along with Susan Tedeschi, Maysa, Richard Elliot, Derek Trucks Band vocalist Mike Mattison, Barry Danielian, Andy Snitzer, Steve Ferrone, Sherrod Barnes and turntablist DJ Logic.
Additionally, there will be an Afternoon and an Evening of Heads Up (Records) featuring legendary Philadelphia-based super smooth jazz group Pieces Of A Dream, Bobby Lyle, Marion Meadows, Alexander Zonjic, and Gerald Veasley.
The Downright Upright All-Stars will feature Brian Bromberg, Dave Wecki, Jeff Lorber, Gary Meek, and Randy Brecker.
The Tim Ries The Rolling Stones Project showcases Ries, the Stone saxophonist playing Stones’ classics with a jazz interpretation along with trombonist Mike Davis, vocalist Bernard Fowler, and guitarist Ben Monder.
Music director and keyboardist and keyboardist Jason Miles will produce some very special ensemble concerts, including a celebration of the life and music of Luther Vandross. Miles has assembled co-music director and keyboardist Nat Adderly Jr, Dionne Warwick, Doc Powell, Kirk Whalum, Walter Beasley, James ‘D Train’ Williams, Cissy Houston, Lisa Fischer, Paulette McWilliams, Buddy Williams, and Tinker Barfield.
The world premiere Soul Summit concert features Jason Miles along with Susan Tedeschi, Maysa, Richard Elliot, Derek Trucks Band vocalist Mike Mattison, Barry Danielian, Andy Snitzer, Steve Ferrone, Sherrod Barnes and turntablist DJ Logic.
Additionally, there will be an Afternoon and an Evening of Heads Up (Records) featuring legendary Philadelphia-based super smooth jazz group Pieces Of A Dream, Bobby Lyle, Marion Meadows, Alexander Zonjic, and Gerald Veasley.
The Downright Upright All-Stars will feature Brian Bromberg, Dave Wecki, Jeff Lorber, Gary Meek, and Randy Brecker.
The Tim Ries The Rolling Stones Project showcases Ries, the Stone saxophonist playing Stones’ classics with a jazz interpretation along with trombonist Mike Davis, vocalist Bernard Fowler, and guitarist Ben Monder.
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.
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