AZAM ALI ‘ELYSIUM’ REMIXES EP 2 NOW AVAILABLE

In a career which spans over a decade and includes eight collaborative albums and solo albums, Azam Ali has confirmed her place as one of the most prolific, versatile, and gifted singers on the world music stage today. Known for her vocal work with Niyaz and Vas, Azam's second solo album, Elysium for the Brave signaled a new turn in her musical evolution bringing together musicians from varied musical backgrounds performing in diverse permutations.

On the Elysium Remixes EP 1 & 2 Azam's haunting music is re-transformed by an incredible cast of producers which includes Bauhaus and Love & Rockets founder, David J (in collaboration with DJ K),Banco de Gaia, Transglobal Underground, Bombay Dub Orchestra, ZAMAN 8, Jef Stott, Bentley & Smitty, Holmes Ives, 310 and Luxurious.

BEBEL GILBERTO TOUR DATES

May 7 – San Francisco, CA @ Bimbo’s 365 Club
May 8 – San Francisco, CA @ Bimbo’s 365 Club
May 10 – Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre
May 11 – Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre
May 14 – Chicago, Il @ Black Orchid Showroom
May 15 – Chicago, IL @ Black Orchid Showroom
May 17 – Toronto, ON @ Mod Club
May 19 – Miami, FL @ Carnival Center
May 22 – New York, NY @ The Gramercy Theatre
May 23 – New York, NY @ The Gramercy Theatre

AMY WINEHOUSE – ‘ BACK TO BLACK’ OUT MARCH 13

Amy Winehouse made her US debut at New York's famed Joe's Pub in January, where she received a standing ovation from a crowd that included Jay-Z, Mos Def, Dr. John, Citizen Cope, Alice Smith and Mark Ronson. With her confessional, humorous lyrics and a sound reminiscent of famed soul girl groups, the 23-year old took over her native England, while drawing lauded comparisons ranging from Billie Holiday to Lauryn Hill. Her jazz-infected debut release, Frank, was nominated for the 2004 Mercury Music Prize and went platinum in the UK. But that is just half the story as Amy Winehouse pours her heart out over a cocktail drenched soundtrack on her breakthrough album, Back To Black.

The soulstress, who took home a 2007 Brit Award for Best British Female Solo Artist, continues to distill her experiences on this sophomore release, a record heavily influenced by 50s and 60s rock & roll, soul, rhythm and blues and girl-groups from that era. Produced by Salaam Remi and man-of-the-moment Mark Ronson (who is known for his work with Lily Allen, Robbie Williams and Christina Aguilera, among others) the songs are built around classic three-minute pop songs without over-the-top production. Her single Rehab opens with the words "try to make me go to rehab/I say no, no, no," before morphing into a fresh new cut with classic Motown motifs: sweet horns, a driving beat with hand claps, and an infectious melody. Other highlights include the first single You Know I'm No Good, a stunning personal epiphany that she wrote after being messed around and stamped all over (featured on the album with a rap by Ghostface Killah) and the amusing Me & Mr Jones, where she criticizes a boyfriend for making her "miss the Slick Rick gig." With her increasingly creative body art, aggressive eye make-up and great swoop of black hair that cascades across her face and down her back, Amy Winehouse has deftly charted her progress from girlhood to womanhood on Back To Black.

SOULPHONIC SOUNDSYSTEM: VOLUME ONE

The masterminds behind the Portland, OR-based Soulphonic Soundsystem project are the duo of producer DJ Santo (Transistor Lounge founder and host of syndicated radio show "Something Different") and multi-instrumentalist Chauncey Canfield, who was named SPIN magazine's "Best Unsigned Band" of 1998 and co-founded DC-based jazztronic trio, Aubergine 3. The fruit of their first collaboration, Sonido, a track featuring vocals from Geri Soriano-Lightwood of Supreme Beings of Leisure, was on a 12-inch that was embraced by truly global tastemakers such as Richard Dorfmeister and Rainer Truby. On the strength of this single - a favorite at LA's Transistor Lounge parties - the duo toured the West Coast behind Mark Farina, Diplo and Bugz in the Attic.

Now comes their debut album, Soulphonic Soundsystem: Volume One, that incorporates broken beats and jazz breaks with Latin flavor over live instrumentation with horns and a Rhodes piano. Choice cuts include the indigenous sounds of Eastern Market, the sultry lounge vibe of The One and Foggy Bottom, which was recently placed in an episode of CSI:NY. With its warm keys and soothing sax line, the break out single Sonido is also included here - word is that Sonido and The One will be featured in upcoming episodes of HBO's Entourage. Listen with an open mind because Soulphonic Soundsystem's sensual sounds and forward-thinking production on Volume One will lighten up any dark winter day.

UPCOMING MUSIC FESTIVAL LISTINGS

March 9-11- Langerado (Sunrise, CA)
March 9-18 - South x Southwest Music Festival (Austin, TX)
March 10 - Shamrock Festival 2007 (Washington, DC - RFK Stadium)
March 15 - April 1 Savannah Music Festival
March 23-24 - Ultra Music Festival (Montreal, Canada)
April 20-21 - Dewey Beach Pop Festival(Rehoboth,DE)
April 27-29 - Coachella (Indio, CA)
April 27-29 - New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (New Orleans, LA)
May 4-6 - New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (New Orleans, LA)
June 1-3 - Rock am Ring (Germany)
June 1-2 - Rock im Ring (Nuremberg, Germany)
June 7-10 - Chicago Blues Festival
June 8-10 - The Download Festival (Donnington Park, Leceistershire, UK
June 22-24 - Glastonbury Festival (U.K.)
June 22-24 - Sierra Nevada World Music Festival (Booneville, CA)
July 5-7 - Essence Music Festival (New Orleans, LA)
July 5-8 - Roskilde Festival (Roskilde, Denmark)
July 6-8 - Vancouver Island Music Festival.
July 7 - Live Earth/Earth Aid (Washington,DC)
July 7 - Ozzfest begins
Mid-July Heineken Jammin' Festival (Italy)
July 14-15 - Pitchfork Music Festival (Chicago)(lineup TBA 3/16)
July 18-21 - 10,000 Lakes Festival (Detroit Lakes, Minnesota)
July 19-21 - Goodstock (West Virginia)
July 19-22 - Festival Internacional de Benicassim (near Valencia, Spain)
July 27-30 – Eclpise Outdoor Electronic Music Festival (Montreal, Candada)
August 3-5 - Lollapallooza (Chicago, IL)
August 8-13 - Shambhala (Canada)
August 24-26 - Reading and Leeds Festival (U.K.)
August 30 - - September 2 Chicago Jazz Festival

SIGN THE PETITION TO SUPPORT INTERNET RADIO

Here's a letter from Rusty Hodge of SomaFM; one of the best Internet radio stations that is out there. I urge you to sign the petition and to support SomaFM in any way that you can. Give them a listen.

SomaFM, An Open Letter From SomaFM General Manager & Program Director Rusty Hodge

You may have heard, but once again Internet radio is facing huge additional royalties for broadcasting music. These royalties are in addition to the ones that we pay to ASCAP and BMI, and are a  royalty that is only paid by internet broadcasters. Over-the-air  (AM/FM) broadcasters are explicitly exempt from this royalty; it only applies to Internet broadcasters and subscription music services.

In the past, we paid royalties based on a percentage of our revenues, in our case 10% of our revenue. But the new royalties don't allow that percentage of revenue factor, and instead charge  us for each song we play times the number of people listening.  This works out to about $8 per average concurrent listener per month.  In 2006, we averaged over 6000 average concurrent listeners  per month, and the royalties we will have to pay for 2006 is about  $628,000, over 4 times the amount of money we brought in.

And these rates go up drastically each year, until 2010, where they  are 2.5 times their initial rate: by then we will have to pay over  $1 million dollars a year in royalties if we want to stay on the air. So you can see that this puts us in an impossible position. And to make it even worse, the rates are retroactive to 2006. It doesn't seem fair that a small radio service like SomaFM has to pay all these additional royalties, when over-the-air stations who reach much larger audiences are exempted from paying them.

If you are in the USA, we would appreciate it if you could sign this online petition which will be presented to members of Congress. It's important for us to let Congress know that independent internet radio is about to be forced out of business. We need to keep our existing "percentage of revenue" royalty rate structure, or better yet, have Congress extend the exemption to Internet radio stations as well as terrestrial (over-the-air)  stations.

http://somafm.com/petition

Thanks for all of your support for SomaFM in the past. We will do what we need to do to keep SomaFM on the air and broadcasting.  We love you!

Rusty Hodge,
General Manager and Program Director
SomaFM.com

SMOOTH JAZZ ARTIST BOB JAMES TO RELEASE ‘ANGELS OF SHANGHAI”

KOCH Records is has announced the release of Angels of Shanghai, the new album by legendary recording artist Bob James, on April 10th, 2007. This unique East meets West musical exploration features contemporary jazz artists (including James himself, Fourplay's Nathan East and Harvey Mason, Jack Lee, Lewis Pragasam) interacting with young musicians from Shanghai who perform on traditional Chinese instruments, including include the er-hu (a two string violin), the pipa (similar to a lute), guzheng (a cross between a harp & a zither) and dizi (different sized bamboo flutes). Ancient sounds blend with modern technology and creativity to produce an experience with no boundaries.

This project has been a very personal journey for James, literally in the thousands of miles traveled and creatively in his connection to this young, talented and outstanding group of musicians. His collaboration with these remarkable young musicians began with a visit by Bob to the Shanghai Conservatory of Music where he was so impressed with their creativity and enthusiasm that two more trips to Shanghai followed -- for recording sessions at the Shanghai People's Radio Station Studios. The project came full circle with completion of this full CD -- which has already been released in Japan and in Korea.

Although a unique project in many ways, at its heart Angels of Shanghai is still a Bob James recording. This cross-cultural collaboration will garner many new fans, but its blend of contemporary jazz with strong melodies and exotic textures will also satisfy Bob's many longtime and faithful followers. The CD features nine original Bob James compositions, including Celebration, Dream With Me, and Angels Theme: The Invention of Love. Endless Time is co-written by fellow Fourplay member, Nathan East, who also sings lead vocals. A special treat is a new Angels of Shanghai version of Bob's signature composition: the classic theme from "Taxi," here titled Angela With Purple Bamboo.

Summing up his passion and enthusiasm for Angels of Shanghai, Bob James says, "I love seeing the universal power of music work its magic to cross borders even when political solutions seem impossible. I invite you to come along on this adventure."

The Angels group has performed live at the Bangkok Jazz Festival, the Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta, at the Seongnam Arts Center in Seoul and, finally, at the Blue Note Nite Clubs in Japan. A U.S. tour is planned for April 2007. Cities include Traverse City and Monroe, Michigan, Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Pittsburgh, Pa, New York City and Huntington, Long Island.

JOE COUGHLIN BOWS 5TH CD ‘THINGS TURN OUT THAT WAY’

Joe Coughlin's new CD Things Turn Out That Way is a treasure chest of jazz delights with seven brand new songs that sound like standards and the same number of standards that sound brand new again. His latest collection is set for a March 2007 release and you can sample it now at http://www.JoeCoughlinJazz.com. Things Turn Out That Way features Tony George on piano, Ken Lister on bass, Buff Allen on drums, Pat Coleman on guitar, Bill Runge on sax and flute and Mike Herriott on trumpet and flugel horn. "An acute sensitivity to nuance and a viscerally emotional identification with each narrative, Joe knows how to tell a story," says Colin Lazzerini who co-wrote seven of the fourteen songs. "He knows how to write one too and I remain professionally envious of how effectively the words interpret the personal significance of Mike Herriott's Sweet Little Angel while lending its message a universal meaning." Twenty five years in the business have taken Joe around North America's finest clubs and on tour with legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Woody Herman. Joe remains a supreme standards singer with the ability to remind the audience that performing the classic jazz songs is a genuine art form. He uses the authority of his deep baritone with spine tingling precision and heart gripping timbre with power, desire and heartbreak.

THE BLUE NOTE – TOKYO UPCOMING CONCERTS

The Blue Note Tokyo is presenting an impressive lineup of artists in the coming – here’s a preview of who’s appearing when: Take 6 (March 6-7); Terry Callier (March 8); Marcus Miller (March 9-14); Tower Of Power (March 16-21); Incognito (March 22-25); Mike Stern Band featuring Makoto Ozone, Dave Weckl & Chris Minh Doky (March 26-31); The Blues Brothers Band (April 2-8); Diana King (April 9-15); Roberta Flack (April 16-22); Jim Hall & Ron Carter (April 23-26); Milton Nascimento (April 27-May 1); Nigel Kennedy Quintet (May 2-6); Vanessa Williams (May 8-13); Enrico Rava-Stefano Bollani Duo, Enrico Rava Quintet & Stefano Bollano Trio (May 14-19); Mike Mainieri & Steps Ahead (May 21-26); Roy Haynes Quartet (May 28-June 1); & Satoru Shionoya Trio (June 2-3).

THE BIRD AND THE BEE ON TOUR - OPENING FOR LILY ALLEN

The Bird And The Bee, the L.A. duo made up of singer Inara George and keyboardist/producer Greg Kurstin, have announced that they will be the opening act for British singer Lily Allen on 22 upcoming concert dates throughout the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada. Kurstin, a prolific producer and multi-instrumentalist who has worked with Beck and The Flaming Lips, also produced and co-wrote three tracks (Everything's Just Wonderful, Not Big, and Alfie) on Allen’s debut Alright, Still, which was just released by Capitol Records in the U.S. The Bird And The Bee’s self-titled debut was released January 23 to rave reviews. The New Yorker called the album "a sure delight" and Amazon posted a particularly apt description: "As intoxicating as a Brazilian breeze and ironic as a David Lynch night in L.A., the bird and the bee make a soothingly hip, deliriously cool blend of pop."

NEW FORMAT FOR WJZI-FM 93.3

WJZI-FM (93.3) in Milwaukee is switching formats. While smooth jazz standbys like Kenny G, George Benson and David Sanborn will remain on the WJZI playlist, listeners also will hear Chicago, Gloria Estefan, Elton John and Billy Joel. The very word "jazz" will disappear from the station that will now be known as "Smooth 93.3." Acodring to General manager Bill Hurwitz, he says there will be more vocalists added to what was a heavily instrumental playlist. But the biggest change is probably symbolic. "The word 'jazz' is truly a barrier," he says. "Really, we're evolving the radio station. We're trying to make it a little more upbeat." The change will turn WJZI into what the radio business labels "adult contemporary," with a focus on a slightly older female demographic than "hot" adult contemporary stations WMYX-FM (99.1) and WKTI-FM (94.5). The goal behind the tweak, however, is to attract slightly younger female listeners group than had been tuning in for smooth jazz, with Hurwitz hoping for 45% male listeners to the new lineup. WJZI's tweak isn't leading to any personnel changes, Hurwitz says. But there will be a change in the look of the station, along with the sound. "The logo of the saxophone is going to go away," he says.

GEORGE MICHAEL ANNOUNCES EUROPEAN STADIUM TOUR STARTING MAY 2007

Following the massive success of George Michael's sell-out '25 Live' European tour in 2006, Michael announces the dates for a follow-up stadium tour across Europe reaching France, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Russia, Sweden, Holland, Greece and Hungary to name but a few. Having sold-out in mere minutes, '25 Live' entertained over 650,000 fans over the course of a 49 date tour, in 11 different countries, receiving unprecedented praise from fans and press alike.

Tour Dates include (more dates to be announced):
Friday 18 May - NRGI Park (Athletic Stadium), Aarhus, Denmark
Wednesday 23 May - Nepstadion, Budapest, Hungary
Friday 25 May - Inter Football Stadium, Bratislava, Slovakia
Monday 28 May - LTU Arena, Dusseldorf
Saturday 2 June - Strahov Football Stadium, Prague, Czech Republic
Friday 22 June - Stade de France, Paris, France
Saturday 23 June - Werchter Open Air Park Belgium
Friday 29 June - Stockholm Stadium, Sweden
Tuesday 17 July - Stadio Euganeo, Padova, Italy
Thursday 19 July - Stadio, Lucca, Italy
Saturday 21 July - Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy

For further information on George Michael, the tour or how to purchase tickets, click to www.georgemichael.com

LARRY CARLTON UPDATE

Smooth Jazz Guitarist Larry Carlton was recently nominated for two Grammys, one for his solo album, 2005's Firewire, and the other for the most recent album by Fourplay, titled X. Carlton is a veteran musician whose versatility and skill has landed him on recordings by Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell, Michael Jackson, The Crusaders, Herb Alpert, Quincy Jones, and many others. In 1968, he launched his solo career with the album With A Little Help From My Friends. Three years later, he joined the Crusaders and remained with the group until 1976. In 1978 came Carlton's self-titled album for Warner Brothers. He released a series of well-received albums throughout the 1980s and earned two Grammy Awards: one, in 1981, with composer Mike Post for the theme from the television show Hill Street Blues, and the other in 1987 for his tune Minute By Minute.

A member of Fourplay since 1998, Carlton replaced original member Lee Ritenour on the 4 album. He earned a 2001 Grammy Award for No Substitutions: Live In Osaka, with guitarist Steve Lukather, and explored the blues on his 2004 album Sapphire Blue. More recently, Carlton produced a Christmas album for his wife, Christian singer and songwriter Michele Pillar. The set was released for the holidays late last year. And in January, Carlton performed a special concert commemorating the 60th anniversary of the King of Thailand's ascension to the throne. The King himself, who is known as The Jazz King, also penned a number of songs that Carlton performed at the show in Bangkok.

Carlton says he doesn't feel pressured to play or compose every day; in fact, as he explains, spending time away from music helps his creativity: "There are times when I won't touch the guitar for two months during the year. If the tour ends and I don't have a project to start, I don't just sit around and play the guitar. I live my life and then, when it's time to make music again -- either compose or play the guitar -- I find that I'm fresh and I'm excited and I'm not resentful that I've had to play every day. I don't practice, which I should -- everybody should -- but I get away from it and live my life." For more on Larry Carlton, including projects and tour dates, click to www.larrycarlton.com.

BRIAN BROMBERG’S ‘DOWNRIGHT UPRIGHT’

Bassist and composer Brian Bromberg has just released a brand-new CD titled Downright Upright that is a return to the acoustic upright bass Bromberg used for his 2006 release Wood II. For this recording he called on collaborators, including keyboardists George Duke and Jeff Lorber; trumpeter Rick Braun; saxophonists Boney James and Kirk Whalum; guitarist Lee Ritenour; and drummers Vinnie Colaiuta and Dave Weckl.  The new set includes Bromberg's unique arrangements of Herbie Hancock's Cantaloupe Island and Chameleon, and Eddie Harris' Cold Duck Time, in addition to his own compositions. Bromberg will tour to promote Downright Upright this month with a special all-star band that includes trumpeter Randy Brecker on East Coast dates, Rick Braun on a West Coast date, and saxophonist Gary Meek, Jeff Lorber on keys, and Dave Weckl on drums.

Brian Bromberg tour dates include:
March 10 - Fresno, CA - Tower Theatre
March 12 - New York, NY The Jazz Standard
March 13 - Washington, D.C. - Blues Alley
March 14 - Annapolis, MD - Rams Head on Stage
March 15 - Boston, MA - Sculler's Jazz Club
March 16 - Reading, PA - Berks Jazz Festival

MOSAIC RECORDS TO RELEASE ‘ULTIMATE EARL KLUGH’ ALBUM

New York-based Mosaic Records, which has been a noted label in the jazz catalog, has just announced the launch of Mosaic Contemporary, a new imprint dedicated to compiling contemporary jazz releases. The label is being headed by Matt Pierson, former jazz VP/GM for Warner Bros. Among the first releases from Mosaic Contemporary on March 20th will be a collection of music from favorite guitarist Earl Klugh. The single disc CD, Ultimate Earl Klugh, will feature highlights of his 28-year career, from his 1976 hit Angelina through his popular collaborations with Bob James and George Benson. The album also showcases the work of guests Dave Grusin, Eric Gale, Steve Gadd, Patti Austin, and Lee Ritenour. Also being released on March 20th are: Ultimate Jaco Pastorius, a compilation of highlights from the late bassist's recording career; trumpeter Freddie Hubbard's 1978 recording Super Blue, and flutist Hubert Laws' 1970 breakthrough set, Afro Classic. 

PATTI AUSTIN CD SIGNING & UPCOMING TOUR DATES

Patti Austin is scheduled for for a special appearance and CD signing to celebrate the release of her new album Avant Gershwin. Austin will appear at Circuit City @5560 Sepulveda Blvd, in Culver City, CA, on Tuesday, March 6 at 7:00pm. She’s also set for some tour dates as follows:
April 14 – Palm Desert, CA @ McCallum Theatre
April 15 – Cerritos, CA @ Cerritos Center For The Arts
April 18 – Los Angeles, CA @ Boyard Auditorium
April 21 – Winston Salem, NC @ Reynolds Auditorium
May 11 – Charlotte, NC @ Belk Theatre
May 12 – Charlotte, NC @ Belk Theatre
May 19 – Wichita, KS @ Wichita Symphony
Nov 9 – Grand Rapids, MI @ DeVos Performance Hall
Nov 10 – Grand Rapids, MI @ DeVos Performance Hall
Nov 11 – Grand Rapids, MI @ DeVos Performance Hall

2007 PLAYBOY JAZZ FESTIVAL TO FEATURE ETTA JAMES, CHRIS BOTTI, DIANE REEVES, MARCUS MILLER, NORMAN BROWN, ANGELIQUE KIDJO & MORE…

From straight ahead to contemporary jazz, scorching blues to swinging big band, fiery salsa and world music, the 29th annual Playboy Jazz Festival will present a stellar lineup of talent, representing the entire spectrum of jazz on Saturday and Sunday, June 16th and 17th, at the world famous Hollywood Bowl.  Featuring renowned jazz giants, international superstars, and emerging newcomers, the two day event will present a variety of highly anticipated debuts by veteran artists and today's most acclaimed young talents, as well as the return of popular Festival favorites. 

The high priestess of the blues, three time Grammy winner Etta James performs with the heartfelt passion of someone who has lived what she sings.  With over a dozen top ten R& B smashes and more than 25 chart toppers to her credit, she is the recipient of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Lifetime Achievement Award, is in the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame and has her own star on the Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame. Returning to the Festival for her seventh appearance, the incomparable James will perform with her well known Roots Band, showing off the extraordinary vocal prowess and sassy blues style that has become her trademark, and made her a Festival favorite who never fails to rock the house.  

Making a long anticipated Festival debut is the legendary alto sax-master Phil Woods and his Quintet, featuring Bill Charlap, Brian Lynch, Steve Gilmore, and Bill Goodwin. A multiple Grammy winner and recent recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Master Award, Woods originally came onto the music scene when bebop was being heralded as the new direction of jazz.  A protégé of Dizzy Gillespie, Woods has worked with such luminaries as Quincy Jones, Thelonious Monk, Buddy Rich, Benny Goodman, Paul Simon, Steely Dan and many more.  Woods and his distinguished Quintet will share their gifted interpretations of jazz standards, recalling a bit of the era of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie in the best bebop tradition. 

In her first Hollywood Bowl appearance since completing her successful tenure as the Creative Chair for Jazz at the Los Angeles Philharmonic, vocalist extraordinaire Dianne Reeves returns to the Festival stage for the seventh time.  One of the pre-eminent female jazz vocalists in the world, Reeves won the Grammy for "Best Jazz Vocal Performance" for three consecutive recordings, a 'first' in any Grammy category.  Known for her virtuosity and masterful styling, she was the first singer to ever perform at the new Walt Disney Concert Hall.  Last year she won a fourth Grammy for her recording of the title soundtrack from George Clooney's Oscar nominated film, Good Night and Good Luck.  A Festival favorite, fans are eagerly awaiting her return performance and the release of her first album in five years due later this fall.

One of the greatest living guitarists and a current day icon, Buddy Guy will again dazzle the crowd with his trademark wild and frenzied guitar playing.  An internationally acclaimed, multi-Grammy winner and Rock 'N Roll Hall of Famer, Guy has influenced such rock titans as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan among others. Known for his stinging electric blues and impassioned vocals, Guy's most recent CD Bring Em In, featured collaborations with famed musicians Carlos Santana and John Mayer.

A virtual genre-of-one in contemporary jazz, Grammy winning trumpeter Chris Botti has earned both critical acclaim and mainstream success.  A gifted instrumentalist, talented composer, and charismatic performer, Botti is known for his lyrical melodies and the virtuosity of his playing.  His last two CDs were certified Gold, and his noted PBS television special, Chris Botti Live: With Orchestra and Special Guests is one of PBS' most popular shows.  Fans will no doubt be seduced again by his smooth, atmospheric style. 

Just emigrated from Cuba, world renowned Salsa singer Issac Delgado will make his Festival debut in one of the first live performances of his new world tour.  Described by The New York Times as "One of the greatest singers in the world regardless of genre," Delgado is considered the father of 'Timba' music, the fusion of jazz, salsa and funk.  A two-time Latin Grammy nominee, his innovative mix of Afro-Caribbean rhythms, pop, jazz and avant-garde electronic sounds are sure to move fans to their feet.

Latin jazz enthusiasts will no doubt be excited by the return of Arturo Sandoval, whose Mambo Mania Big Band will make its world premiere during Sunday's show.  In a revival of the worldwide '50s Mambo dance craze, Sandoval and his band will pay tribute to original Mambo creators Perez Prado and Tito Puente, complete with a full orchestra and a whole repertoire of singers and dancers.  Several of Sandoval's original compositions from the movie The Mambo Kings will also be included.  Expect a burning performance unlike any other you've ever seen by Sandoval. 

Adding to the multi-cultural mix is young African singer Angelique Kidjo, a four-time Grammy nominee who is making her Festival debut.  Kidjo broadens the boundaries of world music with her innovative arrangements of West African musical traditions, mixed with elements of R& B, funk, jazz, Caribbean rhythms and Congolese Rumba.  Performing in English, French, and the African languages Yorba and Fon, her scintillating sound and alluring vocals combine to captivate the audience.

Always a favorite, The Count Basie Orchestra (under the direction of longtime veteran Bill Hughes) is an American institution.  Dedicated to advancing the traditions of the big band sound, much of the music still 'swings' from musicians originally hand picked by the "Count" himself. Continuously in demand, the group has 18 Grammys to their credit, and continues to rack up numerous awards and accolades.  Returning for their eighth appearance, the band continues to evolve to the delight of both fans and critics.

A special highlight of Saturday's show, the esteemed Randy Brecker-Bill Evans Soulbop Band with noted musicians Hiram Bullock, Dave Kikoski, Victor Bailey, and Rodney Holms will make their debut appearance as a group.  Each an established Grammy winning artist, trumpeter Randy Brecker and saxophonist Bill Evans have been at the forefront of jazz for over 20 years.  Brecker, who with his late brother Michael helped shape the sounds of jazz, R&B and rock, just won two Grammys for their latest collaboration, Some Skunk Funk, at the recent 2007 Grammy ceremony.  Evans, known not only as a virtuoso saxophonist, but a prolific keyboardist, producer and writer, was one of the first to blend hip-hop and jazz and was instrumental in putting together Miles Davis' infamous comeback band in the 80s.  In 2003, Brecker and Evans joined forces to form a new group, The Randy Brecker-Bill Evans Soulbop Band, a unique mixture of soul, bop, and contemporary jazz.  This will be their first performance together at the Festival.

Also making his debut as a leader is one of the most talked about figures in jazz, saxophone virtuoso James Carter and his Organ Trio.  Heralded as a powerful new force in jazz when he first came on the scene, Carter recently topped Downbeat magazine's annual critic's poll three years in a row in the baritone sax category.  Highly regarded for his advanced technique and intensity, Carter and his Trio will showcase the instrumental prowess that has brought them all to prominence.  Carter will also be performing with the Cos of Good Music.

Returning as Master of Ceremonies for his 27th season, jazz aficionado extraordinaire Bill Cosby will again bring together his own group of acclaimed musicians for the Cos of Good Music XI.  They include: accomplished bassist Dwayne Burno; sax virtuoso James Carter; world class drummer and percussionist Ndugu Chancler; saxophonist Vincent Herring; trumpeter Jeremy Pelt; pianist and keyboardist Larry Willis; bass player Ron Johnson and Grammy winning vocalist, guitarist Ray Parker, Jr.

Sure to ignite the crowd is the ultimate west coast Latin party band, Johnny Polanco Y Su Conjunto Amistad.  Appearing for the very first time, Polanco and his group create the kind of infectious, rhythmic, multi-layered music that compels one to want to hit the dance floor.  Considered the 'hottest' salsa orchestra in Los Angeles, Polanco is proficient on 13 different instruments and has performed with such Latin jazz greats as Johnny Pacheco, Cachao, Tito Puente and many others.

One of the most influential trumpet players of his generation, Terence Blanchard's music reaches beyond the expressive sound of his trumpet.  The Grammy nominated Blanchard (a New Orleans native) is also renowned for scoring films and his work with director Spike Lee.  Their most recent collaboration is the highly acclaimed 2006 Hurricane Katrina documentary When The Levees Broke: A Requiem In Four Acts. This is Blanchard's second Festival appearance.

Destined to be a crowd pleaser is the return of Norman Brown's contemporary jazz group, "Summer Storm."  Each a star in their own right, Summer Storm currently features Grammy winning guitarist Brown; pop R&B vocal legend and multiple Grammy winner Peabo Bryson (whose 2005 performance was a highlight of the show); soprano sax-master Marion Meadows; and Grammy nominated keyboardist Jeff Lorber.  By mixing Brown's soul driven R&B, with Bryson's soulful, silky vocals and Meadow's sweet , but funky soprano sax sound, along with Lorber's melding of bebop creativity and pop song craft, they create a hybrid sound that is distinctively cool and contemporary and uniquely their own.

Also returning for a second appearance is Grammy winning Renaissance man (acclaimed bassist, composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist), Marcus Miller.  One of the most influential artists in jazz, blues and R&B, Miller will showcase the eclectic blend of inspirational music that has won him raves from critics and fans all over the world.

One of the most sought after talents on the music scene today is African bassist, vocalist, and composer Richard Bona.  Returning for the second time, Bona (from East Cameroon, Africa) is revered for his multi-faceted singing and arranging talents that have catapulted him into the upper echelons of the jazz and world music pantheon.

Sure to be a special highlight of Sunday's show is Red Holloway's 80th Birthday Celebration with special guest Kevin Mahogany.  A legend in the world of jazz and blues, Holloway is making his long awaited Festival debut as a leader.  A tenor sax player known for his big, hard driving sound, Holloway has performed with everyone from Billie Holliday, Muddy Waters, and Sonny Rollins to Aretha Franklin, George Benson and countless others.  With a voice reminiscent of the late Joe Williams, Kevin Mahogany is considered the quintessential jazz vocalist. Together, they will demonstrate the artistry that has made them both famous.

Direct from New Orleans, Nathan Williams and the Zydeco Cha Chas will take the Playboy stage for the very first time.  The group plays zydeco, the fast and furious accordion driven dance music of the Creole people of southern Louisiana.  With seven albums to their credit, Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas are known for their trademark rubboard percussion, electric guitars, and R&B grooves.  Like their newest album, Hang It High, Hang It Low, the group delivers the expressive down home sounds of roots music that made them one of the most popular acts at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

Best known for his role on the celebrated long running classic television series The Cosby Show, bass player Malcolm-Jamal Warner is now taking on the music world with his jazz/funk band, Miles Long.  Offering a fresh perspective on today's music, Warner and his band are making their Festival debut.  Playing to packed houses throughout the Los Angeles club circuit and opening for such high profile acts as Earl Klugh and the late Luther Vandross, the band's debut CD, …the miles long mix tape… has a distinctive sound, running the gamut from Living Color to Coltrane.

The Eagle Rock High School Jazz Ensemble will open Saturday's show at 2:30 p.m. Opening Sunday's show at 2:00 p.m. is Malcolm-Jamal Warner's Miles Long.

George Wein serves as producer of the Playboy Jazz Festival for the 29th consecutive year. Darlene Chan is associate producer for both the Playboy Jazz Festival and Festival Productions, Inc.  Hugh Hefner is executive producer and Richard Rosenzweig is president of the Playboy Jazz Festival. For more information on the Playboy Jazz Festival and for ticket information and sales,call (310) 450-1173 or visit our Web site, www.playboyjazz.com. 

JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL

The upcoming Jacksonville Jazz Festival, set for April 13-15, will feature an all-star lineup including Chuck Mangione, Dianne Reeves, Roy Haynes, McCoy Tyner, Chris Botti, Wayman Tisdale, George Benson and Al Jarreau. Here are some of the highlights each day: Friday, April 13: Great American Jazz Piano Competition, George Benson and Al Jarreau. Saturday, April 14: Diane Schuur, Regina Carter, McCoy Tyner, Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Band, Wayman Tisdale, Jazz Attack, and Roy Haynes. Sunday, April 15: Dianne Reeves, Chris Botti, Chuck Mangione,and Big 3 Palladium Orchestra.

CHILL GROOVES & SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS: WYMS-FM, ACOUSTIC ALCHEMY, STEELY DAN, BENSON & JARREAU, BERKS JAZZ FEST, DUBAI INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FEST & MORE…

Another one bites the dust as Milwaukee's longtime jazz station, WYMS-FM (88.9) is switching formats to become 88Nine RadioMilwaukee. The station began its transformation to its new format on Friday, February 23, by doing what the radio industry calls "stunting" to alert listeners to a change. WYMS began airing snippets of music that presumably will be part of the new programming set to officially launch on February 26. The first song fragment that aired at 7 a.m. Friday was Where Its At by Beck. The station is expected to play a mix of musical styles, including rock and hip-hop, that appeal to young adults ages 21 to 35. On-air announcers will debut on March 5.

Acoustic Alchemy have completed a new album called This Way, which follows the band’s American/English project from 2005. Once again, the group led by the British guitar duo of Greg Carmichael and Miles Gilderdale recorded most of the album at the legendary Hansa Haus studios in Germany, but also utilized two studios in London and one in York, England.

Guitarist Chuck Loeb will be conducting guitar string training instructions at the Berks Jazz Fest Guitar Clinic on March 24 at the Sheraton Reading Hotel in Wyomissing, PA. Fellow instructors include guitarists Pat Martino and Bob Sabellico. For more information click to www.berksjazzfest.com.

Guitar legend George Benson and smooth jazz vocalist extraordinaire Al Jarreau have joined the lineup for this year's Umbria Jazz Festival, to be held in and around the medieval Italian town come this summer.

Steely Dan and B.B. King have signed on to perform at the Seneca Niagra Casino & Hotel in Niagra Falls, New York. The 2200-seat Seneca Events Center and the intimate 496-seat Bear’s Den Showroom at the Hotel & Casino have quickly become a popular destination for superstar performers. B.B. King is booked for May 12 and Steely Dan are scheduled for June 2. For more information click to www.senecaniagracasino.com.

This year’s First Energy Berks Jazz Festival will feature a vast array of jazz talent as the 10-day event (scheduled for March 16-25) approaches. Appearing will will An Evening With The Six Pack featuring Jeff Kashiwa, Kim Waters, and Steve Cole on March 24 at the Sheraton Reading Hotel Ballroom; Chuck Loeb featuring The Berks Jazz Fest Horns plus the WJJZ All-Stars with Jeff Kashiwa, Kim Waters, Steve Cole, and Gerald Veasley on March 25 at the Sheraton Reading Hotel Ballroom; and An Evening With Guitars & Saxes featuring Gerald Albright, Tim Bowman, Jeff Golub, and Kirk Whalum on March 25 at the Scottish Rite Cathedral.

Toto, Jamie Cullum, Acoustic Alchemy, Freddy Cole and Dee Dee Bridgewater will headline the 5th Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival 2007. The three-day event will be held March 8-10 at Dubai Media City. For more information click to www.dubaijazzfest.com.

Paul Brown’s new release – White Sand – includes covers of 60’s and 70’s soul & jazz classics, features a number of guests on the CD including Al Jarreau, Boney James, David Benoit, Bobby Caldwell, Euge Groove and Rick Braun.

Columbia/Legacy re-releases a remastered version of Boz Scaggs’ landmark 1976 album Silk Degrees. This edition includes three previously unreleased bonus tracks recorded in 1976.

Other releases due this week include: Andy Narell - Tatoom: Music For Steel Orchestra (with guests Mike Stern, David Sanchez & Luis Conte); Kenny Loggins – How About Now (includes a new version of A Love Song from Loggins & Messina); David Bromberg – Try Me One More Time; Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown & Milt Jackson – What’s Up? The Very Tall Band (recorded live at the Blue Note on Nov. 24-26, 1998, with seven bonus tracks); Johnny Mathis – Johnny Mathis Live: Wonderful! Wonderful! A Gold 50h Anniversary; Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland – The Definitive Collection; Joe Zawinul – Brown Street (2-CDs of orchestrated renditions of Weather Report classics such as Black Market, Night Passage, and A Remark You Made); and Carlos Santana & Wayne Shorter – Live At The 1988 Montreux Jazz Festival (DVD).

2006 was an amazing year for Mindi Abair as her CD Life Less Ordinary debuted at #1 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Charts, her song True Blue hit #1 on the Radio and Records chart, and it ended up being the 3rd most played song of the year at smooth jazz radio. She also toured the country with her band, performed on the Dave Koz Jazz Cruise, and hit the road for the Christmas season with Peter White and Rick Braun for their annual tour. 2007 has started off with a bang for her as she joined Wayman Tisdale’s Jazz Cruise. And even bigger, Abair’s newest single Bloom just hit #1 on the Radio and Records chart, landing Abair her 2nd #1 song in a row from her latest CD Life Less Ordinary.

Columbia/Legacy is releasing a Marvin Gaye 2-CD called Midnight Love And The Sexual Healing Sessions. This album is expected to be issued on April 24.

The upcoming Joss Stone album, Introducing Joss Stone, will be delayed from March 20 to the new date of April 3.

The Jakarta Java Jazz Festival 2007 is kicking off on March 2 with healiners Sergio Mendes, Sadao Watanabe and Jamie Cullum, among others. Java Jazz will be held in Jakarta Convention Center from Friday, March 2 to Sunday, March 4.

Smooth Jazz saxophonist Steve Cole's latest album, True, features all original compositions by the Chicago-based artist. While many of his contemporaries in the smooth jazz genre favor re-makes of old favorites, Cole remains true to the ideal of creating brand-new sounds. True features guest appearances by saxophonist David Mann, guitarist Jeff Golub, keyboardist Ricky Peterson, and percussionist Lenny Castro. His leadoff single is the up-tempo groove Metro.

This year's annual Seabreeze Jazz Festival, to be held April 13th to 15th in Destin, Florida, promises a huge lineup of stars including Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, Jeff Golub, Tim Bowman, Richard Elliot, Rick Braun, Peter White, Nils, Brian Simpson, Jonathan Butler and Jeff Kashiwa. For more information click to www.seabreezejazzfestival.com

TONY BENNETT’S ‘THE BEST IS YET TO COME’ 20-CITY TOUR KICKS OFF

AARP, one of the world's largest membership organizations, and music legend Tony Bennett, today announced the kick-off of his AARP-sponsored concert tour "The Best is Yet to Come" which debuts on March 16, 2007 in Denver, Colorado. As a presenting sponsor, AARP is pleased to offer its members the chance to purchase tickets to Tony Bennett's upcoming performances before the general public during an exclusive pre-sale event. Pre-sale dates and information on how to purchase tickets are available at http://www.aarp.org/tonybennett.

"This concert partnership demonstrates AARP's broad efforts to use the power of music to forge an emotional connection with its 38 million members," said Shereen Remez, Group Executive Officer for Member Value at AARP. "We're thrilled to be a part of what will likely be one of Tony Bennett's best tours ever and Tony's vibrant spirit reminds all Americans that age is just a number and life is what you make it." With over 100 albums to his credit and over 50 million records sold worldwide, Tony Bennett is an internationally renowned icon. The tour-the first concert partnership of its kind for AARP-will visit the following 20 cities across the United States: Denver, Phoenix, Cleveland, Hartford/Wallingford, Pittsburgh, Houston, San Francisco, Atlanta, Vienna/Washington DC, Atlantic City, Ft. Worth, Detroit, Chicago/Highland Park, Seattle, Minneapolis/Prior Lake, St. Louis, New York, Ft. Lauderdale and Tampa/Clearwater.

Tony Bennett's son and manager Danny Bennett praised the sponsorship and commended AARP for celebrating the power of music. "Music reminds each and every one of us how important it is to embrace life and live it to its fullest," he said. "This is a generation who is determined to stay forever young at heart and realizes that the best is yet to come." Calling Bennett's music "the soundtrack for change," he said AARP's efforts would particularly resonate with baby boomers.

The tour will feature the 15-time Grammy winner performing from his repertoire of the Great American Songbook, including hits from his new CD, Tony Bennett Duets: An American Classic. Additional information can be found at http://www.aarp.org/tonybennett.

SOCIETY OF SINGERS PRESENTS THE SATCHMO AWARD TO GEORGE BENSON

Society of Singers (SOS) has chosen guitarist, singer and music legend George Benson to receive the Satchmo Award, an honor created by the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation. SOS is a non-profit organization that offers comprehensive services to meet the emergency financial needs of professional singers worldwide. The Satchmo award pays tribute to the life and legacy of LouisArmstrong, whose passion for music was matched only by his joyous love of life and people. It goes to artists who are generous with both their talent and their time, artists who reflect the spirit of Louis Armstrong and the inspiring belief in the power each of us has to improve the world around us. The announcement was made by Jerry F. Sharell, the president and CEO of SOS, and Charles Wallert, president of Chapter East SOS.

Benson will be the first recipient of the Satchmo Award. SOS has been presenting the Ella Award for fifteen years. The Satchmo Award will be presented to Benson during his concert at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey on Friday, April 27, 2007. A VIP reception will follow the concert at Solaia, adjacent to the center. Tickets to the concert and reception are $200, and can be reserved by calling (212) 922-0300. For more information about Society of Singers, please consult http://www.singers.org or call (818) 995-7100.

Over the course of a 40-year career, George Benson has enjoyed success in the jazz, rhythm and blues, adult contemporary and pop arenas; he is known as a brilliant musician and improviser, and also a consummate entertainer. He made Breezin', the first jazz album to attain platinum status. He has reached the Top 10 on the pop charts four times, with This Masquerade, On Broadway, Give Me the Night and Turn Your Love Around. His most recent album is the Grammy-winning (two Grammy awards) Givin' It Up, an album of duets with vocalist Al Jarreau. Benson also appeared on "Beach Music, Super Collaboration," an album by the Embers produced by veteran composer, producer and recording executive Charles Wallert, the new East Coast president of SOS.

MAVERICK RECORDS TO RELEASE SOUNDTRACK TO QUENTIN TARANTINO’S “GRIND HOUSE: DEATH PROOF’ ON APRIL 3

Maverick Records will release the soundtrack to Death Proof -- Quentin Tarantino's half of the new exploitation movie double feature Grindhouse -- on April 3rd, three days before the two films hit theaters on April 6th. The second film, Planet Terror, was directed by Robert Rodriguez. In between the two features, trailers advertising fake films, directed by Eli Roth and Rob Zombie, among others, will be shown. Death Proof follows Austin's hottest DJ, Jungle Julia (Sydney Tamiia Poitier) as she sets out into the night to unwind with her two friends Shanna (Jordan Ladd) and Arlene (Vanessa Ferlito). Covertly tracking their moves is Stuntman Mike (Kurt Russell), a scarred rebel leering from behind the wheel of his muscle car, revving just feet away.

The soundtrack includes classic songs from the '60s and '70s, such as Jeepster from British glam rock band T Rex, Staggolee from San Francisco blues band Pacific Gas & Electric, Down In Mexico from doo-wop legends The Coasters, and Good Love, Bad Love by Stax R&B legend Eddie Floyd. It also features a haunting composition, entitled Paranoia Prima, from legendary Italian film score composer Ennio Morricone. The songs are interspersed with dialogue voiced by the actors including Russell, Rose McGowan, Eli Roth, and Michael Bacall.

The music perfectly captures the feel of the exploitation films that became popular in American cinema in the late '60s and '70s. With their explicit sex and excessive violence and gore, the films were mainly shown in inner-city theaters, called "grindhouses," usually as back-to-back double features. "I grew up watching those type of movies and I loved them," Tarantino says in "Grindhouse: The Sleaze-Filled Saga of An Exploitation Double Feature." "The whole grindhouse experience, where you would see two horror films in these low ghetto theaters. Robert and I had the idea to actually do this film that is closer to a grindhouse ride and recreates the experience in one movie and in the best possible version ever presented." To watch teaser trailers and get more information about Grindhouse, please visit www.grindhousemovie.net.

The track-listing for the soundtrack to Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof is as follows:
"The Last Race" -- Jack Nitzsche
"Baby, It's You" -- Smith
"Paranoia Prima" -- Ennio Morricone
"Planning & Scheming" -- Eli Roth & Michael Bacall
"Jeepster" -- T Rex
"Stuntman Mike" -- Rose McGowan & Kurt Russell
"Staggolee" -- Pacific Gas & Electric
"The Love You Save (May Be Your Own)" -- Joe Tex
"Good Love, Bad Love" -- Eddie Floyd
"Down In Mexico" -- The Coasters
"Hold Tight" -- Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich
"Sally and Jack (From the Motion Picture "Blow Out")" -- Pino Donaggio
"It's So Easy" -- Willy DeVille
"Whatever-However" -- Tracie Thoms & Zoe Bell
"Riot In Thunder Alley" -- Eddie Beram
"Chick Habit" -- April March

KENNY LOGGINS TO RELEASES NEW ALBUM ‘HOW ABOUT YOU’

One of contemporary music's most distinctive voices for over three decades, superstar singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins has released his latest solo album, How About Now, on February 27. The disc is among the inaugural slate of titles debuting on that date as part of the launch of the Spotlight Music Series, an innovative line of adult contemporary music from 180 Music that's available nationwide exclusively through the retail chain Target. The Series' primaryfocus is new music from legendary artists.

How About Now, recorded in Ojai, CA and Nashville, TN, finds the GRAMMY(R)-winning, Oscar-nominated Loggins in peak form, his warm, expressive singing as instantly recognizable as ever. The album also firmly anchors him in the soulful singer-songwriter tradition that's underscored every phase of his career, and is the pure essence of how it began. Kenny commented, "Recently, I finally went on the road with Jimmy Messina again, we did a 30 year reunion tour. During that time, I rediscovered a kind of music I was making as a kid, music that had acoustic guitar at the center, and a certain level of joy and simplicity to it. I started to think, if I was making my half of a Loggins & Messina record today, what would it sound like? That's what I aimed for."

Spinning off that thought, one of How About Now's highlights is a stripped-down, updated version of the Loggins-penned 1973 Loggins & Messina gem A Love Song. "I thought, here's a song I've been playing for over thirty years," says Kenny, "how can I come up with a new way to do it?" Loggins re-imagined it with a group of young Southern California-based musicians -- "It helped to have the eyes and ears of players in their 20s in the mix," says Loggins, "it gave the song a whole different sensibility." The only track not specifically written for the new album, A Love Song still brims with the sweet melodies and authentic emotions that's made it a timeless favorite.

Another stand-out is the title track How About Now, a prime example of Loggins' ability to powerfully connect to listeners with songs defined by unvarnished emotion. "I feel like that song is the emotional center of the record," says Kenny. "You can have a great day, a great life -- what
about today? I titled the album after it because, overall, it's a record about healing, growing, moving on, and a vision of where I want to be. I've always felt that my best songs -- Celebrate Me Home, Danny's Song, House At Pooh Corner -- were, like this one, about what mattered to me most, things that touched my heart." In all, How About Now features twelve original songs -- eleven new compositions plus A Love Song -- co-written with Richard Marx, Mike Reid, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Rachel Proctor, Gary Burrand and other collaborators.

180 Music's CEO & Founder Jim Brandmeier commented, "The heart of Kenny Loggins' timeless artistry is that of a master singer-songwriter filled with soul, depth & emotion. That is captured brilliantly on Kenny's new CD, How About Now, which personifies 180 Music's philosophy, "Do a 180, Lets Get Back to Music!" Real music! Real art! Done by a master! We are honored to shine the 'spotlight' on Kenny Loggins and feature his gigantic talent as part of the Spotlight Music Series, exclusively at Target." Leading up to How About Now, Kenny Loggins has generated hits spanning three decades and over twelve albums exceeding platinum status. A 2X GRAMMY(R) winner, Loggins was honored with the 1980 Best Male Pop Vocal award for his smash This Is It. His stellar songwriting was honored with 1979's Song Of The Year GRAMMY for What A Fool Believes, the Doobie Brothers classic he co-composed with longtime friend and fellow artist Michael McDonald. Loggins' solo hits also include Whenever I Call You 'Friend, I'm Alright and Footloose, the last an Academy Award-nominated song.

On March 7, Kenny Loggins will be honored with an induction into Hollywood's RockWalk(R), the Sunset Strip's renowned museum and walk of handprints that's world famous for "Celebrating the greatest names in rock 'n roll." The following day, March 8, Kenny and his band will play live at the celebrated Los Angeles venue Troubadour, as he continues to perform live throughout 2007. Many of Loggins' earliest live performances were at the historic club, when Loggins & Messina played there often during their initial rise to fame. For more info on Kenny Loggins, log on to http://www.kennyloggins.com

KENNY LOGGINS TOUR DATES
Feb 17th - Harrah's Lake Tahoe, Stateline, NV
Feb 18th - Harrah's Lake Tahoe, Stateline, NV
Mar 3rd - One World Theatre, Austin, TX
Mar 8th – Troubadour, Los Angeles, CA
Mar 11th - Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu, HI
Mar 19th - B.B. King Blues Club, New York, NY
Mar 22nd - North Folk Theatre @ Westbury, Westbury, NY
Mar 23rd - Community Theater, Morristown, NJ
Apr 11th - Hard Rock Live, Orlando, FL
Apr 12th - Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, West Palm Beach, FL
Apr 13th - Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, FL
Apr 15th - Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota, FL
Apr 24th - Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas, TX

VICTOR FIELDS RELEASES NEW CD – ‘THINKING OF YOU’

Singer Victor Fields has a album, titled Thinking of You, which is a collection of covers and features a dynamic list of musicians and producers, including Chris Comozzi, keyboardist Jeff Lorber, saxophonist Richard Elliot and flugelhorn player Rick Braun. This new release is more than a remake of classic soul hits, though. It’s an enlightening piece of work that led the veteran singer to find his own identity. After creating his first through third albums with certain goals in mind, Fields said that this was the first time he just walked in the studio and laid down a record with no agenda. “The very first record I started out with, Kashif was the producer. It was a very Urban AC (Adult Contemporary) CD,” he described. “The second project, I moved back to the Bay Area. It was something that I didn’t plan, but something that felt natural. I wanted to be more grounded, so I went into more of a jazz thing. But I think there is still a lot of soul still left in me and I didn’t really understand that until we were talking about the next album.”

CHICAGO TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED

Chicago will perform the following concerts: March 6 at the Civic Center Auditorium in Roanoke, VA; March 7 at Township Auditorium in Columbia ,SC; March 9 at the War Memorial Auditorium in Greensboro, NC; March 10 at the Johnny Mercer Theatre in Savannah, GA; March 12 at the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, FL; April 11 at the Kavli Theatre in Thousand Oaks, CA; April 13-14 at the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, CA; April 15 at the Viejas Casino in Alpine, CA; April 18 at Dodge Arena in Hidalgo, TX; April 19 at Selena Auditorium in Corpus Christi, TX; April 20 at the Performing Arts Center in Austin, TX; April 22 at the CW Mitchell Pavilion in Woodlands, TX; April 24 at the Ector County Coliseum in Odessa, TX; May 5 at the Performing Arts Center in Charleston, SC; May 6 at the Moran Theater in Jacksonville, FL; May 10-12 and 14-16 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV; June 8 at the BJCC in Birmingham, AL; June 9 at the Botanic Gardens in Memphis, TN; June 10 at Chastain Park Amphitheatre in Atlanta, GA; June 12 at the Filene Center in Vienna, VA; June 13 at the Bank of America Pavilion in Boston, MA; June 15 at the Riverbend in Cincinnati, OH; June 16 at the Tower City Amphitheatre in Cleveland, OH; June 17 at the Tweeter Center in Camden, NJ; June 19-20 at the Casino Rama in Rama, ON; June 22 at Jones Beach in Wantagh, NY; June 23 at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ; June 24 at the Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ; June 27 at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT; June 29 at the DTE Energy Theatre in Detroit, MI; June 30 at the Charter One Pavilion in Chicago, IL; July 3 at the Zoo Amphitheatre in Oklahoma City, OK; July 6 at the Sleep Train Amphitheatre in Concord, CA; July 7 at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, CA; July 8 at the Open Air Theatre in San Diego, CA; July 20 at the Great Jones Fair in Monticello, IA; July 21 at the RockFest in Cadott, WI; July 22 at the RockFest in Farwell, MI; July 23 at the Porter County Fair in Valparaiso, IN; July 24 at the Elkhart County Fair in Goshen, IN; and July 27 at Navy Concert in Norfolk, VA.

SOUL JAZZ REISSUES FROM THE BLACKBYRDS

Seventies soul jazz band The Blackbyrds - assembled by noted trumpeter Dr. Donald Byrd and featuring smooth jazz keyboardist Kevin Toney - get a new moment in the sun with two new releases from Concord Music Group. Due February 27th are Happy Music: The Best Of The Blackbyrds and LoveByrds: Smooth And Easy. Happy Music includes 14 tracks, including their first single Do It Fluid, their 1975 Top five R&B hit Walking In Rhythm, and their 1976 follow-ups Happy Music and Rock Creek Park. Also included is Supernatural Feeling, co-written by Toney with second guitarist Orville Saunders. The LoveByrds collection also includes 14 mellow vocal and instrumental tunes that remain staples of the Quiet Storm format. These include Flying High, Soft And Easy, as well as the Toney compositions All I Ask and Dreaming About You. Also featured are three tunes from the 1975 soundtrack of Cornbread, Earl And Me, composed by Donald Byrd. The Blackbyrds were originally formed by students from Byrd's music classes at Howard University. They initially began by backing Byrd on the road but soon evolved into a band of their own. Toney says that he learned a lot from working with Donald Byrd, who made a point of surrounding himself with young talent the same way Miles Davis did: "He always wanted to surround himself with fresh, young talent and people who are eager to do things different. And I do the same, too, you know. I'm not saying I'm Miles Davis or anything like that. But I'm just saying my training -- even the things I learned working with Donald Byrd with the Blackbyrds, you know, he surrounded himself with young students, us at the time, and we fed off of each other. And what a combination, when you mix experience and seasoning with youth." For more information click to www.kevintoney.com.

ALEXANDER ZONJIC PLANS BENEFIT FOR ANGELA BOFILL

Flutist Alexander Zonjic will perform with several special guests at a benefit show for singer Angela Bofill who is recovering from a stroke.   Alexander and Smooth Jazz V98.7 have teamed with the American Stroke Association to Angels For Angela on Wednesday, March 21st at the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts in Detroit. Zonjic will be joined by Kem, Maysa, Najee, Marion Meadows, Jeff Lorber, Ken Navarro, James Lloyd, Thornetta Davis, Dave McMurray and many others for the special show. We took the name Angels For Angela from one of Angela's biggest hits, Angel Of The Night. We just want to show her our love and support," said Zonjic. "All of the artists are donating their time, energy and talent. We've enjoyed her music so much over the years." Bofill suffered a massive stroke in January 2006 that left her partially paralyzed and impaired her speech. She is continuing to recover, thanks to physical and speech therapy, and is determined to sing again. Like millions of Americans, Bofill was without health insurance Bofill has a new release entitled Angela Bofill Live From Manila, which was recorded back in 2004.

RAMSEY LEWIS IS BUSIER THAN EVER…

At 72, smooth jazz legend Ramsey Lewis is showing no signs of slowing down. Besides hosting two radio shows, touring with his trio and recording (his 76th album, One Voice, came out in 2005), Lewis is working on some original music for a new ballet for the Joffrey Ballet. He is collaborating with famed choreographer Donald Byrd for a production to premier in June at the Ravinia Festival outside of Chicago. So how does the father of seven and grandfather of 13 juggle all those responsibilities? Lewis told Scripps-Howard News Service, "At this point in my life, I wound up doing not one, not two, but several things that I love, and I'm just crazy enough to try and squeeze them all in my schedule. So far, it's working, but maybe it's...because I have so much fun with all of them. When you're having fun and feel good about what you're doing....you sleep well at night and you're ready to get up in the morning and do it all over again." For more information on Ramsey, click to his website at www.ramseylewis.com

Guitar legend George Benson and smooth jazz vocalist extraordinaire Al Jarreau have joined the lineup for this year's Umbria Jazz Festival, to be held in and around the medieval Italian town. The fest, which was started in 1973, runs from July 6th to the15th. Also on the bill will be Pat Metheny, Keith Jarrett, tenor saxman Sonny Rollins and singer Solomon Burke. For more information click to www.umbriajazz.com. Benson and Jarreau are currently on the charts with their Grammy Award winning remake of Mornin'.

SEAL RECORDING A SMOOTH JAZZ ALBUM

Seal has been hard at work on a new smooth jazz album, which he hopes to release this summer. The British singer has been writing about his progress in a running blog on his web site, revealing that the set is turning out to be more of a "dance record." He explained, "This is something that I've always wanted to do seeing as most will say that dance is my background." But Seal says that he'll also toss a few ballads in on the new album. Some track titles include Swoosh, Silent, Wedding Day and You And Me. He has posted clips of the new smooth jazz songs and has plans to release a streaming version of Togetherland, an album he originally planned to release in 2001, but never did.

BOBBY CALDWELL NEW CD – LIVE AT THE BLUE NOTE TOKYO

Smooth Jazz singer Bobby Caldwell has released a brand new CD, Live At The Blue Note Tokyo, but you can only get it online or at one of his live shows. Caldwell is huge in Japan, where he tours annually, and the set showcases one of his many hot performances in that country. Among the 10 songs are standards including Bobby Darin’s Beyond the Sea and Come Rain or Come Shine. For more information, or to purchase Live At The Blue Note Tokyo, click to www.bobbycaldwell.com. Although he's released a dozen albums, Caldwell still probably gets the most airplay for his 1978 breakout hit What You Won't Do For Love. Caldwell says that while the song has been a boon to his career and he's grateful for the airplay, he'd like to be known for his entire body of work --which includes twelve albums since his debut.

GEORGE DUKE, RICHRD ELLIOT & RICK BRAUN JOIN THE LAS VEGAS CITY OF LIGHT JAZZ & R&B FESTIVAL

George Duke, Rick Braun, Richard Elliot and other smooth jazz and R&B luminaries have signed on for the 15th annual Las Vegas City Of Lights Jazz & R&B Festival set for April 20th and 21st. By popular demand, the festival has returned to its former setting, Hills Park at Summerlin, in the Northeast quadrant of Las Vegas.The event includes an R&B night called the Stone Soul Picnic on Friday April 20th. Duke will headline on Friday night, with guests the Dazz Band and the Barkays. The Smooth Jazz portion continues Saturday April 21st from 1 pm until 10 pm, and features Braun and Elliot, along with Philippe Saisse, Jonathan Butler, Peter White, Hiroshima, Nick Colionne, and the Urban Jazz Coalition.Tickets for the event are currently on sale. For more information, go to www.yourjazz.com

EARTH, WIND & FIRE, GREGG ROLIE & YVONNE ELLIMAN HEADLINE DIAMOND HEAD CRATER CELEBRATION

Earth, Wind & Fire and singer Yvonne Elliman have signed on to play in a volcanic crater in Hawaii. They're part of the lineup for the Diamond Head Crater Celebration, which will take place May 19th in O'ahu. EWF will headline the day-long event, while Hawaiian native and Saturday Night Fever legend Elliman will appear for the second consecutive year. The lineup for the show will also include Fleetwood Mac drummer and part-time Hawaiian Mick Fleetwood, who'll premiere his Mick Fleetwood's Island Rumours Band with native Hawaiian musicians and one-time Fleetwood Mac guitarist Rick Vito, while original Santana and Journey singer-keyboardist Gregg Rolie will perform with his band, and they're expected to play Santana classics like Black Magic Woman and Oye Como Va.

SMOOTH JAZZ PLAYS MOTOWN’S GREATEST LOVE SONGS

Shanachie releases Smooth Jazz Plays Motown’s Greatest Love Songs. The featured tracks are: 1. Ain't No Mountain High Enough [4:25]; 2. My Girl [4:11]; 3. I Like It [4:12]; 4. Let's Get It On [5:38]; 5. My Cherie Amore [4:50]; 6. What Does It Take [4:03]; 7. Since I Lost My Baby [6:05]; 8. Neither One Of Us [4:24]9. Your Precious Love [4:22]; and 10. Baby I Need Your Lovin' [5:08].

PBS TO AIR EARLY JAZZ VIDEOS ‘SOUNDIES’ SPECIAL

PBS is presenting a new television special, Soundies: A Musical History Hosted by Michael Feinstein, is scheduled to air on PBS March 8th. The program will explore a nearly forgotten piece of American musical history, the soundie. Michael Feinstein ia a four-time Grammy nominee and one of the premiere interpreters of American song, the program also contains interviews with some of America's most famous musical and cultural icons - including Wynton Marsalis, Les Paul, George Duke, Hugh Hefner and film historian Leonard Maltin. Local airtimes and dates are as follows: March 3rd: Los Angeles, CA - 7PM on KCET; Atlanta, GA - On WPBA; Oklahoma (statewide) - 9PM on OETA; Indianapolis, IN - 9PM on WFYI; and Miami, FL - 9PM on WPBT. March 4th: Kentucky (statewide) - 1PM on KET; West Palm Beach, FL - 8PM on WXEL; Albuquerque, NM - 7PM on KNME; and Detroit, MI - 5PM on Detroit Public TV. Other: Rochester, NY- March 5th at 9PM on WXXI; Phoenix, AZ - March 6th at 8:30PM on KAET; Nashville, TN - March 7th on Nashville Public TV; New York, NY - March 8th at 8PM on WNET; and Georgia Statewide) - March 9 on Georgia PBS stations.

CHILL GROOVES & SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS: NORAH JONES, AL GREEN, GEORGE DUKE, NEVILLE BROTHERS, BARRY WHITE , BONNIE RAITT, PAUL ANKA, STEELY DAN & MORE…

Toni Braxton’s The Essential Toni Braxton has been released on the LaFace/Legacy label. It’s a two-CD collection of her work……….Eagle Vision has released a DVD of Barry White entitled, Let The Music Play: The Barry White Story, which includes interviews with White, his ex-wife, his children, Smokey Robinson, Ray Parker Jr., Nathan East and the Black Eyes Peas’ Taboo……….Multi-Grammy award winner Bonnie Raitt will headline the New Zealand International Jazz & Blues Festival in Christchurch in April. Raitt has released 18 albums over a 30-year career and has won nine Grammy Awards, and her 1991 Luck Of The Draw album, featuring the hit single, Something To Talk About, went seven-times platinum. Raitt’s Christchurch concert on April 13 is part of her international Souls Alike tour……….The Neville Brothers will perform their legendary combination of rhythm and blues, soul and jazz as one of the headliners of this year’s MacDowell Mountain Music Festival in Scottsdale, Arizona. Other national acts will also appear at this event scheduled for April 27-28, 2007……….GMG Radio has recruited Magic FM’s Graham Dene to host the morning show on its soon to be relaunched London station Smooth. GMG has lined up Dene as part of Smooth’s change in format from a jazz and soul station to an easy listening station targeting an over 50 audience. The change is set for Monday, March 26, with the station’s name changing from 102.2 Smooth FM to Smooth Radio. On the same day as the London station’s rebranding, GMG’s 104.4 Smooth FM station in North West England and its three Saga Radio stations in the East and West Midlands and West Central Scotland will also become Smooth Radio stations………..Jazz legends Cleo Lane and John Dankworth are set for the Bexhill Festival (England) in July. The 10-day music festival is the first in what is hoped to he an annual event featuring top international and local talent……….Saxophonist Tim Cunningham’s new release is the soulful and sexy Machester Rd. The album kicks off with the grooving title-track that serves as a testament to the saxman’s ability to burn up the keys on the horn, while songs like Sadie and Heart, Mind & Soul show a level of emotional maturity that can only be gained by paying dues on the bandstand. All twelve songs on Manchester Rd. were written and arranged by Cunningham and produced by Daron Stewart……….Thanks to the recent broadcast of the Grammy Awards and to Valentine’s Day, CD sales are on the upswing stateside – especially on the chill grooves and smooth jazz formats. Here’s a peek of what happened according to the Nielsen SoundScan reports: Norah Jones’ Not Too Late (Blue Note) sold 405,000 copies when it debuted two weeks ago, and this past week, the album moved 211,000 in the United States according to Nielsen SoundScan, sliding up 2-1 on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart despite an 11% sales drop. Late R&B singer Gerald Levert’s In My Songs (Atlantic) bows at No. 2 with 165,000, his highest charting album ever and his best sales week since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking data in 1991. Like Jones, Levert’s sales were likely fueled in part by Valentine’s Day gift purchases. Also, Grammy performer and nominee Corinne Bailey Rae’s self-titled Capitol debut ascends 9-4 on the chart with 120,000 and a 132% increase; John Mayer’s Continuum (29-10, 80,000, 182% increase); John Legend’s Once Again (51-23, 138%), Christina Aguilera’s Back to Basics (58-41, 66%), and Tony Bennett’s Duets: An American Classic (95-45, 147%). The new Van Morrison release, Van Morrison at the Movies (EMI), debuts at No. 35 with 29,000 copies sold. By the way if you missed the Grammy’s then you missed Christina Aguilera’s amazing tribute performance of James Brown’s It’s A Man’s World where she stole the entire show!.…….Introducing Joss Stone, the new album from Joss Stone, comes out March 20 on Virgin. Stone is currently on a European tour promoting the new album……….Paul Anka is completing work on a new album for Decca called My Way – Swings & Strings. The set is due May 1 and features a blend of new recordings of Anka’s own hits and pop/adult contemporary staples. Tracks include Joni Mitchell’s Both Sides Now, Billy Joel’s I Go to Extremes and a duet with the late Sammy Davis Jr. on I Am Not Anyone, which Anka originally penned for Davis in 1973. Other guests on the collection include Andrea Bocelli and Michael Buble……….Al Green is at work on his next Blue Note studio album with the Roots’ Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson in the producer’s chair. The as-yet-untitled disc has been in the works for two years already and is set for completion in September. Thompson hopes to recapture the sound of a 1974 Al Green on this one……….George Duke performs at Yoshi’s Jazz Club at Jack London Square in Oakland, CA from February 22-25. He performed a live set (from Yoshi’s) on the afternoon of February 22 that was broadcast on San Francisco’s Smooth Jazz KKSF.……….Linda Ronstadt will perform the following concerts: April 21 at the Fox Theater in Hutchinson, Kansas and May 5 at the Peppermill Casino in West Wendover, Nevada……….Brazilian Girls and Kruder & Dorfmeister will headline the Ultra Music Festival, which is set for the weekend of March 23-24 in Miami……….Steely Dan are hitting the road and will perform the following concerts: May 6 at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in New Orleans, LA; May 8 at the Seminole Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL; May 12 at the Hard Rock Live Orlando in Orlando, FL; May 17 at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT; May 18 at the Chevrolet Theatre in Wallingford, CT; May 24 at the Tower Theatre in Upper Darby, PA; and June 2 at the Seneca Niagara Casino in Niagara Falls, NY……….James Taylor has added a series of UK concerts to his 2007 tour schedule as follows: April 6 at Civic Hall in Wolverhampton UK, April 8-9 at Symphony Hall in Birmingham UK, April 12 at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow, UK; April 14-15 at the Carling Apollo Manchester in Manchester, UK; April 18 at the Brighton Dome in Brighton, UK; April 19 at Colston Hall in Bristol, UK; April 21 at City Hall in Sheffield, UK; April 23-24 at Carling Apollo Hammersmith in London, UK; April 26 at the Opera House in Blackpool, UK; April 27 at De Montfort Hall in Leicester, UK; April 29 at Newcastle City Hall in Newcastle, UK; April 30 at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow UK; and then back in the states on August 24 at the Tanglewood in Lenox, MA……….Amy Winehouse will perform the following concerts: February 23 at Carling Liverpool Academy in Liverpool,UK; February 25 at Manchester Academy in Manchester, UK; February 26 at Northumbria University in Newcastle, UK; February 27 at Carling Glasgow Academy in Glasgow, UK; March 1 at Ulster Hall in Belfast, UK; March 2 at the Ambassador Theatre in Dublin, Ireland; March 3 at Octagon Centre in Sheffield, UK; March 5 at Rock City in Nottingham, UK; March 6 at Cardiff University in Cardiff, UK; March 8-9 at Shepherd's Bush Empire in London, UK; March 13 at Bowery Ballroom in New York, NY; March 15 at Universal Republic Showcase/Eternal/SxSW in Austin, TX; March 16 at Island UK BBQ/SxSW in Austin, TX; March 19 at the Roxy in Los Angeles, CA; March 20 at Spaceland in Los Angeles, CA; March 23 at Mod Club Theatre in Toronto, ON; April 27 at Coachella in Indio, CA; May 3 at Schubas in Chicago, IL; and July 8 at T in the Park in Kinross, UK.
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JOHN MAYER’S CONTINUUM SUMMER TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED IN WAKE OF LATEST GRAMMY SUCCESS

The success of John Mayer's third studio album, the platinum-certified CONTINUUM, has prompted the announcement of a full summer tour, which will make stops at arenas and amphitheatres throughout the US beginning June 1st in Ridgefield, WA and continuing through August 8th in West Palm Beach, FL (see full itinerary following). Mayer, who appears on the cover of the February 22nd issue of Rolling Stone magazine as one of "The New Guitar Gods" of contemporary music, recently took a break from winter tour dates to accept this year's Best Pop Vocal Album Grammy for CONTINUUM as well as the Best Male Pop Vocal Performance Grammy for his single, Waiting on the World to Change, at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony, where he performed his current single, the stunningly spare Gravity. Over the past week, sales of CONTINUUM have increased 180%, returning the album to the Top 10 on the Billboard 200 best-selling album chart. As his winter tour comes to a close with a sold-out show at Madison Square Garden (2/28), Mayer will perform on the "Late Show with David Letterman" (3/1) and pay a visit to NPR's "Morning Edition" for a "performance chat" with host Steve Inskeep (airdate to be announced).

Go to http://www.johnmayer.com for on sale dates for John Mayer's CONTINUUM Summer Tour. CONTINUUM Summer Tour Dates:

June 1 - Ridgefield, WA @ The Amphitheatre at Clark County
June 2 - George, WA @ The Gorge
June 5 - San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion
June 6 - Fresno, CA @ Save Mart Center
June 8 - Las Vegas, NV @ Mandalay Bay Event Center
June 9 - Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl
June 12 - Chula Vista, CA @ Coors Amphitheatre
June 13 - Glendale, AZ @ Jobing.com Arena
June 15 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Usana Amphitheatre
June 16 - Denver, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
June 17 - Denver, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
June 19 - Bonner Springs, KS @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
June 20 - Maryland Heights, MO @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
June 22 - Dallas, TX @ Smirnoff Music Centre
June 23 - Houston, TX @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
June 24 - San Antonio, TX @ AT&T Center
June 26 - Indianapolis, IN @ Verizon Wireless Music Center
June 28 - Chicago, IL @ Charter One Pavilion
June 30 - Cincinnati, OH @ US Bank Arena
July 1- Cuyahoga Falls, OH @ Blossom Music Center
July 5 - Auburn Hills, MI @ Palace of Auburn Hills
July 14 - Hartford, CT @ New England Dodge Music Center
July 15 - Saratoga Springs, NY @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center
July 17 - Boston, MA @ TD Banknorth Garden
July 20 - Camden, NJ @ Tweeter Waterfront
July 21 - Hershey, PA @ Hershey Park Pavilion
July 24 - Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center
July 25 - Washington, DC @ Verizon Center
July 26 - Uniondale, NY @ Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
July 30 - Virginia Beach, VA @ Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater
July 31 - Raleigh, NC @ Walnut Creek Amphitheatre
August 1- Charlotte, NC @ Charlotte Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
August 3 - Nashville, TN @ Gaylord Entertainment Center
August 4 - Pelham, AL @ Verizon Wireless Music Center
August 5 - Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena
August 7 - Tampa, FL @ St. Pete Times Forum
August 8 - West Palm Beach, FL @ Sound Advice Amphitheatre

CONTINUUM is a pop/rock album showcasing Mayer's diverse influences, rich lyrics, the groove of the guitar-slinging bluesman, and the vocals of the soulful crooner. CONTINUUM earned four stars from Rolling Stone magazine. USA Today wrote that Mayer's "smartly crafted third album combines singer/songwriter pop and sinewy guitar blues," and The New York Times opined, "Mayer has been writing songs again, good ones, with all the leanness and directness that distinguish his strongest work." CONTINUUM was co-produced by John Mayer and Steve Jordan and includes the #1 hit Waiting On The World To Change, and its follow-up single, Gravity. The album features sultry grooves such as I Don't Trust Myself With Loving You, Slow Dancing In A Burning Room, and the Sam Cooke-flavored I'm Gonna Find Another You. Fans of the John Mayer Trio will recognize Vultures and Gravity reworked for the studio by John, Steve, and Pino, as well as a blazing display of fretwork on Jimi Hendrix's Bold As Love. Longtime fans will recognize Heart of Life and Stop This Train as keeping in-step with trademark Mayer material.

A musician and collaborator who exceeds genre boundaries, John Mayer famously toured and recorded with power players Pino Palladino and Steve Jordan as the John Mayer Trio, whose live album Try! was released in November '05. Mayer's other collaborations -- in genres ranging from Rock to Blues, Hip-Hop to Jazz to Country -- have included work with Eric Clapton, BB King, Buddy Guy, T Bone Burnett, Herbie Hancock, Dixie Chicks, Kanye West, Alicia Keys, and Ahmir ?uestlove. Over the course of his career, John Mayer, guitarist/vocalist/songwriter, has sold more than nine million albums including his 2001 breakout, the 4x platinum-selling Room For Squares, 2003's Heavier Things (which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 the week of its release and featured the Grammy- winning Song Of The Year, Daughters), his critically acclaimed work with the John Mayer Trio on Try!, and most recently, the best-selling Grammy-winning CONTINUUM. Room For Squares, Heavier Things, and CONTINUUM have each earned Grammy Awards for John, bringing his career Grammy total to five. Try!, his live recording with the John Mayer Trio, earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album.

For more info, please visit http://www.johnmayer.com

TONY BENNETT: THE MUSIC NEVER ENDS

Netflix, Inc., in association with its Red Envelope Entertainment division, announced it has acquired worldwide rights to produce and distribute a new documentary exploring and celebrating the life and career of the legendary recording artist and concert performer, Tony Bennett. Tony Bennett: The Music Never Ends will be directed by Bruce Ricker (The Last of the Blue Devils, Clint Eastwood: Out of the Shadows), with Clint Eastwood serving as executive producer.

Tony Bennett is beloved as one of the premiere interpreters of the Great American Songbook. The new documentary will follow Bennett's more than 50 years in the music and entertainment industries against the backdrop of a changing America. Weaving seldom seen archival footage with never before seen excerpts of Bennett's recent premier performance at the Monterey Jazz festival -- highlighted by an on-camera interview conducted by Eastwood that explores the essence of Bennett's artistry -- the film will present an exceptional man in a rare way: a living legend through his life, times and music.

This cinematic portrayal of Tony Bennett caps a year-long celebration of a singer who celebrated his 80th birthday last August. Bennett's most recent chart topping CD, Tony Bennett Duets: An American Classic, has also reached another milestone for the singer, becoming the biggest selling album of his career. Duets was awarded three Grammy Awards this February in the categories of "Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album," "Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals" and "Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s)."

The documentary project was brought to Netflix and Red Envelope Entertainment by Danny Bennett, president of RPM Productions, on behalf of Tony Bennett and Clint Eastwood. Netflix is committed to providing consumers with access to the widest variety of films available and, in association with Red Envelope Entertainment, will fully finance the production. An innovative release plan will include DVD rental and sale, online and TV distribution, as well as an event-driven premiere and theatrical release this summer. The film is currently in production at locations around the country, including Astoria, Queens in New York City, where Bennett was born, as well as Hollywood, California.

JEFF GOLUB TO RELEASE ‘GRAND CENTRAL’ CD IN MARCH

Jeff Golub’s upcoming new release, Grand Central , has a distinct New York City vibe and it's an album that captures the artist in his own unique element. Narada Jazz/Blue Note Label Group will release the disc nationally in record stores on March 6th. Through his six previous solo releases, Golub has forged an identity for his bluesy guitar melodies that have consistently risen to the top of the smooth jazz radio and album charts. His records are raw and honest renderings that incorporate blues, R&B, jazz, pop and rock. Golub has a gift for being able to play equally with fiery passion as well as with a relaxed restraint that allows his guitar to emote vocally.

Grand Central was recorded mostly with a live band in New York City studios with New York City musicians, many of whom Golub regularly jams and improvises with in local clubs when at home. Guest appearances and contributions to the record were made by Rick Braun, Richard Elliot, Kirk Whalum, Philippe Saisse and Paul Brown. The disc was produced by Golub along with Steven Miller. Living in New York City requires being in a constant state of communication with people, whether Golub will again be co-headlining the perennial fan-favorite "Guitars & Saxes" tour with concert dates starting in the spring that will run through summer, where he'll be sharing the stage with fellow smooth jazz artists Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright and Tim Bowman.

CHILL GROOVES & SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS: SIMPLY RED, KEIKO MATSUI, JEFF LORBER & MORE...

Look out for a new album from Simply Red on March 12. It’s called Stay and it features the smooth jazz hit So Not Over You. Simply Red lead singer Mick Hucknall has just announced that he will soon become a father. Hucknalll, who is 46, and his partner Gabriella Wesberry, who speaks six languages and is in her 30’s are expecting a daughter in June……….Keiko Matsui releases her new album, Moyo, on April 24. The album was recorded in South Africa and the 12 songs on Moyo evoke a sense of freedom and independence. For this special project, Matsui invited other artists into the creative process, including legendary trumpeter Hugh Masakela, tenor sax player Gerald Albright, soprano sax player Paul Taylor, Richard Bona on bass and vocals Akira Jimbo on drums and Waldemar Bastos on vocals. Matsui is also scheduled for a series of concert appearances, with dates beginning in March in cities around the world, including stops in South Africa, the Ukraine, Los Angeles, and New York……….Grammy-nominated keyboardist and producer Jeff Lorber has just wrapped up production of a brand-new CD that is mixed by Paul Brown and produced by Blood, Sweat & Tears original member Bobby Columby, who produced the last two best-selling CDs by trumpeter Chris Botti. Guest artists on this project include Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, Brian Bromberg, Randy Brecker, Paul Jackson Jr., the Blood Sweat and Tears horn section, Hubert Laws, and Tom Scott.

ROBIN THICKE 'EVOLVES' TO #1

Grammy Award-winner writer/producer Robin Thicke's album has anchored at the #1 spot as the biggest selling R&B album for a second straight week. Bolstered by the success of the #1 hit Lost Without U, the album sits at #6 this week on the Top 200 Album chart and remains the #1 most played song ever at the Urban Adult Contemporary format. Lost Without U currently sits at #1 on the R&B Singles Chart, #25 on Billboard's Hot 100, and is the most requested video on both MTV and VH1. A self-taught musician, Robin's talents as a producer/songwriter can be heard on albums by Usher, Christina Aguilera and Mary J. Blige. He has recently toured with Keyshia Cole, India Arie and John Legend and he'll continue to tour throughout the summer. For dates and venues check out robinthicke.com and myspace.com/robinthicke. The Evolution of Robin Thicke has been certified gold, and is nominated for a Soul Train Award for Best Soul/R&B Album. A limited edition version of the album is in stores now, and includes ringtones for every song, cell phone wallpaper, and an autographed poster. A special edition of the album with three previously unreleased songs is also available on iTunes.