14th INTERNATIONAL ISTANBUL JAZZ FESTIVAL

Organised by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV), the International Istanbul Jazz Festival will take place July 3 - 18 this year. Generously sponsored by GARANTİ BANK, the Istanbul Jazz Festival will present 40 concerts and host more than 200 artists.


NORAH JONES AT ISTANBUL JAZZ FESTIVAL
One of the most popular female singers of our times, Norah Jones is coming to Turkey for the jazz festival right after releasing her latest album "Not Too Late." Jones will be on stage at the Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre on the evening of August 1, Wednesday.

A SPECIAL "EUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB"
This year, the
International Istanbul Jazz Festival introduces an important novelty: In the heart of Istanbul, a very special and unique venue will be converted into a jazz club! The garden of the French Cultural Center at the entrance to İstiklal Street in Beyoğlu will house the European Jazz Club - one of the most beautiful festival spots. It is also the intention of the European Jazz Club to build a platform for European and Turkish artists to perform together at the threshold of 2010 when Istanbul will be the European Capital of Culture. It is highly probable that, after the concerts in the European Jazz Club, the night will continue with fascinating jam sessions.

The first concert in the European Jazz Club will be by one of Turkey's best jazz vocalists Sibel Köse and her group on July 4, Wednesday at 22.00. They will be accompanied by the world-renowned Dutch pianist Michiel Borstlap.

With their album "5 O'clock Tea" released last year, South Maxico became a big success in Switzerland and Europe. This year, they will be the second guest at the European Jazz Club on July 7, Saturday at 22.00. The experienced jazz guitarist Max Schultz is leading the quartet. The group also features a Turkish musician on percussion: Mehmet İkiz.

"The major common denominator of Turkish music and jazz can be improvisation." This is the idea on which The Bosporus Project work to mix the Istanbul-origin Turkish music with jazz. At their concert on July 10, Tuesday at 22.00 the band will be accompanied by one of the most prominent French jazz musicians of the tenor sax, Stéphane Spira.

The last concert at the European Jazz Club will be by one of Turkey's best musicians, Selçuk Sun on July 13, Friday at 22.00. In this very distinctive concert, Sun will be accompanied by Bodil Niska, the esteemed Norwegian tenor sax player.

ROBERT PLANT & THE STRANGE SENSATION - FROM ROCK TO WORLD MUSIC
One of the guests of this year's jazz festival will be the legendary Robert Plant. The voice of the celebrated rock group Led Zeppelin, Robert Plant will meet festival-goers at the Open Air Theatre, July 4, Wednesday at 21.30. Plant is a must-see with his powerful voice and stage performance that is reminiscent of his early years.

BOB DYLAN CLASSICS FROM BRYAN FERRY
Seven years later, Bryan Ferry is once again at Istanbul Jazz Festival! Ferry will be performing at the Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre stage on July 5, Thursday at 21.00. Ferry will perform songs from his new album: "Dylansque". The album features some of the most beautiful interpretations of Dylan classics such as "Knockin' On Heaven's Door", "Times They Are A-Changin" and "Positively 4th Street".

THE UNFORGETTABLE VOICE OF THE BEE GEES: ROBIN GIBB
One of the most important concerts of the festival this year is that of the Bee Gees' soloist Robin Gibb. Gibb will be presenting a very special project on July 10, Tuesday at 21.00 at the Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre. Organised in memory of the world famous producer, Arif Mardin, and Ahmet Ertegün, the concert of Robin Gibb will feature the most loved Bee Gees classics, as well as the Gibb's solo songs from his singular musical career.

A MODERN REPRESENTATIVE OF THE "BIG BAND" TRADITION: JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA & WYNTON MARSALIS
Another must-see of the festival is the concert by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra conducted by Wynton Marsalis on July 11, Wednesday at 21.00 at Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre. The orchestra is one of the most prominent followers of the Big Band tradition with their varied approach to jazz. Currently, Wynton Marsalis is the art director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, and with his technical wisdom and deep knowledge of classical jazz, surprises the audiences with a different and modern style as can be seen in his latest album, "From The Plantation to the Penitentiary".

MICHAEL BOLTON SINGS SINATRA
Almost 53 million copies of his albums were sold to date. He received countless musical awards - this alone sums up the musical career of Michael Bolton and makes him one of the most prominent pop stars. However, he will be presenting his latest project "Bolton Swings Sinatra" at the Istanbul concert. Bolton will be playing and singing classics from the legendary Frank Sinatra at Sepetçiler Kasrı on July 3, Tuesday at 22.00.

TOGETHER AGAIN AFTER MANY YEARS: JOE SAMPLE TRIO & RANDY CRAWFORD
A major jazz/funk band of the 70s, The Crusaders' famous "Street Life" brought these two musicians together for the first time. Randy Crawford and Joe Sample come together once again 30 years after the release of this album! Crawford and Sample will meet jazz-lovers at Esma Sultan Yalısı on July 12, Thursday at 22.00 for a night full of jazz, R&B, soul, pop and latin music.

SPIKE LEE AND TERENCE BLANCHARD
"The Jazz under The Stars" series will be hosting world famous trumpet player
Terence Blanchard and director Spike Lee on July 17, Tuesday on the Sepetçiler Kasrı stage at 22.00. Already staged in London, New York and Chicago, "The Movie Music of Spike Lee & Terence Blanchard" concerts made a big hit wherever they appeared. Visiting Istanbul for the first time, this project is an awe-inspiring concert experience featuring the famous trumpet player Terence Blanchard - known for his film scores, his band and a chamber orchestra of 20 musicians. The host of the night will be Spike Lee.

ALTERNATIVE SOUNDS AT THE "NEW FOLKS SERIES" OF THE FESTIVAL
BLONDE REDHEAD AT THE ISTANBUL MODERN
One of the leading alternative rock bands of our day, Blonde Redhead have after each album added to their fans a plethora of devoted audiences. Renowned with albums with striking names as "Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons" and "Misery Is A Butterfly" and songs such as "Elephant Woman" and "Falling Man", the band made a big success with their latest album "23" released this year. Blonde Redhead will be performing on July 3, Tuesday at 21.30 at the Istanbul Modern Sculpture Garden.

TWO MAGICAL SOUNDS : "ANTONY AND THE JOHNSONS" AND JOSÉ GONZÁLEZ
Istanbul will host two magical sounds at the most vital concert of the New Folks section of the Jazz Festival on July 8, Sunday. The star of the night will be Antony & The Johnsons who won Great Britain's most prominent contemporary music award, the Mercury Award in 2005. Famous with Antony Hegarty's unique and alluring voice, the band is one of the best and most original catches of the recent years. Hegarty's charming voice is often compared to Aaron Neville, Nina Simone and Bryan Ferry. Before the concert of Antony & The Johnsons, song and lyrics writer José González who is most loved in Turkey with his singles "Heartbeats" and "Crosses" will take the stage at 20.00.

DOWN TO THE BONE - SUPERCHARGED

Led by Stuart Wade, Down To The Bone's music has been irresistible from the start with its critically acclaimed 1997 debut, Manhattan to Staten. Its five succeeding discs proved it to be one of the most enthralling and consistently hard-hitting bands to emerge out of the U.K.'s jazz-funk scene. Following their recent Best Of album, Supercharged - Down to the Bone's seventh original album - the band pulls off the uncanny feat of simultaneously beefing up its sonic palette, while retaining its raw intensity. In lesser hands, the addition of the three horns (here, billed as the D.C. Horns) to support Paul "Shilts" Weimar's scalding tenor saxophone riffs and melodies would extinguish the group's energetic groove. But the rhythmic engine of drummer Adam Riley, alternating bassists Richard Sadler and Julian Crampton, and guitarist Tony Remy keeps the fire burning.

Supercharged packs a punch from beginning to end. While echoes of Sly & the Family Stone, Maceo Parker, Tower of Power, Cold Blood, Booker T. & the MGs, and the Average White Band permeate the disc, Down To The Bone remains true to its signature sound with all-out funk grooves. Corrina Greyson and returning collaborator, Hil St. Soul lend their voices on the contagious, mid-tempo groove "Smile to Shine" and the more aggressive romp, "Shake It Up." The one track that demands immediate attention is "Electric Vibes," featuring legendary vibraphonist Roy Ayers, whom Wade says that it was a lifetime dream to finally collaborate with. "Ayers is linked with practically every funk movement in the U.K. since the '70s," Wade claims. "There's a whole new generation in London, mainly the broken beat cats, who do soul music -- people like I.G. Culture, Kaidi Tatham, Mark de Clive-Lowe, Daz-I-Kue." On Supercharged, Wade takes the group's powerful sound to a funkier destination with an expanded roster of talented musicians at the helm.

AL GREEN TO MAKE FIRST APPEARANCE AT 30th ANNUAL FREIHOFER'S JAZZ FESTIVAL

Legendary soul singer and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer among major jazz artists
that will perform on Amphitheatre Main Stage

Legendary soul and gospel singer and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Al Green will make his first appearance at the 30th Annual Freihofer's Jazz Festival at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Sunday, June 24. Green, whose career spans four decades, is widely acknowledged to be one of the greatest soul singers of our time.

Green became a household name in the 1970s after a number of celebrated hits including, "Let's Stay Together" and "I'm Still in Love with You," topped the charts. In the ensuing years, Green had seven number one albums and 16 Top 10 singles in the US alone. Yet, at the height of his career, personal tragedy propelled Green into ministry - a commitment that would take him away from R&B and popular music for many years.

In the 1990's Green re-emerged on the music scene, enjoying successful collaborations with popular contemporary singers like Annie Lennox and Lyle Lovett, and renewed interest in his music as a result of its use in film and television scores. In 1995 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Today, Green is an ordained minister who divides his time between his church in Memphis and concert tours that take him around the world. Currently celebrating the 40th anniversary of his soul career, Green will be touring Europe and North America throughout 2007.

Other headliners scheduled to perform on SPAC's main Amphitheatre stage during the Festival include:

- George Benson, the eight-time Grammy Award-winning singer/guitarist/songwriter who was part of the first Jazz Festival at SPACin 1978

- Neo-classic soul artist and two-time Grammy-winner India.Arie whose 2006 album, Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship went gold just weeks after its release
master jazz fusion violinist and pioneer

- Jean-Luc Ponty who will perform selections from his critically acclaimed new release the Acatama Experience

- Veteran alto sax master and contemporary/smooth jazz artist David Sanborn making his 10th festival appearance

- The Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band featuring Slide Hampton, James Moody, Jimmy Heath, Roy Hargrove and vocalist Roberta Gambarini in a performance paying tribute to Dizzy Gillespie's 1978 festival performance

A unique feature of the Freihofer's Jazz Festival tradition is the Gazebo stage. Strategically located on SPAC's back lawn, the gazebo serves as a showcase for emerging talents across the jazz spectrum and a space that allows fans a more up-close musical experience.

Artists scheduled to appear on the Gazebo stage at this year's Festival include:

- Jazz virtuoso saxophone and clarinet player Anat Cohen
- Holistic New African soul-jazz singer Somi
- Vocalist Sachal Vasandani whose recently released debut album has earned critical raves
- Bassist, singer and composer Esperanza Spalding
- Jazz drummer Carl Allen who will also be appearing on the main stage with his band New Spirit

Also appearing on the gazebo stage for the first time will be Hayes Greenfield & Jazz-a-ma-Tazz. Designed to be a fun, educational and interactive music performance for children, Hayes and his band introduce elements of the jazz experience including call and response, scat singing, dancing and interpretive sound. Participation by the audience is a central feature of the program.

"As the Freihofer's Jazz Festival celebrates a milestone thirty years, we are proud to celebrate that wonderful history with a host of jazz artists who collectively represent the full, rich spectrum of the jazz tradition. From timeless talents like Al Green, George Benson and Jean-Luc Ponty to new artists like Sachal Vasandani, Somi and many other up-and-comers who are moving jazz in exciting new directions, this year's Festival will be a showcase for the music and the artists who've expanded the vocabulary of modern jazz," said Marcia J. White, SPAC President and Executive Director.

WJZI SMOOTH 93.3 MILWAUKEE SWITCHES FORMATS

After 11 years of Smooth Jazz, WJZI-FM (Smooth 93.3)/Milwaukee flips to a
mainstream Adult Contemporary (AC) format. The move fills a void in the market since the demise of Asult Contemporary. WLTQ in 2003 where WJZI PD Stan Atkinson held programming reins for six years. Atkinson moves from nights to mornings with 20-year market vet Ellen Stout beginning June 25. Milwaukee Radio Alliance VP/GM Bill Hurwitz said, "There's an opportunity to attract the underserved 35-54 female audience, and we have in Stan Atkinson someone who can not only program to attract and retain listeners but also a talent who can entertain."


"Ellen and I will have good, clean fun in the morning... a station you can
tune to with kids in the car, and not worry about what we'll say next,"
added Atkinson. "We have the most talented, notable females in the market,
and they'll be anchoring all prime dayparts." 11-year market vet Julie Davidson joins for middays, and Patti Genko will handle afternoons. Terry Love rounds out the roster in nights.

TOOTS AND THE MAYTALS TOUR DATES

Toots & The Maytals will perform the following concerts:
June 9 - Stephen Talkhouse, Amagansett NY
June 13 - Recher Theatre, Towson MD
June 15 - International Jazz Festival, Rochester NY
July 15 – GuilFest, Guildford UK
July 18 – Picturedrome, Holmfirth UK
July 22 - Victoria Park, London UK
August 8 - Tweeter Center, Camden NJ
August 10 - Post-Gazette Pavilion, Burgettstown PA
August 11 - Nissan Pavilion, Bristow VA
August 14 - Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs NY
August 15 - Virginia Beach Amphitheatre, Virginia Beach VA
August 17 - Greek Theatre, Los Angeles CA
August 18 - Viejas Concerts in the Park, Alpine CA
August 19 - Anselmo Valencia Tori Amphitheatre, Tucson AZ
August 21 - Sandia Casino Amphitheater, Albuquerque NM
January 4 - Jam Cruise, Ft. Lauderdale FL
January 5 – Jam Cruise, Ft. Lauderdale FL
January 6 – Jam Cruise, Ft. Lauderdale Fl
January 7 – Jam Cruise, Ft. Lauderdale FL
January 8 – Jam Cruise, Ft. Lauderdale FL
January 9 – Jam Cruise, Ft. Lauderdale FL

DIANA KRALL TOUR DATES

Diana Krall will perform the following concerts:
June 8 - Yoshi's, Oakland CA
June 9 – Yoshi’s, Oakland, CA
June 14 - Las Vegas Hilton, Las Vegas NV
June 15 – Las Vegas Hilton, Las Vegas, NV
June 16 – Las Vegas Hilton, Las Vegas, NV
June 17 – Las Vegas Hilton, Las Vegas, NV
June 19 - Wente Vineyards, Livermore CA
June 20 - Mountain Winery, Saratoga CA
June 21 – Mountain Winery, Saratoga, CA
June 24 - Wells Fargo Center, Santa Rosa CA
July 7 - Borgata Hotel, Atlantic City NJ
July 8 - New Jersey PAC, Newark NY
July 9 - Constellation PAC, Canandaigua NY
July 10 - Providence Performing Arts Center, Providence RI
July 12 - Chevrolet Theatre, Wallingford CT
July 13 - Cape Code Melody Tent, Hyannis MA
July 14 - Bank of America Pavilion, Boston MA
July 16 - Wolf Trap, Vienna VA
July 18 - Chastain Park, Atlanta GA
July 19 - Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Nashville TN
July 21 - Fox Theater, Detroit MI
August 7 - Les Schwab Amphitheater, Bend OR
August 8 - Cuthbert Amphitheatre, Eugene OR
August 9 - Keller Auditorium, Portland OR
August 11 - Chateau Ste. Marie, Woodinville WA
August 12 – Chateua Ste. Marie, Woodinville, WA
August 14 - Harvey's Outdoor Amphitheatre, Stateline NV
August 15 - Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco CA
August 17 - Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles CA
August 18 – Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA
August 19 - Santa Barbara County Bowl, Santa Barbara CA
August 21 - Pechanga Casino, Temecula CA
August 22 – Bayside, San Diego CA
August 23 - Dodge Theater, Phoenix AZ
August 26 - Georgia O'Keefe Museum, Santa Fe NM
August 27 - Red Rocks, Morrison CO
August 28 - Santa Fe Opera House, Santa Fe NM
August 29 - Fox Theatre, St. Louis MO
August 31 - Riverside Theater, Milwaukee WI
September 2 – Ravinia, Highland Park IL
September 22 - Monterey Jazz Festival, Monterey CA

NORAH JONES & ORNETTE COLEMAN TOPLINE GASTEIZ JAZZ FESTIVAL

Composer, singer and pianist Norah Jones, jazz innovator Ornette Coleman, film director Spike Lee and Spain's Niño Josele and Buika will be the main attraction of the 31st Vitoria-Gasteiz Jazz Festival de Jazz, being held in the Basque city from July 15th to 21st. For one week a year Vitoria-Gasteiz takes over the baton of New Orleans and becomes the world-wide capital of jazz. The Vitoria-Gasteiz Jazz Festival celebrates its 31st festival in 2007 and it is the most prestigious jazz festival in Spain. Over the years, many important artists have appeared for the first time in Spain at the Vitoria-Gasteiz Jazz Festival, and they include Bobby McFerrin, Roy Hardgrove, Madeleine Peyroux, and Jamie Cullum, among many others. Sonny Rollins and Wynton Marsalis were the last big stars to come to Vitoria-Gasteiz, and the city commemorated Marsalis’ stay with a statue of the man himself in the Paseo de la Florida, and he paid homage to the city performing for the first time a musical suite dedicated to Vitoria-Gasteiz.

CHICAGO TOUR DATES

Chicago will perform the following concerts:
June 6 - Ford Amphitheatre, Tampa FL
June 8 – BJCC, Birmingham AL
June 9 - Botanic Gardens, Memphis TN
June 10 - Chastain Park Amphitheatre, Atlanta GA
June 12 - Filene Center, Vienna VA
June 13 - Bank of America Pavilion, Boston MA
June 14 - Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville CT
June 16 - Bethel Woods Center, Bethel NY
June 17 - Tweeter Center, Camden NJ
June 19 - Casino Rama, Rama ON
June 20 – Casino Rama, Rama ON
June 22 - Jones Beach, Wantagh NY
June 23 - PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel NJ
June 24 - Borgata Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City NJ
June 26 - Riverbend Music Centre, Cincinnati OH
June 28 - Post-Gazette Pavilion, Pittsburgh PA
June 29 - DTE Energy Theatre, Detroit MI
June 30 - Charter One Pavilion, Chicago IL
July 3 - Zoo Amphitheatre, Oklahoma City OK
July 6 - Sleep Train Amphitheatre, Concord CA
July 7 - Greek Theatre, Los Angeles CA
July 8 - Open Air Theatre, San Diego CA
July 19 - Rock Fest, Farwell MI
July 20 - Great Jones Fair, Monticello IA
July 21 – RockFest, Cadott WI
July 22 - RockFest in Farwell MI
July 23 - Porter County Fair, Valparaiso IN
July 24 - Elkhart County Fair, Goshen IN
July 27 - Navy Concert, Norfolk VA
July 28 - Innsbrook Pavilion, Richmond VA
July 29 - Booth Amphitheatre, Cary NC
August 1 – Biltmore, Asheville NC
August 3 - Beau Rivage, Biloxi MS
August 4 – Beau Rivage, Biloxi MS
August 17 - Casablanca Casino, Mesquite NV
August 18 - Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas NV
August 19 - Peppermill Casino, Wendover NV
August 21 - Breeden Fieldhouse, Bozeman MT
August 23 - Spirit Mountain Casino, Grande Ronde OR
August 24 - Northern Quest Casino, Airway Heights WA
August 25 - Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville WA
August 26 – Chateua Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville WA
August 29 - Britt Pavilions, Jacksonville OR
August 31 - Mountain Winery, Saratoga CA
September 1 – Mountain Winery, Saratoga, CA
September 2 - California State Fair, Sacramento CA
September 6 - East Idaho State Fair, Blackfoot ID
September 7 - Rock Jam, Grand Junction CO
September 9 - Kansas State Fair, Hutchinson KS
September 11 - Clay County Fair, Spencer IA

BOZ SCAGGS TOUR DATES

Boz Scaggs will perform the following concerts:
July 7 - Radisson Hotel, Sacramento CA
July 8 - Grand Sierra Resort, Reno NV
July 10 - Wells Fargo Center, Santa Rosa CA
July 13 - Mountain Winery, Saratoga CA
July 14 – Mountain Winery, Saratoga CA
July 17 - Grove of Anaheim, Anaheim CA
July 18 - Humphrey's Concerts by the Bay, San Diego CA
July 20 - Canyon Club, Agoura Hills CA
July 21 - House of Blues, Las Vegas NV
July 24 - Cape Cod Melody Tent, Hyannis MA
July 27 - Tropicana Casino, Atlantic City NJ
July 28 - North Fork Theatre, Westbury NY

LEGACY OF SOUL SINGER OTIS REDDING TO BE COMMEMORATED IN 2007

December 10, 2007 will mark the 40th Anniversary of the death of legendary soul singer, Otis Redding. Ranked # 21 on Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Artist of All Time" list, Redding emerged onto the music scene in the early 1960's, quickly establishing himself as a superstar artist and savvy businessman. In just a few years, he amassed a string of timeless hits, such as "I've Been Loving You Too Long," "Satisfaction," "Try a Little Tenderness," and "Respect," that would crossover into the mainstream, establish him as an international celebrity and strongly influence artists of all genres for generations to come. "Respect," which Redding penned in 1965, was a Top 10 hit for him and later became a # 1 smash for Aretha Franklin in 1967. It remains one of the most well-loved and recognizable songs of all time.

Tragically and way before his time, Otis Redding was killed in a plane crash in December, 1967 at the youthful age of 26, leaving his wife, Zelma and three children to mourn his death. Although he was very young at the time of his passing, Redding had already made an enormous impact on the music industry. He had released numerous hit albums and smash singles before his death and "Sittin on the Dock of the Bay," released posthumously, became his 17th straight hit, first million-seller and one of
his most popular songs.

On May 11th of this year, Otis Redding was inducted into the famed Hollywood's Rock Walk, along with The Mamas & The Papas and Al Kooper. This prestigious honor serves as the perfect commencement to a number of events the Redding family is presenting in 2007 to celebrate what would have been his 66th birthday on September 9th, to commemorate the anniversary of his passing and to recognize the outstanding legacy of his career.

First in the series of festivities will be a week-long tribute in Redding's hometown, Macon GA, celebrating the anniversary of Redding's September birthday. These events include a concert, An Evening of R-E-S-P-E- C-T, on September 14th. The concert will showcase Redding's sons Dexter and Otis III, The Macon Symphony Orchestra and other celebrity artists and will benefit THE BIG "O" YOUTH EDUCATIONAL DREAM FOUNDATION.

The foundation, which was established by Redding's widow, Zelma Redding, was created to empower youth to remain confident, motivated and interested in education through music and arts programs. It was always a personal mission of Redding's to encourage young people to stay in school. Before his passing, he had developed programs to be held at his ranch where he invited people from all areas of the music industry to lecture to children on the importance of education and learning. Of her husband's efforts, Zelma Redding says, "Otis would tell me," 'If it takes music to get the
attention of these young people, then let's educate them through music.'

Coinciding with the musical tribute will be the unveiling of Otis Redding: I've Got Dreams to Remember, a special exhibition at the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in Macon. The exhibit features behind-the-scenes photographs taken by a wide range of noted professionals in the U.S. and in France. In addition, more than 175 artifacts vividly tell the story of Redding's rise to stardom, including rare, hand-written song lyrics,posters, letters and promotional memorabilia. The exhibition is on display

September 14, 2007 through September 10, 2008 and is curated by Ellen Fleurov, president of Crossroads Traveling Exhibition, Atlanta, and a nationally recognized independent scholar, writer and curator. The exhibit will travel across the U.S. throughout 2008 and 2009 and there are plans to present An Evening of Respect in other cities. These and other to-be-announced commemorations are being made possible with gracious support from various companies and organizations who are helping the
Redding Family keep the legacy of Otis Redding alive.

2007 TD CANADA ATLANTIC JAZZ FESTIVAL, 21st EDITION

Organizers have announced the headline roster for the 21st Atlantic Jazz Festival, slated to run this year from July 13 to 21 in Halifax. Scheduled to take place in a variety of venues throughout the city, headliners announced this past Wednesday include guitarist Bill Frisell and his trio of Joey Baron and Tony Scheer, Jerry Granelli’s V16 combo, South African trumpet legend Hugh Masakela, and 2007 Juno Award winner Jon Ballantyne.

For blues fans are the Downchild Blues Band, and slide guitarist Ellen McIlwaine with tabla player Cassius Khan. For Latin music lovers are East Coast groups HavanaFax (opening for Masakela), Salsa Picante (with Toronto world soul group Mr. Something Something), and El Viento Flamenco with Gypsophilia. Avant garde acts will include keyboardist Andy Milne with saxophonist Dani Oore, and music/spoken word quartet Language Arts, while the acoustic series will feature saxophonists David Mott and Kirk MacDonald, and cellist Matt Brubeck with pianist David Braid. The Jazz Sub-Pop-Terranean Series presents Montreal improv instrumental trio Torngat; Tallboys, the Brubeck collaboration with guitarist Kevin Breit and drummer Jesse Stewart; and UK sound artist Max Tundra.

Among the headliners for The Late Night Series are Canadian keyboard giant Doug Riley, Paul Cram’s Guerrilla Vacation, Montreal pianist Marianne Trudel, and Montreal saxophonist Christine Jensen’ and her quartet. Local music showcases include a CD launch by veteran bassist Jamie Gatti, the all-star collaboration TONIC, and Doris Mason’s Ella Fitzgerald Tribute.

HIGHLIGHTS OF ATLANTIC JAZZ FESTIVAL 2007
Friday July 13: Bill Frisell with Joey Baron & Tony Scherr, Jerry Granelli’s V16
Saturday July 14: Mamani Keita & Nicholas Rapac, Louis Mhlanga, Kojo, Zumbi, Ellen Mcilwaine, Torngat, CMW Faculty Concert

Sunday July 15: Slavic Soul Party, Hylozoists, Synchronics, Dave James’ Jazz Hoods, Paul Cram’s Guerilla Vacation, Bill Brennan, Roy Patterson

Monday July 16: Hugh Masakela, Havanafax, Clas Larsson, Jamie Gatti CD Release, See Through Trio, Andy Milne & Jon Ballantyne, Horsepower Blues, Brandi Disterheft Trio

Tuesday July 17: Downchild Blues Band, Morgan Davis, Shirley Jackson & Good Rockin’ Daddies, Tonic, Andy Milne & Dani Oore, Marianne Trudel & Richard Whiteman, Uncle Fester & Fresh Kils’ Tonic Remixed, Doug Riley Quintet

Wednesday July 18: Beyond the Pale, Talhambra, KC and the Sunshine Men, Scott ‘n’ the Rocks, Doris Mason’s Ella Fitzgerald Tribute, Language Arts, Christine Jensen Quartet, Brubeck/Braid, Barry Romberg’s Random Access Quartet, Tonic

Thursday July 19: Salsa Picante, Mr. Something Something, Tom Daniels, Sillan & Young, Simon Fisk, Dan Weiss Trio, V16 / Sanctuary, Tallboys, Doug Riley Quintet

Friday July 20: Canefire, Afromusica, Los Primos Big Band, Holly Carr / Men With Gloves, Andy Cragg Nonet, Barriomatic Trust, Murley/Davidson/Braid Quintet, Joel Harrison & Harvest, Max Tundra, V16

Saturday July 21: Gypsophilia, El Viento Flamenco, Tuesday Night Big Band, Chebucto Big Band, Big Valley Swing Orchestra, Tthunderbolts, CMW Showcase with Howard Levy / Greg Amirault Quartet, Soul Jazz Orchestra & People Project
for more information visit www.jazzeast.com

ELDAR RE-IMAGINATION

"Eldar has the fastest hands in jazz...melds Russian soul (in the ballads) with American razzle-dazzle." -- Billboard

Jazz pianist Eldar documents his transition from youthful prodigy to creative artist with the release of re-imagination. Born and raised in Russia, Eldar's mother nurtured his burgeoning talent and he soon became a student of the classical Russian School of Music where he refined his technique. However, it was when his father introduced him to jazz legends Oscar Peterson, Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock that he "fell in love with jazz for life." From the age of nine, Eldar's awards and accolades accumulated and peaked with a performance at the Grammy Awards in 2000 and a first place recipient award in the Peter Nero Piano Competition. His previous album, 2006's Live At The Blue Note, cemented Eldar as one of the most formidable jazz musicians of his generation.

On re-imagination, Eldar explores in-depth compositions by reflecting on people, places and events in his life. He conceived the project as a pseudo suite, weaving together nine originals and two standards into an autobiographical narrative arc. The opening track, “I Remember When,” was written for his parents and his "wonderful" upbringing. "Prairie Village" recalls the time he spent in his first American hometown, a suburb of Kansas City. Also featured on the disc is "Place St. Henri" by Oscar Peterson, whom Eldar cites as his foremost influence. To top it all, master turntablist DJ Logic brings a unique, distinctive edge and texture to the music seldom found on jazz records. With re-imagination, Eldar finally manages to get the range, virtuosity and fun of his renowned live shows onto an album. For those who have not yet experienced Eldar live, check out this video to get a taste and be prepared to buy your tickets when he comes near your town on his US tour. He wowed audiences recently at his sold-out release party at Joe's Pub proving that he can break physical barriers with his piano playing on record and on stage. As Downbeat Magazine's Robert Doerschuk states, "it's what he does when the razzle-dazzle dies down and we sense substance within and beyond his pyrotechnics" that truly sets him apart from the pack.

AMOS LEE TOUR DATES

Amos Lee will perform the following concerts: June 29 at Britt Festivals in Jacksonville OR, July 4 at Willie Nelson's 4th of July Picnic in Quincy WA, July 13 at North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam Netherlands, August 5 at Newport Folk Festival in Newport RI, August 29 at Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre in Denver CO, and September 2 at moe.down in Turin NY.

JOSS STONE TOUR DATES

Joss Stone will perform the following concerts: June 8 at Central Park SummerStage in New York NY, June 11 at Avalon in Boston MA, June 13 at Filene Center in Vienna VA, June 16 at Revolution in Ft. Lauderdale FL, June 22 at Glastonbury Festival in Pilton UK, June 24 at Knowsley Hall Music Festival in Prescot UK, July 1 at Concert for Diana in London UK, July 11 at Henieken Music Hall in Amsterdam Netherlands, July 14 at Jazz Oopen in Stuttgart Germany, July 17 at Wiesen Festival in Wiesen Austria, July 20 at Summer Festival in Lucca Italy, July 22 at Gurtenfestival in Bern Switzerland, July 29 at Fuji Rock Festival in Nigata Japan, August 30 at Deer Valley Resort in Deer Valley UT, September 1 at Jazz Aspen in Aspen CO, September 6 at Britt Pavilion in Jacksonville OR, September 8 at Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas NV, September 14 at Austin City Limits Festival in Austin TX, September 20 at Charter One Pavilion in Chicago IL, and October 31 at Ahoy in Rotterdam Netherlands.

‘STILL KOOL’ FROM KOOL AND THE GANG

The upcoming new album of material by Kool & the Gang called “Still Kool,” is scheduled for July 10 on New Door Records.    As a bonus to this album, there will be included a Limited Edition bonus disc of 5 songs featuring the following songs “Celebration,” Hollywood Swinging,” Summer Madness,” Joanna,” and the Eumir Deodato-produced “Ladies Night.”                        

MICHAEL FRANKS TOUR DATES

Jazz singer Michael Franks is currently on the road and has scheduled a batch of upcoming appearances:

June 22 – Richmond, VA @ Kanawha Plaza/Fridays at Sunset Series
July 20 – New Orleans, LA @ House Of Blues
July 21 – Lithonia, GA @ Stewart Amphitheatre
July 27 – Indianapolis, IN @ Music Mill
July 28 – Detroit, MI @ Chene Park
Aug 26 – Carry, NC @ Koka Booth Amphitheater
Oct 1 – Tokyo, Japan @ Billboard Live Nation
Oct 2 – Tokyo, Japan @ Billboard Live Nation
Oct 3 – Tokyo, Japan @ Billboard Live Nation
Oct 5 – Osaka, Japan @ Billboard Live Nation
Oct 6 – Osaka, Japan @ Billboard Live Nation

BOB MARLEY’S TO BECOME FIRST ARTIST TO HAVE MUSIC AVAILABLE VIA NEW TECHNOILOGY FORMAT

Bob Marley's masterpiece Exodus celebrates its 30th anniversary this summer, and will be commemorated with the release of an exclusive new version of the album. Starting today, limited edition copies of the recording will be available on USB Memory Stick via Bob Marley's official website. The event marks the very first artist-specific album to be released using this groundbreaking format.

Described by Time Magazine as "the best album of the 20th century," Exodus catches Marley at the height one of his most introspective, rebellious and creative periods, and it will now continue to make history by offering an alternative way for fans to purchase music, introducing them to the exciting technology available in today's music marketplace. In addition to the launch of this new format, the multi-layered promotion will also include a variety of added value and content to be released via Bob Marley's official site.

4000 limited edition reusable USB Memory Sticks feature not only the 10 original songs on Exodus but also audio and video content, including three video tracks recorded at London's Rainbow Theatre in June 1977. Fans that join the Bob Marley Passport Fan Club will receive the Exodus USB and also receive an exclusive carrying case, a 10% discount at the Bob Marley shop on the site, as well as a quarterly newsletter. Passport members will also have access to rare Bob Marley audio, video, and photos, as well as future digital media.

Also available June 4th, a variety of new and unique Bob Marley music and memorabilia never officially available before will be accessible for purchase to all Bob Marley site visitors:

-- EXODUS 30th ANNIVERSARY EDITION CD -- Featuring the 10 tracks on the
original release and now reissued as a special 30th Anniversary Edition
packaged -- for the first time - in a quality 'hardback' case.

-- DELUXE CD/ DVD- Limited to just 5000 copies, this version features not
only the album but also a separate DVD with 12 tracks from Marley's
historic Rainbow concerts in the summer of 1977.

-- LP- The return of the original and legendary 10-track vinyl album, as
first released in June 1977.

-- EXODUS 30th ANNIVERSARY BOOK -- A new special edition 144-page hardback
book that is lavishly illustrated with many previously unpublished
pictures and includes contributions from such writers as the esteemed
commentator and critic Richard Williams, Lloyd Bradley (author of the
acclaimed Bass Culture), Vivien Goldman, Robert Christgau, Neil Spencer
and the celebrated poet Linton Kwesi Johnson. The book, which features
over 200 images, is introduced by Chris Blackwell, the founder of
Island Records.

-- Exodus T-shirt based on the original tour T-shirt

Released in 1977, Marley recorded the Exodus album in exile. Having escaped an assassination attempt in Jamaica, he arrived in London during the first week of 1977 and set to work recording his fifth studio album. Exodus became the album that transformed Marley's career, a recording of extraordinary creative maturity, which resonated with audiences around the world. The album established Marley as the Third World's first superstar, a legacy that survives thirty years after the album's release

FIRST WESTCHESTER JAZZFEST TO FEATURE RICK BRAUN, PETER WHITE & BOB BALDWIN

The first Westchester Jazz Festival is set to launch this coming July 4th weekend with a lineup that will include the Jazz Attack featuring Rick Braun, Peter White, and Richard Elliot, along with keyboardist Bob Baldwin. The event is set for July 7th at Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson, New York. Also set for the event are local musicians, including flautist Ragan Whiteside and guitarist Lou Volpe. More artists are expected to be announced. Baldwin, who also consults several radio stations, will be unveiling his new CD, The Sanctioned Bootleg, Vol. I, at the event.

PRINCE SIGNS WITH COLUMBIA - NEW ALBUM IN STORES JULY 24

Columbia Records is proud to work once again with Prince in the release of "Planet Earth" -- the latest full-length studio collection from the multi-platinum Grammy-winning artist -- available in North America on Tuesday, July 24, the culmination of a worldwide launch beginning July 16.

"Guitar," the first single from "Planet Earth," will be serviced to all radio formats on June 11. Prince's long-term musical proteges, Wendy & Lisa, are among the musicians appearing on "Planet Earth." Prince has recently announced the first dates of his upcoming World Tour, beginning August 1 at the O2 Arena in London, where the first of 15 concert dates sold-out in record time. Six additional dates have been added and will go on-sale next week.

"'Planet Earth' is a fantastic album and promises to be a musical milestone for Prince," said Rob Stringer. "The Columbia label is thrilled to be working with an iconic artist like Prince in this exciting stage of his amazing career."

"Guitar," the first single from Prince's upcoming new album, "Planet Earth," will be available free, for a promotional period, exclusively from Verizon Wireless. John Stratton, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Verizon, noted, "When Prince, who has consistently been on the cutting edge of music, harnesses innovative technology to deliver his fresh new music, that's a tremendous opportunity for music lovers across the country. At Verizon, we're committed to delivering hot multimedia services to the public in a way that's powerful, direct and relevant."

Prince is planning to make his next single available as a free download to mobile phone users to build excitement for his forthcoming album, Planet Earth. Fans can download the song "Guitar" using the new Verizon Wireless V Cast song ID feature. The phone will identify the song for subscribers who hold the phone near a speaker, and also give information about websites where fans can view the accompanying video.

Prince is set to unveil a new fragrance called 3121 and has recently announced concert dates for Los Angeles and London.

MARC ANTOINE TO RELEASE ‘HI-LO’ IN JULY 2007

Smooth jazz guitarist Marc Antoine is set to release his eighth album, entitled Hi-Lo Split after a type of poker game. This will be his first project for Peak Records. Antoine is known for his acoustic Latin and flamenco guitar style, which he returns to after experimenting with techno sounds on 2005's Rendezvous release, Modern Times.According to smoothjazzvibes.com, among the 11 songs on Hi-Lo Split is a cover of the Classic IV's 40-year-old hit single, "Spooky." Antoine, who lives in Spain, used mostly local musicians for the CD. Other song titles include "For A Smile," "Silk & Steel" and "Tomorrow."

BONEY JAMES’ NEW CHRISTMAS CD

Boney James is wrapping production on a brand-new Christmas CD, due to be released this fall. Christmas Present (Concord) is James' second holiday collection, and his first in 11 years since Boney's Funky Christmas. On this new set, trumpeter Rick Braun will guest on "The First Noel" while vocalist Angie Stone sings "Merry Christmas Baby" and Chante' Moore does "Santa Baby." Other tracks planned include Joni Mitchell's "River" and everyone's favorite Charlie Brown holiday song, "Skating," originally done by Vince Guaraldi. Boney's current CD, Shine, is the gift that just keeps giving: the new single, "Hypnotic," is the second Number One from the project

MAYSA LEAK HITS THE SMOOTH JAZZ CHARTS WITH ‘FEEL THE FIRE’

Smooth jazz vocalist Maysa Leak landed back on the charts this week with her new Shanachie CD Feel The Fire. The new set offers up more R&B favorites re-interpreted by the former Incognito singer, following her 2006 release Sweet Classic Soul. On the new set Maysa covers the Peabo Bryson title tune, as well as Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine," Norman Connors' "You Are My Starship," Stevie Wonder's "I Can't Help It," Evelyn "Champagne" King's "I'm In Love," and the Commodores' "Zoom," among others. Feel The Fire debuted this week at Number 30 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Maysa will perform Saturday, June 9th, at B.B. King's Blues Club in New York City. For more dates, go to maysa.com.

NEW CLASSICAL CD DUE FROM LEE RITENOUR

Guitarist Lee Ritenour is hard at work on his second classical crossover album with pianist Dave Grusin, who collaborated with him on a similar project called Two Worlds seven years ago. That album spent a year on the Billboard Classical Crossover chart and was nominated for a Grammy. This upcoming album will also feature the talents of smooth jazz trumpeter Chris Botti, along with James Taylor, opera diva Renee Fleming and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. The project is reportedly halfway to completion. Ritenour is currently enjoying a Top 20 smooth jazz hit with "Forget Me Nots" from his latest CD, Smoke N Mirrors.

PAUL TAYLOR & REGINA BELLE ON SMOOTH JAZZ RADIO

Smooth jazz saxophonist Paul Taylor is getting spins at urban radio with the tune "How Did You Know" featuring veteran pop singer and Grammy winner Regina Belle. The smooth jazz star says that it was a label hookup -- he and Belle are both signed to Peak Records -- that facilitated the collaboration. Taylor says that his manager, Andi Howard, was instrumental in inviting Belle to contribute to Taylor's Ladies Choice CD. He said: "Regina Belle, she's a wonderful vocalist I've known of for years. You know, we happen to be on the same label so I don't think it was that hard to really -- you know, my manager, Andi Howard, got her to grace my record with her vocals and it was wonderful." Belle earned a Grammy for her Aladdin soundtrack duet "A Whole New World" with Peabo Bryson. Taylor's Ladies Choice debuted at Number One on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Albums chart.

ZIGGY MARLEY DEBUTS ON PODSHOW WITH NEW RELEASE

PodShow, the #1 New Media Network, announced today that music superstar Ziggy Marley has released the single "Into the Groove" from his second solo album Love is My Religion, on the Podsafe Music Network (PMN), supporting the release with a rare, in-depth interview with PodShow power couple, Dawn and Drew. With this release on the PMN, Marley is enabling thousands of podcasters to play the track on their shows for free, supporting the free licensing of music to the podcasting community and creating millions of 'spins' with audiences
around the globe.

In conjunction with the release, Marley granted an exclusive interview on PodShow's award winning daily show, the Dawn and Drew Show. In the interview, Marley elaborated on his vision of the future of the music business. "Close in the future...music's gonna be free. I make music at home ... I don't need a big expensive marketing budget. Touring is the way to make money with music today." PodShow's PMN has already revolutionized how music is used in online programming. The company's approach fits Marley's philosophy, enabling podcasters to freely use his mix in their shows; a relationship that benefits the show producer, the artist ... and,
above all, the fans.

"Ziggy is a rare combination of musical talent and industry vision," said PodShow CEO and Co founder Ron Bloom. "He is one of a new breed of artists who are blazing a trail and finding innovative ways to reach their fans and new audiences outside the traditional label system. Producers and fans love having him on the SHOW!"

"Ziggy's interview with Dawn and Drew adds an extra element to his music," added Adam Curry, President and Co founder of PodShow. "Releasing his material to be shared by podcasters with audiences worldwide is a huge endorsement for our Network. I am very appreciative of Dawn and Drew, as well as the Marley family for adding their magic to PodShow and the PMN."

By releasing his music on PodShow's PMN, Marley's hit will be available for podcasters to use free and legally, simply for reporting their use. This free-use license is revolutionizing the music industry by enabling artists to get literally millions of spins, or plays, often far exceeding the exposure they could get on traditional radio. The PMN has become the destination for artists, labels and producers seeking to go beyond the traditional system to connect with their fans. The network features songs that range from legends such as James Brown to new superstars such as Death Cab for Cutie and has supplied music to over 10,000 shows.

Click http://dawnanddrew.podshow.com to hear the interview now. Audiences can listen to Ziggy Marley's song, "Into the Groove" for free at PodShow.com/Music Shows featuring PodSafe music can be found at http://www.podshow.com/music. The Podsafe Music Network, (PMN) is the leading site for discovery of music from new and legendary artists. Experiencing over 250 million spins in its first 12 months, the PMN features music from thousands of artists ranging from the newest independent artists to the hottest pop stars to the legendary masters of soul; streamed music available to any PodShow user; an archive of music providing tools for musicians and podcasters; and a platform to create, promote and sell tracks for up and coming artists looking to gain a larger audience.

NEW JAZZ RELEASES FOR JUNE 12, 2007

Aggrolites - Reggae Hit La (Sony)
Alejandro Franov - Khali (3D)
Anders Widmark - Hymn (Universal )
Andy Milne - Dreams and False Alarms (Songlines)
Andy Summers - Synaesthesia (Times Square Records)
Ar Men Trio - Vol. 1 (Art&Suono )
Bob Florence - You Will Be My Music (MAMA Records)
Bob Florence / Annet Sanders - You Will Be My Music (Maa)
Bohemia Big Band - Glenn Miller & Count Basie 100 (Multisonic Records )
Boots Randolph - A Whole New Ballgame (Zoho Music )
Carol Sloane - Dearest Duke (Arbors)
Cecchetto Roberto / Maier Giovanni - Blues Connotation (Art&Suono )
Cinematic Orchestra - Ma Fleur (Domino Recording Company USA (USA))
Dave Koz - At the Movies (Capital/EMI)
Diane Hubka - Diane Hubka Goes To The Movies (18th & Vine)
Diane Hubka - Goes To the Movies (18th & Vine )
Dick Sisto - Soul Searching (ear x-tacy)
Dmitri Kolesnik - Five Corners (Challenge Records)
Dream Band / Ki / John Sheridan - Swing is Still the King (Arbors Records)
Emilie Claire Barlow - Very Thought Of You ( )
Enders Room - Hotel Alba (Inu)
Enrico Pieranunzi - Live In Japan (CamJazz)
Eric Vloeimans - Gatecrashin' (Challenge Records)
Essence - Dancing In The Rain: Best Of (Anagram (UK) )
Faya - She Is On (Universal)
Gandhi U.T. / Maier G. / Succi A - Three Lines (Art&Suono )
Goloubev Y / Sirkis A. / Venier G. - Intermezzo (Art&Suono )
Hatf / Peplowski / Carol Sloane - Dearest Duke (Arbors Records)
Hi-Fly Orchestra - Sambooglaoo (Ajabu )
Hiromi - Futarino Kobune (Tokuma)
Imani Winds - Josephine Baker-A Life Of Le Jazz Hot! (Koch Classics)
J.Dee - Tippin' On the Edge Of Funky (NuGroove Records)
James Booker - Manchester 77' (Document Records)
Jazz Orches / Pete McGuinness - First Flight (Summit Records)
Jef Neve (Trio) - Nobody Is Illegal (Universal)
Johannes Enders - Hotel Alba (Intuition Music)
John Barrowman - Aspects Of Lloyd Webber (Jay Records)
John Sheridan - Swing Is Still The King (Arbors)
Karl Latham - Resonance (Dropzone Jazz)
Karl Seglem - New North (Ozella Music)
Kim Hoorweg - Kim Is Back (Universal/Verve )
Koop - Waltz For Koop (Sony Music Distribution (Sweden) )
Lanfranco Malaguti - Gola Spiegata ( )
Lauren Bach - Take A Little Time (Beatworkz Music) - CD Single
Ludovic Beier - Chilltimes (Chant Du Monde Fr.)
Mamasita - Per Buona Sorte (Pioneer)
Manteca - Onward! ( )
Maurizio Acoustic Jazz 4tet Pagnutti - Shuffle That Ruff (Art&Suono )
Mike DiRubbo - New York Accent: Live At The Kitano (Cellar Live)
Mike DiRubbo - New York Accent (Cellar Live)
Mike Pardew - Transgression (Afan Music)
Monica Borrfors - Slow Fox (BMG Entertainment )
Nguyen Le - Homescape (Amv)
Nils Landgren - Creole Love Call (HighNote)
Odwalla - Live At Musica Bocche ( )
ON3 - Guess What? (Challenge Records)
ON3 / John Patitucci - Guess What? (Challenge Records)
Patrik Boman - Seven Piece Machine (BMG Entertainment )
Pete McGuiness Jazz Orchestra ( - First Flight (Summit Records)
Peter Nordahl Trio - Look Of Love (BMG Entertainment )
Robb Benson - Collection Of Songs I Forgot To Tell You About (Roam Records)
Rune Carlsson - 7 Footprints To Heaven (Arietta )
Rune Gustafsson - Guldkorn (Metronome )
Sambalanco Trio - Samblues (Bomba Records )
Seiji Tada The Most - Re: Mark (3D)
Spyro Gyra - Best Of / 20th / Eco (Grp (Verve))
Spyro Gyra - Good To Go-Go (Heads Up Records)
Spyro Gyro - Good To Go-Go (Heads Up)
Stephen Pollock - Songs of the Heart (Alanna Records)
Stockholm Jazzbeat Project - Stockholm Jazzbeat Project (Cop International)
Stockholm Jazzbeat Project - Stockholm Jazz Beat Project (Cop International )
Struber Z'Tett - Les Noces De Dada - Music Of Frank Zappa (Chant Du Monde Fr.)
Struber Z'tett - Les Noces De Dada: Music Of Frank Zappa (Chant du Monde )
Sylvia Vrethammar - Faller For Dig (Universal )
T-Square - 33 (Sony Bmg)
Trio Toykeat - One Night In Tampere (EMI/Blue Note)
Tuck & Patti - Untitled (Universal)
U.T. Gandhi - Belfagor (Art&Suono )
Various Artists - Late Night Rendezvou (Rendezvous Ente)
Various Artists - Aloha Ea V.1 (Tokuma)
Various Artists - Jazzland Community (Universal)
Various Artists - Jazz In Paris: 100's Most Beautiful Melodies (Universal)
Wanya Morris - Unreleased-The Mix Tape (Avex)
Waza - Inizio (Cdn)
We All Love Ella - We All Love Ella: Celebrating The Fi (Universal)

RAMSEY LEWIS JOINS SMOOTH JAZZ 105.9 WJZW

Jazz musician Ramsey Lewis is bringing his morning show to Smooth Jazz 105.9 WJZW Washington beginning Tuesday, June 19.

“Ramsey Lewis is truly a legend in the entertainment industry,” said WJZW Program Director Steve Allan. “When an opportunity like this presents itself you have to grab it. Ramsey will bring a fresh, new perspective to Washington morning radio.”

Lewis and his co-host Karen Williams will originate their show from their home base in Chicago, where he’s hosted mornings for ten years. Current WJZW morning co-host Charlie Maxx will continue to anchor the local side of the daily broadcast.

Lewis remarked, “I may have been born in Chicago, but DC has always been close to my heart. I’m thrilled to be part of a station that reflects the vibrancy and diversity of the nation’s capital, and I can’t wait to start helping the station’s audience start their days off on the right beat.”

According to Allan: “Who better personifies the sound of Smooth Jazz than Ramsey Lewis? He not only lives the sound – he helped create it and his passion for the music will make his show a must listen every morning.”

ROCCO VENTRELLA - GIVE ME THE GROOVE

A native of the South of Italy, Rocco Ventrella grew up in Bari, on the Adriatic coast. Rocco began playing saxophone at age fourteen, inspired by jazz records his father had given him; for over twenty years, Rocco honed his chops by playing with the Big Band “J.S.O.” of his hometown Bari where he appeared with an impressive list of artists such as: Lee Konitz, Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, Benny Bailey, Chet Baker, Ernie Wilkins, Art Farmer, Tony Scott, Dizzy Gillespie, Bob Mintzer and other collaborators including keyboard wizard Renato Falaschi.

Ventrella developed a smooth soulful style that is a benchmark for European smooth-jazz saxophone players. A combination of jazz improvisation and R&B, it forms a bridge between late 70s jazz fusion and mid 80s jazz pop.

In recent years, he fell in love with Smooth Jazz and began writing and recording to explore this new musical style. Rocco's recent mini-CD, Tribute To Grover Washington, Jr. (in memory of the late, great saxophone player), brought him to the attention of American producer Bruce Nazarian (Anita Baker, Millie Scott, the Automatix), and an international alliance was born!

Give Me The Groove is a unique global collaboration, combining Rocco from Italy, longtime friend Renato Falaschi from France, and producer/multi-instrumentalist Nazarian from the USA in a smooth-yet-funky showcase for Rocco's performing and writing talents.

The resulting CD has taken internet radio by storm! After hearing an early copy of the CD, Jimi King, Smooth Jazz Programme Director of www.SKY.fm voted “Soulful Strut” as his Number One Smooth Jazz Track in the 2006 year-end countdown, placed two additional Rocco tracks in the top 25 including “Alleria,” and Rocco's soulful reworking of “Feel Like Makin' Love.”

King said, “In these days of digital downloading, where the listener can pick and choose what tracks they want, it's rare to find a CD that offers enough quality material to make its purchase worthwhile. This is one such CD.”

One listen, and Rocco will give you the groove, as he has done countless others.

TEENA MARIE & HOWARD HEWITT IN CONCERT

Teena Marie and Howard Hewitt will be in concert at the Dell East (in Philadelphia) on Saturday, June 16. The concert is a benefit concert presented by the Family of the Dell East, the facility’s volunteer advisory council. Funds raised will be ultimately used to help pay for capital improvements at the venue. Tickets are now on sale for this concert only at the Dell East box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Don Doo’s Shop, Webb’s Department Store, and the Philadelphia Hair Company. Reserved Tickets are $55, $44, and $36. Call the Dell East box office at (215) 685-9560 for more information.

CESARIA EVORA TOUR DATES

Cesaria Evora will perform the following concerts: June 8 at Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles CA, June 9 at San Francisco Jazz Festival in San Francisco CA, June 10 at Mountain Winery in Saratoga CA, June 11 at Royal Theatre in Victoria BC, June 12 at Vancouver International Jazz Festival in Vancouver BC, June 15 at Winspear Centre for Music in Edmonton AB, June 16 at Pabst Theatre in Milwaukee WI, June 17 at Ravinia in Highland Park IL, June 19 at Ann Arbor Summer Festival in Ann Arbor MI, June 22 at Filene Center in Vienna VA, June 23 at Berklee Performance Center in Boston MA, June 24 at Calvin Theatre in Northampton MA, June 26 at Carnegie Hall in New York NY, June 27 at Hart Theatre in Albany NY, June 28 at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto ON, June 30 at Ottawa International Jazz Festival in Ottawa Canada, July 2 at Festival International de Jazz de Montreal in Montreal QC.

‘WE ALL LOVE ELLA: CELEBRATING THE FIRST LADY OF SONG’ RELEASED

An all-star vocal tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, The First Lady of Song, by today’s pop, jazz, blues and R&B greats. The CD features Michael Buble, Natalie Cole, Etta James, Chaka Kahn, Gladys Knight, Diana Krall, k.d.lang, Queen Latifah, Ledisi, Dianne Reeves, Linda Ronstadt, Stevie Wonder and Lizz Wright. Dubbed “The First Lady of Song,” Ella Fitzgerald was the most popular female jazz singer in the United States for more than half a century. In her lifetime, she won 13 Grammy awards and sold over 40 million albums. Her catalog continues to be as popular as ever and her iconic stature is undiminished.

Album tracks:
1. A-Tisket, A-Tasket – Natalie Cole
2. Lullaby Of Birdland – Chaka Kahn
3. The Lady Is A Tramp – Queen Latifah
4. Dream A Little Dream Of Me – Diana Krall & Hank Jones
5. (You’ll Have To Swing It) Mr. Paganini – Natalie Cole & Chaka Kahn
6. Oh, Lady Be Good! – Diana Reeves
7. Reaching For The Moon – Lizz Wright
8. Blues In The Night – Ledisi
9. Miss Otis Regrets – Linda Ronstadt
10. Someone TO Watch Over Me – Gladys Knight
11. Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me – Etta James
12. Angel Eyes – k.d. lang
13. Too Close For Comfort – Michael Buble
14. You Are The Sunshine Of My Life – Ella Fitzgerald & Stevie Wonder
15. Airmail Special – Nikki Yanofsky

BEBEL GILBERTO TOUR DATES RESCHEDULED

Bebel Gilberto has rescheduled some tour dates for San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Toronto as a result of a foot injury. Dates are as follows:

June 17 – Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey
June 18 – San Francisco, CA @ Bimbo’s
June 19 – San Francisco, CA @ Bimbo’s
June 24 – Chicago, IL @ Parl West
June 27 – Toronto, ON @ Mod Club

CHILL WITH MINDI ABAIR RADIO SHOW PREMIERES

Mindi Abair has now officially taken over as host for the nationally syndicated "Chill" radio show. It was formerly "Chill With Chris Botti". Mindi co-hosted with Chris for the month of April, and Chris Botti officially passed the torch to Mindi at the beginning of the May. It's now "Chill With Mindi Abair”. Listen for Mindi on your local smooth jazz station, and check out the new website for the show http://www.chillwithmindiabair.com.


Mindi's upcoming tour dates...

6/15/07
Sacramento, CA
Guzzetta Grove
500 Leisure Lane
Sacramento, CA 95815

6/22/07
Newport Beach, CA
Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
1107 Jamboree Road
Newport Beach, Ca 92660

6/23/07
Big Bear, CA
JazzTrax Big Bear Jazz Festival
Big Bear Ski Resort
43101 Goldmine Drive, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Jazztrax.com

6/24/07
Temecula, CA
Thornton Winery
32575 Rancho California Road
Temecula, CA 92008
(Kyle Eastwood will be opening act)
www.summerjazzseries.com

7/27/07
Stockton, CA
Bob Hope (Fox) Theatre
242 E. Main St., Stockton, CA 95202

7/28/07
Las Vegas, NV
Jazz Under the Stars

8/5/07
Seattle, WA
Seattle Station Jazz Festival

8/14/07
Boston, MA
Scullers Jazz Club
Double Tree Guest Suites
400 Soldiers Field Rd, Boston, MA 02134

8/15/07
New York, NY
Spirit Cruise Ship
Pier 63-Chelsea Piers
West Side Highway and 23rd St., NY, NY

8/16,17/07
Hollywood, FL
Jazziz Bistro
5751 Seminole Way
Hollywood, FL 33314
next to the Hard Rock Hotel

8/18/07
Melbourne, FL
King Center For The Performing Arts
3865 North Wickham Rd.
Melbourne, FL 32935

SLY AND TE FAMILY STONE TO APPEAR AT 41ST MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL

The legendary Sly Stone and his big extended family are back. Combining rock and funk, the group and its leader made a huge impact on the late sixties. Having retired from the scene for over twenty years, they've now gotten back on the road. We don't know yet as to when exactly they'll perform, but keep checking back hear for updates.

HERB ALPERT'S 'RISE' REMASTERED & EXPANDED

Herb Alpert's celebrated music career began over four decades ago with over 75 million in records sold to date. Alpert's versatile talent is absolutely legendary and his myriad credits encompass triumphs as a superstar trumpeter, bandleader, producer, composer, arranger and vocalist. In 1962, Alpert and Jerry Moss co-founded A&M Records, long the world's leading-and largest-independently owned label with releases by the likes of The Police, Sheryl Crow and Quincy Jones. Immediately after forming the label, he introduced the Tijuana Brass phenomenon, which propelled him and the A&M establishment to global fame.

Alpert's artistic comeback in the late 1970s began with the release of "Rise," a downtempo dance single that departed from Alpert's signature Tijuana Brass sound. Climbing to number one on the charts, becoming the biggest hit of his career, it was met with such acclaim that Alpert and his recording team decided to craft an entire album around the new, laidback disco sounds of the single, and Rise the album was born in 1979. Mirroring the success of the single, the album went to the top of the charts, winning a Grammy and revitalizing Alpert's already two-decade long career. The latest release in the Herb Alpert Signature Series, Rise has been repackaged and re-mastered with all new trimmings. The reissue includes "Aranjuez (Mon Amour)," a straight-ahead boogie with Spanish themes and "Rotation," a precursor to the Italo-house movement. After years of being out of print, this classic has finally gotten the respect it deserves, and music history class is now in session on a dance floor near you

NICOLA CONTE TOUR DATES

Nicola Conte
June 23 - Tokyo (Japan) @ Club Air with Tatsuo Sunaga on tour (DJ show)
June 24 - Osaka (Japan) @ Noon with Tatuo Sunaga on tour (DJ show)
July 5 - Nagoya (Japan) @ Blue Note (live show)
July 6 - Osaka (Japan) @ Blue Note (live show)
July 14 - Budapest (Hungary) @ A38 (live show plus DJ set)
July 15 - Budapest (Hungary) @ A38 (live show)
Nov 10 - London (UK) @ Jazz Cafe (live show)
Nov 11 - London (UK) @ Jazz Cafe (iive show)
Nov 30 - Rome (Italy) @ Micca Club (live show)
Dec 1 - Rome (Italy) @ Micca Club (live show)
Feb 1 - Treviso (Italy) @ Asha (live show)
Mar 22 - Sofia (Bulgaria) @ Magazine One (live show)

BOBBY CALDWELL TOUR DATES

June 27, 2007
Bobby Caldwell Show
CD101.9 Smooth Cruise
Pier 63 - Chelsea Piers, West Side Hwy & 23rd St. NYC

July 13, 2007
Bobby Caldwell Show
Hyatt Newporter
1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach, CA

July 14, 2007
Bobby Caldwell Show
Thornton Winery
32575 Rancho California Rd.
Temecula, CA 92589

July 20, 2007
Bobby Caldwell Show
Soiled Dove
7401 E. 1st. Ave.
Denver, CO 80230

July 21, 2007
Bobby Caldwell Show
Smooth Jazz 107.5 WJZZ
Smooth Jazz Under the Stars 6th Anniversary Celebration)
Mablehouse - Barnes Amphitheater
5239 Floyd Rd.
Mableton,GA. 30126

August 4, 2007
Bobby Caldwell Show
Jazz on the River
Elizabeth Park - Trenton, Michigan
Free Admission

August 9, 2007
Bobby Caldwell Show
Lobero Theatre
33 East Conon Perdido St.
Santa Barbara,CA. 93101

August 25, 2007
Bobby Caldwell and The Reno Jazz Orchestra
Big Band Show)
Hawkins Amphitheater at Bartley Ranch
6000 Bartley Ranch Road,
Reno Nevada 89511

August 27, 2007
Bobby Caldwell and The Reno Jazz Orchestra
(Big Band Show)
Sand Harbor State Park Amphitheater
Hwy 28th
Incline Village, NV 89451

Aug. 31, 2007
Bobby Caldwell and the Smooth Summer All-Stars
Smooth Jazz Summer Nights
Free Concert - come join the fun!
Showtime: 7:30PM
LOCATION:Great Plaza
Columbus Blvd. at Market Street
Philadelphia PA 19106

MARIO BIONDI TOUR DATES

Mario Biondi and the High Five Quintet
Live Show in Italy...
June 8 - Taormina (CT) @ Teatro Antico (w/the Duke Orchestra)
June 23 - Cattalica (RN) Arena della Regina (w/the Duke Orchestra)
June 26 - Bollate (Milan) @ Villa Arconati
June 27 - Stra (Venice) @ Villa Pisani with Special Guest Dionne Warwick
June 30 - RAvello (SA) @ Ravello festival (w/the Duke Orchestra)
July 6 - Marciana Marina (Isola D'Elba) @ Area spettacoli (w/the High Five
Quintet)
July 9 - Spinetta Marengo (AL) Parco della Musica (w/the Duke Orchestra)
July 12 - Firenze @ Piazzale Michelangelo (w/the Duke Orchestra)
July 13 - Udine @ Castello di Udine (w/the Duke Orchestra)
July 14 - Brescia @ Piazza della Loggia (w/the Duke Orchestra)
July 15 - Benevento @ Piazza Castello (w/the High Five Quintet)
July 19 - Genova @ Arena del Mare c/o Porto Antico (w/the High Five
Quintet)
July 22 - Carrara @ Teatro delle Cave di Marmo di Carrara (w/the Duke
Orchestra)
July 23 - Roma @ Auditorium Cavea (w/the Duke Orchestra)
July 25 - Monforte D'Alba (CN) @ Monfortin Jazz (w/the High Five Quintet)
July 31 - Macerata @ Sferistero (w/the Duke Orchestra)

Other upcoming European concerts include...
June 11 - Paris @ La Cigale (w/the High Five Quintet)
July 18 - Nice @ Jazz Festival (w/the High Five Quintet)
July 20 - Biarritz @ Jazz Festival (w/the High Five Quintet)

CALGARY JAZZ FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES LINEUP

The “New” Calgary Jazz Festival has announced it’s headline acts for the 2007 event, slated to run June 19-24 at various locations in the city. Offering an eclectic lineup that ventures into world, contemporary, funk and blues from every corner of the globe, there’s something for everyone.
Below is a listing of artists sent out in a newsletter from festival organizers this past weekend:

Tuesday, June 19
NoName Jazz Sextet CANTOS
Saxophonist Alexandre Côté and drummer Ugo Di Vito lead this hot young Montreal group. Their compositions are influenced by sixties Hard Bop.

Mr. Something Something The Auburn
Juno nominees, chart topping recordings, and energetic live shows, the ‘Mr. Sum Sum’ afro-funk collective is a guaranteed good time.

The October Trio. Beat Niq
Vancouver Jazz Fest’s Galaxie Rising Stars Award winners deliver up a tight show of everything from intimate, subtle renderings to blistering grooves like no others. Evan Arntzen (saxophones), Josh Cole (bass), and Dan Gaucher (drums) are claimed as that city’s most creative musicians, but we won’t forget Dan’s strong Calgary roots.

ZMF Trio CANTOS
National Jazz Awards violinist Jesse Zubot (aka Zubot & Dawson) presents his latest cutting edge jazz project with Toronto drummer Jean Martin and the infamous American bassist Joe Fonda. Blurring the lines between contemporary improvisation, composition and old school free jazz, it’s always an incredible performance. www.dripaudio.com

Wednesday, June 20th
Elmer Ferrer Band Wild Rose Brewery
While being trained in classical guitar styles at Havana’s famed National School of Arts, Elmer saw a bootleg copy of the Armerican movie Crossroads and decided he wanted to play the blues. He secretly studied electric guitar until the same school that denied him his desire recognized his talent and hired him to teach at the new ‘Department of Electric Guitar’ Now widely recognized as Cuba’s best on the axe, Ferrer adds high energy Afro-Cuban flair to the blues. www.elmerferrer.com

Rollanda Lee and The Canadian Hot Stars Quincy’s
The original ‘Dixie Chick’ has entertained audiences all over the world.. Her own seven piece Canadian Hot All Stars (including Calgary trumpeter Al Muirhead) swing with traditional 1920’s and 30’s jazz New Orleans style.

Christine Jensen Quartet Beat Niq
The Montreal arranger and saxophonist has been labeled “one of the most important Canadian composers of her generation”, by Globe and Mail jazz critic, Mark Miller. Her quartet are also Canadian jazz all stars - Dave Restivo on piano, Fraser Hollins on bass, and Greg Ritchie on drums.

Community Performance Series with Mark Sonksen
Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association 8 pm
Chicago bassist and composer joins Calgary favourites Gerry Hebert on sax, Keith Smith on guitar, and Jon May on drums in this version of the monthly series for serious jazz listeners.

Thursday, June 21
Pierre Dørge & The New Jungle Orchestra with Brandi Disterheft Cantos
Guitarist Pierre leads a wild, ten piece Danish ensemble that combines swing, bop, and Euro-classicism in rich, bursting, dadaistic freestyle harmonies. Definitely not easy listening, but a once in a lifetime experience. National Jazz Awards Rising Star Brandi Disterheft “has the same lope or rhythmical pulse as my late bass player Ray Brown. She is what we call serious” says Oscar Peterson.

Dhafer Youssef with Jatinder Thakur and the Divine Shadows String Quartet, and Amir Amiri. Cathedral Church of the Redeemer
Tunisian-born singer and oud virtuoso Dhafer Youssef’s haunting, Sufi inspired music has captured the hearts and minds of audiences across Europe. Hailed by The Guardian as world music’s most exciting new star, Youssef draws on the evocative sound of his Islamic heritage, combining it with new directions in European jazz to create a distinctive and atmospheric sound. Accompanied by Indian virtuoso tabla player Jatinder Thakur and the Divine Shadows Strings, (aka the Koehne Quartet), this will truly be a memorable performance. www.dhaferyoussef.com
Amir Amiri immigrated to Canada from Iran with little more than his hammer dulcimer ten years ago. Since then, he has become one of our most cherished musical resources, filling concert halls and intimate clubs across North America with his own spiritual compositions. Joining him is Edmonton’s award winning drummer and percussionist Sandro Dominelli

Jan Verwey, with Jillian Lebeck and Paul Rushka Beat Niq
One of the few who dared to play the chromatic harmonica in jazz, he created his own style. This Dutch innovator is accompanied by bassist Paul Rushka and Jillian Lebeck, one of Canada’s most dynamic and innovative vocalist/pianist/composers.
www.jillianlebeck.com

Thursday & Friday June 21 & 22 Ironwood, Southwood United Church
Matt Masters sings the standards with Terra Hazelton and and the Valleau Village People.
The country crooner has found his true voice in jazz with Calgary expatriate Terra Hazelton (of Jeff Healey fame) and the Valleau Village People (who had to come up with this name to avoid contractual obligations).

Friday, June 22
Joshua Redman and Kris Davis The Gateway Lounge
One of the most compelling and fearless saxophone voices in jazz. His latest cd, ‘Back East’ pushes boundaries and stimulates his creative juices in the classic acoustic trio format, with bassist Reuben Rogers and Antonio Sanchez on drums.
Son of recently deceased legend Dewey Redman, Joshua burst onto the jazz scene in 1993 with his self-titled debut cd and Wish. Both sold over a quarter of a million copies combined—unheard of in jazz. Although his muscular swing and earthy ballads may evoke Sonny Rollins, Redman has proven himself a wide-ranging musician and a fearless voice at the vanguard of contemporary music. Michael Brecker simply called him “a genius.” www.joshuaredman.com

Jens Winther Euro Quintet Cantos
Denmark’s leading trumpeter brings his hot, up-tempo band and arrangements to Canada. Internationally renown, Winther’s talent has been recognised with numerous awards and prizes for his outstanding contribution to the world of jazz as a player, composer and bandleader.

Tobey Foyeh and Orchestra Africa and Lynn Olagundaye and Guerrilla Funk Monster Quincy’s on Seventh
Tobey first came to America from Nigeria touring with Hugh Masekela. Originally trained in traditional music, he went on to Bostons’ Berklee College and now composes, arranges, and produces complex pieces featuring African instruments and back-up singers and dancers in costume with electronic keyboards and guitars. Their music expresses social situations in Africa, the people, and their joys and pains.

Lynn Olagundaye and the Guerrilla Funk Allstars are all Canadian born, but they present the rhythm of their roots in full on rhythm and blues hip hop party to rock the house.

Kellylee Evans The Ironwood
Delivering a rich, smooth but unique vocal style through jazz, soul, R & B, and blues is garnering Kellylee world wide attention, including that of Quincy Jones, Al Jarreau, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kurt Elling and other judges at the Thelonius Monk International Jazz Vocals Competition. She earned the silver medal out of a field of 160. One to watch. www.kellyleeevans.com.

Saturday June 23
James Hunter The Gateway Lounge
‘People Gonna Talk’ about James Hunter’s Calgary debut. Discovered by Van Morrison, James’ songwriting craft and impassioned performances have turned him into today’s hottest act in Roots and Blues. www.jameshuntermusic.com

Vijay Iyer Quartet with Rudresh Mahanthappa Ironwood
Cutting edge jazz from two leading innovators at the heart of the New York scene. Vijay is a forceful, rhythmically invigorating performer who with a unique sense for compositional balance. Described as “one of the most original and accomplished young pianists in years’. He often works with saxophonist Rudresh, who was just awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship for ‘distinguished achievement in the past and exceptional promise for future accomplishment’ in composition and performance. Both men draw on their Asian heritage and American influence to create dynamic, stunning performances that could well be one of the best shows of the festival. www.vijay-iyer.com, www.rudreshm.com

UMO Jazz Orchestra Quincy’s on Seventh
Arguably one of the best big bands in the world is from Finland. Continuous support by the city of Helsinki and the ministry of education has helped keep UMO together for over thirty years, record 23 cds and have a repertoire of 1200 compositions. www.umo.fi

Marianne Trudel Quintet Cantos
The award-winning pianist from Montreal offers a rich quilt of sonic colours seemlessly stitched together with a keen sense of compositional design and deft improvisational gestures. Drawing equally on the classical, jazz and free improv idioms, she cleverly balances these influences out on a razor’s edge. With Rob Mosher (soprano sax, oboe - New York), Jonathan Stewart (tenor sax - Kingston, Ontario), Morgan Moore (bass - Montreal) and Kelby MacNayr (drums - Victoria, BC). www.mariannetrudel.com.

Barry Romberg Beat Niq
Juno Award-winning drummer mixes contemporary with free jazz in a powerful performance. With supreme saxophonist Kirk Macdonald, trumpeter Kevin Turcotte and Rich Brown on bass. www.barryromberg.com

Sunday June 24
Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra with The Bad Plus The Gateway Lounge
A double header dance party featuring the politically-charged, funk-driven Antibalas and the musically controversial Bad Plus. The eleven piece Afrobeat Orchestra incorporates elements of jazz, funk, dub, improvised music, and traditional drumming from Cuba and West Africa with strong lyrics in a driving beat.

The Bad Plus is a midwest American collective that challenged the definition of jazz trio. Bassist Reid Anderson, pianist Ethan Iverson, and drummer David King mixed their own diverse compositions with covers of rock bands like Nirvana and Aphex Twin. Favoring group improvisation over individual solos, eschewing all jazz cliches, The Bad Plus rip into each set with precision, dynamics and reckless abandon, attracting new audiences to jazz.
www.antibalas.com. www.thebadplus.com

Francois Carrier Cantos
An inexhaustible improviser, Carrier pushes boundaries of creative evolution with his saxes and some of the biggest names in the business. His latest cd is a 1999 recording of him with the late Dewey Redman. He appears for a Sunday afternoon performance in Calgary with drummer Michel Lambert and French bassist Jean Jacques Avenel. www.francoiscarrier.com
Coco Zhao The Auburn Saloon

Avant-garde crooner from China charms all with his Sinatra-style performance. Out of a small town in the Hunan province of China comes the exotic Dream Situation. Zhao challenges the stereotypical jazz vocalist image, singing the lyrics in Chinese, but transcending cultures with contemporary American jazz idioms. Supported by arranger and violinist Peng Fei and the Possicobilities band http://homepage.mac.com/cjlinkus/possicobilities/Menu82.html
For more info visit www.calgaryjazz.com

JOAN ARMATRADING HITS #1 BILLBOARD BLUES CHART WITH NEW RELEASE ‘INTO THE BLUES’

Pioneering rock, pop, R&B and now blues musician Joan Armatrading has debuted the Billboard Blues Chart at #1 with her new project for 429 Records, "Into The Blues." The record raced to the top in its first week in release (May 1) also landing at the #2 slot on the iTunes Blues Chart. This marks the first time in the artist's 30-year career that she hit the #1 spot on any U.S. chart. Dates for an extensive summer tour of the United States and Canada have been announced as well. The tour kicks off May 29th in Toronto and travels across the country with her band thru mid-July (current tour schedule below).

"Armatrading's blues...matched to the passionate dignity of her voice... simmer sweetly," says Jim Farber of the New York Daily News. "Into The Blues" is receiving some of the best reviews of Joan's prolific career. Fans and critics are responding with raves over her distinctive take on the classic genre. USA Today's Brian Mansfield added the track "Baby Blue Eyes" to his April 24th "Playlist" column showcasing extraordinary guitar work in recent popular music.

A few other quotes of note:
"'Into The Blues'...is her sojourn into that well-worn territory, and Armatrading's take is wide and distinctive and stretches the parameters of what we consider the blues." -- Gary Graff, Billboard Magazine

"It's also a guitar album: her blues chops...would give Robert Cray a serious run..." -- Roy Kasten, Amazon.com Editorial

Armatrading will tour North America with a full band this summer having just come off a very well-received tour of Europe that included a triumphant week-long residency at London's famed jazz club, Ronnie Scott's, and culminated in a concert in the revered Royal Albert Hall. Joining her will be her stellar back-up band consisting of bassist Scott Firth, keyboardist Spencer Cozens and Gary Foote on drums. Complete tour dates attached.

429 Records -- the label of the recently acclaimed release "Endless Highway - The Music of The Band" -- is a unit 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 led by Steve Vining. CME is headed by Chairman Strauss Zelnick, founder of Zelnick Media. Zelnick Media owns interests in and manages an array of media companies.

JOAN ARMATRADING NORTH AMERICAN TOUR 2007

May 29 Toronto, Canada @ The Music Hall
May 30 Rochester, NY @ The German House
May 31 Albany, NY @ Hart Theater
June 1 Ridgefield, CT @ Ridgefield Playhouse
June 2 Elmer, NJ @ Appel Farm Arts & Music Ctr
June 3 Poughkeepsie, NY @ Bardavon 1869 Opera House
June 6 Boston, MA @ Berklee Performance Centre
June 7 Asbury Park, NJ @ Stone Pony
June 8 Huntington, NY @ Inter-Media Arts Center
June 9 Westhampton Beach, NY @ WH Beach Performing Arts
June 11 Alexandria, VA @ The Birchemere
June 12 New York, NY @ World Financial Center Plaza
June 14 Indianapolis, IN @ The Music Mill
June 15 Madison, WI @ Barrymore Theatre
June 16 Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
June 17 St. Paul, MN @ O'Shaughnessy Auditorium
June 19 Austin, TX @ The Glenn
June 20 New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
June 21 Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
June 22 Santa Fe, NM @ Paolo Soleri Outdoor Amp
June 23 Denver, CO @ Historic Paramount Theatre
June 25 Boulder, CO @ Chautauqua Auditorium
June 26 Aspen, CO @ Belly Up Aspen
June 28 Saratoga, CA @ The Mountain Winery
June 29 Jacksonville, OR @ The Britt Festival
July 1 Los Angeles, CA @ John Anson Ford Theatre
July 2 San Diego, CA @ TBD
July 3 San Francisco, CA @ TBD
July 5 Portland, OR @ Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront
July 7 Courteney, British Columbia @ Vancouver Island Music Fest
July 9 Edmonton, Canada @ Winspear Centre
July 11 Calgary, Alberta @ Knox United Church
July 12 Calgary, Alberta @ Knox United Church
July 14 Durango, CO @ Community Concert Hall (Ft. Lewis College)
July 15 Beaver Creek, CO @ Vilar Center for the Arts

HOUSE OF BLUES DALLAS OPENS

Live Nation, the world's largest live music company, opened the doors on its 11th House of Blues(R) branded venue on May 8 in Dallas, Texas. The new venue, which includes a 1,625 capacity music hall, a 400 seat restaurant, special events facilities, a company store and a Foundation Room consisting of a private lounge and fine dining area for members, establishes an important small size music venue in Dallas, the number six Designated Market Area, or DMA(R), as defined by Nielsen Media Research. The new facility is located in the historic White Swan Building in the heart of downtown Dallas and is an important anchor to the ambitious Victory Park redevelopment project underway in the city. Live Nation also operates and exclusively books the 20,000 capacity Smirnoff Music Centre in Dallas.

Doors opened on the new club this Wednesday, May 8th with an inaugural performance by Dallas-native Erykah Badu. Then on Saturday, May 12th, House of Blues founder and original Blues Brothers member Dan Aykroyd will preside over the club's official grand opening with a special performance by the Blues Brothers Formal Classic Review, with his partner Jim Belushi. Mr. Aykroyd (a.k.a. Brother Elwood) and Mr. Belushi (a.k.a. Blood-brother Zee) will headline an evening that includes performances by Matt Guitar Murphy, Northwestern Guitar Slinger Paul Allen and The Wanda King Blues Band who is led by the daughter of the legendary Texas bluesman Freddie King. Besides an evening of great music, Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi will launch the opening festivities with a motorcycle ride including a contingent of riders in the hundreds. Beginning at the Harley Davidson dealership in Garland (1334 W. Centerville Rd.) and cruising to the new venue (2200 N Lamar St in Victory Park), the ride will raise money for needy children in the Dallas area.

This is the 11th House of Blues club in the United States. Other cities with established House of Blues clubs and restaurants include Atlantic City, Anaheim, Chicago, Cleveland, Myrtle Beach, New Orleans, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orlando and San Diego. Construction is underway on a brand new HOB club in Houston, Texas, the number 10 DMA in the U.S.

Founded in 1992, this dynamic company with soul, spirit and vision was acquired by Live Nation in November of 2006. With 11 branded clubs, including Atlantic City, Anaheim, Chicago, Cleveland, Myrtle Beach, New Orleans, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orlando, San Diego and Dallas, each House of Blues club features live music, Southern-inspired cuisine in an eclectic environment celebrating the African American cultural contributions of blues music and folk art.