DAVE KOZ – MEMORIES OF A WINTER’S NIGHT & TOUR DATES

Dave Koz is putting the finishing touches on a new holiday CD and the 10th anniversary edition of the Dave Koz and Friends A Smooth Jazz Christmas tour! The Capitol Music Group will release Memories Of A Winter's Night, Koz's third holiday CD, on September 18th.

Memories Of A Winter's Night- features the Koz interpreting 12 holiday standards. Dave is joined by 20-year old Razor & Tie recording artist Kelly Sweet on the album's first single, "White Christmas." Sweet, who scored a Top Ten hit at both Adult Contemporary and Smooth Jazz radio with "Raincoat," the first single from her 2007 debut album, was a guest on the Dave Koz and Friends At The Movies Summer 2007 tour, which recently wrapped up at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, CA. Koz also teams up with another tour mate - Kimberley Locke, who will be one of the special guests on the Dave Koz and Friends A Smooth Jazz Christmas 2007 tour - for a soulful rendition of "Please Come Home for Christmas." Locke has had numerous Top 10 hits, and topped the Adult Contemporary charts the past two holiday seasons with singles "Up on the Housetop" and "Jingle Bells."

Other album highlights include "Deck The Halls," "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," "Winter Wonderland," and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" (all previously unreleased also) plus a few chestnuts from Dave's two earlier holiday records, 1997's December Makes Me Feel This Way and 2001's A Smooth Jazz Christmas. Brenda Russell pairs up with Koz for “Boogie Woogie Santa Claus," which was written by Leon Russell, and smooth jazz stars Rick Braun, Peter White and David Benoit for a rendition of "Little Drummer Boy."

You can be certain that Dave and his special guests Jonathan Butler,Wayman Tisdale and Kimberley Locke will be playing many of the songs from the album on the Dave Koz and Friends A Smooth Jazz Christmas 2007 tour, which launches on November 23rd. In addition to holiday standards, they'll perform hits from their respective catalogues, including Koz's recent chart-topping homage to classic film music, At The Movies.

The track listing for Memories Of A Winter's Night is as follows:
1. Deck The Halls
2. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town -- from December Makes Me Feel This Way
3. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
4. White Christmas (featuring Kelly Sweet)
5. Winter Wonderland
6. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
7. Please Come Home For Christmas (featuring Kimberley Locke)
8. Memories Of A Winter's Night (A Song For Hanukkah)
9. Little Drummer Boy (featuring Rick Braun, Peter White and David
Benoit) -- from A Smooth Jazz Christmas
10. Silver Bells -- from December Makes Me Feel This Way
11. Boogie Woogie Santa Claus (featuring Brenda Russell) -- from A Smooth
Jazz Christmas
12. O Tannenbaum (O Christmas Tree) -- from December Makes Me Feel This
Way

NEW RELEASES

Achili Funkn – Gypsy Soul 1969 to 1979 (Various Artists)
Antonio Adolfo, Brazil & Brazuca - Destiny
Barry Manilow – The Greatest Songs Of The ‘70’s
Beau Williams – No More Tears
Bee Gees – The Bee Gees Greatest
Baron Zen – At The Mall Remixes
Black Feeling (Various Artists)
Bo Diddley – Black Gladiator
Boney James – Christmas Present
Brazil 70: After Tropicalia (Various Artists)
Burton Greene – On Tour
Caetano Veloso – Caetano Veloso
Candy Dulfer – Candy Store
Clutch Player – Atlantic Connection All Stars
Coke – Na Na A Funk Anthology
Dells – Standing Ovation – The Very Best Of The Dells 1966 to 1981
Diana Krall – The Very Best Of Diana Krall
Earth, Wind & Fire – Last Days & Time/Head To The Sky
East Of Underground – East Of Underground
Eddie Ray – Wait A Minute
Eddy Meets Yannah – In A While
Ella Fitzgerald – Ella In Hamburg (Remastered)
Ella Fitzgerald – Live At Mister Kelly’s
Eugene Blacknell – We Can’t Take Life For Granted
Fernando Cunha & Ze Carlos - Zingaro
Francis Hime – Ao Vivo Biscoito Fino
Fredrik Kronkvist Quartet - Ignition
Gato Barbieri – Ruby, Ruby (Remastered)
George Benson – Shape Of Things To Come (Remastered)
Gerardo Frisina – Notebook: A Journey In Sound – The Remixes
Giallos Flame – Live From Dunwich EP
Glenn Jones – Take It From Me
Heikki Sarmanto - Moonflower
Hunter Muskett – Every Time You Move
Idea 6 – Steppin’ Out
Ike Quebec – It Might As Well be Spring
Jimmy Smith – Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Wolf? (Remastered)
Jiva – Day Into Night
Joe Cain – Latin Au Go-Go (Latin Explosion)
John Coltrane – Interplay (5-CD Collection)
John Patton – Let ‘Em Roll
John Scofield – This Meets That
Jorge Ben – Forca Bruta
Juicy – Spread The Love
Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds – Playlist
Lou Donaldson – Alligator Boogaloo
Kira Neris – Behind Closed Doors
Kokolo - Heaven
Konono No 1 – Live At Couleur Cafe
Ledisi – Lost & Found
Louis Vega – Defected In The House
Ludvig Berghe Trio – Unplayed Venue Volume 3
Lowell Fulson – Hung Down Head
Luiz Eca – Piana E Cordes
Manu Dibango – Africavision Vol. 3 – Le Cinema De Manu Dibango
Maria Rita – Samba Meu
Mark Knopfler – Kill To Get Crimson
Max Grunhard Quintet – Vortex EP
Mayha – Inner Explosion
Miles Davis – Ascenseur Pour L’echafaud
Monday Michiru & Others – Co-Collaborator Works Of Monday Michiru
Moussa Doumbia – Keleya – Raw Malian Funk Of the 1970’s
Oscar Peterson – Oscar Peterson Trio + One: Clark Terrt (Remastered)
Percee P - Perseverence
Peven Everett – Studio Confessions – The Lost Remixes
Quarteto Em Cy – Quarteto Em Cy
Quasimode – Land Of Freedom
Randolph – Lonely Eden
Robert Strauss – Mr. Feelings
Rozetta Johnson – Personal Woman
Sarah Vaughan & Her Trio – Sarah Vaughan Live At Mister Kelly’s (Remastered)
Serge Gainsbourg & Jane Birkin – Serge Gainsbourg & Jane Birkin
Sly & The Family Stone – Greatest Hits
Soul Source Production - Standard
Stan Getz Quartet featuring Astrud Gilberto – Getz Au Go-Go (Remastered)
Stan Selections From Avanti-Verde (Various Artists)
Staple Singers – The 25th Of December
Stardust International & Tayfun – Stardust International & Tayfun
Sven Libaek – Inner Space Original Soundtrack
Tobjorn Zetterberg – Skildrar Kvinnans Kamps Moserobie
Tom Jobim – Ao Vivo Em Montreal
Toninho Horta – Solo Ao Vivo
Tony Bennett – MTV Unplugged (CD/DVD)
Traffic Sound - Lux
Yosuke Tominaga – Room Weekender – 15th Anniversary Special Edition
Wes Montgomery – Goin’ Out Of My Head (Remastered)

BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS – ANOTHER DANCE – RARITIES FROM STUDIO 1

More music from Bob Marley and the Wailers is on the way as Rounder/Heartbeat is preparing “Another Dance – Rarities From Studio 1”. It’s a collection of 18 tracks recorded between 1964 and 1966 and includes originals and alternate takes. Most of the songs here were released as singles in Jamaica and are collected here for the first CD appearance.  This set is scheduled for release on October 16.

AYO - JOYFUL

European sensation Ayo is getting a U.S. release for her debut, Joyful, which by the way has already sold over 550,000 copies in Europe. Her sound is a bit like Sade, Stevie Wonder, Carole King and Joni Mitchell. It’s set for release on October 9 via Interscope Records. Click to www.ayomusic.com for more information.

FEDERICO AUBELE - PANAMERICANA

Panamericana - the brand-new album from Federico Aubele is now available. Recently, California radio station KCRW has selected the track 'En Cada Lugar' from Federico's new album as their Top Tune of the day! California-based fans have two chances this week to catch Federico as he begins to wrap up his current DJ tour. He'll be at the AC Supperclub in Venice Beach this Thursday evening (9/20), and at a just-announced gig at the Dark Room, Club Six in San Francisco this Friday (9/21). Further details for both nights are listed under "Upcoming Shows". These DJ dates will also give fans a chance to hear tracks from Panamericana for the first time! A further daytime DJ set at THEhotel's outdoor Moorea Pool will follow on 9/22 (poolside unworshippers deserve great music too!) with an evening set to follow at the fantastic MIX lounge, perched atop the 64th floor of THEhotel with a truly awe-inspiring view of the Las Vegas strip.

Federico will also be putting in several appearances, both live and DJ, during the ESL Music/Mandalay Bay TAKEOVER weekend, October 26 - 28, which co-incides with the Vegoose Music Festival. To celebrate, the Mandalay Bay Resort has announced a special ESL Music package. Federico is preparing to hit the road in October and November with his live band for a run of US and Canada tour dates, to be followed by a European acoustic tour in November and December. Dates will be announced shortly - so keep watching this space!

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THE BEE GEES – BEE GEES GREATEST

The Bee Gees were already established hit makers in the U.S. and the U.K. when the group became an unstoppable musical force in 1975. In four short years, Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb rose to international superstardom as they recorded a string of worldwide hits, sold 180 million records worldwide and helped define an era with the Grammy-winning Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. The Brothers Gibb capped their amazing run in 1979 with the multi-platinum Bee Gees Greatest, a double album spotlighting the group’s meteoric run of R&B dance hits between 1975 and 1979.

Out-of-print for five years, and in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Saturday Night Fever, Reprise will reissue the monumental collection as a two-CD deluxe edition that contains two previously unreleased tracks - “Warm Ride” and an extended version of “Stayin’ Alive,” originally a 12″ promo vinyl-along with four contemporary dance remixes of classic Bee Gees songs by some of today’s hot club DJs. Bee Gees Greatest will be available on October 1st, 2007 at all physical retail outlets and in digital form.

The double-disc contains selections from three of the Bee Gees’ studio albums: 1975’s Main Course (certified gold), 1976’s Children Of The World (certified platinum) and 1979’s Spirits Having Flown (certified platinum), as well as the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack (1977), which has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide.

The collection assembles essential listening including “How Deep Is Your Love,” “Stayin’ Alive,” “Night Fever,” “Too Much Heaven,” “Tragedy” and “Love You Inside Out” - a run of six consecutive #1 hits within a year and a half. Bee Gees Greatest also features the #1 hits “You Should Be Dancing” and “Jive Talkin’” plus the Top 10 singles “Nights On Broadway” and “Love So Right.”

This year also marks the 30th anniversary of Saturday Night Fever, the film that launched the career of John Travolta, the dance craze of the late ’70s, and the massive resurgence of the Bee Gees - one of the greatest R&B acts of the ’60s and early ’70s. The arrival of the CD coincides with Paramount Home Entertainment’s October 1st release of the SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER Special Collector’s Edition DVD, which features new interviews with cast members and Barry and Robin Gibb, as well as all-new featurettes on the making of the film and its cultural impact. Reprise and Paramount Home Entertainment are planning a massive celebration to mark the anniversary of this landmark film.

Full track listing:
Disc: 1
1. Jive Talkin’
2. Night Fever
3. Tragedy
4. You Should Be Dancing
5. Stayin’ Alive
6. How Deep Is Your Love
7. Love So Right
8. Too Much Heaven
9. Our Love Don’t Throw It All Away
10. Fanny (Be Tender With My Love)
11. Warm Ride (bonus track)
12. Stayin’ Alive (Original 12″ Promo) (remix)
Disc 2
1. If I Can t Have You
2. You Stepped Into My Life
3. Love Me
4. More Than A Woman
5. Rest Your Love On Me
6. Nights On Broadway
7. Spirits (Having Flown)
8. Love You Inside Out
9. Wind Of Change
10. Children Of The World
11. You Should Be Dancing Remix
12. If I Can’t Have You Remix
13. Night Fever Remix
14. How Deep Is Your Love

JOE COCKER – HYMN FOR MY SOUL

Fanstasy Records has scheduled a new Joe Cocker CD titled Hymn For My Soul. It’s out January 2008.

RACHEL Z’S TOUR DATES

Jazz pianist Rachel Z and her new band Department of Good and Evil are on the road and we’ve got the updated schedule:
September 17 2007 8:00P JALC Dizzy’s Coca Cola Club NY, New York
September 20 2007 8:00P The VIC in Santa Monica Santa Monica, California
September 21 2007 8:00P Steamers Fullerton, California
September 22 2007 8:00P Anna’s Jazz Island Berkeley, California
September 23 2007 8:00P Savannah at the Red Lion Inn Sacramento, California
September 24 2007 8:00P Columbia College Auditorium Sonora, California
September 30 2007 8:00P Iridium Jazz Club NY, New York
October 26 2007 8:00P Chorus Lausanne, Lausanne
October 28 2007 8:00P Cafe Stern, Muri
October 31 2007 8:00P Panic Jazz Veneto, Italia Veneto
November 4 2007 8:00P Birdseye in Basel, Switzerland NOV 4 and 5th Basel
November 8 2007 8:00P ROMA to be announced Roma
November 9 2007 8:00P Blue Note Milano, Milano
November 10 2007 8:00P Williamsburg Studio Brooklyn, New York
November 29 2007 8:00P Jazzbase with Tim Price Reading, Pennsylvania
December 18 2007 8:00P Jazz Alley Seattle, Oregon
December 19 2007 8:00P Kuumbwa Jazz Santa Cruz, Arkansas
December 20 2007 8:00P Jazz Alley Seattle, Oregon
January 13 2008 8:00P Dept of Good and Evil Showcase at APAP NY, New York

BARRY MANILOW – THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE SEVENTIES

Legendary songwriter, performer and internationally renowned superstar Barry Manilow, who to date has sold over 75 million albums worldwide, is back with his third volume of decade-driven covers albums. Following on from the successful Fifties and Sixties albums, Barry returns to the decade which launched his golden career, the 70s.

The 18-song single CD package of ‘The Greatest Songs Of The Seventies’ set for release on the 17th September 2007, presents Manilow’s versions of 10 timeless cover songs from the ’70s, plus for the first time ever, 8 stripped-down acoustic versions of his own classic titles including “Mandy”, “I Write The Songs”, “Could It Be Magic?” and the unforgettable “Copacabana”.

The deluxe version contains a special dual disc (CD & DVD) with new versions of 14 classic non-Manilow songs from the ’70s as well as ‘The Making Of The Album’ video with Barry reflecting on the great music and decade. Also included is a bonus CD containing stripped down acoustic versions of 9 original Manilow titles.

This album is a fan’s dream wish-list of favourites covering both sides of the Atlantic, from The Beatles’ “The Long And Winding Road”, to Elton John’s “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word”, as well as duets on Carole King’s “You’ve Got A Friend” with Melissa Manchester, and on Elton John’s “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” with Rosie O’Donnell.

Manilow’s tributes are flawlessly performed and arranged, starting with an homage to Barbra Streisand’s “The Way We Were”, and Frankie Valli’s “My Eyes Adored You”, to the seminal hits of The Carpenters’ “(They Long To Be) Close To You” and Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water”.

‘The Greatest Songs Of The Seventies’ continues the productive and successful reunion between Barry Manilow and Clive Davis, Arista founder and BMG U.S. Chairman & CEO. Davis has been Barry Manilow’s hitmaking collaborator on virtually all his recordings, since they first worked together on “Mandy”, his debut No. 1 single as the first artist signed to Arista by Clive Davis in 1974, the first year of the label’s existence.

“No one can reinvent the great classics better than Barry Manilow”, comments Clive Davis. “He breathes new life and vitality into these truly wonderful songs and they sound fresh and timeless. We continue on the mission to bring to a new generation the great songs of a different era”.

On the tracklisting, Manilow says, “I sent a list of every No. 1 record in the ’70s to everybody I knew, and asked them to pick their 13 favourites.” The results, he reports, were very similar to the selections that he and label boss Clive Davis had in mind.

Manilow also commented on the inclusion of the new stripped back versions of his own hits, “There was this idea of, how could I possibly leave them out? So I’m redoing them with a small, intimate band.”

Barry Manilow’s ‘The Greatest Songs Of The Seventies’ tracklisting:
“The Way We Were” (1974)
“It Never Rains in Southern California” (1972)
“My Eyes Adored You” (1975)
“You’ve Got a Friend” (duet with Melissa Manchester) (1971)
“The Long and Winding Road” (1970)
“How Can You Mend A Broken Heart?” (1971)
“Sorry Seems To Be the Hardest Word,” (1977)
“(They Long To Be) Close to You”(1970)
“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” (duet with Rosie O’Donnell) (1976)
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” (1970)
“Sailing” (1979)
“He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” (1970)
“Could It Be Magic?” (1975)
Acoustic songs:
“Mandy” (1974)
“Looks Like We Made It” (1978)
“Even Now” (1978)
“Weekend in New England” (1976-1977)
“Somewhere in the Night” (1978-1979)
“Can’t Smile Without You”(1978)
“Copacabana” (1978)
“This One’s for You” (1976)
“I Write the Songs” (1975)

ARETHA FRANKLIN – JEWELS IN THE CROWN: ALL-STAR DUETS WITH THE QUEEN

Aretha Franklin’s upcoming release "Jewels in the Crown: All-Star Duets With the Queen," wuil include some previously released duets. The CD is due Nov. 13 via Arista and is led by the single "Put You Up on Game" with Fantasia," which hits radio Oct. 1.The other new track is "What Y'All Came To Do" with John Legend. Among the gems from Franklin's back catalog appearing on the album are duets with Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, Annie Lennox, Frank Sinatra, George Michael and the Rolling Stones' Keith Richards. In addition, "Jewels" includes Franklin and Bonnie Raitt's take on "A Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel Like)" and the Queen of Soul's pairing with Mariah Carey on "Chain of Fools," plus Franklin's performance of Puccini's "Nessum Dorma" from the 1998 Grammys.

UPCOMING CONCORD RECORDS RELEAESES

Jazz label Concord is prepping a live CD from the 1994 Monteray Jazz Festival featuring Grover Washington, Jr. It’s set for January 15, 2008. Also for release on the same day is a CD featuring Joe Henderson’s live performances from the 1994 and 1996 Monteray Jazz Festival. Both CD’s will be titled Monteray Jazz Festival Live.

CINEMATIC ORCHESTRA TOUR DATES

The Cinematic Orchestra are touring the US in support of their latest release, Ma Fleur.

Tour Dates
9/14 Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre
9/15 San Francisco, CA @ Bimbos 365 Club
9/16 Portland, OR @ Aladdin Theater
9/17 Seattle, WA @ Neumos
9/18 Vancouver, BC @ Richards on Richards
9/21 Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line Music Cafe
9/22 Chicago, IL @ The Abbey Pub
9/23 Toronto, ON @ Phoenix
9/24 Montreal, QC @ Club Soda
9/25 Boston, MA @ Paradise
9/26 New York, NY @ Webster Hall

DARREN RAHN – ONCE IN A LIFETIME

Saxophonist Darren Rahn is one of the most versatile and unique young artists in contemporary jazz today. As one of the industry’s most sought after record producers, his resume includes a variety of top honors including #1’s on the coveted R&R and Billboard charts. You’ve heard his saxophone on several Wayman Tisdale hits including “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now”, “Get Down On It” and “Way Up”. Darren Rahn’s new CD entitled ‘Once In A Lifetime’ is filled with soulful vibes and displays a very refined sense of artistry. ‘Once in a Lifetime’ features some of the most respected musicians in the industry including Dave Koz, Wayman Tisdale and Jeff Lorber.

Rahn was born in British Columbia, Canada, Darren Rahn spent his childhood immersed in music. He picked up the saxophone at the age of 12 and has been playing ever since. After high school he devoted himself to the study of classical and jazz saxophone earning a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Adams State College (Alamosa, CO) and a Master’s degree in Saxophone Performance and Jazz Pedagogy from the esteemed University of Northern Colorado. While at the University of Northern Colorado, Darren studied with renowned classical saxophonist Roger Greenberg. During this time, he was also the recipient of several prestigious Downbeat Magazine awards as one of the top university saxophonist soloists in the United States. After college, Rahn immediately focused on his career as a performer and producer.

A seasoned performer, Darren Rahn has played at some of the most respected venues in the contempoary jazz…including his headline performance at the 2006 Jazztrax Catalina Island Jazz Festival. This young saxophonist has produced, recorded and performed with an impressive roster of notable artists including Dave Koz, Jeff Lorber, Wayman Tisdale, Kirk Whalum, Bob James, Jonathan Butler, Brian Culbertson, Tim Bowman, Jeffrey Osborne, Phil Perry, Eric Darius, Kim Waters, Gregg Karukas, Brian Simpson, Jay Soto, Dave Sereny, Nate Harasim and many others.

JESSY J JOINS SIGNS WITH PEAK RECORDS

Peak Records and the Concord Music Group signed new artist, saxophonist Jessy J to their impressive roster of clients including Gerald Albright, Norman Brown, Paul Brown and many others. A member of Paul Brown’s live band, Jessy J and Paul Brown made the decision to collaborate together on her project about a year ago. “I was playing in Paul’s band and after our first show he agreed to produce some tracks for me”, said Jessy J. “I was so excited to work with such an amazing producer.”


Although Jessy J first appeared on the smooth jazz scene as a member Paul Brown’s band, she has been working in the jazz and pop genres for quite a while. Jessy J has shared the stage with the likes of Jessica Simpson, Michael Buble, the Temptations, Burt Bacharach and she is currently playing sax and singing backup for Michael Bolton.

After Jessy J performed in front of record executives with Paul Brown at his CD release party in Long Beach earlier this year, people took notice. “This project definitely contains my blood, sweat, and tears. The realization of this project is like a dream come true,” said Jessy J. Another one of Jessy’s childhood dreams came true this past March when she was asked to perform alongside Paquito D’ Rivera at Carnegie Hall in a concert featuring “Tomorrow’s Star Musicians.” “I loved every minute of it,” she said.

Jessy J’s Peak debut album, Tequila Moon, will include original material and a few covers. “I was fortunate to work with an amazing team of musicians and writers. Donald Hayes wrote a beautiful song for me called, “Spanish Nights” and Kiki Ebsen wrote the magical “Turquoise Street,” said Jessy J.

Some of Jessy J’s original songs are “Tequila Moon,” “Sin Ti-With Out You,” “Fiesta Velada,” “Running Away,” and “PB n J.” Jessy J and Paul Brown collaborated on all the original material giving it that famous “Midas Touch” from the “Babyface of Smooth Jazz.”

“Working with Paul Brown was fantastic, he really knows how to create a comfortable working environment in the studio, and most of the recordings were cut live with the entire band in the studio. That definitely makes this project special to me,” said Jessy J.

Cover songs on Tequila Moon include “Song For You,” “Poetry Man,” “Beasame Mucho,” and “Mais Que Nada,” with the later two as vocals.

Recording the album was a bit of a musical homecoming for this young lion. Jessy J grew up speaking Spanish and was always entranced by the Samba rhythms of her Mexican-American childhood. “These songs really represent who I am as an artist. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity and I am very thankful to my family and friends for their support. I hope you enjoythe album,” she said.

HARRY CONNICK JR. - MY NEW ORLEANS

Harry Connick, Jr. is a highly revered and celebrated artist and entertainer. He has amassed a remarkable resume of achievements including over 20 million discs sold from his 20-album repertoire, three Grammy awards and nominations for Tony, Emmy, Oscar and Golden Globe awards. Harry Connick, Jr. is incredibly well loved in the UK. His last album released in 2004 has shipped 150,000 units to date. Sony BMG is set to release his latest - My New Orleans in the next several weeks. Connick last appeard in Europe back in 2000 and is now gearing up to return later in the year.
Here's a sneak peek of a few confirmed dates.

The following UK dates are confirmed and on sale:
November 3, 2007: Royal Albert Hall, London
November 16, 2007: Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow
November 17, 2007: Birmingham Symphony Hall, Birmingham

BOB BALDWIN - MEMOIRS OF THE HUDSON

An innovater in the fusion of R&B and pop, Bob Baldwin has indeed been a staple on the contemporary jazz scene for nearly two decades. Perhaps best known for his collaborations, Baldwin has worked with more major names in the biz than one can reasonably list…Will Downing, Grover Washington, Jr., Marion Meadows, George Benson, Lenny White, Gerald Albright and Chuck Loeb to name a few.Being that jazz is an oral tradition, it seems only natural that such a prolific performer would choose to record his musical diary on DVD with Memoirs of the Hudson. Delighfully engaging, fans can watch the master craftsman at work in the place he loves the best - performing live

JOEY SUMMERVILLE - LIKE YOU MEAN IT

Trumpeter Joey Sommerville has found his way to the top of the Indie Jazz Charts. His latest release entitled Like You Mean It, features cuts with Wayman Tisdale, Marion Meadows, Phil Perry, Bob Baldwin, Rhonda Smith and Mike Phillips. Sommerville channels a perfect mix of bouncy grooves, Latin vibes and House Beats, all infused with the melodic soul of this incredible talent. The magical blend has catapulted the CD to reach as high as Number 7 on the smooth jazz Top 50 Indie charts. Like You Mean It, features twelve hot, smooth and mellow tunes. Atlanta's Smooth Jazz 107.5 WJZZ has just placed Like You Mean It, in heavy radio rotation.

MACY GRAY TOUR DATES

Here are Macy Gray ‘s upcoming tour dates:
September 3 @ Taste of Cleveland, Cleveland OH
September 6 @ House of Blues, Chicago IL
September 8 @ Casino Rama, Rama ON
September 12 @ Webster Hall, New York NY
September 13 @ Lyric Opera House, Baltimore MD
September 14 @ DAR Constitution Hall, Washington DC
September 15 @ Borgata Hotel in Atlantic City NJ

CHICAGO – 40th ANNIVERSARY SET

Rhino is preparing a new Chicago set. It’s a 2-CD 40th anniversary edition called “The Best Of Chicago” and is due October 2.

LUTHER VANDROSS - LOVE, LUTHER

A handful of rare and previously unreleased tracks will be included on the four-disc Luther Vandross boxed set, "Love, Luther," due Oct. 16 via Epic/J/Legacy. They include 1981 demos for "Ready for Love" and "If You Can't Dance" and versions of "There's Only You," "So Amazing" and "Anyone Who Had a Heart" recorded during a rehearsal at a Montserrat studio in June 1986.

"There's Only You" will be worked as a single to Urban AC and Smooth Jazz radio in the coming weeks. It will be the first new Vandross single since his death after complications from a stroke in 2005.

The box, which runs roughly in chronological order, begins with such early hits as "Never Too Much," "If the World Were Mine" and a blend of his own "Bad Boy" with Sam Cooke's "Havin' a Party." Disc two sports such R&B chart-toppers as "Stop To Love," the Gregory Hines duet "There's Nothing Better Than Love" and Vandross' signature song, "Here and Now."

Disc three features some pre-fame appearances with the groups Luther and Charme, plus '90s-era hits like the Mariah Carey duet "Endless Love," "Power of Love/Love Power" and "Don't Want To Be a Fool." The last disc rounds up some live cuts, a pairing with Frank Sinatra on "The Lady Is a Tramp" from the latter's 1993 album "Duets" and Vandross' last big R&B hit, 2001's "Take You Out."

KENNY 'BABYFACE' EDMONDS - PLAYLIST

Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmonds latest release is currently the #2 most added single at AC radio. His take on James Taylor’s ‘Fire & Rain’ is also the #1 most added song on the Smooth Jazz chartswPLAYLIST is the first Babyface album devoted (mostly) to cover versions of some of his favorite songs, including Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door,” Dan Fogelberg’s “Longer,” and others from James Taylor (“Shower The People”), Eric Clapton (“Wonderful Tonight”), Bread (“Diary”), Jim Croce (“Time In A Bottle”), and Dave Loggins (“Please Come To Boston”), plus two new compositions by Babyface, including the beautiful song he penned for his two children, “Not Going Nowhere.”

Kenny ”Babyface” Edmond’s countless honors, which include Grammy awards for Producer Of the Year in 1992, ’95, ’96 and ’97 (the only person in history to win for three consecutive years), plus numerous NAACP Image Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and American Music Awards, established him not only as the top hitmaker of the ’90s, but as one of the greatest hitmakers in the history of popular music.      
            
Babyface fans around the world can see him live when he performs at the new Billboard Live clubs in Japan in October:  Tokyo, Japan (Oct. 15, 16, 18, 19, 20);  Osaka, Japan (Oct. 22, 23, 25, 26, 28) and Fukuoka, Japan (Oct. 29).   Babyface is also playing Manila, Phillipines’ Araneta Coliseum on Oct 13.  

JONI MITHCELL - SHINE

Joni Mitchell has signed with Hear Records (Starbucks/Concord) for her upcoming release. The new CD is entitled “Shine” and it will feauter 10 new songs, including a remake of on of our favorites, “Big Yellow Taxi”. It’s out September 25.

QUEEN LATIFAH – TRAV’LIN’ LIGHT

Trav'lin' Light is Queen Latifah's second CD highlighting jazz, soul, and blues. This time out she is exploring songs from the songbooks of Peggy Lee, Etta James, Sarah Vaughn, Nina Simone, Shirley Horn, Carmen McRae, Roberta Flack, Mary Wells, Phoebe Snow, and others. Trav’lin Light is produced by three-time Grammy® winner Tommy LiPuma and by Geffen Records chairman Ron Fair, and the album is the long-awaited follow-up to Latifah’s critically-acclaimed and Grammy® nominated release The Dana Owens Album (2004). Trav’lin’ Light features contributions by a number of stellar artists: neo-soul singers Jill Scott and Erykah Badu, piano and keyboard pioneers George Duke and Joe Sample, and bass virtuoso Christian McBride. Engineered by 15-time Grammy® winner Al Schmitt, the album also features Jeff Hamilton on drums, Anthony Wilson on guitar and John Clayton on arrangements. Also included on the CD is Stevie Wonder, who contributes harmonica on one track. It’s due September 25.

JOSS STONE TOUR DATES

Joss Stone will perform the following concerts:
September 6 @ Britt Pavilion, Jacksonville OR
September 8 @ Mandalay Bay Resort, Las Vegas NV
September 11 @ Vive Cuervo Salon, Mexico City Mexico
September 14 @ Austin City Limits Festival, Austin TX
September 16 @ Hard Rock Hotel, Biloxi MS
September 20 @ Charter One Pavilion, Chicago IL
September 23 @ Now & Zen Fest, San Francisco CA
September 26 @ Myth, Maplewood MN
September 28 @ Theatre at Atlantis, Paradise Islands Bahamas
September 29 @ Crossroads, Kansas City MO
October 2 @ Fillmore, Detroit MI
October 5 @ MacEwan Conference & Event Centre, Calgary AB
October 31 @ Ahoy, Rotterdam Netherlands

KOCD-FM SMOOTH JAZZ RADIO

KESC-FM in McAlester, OK has moved its 100kw signal into Oklahoma City over to 103.7 on the dial, and has become Smooth Jazz KOCD-FM. The station is now an affiliate of Broadcast Architecture's Smooth Jazz Network. The market has been without a Jazz outlet since KTNT dropped its NAC/Jazz format eight years ago.

WAYNE SHORTER 2008 TOUR DATES

Wayne Shorter is firming up his 2008 tour dates and will perform the following concerts:
January 5 @ Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool UK
March 28 @ Kimmel Center, Philadelphia PA
June 6 @t Symphony Center, Chicago IL

CINEMATIC: CLASSIC FILM MUSIC REMIXED

Cinematic: Classic Film Music Remixed takes some of the greatest movie music of all time from Quincy Jones, Nina Rota, Ennio Morricone, Henry Mancini, Duke Ellington and others and puts the music in the hands of some of today's leading remixers, DJs and producers. Included on this set are Quincy Jones' "They Call Me Mr. Tibbs" and David Shire's “The Taking of Pelham 123” as they are given new mixes by King Britt and Phillip Charles. Also included are the "Love Theme to Ben Hur" and the "Roma Suite" from Fellini's Roma which are taken into new atmospheric heights by ambient texturalists Bombay Dub Orchestra and Bent. Cinematic's other remixers also includes Tom Middleton (one half of the groundbreaking ambient duo, Global Communication), Shawn Lee, Shrift, Zeb. Mark de Clive Lowe, The Real Tuesday Weld and Gaudi.

THELMA HOUSTON – A WOMAN’S TOUCH

Thelma Houstons returns with a new CD on the Shout Factory label, A Woman’s Touch. She follows the trend that has been established by dozens of senior soul and pop artists over the past few years, the disc is a collection of remakes of soul classics from the 60s, 70s and 80s.  The twist in A Woman's Touch is that Houston has chosen to cover popular songs by some of her favorite strong male artists, giving them "a woman's touch." The good news is that Houston sounds great.  Her deep, bluesy voice is as distinctive as ever, and she appears at ease with the well worn collection of songs on A Woman's Touch.  Included on the CD are Marvin Gaye's "Ain't That Peculiar,"  Sting's "Brand New Day" and Marvin Gaye’s "Distant Lover."  Other uptempo tracks include, Luther Vandfross’ "Never too Much" and Sylvester's "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" with the full disco diva treatment.  The remaining cuts range from Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes' "Wake Up Everybody" and "By the Time I Get to Phoenix". 

BEBEL GILBERTO TOUR DATES

Bebel Gilberto is back on the road after here recent injury and begins her fall tour with a live show at San Francisco's Fillmore on September 6th. She is currently touring in support of her latest release, Momento.

Fall Tour Dates
Thu. 9/6/07 @ The Fillmore, San Francisco, Ca.
Sat. 9/8/07 @ Avalon, Los Angeles, Ca.
Mon. 9/10/07 @ The Showbox, Seattle, Wa.
Tue. 9/11/07 @ Aladdin Theatre, Portland, Or.
Thu. 9/13/07 @ Park West, Chicago, IL.
Fri. 9/14/07 @ Carlu, Toronto, Canada
Sat. 9/15/07 @ Le National, Montreal, Canada
Mon. 9/17/07 @ Paradise, Boston, Ma.
Tue. 9/18/07 @ Webster Hall, New York, NY.

DIANA KRALL – THE VERY BEST OF DIANA KRALL

Verve is releasing The Very Best of Diana Krall on September 18 and it cludes interpretations of timeless vintage standards by composers as George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Rodgers and Hart, Van Heusen and Cahn, and Bacharach and David.  Songs include S'Wonderful," "Peel Me A Grape" and "I've Got You Under My Skin."  Krall also demonstrates her versatility with musical settings that range from the playful swing of "Frim Fram Sauce" to the intimate bossa nova of "The Look of Love" The collection also features three previously unreleased songs – Sinatra’s classic "Only the Lonely," "You Go to My Head," and Tom Waits' "The Heart of Saturday Night."

CHICK COREA & BELA FLECK TOUR DATES

Chick Corea & Bela Fleck will perform the following concerts:
October 27 @ Auditorium Theatre, Lyon France
October 29 @ Tchaikovsky Concert Hall, Moscow Russia
October 31 @ Riga Arena, Riga Latvia
November 2 @ Studenski Centre; Zagreb Croatia
November 3 @ Turker Inanoglu Maslak Show Center, Sariyer Turkey
November 7 @ Torwar Hall, Warsaw Poland
November 9 @ Teatro Medica, Bologna Italy
February 13 @ Riley Center, Meridian MS
February 15 @ New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark NJ
February 16 @ Penn State, University Park PA
February 20 @ Ruby Diamond Auditorium, Tallahassee FL
March 1 @ Dartmouth, Hanover NH.

TEDDY PENDERGRASS & LOU RAWLS ESSENTIALS

Gamble & Huff’s Philadelphia International Records has teamed with Legacy to release a series of compilations highlighting their amazing catalogue of music. First up are the 2-CD Teddy Pendergrass Essenstial (out October 30); and the 2-CD Lou Raws Essential set (also on October 30).

HERBIE HANCOCK – RIVER: THE JONI LETTERS

Herbie Hancock’s new album, “River, The Joni Letters” is due out on September 25. It’s a collection of Mitchell covers with guest appearances by Joni Mitchell (“Teal Leaf Prophect”); Leonard Cohen (“The Jungle Line”); Corinne Baily Rae (“The River”)’ Norah Jones (“Court And Spark”); Tina Turner (“Edith And The Kingpin”); and Luciana Souza (“Amelia”), as well as constributions from Wayne Shorter on sax, Dave Holland on bass, and Lionel Loueke on guitar.

Herbie Hancock will head back on the road later in the year and will perform the following concerts:
November 8 @ Fairfield Center, Fairfield CA
November 9 @ John Van Duzer Theatre, Arcata CA
November 10 @ Masonic Center in San Francisco CA
November 11 @ Campbell Hall, Santa Barbara CA
November 14 @ Centennial Hall, Tucson AZ
November 15 @ Lensic PAC, Santa Fe NM
November 16 @ Orpheum Theatre, Phoenix AZ

TERENCE BLANCHARD - A TALE OF GOD’S WILL (A REQUIEM FOR KATRINA)

Terence Blanchard’s A Tale Of God’s Will (A Requiem For Katrina), a beautifully haunting and impassioned song-cycle about the physical and emotional ravages incurred upon the City of New Orleans and its residents as a result of Hurricane Katrina, was recently released by Blue Note Records on August 14th. Featuring thirteen original compositions written by Blanchard and members of his band, A Tale of God’s Will is an evocative emotional journey of a city whose spirit lives on through the most devastating of circumstances - as told through the musical genius of one of New Orleans’ proudest residents – Terence Blanchard.

Recorded at Conway Studios in Los Angeles and Studio X and Bastyr University Chapel in Seattle, A Tale of God’s Will features a 40 piece orchestra string section in addition to Blanchard’s band (Derrick Hodge on bass, Aaron Parks on piano, Kendrick Scott on drums and Brice Winston on saxophone). While specific tracks from the CD were originally written for the Levees documentary, both the creative process for scoring the film and the physical experience of living through Katrina itself left no doubt in Blanchard’s mind that his next CD project would be a musical expression and expansion of these, of having gone through the Hurricane itself as well as through the aftermath of this terrible event, and that he would be helping to contribute to the rebuilding of the city - both musically and otherwise – in any way that he could.

“This moment must be seen,” says Blanchard, “Has to be seen by those people around the world who don’t know what has happened here. What is happening here. Yes. Still.”

Blanchard also called upon the talents of his bandmates to create music for the new CD – as heard on Derrick Hodge’s “Over There”, Aaron Park’s “Ashe”, Kendrick Scott’s “Mantra” and Brice Winston’s “In Time of Need”. Each track was written by the individual band member and offers their own unique perspective of the tragedy in New Orleans, yet all of the music flows together seamlessly to create an unbelievably poignant and inspiring whole work.

The past year has been an incredibly prolific one for the world-renowned film composer and trumpet player on a number of other levels as well. While working on A Tale of God’s Will, Blanchard also played a pivotal role in the moving of The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz from Los Angeles to New Orleans, a move that as Artistic Director he feels will benefit not only the city of New Orleans, but the students themselves who will be surrounded by the ever-present rich diversity of music in the Crescent City. In addition, Blanchard was chosen by the Monterey Jazz Festival to be their honorary Artist-In-Residence for 2007, teaching at the institute there several times throughout the year and of course performing all weekend at the upcoming festival itself in September of 2007.

July will see the release of Talk To Me, acclaimed Director Kasi Lemmon’s new film based on the life of radical disc jockey and political activist Petey Greene, played by Don Cheadle. Blanchard’s score for Talk To Me will be his 41st film score, following on the heels of Levees as well as his groundbreaking work for Universal Pictures/Imagine Entertainment’s Inside Man, in which he called upon the talents of not only his band, but an 80-piece orchestra.

Besides performing for sold-out audiences around the globe, Terence was a featured panelist and performer at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and served as a keynote speaker at the Billboard Film and Television Music Conference. One week out of every month finds Terence teaching at the Monk Institute, and he just recently performed at the 2007 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Flow: Living In The Stream of Music, the critically-acclaimed documentary that followed Terence and his band across four continents, was nominated for a Grammy (Best Long-form Music Video) in the 49th Annual Grammy Awards (his critically-acclaimed CD, Flow, was the recipient of two Grammy nominations in 2006).

Blanchard was born in New Orleans on March 13, 1962, and began playing piano at 5 years of age. In elementary school, he added on the trumpet and was coached at home by his opera-singing father. In high school, Terence came under the tutelage of Ellis Marsalis and Roger Dickerson, and after graduation, attended Rutger’s University on a music scholarship where one of his professors was so impressed by his talent that he brokered him a touring gig with Lionel Hampton’s band.

In '83, Wynton Marsalis recommended Terence as his replacement in Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. Part of the Blakey legend was his ability to foster performances and individual personalities from the young, malleable talents he brought into his fold. Blakey utilized and nurtured the improvisation and compositional ideas of his band members to solidify his own unique artistic vision. The legacy of the working band as jazz workshop is at the essence of jazz, and Terence remains one of the few on the scene today who fully embrace that dynamic.

Two years later, Terence and fellow Messenger Donald Harrison split to form their own quintet. In '90, TB departed to pursue a solo career. During his tenure at Columbia, both his soundtrack to Mo’ Better Blues and his CD The Heart Speaks were nominated for Grammy Awards. Signed to the Sony Classical label in 1999, the trumpeter/composer gained acclaim as a bandleader and composer of movie and television soundtracks (including the Grammy-nominated Wandering Moon and a Golden Globe nomination for his score for Spike Lee’s The 25th Hour). In 2003 Terence signed with Blue Note Records and has released Bounce and Flow, the first two parts of a three-record trilogy.

Additional films that Terence has written the music for include Eve’s Bayou, Malcolm X, Barbershop, Their Eyes Were Watching God and Clockers.

The release of A Tale of God’s Will will be accompanied by a worldwide tour with Terence and his band, as well as dates featuring guest appearances by Spike Lee focusing on their film work together and in particular, the music of When the Levees Broke.

PAUL ANKA – CLASSIC SONGS MY WAY

Paul Ank’a latest release follows the lead from his previous CD (Rock Swings), as he continues to put his own classic swing on some of pop’s most widely known songs. Anka includes interpretations on Cyndi Laupers “True Colors” and Duran Duran’s” “Ordinary World”. The CD also includes yet another version of Sinatra’s “My Way” (written by Anka, among others). Previous press releases had indicated that there would be an ‘electronic’ duet with Sammy Davis, Jr.; however, it appears that this track never made the final cut. Hopefully it will be released at another time.

RARE & UNRELEASED TRACKS FROM ARETHA FRANKLIN

A selection of previously unreleased material from Aretha Franklin from the vaults at Atlantic are being assembled for an upcoming collection from Rhino Records. The double-disc "Rare and Unreleased Recordings from the Golden Reign of the Queen of Soul" will be released Oct. 16, featuring B-sides, demos and outtakes from Franklin's 13-year history with the label. Previously unreleased tracks include "You Keep Me Hanging On," "Trying To Overcome," and "My Way," a rare cover of the Beatles' "Fool on the Hill" and demo versions of "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)," "Dr. Feelgood (Love Is a Serious Business)" and "Sweet Bitter Love."

Additionally, a second disc will contain a duet with Ray Charles on "Ain't but the One," an alternate version of "Rock Steady" and outtakes from the "Young, Gifted and Black" and "Hey Now Hey (The Other Side of the Sky)" sessions. Aretha Franklin’s upcoming concert dates include the Montreux Jazz Festival -- Atlanta on Sept 1, and Sept. 18 at the Dream concert at New York's Radio City Music Hall

Here is the track list for ""Rare and Unreleased Recordings from the Golden Reign of the Queen of Soul":


Disc 1:

"I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)"
"Dr. Feelgood (Love Is a Serious Business)"
"Sweet Bitter Love"
"It Was You"
"The Letter"
"So Soon"
"Mr. Big"
"Talk to Me, Talk to Me"
"The Fool on the Hill"
"Pledging My Love/The Clock"
"You're Taking Another Man's Place"
"You Keep Me Hangin' On"
"I'm Trying to Overcome"
"My Way"
"My Cup Runneth Over"
"You're All I Need To Get By" (first outtake)
"You're All I Need To Get By" (second outtake)
"Lean on Me"

Disc 2:

"Rock Steady"
"I Need a Strong Man"
"Heavenly Father"
"Sweetest Smile and the Funkiest Style"
"This Is"
"Tree of Life"
"Do You Know"
"Can You Love Again"
"I Want Tto Be with You"
"Suzanne"
"That's the Way I Feel About Cha"
"Ain't But the One"
"The Happy Blues"
"At Last"
"Love Letters"
"I'm in Love"
"Are You Leaving Me"

CANDY DULFER'S CANDY STORE

Saxophonist Candy Dulfer will deliver her new CD Candy Store on the Heads Up International label on September 18th. The Dutch-born artist says she's been gratified by early response to the CD, which features a range of musical styles, from funk to Latin and reggae to hip-hop. Dulfer says she was able to make the album she wanted to make, writing and recording tunes with musical partners Ulco Bed, Thomas Bank, and Chance Howard before she had signed a new recording contract. After meeting Heads Up chief Dave Love at a European festival, she decided to send him a sample of her music, thinking he wouldn't feel it was right for the label. She was pleasantly surprised. Dulfer explained: "We kept writing but it was all very ... you know, a lot of diverse styles, just everything we felt like basically. And then I met Dave Love from Heads Up, and he said he wanted to sign me. And he said, 'Do you have some material already?' And I said, 'Well we got stuff but you probably won't like it because it's so totally out there and so different.' And he said, 'Well try me and just send it to me.' And I did, and he just loved it." No official single has been designated for radio, but smooth jazz fans will enjoy the Latin flavor of "La Cabana," the smooth "11:58," and the beautiful "Everytime." Candy Store also features a bonus track, a remix of her previous radio hit "Finsbury Park.”.

RAFE GOMEZ JOINS CW’S NEW YORK MORNING NEWS

Rafe Gomez, host of the popular syndicated smooth jazz show The Groove Boutique, joins the on-air staff of CW11, New York’s morning news show.Gomez joins the WPIX-TV morning team to offer up music on the show as well as recommendations for music to fit viewers' lifestyles. The popular DJ and radio personality will be the on-air DJ and lifestyle host effective September 6.

KIJZ-FM SWITCHES FROM SMOOTH JAZZ TO CLASSIC HITS

Clear Channel Radio has switched the Smooth Jazz format heard on KIJZ-FM in Portland, OR in favor of a Classic Hits format now called "Kool 105.9 FM."
Regional VP of Programming Tony Coles will program the station with
assistance from listeners, who can create their own 15-song playlists from
Kool's web site. According to industry reports, the ratings and ad support
just wasn't there to keep the smooth jazz format alive.

JOE SAMPLE, RANDY CRAWFORD & RICK BRAUN @ HENRIETTE DELILLE LEGACY CONCERT

Joe Sample will headline the 3rd Annual Henriette Delille Legacy Concert on September 15, 2007 at the Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston Island, Texas. The concert will also feature guest performances by the vocalist/singer Randy Crawford and smooth jazz trumpeter Rick Braun. Joe Sample and Randy Crawford are currently teamed on their new release, Feeling Good Sample’s latest release Feeling Good (PRA Records) featuring vocalist Randy Crawford marks a return collaboration between Sample and Crawford, who first worked together more than 30 years ago. Throughout this album the listener is drawn into the warm embrace of Joe and Randy’s musical heritage, a mixture of soul, jazz, gospel, pop, and a touch of the blues, a reflection of Sample’s desire to “live somewhere in the world where people hold onto their roots and their culture.” His 2002 release The Pecan Tree was also inspired by the music and culture of southeast Texas.

THE SOCIETY OF SINGERS LINEUP FOR ELLA AWARD PRESENTATION TO GLADYS KNIGHT

Melissa Etheridge, Smokey Robinson, Johnny Mathis and Kimberley Locke will be among the performers at the Society of Singers' (SOS) presentation of the 16th ELLA Award to the legendary soul, pop, gospel and R&B singer Gladys Knight. Comedian, actor and singer Wayne Brady will sing a song and also host the event, which will take place at the Beverly Hilton on September 10, 2007, and include a silent auction, live auction, dinner and includes surprise performances by stars who have not yet been announced. The benefit Co-Chairs for the event are Society of Singers president and chief executive officer Jerry F. Sharell and Universal Music Group's president and chief operating officer, Zach Horowitz. Honorary Co-Chairs for the event are Clarence Avant, Interior Music and Johnny Mathis.

Named after its first recipient, Ella Fitzgerald, the ELLA Award is given to singers whose significant musical accomplishments are equaled by their dedication to charitable and humanitarian causes both local and international. Previous recipients of the award, besides Ms. Fitzgerald herself, include Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Lena Horne, Rosemary Clooney, Tony Bennett, Placido Domingo, Celine Dion and Elton John.

A seven-time Grammy Award winner with Number One hits in the pop, R&B and Adult Contemporary formats, Gladys Knight has been honored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and many others. She has released close to 40 albums over the years, and had Top 10 hits in the '60s ("I Heard It Through the Grapevine"), '70s ("Midnight Train to Georgia") and '80s ("That's What Friends Are For"). She is also active in the American Diabetes Association, the American Cancer Society, the Minority AIDS Project and amFAR, among others.

Tickets for the ELLA Award dinner and award presentation range from $600 to $2,500, with all proceeds to benefit the Society of Singers, a non-profit organization that offers comprehensive services to meet the emergency financial needs of professional singers worldwide. For more information, please consult http://www.singers.org or call (818) 995-7100.

JIM BRICKMAN & THE SAVOY LABEL GROUP TOAST TH E HOLIDAY SEASON WITH ‘HOMECOMING’ DUE SEPT. 25

The magnetism of the year-end holidays goes hand in hand with the evocative musical output that has long defined pianist, composer and producer Jim Brickman and the much-lauded musician has done it again with his new recording for the holiday season, "HOMECOMING." Brickman who was recently crowned as the #1 Charting Artist at the Adult Contemporary radio format, created a multi-format musical confection collaborating with a diverse roster of guest performers such as Lonestar's Richie McDonald who is featured on the first single "Coming Home For Christmas"; the late Gerald Levert with one of his last vocal performances on the title track and jazz great Peter White and his distinctive guitar talents are showcased on "Joy." "HOMECOMING" is released September 25th on SLG Records (a unit of the Savoy Label Group).

"HOMECOMING," his 16th CD overall, differs from previous seasonal albums in that it has a more spiritual tone. The first single captures that feeling thanks to the contribution of Richie McDonald whose warm vocal brings a poignant emotion to "Coming Home For Christmas" (his collaboration with Brickman is his first project post-Lonestar). Brickman, McDonald and Victoria Shaw all collaborated as songwriters on "Coming Home For Christmas." The result is a gorgeous love letter of a song that captures the sentiment of being away from home and those you care about and anticipating a heartfelt reunion. A sample lyric reads: "When I think of you, I think of home/If I could make this plane go any faster, I'd be standing by your door." Just as Brickman's past collaborations with vocal stars such as Martina McBride (on the smash hit "Valentine") have resulted in incomparable chart success, "Coming Home For Christmas" looks to be the song of the season for Jim and Richie.

"I love doing holiday albums, because I find that I am never at a loss for material," Brickman says. "There are so many ways to interpret these familiar songs instrumentally. And the tone and sensibility of my music has always fit with the holiday season. It's such a joyous time of year, a time of gathering and emotional connection--and music is such a huge part of that."

The second vocal collaboration, title-track "HOMECOMING," is a duet with the late Gerald Levert. The two previously worked together on "My Angel," a track from the 2006 album ESCAPE. When the pair joined for "My Angel," Brickman suggested that they rework the song with a Christmas lyric. Unfortunately, Levert died in November 2006 at age 40, leaving "HOMECOMING" as one of his final vocal recordings.

The album also contains two original instrumental tracks, "Thanksgiving" featuring piano and strings, which conjures a fall family gathering; and "Bethlehem," a gentle, reflective hymnal. Instrumental covers include "I Heard the Bells," featuring Peter White on jazz guitar, "Joy" with David Klinkenberg on solo violin, and piano renditions of British carols "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and "I Saw Three Ships," "Silent Night," album finale "Auld Lang Syne" and "Good King Wenceslas," an instrumental take on the age-old Christmas carol about a charitable king who offers the miracle of warmth through his footprints in the snow.

Since his 1994 debut album, "No Words," Brickman's signature romantic style has made him a marquis name among contemporary instrumental hit makers, selling six Gold and Platinum albums, and delivering three No. 1 and twelve Top 10 adult contemporary radio hits. Among his numerous accolades are a SESAC Songwriter of the Year award, Canadian Country Music Award for Best Vocal/Instrumental Collaboration, a Grammy nod for Best Pop Instrumental Album for "Peace" and a gospel Dove Award for "The Gift." He has had consistent No. 1 debuts on Billboard Magazine's New Age Albums chart and two No. 1s on Top Kid Audio.

Brickman has also collaborated on numerous vocal events with the likes of Martina McBride, Olivia Newton-John, Michael W. Smith, Jane Krakowski and Rebecca Lynn Howard, fostering crossover success on the country, Christian, contemporary jazz and smooth jazz singles charts.

As usual, Brickman will unwrap his latest melodic gifts with a robust holiday season tour, beginning Nov. 23 through the New Year, with nearly three dozen dates confirmed.

JOHN MCLAUGHLIN TOUR DATES

John McLaughlin will perform the following concerts:
September 13 @ Carolina Theatre, Durham NC
September 14 @ House of Blues, Chicago IL
September 15 @ Wall to Wall Guitar Festival, Urbana IL
September 16 @ Dakota Jazz Club, Minneapolis MN
September 19 @ Boulder Theater, Boulder CO
September 20 @ Lobero Theatre, Santa Barbara CA
September 21 @ Lyons Stage, Monterey CA
September 22 @ San Francisco Jazz Festival, San Francisco CA
September 23 @ John Van Duzer Theatre, Arcata CA
September 25 @ The Egg, Albany NY
September 27 @ Town Hall in New York NY
September 28 @ Lisner Auditorium, Washington DC
September 29 @ Zoellner Arts Center, Bethlehem PA
September 30 @ Keswick Theatre, Glenside PA
October 2 @ Theatre Maisonneuve, Montreal QC
October 4 @ Dominion Chalmers United Church, Ottawa ON
October 5 @ Massey Hall, Toronto ON

NEW RELEASES

Dizzy Gillespie – Live At The 1965 Monterey Jazz Festival (Concord)
Ella Fitzgerald – The Very Best Of The Duke Ellington Song Book (Verve)
Ella Fitzgerald – The Very Best Of The Gerswhin Song Book (Verve)
Jethro Tull – Live At Montreux 2003 (Eagle Vision)
Louis Armstrong – Live At The 1958 Monterey Jazz Festival (Concord)
Miles Davis – Evolution Of The Groove (Columbia/Legacy)
Miles Davis – Live At The 1963 Monterey Jazz Festival (Concord)
Rascals – The Very Best Of The Rascals (Rhino)
Roberta Flack – Softly With These Songs: The Best Of Roberta Flack (Rhino)
Sarah Vaughan – Live At The 1971 Monterey Jazz Festival (Concord)
Stevie Wonder – Number Ones (Motown/UME)
Thelonious Monk – Live At The 1964 Monterey Jazz Festival (Concord)
Various Artists – Live At The Monterey Jazz Festival: Highlights, Vol. 1 (Concord)

STEPHEN MARLEY TOUR DAYES

Stephen Marley will perform the following concerts: September 2 at BB King's Blues Club in New York NY, September 13 at House of Blues in New Orleans LA, September 15 at Austin City Limits Festival in Austin TX, September 18 at The Rave in Milwaukee WI, September 25 at Cricket Pavilion in Phoenix AZ, September 26 at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Irvine CA, September 28 at Coors Amphitheatre in Chula Vista CA, September 29 at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View CA, October 1-2 at Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles CA, and October 5 at Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas NV. All dates September 25 through October 2 are with the Dave Matthews Band.

MADELINE PEYROUX - "HALF THE PERFECT WORLD"

Jazz singer Madeleine Peyroux has lined up a series of new concert dates over the next few months, including a string of dates on the West coast, followed by two weeks in Brazil, and then a few weeks of shows in the Midwest and the Northeast.
Peyroux has gained a reputation for avoiding the spotlight: After her first album was released in 1996, she dropped out of sight for years, doing street performances in Paris and rarely performing under her own name in clubs. She raised eyebrows in 2005 when she was reported missing after failing to appear at promotional events in the UK, and a private detective was hired to find her -- only to discover she was in New York with her manager, which embarrassed her record company.

At the BBC Jazz Awards in July, Peyroux was named the Best International Jazz Artist. She also recently made an appearance on Live From Abbey Road, on the Sundance Channel.

Her latest album is Half the Perfect World.

Madeleine Peyroux tour dates:
August 25 - Healdsburg, CA - Rodney Strong Vineyards
August 26 - Saratoga, CA - Mountain Winery
August 28 - Arcata, CA - John Van Duzer Theatre
September 14 - Ouro Preto, Brazil - Festival de Jazz
September 15 - Belo Horizonte, Brazil - Teatro Ipatinga
September 18 - Sao Paulo, Brazil - Via Funchal
September 20 - Sao Paulo, Brazil - Casa Fasano
September 22 - Brasilia, Brazil - Centro de Concencoes Brasilia
September 26 - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Teatro Municipal
September 28 - Porto Alegre, Brazil - Bourbon Hall
October 2 - Salvador de Bahia, Brazil - Teatro Castro Alves
November 7 - Columbus, OH - Southern Theatre
November 8 - Ann Arbor, MI - University of Michigan
November 10 - Chester Springs, PA - Performing Arts Center
November 11 - Roanoke, VA - Jefferson Center
November 13 - South Orange, NJ - South Orange PAC
November 14 - Harrisburg, PA - Whitaker Center
November 15 - Collingswood, NJ - Scottish Rite Auditorium
November 17 - New London, CT - Garde Arts Center
November 18 - Ridgefield, CT - Ridgefield Playhouse

NEW RELEASE: LIONEL RICHIE

An upcoming new CD/DVD combo from Lionel Richie is due on September 11. The CD will contain 19 performances, including several new live footage of previously unreleased tracks. The DVD will also contain some behind-the-scenes content and also 3 music videos from his recent albums.  Entitled, Live in Paris, it will be part of PBS August pledge drive.

THE BIRD AND THE BEE

On September 25, the Bird and the Bee will return with Please Clap Your Hands, a five-song EP that finds the band’s irrepressible sound—which Rolling Stone described as “audible sunshine”—evolving on four new originals including the lead single “Polite Dance Song,” and a cover of The Bee Gees’ “How Deep Is Your Love.”

The Bird and the Bee has also confirmed that they will be touring with Rilo Kiley as the opening performer for the indie pop band on seven concert dates in October.

The Bird and the Bee’s effervescent version of “Carol of the Bells,” will be featured on the holiday compilation Stockings by the Fire, which will be available exclusively at Starbucks Company-operated locations in the U.S. and Canada starting on November 8. Their song “Again & Again” will also appear on the upcoming soundtrack Grey’s Anatomy, Volume 3, due out September 11 on Hollywood Records.

The past year has been an eventful one for the Bird and the Bee, the Los Angeles band led by singer Inara George and keyboardist/producer Greg Kurstin. The Los Angeles Times named them one of “10 Bands on the Horizon for 2007” and their self-titled debut was released in January to rave reviews. The New Yorker called the album “a sure delight” and Billboard proclaimed it “a delicious revelation.” They were featured on major television shows including The Tonight Show With Jay Leno and Grey’s Anatomy, toured throughout the United States, Europe and Japan, opened concerts for the UK singer Lily Allen, and even made their Carnegie Hall debut in June.

Please Clap Your Hands is made up of four new originals by George and Kurstin that take their danceable blend of ‘60s California pop and Brazilian Tropicalia to further heights, and a sublime cover version of The Bee Gees’ “How Deep Is Your Love,” which features background vocals from Australian singer Sia. Once again George has penned all the lyrics with Kurstin performing nearly all the instruments, but this time the EP also features contributions from members of their touring band including drummer Joey Waronker, guitarist Gus Seyffert, and background vocalists Willow Geer, Megan Geer Alsop, and Alex Lilly.

PLEASE CLAP YOUR HANDS – TRACKLIST
1. Polite Dance Song
2. Man
3. The Races
4. So You Say
5. How Deep Is Your Love

TOUR DATES

10/6/2007 Palladium Ballroom (opening for Rilo Kiley) Dallas, TX
10/7/2007 Stubb's (opening for Rilo Kiley) Austin, TX
10/9/2007 Rialto Theater (opening for Rilo Kiley) Tucson, AZ
10/10/2007 Marquee Theater (opening for Rilo Kiley) Tempe, AZ
10/12/2007 SOMA (opening for Rilo Kiley) San Diego, CA
10/13/2007 The Joint at The Hard Rock (opening for Rilo Kiley) Las Vegas, NV
10/15/2007 Civic Auditorium (opening for Rilo Kiley) Santa Monica, CA

EXODUS –30th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Bob Marley & The Wailers’ classic Exodus is being re-released by Island Records in a 30th Anniversary Edition. It’s due out on September 25.

MACY GRAY, BEBEL GILBERTO, JAZZANOVA, MANDRILL & WAR APPEARANCES

Madrill & War @ The Mann Music Center, Philadelphia, Aug. 25
Macy Gray & The Brand New Heavies @ Webster Hall, New York City - Sept. 12.
Bebel Gilberto @ Webster Hall, New York City – Sept. 18
Jazzanova @ Cielo, New York City – Oct. 11

OTTMAR LIEBERT –3 NEW RELEASES & TOUR DATES

‘One Guitar', enchanting guitar virtuoso Ottmar Liebert's first solo recording continues to receive great accolades across the country. Liebert & Luna Negra continue their touring schedule this summer on both coasts. Mr. Liebert's performances continuously sell out and bring audiences to their feet delivering inspired shows. (See tour dates listed below).

Liebert's sales pedigree is more than impressive -- historical for a guitarist. One look at his RIAA certifications let's you know how deep and wide his audience is. He has had 12 Gold and 6 Platinum certifications in the last 10 years. In addition, Ottmar Leibert is also ranked #3 of the Top Artists on the Rhapsody website. 'One Guitar' has achieved a 5 Star rating on Amazon. This fall Liebert is featured in the September issue of 'Cowboy's & Indians' -- considered the Vogue of the West in their music section. Luna Negra includes Liebert on - Flamenco and Electric Guitars, Jon Gagan - Bass Guitars, Dave Bryant - Percussion, Stephen Duros - Flamenco Guitar and Keyboard. In addition to Liebert's newest release, band members Stephen Duros and Jon Gagen have also released their new recordings entitled 'Thira' and 'Transit 2' respectively. More information is available on the website www.lunanegra.com and the SSRI Listening Lounge.

Liebert has enjoyed a stellar career enjoyed by few guitarists of our time. Liebert's newest release "One Guitar" is filled with gorgeous soulful performances and a palette full of intimate moods and lush landscapes. "One Guitar" is now available in retail stores nationwide distributed by Burnside Distribution. Recorded solo with no overdubs, Ottmar delivers his amazing guitar prowess with a 2002 Flamenco Negra by Lester DeVoe of Nipomo, California. This 13 song release was "70% improvised" says Liebert, which contributes to the more personal nature and intimate environment that takes the listener to a different place. In addition to his performance and recording talents, Liebert is an accomplished photographer and savvy in the graphic communication arts. His release of the limited edition box set of 'La Semana' has received the 2006 Gold Star Award for CD/DVD packaging (beating HBO's DVD package for Deadwood and Universal Home Entertainments DVD package for the Marx Brothers). 'Creativity' is an annual publication by Collins Design, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers, and one of the oldest and most established graphic design competitions.

Last November Ottmar returned from a 5 week pilgrimage to Kham in Eastern Tibet. The journey entailed both service in clinics for nomads - several western physicians were attending to sick people - and visits to Tibetan holy places. There was a high adventure quotient as well as the group walked across a pass at 16,500 feet altitude that cannot be found on any map. The music business is a vastly changing industry and Ottmar has been an artistic leader in taking control of all aspects of his art and career.

Since 1990, Ottmar Liebert has released a total of 22 albums, including live releases, Christmas CDs, 10 CDs of original music, a DVD and remixes. His debut album, 1990's Nouveau Flamenco, featuring the stunning "Barcelona Nights," sold double-platinum and has become the biggest-selling guitar album of all time, redefining Flamenco music and marking Liebert as one of the most talented, influential and creative guitarists and performers to surface in years.

Liebert, well known the world over, was born in Cologne, Germany to a Chinese-German father and Hungarian mother. He traveled extensively through Europe and Asia intent on fully absorbing each musical tradition he encountered. Liebert was, and remains, influenced by everything around him, from museums, to nature, to books.

"One Guitar" takes this extraordinary artist another step forward to further illuminate us about his amazing gift of talent and to stand out as simply different. "Ottmar's guitar playing is reminiscent of many of the greats: Andres Segovia, Paco De Lucia, John McLaughlin. Like a true virtuoso, his playing is original, gently aggressive, and most importantly, heartfelt and beautiful."

Tour Dates
8/25/07, Sunoco Performance Theatre,Harrisburg, PA
8/26/07, Westhampton Beach Performing Arts,Westhampton, Beach, NY
8/27/07, Ram's Head, Annapolis, MD
8/28/07, Scullers,Boston, MA
8/29/07, 8/30/07, B.B. Kings,New York, NY
8/31/07, The Ridgefield Playhouse,Ridgefield, CT
9/1/07, The Birchmere,Alexandria, VA
9/29/07, The wave Festival at the Greek Theatre with India Arie,Los Angeles, CA

DEAN MARTIN'S "FOREVER COOL" A HIT

Around the world, entertainment superstar Dean Martin has the market cornered on charisma, easygoing charm, playful wit, and gracious humility, all of which combine to make him infinitely cool to each new generation of fans. The new CD was released worldwide on August 14 by Capitol/EMI, Martin's new all-star collaborations album, Forever Cool, debuts at #39 on Billboard's Top 200 Albums chart, with first week sales totaling 17,242. Available in CD and deluxe CD/DVD packages and digitally, Forever Cool has also enjoyed widespread critical acclaim and strong first-week showings on youth-leaning charts from iTunes, Amazon.com and Borders, among others. I bought the CD on the day of release and I just love it - - as a matter of fact it’s in my CD play (in my car) and is on constantly.

At iTunes, Forever Cool reached #3 on the Vocal chart during its first week. Ranked #5 overall at Borders for the week in a youth-heavy Top 10 Albums chart, Forever Cool was joined by the soundtracks to High School Musical, Hanna Montana and Hairspray and new and recent releases from Amy Winehouse, Dave Matthews Band and Common among the chain's top sellers for the week. At Amazon.com, the CD peaked at #22 and the deluxe CD/DVD peaked at #72 in overall popular music sales during their debut week, fueled by multiple custom programs at the online retailer, including a Flashplayer trailer, a "Music For Entertaining" feature and an August Bonus Book feature.

Dean Martin's inter-generational popularity has never been more evident. Across the online spectrum, Dino's star power has skyrocketed to new heights. At MySpace, he counts more than 16,500 friends, and his recently-revamped, interactive official Website (http://www.deanmartin.com) has had 154,000 hits in the past week alone. AOL Music, ARTISTdirect and MP3.com have featured Forever Cool alongside High School Musical and Dave Matthews Band. Last week, Yahoo! Music, which boasts more than one million visitors per day, premiered the new music video for Forever Cool's "Baby-O," a playful romp pairing Martin with 19-year-old American Idol finalist Paris Bennett. TV's "Entertainment Tonight" has joined the Forever Cool party with significant coverage, including two feature profiles during the album's release week, and a third to air on "Weekend ET" this weekend. "No matter what age you're at, you kind of want to be cool, and there was nobody cooler" said Dean Martin's Forever Cool collaborator Kevin Spacey.

Prior to the release of Forever Cool, the phenomenal sales of Capitol/EMI's 2004 collection Dino: The Essential Dean Martin, which collects 30 of Martin's key recordings for both Capitol and Reprise on one CD, provided the strongest signal yet of Dino's continued prominence in the pop-music firmament. I highly recommend this release as well. As the week's highest-charting new entry, it was Billboard's "Hotshot Debut", and it has sold more briskly than any previous Martin recording, going gold within months and platinum within a year. Dino also hit the Top 5 on Apple's iTunes Music Store album chart. As writer Bill Zehme observed in a 2004 Playboy feature, "Dean provides smooth, winking succor to generations anew."

More than 40 years after knocking the Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night" out of the #1 chart position with "Everybody Loves Somebody" in 1964, Dean Martin continues to enthrall music fans around the world. Said famed producer Phil Ramone, "I think Dean's whole re-birth, so to speak, is that young people have realized how cool he is and how funny he is ... and he could sing.” Said Martin's daughter, Gail Martin, "It gives me a warm glow to know that everybody -- all ages, all generations -- just seem to adore him and want more of him. That's exciting, and it doesn't surprise me."

Forever Cool's 14 tracks pair Martin's original vocals with new arrangements and an all-star group of collaborators in a salute to the unparalleled talent and charisma of the man known around the world as Dino. The album's inspired new recordings, woven together with several rare and previously unreleased clips of Martin's witty studio banter, feature Grammy winner Joss Stone, two-time Oscar(R) winner Kevin Spacey, saxophonist Dave Koz, Grammy winner Shelby Lynne, trumpeter Chris Botti, international superstar Robbie Williams, "American Idol" finalist Paris Bennett, country music star Martina McBride, French entertainment icon Charles Aznavour, Italian chart-topper Tiziano Ferro and other music greats. The new album swings, swaggers, rocks, rolls and whispers, gently closing with a previously unreleased a cappella version of "Lullaby" sung by Martin. "It's like a cocktail party on a record," said Forever Cool executive producer Jane Ventom, "where all sorts of wonderful, unique guests get up and make music with the host."

Forever Cool's production team includes EMI Music Marketing vice president of A&R Jane Ventom and Dean Martin's business manager Laura Lizer as executive producers and Rob Christie as producer, with recording and mixing by co- producer and 15-time Grammy winner Al Schmitt (Norah Jones, Ray Charles, Diana Krall, Quincy Jones, etc.). Select tracks were produced by 12-time Grammy winning producer Phil Ramone (Tony Bennett, Paul Simon, Ray Charles, etc.), Grammy-winning producer, arranger and conductor Patrick Williams (Frank Sinatra, B.B. King, Barbra Streisand), and Bobby Colomby (Chris Botti). The album's tracks were recorded and mixed at Capitol Studios in Hollywood.

"Offstage, I want to be like Dean Martin -- funny, handsome, charmin...," said Robbie Williams. "I've got it nailed (laughs)." Echoed Shelby Lynne, "I'm not gonna lie. I'd love to be Dean Martin." Martin's effortless vocalizing has become a modern shorthand for cool, as evidenced by the use of his songs in films like Goodfellas, Casino, Swingers, Out of Sight, L.A. Confidential, A Bronx Tale and Payback, as well as top- rated television programs, including "The Sopranos," "Ugly Betty" and "Dancing With The Stars." Martin's music has also been featured in major brand TV advertising for Nissan, Microsoft, Marriott Hotels, Carl's Jr., Heineken, this year's Superbowl-premiered Budweiser commercial with "Ain't That a Kick In the Head," and many others.

"He made music that's going to stand the test of time and be around forever," said Spacey. "People will always be listening to Dean Martin." Dean Martin's approach to life with an easy smile, a graceful melody and an aura of unflappable cool is a style that was made to last forever.

For more information, click to Dean Martin's official Website: http://www.deanmartin.com.

SEAL TO RELEASE “SYSTEM”

Grammy-winning vocalist and songwriter Seal will release a new album, "System," on Warner Bros. Records on November 13, 2007. It is the best-selling artist's fifth studio album and first since 2003's "Seal IV."

The London-born Seal first emerged from Britain's house music scene in the early '90s providing vocals and lyrics for techno artist Adamski's 1990 hit "Killer." The Top Ten debut single, "Crazy," followed, and Seal would go on to earn critical acclaim and worldwide commercial success over four albums with a genre-defying fusion of soul, pop, rock, R&B, and propulsive grooves. "System," with its shimmering melodies, glistening layers of synths and acoustic guitar, and supple, electronic beats, "is a return to my roots," Seal says. "I wanted to go back to the guitar, to the very first instrument I wrote 'Crazy' and 'Killer' on, and get back to the fundamentals of what I really love to do."

To help him deliver what he calls "a quintessential Seal album," Seal turned to British musician and songwriter Stuart Price, who co-wrote and produced Madonna's "Confessions on a Dancefloor," as well as Grammy-winning remixes for No Doubt and Coldplay. "It was quite evident from the first track that Stuart and I were on the same page," Seal says, "that I'd found someone who was able to elaborate on and execute my vision for this record. He loved the songs and I loved his production technique and we just took it from there. He's one of those rare people who plays instruments, understands music theory, and gets what a singer goes through when he is singing a song."

Indeed Seal's prodigious vocal gifts -- his soaring, husky baritone that has become a signature on such hits as "Prayer for the Dying," "Kiss From a Rose," and "Don't Cry" -- amplify the dreamy atmosphere on new tracks "Swoosh," "Amazing," ("System's" lead-off single), and "Wedding Day," an emotional ballad Seal wrote the morning he wed supermodel Heidi Klum, with whom he has three children.

"Family, my wife and children, that's my reason for being," Seal says. "Everything is done with them in mind, so perhaps that's the reason this new album is up-tempo. It does feel like a celebration of life. I am finally in a content and happy place to the point where I feel like I need to sing about it. It's made me want to address things that are close to home. That's why the album is called 'System.' It's saying that against the odds, we have chosen to take control of our emotional system. Not being a victim of a system that's already in place, but creating our own."

To read Seal's personal blog, listen to streaming audio, and watch music video clips, please visit his website at www.seal.com.

The track-listing for "System" is as follows:
1. "Swoosh"
2. "Amazing"
3. "Just Like Before"
4. "Loaded"
5. "Wedding Day"
6. "System"
7. "Silence"
8. "The Right Life"
9. "Rolling"
10. "Immaculate"

VAN HUNT MAKES HIS BLUE NOTE RECORDS DEBUT

Blue Note Records has released Grammy-award winning recording artist Van Hunt's The Popular Machine. The digital EP will give fans a preview of Hunt's forthcoming self-produced, full-length album, Popular, which Blue Note will release on January 15, 2008. The four-track EP will include "turn my TV on" and "the lowest 1 of my desires" from the upcoming album plus acoustic versions of hit single "Character" and "The Night is Young;" the latter two are from Hunt's 2006 album, On The Jungle Floor, which debuted at #1 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart.

Van will be debuting songs from the EP and January's Popular release at several unplugged shows in Los Angeles in August. Here are Van Hunt’s concerts dates:
8/23 - Temple Bar - Santa Monica, CA
8/26 - Zanzibar - Santa Monica, CA

SIMPLY RED NEWS

Simply Red is scheduled to appear on the Magic 105.4 radio show in Regents Park on September 9th. Simply Red are headlining at the Malta Music Festival on November 2nd, tickets are due to go on sale this Friday. Also, the official story of Simply Red "If You Don't Know Me By Now" will be released by Carlton Books on September 10th. In addition the DVD 'Stay - Live At The Royal Albert Hall' will be released on October 22nd.

UPCOMING RELEASE: PAUL HARDCASTLE

Trippin’ Records has just informed us that a new Paul Hardcastle CD is being prepared for release in February 2008. His last album, Jazzmasters V recently went straight to number #1 on the Billboard charts.

MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL ATLANTA

The lineup for the Montreux Jazz Festival Atlanta has been announced and this year’s festival will feature a diverse range of performers representing everything from blues and R&B to jazz and funk music. The 2007 Montreux Jazz Festival Atlanta will be held Labor Day weekend, August 31 through September 2, 2007, at Underground Atlanta.

The Montreux Jazz Festival Atlanta will kick-off on Friday, August 31 with the ‘Blues, Bourbon & Barbeque Boat Ride, a new addition to the festival weekend. The great music continues throughout the weekend with amazing artists such as songwriter and vocalist, Chrisette Michele, jazz vocalist Ledisi, producer extraordinaire and retro-funk/hip-hop vocalist Sleepy Brown, Radio Disney stars Jacob Latimore, Kacie Lynch and Dylan Cheek, soul singer Leela James and more. The Montreux Club Crawl keeps the music going after hours in Underground Atlanta. Six clubs in Kenny’s Alley, House, Irish Pub, Island Oasis, Jamaica Jamaica, Motions and Sugar Hill.

The FREE Montreux Jazz Festival Atlanta will be a weekend packed with fun activities that the entire family can enjoy. In addition to a variety of music from stages on Upper Alabama, in Kenny’s Alley and a stage inside Underground Atlanta, local music artists such as Jason Bitten, Delores Major, Wayne McDowell, Theresa Morton and Myrna Clayton will be featured. The weekend’s festivities will also include an interactive Kid’s Zone, arts & crafts and food vendors.

The 2007 Montreux Jazz Festival Atlanta Line-up for Labor Day Weekend
*Line-up and times are subject to change. Line-up as of 8/13/07. 

Montreux Jazz Festival Atlanta Around The City 
‘Blues, Bourbon & Barbeque Boat Ride
Stone Mountain
Friday, August 31, 2007 
8:00 pm – Departure
11:00 pm – Arrives back at dock
Aretha Franklin w/Naturally 7
Chastain Park Amphitheatre
Saturday, September 1, 2007


Montreux Jazz Festival at Underground Atlanta
Saturday, September 1
Main Stage
1:00 pm – Gordon Chambers
2:30 pm – Film: Weather Report: Live @ Montreux 1976
4:00 pm – Ledisi
7:00 pm – Sleepy Brown


Fat Matt’s Blues Stage
3:00 pm - Bill Sheffield
4:15 Chicago Joe
5:15 Tommy Brown
6:15 Big Robert T
7:15 Lola


Montreux Jazz Festival at Underground Atlanta
Sunday, September 2
Main Stage
1:00 pm – Jacob Latimore/Kacie Lynch/Dylan Cheek
2:30 pm – Saskia Laroo
4:30 pm – Chrisette Michele
5:30 pm – Film: Marvin Gaye: Live @ Montreux 1980
7:00 pm – Leela James


Fat Matt’s Blues Stage
3:00 Frankie’s Blues Mission
4:15 The Cazanovas
5:15 T-Bone Smith
6:15 The Electromatics Featuring Jon Liebman
7:15 Chicken Shack with Eddie Tigner



  

FRANK SINATRA – A VOICE IN TIME

The Frank Sinatra box set - Frank Sinatra: A Voice in Time (1939-1952), is scheduled to be released on September 25.  This collection will be include historical Sinatra timeframes that include The Big Band Years, Teen Idol, The Great American Songbook, and The Sound of Things to Come.  This set will feature previously 11 unreleased air checks and two previously unreleased alternate takes.  All of the 80 tracks have been remastered and inlcude 120-page hardcover book.

MILES DAVIS - EVOLUTION OF THE GROOVE

In honor of Miles Davis' 81st birthday on Saturday, May 26, the long-awaited release of Evolution Of The Groove Miles Davis Remix EP premieres tracks with Nas, Carlos Santana, Olu Dara and an A-list contemporary music ensemble featuring Miles' nephew Vince Wilburn, Jr., on drums and programming, guitarist Pat Thrall (Pat Travers Band, Meat Loaf) and bassist Charley Drayton (Rolling Stones, Iggy Pop, Divinyls).

Executive produced by Steve Berkowitz and Vince Wilburn, Jr., and co-produced by Wilburn, Jr., Thrall, and Drayton, Evolution Of The Groove was recorded mainly at the Hit Factory in New York City. Nas' vocals on the track "Freedom Jazz Dance," co-produced by jazz funk legend Lenny White (Return To Forever), were recorded at DARP Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. Tracks on Evolution Of The Groove remix EP include "Freddie Freeloader," "Freedom Jazz Dance" featuring Nas, "It's About That Time" featuring Carlos Santana (this is a longer version that the one originally included on 2006's "Cool & Collected"), "Honky Tonk" and "Black Satin." Both an homage to Miles and a continuation of the spirit and intention of his music, Evolution Of The Groove imagines Miles Davis in the 21st century, the lyricism of his horn and the power of his musical vision blending with contemporary hip-hop, jazz and rock in provocative new ways and seductive new grooves

NEW RELEASES...

Billie Holiday – Remixed & Reimagined (Columbia/Legacy)
Bruce Hornsby, Christian McBride & Jack DeJohnette – Camp Meeting (Legacy)
Dave Brubeck – Indian Summer (Telarc)
David Ruffin – So Soon We Change (Collector’s Choice)
David Ruffin – Gentleman’s Ruffin (Collector’s Choice)
Dean Martin – Forever Cool (Capitol/EMI)
Delfonics – Live In Concert (DVD, Soul Concerts)
Diana Ross – Last Time I Saw Him (Hip-O Select)
Edwin Starr – Live In Concert (DVD, Soul Concerts)
Fats Domino – Greatest Hits: Walking To New Orleans (Capitol/EMI)
Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes – Live In Concert (DVD, Soul Concerts)
James Brown – The Singles Volume 3 (1964-1965 (Hip-O Select)
Kirk Whalum – Ultimate Kirk Whalum (Mosaic Contemporary)
Melba Moore – Live In Concert (DVD, Soul Concerts)
Miles Davis – Steamin’ With The Miles Davis Quintet (Prestige)
Najee – Rising Sun (Heads Up)
Natalie Cole – Inseparable (Mosaic Contemporary)
Patti Austin – Patti Austin (Mosaic Contemporary)
Stewart Copeland – The Stewart Copeland Anthology (Koch)
Thelma Houston – A Woman’s Touch (Shout! Factory)

JOHN SCOFIELD TOUR DATES

Here are John Scofield’s upcoming tour datess:
August 18 @ Summer Music Series, Lowell MA
August 26 @ Deer Valley Resort, Park City UT
August 31 @ Chicago Jazz Festival, Chicago IL
September 1 @ Detroit Jazz Festival, Detroit MI
September 13 @ Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver BC
September 15 @ Roseland Theater, Portland OR
September 16 @ Earthdance, Laytonville CA
September 19 @ Hawkins Amphitheatre; Reno NV
September 20 @ Montalvo Arts Center; Saratoga CA
September 21 @ The Fillmore; San Francisco CA
September 22 @ The Fillmore; San Francisco CA
October 4 @ Regattabar; Cambridge MA
October 5 @ Regattabar; Cambridge MA
October 6 @ Spaulding Auditorium; Hanover NH
October 7 @ Stone Church; Newmarket NH
October 9 @ Kuumbwa, Santa Cruz CA
October 10 @ Yoshi's, Oakland CA
October 11 @ Yoshi's, Oakland CA
October 12 @ Yoshi's, Oakland CA
October 13 @ Yoshi's, Oakland CA
October 14 @ Yoshi's, Oakland CA
October 16 @ Blue Note, New York NY
October 17 @ Blue Note, New York NY
October 18 @ Blue Note, New York NY
October 19 @ Blue Note, New York NY
October 20 @ Blue Note, New York NY
October 21 @ Blue Note, New York NY

All dates August 18 through September 22 are with Medeski, Martin & Wood.

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