FOURPLAY - NEW CD FOR 2008

Fourplay members Bob James, Nathan East, Larry Carlton, and Harvey Mason are headed back to the studio in January for a new release. According to the groups website (www.fourplayjazz.com), they say they are , "… anxiously awaiting our new album for 2008. We start back in the studio in January and will be on schedule for a June '08 release date! A new album brings a new look which we will be showcasing next year as well with another reconstruction of our website." Fourplay's previous CD was 2005's X, at Number One on Billboard's Top Contemporary Jazz chart upon its release. The set included the single "My Love's Leaving'" featuring Michael McDonald.

DAVE KOZ - AT THE MOVIES RE-RELEASE

Dave Koz's At The Movies CD of movie themes will be re-released in February in a special deluxe edition together with a new DVD. Blue Note will issue the Double Feature package on February 5th. Besides the full CD, the At The Movies, Double Feature will include a DVD of concert performances by Koz with the album's special guest artists. These include Chris Botti, Peter White, Barry Manilow, Anita Baker, Johnny Mathis, Vanessa Williams, Donna Summer and India Arie. In the meantime. Koz’s most recent CD release Memories Of A Winter's Night, recently moved to Number One on the Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart. The jump to the top spot was sparked by his first week on the road with the Dave Koz & Friends A Smooth Jazz Christmas Tour, which kicked off on Friday, November 24th. The new CD features newly recorded holiday tunes in addition to selections from Koz's previous holiday sets, 1997's December Makes Me Feel This Way and 2001's A Smooth Jazz Christmas. For more information on the tour and a schedule of tour dates go to www.davekoz.com.

SMOOTH JAZZ GRAMMY NOMINATIONS

Patti Austin has received a Grammy nomination for her live big-band project Avant-Gerswhin, which celebrates the music of the revered American songwriter George Gershwin. Other jazz nominees include Dave Koz, Jeff Lorber, Brian Bromberg, Kirk Whalum, Spyro Gyra, Herbie Hancock, Chris Botti, Randy Crawford & Joe Sample, Michael Buble, and the late Michael Brecker.

Dave Koz received nomination in two categories. He received a nomination for best pop instrumental album and the track “Over The Rainbow” from his album At The Movies and earning a best pop instrumental nomination. Kirk Whalum and Spyro Gyra also compete in the best pop instrumental album category against Dave Koz with Roundtrip and Good To Go-Go, respectively. The category also includes a nomination for trumpeter Chris Botti's Italia. Spyro Gyra is also a double nominee, going against Koz again in the best instrumental performance category with the track "Simple Pleasures."

Nomination for best contemporary jazz album went to Jeff Lorber for He Had A Hat; Brian Bromberg for Downright Upright; and Herbie Hankcock for River: The Joni Letters, which also received an album of the year nomination for Hancock. The late Michael Brecker was nominated in the best jazz instrumental solo category for a track from his final CD Pilgrimage, which was also nominated as the best jazz instrumental album

Randy Crawford & Joe Sample, who reunited and released So Good this year, received a nomination in the traditional R&B vocal performance race with their track "All Night Long." Singer Michael Buble's Call Me Irresponsible received a nomination in the traditional pop vocal category against Barbra Streisand, James Taylor, Bette Midler, and Queen Latifah's Trav'lin' Light.

MARVIN GAYE - HEAR MY DEAR EXPANDED

Marvin Gaye's 1978 album "Here, My Dear," will be reissued in expanded form Jan. 15 via Hip-OSelect.com/Motown. Disc one of the project includes a remastered version of the original album plus a new mix of "Ain't It Funny (How Things Turn Around)" by Bootsy Collins. The second disc offers a resequencing of "Here, My Dear" comprised of Gaye's demo vocals and unused instrumental tracks from the period. Contributors on the album include Mocean Worker, Easy Mo Bee, Leon Ware and Salaam Remi.

JAZZ CHILL CORNER NEWSBITS...

Gloria Gaynor appears at the Carnival Center For The Performing Art at the Ziff Ballet Opera House in Miami on March 22, 2008.

Veteran R&B artist Keith Sweat will release his first album in over five years, Just Me, March 18 as the first in a new deal with Rhino's Atco label. The first single is Suga Suga Suga.

Lalah Hathaway will be featured on Marcus, the forthcoming CD by Grammy-winning Marcus Miller. It will be released in the U.S. this February. The project had been previously released in the U.K. and Japan under the title Free. Hathaway is already working on her next CD, which is tentatively titled Self Portrait for a spring 2008 release on the Stax label.

Keyboardist and producer George Duke has signed a recording and distribution agreement with Heads Up International for his next CD release, due sometime in the fall of 2008.

The Wailers will perform the following concerts: December 30 at Fillmore in Denver CO, and December 31 at The Klein in Bridgeport CT.

Billy Joel is currently on the road and will perform the following concerts during 2008: February 26 at ARCO Arena in Sacramento CA, February 28 at Pepsi Center in Denver CO, and March 2 at Bradley Center in Milwaukee WI.

Kenny G’s debut CD for Concord, Rhythm And Romance, is scheduled for release in February.

Marcus Johnson’s new release is titled, The Phoenix, and its out now on Three Keys Music. The new release includes several romantics ballads featuring guest vocalists Jarian Felton on Raheem DeVaughn’s “Believe,” and Frank McComb on “Love.”

ORNETTE COLEMAN TOUR DATES

Ornette Coleman will perform the following concerts:
February 5 @ Arlene Schnitzer Hall, Portland OR
February 17 @ Chan Centre, Vancouver BC
February 22 @ Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington New Zealand
February 28 @ International Arts Festival, Hong Kong China.
February 29 @ International Arts Festival, Hong Kong China

GAMBLE & HUFF TO BE INDUCTED INTO 2008 ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME

Legendary songwriting and production team Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff, widely renowned as the architects of the classic Philly soul sound, will be inducted into the 2008 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with a presentation of the highly prestigious "Ahmet Ertegun Award." The Grammy-winning, multi-platinum selling duo are responsible for one of the most recognizable and influential catalogs of pop and soul music ever recorded: 70 #1 Pop and R&B singles, 175 RIAA Gold, Platinum and multi- platinum certifications, five Grammys including the Recording Academy's Trustees Award and more than 3,500 songs produced to date. The Gamble & Huff signature sound is internationally recognized as "The Sound of Philadelphia" with a Gamble & Huff song being played somewhere in the world every 13.5 minutes.

Comments Gamble & Huff: "We are extremely happy and appreciative of this honor. We have always wanted to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and wholeheartedly thank the foundation for this prestigious induction. We are especially excited about being the first inductees under the newly named Ahmet Ertegun Award. Moreover, the timing couldn't be better as we celebrate a 45-year creative vision that has impacted people and music all over the world including the music of Rock and Roll."

Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Daft Punk, Michael Buble, Mary J. Blige, Usher, Jennifer Lopez, Outkast and Bette Midler are just a few of the top artists who have sampled or covered the Gamble & Huff song catalog. Gamble & Huff's instantly recognizable tunes and influential lyrics are a favorite among advertising agencies, music production houses, commercials, motion pictures and television sitcoms. They also have one of the most sought after sought-after pop and soul catalogs in the world.

Their Philadelphia International Records label built a solid stable of talent including Patti LaBelle, The O'Jays, Teddy Pendergrass, Lou Rawls, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, Archie Bell and the Drells, Billy Paul and the Three Degrees to name a few. PIR recordings reached the top of the charts from day one, at one point selling more than 10 million records in a nine- month period with hits such as Billy Paul's "Me & Mrs. Jones," a Grammy winning #1 Pop and R&B hit; Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes' "If You Don't Know Me By Now," a popular track also covered by UK group Simply Red; The O'Jay's "Love Train" and "Backstabbers" among others.

An historic new agreement was announced last August in which the complete Philadelphia International Catalog of music has been licensed by Sony BMG Music Entertainment to be released through its Commercial Music Group and Legacy Recordings.

VAN MORRISON REISSUES 29 ALBUMS

Van Morrison and Exile Productions in association with Polydor/UMe are pleased to announce the worldwide release of Van Morrison's back catalog beginning in January 2008. This worldwide exclusive reissue program covers 29 albums from 1971's "Tupelo Honey" through 2002's "Down The Road," and also includes the 1997 2-CD collection "The Story of Them." All of the albums have been remastered and each will include bonus material, none of which has been previously available. Additionally, each album will feature its original artwork and include complete lyrics to Morrison's compositions.

The first series of 6 albums will be released on January 29, 2008, followed by three additional release dates with the remaining titles. The first set in January includes:"Tupelo Honey" "It's Too Late To Stop Now" "Wavelength" "A Sense Of Wonder" "Avalon Sunset""Back On Top" The bonus recordings are of particular interest since this is the first time Morrison has authorized any unreleased material since "The Philosopher's Stone" in 1998. Each album will include exclusive, unreleased recordings from their respective time period -- giving a unique insight into some of his most revered songs.

The bonus content for the initial titles can be seen below:

"Tupelo Honey," 1971 -- "Wild Night" (alternative take) and a reworking of the traditional "Down By The Riverside"

"It's Too Late To Stop Now," 1974 -- a live take on "Brown Eyed Girl"

"Wavelength," 1978 -- "Kingdom Hall" and "Wavelength" (Live at the RoxyTheatre, L.A., Nov 26, 1978)

"A Sense Of Wonder," 1984 -- "Crazy Jane On God" and "A Sense Of Wonder"(alternative takes)

"Avalon Sunset," 1989 -- "Whenever God Shines His Light" (alternative take)and "When The Saints Go Marching In" (with additional lyrics by Van Morrison)

"Back On Top," 1999 -- "Philosopher's Stone" (alternative take) and "ValleyOf Tears" (a completely new arrangement of the Fats Domino song)

AYO - JOYFUL

Here’s a great new release from Ayo, whose name translates to "joy" inYoruba, is the daughter of a Nigerian father and a gypsy Romanian mother.Raised in Germany, Ayo's rich cultural background inspired her to listen toher father's diverse collection of Donnie Hathaway, Jimmy Cliff, Fela Kutiand Pink Floyd. On Joyful, she strives to naturally and sincerely share herstories and touch others, boosted solely by her life experience and dreams."Down On My Knees" rests upon a cool reggae rhythm, a simple folk melodyand elegant production with a voice that is 100% soul singing, crying outits love, nothing more. "If people interpret something else, hidden betweenthe lines, by all means, they're free to do so," Ayo insinuates. Laced withHispanic undertones and a hint of Caribbean spice, "And It's Supposed To BeLove" is Ayo's only cover taken from the repertoire of jazz singer AbbeyLincoln. Straightaway, "Help Is Coming" has a rhythmic style with elementsof rock and reggae, belying its emotional nature as a ballad. For fans ofany type of music, it is an immense joy to hear Ayo, but it is an absolutedelight for followers of Corinne Bailey Rae, India.Arie, and Angie Stone.

SMOOTH JAZZ GRAMMY NOMINATIONS

Patti Austin has received a Grammy nomination for her live big-band project Avant-Gerswhin, which celebrates the music of the revered American songwriter George Gershwin. Other jazz nominees include Dave Koz, Jeff Lorber, Brian Bromberg, Kirk Whalum, Spyro Gyra, Herbie Hancock, Chris Botti, Randy Crawford & Joe Sample, Michael Buble, and the late Michael Brecker.

Dave Koz received nomination in two categories. He received a nomination for best pop instrumental album and the track “Over The Rainbow” from his album At The Movies and earning a best pop instrumental nomination. Kirk Whalum and Spyro Gyra also compete in the best pop instrumental album category against Dave Koz with Roundtrip and Good To Go-Go, respectively. The category also includes a nomination for trumpeter Chris Botti's Italia. Spyro Gyra is also a double nominee, going against Koz again in the best instrumental performance category with the track "Simple Pleasures."

Nomination for best contemporary jazz album went to Jeff Lorber for He Had A Hat; Brian Bromberg for Downright Upright; and Herbie Hankcock for River: The Joni Letters, which also received an album of the year nomination for Hancock. The late Michael Brecker was nominated in the best jazz instrumental solo category for a track from his final CD Pilgrimage, which was also nominated as the best jazz instrumental album

Randy Crawford & Joe Sample, who reunited and released So Good this year, received a nomination in the traditional R&B vocal performance race with their track "All Night Long." Singer Michael Buble's Call Me Irresponsible received a nomination in the traditional pop vocal category against Barbra Streisand, James Taylor, Bette Midler, and Queen Latifah's Trav'lin' Light.

RACQUEL ROBERTS - THE SECRET OF CHRISTMAS

Racquel Roberts is a female vocalist with a technique acquired through years of practice at the top level of musical theatre on Broadway and international stages. All of that experience reaches its fruition on her latest release The Secret of Christmas.

On The Secret of Christmas, Racquel took traditional holiday arrangements and transformed them by composing her own bright and spirited musical interpretations with the help of Los Angeles jazz composer Nick Mancini.

Racquel has been singing since her older sister introduced her to music as a child. While in college at UC Irvine in 1999, she auditioned for the Broadway musical Rent which led to several years performing on stage around the world with Rent, Hairspray, and The Lion King. Throughout those great experiences, Racquel has learned more than she could have ever imagined about the business and along the way, it has established her as a legitimate voice in the independent music business and on stage.

The Secret of Christmas takes what you would expect from a holiday album and turns it upside down, in a refreshing and pleasing way. Holiday music lifts the spirit and everyone has his or her yearly favorites however, how many Christmas albums that are in your collection could you play all year and enjoy? Few recordings have that kind of versatility and appeal.

The Secret of Christmas draws from the foundations of jazz and dips into the well of the blues, rhythm and blues, funk, and pop. Racquel Roberts is true to her heart and turns out an outstanding overall recording, that will touch your soul, enliven your spirit and renew your faith in humankind, and most importantly will make you move to the beat and inspire you to dance. The originality and feeling of these recordings touches upon the true meaning of Christmas and you realize that the secret to unlocking what it all means is inside you. Great music and words can help to bring the truth to light.

CHRIS STANDRING – LOVE & PARAGRAPHS

Chris Standring has just finished work on his brand new album entitle “Love & Paragraphs.” It’s scheduled for release in January. Chris is releasing this on his own record label - Ultimate Vibe Recordings. He’s contracted for a joint venture with The Artizen Music Group (Rick Braun & Richard' Elliot’s label) which enables him to have national distribution through Ryko. Speaking of Rick Braun and Richard Elliot, Chris Standring has co-written a song with them called "R n R", the first single from their new album of the same name. The song is a huge hit on the smooth jazz radio and was recently charted at number one for the eighth week running.

RANDY MULLER – GROOVIN’U

The Groove Boutique has been featuring tracks from Randy Muller Boom Chang Bang’s Groovin’ U CD. Here’s what dustygroove.com has to say about Randy Muller: “…an artist we know from his great work with larger horns in ‘70’s soul, but who steps out nicely here on his own! The album focuses on Randy’s own work on funky flute, and features some really great grooves with a sweetly jazzy style! Given Muller’s pedigree in classic club, the rhythms here are a lot better than you’d hear on similar albums of this nature, never too smooth, nor too polished, always nicely chunky, and often a but funky – a perfect setting for Randy sweetly gliding solos on flute! Most titles are instrumental, but there were a bit of vocals on the record too – and titles include “Magic”, “Call Me”, ‘Always And Forever”, “Westchester Nights”, ‘Devotion”, “Hello”, “Bala”, and “Easy Luv”.

ANDY WILLIAMS – I DON’T REMEMBER EVER GROWING UP

Here’s a brand new release from the crooner who has continued to tour and record since he first came onto the scene five decades ago. His newest CD, I Don’t Remember Ever Growing Up features 12 new recording including “The Shadow of Your Smile” (with Chris Botti), “Desperado”, “She’s The One”, “One Sweet Day”, and more. Very few artists could claim to have had hits spanning several decades, but Andy Williams has managed to remain consistently popular with music fans of all ages due to his silky smooth vocals and smooth jazz grooves. He currently appears on a regular basis at his own theatre in Branson, Missouri. The new CD is a collection of the world’s greatest songs.

On the set, Andy pays tribute to some of the most memorable songs ever, including She's The One (Robbie Williams), One Sweet Day (Mariah Carey), Lady In Red (Chris De Burgh), Desperado (The Eagles), and Breaking Up Is Hard To Do (Neil Sedaka). The album also includes a duet with Chris Botti, one of the leading trumpeters in the world with their take on Sinatra's beautiful The Shadow Of Your Smile.

Recorded in 2006 over a period of 8 months, the album was recorded at Capitol Studios in Hollywood, Bratislava in Slovakia, as well as at Andy's Moon River theatre in Branson, Missouri. Williams, who turns 80 this year, possesses one of the most distinct and memorable voices of the entire pop era. This new collection is a must-have for all fans of Andy, as well as all lovers of the musical art of romance.

Tracklisting:
1. Lady In Red
2. Desperado
3. Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
4. Have I Told You Lately
5. She’s The One
6. I Don’t Remember Ever Growing Up
7. I Don’t Want To Talk About It
8. I’ll Never Break Your Heart
9. The Shadow Of Your Smile (with Chris Botti)
10. Just To See Her
11. One Sweet Day
12. Every Breath You Take
13. Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman

SMOOTH JAZZ CHRISMAS WITH YELLOWJACKETS, HIROSHIMA & ROBERTO PERRERA

Yellowjackets – Peace Round
This one’s a collection of well-known traditional Christmas songs with the kind of contemporary jazz trimmings that only a team like keyboardist Russell Ferrante, saxophonist Bob Mintzer, bassist Jimmy Haslip and drummer Marcus Baylor can hang. Includes seasonal classics such as “Silent Night,” “Deck the Halls,” and “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem.”

Hiroshima - The Spirit of the Season
Fueled by the East-meets-West juxtaposition of modern-day synthesizer and traditional Japanese koto, flute, and percussion frequently underscored by exotic world-beat rhythms, this unique holiday recording puts a multicultural spin on some well-known Christmas songs and introduces a few original compositions that are likely to become holiday favorites in the years to come. Among the holiday treats are “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” Little Drummer Boy,” and Irving Berlin’s classic “White Christmas.”

Roberto Perera - Christmas Fantasies
This acclaimed harpist strikes a perfect balance between Latin rhythms and the classic music of Christmas. Seasonal favorites include "Winter Wonderland," incongruously but effectively dressed up in a merengue rhythm, and "The Christmas Song," a hot salsafied version which shows Perera's total affinity with the energy and harmony of the Caribbean. Other selections are regional standards little known and heard outside Latin America such as the classic Venezuelan "Niño Lindo" and "La Peregrinación" of Argentine folklore.

NEW RELEASES

AIFF – Afro Soul System (Unique/Germany)
Billie Holiday – Rare Live Recordings 1935-1959 (ESP Disk Ltd.)
Birgit Lystager – Birgit Lystager (Disques Dessinee/Japan)
Blossom Dearie – Christmas Spice So Very Nice (Daffodil/Celeste/Japan)
Blue Mitchell – Bantu Village (Blue Note)
Chocolateclay – Chocolateclay (Cat/P-Vine/Japan)
Enrico Simonetti with Goblin – Gamma (Bella Casa/UK)
Ernie Watts – Wonder Bag (Vault/Wounded Bird)
Fascinations – Quiet Dance (High Contast/Japan)
Giorgio Azzolini – Azzolini’s Spanish Portrait (Jazz D’Essai/Commodo Depot/Japan)
Jacy Parker – Spotlight On Jacy Parker (Verve/Japan)
James Brown – The Singles Vol. 4 1966-1967 (Hip-O Select)
Joe Henderson – The Milestone Years (Milestone)
Mark De Clive-Lowe – Journey 2 The Light (Freedom/Japan)
Mathia Landaeus – Goes A Long Way (Moserobie/Sweden)
Maxine Weldon – Chilly Wind (Mainstream/P-Vine/Japan)
Mel Torme – Mel Torme Swings Shubert Alley (Verve/Japan)
Miles Davis – Star People (Columbia/France)
Modern Jazz Gang – Miles Before & After (Adventure/Commodo Depot/Japan)
Moon Baker – ABC Of Romance (Supertracks/Netherlands)
Narada Michael Walden – Looking At You Looking At Me (Atlantic)
Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators – Keep Reachin’ Up Remixed (Timmion/UK)
Oscar Pettiford – Deep Passion (ABC/Japan)
Patricia Scot – Once Around The Clock (ABC/Japan)
Pierre Henry – Pierre Henry 8.0 (Universal/France)
Sarah Vaughan – Time In My Life (Mainstream/P-Vine/Japan)
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings – 100 Days 100 Nights (Daptone)
Sly Stone – Family Soul Sessions: The Rare 45 RPSs 1963-1966 (Cleopatra)
Stanley Turrentine – Let It Go (Impulse/Japan)
Starvue – Upward Bound (Midwest/P-Vine/Japan)
Timo Lassey – Soul & Jazz Of Timo Lassey (Ricky Trick/Finland)
Tribe Collective – Livin’ In A New Day (Community Projects)
Wyclef Jean – Carnival Vol II: Memoirs Of An Immigrant (Columbia)
Wynton Matsalis – Levee Low Moan – Soul Gestures In Southern Blue Vol 3 (Columbia)

MARY J. BLIGE - GROWING PAINS

NEW YORK, Dec. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Geffen Records superstar andhit-making songwriter Mary J. Blige, is set to follow-up the mostsuccessful album of her career, the triple platinum "The Breakthrough,"with her eighth (8th) studio CD "Growing Pains" on Tuesday, December 18th,one week before Christmas. "Growing Pains" includes her top ten single "Just Fine" which hasbecome an instant favorite on radio enjoyed by over 20 million listeners."Just Fine" is in heavy rotation on MTV, BET and VH-1, and Mary recentlyshot the video for her second single, "Work That," which is currentlyfeatured in an Apple iPod commercial.

After selling over 40 million CDs and garnering six Grammy Awardsduring her phenomenal 15-year career, Mary is confident that her fans willnot be disappointed with "Growing Pains." "They're going to get a sense ofwhat my state of mind is and how I view the world," she says. "Andhopefully, most of all, they're going to hear just the sincere honesty andlove that I have for them." She adds, "'Growing Pains' represents acceptingthat there's pain that goes along with growing and change. No pain, nogain." "Growing Pains," with Mary co-writing most of the songs on the album,features guest appearances by Ludacris and Usher and production by TheNeptunes, Jazze Pha, Johnta Austin, Neyo, Stargate, Bryan-Michael Cox, Dreand Vidal, Tricky, Dream, and Sean Garrett.

Mary makes her message loud, clear and seriously funky on the firstrelease "Just Fine" produced by Jazze Pha and Tricky and co-written by Maryand Dream. A celebration of life, "Just Fine" gives you Mary fierce, and asthe video shows, glamorous. The song's vibe? "Sometimes it feels likeyou're having this miserable time, like all 365 days of the year are tough.But then, you get one of those days; maybe when your hair is great, oryou're not stuck in traffic; where it's a 'just fine' day. At some point,"Mary laughs, "You've got have one or two of those."

The party and positivity keeps on keeping on with the rump shakingsecond single "Work That." Mary comments, "When I meet a woman who doesn'tknow what to do about her weight or her hair I always say -- 'whatever itis that you have, make that work for you, Work what you got.'" After releasing her bestselling anthology "Reflections" last year,"Growing Pains" is Mary's first CD of new material since "The Breakthrough"debuted at #1 in 2005, selling over 700,000 copies its first week -- thebest opening week for a solo R&B female artist in SoundScan history. Thealbum's first single, "Be Without You," also made chart history by holdingdown the #1 spot on the Billboard R&B charts for a record breaking 16straight weeks; making it the longest-running No. 1 song on the R&B chartin over 40 years.

Mary led all artists with eight 2007 Grammy nominationsfor the landmark album, and she took home honors for Best Female R&B VocalPerformance, Best R&B Song (both for "Be Without You"), and Best R&B Album.After earning three Grammy Awards, she continued her award show dominationby winning nine Billboard Music Awards, two American Music Awards, two BETAwards, two NAACP Image Awards, and a Soul Train Award.

"The Breakthrough"lived up to its name selling over seven million copies worldwide. You can witness the incredible magic of Mary J. Blige on televisionthis week as she performs on "CNN Heroes: All All-Star Tribute" on December6th and "Movies Rock!" on CBS on December 7th (both at 9 PM Eastern time).Mary will also bring in 2008 on New Year's Eve on MTV.

JAZZ CHILL CORNER NEWSBITS...

CHRIS STANDRING 5-CD COLLECTION
Chris Standring is offering a discount for those who purchase all 5 of his CD’s. He has a 4 CD complete album collection on sale during the month of December for $39.95 (a savings of $40). It includes the albums: Soul Express, Groovalicious, Hip Sway, Velvet and Solar System. If you are looking to purchase these you need to order before December 31. Go to Chris’ website for more information at www.chrisStandring.com

HARDCASTLE 5
Paul Hardcastle’s next release Hardcastle 5 can now be pre-ordered at www.trippinrecords.com The site also allows you to preview the first single to be released to radio “Your Smile”. The label is offering the CD at $9.99 while supplies last.

GROOVE BOUTIQUE AT THE KEY CLUB
Rafe Gomez will bring his Groove Boutique to The Key Club on Tuesday, December 31 from 6PM to 3AM. You can also expect a performance by The Mix Band featuring Ambrosia. The Key Club is located at 58 Park Place, Newark, New Jersey. Go to www.keyclubnj.com for more information.

GIANT STEP RECORDS HOLIDAY PARTY
Giant Step Records is hosting their annual holiday party on December 12 at BLVD. The party will feature an incredible lineup of DJs, including Mr. Scruff, Turntables on the Hudson, Moni, Tyler Askew, DJ Center and Dhundee, plus live performances by Taylor McFerrin, Tiombe Lockhart, Jose James. There will be an open bar with Stolichnaya Vodka from 9PM to 11PM. BLVD is at 199 Bowery in New York City.

SMOOTH JAZZ TV
This weekend on the Smooth Jazz TV syndicated program look out for Grammy nominee Corinne Bailey Rae, Lee Ritenour, Ivan Linn, and Spyro Gyra. Check your local listings for air times

BETTYE LAVETTE - THE SCENE OF THE CRIME

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - December 7, 2007) - BETTYE LaVETTE continues her bold ascent with a GRAMMY nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album for her CD "THE SCENE OF THE CRIME" (Anti- Records). Joined by the Drive-By Truckers as her backing band, BETTYE's essential new entry into the soul music canon channels more than 40 years of blood, sweat, and shattered dreams into one glorious catharsis.

"I haven't been this happy since 1962 when this whole thing started," declares an elated BETTYE.
It was 35 years ago in Muscle Shoals -- a decade after she scored a top-ten hit with her debut single "My Man - He's A Lovin' Man" -- that BETTYE recorded the career-defining masterpiece that never was: Atlantic Records inexplicably shelved the record. Scarred but not broken, BETTYE persevered as a tireless performer, honing her craft and focusing her heartbreak.

Now "THE SCENE OF THE CRIME" has indisputably become the career-defining masterpiece that is. On the heels of her critically lauded Anti- debut (2005's "I've Got My Own Hell To Raise"), "SCENE" has been garnering nonstop rave reviews -- and not a few rhetorical questions:

NPR asks, "Is there any soul singer who brings more guts, more conviction and more emotion to her singing?" and Entertainment Weekly wonders, "Is there a more wrenching soul singer alive than Bettye LaVette?"
Elsewhere, the praise has been every bit as assertive as BETTYE herself is in redefining cuts like Elton John and Bernie Taupin's "Talking Old Soldiers," Willie Nelson's "Somebody Pick Up My Pieces," and Don Henley's "You Don't Know Me At All" on "THE SCENE OF THE CRIME":

"LaVette's nuanced singing evokes prime Tina Turner with even more command," says Rolling Stone. Adds USA Today, "This album...just rips, with some truly sublime peaks. 'The Scene of the Crime' is a smoldering revelation displaying an artist nearly a half century into her career who is only now approaching the peak of her considerable powers," notes Paste. And the All Music Guide: "It gets better with each listen, and stands so far outside the realm of anything her better-known peers are doing today that it's almost scary."

50th ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARD NOMINATIONS

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Dec. 6, 2007) — Nominations for the 50th Annual GRAMMY® Awards were announced today by The Recording Academy® reflecting one of the most diverse years ever with the Album Of The Year category alone representing the country, hip-hop, jazz, pop and rock genres. The press event was held at The Music Box @ Fonda in Hollywood and was attended by national and international media, as well as key music industry executives. Artists reading nominations this morning included Akon, Chester Bennington (of Linkin Park), Fergie, Vince Gill, Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) Herbie Hancock, Jimmy Jam, Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters), George Lopez, Mike Shinoda (of Linkin Park) and Taylor Swift. The 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on "GRAMMY Sunday," Feb. 10, 2008, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and once again will be broadcast live in high definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on CBS from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

Kanye West tops the nominations with eight, Amy Winehouse garners six, and the Foo Fighters, Jay-Z, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, and T-Pain each earn five nods. Akon, Dierks Bentley, Chris Daughtry, Feist, Tim McGraw, John Newton, Ne-Yo, Rihanna, and Bruce Springsteen receive four each.

"This year's nominations truly reflect a diverse and talented community of artists and creators who represent some of the most exceptional music of the year," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "The GRAMMY Awards process once again has yielded a comprehensive group of excellent nominees and coupled with the fact that it's our milestone 50th year, this year's telecast promises music fans a spectacular show filled with stellar performances and unique 'GRAMMY Moments' for which Music's Biggest Night™ has come to be renowned."

Following is a sampling of nominations in 110 categories from the GRAMMY Awards' 31 Fields:

GENERAL FIELD
Nominees for Album Of The Year are:
Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace — Foo Fighters
These Days — Vince Gill
River: The Joni Letters — Herbie Hancock
Graduation — Kanye West
Back To Black — Amy Winehouse

Nominees for Record Of The Year are:
"Irreplaceable" — Beyoncé
"The Pretender" — Foo Fighters
"Umbrella" — Rihanna Featuring Jay-Z
"What Goes Around…Comes Around" — Justin Timberlake
"Rehab" — Amy Winehouse

Best New Artist nominees are:
Feist
Ledisi
Paramore
Taylor Swift
Amy Winehouse

Song Of The Year nominees include:
"Before He Cheats" — John Kear & Chris Tompkins, songwriters (Carrie Underwood)
"Hey There Delilah" — Tom Higgenson, songwriter (Plain White T's)
"Like A Star" — Corinne Bailey Rae, songwriter (Corinne Bailey Rae)
"Rehab" — Amy Winehouse, songwriter (Amy Winehouse)
"Umbrella" — Shawn Carter, Kuk Harrell, Terius "Dream" Nash & Christopher Stewart, songwriters (Rihanna Featuring Jay-Z)

POP FIELD
Nominations for Best Pop Vocal Album go to:
Lost Highway — Bon Jovi
The Reminder — Feist
It Won't Be Soon Before Long — Maroon 5
Memory Almost Full — Paul McCartney
Back To Black — Amy Winehouse

Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals nods go to:
"Steppin' Out" — Tony Bennett & Christina Aguilera
"Beautiful Liar" — Beyoncé & Shakira
"Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)" — Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
"The Sweet Escape" — Gwen Stefani & Akon
"Give It To Me" — Timbaland Featuring Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake

Best Pop Instrumental Performance nominees are:
"Off The Grid" — Beastie Boys
"Paris Sunrise #7" — Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals
"Over The Rainbow" — Dave Koz
"One Week Last Summer" — Joni Mitchell
"Simple Pleasures" — Spyro Gyra

DANCE FIELD
For Best Dance Recording, the nominees are:
"Do It Again" — The Chemical Brothers
"D.A.N.C.E." — Justice
"Love Today" — Mika
"Don't Stop The Music" —Rihanna
"Love Stoned/I Think She Knows" — Justin Timberlake

ROCK FIELD
Nominations for Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance go to:
"Timebomb" — Beck
"Only Mama Knows" — Paul McCartney
"Our Country" — John Mellencamp
"Radio Nowhere" — Bruce Springsteen
"Come On" — Lucinda Williams

Best Rock Album nominees are:
Daughtry — Daughtry
Revival — John Fogerty
Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace — Foo Fighters
Magic — Bruce Springsteen
Sky Blue Sky — Wilco

Nods for Best Rock Song go to:
"Come On" — Lucinda Williams, songwriter (Lucinda Williams)
"Icky Thump" — Jack White, songwriter (The White Stripes)
"It's Not Over" — Chris Daughtry, Gregg Wattenberg, Mark Wilkerson & Brett Young, songwriters (Daughtry)
"The Pretender" — Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Nate Mendel & Chris Shiflett, songwriters (Foo Fighters)
"Radio Nowhere" — Bruce Springsteen, songwriters (Bruce Springsteen)

R&B FIELD
Nominees for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals are:
"Same Girl" — R. Kelly Featuring Usher
"Disrespectful" — Chaka Khan Featuring Mary J. Blige
"Hate That I Love You" — Rihanna Featuring Ne-Yo
"Baby" — Angie Stone Featuring Betty Wright
"Bartender" — T-Pain Featuring Akon

For Best Contemporary R&B album, the nominees are:
Konvicted — Akon
Just Like You — Keyshia Cole
Fantasia — Fantasia
East Side Story — Emily King
Because Of You — Ne-Yo

Best Urban/Alternative Performance nods go to:
"Make A Baby" — Vikter Duplaix
"That's The Way Of The World" — Dwele
"Daydreamin'" — Lupe Fiasco Featuring Jill Scott
"Fantasy" — Meshell Ndegeocello
"Dream" — Alice Smith

RAP FIELD
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration nods go to:
"I Wanna Love You" — Akon Featuring Snoop Dogg
"Kiss, Kiss" — Chris Brown & T-Pain
"Let It Go" — Keyshia Cole Featuring Missy Elliott & Lil' Kim
"Umbrella" — Rihanna Featuring Jay-Z
"Good Life" — Kanye West Featuring T-Pain

Nominees for Best Rap Song are:
"Ayo Technology" — N. Hills, Curtis Jackson, Timothy Mosley & Justin Timberlake, songwriters (50 Cent Featuring Justin Timberlake & Timbaland)
"Big Things Poppin' (Do It)" — Clifford Harris & Byron Thomas, songwriters (T.I.)
"Can't Tell Me Nothing" — A. Davis & Kanye West, songwriters (Kanye West)
"Crank That (Soulja Boy)" — Soulja Boy Tell'Em, songwriter (Soulja Boy Tell'Em)
"Good Life" — A. Davis, F. Najm & K. West, songwriters (Kanye West Featuring T-Pain)

For Best Rap Album, the nominees are:
Finding Forever — Common
Kingdom Come — Jay-Z
Hip Hop Is Dead — Nas
T.I. vs T.I.P. — T.I.
Graduation — Kanye West

COUNTRY FIELD
Nods for Best Country Collaboration With Vocals go to:
"Days Aren't Long Enough" — Steve Earle & Allison Moorer
"Because Of You" — Reba McEntire & Kelly Clarkson
"I Need You" — Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
"Lost Highway" — Willie Nelson & Ray Price
"Oh Love" — Brad Paisley & Carrie Underwood

For Best Country Song, the nominees are:
"Before He Cheats" — Josh Kear & Chris Tompkins, songwriters (Carrie Underwood)
"Give It Away" — Bill Anderson, Buddy Cannon & Jamey Johnson, songwriters (George Strait)
"I Need You" — Tony Lane & David Lee, songwriters (Tim McGraw & Faith Hill)
"If You're Reading This" — Tim McGraw, Brad Warren & Brett Warren, songwriters (Tim McGraw)
"Long Trip Alone" — Brett Beavers, Dierks Bentley & Steve Bogard, songwriters (Dierks Bentley)

Nominations for Best Country Album are:
Long Trip Alone — Dierks Bentley
These Days — Vince Gill
Let It Go — Tim McGraw
5th Gear — Brad Paisley
It Just Comes Natural — George Strait

JAZZ FIELD
For Best Contemporary Jazz Album, the nominees are:
Party Hats — Will Bernard
Downright Upright — Brian Bromberg
Re-Imagination — Eldar
River: The Joni Letters — Herbie Hancock
He Had A Hat — Jeff Lorber

Nods for Best Jazz Vocal Album go to:
Avant Gershwin — Patti Austin
Red Earth — A Malian Journey — Dee Dee Bridgewater
Music Maestro Please — Freddy Cole
Nightmoves — Kurt Elling
On The Other Side — Tierney Sutton

This year's Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical nominations go to: Howard Benson, Joe Chiccarelli, Mike Elizondo, Mark Ronson, and Timbaland

In the newly added Best Zydeco Or Cajun Music Album category, nominations go to: Le Cowboy Creole (Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie), King Cake (Lisa Haley), Live: Á La Blue Moon (Lost Bayou Ramblers), Blues De Musicien (Pine Leaf Boys), Racines (Racines), The La Louisianne Sessions (Roddie Romero And The Hub City All-Stars), and Live! Worldwide (Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience).

In the Latin Field, Best Latin Rock, Alternative Or Urban Album has now been split into two categories. Nominations for Best Latin Rock Or Alternative Album are: No Hay Espacio (Black:Guayaba), Adelantando (Jarabe De Palo), Amantes Sunt Amentes (Panda), Kamikaze (Rabanes), Memo Rex Commander Y El Corazón Atómico De La Via Láctea (Zoé). For Best Latin Urban Album, nods go to: E.S.L. (Akwid), El Abayarde Contra-Ataca (Tego Calderón), Residente O Visitante (Calle 13), El Cartel: The Big Boss (Daddy Yankee), and Vacaneria! (Fulanito).

GRAMMY ballots for the final round of voting will be mailed on Dec. 12 to the voting members of The Recording Academy. They are due back to the accounting firm of Deloitte by Jan. 9, 2008, when they will be tabulated and the results kept secret until the telecast.

The 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by John Cossette Productions and AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich and John Cossette are executive producers, Walter C. Miller is producer/director, Tisha Fein is the coordinating producer, and Tzvi Small is supervising producer.

RCA MUSIC GROUP EARNS 21 GRAMMY NOMINATIONS

RCA recording artists Foo Fighters and their album Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace earned a total of five nominations -- including Album of the Year and Best Rock Album -- at the 50th annual Grammy Awards announcements today in Los Angeles. The Foo Fighters track "The Pretender" is nominated for Record of the Year, Best Hard Rock Performance, and Best Rock Song. To date, Foo Fighters have earned four Grammy Awards including two for Best Rock Album for There Is Nothing Left To Lose (2000) and One By One (2003).

19 Recordings/RCA Records group Daughtry and earned four Grammy Award nominations. Daughtry's self-titled No. 1 album (certified 3X platinum) is nominated for Best Rock Album, with the track "Home" nominated for Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group with Vocals and the track "It's Not Over" nominated for Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group with Vocal and Best Rock Song.

Carrie Underwood's hit single "Before He Cheats," a track from the 6X platinum album Some Hearts, is nominated for Best Female Country Vocal Performance and for two songwriter awards, Song of the Year and Best Country Song. Carrie, who is already a 4x Grammy winner, is also nominated for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for the track "Oh Love," performed with Brad Paisley on his album 5th Gear.

J Records artist Fantasia earned nominations for Best Contemporary R&B Album for her best-selling album Fantasia and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for the track "When I See U," also nominated for Best R&B Song
(a songwriters award).

J Records artist Alicia Keys, a nine-time Grammy Award winner, earned two nominations for her song "No One" (which she co-wrote for her album As I Am) as Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and as Best R&B Song (a
songwriters award).

"Candyman," a song by RCA recording artist Christina Aguilera from her album Back to Basics, is nominated for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Christina also picked up a co-nomination with the legendary Tony Bennett in
the category of Best Pop Collaboration With Vocal for their duet on "Steppin' Out With My Baby" from the album Tony Bennett: An American Classic.

East Side Story, the J Records debut album by Emily King, is nominated in the category of Best Contemporary R&B Album. "Guaranteed," composed and performed by Eddie Vedder for the J Records soundtrack Into The Wild, is
nominated for Best Song Written For Motion Picture, Tele­vision Or Other Visual Media.

RCA Records recording artist Mark Ronson is nominated for Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical for his work on his own release Version among many other nominated recordings including the album Back to Black by Amy
Winehouse and the track "Littlest Things" by Lily Allen.

Special congratulations to these RCA Music Group artists who received Grammy Award nominations for the following recordings:
- Aretha Franklin -- Best Gospel Performance for "Never Gonna Break My Faith" with Mary J. Blige, from the original soundtrack album Bobby.

- Kelly Clarkson -- Best Country Collaboration With Vocals for "Because of You" (co-written by Kelly Clarkson) with Reba McEntire, from her album Reba Duets.

- Christina Aguilera -- Best Pop Collaboration With Vocal for "Steppin' Out With My Baby" with Tony Bennett, from his album Tony Bennett: An American Classic.

- Carrie Underwood -- Best Country Collaboration With Vocals for "Oh Love" with Brad Paisley, from his album 5th Gear.

Further congratulations go to:
- Arista recording artist Jennifer Hudson, whose incredible performance contributed to the nomination of "Love You I Do" (composed by Siedah Garrett & Henry Krieger) as Best Song Written For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media, and to the nomination of the Dreamgirls soundtrack for Best Compilation Soundtrack Album For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media.

- Howard Benson, nominated for Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical for his work on Daughtry among other recordings.

The 50th annual Grammy Awards will be broadcast live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles on the CBS network beginning at 8:00 pm (ET) on Sunday, February 10, 2008.

RICHIE HAVENS TOUR DATES

Richie Havens will perform the following concerts:
December 1 @ Tupelo Music Hall, Londonderry NH
December 2 @ Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield ME
December 7 @ Narrows Center, Fall River MA
December 8 @ Proctor's Theatre, Schenectady NY
December 13 @ Boulder Theater, Boulder CO
December 14 @ Sheridan Opera House, Telluride CO
December 15 @ Fort Lewis College, Durango CO
December 31 @ Watercolor Café, Larchmont NY
January 5 @ El Campanil Theatre, Antioch CA
January 11 @ HighLine Ballroom, New York NY
January 13 @ Rams Head, Annapolis MD
January 18 @ Boulton Center, Bay Shore NY
January 19 @t Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield CT
January 26 @ Al Ringling Theatre, Baraboo WI
February 8 @ McGlohon Theatre, Charlotte NC
February 9 @ Melting Pot, Athens GA
March 27 @ Massillion Museum, Massillion OH
March 28 @ Stuart's Opera House, Nelsonville OH
March 29 @ Holland Theatre, Bellefontaine OH
March 30 @ Kent Stage, Kent OH
April 12 @ Wilson School, Natick MA
April 18 @ Turnage Theatre, Washington DC
April 22 @ Hugh's Room, Toronto ON
April 23 @ Hugh's Room, Toronto ON
April 25 @ Sydenham Street United, Kingston ON
April 26 @ Oscar Peterson Concert Hall, Montreal QC
May 2 @ Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York NY

UPCOMING MUSIC RELEASES

New Releases for 2008 include: Paul Hardcastle (Hardcastle 5); Jessy J (Tequila Moon); Gerard Veasley (Your Move); Lee Ritenour/Dave Grusin (Collaboration); Jaared (Addiction); Alexander O’Neal (Love Songs); plus other releases from Marion Meadows, and Michael Lington.

SLY & THE FAMILY STONE AT BB KINGS

Following decades of inactivity and a summer of spot dates throughout Europe, Sly Stone and his famous band The Family Stone took the stage in New York last week for the first time in 32 years. Recent reviews have blasted Sly's recent performances at BB Kings in New York, due to the fact that it seemed as if Sly actually performed at the gig. Apparently, Sly's band did not include original members of the Family Stone and Sly himself only sang a few notes of each song, and in one performance, walked off the stage complaining that he was 'too old." In any event, a crowd of about 1000 showed up at B.B. King's Blues Club and Grill last Tuesday for the rare appearance of 64-year-old Stone, who performed dressed in a white sweatsuit with silver trim, sunglasses and Mohawk hairstyle. According to Reuters, Stone "filled the club with his rich, mellifluous voice as the band spent an hour cycling through their greatest hits, including 'Everyday People,' 'Family Affair' and 'Stand.'" Due to popular demand, B.B. King's has added two more Sly and the Family Stone shows for Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. The bad news: both sets are already sold

SANTANA 2008 TOUR DATES

Santana will perform the following concerts:
February 15 @ Dubai Festival City, Dubai United Arab Emirates
February 18 @ Indoor Stadium, Singapore
February 21 @ Burswood Dome, Perth Australia
February 26 @ Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Australia
February 28 @ Acer Arena, Sydney Australia
March 2 @ Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Boondall Australia
March 4 @ Vector Arena, Auckland New Zealand
March 7 @ Asiaworld Arena, Hong Kong
June 20 @ NEC Arena, Birmingham UK
June 21 @ Manchester Evening News Arena, Manchester UK
June 22 @ O2 Arena, London UK
June 24 @ Palais Omnisports, Paris France
June 26 @ Football Stadium, Bratislava Slovakia
June 28 @ City Square, Budapest Hungary
June 30 @ Arena, Verona Italy
July 1 @ Salzburg Arena, Salzburg Austria
July 2 @ Castle of Salem, Salem Germany
July 4 @ Volkerschlacht Denkmal, Leipzig Germany
July 5 @ Schlosshof, Bad Mergentheim Germany
July 6 @ Rennplatz, Iffezheim Germany
July 8 @ Sporting Club, Monte Carlo Monaco
July 9 @ Sporting Club, Monte Carlo Monaco
July 14 @ Philipshalle, Dusseldorf Germany
July 16 @ Christinehof Castle, Malmo Sweden

NEW RELEASES FROM BONEY JAMES, CHAZ JANKEL, N-GROOVE, QUANTIC SOUL ORCHESTRA & MORE...

NEW RELEASES
Albright – Sunny One Day
Angie Stone – The Art Of Love And War (Stax/Concord)
April Hill – Love 360
Ayo – Joyful (Interscope)
Bernie Kenerson – Just You And Me (Bernup Records)
Bill Bergman & The Metro Trio – Universe Soul (L’il G’rilla Records)
Boney James – Christmas Presents (Concord)
Blue Mitchell – Bantu Village (Blue Note)
Chaz Jankel – My Occupation – The Music of Chaz Jankel (Tirk/UK)
Cheri Maree – Pure Voice
Christine Spero Group – My Spanish Dream (Collective Works Media)
Curtis Mayfield – Sweet Exorcist (Curtom)
Dave Koz – Memories For A Winter’s Night
Dells – The Dells Sing Dionne Warwick (Cadet/Dusty Groove)
Donny Hathaway & Quincy Jones – Come Back Charleston Blue (Atco/UK)
Ed Johnson & Novo Tempo – The Other Road (Cumulus Records)
Ennio Morricone – La Trappola Scatta A Beirut/Il Successo (GDM/Italy)
Ennio Morricone – L’Alibi (Dagnored/Italy)
Ennio Morricone – Corleone (Dagnores/Italy)
Eric Alexander – My Favorite Things (Venus/Japan)
Eric Marienthal – Just Around The Corner (Peak Records)
Everette Harp – My Inspiration (Shanachie)
Gordon James – In Joy (Caress Music)
Hi Fly Orchestra – Violet Remixes EP (Ajambu/Germany)
Isley Brothers – I’ll Be Home For Christmas
James Brown – Colour Collection 2 (Spectrum/UK)
James Taylor – One Man Band (Hear Music)
Javier Pitera – Un Verano Sin Fin (Lounge Music)
Jay Leach – Christmas Guitar (Independent)
Jim Brickman - Homecoming
Jimmy Sommers – Sunset Collective (Gemini)
John Coltrane – Inch Worm (Get Back/Italy)
Jon Lucien – I Am Now/Mind’s Eye/Rashida (BMG/Germany)
Jonathan Butler – Live In South Africa (Rendezvous)
Joyce & Tutty Moreno – Samba Jazz & Outras Bossa (Far Out/UK)
KJ Denhert – Lucky 7 (Motema Music)
Keith Andrew – Contemplation (KeithAndrew.com)
Lee Hazlewood – Very Special World of Lee Hazlewood (MGM/Water)
Lee Hazlewood – Lee Hazlewoodisom – It’s Cause & Cure (MGM/Water)
Leroy Hutson – Paradise (Elektra/UK)
Lou Rawls – The Essential Lou Rawls (Philadelphia Int’l/Legacy)
Lulu – Atco Sessions 1969 to 1972 (Atco/WEA/UK)
Marty Sheller - Why Deny (PVR Records)
Mikelyn Roderick – Copasetic Is
Modern Sound Quartet – Otinku (Odeon/EM/Japan)
N-Groove – It’s Who We Are (Nembleu Entertainment)
Nat King Cole – The Spanish Remixes
Neal Davis – Christmas (Creative Energy)
Neal Davis – Rendezvous (Creative Energy)
Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators – Keep Reachin’ Up – Remixed (Timmons)
Nostalgia 77 Octet – Weapon of Jazz Destruction (Tru Thoughts/UK)
Patrick Bradley – Come Rain Or Shine (Patrick Bradley)
Patti LaBelle – Miss Patti’s Christmas
Peabo Bryson – Missing You (Peak Records)
Peter Brotzmann & Harry Miller – Brotzmann & Miller (Corbett vs. Dempsey)
Peter White, Rick Braun & Mindi Abair – Peter White Christmas
Phillip Martin – Pride & Joy (Three Keys Music)
Piero Piccioni – L’Imprevisto (Dagnored/Italy)
Piero Piccioni – Se Incontri Sartana Prega Per La Tua Morte (Veritano/Japan)
Pino Donaggio – Corruzione Al Palazzo Di Giustizia (Fin De Siecle/Sweden)
Quantic Soul Orchestra – Tropidelico (Ten Thoughts/UK)
Rachel Brown – Love, Life & Relationships
Rob Maletick – Back Home (C.A.R. Records)
Seven - Home
Shaffer – Cool (Independent)
Stanley Clarke – The Toys Of Men (Heads Up)
Stanley Clarke – Original Album Classics 5-CD Set (Stanley Clarke/Journey To Love/School Days/Modern Man/Clarke Duke Project) (Columbia/UK)
Teddy Pendergrass – The Essential Teddy (Philadelphia Int’l/Legacy)
Ty Causey - Expressions
Van Morrison – Still On Top – The Greatest Hits (Exile/Polydor/UME)
Various Artists – Blue Note Street (Blue Note/Japan)
Various Artists – Complete Motown Singles Vol. 8 – 1968 (Motown)
Various Artists – Cinecocktail 3 – Funky Energy From the Best Scores of the Violent Italian Cop Thrillers (Beat/Italy)
Various Artists – Italo Old – Old School Cuts From the Italian House Music Scene (Irma/Italy)
Wk.End Band – How ‘Bout Us (Quicksilver)
Whispers – Live From Las Vegas
William Downing – After Tonight (Peak Records)

ERIC MARIENTHAL - JUST AROUND THE CORNER

Saxophonist Eric Marienthal has just released Just Around The Corner via Peak Records. This new release pairs teams him with Brian Culbertson, who produced and co-wrote material for Marienthal's 11th solo disk. The first single, "Blue Water," is a Marienthal-Culbertson composition. Other songwriting contributions on the album are from Jeff Lorber, Paul Brown, Stephen Lu. Musicians include drummer Dave Weckl, guitarists Ray Parker Jr., and veteran guitarist Michael O'Neill, among others.

STEVIE WONDER TOUR DATES

Stevie Wonder continues to perform for sold out crowds on this latest tour and his upcoming tour dates are as follows:
November 29 @t RBC Center, Raleigh NC
December 1 @t Sommet Center, Nashville TN
December 2 @ Fed Ex Forum, Memphis TN
December 4 @ Toyota Center, Houston TX
December 5 @ Nokia Theatre, Grand Prairie TX
December 6 @ Nokia Theatre, Grand Prairie TX
December 9 @ Jobing Arena, Glendale AZ

ANGELA BOFILL BENEFIT SET FOR DEC. 8

Narada Michael Walden is presenting The Spirit of Giving Concert In Tribute to Singer & Songwriter Angela Bofill at Grace Cathedral, Dec. 8. Carlos Santana, Bonnie Raitt, Bonnie Hayes and other area musicians perform in support of the jazz-pop- R&B songstress.

Music industry extraordinaire and Marin County resident Narada Michael Walden has rallied his colleagues and friends, including Carlos Santana, to perform at The Spirit of Giving concert, in tribute to singer, songwriter and Bammy-award winner Angela Bofill.

When: Sat., Dec. 8, 8:30 p.m.
Where: Grace Cathedral Episcopal Church, 1100 California St., Nob Hill, San Francisco

Ticket Purchase: http://www.ticketweb.com/ or 866-468-3399 (toll-free). Tickets go on sale on Nov. 1.
For more information: http://www.gracecathedral.org/ or 415-749-6300

DETAILS: On Sat., Dec. 8, award-winning and platinum-selling music producer, musician and songwriter Narada Michael Walden will present The Spirit of Giving, a concert featuring a number of his friends and colleagues, including Carlos Santana, as members of the music community will perform in tribute to singer and songwriter Angela Bofill.

Other musicians performing at The Spirit of Giving include:

· - R&B and dance hit singer Jeanie Tracy ( http://www.jeanietracy.com/), who once was one of Sylvester's back-up singers along with Martha Wash.

· - Canadian singer Naomi Striemer (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naomi_Striemer), whose 2006 CD Images was produced by Walden. Carlos Santana plays on the CD's single, "Cars;" and

· - Percussionist Karma Moffett (http://karmamoffett.com/), whose music features Tibetan Singing Bowls, Tibetan Longhorns, Hand Bells, Tingsha Cymbals, Conch Shells, Drums, and Bone Horn Trumpets

Marin County-based Walden has produced countless number-one hits with legendary artists such as Aretha Franklin, Al Jarreau, and Whitney Houston. He is credited with launching the careers of Houston and Mariah Carey, and the list of his collaborators reads like a Who's Who of popular music - Sting, Al Green, Ray Charles, Diana Ross, Steve Winwood, Clarence Clemons and Weather Report. He also produced soundtracks for popular films including: The Bodyguard, Free Willy, and 9 ½ Weeks.

Carlos Santana is a music legend almost without peer. He has 18 gold, platinum and multi-platinum records spanning his nearly 40-year career. He has recorded with his band since 1968, and in collaboration with, among other music luminaries, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Rob Thomas of the band matchbox 20, Eric Clapton and Lauryn Hill.

About Angela Bofill (http://www.angelabofill.com/)
Bofill scored several dance hits in the 1970s and 80s, such as Angel of the Night, in 1978 and 1983's Too Tough, but has recently suffered significant health setbacks. Walden and Bofill have worked together for more than 25 years - Arista Records' then-chief Clive Davis teamed Bofill with Walden in 1981 to produce her first commercial jazz-pop-R&B crossover recording, Something About You. Walden produced her next two recordings, 1983's Teaser and Too Tough.

WARNER MUSIC GROUP TO MARKET FRANK SINATRA'S LEGACY

Warner Music Group Corp. (NYSE: WMG) and the family of Frank Sinatra announced today that they have established a worldwide partnership to integrate content, rights management and the preservation of the legendary entertainer's inspirational personality and prodigious body of work under a single entity. The partnership will operate under the name Frank Sinatra Enterprises (FSE) and will manage all aspects of Sinatra's artistic contribution to music, film and stage. FSE will also administer all licenses for the use of Sinatra's name and likeness.

FSE will own Sinatra's recordings from the Reprise era as well as a treasure trove of films, television specials and unreleased footage, photos and audio recordings, which collectively represent one of the foremost bodies of artistic work of the modern era. FSE will also own and manage Sinatra's name and likeness rights and will represent the artist's rights to the Columbia and Capitol catalogues. The Frank Sinatra Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization will continue under the family's aegis.

FSE intends to pursue innovative new product and venture opportunities with respect to the legendary entertainer's name and likeness, as well as for the audio and visual content, which it will administer. "Because it was most important to our family to preserve and honor his legacy, we were extremely selective in choosing a partner with whom to manage our father's life work. It was a process that took several years," stated the Sinatra family, represented by Nancy, Tina and Frank Sinatra, Jr. "Our father founded Reprise Records almost 50 years ago; we have worked with Warner Music Group for many years, and we are thrilled to continue the journey with them and the new company into the future."

"Frank Sinatra created one of the most enduring and influential bodies of work the world has ever experienced and we consider it a great privilege that his family has decided to significantly expand and enhance our relationship," said Edgar Bronfman, Jr., Chairman and CEO of Warner Music Group. "Over the past several years WMG has transformed itself from a traditional music company to an organization that can manage virtually every facet of an artist's brand or career. So it is a particular honor that through this joint venture we'll be able to manage, with the Sinatra family, the legacy of not only one of our greatest artists, but as founder of Reprise Records, one of the creative cornerstones of our company."

"Frank Sinatra is an icon known the world over. We are extremely honored to continue working with the Sinatra family to preserve and expand his rich legacy," says Scott Pascucci, president of Warner Music Group's Rhino Entertainment. Representatives from the Sinatra family and Warner Music Group will jointly manage FSE, with day-to-day operations being handled by Rhino executives Jimmy Edwards and Gregg Goldman along with Sinatra archivist/producer Charles Pignone, who will report to co-chairs Scott Pascucci and Robert A. Finkelstein. Additionally, Tina Sinatra and Edgar Bronfman, Jr. will sit on the Board of Directors.

One of the most important pop culture figures of the 20th century, Frank Sinatra's career spanned many disciplines. As a recording artist, actor, cabaret and concert star, radio, film and television personality, and occasional producer, director and conductor, Frank Sinatra's achievements earned him three Oscars, two Golden Globes, 10 personal Grammys (and a total of 21 including those for his albums), an Emmy, a Cecile B. DeMille Award, and a Peabody. One of the most prestigious awards Sinatra received was the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award by the Motion Picture Society of America. This award, presented only a few times in the Academy's history, is given to an "individual in the motion picture industry whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry." Sinatra's charitable legacy is legendary. His pioneering fight against prejudice is one of the important facets that shaped his life from childhood on the streets of Hoboken, New Jersey. His short film, "The House I Live In" received a special Oscar in 1945.

Throughout his 60-year career, "Ol' Blue Eyes" demonstrated a remarkable ability to thrive in changing times, moving deftly from the swing era to the rock-and-roll era. He performed on more than 1,400 recordings, was awarded 31 gold, nine platinum, three double platinum and one triple platinum album by the Recording Industry Association of America. He also appeared in 58 films, and produced eight motion pictures. Frank Sinatra was awarded Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Grammys, The Screen Actors Guild, The Kennedy Center and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), as well as the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal, and remains a legend and inspiration to thousands for his contributions to culture and the arts.

Frank Sinatra began the golden age in which American popular music became a universal language and this extraordinary creative genius is its most articulate spokesman worldwide. Sinatra's contribution to our life and times extends far beyond his music, to embrace an exuberance, a zest for life, a sense of style and a glorious self-confidence that define, for all time, what it meant to be young at heart and have the world on a string. His spirit and vision continue to be defined by the wisdom and insight from the legacy of work he left behind.
FSE was represented by the law firm of Proskauer Rose LLP and The Salter Group. WMG was represented by the law firm of Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher.

About Warner Music Group
Warner Music Group became the only stand-alone music company to be publicly traded in the United States in May 2005. With its broad roster of new stars and legendary artists, Warner Music Group is home to a collection of the best-known record labels in the music industry including Asylum, Atlantic, Bad Boy, Cordless, East West, Elektra, Lava, Nonesuch, Reprise, Rhino, Roadrunner, Rykodisc, Sire, Warner Bros. and Word. Warner Music International, a leading company in national and international repertoire, operates through numerous international affiliates and licensees in more than 50 countries. Warner Music Group also includes Warner/Chappell Music, one of the world's leading music publishers, with a catalog of more than one million copyrights worldwide.

MICHAEL MCDONALD TOUR DATES

Michael McDonald is busy as he continues to perform dates around the country this fall. The popular vocalist is currently working on the follow-up to his top selling classics collections, 2004's Motown and 2005's Motown Two. McDonald currently appears on the new album by Chaka Khan, titled Funk This! on a duet of his composition "You Belong To Me." The tune is among the most-played new singles at smooth jazz radio. His most recent CD release was actually the 2005 holiday set Through The Many Winters, which was available exclusively through Hallmark stores.

Upcoming dates for Michael McDonald include:

November 29 - Clearwater, FL - Ruth Eckerd Hall
December 1 - Louisville, KY - Louisville Palace Theatre
December 2 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium
December 3 - Cleveland, OH - Palace Theatre
December 6 - Chicago, IL - Chicago Theatre
December 7 - Mount Pleasant, MI - Soaring Eagle Casino
December 9 - Columbus, OH - Schottenstein Center
December 11 - Detroit, MI - Detroit Orchestra Hall
December 13 - Milwaukee, WI - Riverside Theatre
December 14 - Altoona, IA - Prairie Meadows Casino
December 16 - Prior Lake, MN - Mystic Lake Casino
December 18 - Kansas City, MO - Ameristar Hotel & Casino
December 20 - Denver, CO - Paramount Theatre

JEFF GOLUB COVERS THE FOUR TOPS

Smooth Jazz guitarist Jeff Golub recently hit the number one spot on the smooth jazz airplay charts with his version of "Ain't No Woman (Like The One I've Got)" featuring saxophonist Richard Elliot. The tune is from Golub's CD new CD, Grand Central. The song, "Ain't No Woman" was originally a hit for Motown group The Four Tops in 1972.

“AUGUST RUSH” SOUNDTRACK FEATURES CHRIS BOTTI, PAULA COLE, JOHN LEGEND & OTHERS

Columbia Records has just released "August Rush - Music From The Motion Picture," the soundtrack album from the widely-anticipated Warner Bros. Pictures film. "August Rush – Music From The Motion Picture" is available online and in stores now.

"August Rush - Music From The Motion Picture" is a showcase of sounds from the music-driven drama starring Freddie Highmore, Keri Russell, and Jonathan Rhys Meyers with Terrence Howard and Robin Williams. The soundtrack album includes original tracks by John Legend ("Someday"), John Ondrasik ("King of the Earth") and female guitar virtuoso Kaki King ("Bari Improv," "Ritual Dance"); covers by Chris Botti & Paula Cole (Billie Holiday's "God Bless The Child"), Leon Thomas III (Ritchie Valens' "LaBamba"), and Jonathan Rhys Meyers (pieces based on works by Johann Sebastian Bach and Sir Edward Elgar as well as Van Morrison's "Moondance," also covered by Chris Botti on the album); and selections from the film's
musical score composed by Mark Mancina.

"August Rush," in theaters November 21, tells the story of a charismatic young Irish guitarist (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and a sheltered young cellist (Keri Russell) who have a chance encounter one magical night above New York's Washington Square but are torn apart, leaving in their wake an infant, August, orphaned by circumstance. Now performing on the streets of New York and cared for by a mysterious stranger (Robin Williams), August (Freddie Highmore) uses his remarkable musical talent to seek the parents from whom he was separated at birth. The film, which also stars Terrence Howard, is directed by Kirsten Sheridan and produced by Richard Barton Lewis from a screenplay by Nick Castle and James V. Hart, story by Paul Castro and Nick Castle.

"August Rush - Music From The Motion Picture"

Tracklisting

1. Main Title - Mark Mancina
2. Bach/Break - Steve Erdody and Jonathan Rhys Meyers
3. Moondance featuring Jonathan Rhys Meyers
4. This Time - Jonathan Rhys Meyers
5. Bari Improv - Kaki King
6. Ritual Dance - Kaki King
7. Raise It Up - Jamia Simone Nash and Impact Repertory Theater
8. Dueling Guitars - Heitor Pereira and Doug Smith
9. Elgar/Something Inside - Steve Erdody and Jonathan Rhys Meyers
10. August's Rhapsody featuring Freddie Highmore - Mark Mancina
11. Someday - John Legend
12. King of the Earth - John Ondrasik
13. God Bless the Child - Chris Botti and Paula Cole
14. La Bamba - Leon Thomas III
15. Moondance - Chris Botti (Hidden Track)

CHRIS STANDRING - LOVE PARAGRAPHS

Chris Standring has just finished work on his brand new album entitle “Love & Paragraphs.” It’s scheduled for release in January. Chris is releasing this on his own record label - Ultimate Vibe Recordings. He’s contracted for a joint venture with The Artizen Music Group (Rick Braun & Richard' Elliot’s label) which enables him to have national distribution through Ryko. Speaking of Rick Braun and Richard Elliot, Chris Standring has co-written a song with them called "R n R", the first single from their new album of the same name. The song is a huge hit on the smooth jazz radio and was recently charted at number one for the eighth week running.

GROOVE BOUTIQUE WEDNESDAYS

Rafe Gomez brings the sound of the groove boutique to The Key Club in Newark, New Jersey. He’ll spin his mixes every Wednesday from 6 to 9PM beginning on December 5. The Key Club is at 58 Park Place in Newark.

AIR JAMAICA JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL

The 2008 Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival will feature performances by Jill Scott, Anita Baker, Diana Ross, Billy Ocean, Hugh Masakela, Beres Hammond. The three-day music festival runs from January 24-26, 2008 in Montego Bay and it is being billed as the “Caribbean’s biggest party.” The event will celebrate its 22nd year and is expected to attract over 40,000 music fans from all over the world.

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO TOUR DATES

Ladysmith Black Mambazo will perform the following concerts:
November 29 @ Is Sanat Istanbul Hall, Istanbul Turkey
December 1 @ Auditorium Massimo, Rome Italy
December 3 @ Konsorthuset, Stockholm Sweden
December 4 @ Kaarli Church, Tallinn Estonia
December 5 @ Konzerthaus, Vienna Austria
January 15 @ St. Pauls School, Concord NH
January 16 @ Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield MA
January 18 @ Standers Theatre, Cambridge MA
January 19 @ Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy NY
January 20 @ Kimmel Center, Philadelphia PA
January 22@ Paramount Theater, Charlottesville VA
January 23 @ Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Baltimore MD
January 25 @ State Theatre, Ithaca NY
January 26 @ B.B. King's Blues Club, New York NY
January 27 @ Sunoco Performance Theatre, Harrisburg PA
January 29 @ Victoria Theatre, Dayton OH
January 30 @ EJ Thomas Hall, Akron OH
February 1 @ Spivey Hall, Morrow GA
February 2 @ Phillips Center, Gainesville FL
February 8 @ Holland PAC, Omaha NE
February 9 @ Harris Center, Grinnell LA
February 10 @ Blanche M. Touhill PAC, St. Louis MO
February 12 @ Humphrey Coliseum, Mississippi St. MS
February 14 @ Manship Theatre, Baton Rouge LA
February 15 @ Manship Theatre, Baton Rouge LA
February 17 @ Rosa Hart Theatre, Lake Charles LA
February 18 @ Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth TX
February 20 @ Kiva Auditorium, Albuquerque NM
February 22 @ Prochnow Auditorium, Flagstaff AZ
February 23 @ Rialto Theatre, Tucson AZ
February 24 @ Scottsdale Center, Scottsdale AZ
February 26 @ Bovard Auditorium, Los Angeles CA
February 27 @ Arlington Theatre, Santa Barbara CA
February 28 @ Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, San Francisco CA
February 29 @ Laxson Auditorium, Chico CA
March 1 @ Napa Valley Opera House, Napa CA
March 2 @ John Van Duzer Theatre, Arcata CA
March 4 @ Tower Theatre, Bend OR
March 5 @ Egyptian Theatre, Boise ID
March 6 @ Stephens PAC, Pocatello ID
March 8 @ Alberta Bair Theater, Billings MT
March 9 @ Emerson Center, Bozeman MT
March 11 @ The Met, Spokane WA
March 12 @ Moore Theatre, Seattle WA
March 13 @ Aladdin Theater, Portland OR
March 14 @ Admiral Theatre, Bremerton WA
March 15 @ McDonald Theatre, Eugene OR
June 1 @ Kennedy Center in Washington DC

TOM SCOTT TO RECORD FOR CONCORD

Tom Scott has recently recorded a new album for the Concord label that pays tribute to the late saxophone player Julian "Cannonball" Adderley. Special guests on the CD include Terence Blanchard, George Duke, Marcus Miller, Steve Gadd, and Nancy Wilson. The still-untitled CD is due to be released in January 2008. Scott included an Adderley tune as well as tunes by Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea, and Michel Legrand on his 2006 straight ahead jazz outing, Bebop United.

ZIGGY MARLEY - LOVE IS MY RELIGION

Ziggy Marley announces the re-release of his Grammy-winning album Love Is My Religion, including three bonus tracks as well as an independent distribution deal. In a bold move, Marley is eschewing the traditional record industry formula and big name labels, instead penning a distribution deal between Tuff Gong Worldwide and Ryko Distribution.

Love Is My Religion was originally released in the US exclusively at Target Stores and is now scheduled for wide distribution on December 4, 2007, with additional material including live recordings of Jammin, Dragonfly, and Look Who's Dancin'. These live tracks, plus the highly-anticipated live DVD (scheduled for early 2008 release), were recorded at Los Angeles' Avalon during the 2006 Love Is My Religion world tour.

Pushing the envelope is an inborn trait for Ziggy Marley. He comes by it honestly. He has remained true to the independent nature instilled inhim by his legendary father, establishing himself in recent years as a solo artist and producing his first independently-released projects on the Tuff Gong Worldwide label. Firmly instituted as a solo artist, he has now set his sights on yet another quest.

Tuff Gong was first founded in 1965 by Bob Marley, with the vision of producing, distributing, and promoting his music free from the constraints of corporate label politics. In a time decades before artist-owned record labels were commonplace, Marley's vision was characteristically well ahead of it's time. Now, nearly half a century later, his dream is being realized.

Ziggy released his first solo effort, Dragonfly, in 2003. The album included guest artists from the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Incubus. His second solo album, Love is My Religion, was released in July of 2006 and garnered Marley his first solo Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album, giving him a total of four Grammys. Love soared to #6 on the Billboard Reggae charts.

Love showcases Ziggy's keenly honed talents as a composer, producer, and musician, with all tracks written and produced by Ziggy, and shared production on three tracks with Grammy-winning producer Ross Hogarth. Marley also played a majority of the instruments on the album.

Born in Trench Town, Jamaica, Ziggy Marley was surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Jamaican recording industry. First accompanying his father in the studio at a tender age, he soon joined with his siblings to form The Melody Makers. The act enjoyed two decades of successful touring and recording, netting three Grammy Awards and worldwide notoriety.

Ziggy has contributed to a variety of soundtracks including 50 First Dates, Dora the Explorer, the PBS children's show Arthur, and Shark's Tale, in which he delved into acting for the first time, playing the character of Bernie, the Jamaican jellyfish. In addition to his skills as a singer, songwriter and producer, Ziggy founded U.R.G.E. (Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment), a non-profit organization that benefits a wide range of charitable children's causes in Jamaica, Ethiopia and other developing nations. More recently he has lent his support to the Youth AIDS campaign.

More information about Ziggy is available at http://www.ziggymarley.com.

BOBBY CALDWELL TOURS JAPAN; TEAMS WITH JOYCE COOLING

Bobby Caldwell is gearing up for a tour of Japan during the month of December with a string of performance scheduled for various Billboard Live venues. Next year, Caldwell teams with Joyce Cooling for a special performance at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona.
December 6 @ Billboard Live, Tokyo Japan
December 7 @ Billboard Live, Tokyo Japan
December 8 @ Billboard Live, Tokyo Japan
December 10 @ Billboard Live, Osaka Japan
December 11 @ Billboard Live, Osaka Japan
December 12 @ Billboard Live, Osaka Japan
December 14 @ Billboard Live, Fukuoka Japan
December 15 @ Billboard Live, Fukuoka Japan
December 16 @ Billboard Live, Fukuoka Japan
December 31 @ Rossi’s Blue Bar, Minneapolis MN
February 23 @ Celebrity Theatre, Phoenix AZ

PAT METHENY TOUR DATES

Pat Metheny will perform the following concerts:
February 23 @ Yoshi's, San Francisco CA
February 26 @ Anthology, San Diego CA
February 27 @ Anthology, San Diego CA
February 29 @ Fox Theatre, Tucson AZ
March 1 @ el Pedregal, Scottsdale AZ
March 2 @ Lensic PAC, Santa Fe NM
March 5 @ Verizon Wireless Theatre, Houston TX
March 6 @ Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth TX
March 9 @ Center for the Arts, Boca Raton FL
March 10 @ Tampa Theatre, Tampa FL
March 11 @ Peabody Auditorium, Daytona Beach FL
March 14 @ State Theatre, Falls Church VA
March 15 @ Keswick Theatre Glenside PA
March 16 @ Somerville Theatre, Somerville MA
March 18 @ Town Hall, New York NY

VAN MORRISON TOUR DATES

Van Morrison will perform the following concerts:
November 23 @ Theatre Royal Norwich, Norwich UK
November 24 @ Theatre Royal Norwich, Norwich UK
November 30 @ The Sage, Gateshead UK
December 1 @ International Centre, Harrogate UK
December 7@ Ironworks, Inverness UK
December 8 @ Ironworks, Inverness UK
December 19 @ Providence PAC, Providence RI
December 20 @ Northrop Auditorium, Minneapolis MN
December 21 @ Grand Sierra Resort, Reno NV
December 27 @ Nob Hill Masonic, San Francisco CA
December 28 @ Nob Hill Masonic, San Francisco CA
December 29 @ Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas TX
December 30 @ Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas TX
January 18 @ Carling Apollo Hammersmith, London UK
January 25 @ City Hall, Sheffield UK
January 26 @ Opera House, Blackpool UK
February 29 @ Palladium, Cologne Germany
March 1 @ Jahrhunderthalle Hoechst, Frankfurg Germany
March 21 @ New Theatre Oxford, Oxford UK
March 22 @ Colston Hall, Bristol UK
March 27 @ Bridgewater Hall, Manchester UK
March 28 @ Bridgewater Hall, Manchester UK
April 25 @ Baltiska Hallen, Malmo Sweden
April 26 @ Lisebergshallen, Goteborg Sweden
May 9 @ Tempodrom, Berlin Germany

DAVID SANBORN IN THE STUDIO

David Sanborn is in the studio working on his next CD project. On his website, the influential jazz player says he has gone into the studio with veteran Phil Ramone, who has worked with Elton John, Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis, Dave Koz, Barbra Streisand, Chicago, and dozens more. Sanborn's last studio release was 2005's Closer, which was produced by Stewart Levine. Sanborn recently wrapped a series of dates in Washington, D.C at Blues Alley on November 14th and 15th.

SIMPLY RED TO DISBAND

Simply Red lead singer Mick Hucknall has announced that British pop soul band Simply Red has decided to split up in 2009. Mick Hucknall told the U.K.'s Gold Radio that the group plans to split up after 25 years together. Simply Red's current CD, Stay, will be its final release, and the group will disband after completing a series of tour dates. Hucknall will then focus on a solo career, where he can "invent a new form of music" influenced by R&B tracks from the 1960s. "It's a big challenge but I can't do it under the name of Simply Red," Hucknall said. He’s already completed work on his first solo project, which is a tribute to Bobby Bland, a blues and R&B artist. Simply Red formed in 1984with three ex-members of the band Durutti Column -- bassist Tony Bowers, drummer Chris Joyce, and keyboard and brass player Tim Kellett -- as well as guitarist Sylvan Richardson and keyboardist Fritz McIntyre. The group charted its first single in 1985 with "Money's Too Tight To Mention" from their debut Playbook. The band subsequently released nine more albums, including the current Stay, their first issue on the SimplyRed.com label. Simply Red's performance of the Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes classic "If You Don't Know Me By Now" earned a 1989 Grammy Award for writers Gamble & Huff as best R&B song. Simply Red is releasing a new version of "The World And You Tonight," as their last single

DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS 10th ANNUAL SMOOTH JAZZ CHRISTMAS SHOW

Dave Koz and his friends are in rehearsal as we speak, busily preparing for their 10th Annual Smooth Jazz Christmas Show. Along for the ride this year are Jonathan Butler, Wayman Tisdale and American Idol’s Kimberley Locke take to the stage. Here is the full schedule for the Dave Koz Annual Smooth Jazz Christmas Show.

Nov. 23 – Lake Tahoe, NV @ Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe
Nov. 24 – Denver, CO @ Paramount Theatre
Nov. 26 – Baltimore, MD @ Hippodrome Theatre
Nov. 28 – West Reading, PA @ Scottish Rite Catherdral Performing
Nov. 29 – Sewell, NJ @ Commerce Bank Arts Center
Nov. 30 – Morristown, NJ @ Community Theatre
Dec. 1 – Melbourne, FL @ King Center for Performing Arts
Dec. 2 – Naples, FL @ Philharmonic Center for the Arts
Dec. 3 – Clearwater, FL @ Ruth Eckerd Hall
Dec. 4 – Fort Lauderdale, FL @ AuRene Theatre Broward Center for Performing Arts
Dec. 5 – Sarasota, FL @ Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Dec. 7 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre
Dec. 8 – Columbus, OH @ Palace Theatre
Dec. 9 – Chicago, IL @ Chicago Theatre
Dec. 11 – Cleveland, OH @ Playhouse Square Center
Dec. 12 – Detroit, MI @ Music Hall
Dec. 13 - Temecula, CA @ Pechanga Resort Casino
Dec. 14 – San Diego, CA @ Copley Symphony Hall
Dec. 15 – Oakland, CA @ Paramount Theatre
Dec. 16 – Tacoma, WA @ Temple Theatre
Dec. 19 – Mesa, AZ @ Mesa Arts Center/Ikeda Theatre
Dec. 21 – Cerritos, CA @ Cerritos Center for the Perfoming Arts
Dec. 22 – Cerritos, CA @ Cerritos Center for the Perfoming Arts

KENNY "BABYFACE" EDMONDS ANNOUNCES TOUR DATES

Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds will return to the road for his first U.S. tour date schedule in years this fall, in support of PLAYLIST. His newest album is the first release on the newly re-launched Mercury Records label, and feat­ur­es his new Top 10 version of James Taylor’s “Fire & Rain.” The U.S. tour has just been expanded to a dozen cities, opening Friday, November 23rd at The Paramount Theater in Oakland, CA, and running to December 14th at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk, VA. Kenny's special guest is Ayo, the critically-acclaimed, International platinum soul singer/songwriter whose U.S. debut CD will be released on Interscope Records on November 20th. Her PBS special, "Live From Monte Carlo", will air in December.

PLAYLIST is the first Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds album devoted (mostly) to cover versions of some of his favorite songs. Building on the success of “Fire & Rain” at the AC and Smooth Jazz radio formats, Edmonds’ original “Not Going Nowhere” recently moved inside the Top 40 at Urban AC. In addition to another original song, “The Soldier Song,” an evocative elegy in this time of war, PLAYLIST contains definitive new versions of songs from Bob Dylan (“Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door”), Dan Fogelberg (“Longer”), James Taylor (“Shower The People”), Eric Clapton (“Wonderful Tonight”), Bread (“Diary”), Jim Croce (“Time In A Bottle”), and Dave Loggins (“Please Come To Boston”).

As momentum for PLAYLIST continues, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds has maintained a high profile on TV and in the media. Television performances have included: The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Today Show, Live with Regis & Kelly, CMT Crossroads Concert Special featuring Trisha Yearwood, Ellen, and The Tyra Banks Show. Upcoming appearances include: The Tavis Smiley Show, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and Late Night with Conan O’Brien.

KENNY “BABYFACE” EDMONDS ON TOUR:
Nov. 23 Oakland, CA The Paramount Theater
Nov. 24 Sparks, NV Rose Ballroom at the John Ascuaga's Nugget
Nov. 30 Detroit, MI Palace of Auburn Hills
Dec. 1 Indianapolis, IN Madame Walker Theater Center
Dec. 2 Cincinnati, OH Cintas Center
Dec. 5 Westbury, NY North Fork Theater @ Westbury
Dec. 7 Philadelphia, PA Keswick Theater
Dec. 8 Boston, MA Berklee Performing Arts Center9 New York, NY Nokia Theatre
Dec. 10 Alexandria, VA Birchmere
Dec. 12 Atlanta, GA Cobb Energy Centre
Dec. 14 Norfolk, VA Chrysler Hall

For more info and ticket details, go to www.babyfacemusic.com

TRIPPIN 'N' RHYTHM SIGNS SEKOU BUNCH

Trippin 'N' Rhythm Records is pleased to announce the recent acquisition of bass player to the stars ''Sekou Bunch''. Bunch's trippin debut "The Next Level" bows late 1st quarter '08 and is an absolute who's who in Smooth jazz/ urban radio, and features stand out performances by Stanley Clarke, Boney James, George Duke, Angela Winbush, Everette Harp and Sheila E.

Say's label CEO / President Les Cutmore," having recently trimmed some fat from our roster, has enabled us to secure this truly amazing talent. The incredible success we have had recently with U-Nam and Oli Silk, further confirms to us that this is the direction that we need to be headed as a record company by continuing to bring new and exciting artist's into the fold.

Sekou may not be new in terms of what he has accomplished in the business as a first call session and touring player, but as he finally takes hold of the reigns as a leader, this top shelf, A game player/performer will bring a new sense of excitement to our label and to radio as well". Bunch's resume sounds like the VIP list for an Grammy after party, having shared the stage and or recording studio with Quincy Jones, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Roger Daltry, Whitney Houston, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, Anita Baker, Ray Charles, Chaka Khan, George Benson, Wayne Shorter, George Howard, Tom Browne, Lionel Richie, the Tonight Show Band .Phew.. to name just a few.

Receiving his very first RIAA Certified Gold Record at the young age of 17 playing on the best selling funk classic "Funkin For Jamaica" with Tom Browne, Bunch established himself as a bass player to watch and has since spread his wings into television staring in the 13th installment of the International hit Survivor "Cook Islands" and carries the distinction of being the first one voted off the island. Being the first one voted off didn't faze me, say's Bunch. I felt Victorious. It was a great experience and the opportunity of a lifetime".Say's Cutmore, "Sekou's time has come. He has been the consummate sideman for years and we feel it is time for him to step front and center and take his rightful place as a leader. His feel and mastery of him instrument are truly unparalleled. It is time for him to take things to The Next Level and we couldn't be happier welcoming him into the trippin family"."The Next Level", will be released to radio late spring '08

B.B.KING TOUR DATES

B.B. King will perform the following concerts:
November 12-13 - BB King Blues Club, New York, NY
November 15 - Broome County Arena, Binghamton, NY
November 16 - Burlington Memorial Auditorium, Burlington, VT
November 17 - Lowell Municipal Auditorium, Lowell, MA
November 18 - Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre, PA
November 21 - Singletary Center, Lexington, KY
November 23 - Cincinnati Music Hall, Cincinnati, OH
November 24 - Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI
November 25 - French Lick Springs Resort, French Lick, IN
November 27 - Rosebud Theatre, Effingham, IL
November 28 - Peoria Civic Center, Peoria, IL
November 30 - Chevrolet Centre, Youngstown, OH
December 1 - Palace Theatre, Columbus, OH
December 27 - Palace Theatre, El Paso, TX
December 28 - Route 66 Casino, Albuquerque, NM
December 29 - Maricopa Events Center, Sun City West, AZ
December 31 - Star of the Desert Arena, Primm, NV
January 3 - House of Blues, Anaheim, CA
January 4 - The Wiltern, Los Angeles, CA
January 5 - Fantasy Springs Casino,Indio, CA
January 9 - Rogue Theatre, Grants Pass, OR
January 10 - Feather Falls Casino, Oroville, CA
January 11 - Marin County Civic Center, San Rafael, CA
January 25 - Uptown Theatre, Kansas City, MO
January 26 - Tulsa PAC, Tulsa, OK
January 27 - Eureka Springs City Auditorium, Eureka Springs, AR
January 29 - Stiefel Theatre, Salina, KS
January 31 - Morris PAC, South Bend, IN
February 1 - Soaring Eagle Casino, Mt. Pleasant, MI
February 5 - Mystic Lake Casino, Prior Lake, MN
February 7 - Hancher Auditorium, Iowa City, IA
February 8 - Center for the Performing Arts, University Park, IL
February 9 - Genesee Theatre, Waukegan, IL
February 10 - Prairie Meadows, Altoona, IA
February 13 - The Family Arena, St. Charles, MO
February 15 - Fox Cities PAC, Appleton, WI
February 16 - Fox Theatre, Detroit, MI
February 28-29 - Keswick Theatre, Glenside, PA
March 1 - House of Blues, Atlantic City, NJ

TAYLOR DAYNE NEW STUDIO ALBUM - SATISFIED

"SATISFIED", the highly anticipatedalbum from recording artist TAYLOR DAYNE, is set for release on February5th, 2008. Dayne's fifth studio album and first effort in ten years,"SATISFIED" delivers a powerful selection of 13 songs from acclaimed writers and producers including Rick Nowels, Billy Steinberg, Mike Mangini, Peter Wade, and Richie Jones, among others. With "SATISFIED", Dayne is poised to triumphantly return to the forefront of popular music. Dayne is no stranger to success.

Known worldwide for her premier vocals and hit recordings, she has sold over 75 million albums and singles worldwide and has had ten Top 10 hits including "Tell It To My Heart" and"Love Will Lead You Back," three Grammy nominations, and two sold-out worldtours. On "SATISFIED", Dayne has opted to leave the major labels behind and make her own way by releasing her newest offering on her own label, Intention Music, distributed by Adrenaline/ADA, Warner Music. "This is an exciting time musically for me," says Dayne. "And this record reflects that. It was great to have the opportunity to be creative and make some magic with some of the producers and writers I have admired over the years. This record has been a long time coming."

"Beautiful", the first single from the disc, will hit radio in November 2007 and will be available for download everywhere on December 11, 2007. The song is co-written by Dayne, who also co-writes three additional songs on the album, and is the perfect introduction to "SATISFIED".

eMUSIC HITS 350,000 SUBSCRIBERS

As the holidays approach, eMusic hits a new level of critical mass: today, the world's largest retailer of independent music -- and the world's second-largest digital music service after iTunes -- announces that it has surpassed 350,000 paid subscribers and that its catalogue totals more than three million tracks. Since establishing the current subscription model in 2003, eMusic has sold more than 165 million music downloads and, in the last 50 days alone, approximately 25,000 digital audiobooks. The 350,000 subscriber benchmark comes only six months since eMusic reached 300,000 subscribers in April. And, with more than three million tracks from more than 20,000 labels, eMusic's offers the largest catalogue of independent music ever assembled.

eMusic customers include conventional web-based subscribers and subscribers to eMusic Mobile, eMusic's over-the-air download service with AT&T, which is now available on 14 mobile phones. eMusic's rich catalogue of independent music continues to grow with new label and distributor signings, as well as new labels added through existing agreements. New titles from every musical genre -- including jazz, classical, r&b, metal, electronic and more -- arrive on a weekly basis.

Labels recently or about to be added include:
Rough Trade
Madacy Entertainment
Harmonia Mundi France
Shout Factory
Rooftop Comedy
Boompa Records
Brunswick Records
Century Media
Clone Records
Dragonstorm Records
Dorian Records
The Echo Label Limited
Engine Company Red
Exceptional Records
Giant Slayer Records
Gusto Records
Jay Records
Lone Hill Jazz
Lyrita Records
Made in eTaly
MGM Distribution
Neurodisc Records
N.E.W.S. Distribution NV
Newline Records
Peacefrog
Pinnacle Entertainment, Ltd.
RSK Entertainment
Saavn
604 Records
Southern Records Distributors
Squealer Music
Supraphon
Telarc
Vee-Jay Records
Vox Records

"We are elated to be hitting our stride just as our busiest time of year -- the holiday season -- kicks into high gear," said David Pakman, President and CEO of eMusic. "While other subscription services have lost customers, these milestones demonstrate eMusic's momentum as we simultaneously grow our catalogue and our customer base and add new methods of distribution and product lines. Sophisticated consumers of music and literature know that eMusic is the place to discover entertainment that will move their feet and feed their minds. We have never been more excited about our business and our customers' response to it."

eMusic (www.emusic.com) is a digital entertainment retailer focused on serving customers aged 25+ by offering independent music and audiobooks in a universally compatible format at a great value. It is the world's largest retailer of independent music and the world's second-largest digital music service after iTunes, with more than three million tracks from 20,000 of the world's leading independent labels and over 1,000 titles from top audiobook publishers. To super-serve its customers, eMusic provides award-winning editorial content, a vibrant online community and unrivaled music discovery tools. eMusic's subscription-based service offers 25 free downloads and one free book at sign-up, giving consumers an inexpensive, low-risk way to explore great new music and books they wouldn't find otherwise. Its universally compatible MP3 files play on any audio device including the iPod®. Based in New York with an office in London, eMusic.com Inc. is wholly owned by Dimensional Associates, Inc., the private equity arm of JDS Capital Management, Inc.

NEW RELEASES: ALISON LOYET, EUMIR DEODATO TRIO, ROBERT PLANT, TAMBA TRIO & MORE...

Alison Moyer – The Turn (W14 Music/UK)
Andy Lewis – You Should Be Hearing Something Now (Acid Jazz/UK)
Arrested Development – Since The Last Time (Vagabond)
Arthur Verocai – Encore (Far Out/UK)
Bobby Womack – Roads Of Life (Arista/Expansion/UK)
Bugge Wesseltoft – IM (Jazzland/Norway)
Charles Mingus – 20th Century Masters: The Millenium Collection (Verve/UME)
Dennis Brown – Visions Of Dennis Brown (VP)
Eddy Meets Yannah – Once In A While (Compost/Germany)
Eumir Deodato Trio – Ao Vivo No Rio (Biscoito Fino/Brazil)
Frank Rosolino – I Play Trombone (Bethlehem/Japan)
Frank Sinatra – The Cole Porter Songbook (Acrobatic/RED)
Gato Barbieri – Bahia (Fania)
Immagrant’s Bossa Band – Message (DIE The Garden/Japan)
Inobe – Spiritual Soul (Modest Music)
John Coltrane – The Impulse! Albums: Volume One (Verve)
Jonathan Butler – Jonathan Butler Live In South Africa (CD/DVD; Rendezvous)
Julie London – All Through The Night: Julie London Sings The Choicest Of Cole Porter (Blue Note)
Kiruna – Tarasarus (Plastic Strip Press/Norway)
Kutiman – Melting Pot (Germany)
Lorna Luft – Songs My Mother Taught Me (First Night/UK)
Main Ingredient – Spinning Around – The Singlews 1967-1975 (RCA/Kent/UK)
Miles Bonny – Closer Love EP (Melting Pot/Germany)
Nancy Wilson – The Nancy Wilson Show (Blue Note)
Peabo Bryson – Quiet Storm (Wounded Bird)
Peabo Bryson – Positive (Wounded Bird)
Perry Como – Lightly Latin (SSJ/Japan)
Quantic Soul Orchestra – Tropidelico (Tru Thoughts/UK)
Ray Barretto – Greatest Hits: I’m A Man (Fania)
Ray Charles – Live At Montreux 1977 (DVD; Eagle Vision)
Robert Plant & Alison Krauss – Raising Sand (Rounder)
Ruben Blades – Nothing But The Truth (Wounded Bird)
Sarah Vaughan – Divine One (Roulette)
Stanley Clarke – Children Of Forever Polydor)
Tamba Trio – Tamba Trio (Phillips/Japan)
Temptations – Back To Front (New Door/UME)
Youssou N’Dour – Rokku Mi Rokka/Give And Take (Nonesuch)
Will Downing – After Tonight (Peak/Concord)
Zimba Trio – Volume 3 (RGE/Bomba/Japan)