SONY BMG JOINS NOKIA COMES WITH MUSIC

Nokia has announced that SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT has officially joined Nokia Comes With Music, a revolutionary way for people to discover and enjoy music with their Nokia device. "As one of the leading major music companies in the world, our collaboration with SONY BMG means we can offer a huge range of fantastic music from both international and local artists via Comes With Music," said Tero Ojanpera, executive vice president and head of the Nokia Entertainment and Communities business. "It's great to have them on board as we move forward with bringing our unlimited music bundle to the market."

People who buy a Nokia Comes With Music device will have a year of access to the SONY BMG rich catalog of music. Consumers will be able to download tracks to both their mobile device and computer through the Nokia Music Store during the first twelve months that they own their Nokia device. At the end of the one year period, they can keep their downloaded tracks and, should they purchase a new compatible device or computer, they can transfer their downloaded material by substituting their new device or computer for the original devices. As a result, music fans who participate in the Comes With Music experience will be able to keep their downloads on their device and/or computer for the rest of their lives.

Consumers will have a number of attractive options for continuing to get new music after the Nokia Comes With Music subscription is over: they will be able to continue to purchase additional tracks from the Nokia Music Store, or move on to a Nokia "unlimited access" subscription service to enjoy new releases and catalog tracks not downloaded during the initial year. Comes With Music is expected to launch in the second half of 2008 on a range of Nokia devices in selected markets.

Here’s how it all works…
Nokia Comes With Music enables people to buy a Nokia device with a year of unlimited access to tracks from a range of great artists - past, present and future. Once the year is complete, customers can keep all their music without having to worry about it disappearing when their subscription is over. Universal Music Group International and SONY BMG ENTERTAINMENT are part of the launch and Nokia is in discussion with many other international labels.

UPCOMING CONCERTS

Sly and the Family Stone will perform the following concerts: April 25 at the House of Blues in Anaheim, CA; April 26 at the House of Blues in Hollywood, CA; and May 3 at the Vic Theatre in Chicago, Il.

DJ Louis Vega is at Hudson at 365 West West 58 Street in New York City on May 5th from 6-10PM.

Erykah Badu, Chaka Khan, John Legend, Frankie Beverly & Maze, and the Emotions are some of the acts booked to participate in the 9th annual Fantastic Voyage, which sets sail from Miami on May 18th . The seven-day, six-night cruise via the Royal Caribbean International's Freedom of the Seas will make stops in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and CocoCay, Bahamas. The cruise will feature performances by Maze, the Emotions, Khan, The Stylistics, Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill and SWV. Also set for performances on board are Roy Ayers, Lonnie Liston Smith and Wayne Henderson.Badu and Legend will perform at a special shore show for cruise passengers only at Puerto Rico's Coliseum in San Juan.

Thievery Corporation have announced a string of full-band US tour dates for the month of June as part of the Outernational Music tour. The shows will begin on June 20th in San Francisco and will end with the band’s hometown of Washinton, DC. The concerts will also feature performances by Bebel Gilberto, Sue Jorge, Federico Aubele, and Turntables On The Hudson.

Outernational tour dates:
June 20 @ The Greek Theatre, San Francisco, CA
June 21 @ Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, NV (w/Gnarls Barkley)
June 22 @ Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA
June 24 @ STubbs BBQ, Austin, TX
June 26 @ Summerstage, New York, NY
June 20 @ Merriweather Pavillion, Washington, DC

Federico Aubele along with Natalie Clavier have announced concerts in Europe. Federico Aubele will also be joining Theivery Corporation for four of their shows during the Outernational Music Tour.

Federico Auble and Natalie Clavier concert dates are as follows:
July 1 @ Ottawa Bluefest, Ottawa, ON
July 11 @ Balaton Sound Festival, Zamardi, HUN
July 24 @ Nice Jazz Festival, Nice, FRA
July 25 @ Blue Balls Festival, Luzern, SWI
August 1 @ The Big Chill, Herefordshire, UK

Gilles Peterson is set to appear at Cielo in New York City on August 7.

DAVE KOZ SUMMER TOUR

Grammy-nominated pop instrumentalist Dave Koz will kick off an extensive summer tour of the U.S. on June 6th in El Paso, TX. And the saxophonist extraordinaire has been tapped to close Kennedy Center's NSO Pops concert season in Washington, DC, which will present "A Date with Dave Koz" on May 15th, 16th and 17th. Koz will be backed by the National Symphony Orchestra with Oscar-winning composer Marvin Hamlisch conducting.

The "Dave Koz & Friends" tours have been mainstays of the summer concert season, but this year the spotlight will be on Dave, as he tours solo for the first time in more than eight years. Per Dave Koz, "I'm extremely excited -- I've been waiting to do this tour for a long time," says Koz. "We've enlarged the band and are raring to go for the summer. It's a chance for us to really break it down, get super-creative and have some serious fun playing for the fans."

Dave Koz recently performed on the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards telecast on CBS earlier this year, will be playing songs from the Grammy-nominated At The Movies, which was produced by the legendary Phil Ramone and spent eight weeks at #1 on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz chart last year. The CD was included in the recent Dave Koz At The Movies Double Feature collection, which featured bonus tracks and a DVD with Koz and guests Barry Manilow, Donna Summer, Johnny Mathis and Peter White performing classic movie themes such as "Moon River" (from Breakfast at Tiffany's), "The Shadow of Your Smile" (from The Sandpiper) and "It Might Be You" (from Tootsie).

Dave will also be playing hits and fan favorites from his extensive catalogue, which includes the gold-certified Lucky Man, The Dance, which was also certified Gold and contained five Top 5 contemporary jazz hits, and Saxophonic, which produced another four Top 5 singles and garnered Koz two Grammy nominations spanning two consecutive years.

After the summer outing, Koz will tour Japan, then embark on the fourth annual "Dave Koz & Friends At Sea" cruise on Holland America Line's m/s Westerdam. This year's cruise departs Ft. Lauderdale for the Caribbean on November 2nd and returns November 9th. Click to http://www.davekozcruise.com/ for further details.

Here are the Dave Koz summer tour dates (subject to change):
May 15 - Washington, DC @ Kennedy Center
May 16 - Washington, DC @ Kennedy Center
May 17 - Washington, DC @ Kennedy Center
May 24 - San Diego, CA @ Downtown San Diego/San Diego Gaslamp Assn.Festival
June 6 - El Paso, TX @ Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Center
June 7 - Jenks, OK @ Oklahoma Aquarium
June 13 - Chicago, IL @ Chicago Theatre
June 14 - Indianapolis, IN @ Military Park/10th Annual Indy Jazz Festival
June 15 - Milwaukee, WI @ Pabst Theater
June 20 - Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Cabaret
June 21 - Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Cabaret
June 25 - Boston, MA @ Scullers Club
June 27 - Atlantic City, NJ @ House of Blues
June 29 - Hampton, VA @ Hampton Jazz Festival
July 11 - Fresno, CA @ Tower Theatre
July 12 - Napa Valley, CA@ Robert Mondavi Winery
July 17 - Homewood, CA @ Lake Tahoe Music Festival Homewood Resort
July 23 - Detroit, MI @ Chene Park
July 25 - Apple Valley, MN @ Weesner Amphitheatre
July 26 - Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
August 9 - Oyster Bay, NY @ Long Island Jazz Festival/Planting Fields Arboretum
August 16 - Temecula, CA @ Thornton Winery
August 17 - Temecula, CA @ Thornton Winery
August 22 - Las Vegas, NV @ Sunset Station Hotel & Casino
September 13 - Camarillo, CA @ Camarillo Old Town Art and Jazz Festival
September 27 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Greek Theatre (KTWV Wave Fest)

EMUSIC SALES REACH 200 MILLION DOWNLOADS

eMusic, the world's largest digital retailer of independent music and the world's second-largest music service after iTunes, recently announced that it has sold more than 200 million downloads since establishing its current subscription model in November 2003. The total comprises music downloads sold in the U.S. and the E.U., where eMusic has been available in all 27 E.U. nations since September 2006. The company is now selling more than 7 million tracks a month across all territories. The 200 millionth track downloaded was "Fiery Crash" from Andrew Bird's "Armchair Apocrypha" (Fat Possum Records). eMusic also reports that it has sold 40 million downloads since the launch of Amazon MP3 on September 25, 2007.

"As more choices emerge for consumers in the digital music space, eMusic continues to grow, attracting new customers and selling more music every day," said eMusic President and CEO David Pakman. "We've been ahead of the curve on DRM-free formats and price since day one, and we believe these numbers show that eMusic continues to sell more digital music than any other service apart from iTunes. "Most importantly, we are doing a great job satisfying customers' needs, helping them discover music they otherwise would not have found, and giving them a reason to spend money on music," he added.

The company reached the 200 million download mark in less than a year and half since hitting 100 million downloads in December 2006 -- less than half the time it took to reach 100 million downloads. These royalty-bearing downloads reflect how eMusic is helping independent labels gain market share by selling albums and songs that wouldn't have sold otherwise to customers interested in music outside of the mainstream.

eMusic offers the serious music fan a place to find the best online music in all genres, including indie rock, classical and jazz. With deep relationships with the world's top independent labels, guidance from the best music editorial experts and a passionate music community, eMusic caters to music fans aged 25+. It provides all tracks in the universally compatible MP3 format at prices as low as 27 cents (17p/ 23c) a track.

eMusic (www.emusic.com) is a specialty digital entertainment retailer that has been at the forefront of offering MP3 downloads and customer-friendly prices since its inception in 1998. The company is focused on serving customers aged 25 and older by offering independent music and audio books 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 3.5 million tracks from 27,000 of the world's leading independent labels and thousands of titles from top audio book publishers. To super-serve its more than 400,000 customers, eMusic provides award-winning editorial content, a vibrant online community and unrivaled music discovery tools. eMusic's subscription-based service offers free music downloads or one free audio book at sign-up, giving consumers an inexpensive, low-risk way to explore great new music and books they wouldn't find otherwise. Based in New York with an office in London, eMusic is available in the U.S. and all 27 E.U. nations. eMusic.com Inc. is wholly owned by Dimensional Associates, Inc., the private equity arm of JDS Capital Management, Inc.

CHICAGO TOUR DATES

Chicago will perform the following concerts:
April 25 @ Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului HI
April 26 @ Waikiki Shell in Honolulu HI
May 2 @ Hard Rock Cafe in Orlando FL
May 4 @ Seminole Hard Rock Live in Hollywood FL
May 8-9 @ Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls ON
June 3 @ Dodge Theatre in Phoenix AZ
June 5-6 @ Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City CA
June 7 @ Sleep Train Pavilion in Concord CA
June 10 @ Sandia Casino in Albuquerque NM
June 11 @ Coors Amphitheatre in Englewood CO
June 12 @ Starlight Theatre in Kansas City MO
June 14 @ CW Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands TX
June 15 @ Superpages in Dallas TX
June 17 @ Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati OH
June 18 @ Hersheypark Stadium in Hershey PA
June 20 @ Charter One Pavilion in Chicago IL
June 21 @ DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkston MI
June 22 @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Maryland Heights MO
June 24 @ Chastain Park Amphitheatre in Atlanta GA
June 26 @ Susquehanna Bank Center in Camden NJ
June 27 @ Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh NY
June 28 @ Borgata Hotel in Atlantic City NJ
June 29 @ Bethel Woods Center in Bethel NY
July 1 @ Bank of America Pavilion in Boston MA
July 2 @ PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel NJ
July 3 @ Saratoga PAC in Saratoga Springs NY
July 4 @ Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville CT
July 6 @ Meadowbrook US Cellular Pavilion in Gilford NH
July 8 @ Plain Dealer Pavilion in Cleveland OH
July 9 @ Filene Center in Vienna VA
July 12 @ Dover Downs Hotel in Dover DE
July 16 @ Jazz Festival in Stuttgart Germany
July 18 @ Cirkus in Stockholm Sweden
July 19 @ Sentrum Scene in Oslo Norway
July 21 @ Horsens Ny Teater in Horsens Denmark
July 22 @ Stadtpark Open Air in Hamburg Germany
July 23 @ Spaudau Zitadelle in Berlin Germany
July 25 @ Kongresshaus in Zurich Switzerland
July 26 @ Piazza Lucca in Lucca Italy
July 28 @ Sporting Club in Monte Carlo
July 29 @ Casino de Paris in Paris France
July 31 @ British International Motor Show in London UK
August 7 @ Roger's Sports Complex in Fort Dodge IA
August 8 @ Sioux Empire Fair in Sioux Falls IA
August 9 @ Hall County Fair in Grand Island NE
August 10 @ Divots Event Center in Norfolk NE
August 14 @ Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden WA
August 15 @ Southwest Washington Fair in Chehalis WA
August 16 @ Lane County Fair in Eugene OR
August 19 @ Benton-Franklin County Fair in Kennewick WA
August 20 @ Expo Idaho in Boise ID
September 6 @ Seneca Allegheny Casino in Salamanca NY.
All dates June 3 through July 4 are with the Doobie Brothers.

ROCHESTER INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL FEATURES BOZ SCAGGS, FRANK SINATRA JR., DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER, AL GREEN AND OTHERS…

Frank Sinatra Jr. & His Orchestra, Dee Dee Bridgewater with special guest Richard Bona Band, Boz Scaggs, and Al Green will headline the seventh annual Rochester International Jazz Festival (http://www.rochesterjazz.com) presented by M&T Bank. The nine-day Festival, June 13-21, will deliver a diverse lineup of creative improvised music with more than 800 artists from around the world performing in 250 concerts. The festival is being held in 15 venues in Rochester's downtown cultural district, the Festival is presented in several series, the Eastman Theater Headliner Series, more than 59 free shows on three outdoor stages and 150 concerts in the Club Pass Series. For a complete concert schedule, artist bios, photos and past festival photos visit http://www.rochesterjazz.com.

This year's Eastman Series features two special concerts:
"Gillespiana" - A Tribute To Dizzy Gillespie with special guests Jeanie Bryson (Dizzy's daughter); Byron Stripling; Gerry Niewood and a 21-piece Jazz Orchestra conducted by Jeff Tyzik
Jazz at the Philharmonic - Celebrating the Jam Session starring CarmenLundy, Houston Person, Eric Alexander, Vince Herring, Nicholas Payton, Jeremy Pelt, Slide Hampton, Peter Bernstein, Cedar Walton, Eric Reed, Peter Washington, David Williams, Kenny Washington, and Louis Hayes.

Three of the Festival's Kilbourn Hall Concerts will be filmed in high definition by WXXI Television for broadcast nationwide on PBS. This is the third year that WXXI will be filming at the Festival. Six, half-hour shows filmed in high definition last year will be broadcast nationwide this year. Back for its second year, the highly praised Nordic Series will showcase groups from Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and the Faroe Islands, many of which have never played before in the U.S. Nightly Jam Sessions led by Bob Sneider and his Trio are back for the seventh year starting at 10:30 p.m. nightly at The Rochester Plaza.

Here is the 2008 Artist Lineup:
Al Foster Quartet, Al Green, Alison Brown Quartet, Amina Figarova Sextet, Six Classic Jazz Films from Retro Rochester, Barbara Dennerlein, Beady Belle, Beaucoup Blue, Ben Britton Band, Ben Riley, Bill Tiberio Band, Billy's Band, Blake Tartare, Blue Vipers of Brooklyn, Boz Scaggs, Breit-Thomson, Carmen Lundy, Carolyn Wonderland, Catherine Russell, Cedar Walton, Cindy Blackman Quartet, Crittendon, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Dave Rivello Ensemble, Dave Samuels Caribbean Jazz Project, David Liebman Quartet, David Murray's Black Saint Quartet, David Williams, Dee Dee Bridgewater "A Malian Journey", Denis Parker & Scott Goudie "Rowdy Blues", Devon Allman's Honeytribe, Dharma Jazz, DJABE, Downchild Blues Band, Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers, Eastman Community Music School – Latin Jazz Combo, Saxology, Jazz Combo Showcase, Eastman Youth Jazz Orchestra - Combo, Eddie Daniels Quartet, Eric Alexander, Eric Reed, Frank Sinatra Jr. "Sinatra Sings Sinatra", "Gillespiana" - Tribute to Dizzy Gillespie Directed by Jeff Tyzik, Guy Barker & Ian Shaw "Made in The UK", Henderson-Owens 3 Featuring Dr. Lonnie Smith, Herb Smith, Houston Person, Howard Alden, Iro Haarla Quartet, Jacky Terrasson, Jacob Anderskov, Jae Sinnett Quartet, Jake Shimabikuro, JazzKamikaze, Jeremy Pelt, Joe & Pat Labarbera, Joe Bonamassa, Joe Locke "Force of Four", John Beck Quartet featuring Mike Cottone, John Scofield Trio, John Viviani & Filthy Funk, Juliette Lloyd, Kenny Washington, Kris Davis Quartet, Kristian Blak & Yggdrasil "Ravnating", Lou Donaldson Quartet, Louis Hayes, Medeski Martin & Wood, Miguel Zenon Quartet, Music Educators Jazz Ensemble, Music Music Music, Nate Rawls Band, Neocollage, New Energy Jazz Orchestra, New Horizons Big Band, New York's Finest Jazz Ensemble, Nicholas Payton, Ola Kvernberg Trio, Peter Bernstein, Peter Washington, Rachel Z, Richard Bona Band, RIJF All Star Jam Session, Robi Botos Trio, Robin McKelle, Rochester Metro Jazz Orchestra, Sachal Vasandani, Saturday Night Fish Fry, Shirantha Beddage Quartet, Slide Hampton & Friends, Soul Rebels Brass Band, Soulive, Soulstew, Spam All Stars, Stephanie McKay, Supergenerous, Taylor Eigsti & Julian Lage, The Bad Plus, The Buddhahood, The Kentucky Headhunters, The Nighthawks, The Skatalites, The Sliding Hammers, The Yellowjackets, Third World, Tierney Sutton Band, Tim Blane, Timo Lassy Band, Todd Londagin Quartet, Trio East, Vince Herring, Wild Magnolias, and Wildbird & Peacedrums.

The Rochester International Jazz Festival is produced by John Nugent, Founder, Co-Producer and Artistic Director, and Marc Iacona, Co-Producer and Executive Director. Founded in 2002, it has become one of nation's largest and fastest growing music festivals, drawing fans from all acrossthe U.S. and around the world. Attendance has grown annually from 15,000 in 2002 to a record 121,000 in 2007.

VICTOR WOOTEN - PALMYSTERY

Accomplished bass player, Victor Wooten is in the midst of a tour in support of his new CD, Palmystery, which was released on April 1, 2008. In keeping with the ongoing philosophy of genre-bending eclecticism that has driven all of his solo work, Wooten's Heads Up debut embraces a range of styles – jazz, funk, pop, soul, gospel, world music and more – and boasts a diverse guest list that includes Mike Stern, Richard Bona, Keb' Mo' and others. Wooten is a four-time Grammy Award-winner, an original member of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, and the only three-time winner of Bass Player Magazine's Bass Player of the Year.

Palmystery's April 1 release date is simultaneous with the release of The Music Lesson, Wooten's new novel published by Berkley Trade Paperback (The Penguin Group USA). The Music Lesson is the story of a struggling young musician who is unexpectedly visited by a mysterious, seemingly mystic music teacher who guides him through a spiritual journey of higher education in both music and life. The themes of spirituality and mysticism at the core of The Music Lesson dovetail perfectly with those of Palmystery.

Victor Wooten tour dates:

April 24 – Las Vegas, NV @ Canyon Club Las Vegas
April 25 – Los Angeles, CA @ Crash Mansion
April 26 – San Juan Capistrano, CA @ Coach House
April 27 – Solana, CA @ Belly Up Tavern
April 28 – San Francisco, CA @ Slims
April 29 – Sacramento, CA @ Harlows
May 1 – Anchorage, AK @ Bear Tooth Theatre & Pub
May 2 – Eugene, OR @ McDonald Theatre
May 3 – Portland, OR @ Aladdin Theatre
May 4 – Seattle, WA @ Triple Door
May 6 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Paladium
May 7 – Aspen, CO @ Belly Up Aspen
May 8 – Denver, CO @ Oriental Theatre
May 9 – Fort Collins, CO @ Aggie Theatre

LIN ROUNDTREE – SUMTHIN ‘ GOOD

On her latest release, Linn Rountree offers up a soulful collection of songs designed to warm even the coldest night. Lin Rountree and the production team of Billy Meadows and Dana Davis have scored another hit with this follow up to Rountree's magical debut project Groovetree. As DJ Fazio of JazzMonthly.com said about his 2005 release, Groovetree, "When you think 'groove', think Lin Rountree..." In talking about his new release, Lin Rountree said, "Sumthin' Good was a great project to record because we didn't stray too far from what made us successful on Groovetree.Great grooves with great melodies played by great musicians. On Sumthin' Good, you will hear a progression, almost a maturation of sorts, in our sound and concepts. You will feel a little more punch on the mid-tempo songs and more soul on the easy grooves."

During the past few years, Lin has received international acclaim for his music and performances and has been dubbed a member of the "new generation" of future smooth jazz stars. He has also shared the stage/studio with the likes of KEM, Dwele, Tim Bowman, George Benson, Peter White, Conya Doss Deitrick Hadden and a host of others. "For Your Love f/Tim Bowman," the first release from the 2005 Groovetree, stayed on the SJ Charts for 15 weeks as Lin's sound drew strong comparisons to Rick Braun and Chris Botti showing the world that Rountree is the real deal.

Punching grooves aren't all that Sumthin' Good serves up. According to Rountree, "There's a beautiful ballad ('All The Way') co-written by Roberto Valley (bassist with Paul Brown). Mr. Carl Robinson contributed 'She's Just A Woman' for you reggae lovers. The legendary Perry Hughes (guitarist with Earl Klugh and Bob James) kicks in some lead guitar and a KILLER solo on 'Chillin' On. ' There's even two vocal tracks this time, one featuring international soul sensation Amp Fiddler ('Kiss on Ya Soul'), and the other with up-and-coming R&B superstar 19-year-old Valencia ('Get Away'). All in all, we think Sumthin' Good is indeed that. We hope you will too!"

Through a partnership with industry moguls Hank Caldwell and Kendall Minter of NDN, LLC, Lin recently signed a national distribution deal with Ryko/Warner Bros. and is poised to release Sumthin' Good, Lin's sophomore effort. Sumthin' Good is scheduled to be released April 2008.

NEW RELEASES FROM DIANNE REEVES, FRANK SINATRA, LOU RAWLS, JAMES BROWN & OTHERS...

Bobby Darin – The Best Of Bobby Darin (Capitol/EMI)
Bobby Ricketts – Skin To Skin (Third Wave)
Bradley Leighton – Soul Collective (Pacific Coast Jazz)
Dean Martin – The Best Of Dean Martin (Capitol/EMI)
Dianne Reeves – A Little Moonlight (Blue Note)
Donn Bynum – Do You Feel Me (Great Sax)
Frank Sinatra – Sinatra At The Movies (Capitol/EMI)
Freddie Jackson – The Best Of Freddie Jackson (Capitol/EMI)
Gal Costa – Gal (Philips/Dusty Groove)
Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes – Black & Blue (PIR/Japan)
James Brown – Singles Volume 5: 1967-1969 (King/Hip-O Select)
John Coltrane – The Impulse! Albums: Volume Five (Verve)
John Legend – Live From Philadelphia (VD/Sony)
John Mayer – Continuum (features new song ‘Stay’/Columbia)
Kim Bankston – So Jobim (Kimstar)
Latimore – Latimore (Glades)
Laura Nyro – Nested (Iconoclassic)
Lou Rawls – Love Songs (Capitol/EMI)
Malena – Fried Samba (Freestyle/UK)
Nat King Cole – The Best Of Nat King Cole (Capitol/EMI)
Os Ipanemas – Call Of The Gods (Far Out/UK)
Patrick Adams – Master Of The Masterpiece Vol 2 – More Of The Best Of Patrick Adams (P&P)
Patrick Yandall – Laws Of Groovity (Zangi)
Phyllis Hyman – Somewhere In My Lifetime (Arista/Japan)
Rodney Franklin – You’ll Never Know (Columbia/Japan)
Rodney Franklin – In The Center (Columbia/Japan)
Sylvia Bennett – Songs From The Heart (Out Of Sight)
Was (Not Was) – Boo! (Ryodisc)
Wiley & The Checkmates – We Call It Soul (Rabbit Factory)
Yusef Lateef – 10 Years Hence (Atlantic/Wounded Bird)
Various Artists – Future Soul (Freestyle/UK)

MICK HUCKNALL – TRIBUTE TO BOBBY

Simply Red’s Mick Hucknall first ever solo album - ‘Tribute To Bobby’, is a collection of soul classics originally recorded by the legendary Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland. After a fantastic career with Simply Red, Mick Hucknall has decided to do something different, and last June, he emerged from his home recording studio with a brand new album, a tribute to Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland – one of his heroes and inspirations.

“His music has this sophistication to it, a jazz tinge. There’s also the darkness of his lyrics – Bobby sings with a really twisted pain and sorrow. He’s one of the vocalists who influenced my singing style long before I became a slave to pop success”. A master class in soul, blues and R&B, Hucknall transforms the thoughtfully selected covers into his own, and succeed in producing an intensely passionate and diverse album. Hucknall’s passion and respect for the project is unquestioned “I’m doing this album for myself, it’s my own personal odyssey. I feel more at home here. This is the beginning for me, I hope my old fans come along, and I hope we can make some new friends with it too” he says.

Produced by long time collaborator Andy Wright, the album is characterised by Hucknall’s striking emotional honesty, musical sincerity and his utterly unique voice. Embracing the spirit of Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland, one of many standout tracks on the album is ‘Stormy Monday Blues’, a thriving journey into the world of jazz and blues.

Other highlights on the album are many and include the first single 'Poverty' and ‘Cry Cry Cry’, a raw and soulful track that fits Hucknall perfectly. Alongside ‘I’ll Take Care Of You’, ‘I Pity The Fool’, and the stellar ‘Farther Up The Road’ means the album is consistently rewarding and hugely addictive. Mick Hucknall’s ‘Tribute To Bobby’ is set for released on May 19, 2008.

THE SUPREMES – LET THE MUSIC PLAY: SUPREME RARITIES 1960-1969

Motown/Hip-O-Select is gearing for an April 29 release of nearly 50 rare Supremes tracks, that will see the light of day on a new double-disc set, "Let the Music Play: Supreme Rarities 1960-1969." "Let The Music Play: Supreme Rarities 1960-1969" includes alternate versions or vocals on favorites such as "You Can't Hurry Love," "Back in My Arms Again," "Someday We'll Be Together" and "I'll Set You Free," plus extended or alternate mixes of "Uptight," "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)" and "Don't Let True Love Die." Also included will be several covers, ranging from Tom Jones' "It's Not Unusual" to the Rolling Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," a spin on the Beatles' "I Saw Her Standing There" renamed "I Saw Him Standing There" and "MacArthur Park."Heres the track listing for "Let the Music Play:

Supreme Rarities 1960-1969":
Disc one:
"You Can Depend On Me"
"Tears Of Sorrow" (Motown version)
"Because I Love Him"
"Hey Baby" (version 1)
"Too Hot"
"You're Gonna Come To Me" (version 1)
"You're Gonna Come To Me" (version 2)
"It Makes No Difference Now" (alternate version)
"Come On Boy" (alternate version)
"Just Call Me" (stereo mix)
"I Saw Him Standing There"
"Not Fade Away"
"Ooowee Baby" (alternate mix)
"It's All Your Fault" (version 1)
Hits Medley: "Come See About Me"/"Baby Love"/"Stop! In The Name Of Love"
"Cupid" (alternate extended mix)
"Take Me Where You Go" (alternate version)
"Back In My Arms Again" (alternate vocal)
"You Can't Hurry Love" (alternate vocal)
"Mickey's Monkey"
"Uptight" (alternate mix)
"It's Not Unusual"
"(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction"
"Come And Get These Memories" (alternate mix)
"I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)" (alternate mix)
"Let The Music Play" (alternate vocal)

Disc two:"Don't Let True Love Die" (extended version)
"What A Friend We Have In Jesus"
"Every Time I Feel The Spirit"
"Believe In Me"
"The Beginning Of The End Of Love" (stereo mix)
"People" (Unedited Version)
"Over The Rainbow"
"Wish I Knew"
"I Can't Give Back The Love I Feel For You"
"I'll Set You Free" (alternate vocal)
"Ain't No Sun Since You've Been Gone"
"In The Evening Of Our Love"
"Love Child" (extended version with alternate vocal)
"Those Precious Memories"
"I'm Livin' In Shame" (version 1)
"MacArthur Park"
"You're Gonna Hear From Me"
"Canadian Sunset"
"Autumn Leaves"
"The Look Of Love"
"Someday We'll Be Together" (alternate vocal)

JAMES TAYLOR 2008 TOUR SCHEDULE

James Taylor has embarked on an ambitious tour and here are the tour dates.
April 8 - Alte Oper, Frankfurt, Germany
April 10 - KKL Pavilion, Lucerne, Switzerland
April 12 - Teatro Verdi, Florence, Italy
April 14 - Teatro Smeraldo, Milan, Italy
April 15 - Gran Teatro, Rome, Italy
April 17 – Laeiszhalle, Hamburg, Germany
April 18 - Concert House, Odense, Denmark
April 20 – Cirkus, Stockholm, Sweden
April 21 - Oslo Konserthuset, Oslo, Norway
April 23 - Falkoner Theatre, Copenhagen, Denmark
May 22 - Virginia Beach Amphitheatre, Virginia Beach, VA
May 24- Chastain Park Amphitheatre, Atlanta, GA
May 25- Chastain Park Amphitheatre, Atlanta, GA
May 28 - Walnut Creek Amphitheatre, Raleigh, NC
May 29 - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Charlotte, NC
May 31 - Pier Six Pavilion, Baltimore, MD
June 1 - Mann Center, Philadelpiha, PA
June 3 - Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga Falls, OH
June 4 - Meadowbrook Music Festival, Rochester, MI
June 6 – Ravinia, Highland Park, IL
June 7 - Ravinia, Highland Park, IL
June 9 - Starlight Theatre, Kansas City, MO
June 11 - Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati, OH
June 14 - Borgata Hotel, Atlantic City, NJ
June 17 - Toyota Pavilion, Scranton, PA
June 18 - Filene Center, Vienna, VA
June 20 - PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel,NJ
June 21 - Jones Beach, Wantagh, NY
July 3 - at Tanglewood, Lenox, MA
July 4 – Tanglewood, Lenox, MA
July 6 - Bell Centre, Montreal, QC
July 8 - Molson Amphitheatre, Toronto, ON
July 11 - Credit Union Centre, Saskatoon, SK
July 12 - Rexall Place, Edmonton, AB
July 13 - Pengrowth Saddledome, Calgary, AB
July 16 - Propsera Place, Kelowna, BC
July 18 - GM Place, Vancouver, BC
July 19 - Save On Foods Memorial Centre, Victoria, BC
July 21 - Chateau St. Michelle Winery, Woodinville, WA
July 22 - Chateau St. Michelle Winery, Woodinville, WA
July 24 - Clark County Amphitheater, Ridgefield, WA
July 26 – Harveys, Lake Tahoe, NV
July 27 - Greek Theatre, Berkeley, CA
July 29 - Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
July 30 - Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
August 1 - Santa Barbara Bowl, Santa Barbara, CA

NEW & NOTEWORTHY RELEASES FROM GRACE JONES, WAYMAN TISDALE, AL GREEN, MARCUS MILLER, SERGIO MENDES & OTHERS…

Saxophonist Jessy J has just released her debut CD, Tequila Moon. Jessy J's Tequila Moon was produced by guitarist Paul Brown and includes the smooth jazz hit title single.

Popular contemporary jazz bassist Gerald Veasley released his latest CD, Your Move, on the Heads Up International label on Tuesday, March 11th. The project finds Veasley offering up several original tunes, some co-written and produced by veteran guitarist Chuck Loeb. Veasley is the owner of the Jazz Base club in Reading, Pennsylvania, which is the site of the Berks Jazz Festival, kicking off March 28th. He will be conducting his seventh straight Bass Bootcamp for bass players during the festival. For more information about Bass Bootcamp and all things Berks, go to www.berksjazzfest.com

Bassist Marcus Miller has lined up a series of concert dates in support of his new CD, titled Free. Free features a cover of the Deniece Williams hit "Free" sung by Corinne Bailey Rae. The album also features guest appearances by guitarist Keb’ Mo’, singer Lalah Hathaway, and singer-actress Yaraji P Henson. Marcus Miller has been tapped to host the first Playboy Jazz Cruise, set for January 2009. Upcoming tour dates for Marcus Miller include: April 11 - New York, NY - B.B. King's; April 22 - Seattle, WA - Triple Door; April 24-27 - San Francisco, CA - Yoshi's; and April 28 - Santa Cruz, CA - Kuumbwa Center.

Chris Standring’s brand new single "Love And Paragraphs" is a big hit on the R & R national radio charts – and is currently moving up the charts. As a result of the success of this new single, Chris Standring is set to have a very successful year all around. As a matter of fact, he’s booked for a series of upcoming concerts. Here’s where he’s appearing in the next few months: April 23 – Reno, Nevada; April 24 – Love & Paragraphs Record Release Party, Los Angeles, CA; and July 25 – Walnut Creek @ Broadway Plaza.

Grace Jones is working on a new album, her first in many years. Word is that she’s working in Jamaica with Mikey Chung, Sly and Robbie and Uzziah ‘Sticky" Thompson. The still untitled album is expected t be release via an international label.

Elvis Costello’s next release, Momofuku, will arrive on April 22 on the Lost Highway label. The release will only be available on vinyl, with a digital download included in the package.

Donny Osmond’s newest is From Love With Donny (out on April 22).

The latest from Al Green is due out on May 27 via Blue Note Records. It’s entitled Lay It Down.

Fantasy Records is releasing Freedom Suite by Sonny Rollins on June 3. Also due for release from Fantasy (same date) are Fly With The Wind from McCoy Tyner, Incredible Jazz Guitar from Wes Montgomery, and Work Song by Nat Adderly.

Bassist Wayman Tisdale is putting the finishing touches on his upcoming CD release as country singer Toby Keith joins Wayman Tisdale on a remake of Barry White’s Hit "Never, Never Gonna Give You Up". The duo recently joined forces for a remake of Barry White’s hit "Never, Never Gonna Give You Up" on Tisdale’s eighth album ‘Rebound,’ set for release on Rendezvous Entertainment on June 3rd.

Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis are collaborating on a new. Two Men With The Blues, out on June 10.

Sergio Mendes' latest album, "Encanto," will feature new collaborations with Juanes, plus Brazilian artists Carlinhos Brown and Vanessa da Mata, Fergie and Natalie Cole, among others. Concord Records and Starbucks Entertainment will release the set June 10 to Starbucks locations and other music retailers. Mendes’ who’s lat album was the Latin Grammy-winning album, "Timeless," released via the companies' Hear/Concord venture in 2006, has recorded four Antonio Carlos Jobim compositions for the new album, including "Agua de Beber," with previous collaborator will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas. Other guest artists on the album include Ledisi, Herb Alpert and original Brasil 66 singer Lani Hall, and Italian rapper Jovanotti. Sergio Mendes "Timeless" sold 208,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Amos Lee will release Last Days At The Lodge on June 24.

Tom Jones has a new album in the works that is out on June 24, no title as of yet.

A Isaac Hayes album is in the works for release soon via Fantasy Records. The album is as yet untitled and is expected to hit stores on August 5

THE SAX PACK - FALLIN' FOR YOU

The Sax Pack just made their CD debut with Fallin' For You on Shanachie. Featuring smooth jazz saxophonists Jeff Kashiwa, Kim Waters, and Steve Cole, the album comes after three years of summer tours by the talented threesome. The new set includes covers of the '60s hit "Tequila" featuring guitarist Jeff Golub, the Norman Connors tune "You Are My Starship," and the War classic "The WorldIs A Ghetto." The set also includes original tunes such as "Maceo," a tribute to funk saxophonist Maceo Parker. Kashiwa came up with the concept and got the Sax Pack tour kicked off in 2004.

The Sax Pack's next live concert is scheduled for April 19th at the Sea Breeze Festival in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. For the complete tour itinerary, go to www.thesaxpack.com. The well-known saxophonists are excited to create a show that combines their individual styles and diverse backgrounds for a fresh approach to the music that inspired them all to become musicians; jazz. Highlights of the tour will feature original music written specifically for The Sax Pack, as well as each sax player's signature hits and the classic funk, R&B and jazz tunes that will get fans out of their seats.

Here are the Sax Pack’s upcoming tour dates:
April 19 - @ Sea Breeze Jazz Festival, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
April 20 - @ Sax Pack CD Premier Party, Melbourne, FL
April 25 - @ Jazz At Jacks, Denver, CO
June 27 - @ State Theatre, Fresno, CA
June 28 - @ Wilson Creek Winery, Temecula, CA
July 4 - @ Hyatt Newport Beach 4th of July Celebration, Newport Beach, CA
August 2– Historic Third Ward Jazz Festival, Milwaukee, WI
August 3 – Historic International Jazz Festival, Houston, TX
August 16 – Genuine Jazz Festival, Breckinridge, CO
October 3 – Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival, Avalon, CA
February 6, 2009 @ One World Theatre, Austin, TX

JOHN LEGEND HEADLINES INDY JAZZ FEST

The American Pianists Association (APA) has announced John Legend has replaced Aretha Franklin as the headliner as well as the performance schedule and complete artist line-up for the Kroger Indy Jazz Fest presented by Coca-Cola. Three days of live music and good food will make the Kroger Indy Jazz Fest presented by Coca-Cola perfect for Father's Day weekend June 13 - 15 at Military Park downtown Indianapolis.

Tickets went on sale March 28 at all central Indianapolis Krogers, online at http://www.indyjazzfest.net or for group tickets and information call 317-940-8198. Tickets can also be purchased at Military Park the day of the event (cash only). Children 14 and under enter the festival free when accompanied by a ticket holding adult.

The 2008 Kroger Indy Jazz Fest presented by Coca-Cola line-up includes:

Friday, June 13
6:15 - 6:45 Mike Milligan and Steam Shovel
6:45 - 7:45 Bettye LaVette
7:45 - 9:00 Medeski, Scofield, Martin & Wood
9:00 - 9:30 Claude Sifferlen Trio
9:30 - 10:30 Buddy Guy White

Saturday, June 14
3:15 - 4:15 Jerry Gonzalez & the Fort Apache Band
4:15 - 5:15 Stephanie Browning Quartet
5:15 - 6:15 Dan Tepfer Trio (APA Jazz Fellow)
6:15 - 7:15 Freddie Hubbard
7:15 - 7:45 TBD
7:45 - 9:00 Dave Koz
9:00 - 9:30 Melvin Rhynes
9:30 - 11:00 John Legend White

Sunday, June 15
3:15 - 4:00 TBD
4:00 - 5:00 Robin McKelle Quartet
5:00 - 6:00 Aaron Parks Quartet
6:00 - 7:00 Ramsey Lewis, Legends of Jazz Tour presented by AARP
7:00 - 8:00 Paquito D'Rivera, Legends of Jazz Tour presented by AARP
8:00 - 9:00 Four Play, Legends of Jazz Tour presented by AARP

*All artists and times are subject to change
Ticket locations and prices:
Central Indiana Kroger Stores:
March 28 - April 30: $22 per day, $55 three-day pass
May 1 - June 13 at 10:30 pm: $25 per day, $65 three-day pass
indyjazzfest.net:
March 28 - June 12: $25 per day, $65 three-day pass,
$65 premium seating
Military Park:
June 13 - 15: $25 Friday, $35 Saturday,
$35 Sunday, $65 three-day pass

MICHAEL LINGTON BECOMES AMERICAN CITIZEN

NuGroove Saxophonist Michael Lington has become an American citizen. On March 20, 2008, Michael was sworn in with 6,007 other immigrants in Los Angeles, California. The Danish-born contemporary jazz superstar arrived in the United States in September 1990. "I am extremely proud of my Danish heritage and it will always be a big part of me, but becoming a U.S. citizen is a milestone in my journey and I am happy and excited about my future as an American. Growing up in Europe, in a wonderful city like Copenhagen is an experience I treasure. Then, having an amazing adult life and career in the United States makes me feel like I have been given the greatest gift... the best of both worlds," said Lington.

Michael Lington has demonstrated his contemporary saxophone chops with a steady stream of chart-toppers since his debut album in 1997 under the nuGroove label. (Michael was one of the first artists signed to nuGroove and returned "home" to resign with the label in 2008.) His CD, Stay with Me, yielded three Radio & Records national jazz hits with "Show Me" at #2; "Two of a Kind" at #2; and "Pacifica" at #6. Stay With Me also remained on the Billboard contemporary jazz chart for a total of 24 weeks. "Twice In A Lifetime" and "Sunset" from Vivid; and "Still Thinking of You" from Lington's Everything Must Change all went Top 5 as well. His duet with
Bobby Caldwell on "Tell It Like It Is" from his self-titled debut ascended both the jazz and adult contemporary charts.

In between touring his 2007 album, Song for You, and recording his upcoming 2008 release, Lington lends his artistry to the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, which raises funds for children's music programs and provides instruments to public schools all over the U.S. Michael participates in Create Now, where he mentors troubled teens in Los Angeles and Acre's of Love, a non-profit organization that provides comprehensive services; and "forever" homes for abandoned and AIDS children in South Africa.

For more information click to http://www.michaellington.com and http://www.thenugroove.com

STEVE TYRELL - BACK TO BACHARACH

New Design Records and KOCH Records have announced the release of "Back To Bacharach," a new classic, from Grammy winning singer and songwriter/producer Steve Tyrell. At the age of 19, Steve journeyed from Houston, Texas to New York City to work at pop and soul music giant Scepter Records. Upon arriving at Scepter Records and its adjacent Baby Monica Publishing Company, he immediately found himself surrounded by swiftly developing super teams such as Carole King & Gerry Goffin, Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson and Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil. But it was with a pair of outside contractors -- songwriting producers Burt Bacharach & Hal David -- that Steve would forge his most personal alliance, an alliance that lasted for nine years and enabled Tyrell to forge his initial mark in the music business.

Through his work with Bacharach & David, Tyrell got to work in motion pictures and at a very young age became one of the first music supervisors responsible for coordinating hit songs with the release of the films they appeared in. Those successes included the gold standard of foreplay songs, "The Look of Love" (recorded for the James Bond spy spoof "Casino Royale" by Dusty Springfield,) the theme for "Alfie" (sung by Cher in the film and by Dionne Warwick at the Academy Awards) as well as the theme from the legendary Jacqueline Susan film "Valley Of The Dolls" (which Tyrell helped make Dionne's first Number 1 Pop Hit record.) The film song that Steve played a major role in was "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head" -- the one that earned Bacharach & David the Oscar® for 1969's Best Original Song in a Motion Picture. When looking for an artist to sing the song, Steve called in his friend from Texas, B.J. Thomas who recorded it for "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid."

For music lovers the world over, those songs are indelibly bound to our DNA, haunting strands of melodious memories that bring forth a flood of emotions and associations. For Steve Tyrell, they represent milestones in a distinguished career and the joys and pains of his own personal life. It is because of his close proximity to the songs and their creators that Steve is able to bring something unique to his versions while being fortunate enough to include Dionne Warwick, Herb Alpert and 2008 Grammy Award winner Patti Austin as well as Bacharach himself on the CD to relive the golden moments.

The song that gets the Technicolor treatment on "Back To Bacharach" is Bacharach and David's anthem, "What the World Needs Now is Love," a song Steve believes is "more relevant now than it ever was." Bacharach's piano glues together the whole affair which features superstars Rod Stewart, James Taylor, Martina McBride and Dionne Warwick along with Tyrell. The all-star recording is for a worthy cause -- all proceeds will go to the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance (NCCRA) in remembrance of Steve's wife Stephanie (who passed away from Colon Cancer five years ago) and Jay Monahan, the late husband of television journalist Katie Couric. Close friends, Steve Tyrell and Katie Couric have worked together constantly since his wife's death, raising funds to benefit Colon Cancer research and co-hosting an annual benefit in Seattle called "Make The Evening Matter."

Other classics featured on the "Back To Bacharach" album are: "Walk On By," The Look Of Love," Close To You," "A House Is Not A Home," "This Guy's In Love," "One Less Bell To Answer," "Reach Out For Me," "I Say A Little Prayer For You," "I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself," "Always Something There To Remind Me," "Don't Make Me Over" and the Oscar winning "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head."

Steve Tyrell's previous six albums have earned him a number of accolades, his first album "A New Standard" had a 90 week run on the Billboard Jazz charts and "Standard Time" and "This Time Of The Year" and "Songs Of Sinatra" were all Top 5 charters. "The Disney Standards," his last album was released in 2006 and achieved Top 10 status on the Billboard Jazz charts.
"Back To Bacharach" will be released on Tyrell's own New Design Records/ KOCH Records on May 27, 2008.

NEW RELEASES

Akoya Afrobeat Ensemble – PDP (Afrobomb)
Al Wilson – Searching For The Dolphins – The Complete Soul City Recordings & More 1967-1971 (Soul City/Kent/UK)
Allure – Kiss (SmoothLoung Ent)
Angela Bofill – Too Tough/Teaser (Arista-Expansion/UK)
Angela Johnson – Woman’s Touch (Purpose)
Art Matthews – It’s Easy To Remember (Baystate/Japan)
Baby Charles – Baby Charles (Record Kicks/Italy)
Beady Belle – Belvedere (Jazzland.Norway)
Bob Baldwin – NewUrbanJazz.com (NuGroove)
Bobby Watson – From The Heart (Palmetto)
Brian Culbertson – Bringing Back The Funk (GRP)
Brother Groove - Package Of Memories (Funky Juice/Italy)
Brownout – Homenaje (Freestyle/UK)
Buford Powers – Eclectic (Bufordpowers.com)
Chris McGregor – Very Urgent (Polydor/UK)
Conya Doss – Still (Conyadossings)
David Marq – The Hit It Project (Alexscar)
Dem Suite – Beaths & Pages (Trazmick)
Deodato – Os Catedraticos – Ataque (Equipe-Brazilmusica/Brazil)
Dusty Springfield – Live At The BBC DVD (Universal)
Ennio Morricone – Matrimonio Con Vizietto (Digitmovies/Japan)
Ennio Morricone – In Lounge Vol. 3 (Veritano/Japan)
Eric Lau – New Territories (Ubiquity)
Evelyn Champagne King – Smooth Talk (RCA//Japan)
Fanga – Natural Juice (Underdog/France)
Gerardo Frisina – Donke De/African Nite Life/Batucadas 12" (Schema/Italy)
Gerald Veasley – Your Move (Heads Up)
Giodo Manusardi – Piana Jazz (Dire/Sound Hills/Japan)
Herbie Hancock – My Point Of View (Blue Note)
Herbie Mann – Yardbird Suite (Savoy-Fresh Sound/Spain)
Herbie Mann & Chick Corea – Complete Latin Band Sessions (Monday Night At The Village Gate/Standing Ovation At Newport/Latin Mann/Roar Of The Greaspaint (Atlantic-Gambit/Spain)
Invisible Session – My Inspiration (Part 1 Attached Mix By Koom H/I’ll Be Your Wings (Mitchell & Dewbury Mix) (Schema/Italy)
Jamie Craig – The Lost Dream (Craig Sound Prods.)
Janko Nilovic – Last Impressions: Originals & Remixes (Vadim/France)
Jesse Cook – Frontiers (Koch)
Jessy J – Tequila Moon (Peak Records)
Jose James – Dreamer (Brownswood/UK)
Gnarls Barkley – Odd Couple (Atlantic)
Kenny Dorham – Una Mas (Blue Note)
Kenny Rankin – Inside Kenny Rankin (Little David-Valley/Japan)
Kaleta & Zozo Afrobeat – Country Of Guns (Tramp/Italy)
Kim Tolliver – Come And Get Me I’m Ready (Chess)
Larry Lagerberg – Footprints In Paradise (GrooveMeister Music)
Laurindo Almeida – Guitar From Ipanema (Capitol/Japan)
Lina – Morning Star (Mood Star)
Lonnie Smith – Drives (Blue Note)
Lou Donaldson – Here ‘Tis (Blue Note)
Mandingo – Primeval Rhythm Of Life (EMI/Australia)
Marcus Miller – Marcus (Concord)
Maria Bethania & Omara Portuondo – Maria Bethania & Omara Portuondo (Biscoito Fino/Brazil)
Marcina Arnold – About Time (Counterpoint/Japan)
Michael McDonald – Soul Speak (Universal/Motown)
Mombasa – African Rhythms & Blues 2 (Spiegelei-Sonorama/Germany)
Natalie Gardiner – California (Ramjac/Sweden)
Nico Fidenco – Blue Jeans (Digitmovies/Italy)
Niteflyte – Niteflyte (Ariola-BMG/Japan)
Novello – B3 Soul (NoGo)
Quadimode – Straight To The Land Of Freedom – Live At Liquidrooom (Geneon/Japan)
Rongetz Foundation – One Leg Dancer (Heavenly Sweetness/Netherlands)
Saravah Soul – Saravah Soul (Tru Thoughts/UK)
Sax Pack – The Sax Pack (Shanachie)
Scott Walker – Scott 3 (Fontana/UK)
Sergio Mendes & Brazil ’77 – Pais Tropical (A&M/Japan)
Sofi Hellborg – Drumming Is Calling (Ajabu/Germany)
Soul Vigilantes – Background Noise (Lovemonk/UK)
Stance Brothers – Kind Soul (Ricky Tick/Finland)
Stanley Turrentine – Look Out! (Blue Note)
Swing Out Sister – Beautiful Mess (Avex/Japan)
Sylvie Vartan – La Maritza (RCA/Japan)
Taniq – Life And Time Of Love (Crazatic)
Trina Broussard – Inside My Love (Expansion/UK)
Various Artists – Break N’ Bossa Chapter 8 (Schema/Italy)
Various Artists – Complete Motown Singles Vol 9 0 1969 (Motown/Hip-O Select)
Various Artists – Urge – Ultimate Rare Groove Experience (Bondelice/France)
Various Artists – Funky Nassau: The Compass Point Story 1980 to 1986 (Strut/UK)
Webster Lewis – Touch My Love (Epic-Expansion/UK)
Webster Lewis – Let Me Be The One (Epic-Expansion/UK)
Webster Lewis – On The Town (Epic-Expansion/UK)
Webster Lewis – 8 For the 80’s (Epic-Expansion/UK)

SPANISH HARLEM ORCHESTRA - UNITED WE SING

Since 2000, Spanish Harlem Orchestra have established themselves as a standard bearer of contemporary Latin music. Lead by world-renowned pianist, arranger, and producer Oscar Hernández, the thirteen-member all-star ensemble has reintroduced the classic sounds of New York City Salsa to music lovers worldwide. United We Swing, is the Spanish Harlem Orchestra’s third album, is a follow-up to their 2004 Grammy award-winning album Across 110th St., and their 2002 Grammy nominated debut, Un Gran Día En El Barrio.

On United We Swing, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra continues in the same classic-meets-contemporary sound, but with refreshing originality. Nine of the songs are original compositions grounded in the unique identity the band has forged based on the musical legacy of El Barrio, a pulsating Eastside community in NYC located to the south of 125th St that gave rise to Boogaloo, Latin Soul, and Salsa.

Spanish Harlem Orchestra pays tribute to the legacy of Manhattans Palladium Ballroom, "the home of the mambo," with "En El Tiempo Del Palladium" (In The Times of The Palladium), that catered to Mambo dancers and featured the bands of the BIG-3: Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez and Machito. Tipica 73 icon, Sonny Bravo, arranged the Willie Tórres tune, "Se Forma La Rumba" (The Rumba Has Begun). Oscar advises "Sácala Bailar" (Take Her Dancing) and leads into the classic 1970s Fania-era hit, "Ahora Sí" (Now's The Time).

The rest of the album will satisfy Salsa lovers with "Que Bonito" (How Lovely) and "Salsa Pa'l Bailador" (Salsa For Dancers). The Joe Cuba cha-cha-cha, "Mujer Divina" (Divine Lady), is done in doo-wop three-part vocal harmony. "Soy Candela" (I Am Fire) keeps the pace burning and segues into a smoking "Plena Con Sabor" (Tasty Plena). "Danzón For My Father" is a piece originally recorded by Dave Valentin that Oscar composed as a tribute to his dad, Emilio Hernández.

Saving a surprise for the finale is always a great way to end a party and Oscar Hernández and SHO certainly do that with special guest Paul Simon. "Late In The Evening/Tarde En La Noche" is a reconfiguration of a Simon Top Ten hit from his 1980 One-Trick Pony album. Hernández, who collaborated with Simon on his Broadway musical, "Cape Man," arranged the piece with Simon singing the classic refrains.

From their 2002 debut album, Un Gran Día En El Barrio, SHO revived the classic 1970 NYC sounds with a new hard hitting point-of-view. Fueled by great singers Frankie Vasquez, Herman Olivera, Ray De La Paz and special guest Jimmy Sabater, the songs were hot and included back-in-the-day hits like Tito Rodriguez's "Mama Guela," Willie Colon's "La Banda," and others. It launched the band and garnered them a 2003 Grammy nomination for "Best Salsa Album" and a Latin Billboard Award for Salsa Album of the Year-Best New Group.

On their 2004 follow-up, Across 110th St., the Spanish Harlem Orchestra was augmented by the roaring trombones of Jimmy Bosch and Dan Reagan, singers Marco Bermudez, Willie Torres, Ray De La Paz and special guest Ruben Blades, who Hernández worked for in the 1990s as his musical director. It was slamming and garnered the group its first Grammy Award in 2005 for best Salsa Album."

Today, United We Swing, places Spanish Harlem Orchestra among Latin music's greatest bands by paying due to a neighborhood romanticized in Leonard Bernstein's "Westside Story" and Ben E. King's, "A Rose in Spanish Harlem." El Barrio is a hard urban incubator as described in Piri Thomas' book, "Down These Mean Streets," that in the midst of social despair has given the world unique Caribbean musical mixturs.

Here’a list of their upcoming tour dates:
March 30 - San Juan, Puerto Rico @ Hiram Bithorn Stadium
April 1 - Brooklyn, NY @ BAM Havey Theater
April 12 - Dublin, Ireland @ National Concert Hall
April 14 - Cork, Ireland @ Cork Opera House
April 16 - Luxembourg, Luxembourg @ Den Atelier
April 21 - Dusseldorf, Germany @ Tonhalle Dusseldorf
April 23 - Munich, Germany @ Philharmonic
April 24 - Frankfurt, Germany @ Alte Oper
April 25 - London, UK @ Jazz Cafe London
April 26 - London, UK @ Jazz Cafe London
May 1 - San Antonio, TX @ Charline McCombs Empire Theatre
May 2 - Houston, TX @ Miller Outdoor Theatre
May 4 - College Park, MD @ Ina and Jack Kay Theatre - Clarice Smith PAC
July 12 - San Juan, Puerto Rico @ The Arena Pier Ten

HERB ALPERT & LANI HALL NATIONAL TOUR 2008

Music icon Herb Alpert will embark on a rare tour together this spring with wife, singer, Lani Hall, performing an intimate night of American and Brasilian jazz accompanied by a trio of masterful musicians: Bill Cantos (piano), Michael Shapiro (drums) and Hussain Jiffrey (bass). Playing original arrangements, from a selection of American standards and Brasilian music, Herb Alpert's warm, expressive trumpet lines compliment Lani Hall's sensual, emotional voice, making this a unique and unforgettable evening for all. The tour kicks off with sold-out shows in San Diego, CA with shows March 21 & 22 at premiere live music venue and supper club Anthology; and, then April 3-4 in Los Angeles at REDCAT, the Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater in the Walt Disney Concert Hall. In 2007, Alpert and Hall played a series of sold-out shows at Los Angeles nightclub Vibrato Grill Jazz, which inspired their upcoming 2008 tour.

Legendary trumpet player as well as producer, band leader and A&M Records label co-founder Herb Alpert is 9X GRAMMY(R) winner with 14 platinum and 15 gold albums to his name. Adding his unique style and sound to classic American standards with the color of Brasilian music scattered throughout Alpert creates an exciting musical blend without ever closing the space for spontaneity. GRAMMY-winning vocalist Lani Hall first rose to international fame as lead singer for Sergio Mendes & Brazil '66. All of Hall's musical endeavors have highlighted her expertise as a powerful jazz/pop song stylist as well as a masterful interpreter.

The east coast concert dates begin May 7 with a four-night run at New York City's famed East Village venue Joe's Pub at the Public Theater. The itinerary also includes shows at Washington DC's Blue's Alley (May 12-13) and Boston, MA's Scullers Jazz Club (May 15) before returning to the west coast for shows on May 20-21 at Seattle, WA's Jazz Alley. Also on the calendar are Northern California dates at the Napa Valley Opera House (May 23) and Yoshi's in San Francisco on May 24-25. Four of the scheduled sold out immediately once after they were announced.

Tour Dates:
March 21- San Diego, CA @ Anthology (Sold out)
March 22- San Diego, CA @ Anthology (Sold out)
April 3 – Los Angeles, CA @ Redcat (Sold out)
April 4 – Los Angeles, CA @ Redcat (Sold out)
May 7 – New York, NY @ Joe’s Pub
May 8 – New York, NY @ Joe’s Pub
May 9 – New York, NY @ Joe’s Pub
May 10 – New York, NY @ Joe’s Pub (two shows)
May 12 – Washington, DC @ Blue’s Alley
May 13 – Washington, DC @ Blue’s Alley
May 15 - Boston, MA @ Scullers Jazz Club
May 20 – Seattle, WA @ Jazz Alley
May 21 – Seattle, WA @ Jazz Alley
May 23 – Napa, CA @ Napa Valley Opera House
May 24 – San Francisco, CA @ Yoshi’s
May 25 – San Francisco, CA @ Yoshi’s

THE SMOOTH JAZZ RADIO BACKLASH CONTINUES

It’s more bad news for the Smooth Jazz radio industry as yet another smooth jazz formatted radio station drops the format. Jacksonville radio stations WJSJ (105.3FM) and WSJF (105. FM) have dropped their Smooth Jazz format over this past weekend and flipped to become the “Coast” 105.3 FM and 105.5 FM, playing rhythmic adult contemporary music. This now makes five smooth jazz radio stations in the past few weeks to switch formats. The others were located in Houston (KHJZ 95.7FM) , New York (WQCD 101.9M), Washington, D.C. (WJZW-FM), and Denver (KJCD 104.3FM).

According to Terrence Rodda, general manager of the two Jacksonville stations that simulcast the same broadcast, …”the change was simply a business decision made because the smooth jazz format didn’t have a big enough audience..” Oh wow – is this really big news? Smooth jazz radio formats have never had a really big audience to begin with. It’s always attracted a niche audience and the ratings were always considered decent but never huge in comparison to more popular formats. All the stations have made money – but they want more (of course). So now they are dropping one by one like flies. Or maybe you could just say that they are all copycatting each other. Face it, smooth jazz radio has been around for 25 years, commanding decent ratings, and now all of a sudden it’s just not working. I put the blame on the station owners as well as the bland programming. There is so much new and exciting music out there and all they could do is play the same old stuff over and over again. As a matter of fact, I’ll save this subject for another posting.

Just a few short months ago it was it was noted that the Smooth Jazz radio format continued to grow and thrive as one of radio's longest running formats in comparison to others that have come and gone. Other format such as "Jammin Oldies", "Arrow", "Jack" and "Movin" have come and gone in many cities where smooth jazz stations continued to be successful. In January of this year, Broadcast Architecture launched the Smooth Jazz Network, featuring smooth jazz artists Dave Koz, Kenny G, Norman Brown, Brian Culbertson, Paul Hardcastle and Ramsey Lewis as on-air hosts. So far the network has spread to 25 markets across the US and brand new stations have launched utilizing the network in Norfolk, Milwaukee, Oklahoma City and Albuquerque. Currently there are more than 50 commercial radio stations across the US playing smooth jazz.

ST. LUCIA, SEABREEZE & MONTREAL JAZZ FESTIVALS

ST. LUCIA JAZZ FESTIVAL
Anita Baker, Jonathan Butler, Najee, Angie Stone, Dianne Reeves, Dionne Warwick, Michael Bolton, Air Supply, Alex Bugnon, Nick Colionne, Ledisi and Wyclef Jean have been confirmed as performers for the 17th annual St. Lucia Jazz Festival, taking place May 2nd to May 11th. The St. Lucia Jazz festival will also feature events focusing on the Caribbean island's burgeoning culinary culture, with several restaurants being promoted during the week. More information about the festival click to www.stluciajazz.org

SEABREEZE JAZZ FESTIVAL
Dave Koz, Wayman Tisdale, Norman Brown, Rick Braun, Richard Elliot, Joyce Cooling, Four 80 East, Euge Groove, and the Sax Pack featuring Jeff Kashiwa, Kim Waters, and Steve Cole are among the headliners for this year's Seabreeze Jazz Festival, taking place April 16th through April 20th at the Gulf Place Outdoor Amphitheater outside of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the festival, which has expanded its events with a free jazz jam, a golf tournament, and a sunset dinner cruise. The festival is hosted by guitarist Nick Colionne, who will also perform. For more information about the Seabreeze Festival, click to www.seabreezejazzfestival.com

MONTREAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
Steely Dan will perform at the festival on July 1 and July 2, with Aretha Franklin is set to at the 29th edition of the Montreal Jazz Festival, according to The Canadian Press. Franklin will perform on July 3rd and 4th at Salle Wilfred Pelletier in Place Des Arts. The Montreal Jazz Fest, which is billed as being the world's largest jazz celebration, kicks off on June 26th.

RAMSEY LEWIS - LEGENDS OF JAZZ TOUR

Smooth jazz radio host and noted pianist Ramsey Lewis has announced this year's Legends Of Jazz tour, based on the popular radio and PBS TV show he hosts. The tour will feature separate lineups in varying locations, with dates spread out through the fall. The tour will be sponsored by AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) in celebration of its 50th anniversary. Ramsey Lewis will perform at ten dates on the tour with the Ramsey Lewis Trio trio. That Legends Of Jazz tour lineup will also feature saxophonist Paquito D'Rivera, and smooth jazz group Fourplay featuring Bob James, Larry Carlton, Nathan East and Harvey Mason. In addition, a second lineup under the Legends Of Jazz banner will feature vocalist Kurt Elling with his trio, saxophonist and flutist Ernie Watts and the Ethel String Quartet performing material from saxophonist John Coltrane.

Here’s a peek at Ramsey Lewis’ upcoming tour schedule (includes dates for the Legends Of Jazz tour and solo/trio dates:

March 14 - Wickenburg, AZ @ Webb PAC Trio
March 27 - New York, NY @ Jazz At Lincoln Center Trio
March 28 - New York, NY @ Jazz At Lincoln Center Trio
March 29 - New York, NY @ Jazz At Lincoln Center Trio
April 4 - Colorado Springs, CO @ Broadmoor Hotel Trio
April 5 - Palm Desert, CA @ McCallum Theatre Trio
April 11 - Chicago, IL @ McCallum Theatre Solo
April 13 - Washington, DC @ Kennedy Center Trio
April 24 - Newport News, VA @ Ferguson PAC Legends of Jazz
April 25 - Seattle, WA @ Paramount Theatre Trio
April 27 - Eugene, OR @ Hult Center Trio
June 14 - Boston, MA @ Hanover PAC Legends of Jazz
June 15 - Indianapolis, IN @ Indy Jazz Fest Legends of Jazz
August 9 - Highmount, NY @ Belleayre Music Festival Trio
August 16 - Highland Park, IL @ Ravinia Festival With Joffrey Ballet
August 27 - Philadelphia, PA @ Mann Center Legends of Jazz
September 5 - Washington, D.C. @ DC Convention Center Legends of Jazz
September 12 - Chicago, IL @ Ravinia Music Festival Legends of Jazz
October 17 - Rehoboth Beach, DE @- Jazz Festival Legends of Jazz
October 19 - Tucson, AZ @ Centennial Hall Legends of Jazz
November 7 - Miami, FL @ Knight Concert Hall Legends of Jazz
November 14 - New York, NY @ Town Hall Legends of Jazz

DAVID SANBORN TOUR DATES

Saxophonist and smooth jazz radio favorite David Sanborn is preparing for a string of tour dates that start at the end of March and continue through June. After the US trek of the tour, he’ll then head off for some Internation dates. David Sanborn has been working on a new album with producer Phil Ramone that will be released later in the year. Sanborn's most recent CD release was 2005's Closer. More recently, he made a cameo appearance on hip-hop artist Guru's Jazzmatazz Vol. 4: Back To The Future. Since his first release in 1975, Taking Off, David Sanborn has release 20 solo albums, and has appeared on countless other songs by other musicians.

Upcoming dates for David Sanborn include: March 26- Oakland, CA @ Yoshi's March 27 – Oakland, CA @ Yoshi’s
March 28 – Oakland, CA @ Yoshi’s
March 29 – Oakland, CA @ Yoshi’s
March 30 – Oakland, CA @ Yoshi’s
April 3- Seattle, WA @ Jazz Alley
April 4 – Seattle, WA @ Jazz Alley
April 5 – Seattle, WA @ Jazz Alley
April 6 – Seattle, WA @ Jazz Alley
April 14 - Palm Beach, FL @ Wellington's
May 5 - Tarrytown, NY @ Tarrytown Town Hall
May 3 - Huntington, NY @- IMAC
May 4 - Uncasville, CT@ Mohegan Sun
May 23 - Las Vegas, NV @- South Point Hotel & Casino
May 24 – Las Vegas, NV @ South Point Hotel & Casino
May 25 – Las Vegas, NV @ South Point Hotel & Casino
June 14 - Rancho Cucamonga, CA @ Lewis Family Playhouse

AN EVENING WITH NATALIE COLE

Grammy winner Natalie Cole has lined up a new series of tour dates. Natalie Cole’s most recent CD was 2006's Leavin', and kicked off her shows on March 14th at the Granada Theatre in Santa Barbara, California. Natalie Cole will next travel to Malaysia to perform March 20th at the Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix Anniversary 2008 gala dinner at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur.

Natalie Cole is also joining keyboardist and producer Jason Miles, smooth jazz artists Rick Braun and Richard Elliot, and others for this year’s Tri-C Jazz Festival taking place in Cleveland from April 17 through April 27. The program includes an April 19th show by Jason Miles in a tribute to Marvin Gaye and Motown featuring Bobby Caldwell, Walter Beasley, Kevin Mahogany, Maysa and DJ Logic. An Evening of Natalie Cole is set for April 25th, while Braun and Elliot will perform music from their hit R'N'R album as well as their own CDs on April 26th. Other performers for the festival include John Pizzarelli, Joshua Redman, Vijay Iyer, Marcus Roberts, and Eddie Baccus Sr.

Upcoming Natalie Cole dates include:
March 29 - Halifax, NS @ World Trade & Convention Center
April 25 - Cleveland, OH @ Allen Theatre
May 7 - Boston, MA @ Symphony Hall
May 13- Waterbury, CT @ Palace Theater
May 14 - Englewood, NJ @ Bergen Performing Arts Center
May 16 - Morristown, NJ @ The Community Theatre At Mayo Center
May 17 - Bronx, NY @ Lehman Center For The Perf. Arts
May 18 - Stamford, CT @ Palace Theatre

RETURN TO FOREVER - TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED!

Return To Forever, the classic jazz-fusion group from the ‘70’s has reunited for its first tour in 25 years. This amazing group features keyboardist Chick Corea, guitarist Al Di Meola, bassist Stanley Clarke, and drummer Lenny White. The Return To Forever reunion will play more than 50 dates in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. The tour kicks off May 29th in Austin, Texas, and will wrap up on August 7th in New York. Along the way Return To Forever will make stops at major music festivals, including Montreal, Canada; Montreux, Switzerland; and Saratoga Springs, New York.

In addition, original members Chick Corea and Stanley Clarke are producing a double-CD anthology to coincide with the tour. The reunion disc will include remixed and remastered tracks from classic Return To Forever albums issued between 1973 and 1976. Return To Forever originally disbanded after a five-year run that ended in 1977. But after a 1983 reunion tour, many thought Return To Forever might never return. Corea says another reunion was always a possibility, particularly with pressure from fans. "We never stopped talking about it ... but in the past couple of years we started talking more seriously about 'hey, when can we set some time down to actually get together and play?'" Corea told The Associated Press. "There were also a lot of requests from fans. One thing that became apparent as the decades flipped along was that people remembered the group, which was kind of surprising and also heartening."

Here is the complete list of Return To Forever tour dates:
May 29 – Austin, TX @ Paramount Theatre
May 30 – Austin, TX @ Paramount Theatre
June 1 – Dallas, TX @ Nokia Theatre at Grand Prairie
June 3 – Denver, CO @ Paramount Theatre Denver
June 4 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Kingsbury Hall
June 6 – Portland, OR @ Schnitzer Concert Hall
June 7 – Medford, OR @ Brit Music Festival
June 8 – Seattle, WA @ The Paramount-Seattle
June 9 – Vancouver, BC @ The Centre in Vancouver For Performing Arts
June 11 – San Francisco, CA @ The Grand at the Regency
June 12 – San Francisco, CA @ The Grand at the Regency
June 13 – San Francisco, CA @ The Grand at the Regency
June 14 – Phoenix, AZ @ Dodge Theatre
June 17 –St. Louis, MO @ Fox Theatre
June 18 – Omaha, NE @ Holland Performing Arts Center
June 19 – Minneapolis, MN @ Orpheum Theatre
June 20 – Chicago, IL @ The Chicago Theatre
June 21 – Detroit, MI @ Freedom Hill Amphitheatre
June 22 – Indianapolis, IN @ Murat Theatre
June 24 – Cleveland, OH @ The Plain Dealer Pavillion
June 25 – Toronto, ONT @ Sony Centre
June 26 – Ottawa, ONT @ Ottawa Jazz Festival/Confederation Park
June 27 – Montreal, QUE @ Places des Arts – Pelletier Hall
June 28 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ Saratoga PAC – Freihofer’s Jazz Festival
July 2 - Vilnius, Lithuania @ Utenos Arena
July 4 – Warsaw, Poland @ Congress Hall
July 5 – Budapest, Hungary @ Budapest Arena
July 6 – Belgrade, Serbia @ Belgrade Arena
July 8 – Paris, France @ L’Olympia
July 9 – Vienne, France @ Vienne Jazz Festival
July 10 – Madrid, Spain @ Via Jazz Festival
July 11 – Girona, Spain @ Cap Roig Festival
July 12 – Lorca, Spain @ Lorca Festival
July 13- Valencia, Spain @ TBD Valencia, Spain
July 16 – Neuhardenberg @ Neuhardenberg Festival
July 18 – Montreux, Switzerland @ Montreux Jazz Festival
July 19 – Essen, Germany @ Grugahalie
July 21 – London, England @ Indigo2
July 23 - Nice, France @ Nice Jazz Festival
July 25 – San Sebastian, Spain @ San Sebastian Festival
July 30 – Miami, FL @ The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theatre
July 31 – Clearwater, FL @ Ruth Eckerd Hall
August 1 – Orland, FL @ House of Blues Orlando
August 2 – Atlanta, GA @ Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center
August 4 – Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavillion
August 5 – Philadelphia, PA @ Mann Center for Performing Arts
August 6 – Boston, MA @ Bank of America Pavillion
August 7 – New York, NY @ United Palace

EARL KLUGH - TH SPICE OF LIFE

Smooth jazz acoustic guitar virtuoso, EARL KLUGH, is releasing a long-anticipated ensemble recording, "THE SPICE OF LIFE," April 29th, 2008 on KOCH Records. The album is Klugh's first full-production release in nine years, and is the follow-up to his 2005 solo masterpiece, "Naked Guitar," which drew Klugh's eleventh career Grammy nomination.

This new collection, inspired by the music of Klugh's life, represents a wide-ranging creative vantage point available only to a very rare circle of talents. "THE SPICE OF LIFE" plays through with the authority and impact of a greatest-hits album, and at the same time, the fresh discovery of a journeyman still in the prime of his creativity. Its release coinciding with the awarding of the Album of the Year Grammy to fellow master jazz eclecticist Herbie Hancock, "THE SPICE OF LIFE" responds to a marketplace calling out for substance and the guiding hand of art in pop music.

The many pleasures of "THE SPICE OF LIFE" encompass lush orchestration, warm and vibrant production, and original solo guitar compositions -- all of these in Klugh's unfailingly positive, fresh and imaginative style. As ever, expanding the mind, refreshing the soul and evoking emotions -- in short, heightening the experience and enhancing the environment of life itself -- is the Earl Klugh signature. In an album full of highlights, Klugh reinterprets four of his favorite standards, and three-time Grammy winner and longtime collaborator Don Sebesky contributes five orchestral arrangements, including Earl's boyhood favorite "Canadian Sunset"; his reinterpretation of the Thelonious Monk classic, "Bye Ya"; and a beautiful, witty retro-style revival of "C'est Si Bon." Grammy-winning flute virtuoso Hubert Laws guests, and award-winning composer Eddie Horst arranges the chamber-group string accompaniment, on the Klugh original "Heart of My Life."

At a time when instrumental and vocal artists are under constant pressure to overuse the classics of the American pop-song canon, "THE SPICE OF LIFE" also features a clutch of memorable yet effortless Klugh originals, among them: the properly atmospheric "Ocean Blue," "Driftin'," a warmly melodic pop piece; the forward-looking funk "Sleepyhead," and "Snap!," a taste of the "old school" suggesting Klugh's Detroit childhood, where he first encountered everyone from Yusef Lateef and George Benson to Motown Records' ace house band, the Funk Brothers.

"One of the solo pieces I wrote is directly in the style of Antonio Lauro, a classical guitarist and composer from Venezuela," Klugh notes. "When I was young, there wasn't a lot of sheet music for classical guitar. Antonio's waltzes were some of the first transcriptions I ever had, and they are beautiful. I wrote and named the piece 'Venezuelan Nights' in honor of Antonio."
Klugh continues to be one of the most in-demand live artists globally. In 2007, Klugh introduced his concert series, Night of Guitars, featuring fellow guitar legends Bill Frisell, Russell Malone, Ray Parker Jr. and Peter White. He has recently returned from his second tour with The U.S. State Department and Thelonious Monk Institute in India.

And this April 3rd, Klugh presents his 5th Annual Weekend of Jazz at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO, joining world-renowned peers Ramsey Lewis, Boney James, Mindi Abair and fellow KOCH labelmate Sophie Milman.

Earl Klugh won the 1980 Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Performance for the million-selling album "One on One" with Bob James, and "Collaboration," his 1987 album with George Benson, was certified Gold by the RIAA. He has recorded over 30 albums in his multi-million-selling career, including four No. 1 albums on Billboard's Jazz Album chart and another 18 albums that charted in the Jazz Top Ten.

"THE SPICE OF LIFE" TRACK LISTING
1. Ocean Blue
2. Sleepyhead
3. Canadian Sunset
4. Venezuelan Nights
5. Driftin'
6. Snap!
7. Bye Ya
8. Heart Of My Life
9. Morning In Rio
10. C'est Si Bon
11. Lucy's World
12. My Foolish Heart
13. The Toy Guitar

BRIAN CULBERTSON - BRINGING BACK THE FUNK

Smooth jazz pianist Brian Culbertson is about to go off into a new direction with his new CD – Bringing Back The Funk. Funk music has been Brian Culbertson’s passion since he was a kid way back in the day. As a matter of fact, the cover image on the new CD Bringing Back The Funk is Brian as a boy listening to one of his favorite group at the time – Earth, Wind & Fire. Fast forward to 2008 when Brian decided to make plans for a new CD, and he thought of getting none other than Maurice White (leader and the visionary force behind Earth, Wind & Fire) to produce the CD. The end result is that he was able to coax the elusive Maurice White to come into the studio with him to executive produce Bringing Back The Funk. The sessions were recorded live in the studio (just like they used to do it back in the funk heyday), which in the end gives the sound of the album a truly classic feel. Brian Culbertson and Maurice White were able to assemble an all-star cast of musicians to take part in the project, including Bootsy Collins, Larry Graham, Gerald Albright, Ronnie Laws, plus the vocals of Ledisi, Musiq Soulchild and others. Brian Culbertson’s Bringing Back The Funk is scheduled for release on April 29. Here is the track listing:

1. Funkin’ With My Father (featuring Bootsy Collins)
2. Always Remember
3. Hollywood Swinging (featuring Musiq Soulchild & Gerald Albright)
4. The House Of Music (featuring Larry Graham & Ronnie Laws)
5. You Got To Funkifize (featuring Chance Howard)
6. The Groove
7. The World Keeps Going Around (featuring Ledisi)
8. Excuse Me…What’s Your Name?
9. Voices Inside (Everything Is Everything) (featuring Eddie Miller & David T. Walker)
10. Let’s Stay In Tonight

NEW YORK, DENVER, WASHINGTON, D.C. AND NOW HOUSTON LOSES IT'S SMOOTH JAZZ RADIO STATION!

Now comes the news that 95.7 KHJZ-FM in Houston, Texas has flipped formats to CHR (Contemporary Hits Radio). This now makes it four smooth jazz radio stations in the past few weeks to switch formats. The others were located in New York, Washington, D.C, and Denver . KHJZ-FM in Denver started the switch at 5:37PM on March 12 with a loop of Freestyler’s “Don’t Stop” and Rihanna’s “Don’t Stop The Music” interspersed with announcements proclaiming that something new would occur on Thrusday, March 13 at 3:00PM.

In an earlier post we asked what was happening to smooth jazz radio as both WQCD-FM in New York, WJZW-FM in Washington, and KJCD-FM 104.3 in Denver when each one flipped formats, all within weeks of each other. What all of these stations have in common is the fact that they cite the same reasons for switching formats – ratings and money!. Let’s hope this is not pattern that other Smooth Jazz station owners will follow. In addition, all of the former Smooth Jazz radio stations can be picked up with an HD radio on HD2 ratio frequencies.

Just a few short months ago it was it was noted that the Smooth Jazz radio format continued to grow and thrive as one of radio's longest running formats in comparison to others that have come and gone. Other format such as "Jammin Oldies", "Arrow", "Jack" and "Movin" have come and gone in many cities where smooth jazz stations continued to be successful. In January of this year, Broadcast Architecture launched the Smooth Jazz Network, featuring smooth jazz artists Dave Koz, Kenny G, Norman Brown, Brian Culbertson, Paul Hardcastle and Ramsey Lewis as on-air hosts. So far the network has spread to 25 markets across the US and brand new stations have launched utilizing the network in Norfolk, Milwaukee, Oklahoma City and Albuquerque. Currently there are more than 50 commercial radio stations across the US playing smooth jazz.

LIVE NATION EXPANDS IN FLORIDA

Live Nation, the world's largest live music company, announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the majority of the live music assets of late Florida concert promoter Jon Stoll's Fantasma Productions. Fantasma and Live Nation have long been two of the most successful concert promoters in the state. The acquisition includes the Fantasma calendar of shows, two important outdoor mid-sized music venues and two outdoor festivals. As part of the agreement, Mr. Stoll's widow and Fantasma principal Lori Stoll will retain an interest in the profits of the acquired business for a period of years and take a senior position in Live Nation's Florida office. "Over the past year we have worked hard to strengthen our presence in the Florida market, and this agreement is a major step in that expansion," said Neil Jacobsen, President of Live Nation Florida. "This deal represents the union of two of our state's major live music players. Jon Stoll was a legend in the Florida music business and we are honored that Lori has agreed to become part of our team and continue the Stoll family tradition in Florida."

The acquisition, when completed, will include the leases for the Pompano Beach Amphitheatre and Grounds in Pompano Beach (capacity 2,900) and Mizner Park Amphitheater in Boca Raton (capacity 3,500), two important Southern Florida music venues. The additions will fill important niches in Live Nation's Florida venue portfolio which already includes the House of Blues in Orlando (capacity 2,100), the Ford Amphitheatre in Tampa (capacity 19,000), Cruzan Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach (capacity 19,000) and the newly-opened Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theatre in Miami Beach (capacity 2,100). The acquisition will also add two venues in the important mid-sized venue category in one of the top twenty markets in the United States.

"Jon spent his life creating special music events for Florida music fans," said Ms. Stoll. "I am pleased to have found partners at Live Nation who share that commitment to excellence and to have reached a deal that provides my family with stability and the opportunity to continue what Jon built."

Live Nation is the future of the music business. With the most live concerts, music venues and festivals in the world and the most comprehensive concert search engine on the web, Live Nation is revolutionizing the music industry: onstage and online. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Live Nation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol "LYV." Additional information about the company can be found at http://www.livenation.com under the "About Us" section.

CHUCK LOEB - 50th ANNIVERSARY OF BOSSA NOVA

Smooth Jazz guitarist Chuck Loeb is planning a series of 50th anniversary of the Bossa Nova concerts, and he’s enlisted the help of several top notch fellow smooth jazz artists to come along for the ride. The concerts will be a celebration of the music of Antonio Carlos Jobim, Astrud Gilberto, Joao Gilberto, and of course Stan Getz. It’s thanks to these 4 artists that the sound of Bossa Nova was able to spread throughout the world and eventually became a phenomenon. The show will be presented as an homage to these artists. The lineup for the shows includes Will Lee (bass); Eric Marienthal (sax); Rob Monsey and Matt King (keyboards); Cliff Almond (drums); Café (percussion); Lizzy Loeb (guitar); and on selected concerts – Chris Hunter (sax) and Tom Scott (sax).

Chuck Loeb has two new album projects in the works. He is currently working on a new album being produced by Jason Miles that will be released later this year. Other musicians joining Chuck Loeb on this project include Gerald Veasley, Ralph McDonald, Maysa, Buddy Williams and a few others. After that one is wrapped, he’ll start to work on another for release in May 2009.

The 50th anniversary of Bossa Nova concert dates are as follows:

April 2 – Irvington, NY @ Irvington Town Hall (Chris Hunter will replace Eric Marienthal on sax)
April 6 – Reading, PA @ Berks Jazz Festival WJJZ Concert, Sheraton Hotel Ballroom (with special guest Tom Scott)
April 10 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Manchester Craftsmans Guild
April 11 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Manchester Craftsmans Guild
April 12 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Manchester Craftsmans Guild
April 13 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Manchester Craftsmans Guild
April 14 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Concert at Duquesne University (Chuck Loeb only)
April 18 – Boston, MA @ Sculler’s Jazz Club
April 19 – Boston, MA @ Sculler’s Jazz Club
April 20 – New York, NY @ SOB’s

JAZZ SINGER JAMES TORME SIGNS WITH KOCH

KOCH Records has announced the signing of jazz singer James Torme. Torme's new album will be released in late 2008. James Torme, son of legendary singer Mel Torme, began his career in music early, often spending significant time with his father and other great musicians including Duke Ellington, Sammy Davis Jr., Peggy Lee and Buddy Rich. He is a uniquely gifted singer whose music infuses older jazz classics with soul and R&B influences. Considering his roots, this shouldn't be surprising. Being recognized for his contribution to the modern jazz scene, Torme was named the recipient of the 2007 Chuck Niles Jazz Music Award.

Today, Torme performs regularly all over the world with his quartet, and select performances with major symphony orchestras. James explains, "I've felt a sense of destiny about singing since I was very young. I'm so proud to be fulfilling that while carrying the torch for my dad and this incredible material."

Torme is also a businessman in his own right. As CEO of Torme Entertainment, LLC, James created TORME JAZZ on which James released his first full length album entitled "Live At On The Path." This live CD features timeless songs such as "Superstition," "Autumn Leaves," "Love For Sale," and "Ain't No Sunshine." He also released an EP called 'Coming Home' which featured the titled track made popular by his father, Mel Torme.

For more information on James Torme click to www.myspace.com/jamestorme, www.jamestorme.com, www.tormeentertainment.com

KOCH Entertainment, founded in 1987 and now in its twentieth year, is the leading and fastest-growing independent music company in the U.S. KOCH's operations encompass record and video labels as well as distribution companies in the U.S. and Canada. KOCH Entertainment is the market leader among independent labels and distributors in both the U.S. and Canada and its record label KOCH Records had the largest number of Billboard charting albums among independents for seven years in a row (2001 - 2007). KOCH Entertainment is a subsidiary of Entertainment One Ltd. which is listed on the London Stock Exchange's AIM market (ticker symbol "ETO").

EMUSIC.COM NOW AT 3.5 MILLION TRACKS

eMusic, the world's largest retailer of independent music and the world's second largest music service after iTunes, announces that its worldwide catalogue has surpassed 3.5 million tracks with the addition of 43 new record labels and aggregators. The eMusic roster now includes important German electronic label Kompakt (Michael Mayer, Superpitcher), influential indie rock outfit Constellation Records (Do Make Say Think, Silver Mt Zion), and popular indie pop/rock/electronic imprint IAMSOUND Records (Cut Off Your Hands), among others.

eMusic (www.emusic.com) is a specialty digital entertainment retailer that has been at the forefront of offering MP3 downloads and customer-friendly prices since its inception in 1998. The company is focused on serving customers aged 25 and older by offering independent music and audio books 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 3.5 million tracks from 27,000 of the world's leading independent labels and thousands of titles from top audio book publishers. To super-serve its more than 400,000 customers, eMusic provides award-winning editorial content, a vibrant online community and unrivaled music discovery tools. eMusic's subscription-based service offers free music downloads or one free audio book at sign-up, giving consumers an inexpensive, low-risk way to explore great new music and books they wouldn't find otherwise. Based in New York with an office in London, eMusic is available in the U.S. and all 27 E.U. nations. eMusic.com Inc. is wholly owned by Dimensional Associates, Inc., the private equity arm of JDS Capital Management, Inc.

The retailer will also host a South by Southwest (SXSW) Showcase on Wednesday, March 12 at 8:00 p.m. at Maggie Mae's in Austin. The event will be recorded live for future release on eMusic and features a curated, international lineup of up-and-coming artists. Led by Bon Iver, an immensely talented and lauded singer-songwriter from Wisconsin, the showcase also features Frightened Rabbit (beloved young band from Scotland), Brooklyn high-school band the Hysterics (an MTV Breakout Star), Delorean (a dance-rock group from Barcelona), Day for Night (an unsigned NYC dream-rock band featured on NPR) and Peel (heralded Austin psych-rockers).

A free sampler featuring eMusic showcase artists plus an indispensable guide to what's "buzzed about" and "will soon be buzzed about" at SXSW -- compiled by eMusic's expert editorial staff of more than 200 writers -- is available at: http://www.emusic.com/features/hub/sxsw08/index.html.

Also at SXSW, eMusic President and CEO David Pakman will speak on the "Selling Music as a Service" panel at the Austin Convention Center on Thursday, March 13 at 4:15 p.m. "South by Southwest is the perfect chance for eMusic to shine a spotlight on some of the music we're most passionate about," said Pakman. "From indie rock to jazz to classical, more and more independent labels rely on eMusic to help customers discover and buy their music. Having sold more than 177 million MP3 downloads in the last four years, we've long been a leader in selling music in a DRM-free format at prices that customers want."

The lineup for the eMusic SXSW showcase is as follows:
8:00 p.m. - Day For Night
9:00 p.m. - The Hysterics
10:00 p.m. - Delorean
11:00 p.m. - Peel
12:00 a.m. - Frightened Rabbit
1:00 a.m. - Bon Iver

Labels recently signed to eMusic include:

Abeille Musique
Amalgam Entertainment
Amanda Music
AMP Digital Media
Chandos
Cloud 9 Dance
Constellation Records
Delicious Vinyl
Deetown Entertainment
Divucsa Music S.A.
EDINET Publishing Group
Eternal Yip Eye Records
Five Foot Two Records
Heads Up Records
Hudson Entertainment
IAMSOUND Records
Idol Distribution
Kompakt Distribution
Last Gang Records
Lions Gate Music & Publishing
Music Masters
Naïve
No Quarter Records
Oglio Records
Palo Duro Records
Rebel Rebel Management
Remote Control Records
Rooftop Media
Routenote
Ships at Night Records
Skaggs Family Records
Songcast
Soulspazm
Symphonic Distribution
Tallboy 7
Telarc
Twin Sisters Productions
United for Opportunity
UpTown Jazz
Verge Records
Warcon Entertainment
Watunes.com
Zojack World Wide
About eMusic

CARLY SIMON - THIS KIND OF LOVE

First it was James Taylor, Paul McCartney and Joni Mitchell, and now Carly Simon has joined the fold. Carly Simon is now on the roster of Starbucks' Hear Music label. Her first release for the company, "This Kind of Love," will be available April 29. Her new 13-track set has a Brazilian-heavy sound, and finds Simon collaborating with Jimmy Webb and Frank Filipetti. That trio was responsible for Simon's 1997 album "Film Noir." “This Kind of Love” is Carly Simon’s first album of original material since 2000's "The Bedroom Tapes." Her last two projects have featured standards. As a matter of fact, you can hear some tracks from her last two albums at www.myredlounge.com a site that streams music of the genre.

Inspired by and subtly infused with the rhythms of Brazilian music, This Kind of Love explores a wide swath of emotion-romance, reflection, melancholy, anger and humor. It's at once one of Simon's most personal albums as well as one of her most stylistically diverse outings.

Track list for "This Kind of Love":
"This Kind of Love"
"Hold Out Your Heart"
"People Say A Lot"
"Island""How Could You Ever Forget"
"Hola Soleil"
"In My Dreams"
"When We're Together"
"So Many People"
"They Just Want You To Be There"
"Last Samba"
"Too Soon to Say Goodbye"

ELVIS COSTELLO & THE ATTRACTIONS - THIS YEAR'S MODEL: DELUXE EDITION

The two-CD THIS YEAR'S MODEL - DELUXE EDITION (Hip-O/UMe), now available, adds 11 b-sides, demos, live tracks, and alternate takes to the original album plus a second disc comprised of a previously unreleased concert recorded at the Warner Theater in Washington, DC, on February 28, 1978. Taped on the Starfleet mobile studio, this show was originally broadcast on WHFS in Maryland and only "Chemistry Class" has ever been issued before. Along with performances of several songs from THIS YEAR'S MODEL, including "Pump It Up," "Radio, Radio," "The Beat" and "No Action," this concert also features such Costello favorites as "Watching The Detectives," "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes," "Less Than Zero" and "Waiting For The End Of The World."

THIS YEAR'S MODEL, produced by Nick Lowe, was harder and rawer than Costello's debut album, 1977's MY AIM IS TRUE, partly thanks to the singer-songwriter-guitarist's newly recruited band of keyboardist Steve Nieve, bassist Bruce Thomas and drummer Pete Thomas (no relation). The album outcharted its predecessor by reaching #30 in the U.S. and #4 U.K. THIS YEAR'S MODEL - DELUXE EDITION includes the U.K. album-only album tracks "(I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea" and "Night Rally" plus the U.S. album-only "Radio, Radio."

Following THIS YEAR'S MODEL, Costello would crack the Top 10 in America and become a major pop culture figure. He would go on to spread his musical wings by delving into everything from country to sophisticated pop, classical to jazz, and collaborating with everyone from Paul McCartney, Burt Bacharach and Diana Krall to, most recently, R&B great Allen Toussaint. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked him among its "100 Greatest Artists of All Time."

The added selections, subsequently issued in a 2001 two-CD package, include the b-sides "Big Tears" and "Tiny Steps"; AMERICATHON soundtrack contribution "Crawling To The USA"; demos for "Running Out Of Angels," "Greenshirt" and "Big Boys"; live "Neat Neat Neat" and "Roadette Song"; and alternate takes of "This Year's Girl" and "(I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea."

ELVIS COSTELLO AND THE ATTRACTIONS - THIS YEAR'S MODEL
DISC ONE:
1 No Action
2 This Year's Girl
3 The Beat
4 Pump It Up
5 Little Triggers
6 You Belong To Me
7 Hand In Hand
8 (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea
9 Lip Service
10 Living In Paradise
11 Lipstick Vogue
12 Night Rally
13 Radio, Radio

Bonus material: b-sides, demos, live tracks, alternates, etc.
14 Big Tears
15 Crawling To The USA
16 Tiny Steps
17 Running Out Of Angels (demo version)
18 Greenshirt (demo version)
19 Big Boys (demo version)
20 Neat Neat Neat (live)
21 Roadette Song (live)
22 This Year's Girl (alternate Eden Studios version)
23 (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea (alternate Basing Street Studios version)

ELVIS COSTELLO AND THE ATTRACTIONS - Live At The Warner Theater, Washington, DC, February 28, 1978

DISC TWO:
1 Pump It Up*
2 Waiting For The End Of The World*
3 No Action*
4 Less Than Zero*
5 The Beat*
6 (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes*
7 (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea*
8 Hand In Hand*
9 Little Triggers*
10 Radio, Radio*
11 You Belong To Me*
12 Lipstick Vogue*
13 Watching The Detectives*
14 Mystery Dance*
15 Miracle Man*
16 Blame It On Cain*
17 Chemistry Class

* Previously Unreleased
For additional information click to:
http://www.ilovethatsong.com
http://www.elviscostello.com
http://www.shorefire.com

MATT SAVAGE SIGNS WITH SONY/ATV MUSIC

Sony/ATV Music Publishing have announced that jazz composer/pianist Matt Savage have signed an international sub-publishing agreement, covering all countries except the United States and Canada. The agreement with the acclaimed jazz prodigy includes Matt Savage's back catalogue and future works, beginning with all original compositions featured on the last six albums recorded by the Matt Savage Trio.

The Matt Savage Trio most recently appeared on the CBS show "Late Show with David Letterman," performing "El Fuego" from "HOT TICKET: Live in Boston." Following the Matt Savage Trio's broadcast, "HOT TICKET: Live in Boston" reached #2 in live jazz album sales on Amazon.com. In December, Matt Savage and his music were featured on "Piano Jazz," the acclaimed National Public Radio (NPR) syndicated series hosted by Marian McPartland.

The Matt Savage Trio released their sixth album in January, titled "HOT TICKET: Live in Boston," and it has hit #11 on the "Jazzweek" charts. “HOT TICKET: Live in Boston” was distributed by Palmetto Records (MRI/RED) and "HOT TICKET: Live in Boston" includes eight new Savage-penned songs and three original tracks revisited. The album was recorded during two concerts at Tufts University's Distler Performance Hall at the Granoff Music Center. In addition to Matt Savage on keyboards, the Matt Savage Trio is comprised of Dave Robaire on bass and Joe Saylor on drums. "HOT TICKET: Live in Boston" was produced by Grammy-nominated Jonathan Wyner and engineered by nine-time Grammy-winner, Tom Bates.

For more information on the Matt Savage Trio click to www.savagerecords.com and www.myspace.com/mattsavagetrio