ACTOR TERRENCE HOWARD TO RELEASE - SHINE THROUGH IT

Columbia Records has announced the release of Shine Through It- the avidly awaited debut album of new music written, produced and performed by Terrence Howard - on Tuesday, September 2. For Shine Through It, Howard has written, arranged and produced 11 original songs for a collection heralded in the Los Angeles Times (May 3, 2008) as a "stylish retro neo-soul album...Howard and his backing outfit...conjure up a smooth blend of flamenco guitars, swooning violins, hard drums and dazzling trumpet lines that recall an eclectic combination of John Legend, Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass and a dash of Cab Calloway."

Produced by Terrence Howard, Shine Through It was recorded at Spiral Recording in Hollywood with Terrence Howard on vocals and lead guitar; Miles Mosley (Lauryn Hill, Herbie Hancock, Common, Chris Cornell, Jonathan Davis), who also co-produced, on upright bass, guitar, drums and piano; Kamasi Washington (Gerald Wilson, Roy Hargrove) on tenor sax; Serafin Aguilar on trumpet; Kenneth Crouch (Mariah Carey, Patti LaBelle, Eric Clapton) on keyboards and Tom Lea on viola.

Covering a Los Angeles listening session for Shine Through It, People (April 21, 2008), noted, "The album chronicles everything from broken relationships on 'It's All Game' to self-reflection on 'Plenty' and the celebration of love on his single, 'Love Makes You Beautiful.' Howard told the audience that he began writing songs at age 16 in his 'rainbow colored notebook,' and discussed recording an "emotionally sobering" song that began as a letter to his ex-wife. The collection of songs is highly reminiscent of a live, big band, jazz feel, which Howard backs up by
playing the guitar."

Songs on Shine Through It include "Love Makes You Beautiful," with its flamenco melody and haunting flute, inspired by watching people made beautiful from being in love; the dramatic, soulful "Shine Through It," with its piano and acoustic guitar groove building to a cinematic climax of strings and horns expressing the light of spirituality; the highly personal "No. 1 Fan"; the island rhythms, south-of-the-border horns, hip-hop rhythms and Cuban flair in "Mr. Johnson's Lawn"; "I Remember When," with its warm vibe, and whistling intro recalling adolescent romance; the jaggedly bombastic "War"; the soulful, romantic "Sanctuary" (inspired by Howard's chance meeting with Seal and Heidi Klum at a Hollywood party); the instrumental "Spanish Love Affair," with its horn solo, Latin guitars and Middle East feel; "She Was Mine," a sophisticated jazz-blues shuffle about falling in love at a stop light; and "Plenty," with its "Super Fly" vibe and ominous hip-hop undercurrent.

Raised in Cleveland with many summers spent in New York City, Terrence Howard, an aspiring songwriter and musician since early adolescence, landed his first film and television acting roles in the late 1980s before his breakthrough performance in the 1995 film, "Mr. Holland's Opus." A succession of theatrical and television films -- including "Ray," "Crash," "Lackawanna Blues," "Hustle & Flow," "Four Brothers," "Get Rich or Die Tryin'," and "Brave One" -- established Terrence Howard as a major screen talent. His most recent film, "Iron Man," opened at #1 across America with the highest-grossing opening weekend of 2008, the second-highest grossing premiere ever for a non-sequel film, and the 10th biggest movie opening weekend of all-time.

Howard's role as "DJay" in the 2005 musical-drama "Hustle & Flow" earned him numerous accolades (including Oscar, Golden Globe and Image Award nominations for Best Actor) while his musical performances in the film brought home several high profile honors including the Academy Award for Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song ("It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp") and the Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards Critics Choice Award for which Howard received the award for Best Song ("Hustle and Flow").

"Music has always been the road that leads to where I'm headed," says Terrence. "Film is my vocation, my 9 to 5. In the movies, I'm doing what somebody else is asking me to do. Music is my own personal form of expression. My responsibility, like the sun's, is to shine. Even if the planet is covered with clouds, I must say what I have to say."

NEW RELEASE FROM AL GREEN, CASSANDRA WILSON, ESPERANZA SPALDING, HIL ST. SOUL & MORE...

Al Green – Lay It Down (Blue Note)
Al Turner – Movin’ (MegaWave)
Al Viola – Solo Guitar (VSOP)
Alex Lattimore – Promise (Alex JDot Prods.)
Bebo Valdes – Bebo Rides Again (Universal)
Berardo Jazz Connection – Do It! (Family Affair)
Bittersweet – Drama (Quango)
Bobby Hutcherson – Head On (Blue Note)
Brian Blade – Seasons Of Change (Verve)
Buddy Rich – Speak No Evil (Wounded Bird)
Evan Parker – Boustrophedon (EMC)
Cassandra Wilson – Loverly (Blue Note)
Claudine Longet – Best Of Claudine Longet (Pid)
Dam Funk – Burgundy City (Stones Throw)
Dark Chocolate – Island Gypsy (Megawave)
David Benoit – Heroes (Peak)
Duane Carter – Never Say Never (ISMS)
East Of West – Crossing Borders (EOW)
Elizabeth Shepherd – Parkdale (Do Right)
Ennio Morricone – Ruba Al Prossimo Tuo (Digitmovies)
Eric Darius – Goin’ All Out (Blue Note)
Esperanza Spalding – Esperanza (Heads Up)
Five Corners Quintet – Hot Corners EP (Ricky Tick)
Francisco Mora Catlett – Outerzone (Premier Cru)
Herb Harris – Some Many Second Chances (Herb Harris Music)
Hil St. Soul – Black Rose (Shanachie)
J-Live – Then What Happened? (BBE)
Jackson Conti – Sujinho (Kindred Spirits)
Jim Adkins – City Streets (Clear Image)
Johani – Haka Lolyt (Timmion)
John Abercrombie & John Ruocco – Topics (Challenge)
John Niems – Coming Out Swinging (Wild Sky)
Johnny Pate – Outrageous (MGM/Duty Groove)
Joyce – Feminina/Aqua E Luz (Odeon)
Juicebox – Popcorn (Hippo)
Keith Mansfield – Nightbird (Amphonic)
Ken Navarro – The Grace Of Summer Light (Positive)
Keni Burke – Changes (RCA)
Kid Loco – Italian Job (Temposphere)
Lalo Shifrin – Mission Impossible & Other Thrilling Themes (Pid)
Lawson Rollins – Infinita (Infinita)
Lawson Rollins – Infinita (Infinita)
Magnus Boo – Painbody (Moserobie)
Marcos Valle – The Best Of Marcos Valle (Far Out)
Mario Castro-Neves – Brazilian Mood (Phase 4)
Michael Haggins – Traffic (Cuate)
Mick Hucknall – Tribute To Bobby (Rhino)
Mindi Abair – Stars (Peak)
Minimatic – Spaggiari Revient EP (Vadim)
Nomo – Ghost Rock (Ubiquity)
O’Jays – The Essential O’Jays (Phil Int’l)
Os Ipanemas – Call Of The Gods (Far Out)
PS105.4 Project – Pillars And Dreams (Independent)
Paco De Lucia – Best Of Paco De Lucia (Pid)
Pete Rugolo – Behind Brigitte Bardot (Warner)
Pulpo – Pulpo’s Hot Bread (Mambo Project)
Rone-Iff – Journey Of Deliverance (Rone-iff.com)
Sleepwalker – Brotherhood/Resurrection (Tokyo Night Mix) (Jazzmin)
Solomon Burke – Like A Fire (Shout Factory)
Sonantes (Ceu) – Sonantes (Six Degrees)
Stan Getz – Voyage (Blackhawk)
Steffen Kuehn – Trumpop (Stef)
The G… - The Sweetness (The G…Prods)
Unforscene – Fingers And Thumbs (Tru Thoughts)
Various Artists – Bossa A La Mode: Quatro (Rambling)
Various Artitsts – Bossa Nova Jazz (Verve)
Various Artists – Club Jazz Set (Rambling)
Various Artists – Grand Gallery Presents Love! Stevie (Grand Gallery)
Various Artists – Verve Remixed 4 (Verve)
Various Artists – Verve Unmixed 4 (Verve)
Various Artists – I Like It Like That – Fania Remixed
Victoria White – Upside (Kalimba)
Voodoo Village – Sleight Of Hand (40 West)
Wayman Tisdale – Rebound (Rendezvous)

MICK HUCKNALL - TRIBUTE TO BOBBY

One of the most distinctive vocalists in Britain tips his hat to one of the greatest from the American South with the June 17 release of Mick Hucknall's Tribute To Bobby. The solo debut from the leader of Simply Red features sizzling versions of songs popularized by the great Bobby "Blue" Bland. Tribute To Bobby was recorded last summer at Mick Hucknall's home studio in England with longtime collaborator Andy Wright behind the boards. While the12 songs on the new collection benefit from 21st-century production, Mick's worldly wise delivery ensures they remain grounded in the emotional honesty of the blues.

Tribute To Bobby opens with Mick Hucknall's insistent take on "Farther Up The Road," which had been Bobby Bland's first #1 R&B single in 1957. The CD draws heavily from the legendary bluesman's '50s and '60s hits for Duke Records, including "Stormy Monday Blues," "Chains Of Love," "I Pity The Fool," and "Cry, Cry, Cry." It's a body of work that is among the most respected in blues history, and Mick's passionate interpretations of these classics do them full justice. From Simply Red's first U.S. #1 single, 1986's "Holding Back The Years," it was clear that Mick Hucknall possessed one of pop's great voices; and Tribute To Bobby makes it clear that his contemporary take on soul has always been two steps from the blues. The heartache and resolution in the music of Bobby "Blue" Bland are fixtures of modern life in the urbanjungle -- whether that be Bobby's home turf of Memphis or Mick's in Manchester.

"His music has this sophistication to it, a jazz tinge," explains Hucknall of his affinity for Bland's brand of blues. "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."

Tribute To Bobby Track Listing
1. "Farther Up The Road"
2. "Ain't That Lovin' You"
3. "I'm Too Far Gone (To Turn Around)"
4. "Poverty"
5. "Yolanda"
6. "Stormy Monday Blues"
7. "I Wouldn't Treat A Dog (The Way You Treated Me)"
8. "I'll Take Care Of You"
9. "Chains Of Love"
10. "I Pity The Fool"
11. "Cry, Cry, Cry"
12. "Lead Me On"

DIRK QUINN - QUINNTET

Sunset is set to release Dirk Quinn's QuinnTet, a daring fresh CD from Philadelphia's finest jazz funk ensemble and the debut CD on Sunset Jazz Recordings, the newly created jazz label. Since starting his music career, guitarist Dirk Quinn has gained a name as one of the most intense jazz, soul -funk artists in the music scene, a work horse on the road playing live in places everywhere from small coffee houses to music festivals throughout the entire summer. When the guitarist began to work on his acoustic music, this year, he discovered that rather than go that direction with his follow up CD, he started creating new music with his band. The result is this nine song incredible CD by incredible jazz musicians.

"We would show up at our live shows and realize we had something special ," Dirk recalls. "I continue to play acoustic shows every week, 'Sometimes at 10AM" The guitar aficionado continues to say as he laughs. "We then began to record some of the stuff we played live. We all added some great layers to the music. And it all ended up on this new CD."

With QuinnTet, Dirk Quinn's band have taken that quintessential jump from being great performing artists to being great recording artists. Quinn's astounding guitar work has had a ground breaking effect in the live music world and he has set some high standards for his second studio CD. "Dirk wanted his next CD to be produced at a high level and he wants this CD to be more than just something for his fans to leave with at his shows," says Don Lichterman, the head of the Sunset Records group of Distributed Labels. As far what inspires Dirk Quinn - Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Theloniuos Monk, David Brubeck along with the more contemporary sounds of Bela Fleck, John Scofield, Ahmad Jamal and Jaco Pastorius -- are some of the artists that come to mind when describing his music. Lichterman goes on to say that "Quinn began heavily turning his musical direction to a more free form and improvisational sound" and "his guitar wizardry is the focal point of his live shows."

Lichterman says this is one of the best full length CDs he has listened to in a long time drawing comparisons to The Word, Robert Randolph and Soulive. "I've always wanted to bring fresh new sounds and even reinvent myself with every project; I never really wanted to ever fall into doing the same old thing all the time," says Quinn from his latest show held in Reading Pennsylvania last weekend.

Quinn has been easily recognized for his astounding abilities on his guitar. He makes no bones about knowing the time spent playing in the studio is ultimately how this CD evolved this year. "Nowadays, we have the ability to play over the basic layers that had been the basis of our music and I have learned to intertwine melodies along with a defined arrangement in each song, " he says about the new QuinnTet CD. "We did not intend to change the way the music is today, but it all needs to work within my grooves and melodies within music". Lichterman says that is what "I look for in developing music - it can be a 98 piece orchestra or one person with an acoustic guitar -- when it works, it is easy to see which is the case with these guys live." Lichterman ends the interview by saying that "this CD by Dirk is amazing for the label and I have it playing in my car all the time."

Having grown up outside of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, Quinn has now made the elevation from playing tiny coffee houses around the east Coast of the United States to headlining weekend long music festivals, Quinn's goals with his music go well above his individual melodious limits. "I am making the attempt to build a new scene and a new style of jazz funk that will hopefully inspire people to say that they want to grow up playing improvisational jazz music from the Philadelphia area," he says. "I have followed the careers of Miles Davis and John Coltrane, how they evolved as artist in the jazz community and they would just play live as much as possible every day - - and I truly believe music fans always want to see live improvisational music."

You can see how Quinn has broken through to a higher level of playing with this QuinnTet CD in stores this month at Sunset Jazz Recordings. The band will play live at key events throughout the summer - a July 4th show at the Phoenixville Music festival, the Rex fest in Milford, PA and the Endless Summer Music Festival in New Jersey - along with a very special show at the World Cafe Live on WXPN will culminate the summer tour for Dirk Quinn.

"I am still creating music every day, Quinn says. "What Don (Lichterman) has done by giving us this worldwide reach is open up avenues for me to create more creative music. We have definitely elevated our situation as band by signing with Sunset."

FRANKIE VALLI SOLO REISSUES

Collectors’ Choice Music has announced that itis releasing eight Frankie Valli solo albums as four two-fers all available on June 24. "Solo/Timeless"; "Close Up/Valli"; "Our Day Will Come/Lady Put The Light Out"; and "Frankie Valli…Is The Word/Heaven About Me."

Included on the new reissues are all of Frankie Vallis solo hits. Included on "Solo" is "Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You" and "The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine (Anymore)." "Timeless" (release in 1968) features "To Give (The Reason I Live)."

"Solo" and "Timeless." Valli's debut features a cover photo with the signer standing on a silver platter being held up by the other three members of the Four Seasons. The CD includes "Can’t Take My Eyes Off You" and "The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine (Anymore)." "Timeless," from 1968, includes "To Give (The Reason I Live)."

"Close Up" and "Valli": Frankie Valli shifted to Motown’s pop label and then to Private Stock in 1975. When he left Motown, he paid a reported $4,000 for the master of a song he thought could be a hit. The song was "My Eyes Adored You," which appeared on "Close Up." Also featured in "Close Up" is the disco smash "Swaerin’ TO God". "Valli," recorded in 1976, includes Boz Scaggs’ "We’re All Alone."

"Our Day Will Come" and "Lady Put The Light Out": features Frankie Valli's disco version of the Ruby & the Romantics hit is the lead track on his first album during the disco era; abd "Lady Put the Light Out" featured three contributions from the Raspberries’ Eric Carmen.

"Frankie Valli . . . Is The Word" and "Heaven About Me": Frankie Valli then moved to the Warner/Curb label for his 1978’ relasese "Frankie Valli. . . Is The Word," which followed his cameo in "Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band." (It's where he met Barry Gibb.) Gibb was commissioned to write the title song for the film adaptation of "Grease," which Valli recorded and became a No. 1 hit. "Heaven Above Me," released on MCA/Curb in 1980, featured "Where Did We Go Wrong," a duet with Chris Forde that Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio co-wrote.

BILLY JOEL - THE STRANGER DELUXE EDITIONS

Legacy Recordings is about to release the 30th Anniversary of Billy Joel's breakout album "The Stranger" with the release of two special editions - a 2 CD Legacy Edition and a Deluxe Limited Edition including 2 CDs plus a bonus DVD - of the best-selling multi-platinum collection which catapulted Joel into the upper ranks of pop music superstardom. Each of the 30th Anniversary editions of "The Stranger" will be available online and in stores on Tuesday, July 8, 2008.

Originally released in September 1977, Billy Joel's fifth studio album, "The Stranger," marked the first of Joel's highly successful collaborations with producer Phil Ramone, whose mastery of the recording studio provided a sublime sonic context for Joel's timeless songs and classic performances. "I was very happy that we chose Phil Ramone," said Billy Joel in a recent interview for the 30th Anniversary edition of "The Stranger." "He got it right away." Billy Joel's first Top 10 album, "The Stranger" is still the iconic performer's best-selling non-compilation album ever. Ranked at #67 on Rolling Stone's prestigious "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" list, "The Stranger" has earned the coveted RIAA Diamond Album certification (presented in recognition of US sales of more than 10 million copies). "

The resulting collection became one of the top-selling albums of the year (peaking at #2 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart); won two Grammys (Record of the Year and Song of the Year for "Just The Way You Are," "The Stranger" was nominated for Album of the Year); overtook Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" as Columbia Records Top Selling Album of the time, and generated four indelible singles -- "Just The Way You Are (#1 Adult Contemporary, #3 Pop Singles); "Only The Good Die Young" (#24 Pop Singles); "She's Always A Woman" (#2 Adult Contemporary, #17 Pop Singles); and "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)" (#17 Pop Singles) – that remain radio staples to this day.

The Stranger - 30th Anniversary" will be available in two configurations from Legacy Recordings. The limited deluxe edition of "The Stranger" includes a CD of the original album, in its entirety, remastered by producer Phil Ramone; a CD of a previously unreleased concert featuring Billy and his band, "Live At Carnegie Hall 1977," recorded at the historic Manhattan venue on June 3, 1977, one month prior to the sessions for "The Stranger" album and newly restored for the new editions of "The Stranger"; and a DVD showcasing two live promotional videos from "The Stranger" and the long-awaited release of Billy's fabled appearance on the BBC's "Old Grey Whistle Test," a seldom-seen sixty minute cavalcade from 1978 that has aired only once on the UK's BBC2.

Rounding out the limited deluxe edition of "The Stranger -- 30th Anniversary" package is a 48 page booklet with liner notes from Rolling Stone senior editor David Fricke and a multitude of photos, including never-before- seen images from the original photo shoot for the album.
Also available is "The Stranger -- 30th Anniversary" Legacy Edition which includes the CD of the original album, in its entirety, remastered by producer Phil Ramone; the previously unreleased, newly restored "Live At Carnegie Hall 1977" CD; and a 24 page booklet with liner notes by David Fricke and unseen photos from the album's original photo shoot.

The Stranger -- 30th Anniversary Edition
Columbia Records/Legacy Recordings
CD 1 -- The Original Album
1. Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)
2. The Stranger
3. Just The Way You Are
4. Scenes From An Italian Restaurant
5. Vienna
6. Only The Good Die Young
7. She's Always A Woman
8. Get It Right The First Time
9. Everybody Has A Dream
Produced by Phil Ramone in association with Home Run
Music and Lyrics by Billy Joel

CD 2 -- Live At Carnegie Hall, June 3, 1977
1. Intro
2. Miami 2017 (Seen The Lights Go Out On Broadway)
3. Prelude/Angry Young Man
4. New York State Of Mind
5. Just The Way You Are
6. She's Got A Way
7. The Entertainer
8. Scenes From An Italian Restaurant
9. Band Intro
10. Captain Jack
11. I've Loved These Days
12. Say Goodbye To Hollywood
13. Souvenir

Produced for release by Phil Ramone and Bruce Dickinson
"The Old Grey Whistle Test" DVD
"Miami 2017"
"Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)"
"New York State Of Mind"
"The Entertainer"
"She's Always A Woman"
"Root Beer Rag"
"Just The Way You Are"
"Souvenir"
"Ain't No Crime"
"Only The Good Die Young"

PLUS Live Promotional videos:
"The Stranger"
"Just The Way You Are"

Billy Joel has sold more than 100 million records over the course of a career spanning more than 40 years, Billy Joel ranks as one of most popular recording artists and respected entertainers in the world. Billy Joel has had 33 Top 40 hits and 23 Grammy nominations since signing his first solo recording contract in 1972. He received the Recording Industry Association of America Diamond Award, presented for albums that have sold more than 10 million copies, for his "Greatest Hits Volume I and Volume II."

Billy Joel received Grammy awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 1978 for his song "Just the Way You Are"; Album of the Year in 1979 for "52nd Street"; and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 1979 for "52nd Street" and in 1980 for "Glass Houses" In 1990, he was presented with a Grammy Legend Award. Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992, he was also presented with the Johnny Mercer Award in 2001. In 1999 he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and in 2004 received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His other awards include the ASCAP Founders Award, the BMI Career Achievement Award, the American Music Awards Award of Merit, and the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal.

Taking its name from a key track on The Stranger, "Movin' Out," a Broadway musical based on Joel's music, choreographed and directed by Twyla Tharp, was nominated for 10 Tony Awards and took home two including Best Orchestrations -- Billy's first Tony Award win -- and Best Choreography.

Over the years, Billy Joel has donated his time and resources to a variety of charitable causes, and he has recently launched an ongoing educational initiative to provide seed money, musical scholarships, and endowments to a variety of East Coast colleges, universities, and music schools. For his accomplishments as a musician and as a humanitarian, he was honored as the 2002 MusiCares Person of the Year by the MusiCares Foundation and the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences; he has also received a humanitarian award from the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.

The net proceeds of Billy Joel's latest composition, "Christmas in Fallujah," inspired by soldiers' letters from Iraq, are being donated to Homes for Our Troops, a nonprofit organization that builds specially adapted homes for disabled service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

When it was announced earlier this year that Billy Joel -- who holds the Madison Square Garden record for the longest sequence of sold-out shows by a single artist (12) -- would perform the last concerts at New York's fabled Shea Stadium, more than 110,000 tickets were sold out in 45 minutes. Joel's historic "Last Play At Shea" sold-out concerts are scheduled for July 16 and 18.

2008 TANGLEWOOD JAZZ FESTIVAL TO FEATURE ELIANE ELIAS & JANE MONHEIT

The Boston Symphony Orchestra has announced the addition of vocalists Nnenna Freelon and Spencer Day, and pianist, Mulgrew Miller to the 2008 Tanglewood Jazz Festival lineup. They will be the special guests of Marian McPartland for the live taping of "Piano Jazz" for NPR in celebration of Ms. McPartland's 90th birthday on August 29 - 31, 2008. Returning again this year is the popular Jazz Café, an informal, cabaret style venue that features emerging talent. This year's artists in the Jazz Café are the Aaron Parks Quintet, the Kate McGarry Trio, the Jason Palmer Quintet, the Spencer Day Quartet, and the Alex Brown Trio. The full lineup also includes Dianne Reeves, Terence Blanchard, Donal Fox, Christian Scott, Eddie Daniels, Mark O'Connor, Jane Monheit, Joe Locke, Eliane Elias, and Edmar Castaneda.

Here is the full Tanglewood Jazz Festival concert schedule:
Aug 29 - Aaron Parks Quartet, Edmar Castaneda Trio with special guest Joe Locke, Eliane Elias "Something For You" A Tribute to Bill Evans

Aug 30 - Kate McGarry Trio, A Celebration of Marian McPartland's 90th Birthday with special guests Nnenna Freelon, Mulgrew Miller, Spencer Day, a live taping for "Piano Jazz" on NPR, Jason Palmer Quintet, Donal Fox: Scarlatti Jazz Suite Project with special guest Christian Scott, Dianne Reeves

Aug 31- Spencer Day Quartet, Eddie Daniels Quartet, Mark O'Connor's "Hot Swing" with special guest Jane Monheit, Alex Brown Trio, Terence Blanchard's "A Tale of God's Will (A Requiem for Katrina)" with a 35 piece orchestra

IRENE CARA FEATURING HOT CARAMEL: HOW CAN I MAKE YOU LOVE ME

Just the other day I was listening to one of the dozen or so Irene Cara songs off of my iPod and thought to myself…"what a beautiful voice and it’s sad that she’s not making music anymore." Well now with the news of her new CD…it’s definitely great news! The long awaited Irene Cara CD is due to release a new single this summer called "How Can I Make You Love Me". The Oscar and Grammy winning composer and actress has been developing a girl band called "Hot Caramel" and much of the music features songs produced, written and played by Cara and the women in her band. Although the record will be promoted as Adult Contemporary, there are some terrific classic rock re-makes as well as acid jazz, hip-hop and R&B ballads featured on the CD simply named, "Irene Cara Presents Hot Caramel." "How Can I Make You Love Me" hits radio in June and I encourage all you radio programmers to give it a spin.

Hot Caramel is a combination of eclectic and talented musicians, producers, song writers and vocalists. Hot Caramel blends hip-pop, R&B, Rock, Jazz, Latin Dance and soul to generate a unique sound setting them apart from the more manufactured girl groups out today. The debut album is called Irene Cara Featuring Hot Caramel and is due out end of summer. The first single of the album is called, How Can I Make You Love Me, which is being released to radio the first week of June. Hot Caramel members include; Errica Poindexter, Yvonne Poindexter, Audrey Martell, Donna Hairston, Lafrae Olivia Sci, Sheryl Bailey and of course Irene Cara as lead vocals

UNWRAPPED VOL. 5.0: THE COLLIPARK CAFÉ SESSIONS

Hidden Beach Records is releasing a CD full of smooth jazz instrumental covers of Southern hip-hop hits, entitled "Unwrapped Vol. 5.0: The Collipark Cafe Sessions" . It’s set for release on June 24. This will be the first new "Unwrapped" CD since volume four was released in 2005.

According to Nielsen SoundScan, the series' 2001 debut has sold 183,000 units. "I was so turned off by all the copycat projects," says Hidden Beach president Steve McKeever in explaining the series' hiatus to Billboard.com. "We'd decided to step aside when we started getting e-mails and requests to do another one."The timing coincided with a hip-hop/jazz hybrid project that Collipark Studios had started on its own. "I felt Hidden Beach and its 'Unwrapped' series was a no-brainer," says Mr. Collipark. "You have to do a project like this right; with someone who knows that older audience. My label knows what the youth want. So we felt this would be a great partnership to make a CD that both parents and children will enjoy."

The lead single from Unwrapped Vol. 5.0: The Collipark Café Sessions will be a cover of Lil' Jon & the EastSide Boyz' "Get Low." In addition to "Unwrapped" production newcomers like Abdul Ra'oof (executive producer), Fred Wesley, Kofi Burbridge and Wirlie "Wyl-e" Morris, the 11-track CD features returning regulars like Hidden Beach artist Mike Phillips, Jeff Lorber, Peter Black and Patrice Rushen.

The track list for "Unwrapped Vo. 5.0":
"Get Low"
"A Bay Bay"
"Salt Shaker"
"Soul Survivor"
"Splash Waterfalls"
"Sensual Seduction"
"Walk It Out"
"Crank That"
"Shawty"

KCRW’S WORLD FESTIVAL AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL

KCRW's World Festival is returning to the Hollywood Bowl this June, celebrating a decade-long partnership with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association that features fresh talent alongside the hottest and most recognized names at the legendary venue. The 2008 season offers one of the strongest line ups yet, with appearances by Gnarls Barkley, Feist, Devendra Banhart, Thievery Corporation, UB40, Ozomatli and more. Over the last ten years, KCRW (89.9 FM and KCRW.com) built the World Festival from a small series to a blockbuster hit at the Bowl, and one of the few series to ever sell out all season performances.

"KCRW and the L.A. Philharmonic have enjoyed an enduring and successful partnership. Since 2000, the KCRW World Festival has enjoyed sold-out shows repeatedly, and is considered the hottest - and coolest - ticket of the summer," said KCRW DJ Tom Schnabel, who is also the Program Advisor ofWorld Music at the Hollywood Bowl and Walt Disney Concert Hall.

KCRW's eclectic approach to radio programming can also be seen in the line-ups for the six-show series, which showcase sounds from around the globe and pair the best of the best from a variety of genres and formats. KCRW's World Festival kicks off on June 22 with a full band performance by Thievery Corporation featuring special guest Seu Jorge, and Bebel Gilberto, Los Amigos Invisibles, and Argentine singer-songwriter Federico Aubele.

Influential Brazilian artist Gilberto Gil and Venezuela-raised world-folk savant Devendra Banhart share the stage on June 29, along with The Album Leaf, featuring Mike Heron from The Incredible String Band.Three KCRW favorites make their Hollywood Bowl debut on the same night. Canadian songstress Feist joins the soulful Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, with the eclectic global pop of Pacifika starting off the show on July 20.

Grammy winners Gnarls Barkley also make their debut Hollywood Bowl, sharing the bill with Senegalese superstar Youssou N'Dour, who was selected as one of the world's 100 most influential people by Time magazine in 2007. Purveyors of experimental noise-pop, Deerhoof, will open the show on July 27.

The seventh annual Reggae Night features the Bowl debut appearance of the U.K.'s pioneering pop reggae band UB40 with legendary singer/ producer Beres Hammond and renowned dancehall singer Barrington Levy on August 3.

Ozomatli return to the Hollywood Bowl for the final night of the series on September 11, with its socially-conscious mash-ups of hip-hop, salsa, cumbia, dub, and Middle Eastern funk. Michael Franti & Spearhead, Mexican singer Lila Downs and Tijuana's electronica leaders Nortec Collective, performing with a mariachi band, round out the bill.

KCRW's WORLD FESTIVAL AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL
June 22 - Thievery Corporation (full live show featuring special guest Seu Jorge), Bebel Gilberto, Los Amigos Invisibles, Federico Aubele. Hosted by Jason Bentley

June 29 - Gilberto Gil, Devendra Banhart, The Album Leaf (featuring Mike Heron from The Incredible String Band). Hosted by Anne Litt

July 20 - Feist, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Pacifika. Hosted by Nic Harcourt

July 27 - Gnarls Barkley, Youssou N'Dour, Deerhoof. Hosted by Garth Trinidad

August 3 -Reggae Night: UB40, Beres Hammond, Barrington Levy. Hosted by Tom
Schnabel

September 21 - Ozomatli, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Lila Downs, Nortec Collective.
Hosted by Raul Campos

SMOOTH JAZZ RETURNS TO DENVER: K-HIGH 101.9 (KKHI-FM)

Bustos Media has switched the format of Regional Mexican KDGQ-FM/Denver to Smooth Jazz KKHI-FM. KKHI-FM will be known as as "K-High 101.9" using Broadcast Architecture's Smooth Jazz Network with local talents Kenny Cortes in mornings and Steve Hamilton in middays. Smooth Jazz Network's Dave Koz will air in afternoons and Maria Lopez will handle nights. Also joining KKHI-FM as VP/General Manager is market vet Chuck Lontine.

Kenny Cortes was formally with Lincoln Financial's cross-town station KJCD-FM (Smooth Jazz 104) where he woke up Denver listeners for over 8 years; and Steve Hamilton was formally with Entercom's crosstwon KOSI-FM in during middays.

Bustos Media CEO Amador Bustos commented, " We will put our improved 101.9 FM signal to its best and highest use, by filling an evident music vacuum in the Denver metro, with the outstanding Smooth Jazz format produced by Broadcast Architecture in combination of some outstanding local talent."

This is great news for the Denver metro area since listeners have been without a smooth jazz station since earlier in the year.

CHARO - ESPANA CANI

International entertainment icon and world-renowned guitarist, Charo takes her extraordinary career in a progressive new direction. On June 5, 2008 at her home in Beverly Hills, California, Charo welcomed invited industry guests to hear and dance to the world premiere of her Dance Club remixes of "Espana Cani", the most famous, passionate, and powerful of all Spanish songs. The new CD showcases Charo's amazing guitar virtuosity set to dance club main floor, samba, and progressive rhythms. Charo’s last album, Charo & Guitar was released in 2005 and went platinum worldwide.

The CD entitled "Espana Cani: The Remixes Part One" features three club remixes by some of the hottest DJs and dance producers in the country today: Peitor Angell of Los Angeles, Twisted Dee of Orlando, and Julian Marsh of New York. "Espana Cani: The Remixes Part One" will be available on iTunes, Perfectbeat.com and Beatport.com, as well as Charo's own website, http://www.charo.com/

In the meantime, on May 17 Charo made a return visit to Las Vegas, this time to the South Point Hotel and Casino, followed by a May 31 appearance in Rochester, NY as she closes out the Rochester Opera House for the season. Other upcoming concert appearances include a five-day engagement (June 22-27) at the Atlantic City Hilton in New Jersey. In addition, on June 29th, Charo will be a Celebrity Grand Marshal in the upcoming San Francisco Gay Pride Parade. Following the parade she will be performing a concert at the Herbst Theatre.

UB40, THE WHISPERS, ALICIA KEYS HEADLINE 2008 BERMUDA JAZZ FESTIVAL

The Bermuda Department of Tourism has announced the star studded lineup for the 2008 Bermuda Music Festival, being hosted, once again, by Steve Harvey. From October 1-4, 2008, the Bermuda Department of Tourism sponsored event, produced by Gibraltar Promotions LLC., in association with Yhoshi Productions LTD., is sure to make headlines all over the world.
Kicking off the 13th annual event on October 1st at the Fairmont Southampton Beach Club will be the soulful sounds of R&B legends, The Whispers. On day two of the festival, world-renowned megastar and music icon, Beyonce will light up the stage of the National Sports Centre. On October 3rd, British reggae band, UB40 is sure to bring fans to their feet. Finally, on Saturday, October 4th, the Bermuda Music Festival will come to a close with an evening full of sounds from international superstar Alicia Keys.

"Our goal with the Bermuda Music Festival is to consistently make it better and consistently raise the bar," said Bermuda's Premier, Minister of Tourism and Transport, Dr. the Hon. Ewart F. Brown, JP, MP. "With the talent lineup announced today I'm confident we are on track to make the 2008 Bermuda Music Festival the most exciting and most successful to date."
One of R&B music's most beloved and consistently popular vocal groups, The Whispers, began their legendary and timeless career in 1963, producing a string of hits over the last four decades such as "And the Beat Goes On," "Rock Steady," "A Song For Donny," and "Lady." They emerged as the leading romantic singers of their generation, racking up one gold album after another and charting numerous R&B hits. They are arguably the most celebrated R&B balladeers of their generation and still make women swoon with their silky yet forceful tenors of twins Walter and Scotty.

Beyonce Knowles has become one of the most widely recognized and highly respected women in pop culture. In 2001, she became the first African-American woman and the second woman ever to take home the ASCAP Pop Songwriter of the Year Award. Beyonce's #1 multi-platinum debut solo album, "Dangerously in Love," earned her five Grammy Awards. She made chart history in 2003 when she became the first artist in 20 years, and the first female recording artist ever, to simultaneously reach #1 in the US and the UK with both her album "Dangerously in Love" and single "Crazy in Love," a feat accomplished by a mere handful of artists including the Beatles and Rod Stewart. On September 4, 2006, Beyonce released her second solo album "B'DAY" which won the Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Album, resulting in Beyonce's 10th Grammy win overall and 7th win as a solo artist. In November of that year, the American Music Awards honored Beyonce with the International Artist Award making her the first woman in AMA history and sixth artist overall to be recognized with the prestigious award.

UB40 have combined musical excellence with social conscience in a way that remains unrivalled in this or any other era. UB40 have for almost three decades now been ambassadors of a musical form that is barely four decades old, seeing it through virtually from its infancy in the mid-'70s to maturity today. One of UB40's most redeeming and endearing qualities is their ability to appeal to fans from all walks of life regardless of race, class or creed. It is these endearing qualities that have earned them a legion of fans across the globe. Some of UB40's biggest hits include "RedRed Wine," "Can't Help Falling in Love with You," and "I Got You Babe."

Alicia Keys has built an unparalleled repertoire of hits and accomplishments with over 28 million albums sold worldwide. Throughout her career, Keys has earned numerous accolades. In addition to eleven Grammy Awards, she's nabbed eleven Billboard Music Awards, three American Music Awards, three World Music Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, three MTV Europe Awards, two Nickelodeon Teen Choice Awards, two BET Awards, fourteen NAACP Image Awards, seven Soul Train Music Awards, two Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards, one People's Choice Award, one My VH1 Award and more.

Comedian, actor and radio personality, Steve Harvey, is a force to be reckoned with. The comedian hit the silver screens in 2004 with two movie releases. After completing a second season of the WB's "Steve Harvey's Big Time Challenge," his latest blockbuster animated live action family film, "Racing Stripes," hit theatres this past January. "The Steve Harvey Morning Show," boasted ratings with loyal listeners over its first five years. Today, "The Steve Harvey Morning Show" is syndicated by Premiere Radio Networks and airs in 18 markets including New York, Dallas, Washington, DC, Chicago, Detroit, Charlotte, Kansas City and Philadelphia.

This year's Bermuda Music Festival is being produced by Gibraltar Promotion LLC., in association with Yhoshi Productions LTD. Gibraltar Promotions is a full service marketing, promotions and event production firm headed by Rock Newman, former manager to Heavyweight Champion, Riddick Bowe. Dubbed by Jet Magazine, the "Renaissance Man," Mr. Newman is now using his experience and expertise to spearhead what promises to be Bermuda's most illustrious event in music festival history.

PRESENT TENSE - SMOOTH TALKIN'

The nationwide radio campaign for Present Tense Jazz's release of its second CD "Smooth Talkin'", which hit the airwaves in March, 2008, is gaining wide acceptance in the radio community. Currently over 60 stations and syndicated programs are airing the singles 'Smiles,' and 'Smooth Talkin,' resulting in PTJazz climbing the smooth jazz charts. Currently, PTJazz is No. 5 on the Smooth Jazz Indie Charts, No. 36 on the Smooth Jazz Top 50, and No. 29 on the Music Choice Smooth Jazz Charts. Present Tense Jazz's Smooth Talkin' CD builds on their debut CD entitled Night Shadows which was released in 2003.

The independent grass roots project was produced by Richard J. Frank and Ronnie Kaufman, and it features 12 original compositions plus a unique arrangement of Steven Tyler's (of Aerosmith fame) classic 'Dream On.' The influences of Present Tense include Chick Corea, Joe Sample, Boney James, Dave Matthews, Sting, Tchaikovsky, and Brahms, plus numerous classic rock and R&B masters. Richard Frank's background is a musical rainbow which includes rock, jazz, pop, classical, and ethnic musics. He has toured nationally with Harry James Orchestra and played the symphonic repertoire with the American Youth Symphony under Mehli Mehta. Ronnie Kaufman's roots stem from numerous GAP Band recordings and tours, Rene and Angela, and numerous gospel and R&B projects.

Smooth Talkin', featuring Smooth Jazz stalwarts Eric Marienthal on sax, and Alex Acuna on percussion, has been charting briskly on smooth jazz stations and is currently on radio stations and syndicated programs from California to Maine and Washington to Florida. The Los Angeles based ensemble is excited to present its refreshing "smooth jazz jam band" sound to the world.
"We've created a fresh and organic groove jazz sound to 'advance' the current smooth jazz medium," states producer/bassist/composer Richard J. Frank. "We are a band first and foremost. Present Tense Music is about creating accessible compositions that groove hard - in a jam band style."

Music Connection Magazine sums it up, "Each musician in this group can stand on his own, and all are allowed to shine singularly. In fact, each instrument is so much a part of the total sound that without any one piece it would change significantly."

Rather than imitate other smooth jazz artists, Richard and Ronnie approach this project in a much more 'live' fashion - certainly a different twist to the many bands of this genre today. "All of the primary tracks - piano, bass, and drums - were simultaneously recorded live in a sound studio. So what we created is a tight, interactive experience," states Ronnie Kaufman. He continues, "With Richard utilizing the upright bass in non-traditional playing style, and acoustic drums and piano, in combination with smooth R&B grooves, a unique sound emerged."

The results are obvious: the band achieved an infectious smooth jazz sound with the added infusion of R&B, classic rock, improvisation, and jam bands characteristics. Additionally, Present Tense Jazz has been making a mark in the Southern California area as "Leaders in R&B Pop Jazz" as they perform for numerous private events and parties, clubs, and festivals. Upcoming public performances include The City of Los Angeles Pershing Square series on Thursday, June 26, 2008, and the City of Glendale Verdugo Park concert on August 13, 2008. News of these shows, plus videos, and their music charts can be found on their website.

Garnishing accolades from the Southern California jazz community, Present Tense Jazz won Best Fusion Artist from the Long Beach Jazz Search, Finalist with the Great American Song Competition for 'Smiles' written by Richard, and collected two nominations for Best Jazz Artist from the Orange County Music Association and the Los Angeles Music Awards. According to Matt Cibula of Music Critic.com, "This is a group to watch closely."

STEELY DAN TOUR DATES

Steely Dan will perform the following concerts:
June 8 @ Seminole Hard Rock, Hollywood, FL
June 9 @ Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, FL
June 11 @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Alpharetta, GA
June 13 @ The Beacon Theatre, New York, NY
June 14 @ The Beacon Theatre, New York, NY
June 17 @ The Beacon Theatre, New York, NY
June 18 @ The Beacon Theatre, New York, NY
June 20 @ The Beacon Theatre, New York, NY
June 21 @ The Beacon Theatre, New York, NY
June 23 @ Bank of America Pavilion, Boston, MA
June 25 @ Chevrolet Theatre, Wallingford, CT
June 27 @ Borgata Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, NJ
June 28 @ Tower Theatre, Upper Darby, PA
July 1 @ Festival International de Jazz de Montreal, Montreal, QC
July 2 @ Festival International de Jazz de Montreal, Montreal, QC
July 4 @ Casino Rama, Orillia,ON
July 5 @ Ottawa Bluesfest, Ottawa, ON
July 10 @ Bethel Woods Arts Center, Bethel, NY
July 11 @ Sands PAC, Canandaigua, NY
July 13 @ National City Pavilion, Cincinnati, OH
July 15 @ Chicago Theatre, Chicago, IL
July 17 @ Red Rocks, Morrison, CO
July 19 @ Sandia Resort, Albuquerque, NM
July 20 @ Dodge Theatre, Phoenix, AZ
July 22 @ Anselmo Valencia Tori Amphitheatre, Tucson, AZ
July 23 @ Nokia Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
July 26 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley, CA
July 28 @ Mountain Winery, Saratoga, CA
July 30 @ Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville, WA
July 31 @ Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville, WA
Aug 2 @ Harvey's Outdoor Arena, Lake Tahoe, NV
Aug 4 @ Honda Center, Anaheim, CA
Aug 5 @ Palomar Starlight Theater, Pala, CA
Aug 8 @ Pearl Concert Theater, Las Vegas, NV
Aug 9 @ Ironstone Amphitheatre, Murphys, CA
Aug16 @ Chicago Theatre, Chicago, IL

VAN MORRISON REISSUES

As a result of the successful release of the first six titles in January 2008, Van Morrison and Exile Productions in association with Polydor/UMe are pleased to announce the worldwide release of more classic albums from the Van Morrison back catalogue on July 1, 2008. The albums are being remastered and will include bonus material, none of which has been previously available. Each album will include original artwork and full lyrics (those noted) to Van Morrison compositions. Van Morrison’s most recent release, Keep It Simple, debuted in the #10 spot on the Billboard 200 Album Chart, making it the highest ever U.S. chart position of any Van Morrison album. This is quite a feat considering Van Morrison’s 40+ years of making music.

The second series to be released is as follows:
*VEEDON FLEECE
LIVE AT THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE BELFAST
*NO GURU, NO METHOD, NO TEACHER
*ENLIGHTENMENT
A NIGHT IN SAN FRANCISCO
*THE HEALING GAME
* includes lyrics

These bonus recordings are of particular interest and, with the exception of LIVE AT THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE BELFAST, each reissued album includes exclusive unreleased recordings from each respective time period, giving a unique insight into some of his most revered songs.

The bonus tracks are outlined below.
VEEDON FLEECE
Twilight Zone (alternative take)
Cul De Sac (alternative take)
NO GURU, NO METHOD, NO TEACHER
Oh The Warm Feeling (alternative version)
Lonely At The Top
ENLIGHTENMENT
Enlightenment (alternative version)
So Quiet In Here (alternative version)
A NIGHT IN SAN FRANCISCO
Cleaning Windows (bonus track)
THE HEALING GAME
At The End Of The Day (bonus track)

SIMONE: SIMONE ON SIMONE

With the release of her new debut solo album, "Simone on Simone," Simone gets set for a new tour. The album was released on May 13th and during the week of release the album debuted #14 on the Traditional Jazz Chart and was Top 5 Jazz Albums at iTunes. It also debuted at #22 on the Jazz Week radio chart. Simone is the daughter of famed pop and jazz singer Nina Simone.

People Magazine has given "Simone on Simone" a rave review, stating, "Does Simone really have the chops to survive comparison? The answer is yes." Simone was also seen in a three page feature in Jet magazine, as well as coverage in Interview, "Music Pick" in the Advocate and live reviews such as the Chicago Tribune stating, "Throughout, the singer asserted herself boldly. In so doing, she honored her noble surname."

Simone is also following her sold out and standing ovation shows earlier this year with a new national tour. Now as June begins the work and fun continues as she prepares for a momentous occasion on June 21st. She will be performing at Le Poisson Rouge in New York City, formerly known as the Village Gate, where her mom Nina performed regularly. On this day, she will be performing not only at the same venue as her mom, but also in the same time slot that he mom made famous -- 12:15am.

With steady radio play, continuing sales, TV appearances, press and a successful tour, Simone's "Simone on Simone" seems to be destined to go down in history along with the moniker of its creator.

2008 JVC JAZZ FESTIVAL NEW YORK

Jill Scott

The 2008 JVC Jazz Festival New York returns to Carnegie Hall and Zankel Hall for 11 nights of award-winning jazz, Bossa Nova, soul, neo-soul, Afropean, tango and more. The 2008 JVC Jazz Festival features some of the biggest and brightest stars on today's music scene, and builds upon 26 years of diverse music at the renowned Carnegie Hall. Headliners this year are Jill Scott, Sergio Mendes, Zap Mama, João Gilberto, Herbie Hancock, Lionel Loueke Trio, Chris Botti, Al Green, Dianne Reeves and Mos Def Big Band with special guest Gil Scott-Heron. Zankel Hall hosts the Brad Mehldau Trio, Dick Hyman & Friends, Tierney Sutton Band and Richard Galliano Tangaria 4Tet.

"New York is one of the world's favorite destinations for jazz and entertainment, and our long-standing partnership with JVC and Carnegie Hall makes it possible to present two incredible weeks of the best in jazz and jazz-related music," said Tom Shepard, CEO of Festival Network.

"The rich history of this unique festival comes to life in an outstanding 2008 line-up of seasoned musicians, including Herbie Hancock, Billy Taylor and Cecil Taylor, who performed on our first New York festival in 1972, as well as up-and-coming artists who will be creating new chapters in jazz history." The complete JVC Jazz Festival schedule at the Carnegie Hall Stern Auditorium is as follows:

June 20: The Real Thing: An Evening with Jill Scott

June 21: Nouveau Bossa - Sergio Mendes and Zap MamaJune 22: 50 Years of Bossa Nova - João Gilberto

June 23: Grammy® Award Winner, Album of the Year - Herbie Hancock and The River of Possibilities Tour featuring Dave Holland, Vinnie Colaiuta, Chris Potter, Lionel Loueke, Sonya Kitchell plus Lionel Loueke Trio

June 24: An Evening with Chris Botti

June 27: The Soul of Jazz - Al Green and Dianne Reeves

June 28: Mos Def Presents Amino Alkaline - The Watermelon Syndicate - Mos Def Big Bandwith special guest Gil Scott-Heron (Co-produced by Jill Newman Productions)

The complete JVC Jazz Festival schedule at Zankel Hall is:
June 22: A Taste of Genius - Brad Mehldau Trio

June 23 : Dick Hyman & Friends - Dick Hyman, Ken Peplowski, Wycliffe Gordon, Randy Sandke, Howard Alden, Jay Leonhart and Eddie Locke

June 24: Presenting Ms. Tierney Sutton Band - Tierney Sutton Band with Tierney Sutton,Ray Brinker, Christian Jacob and Trey Henry

June 28: Tangaria - Richard Galliano Tangaria 4Tet featuring Richard Galliano, Alexis Cardenas, Rafael Meijias, Philippe Aerts and special guest Hamilton de Holanda

JVC, sponsor of JVC Jazz Festivals worldwide since 1984, is one of the world's largest manufacturers of high quality audio and video products.

RADIO STILL NUMBER ONE WITH CONSUMERS

Who would think that the day would come where we would even be writing a story about the survival of rado. Despite the wide popularity of portable music sources, a recent survey has proven that consumers still prefer to listen to some form of radio more than MP3 players and CDs. A total of 560 respondents spend 16,814 hours per week listening to audio entertainment. Thirty-nine percent of that time is spent on FM radio, followed by 23 percent on MP3 players / iPods and 18 percent on CDs, to round out the top three audio sources. In an age of portable media devices like the iPod, individuals still satisfy their audio cravings with the longest-standing format, radio.

The findings were a result of a survey commissioned by sonoro audio, manufacturer of distinctive, high-quality audio products. Collectively, 57 percent of the time is spent listening to some form of radio, AM, FM or Internet. Internet radio alone is becoming a premier audio medium for US consumers. According to Arbitron and Edison Media Research, 33 million Americans 12 and older listen to Internet radio stations during the week, up from 29 million in 2006.

"Even with the advent of MP3 players, consumers are still largely turning to radio for their music needs as it is easily accessible and free," said Marcell Faller, founder and CEO of sonoro audio. "However, consumers' expanding, elaborate music libraries have created a demand for all-in-one audio systems that let them integrate the functionality of MP3 players, CDs and radio in a single compact device."

Spreading audio libraries across several formats reassures users that their carefully-compiled collections are not lost, if a laptop full of digital content is stolen or CDs are damaged. For consumers who store music in several different formats, sonoro offers a comprehensive solution that includes a radio and CD player, which also enables access to MP3 files. The company's cubo product line of chic CD / MP3 clock radios comes in a curved-corner design that blends easily with the modern home or office. sonoro will soon launch new versions of cubo, cubo elements and fusion, that include Internet radio and iPod docking.

FILA BRAZILIA - WHERE HAVE THEY GONE?

Fila Brazillia fanatics finally have an answer to the question that's left them baffled... "Where has Fila Brazillia gone?" While official news of the electronic duo's demise may prove shocking to some, co-founder Steve Cobby has been in pursuit of something greater, starting with the creation of Steel Tiger Records in late 2006. Having over 45 singles, 16 full length releases, and remixes for artists such as Radiohead and Black Uhuru and many others under his belt, the move was the next logical step in the progression of Cobby's career.

Steel Tiger Records is the brainchild of Cobby and long-time compatriot Sim Lister. The two had previously partnered on numerous ventures, including Twentythree Records, the label responsible for the release of Fila Brazillia's final projects. Additionally, Cobby and Lister were two-thirds of the side project Heights of Abraham - with vocalist and composer Jake Harries - and continue to produce music together as the duo J*S*T*A*R*S*. With these two talents combined, Steel Tiger Records promises an abundance of fresh sounds that past Fila Brazillia fans will likely find both satisfying and addictive.

In its first year of operations, Steel Tiger Records saw a full-length release by the dance-oriented project J*S*T*A*R*S*, a one-off EP release by Peacecorps and preliminary digital singles by The Cutler. While post-release feedback has given Cobby and Lister reason to be optimistic about all three projects, the two are currently focusing their attention on The Cutler's upcoming debut of Cutler, a release that will truly mark the beginning of a new era... and the end of Fila Brazillia. In late 2007, BBC Radio 1 DJ and UK music festival "Bestival" curator Rob da Bank played an exclusive preview of The Cutler on his radio show and expressed his praise for the duo and their tunes stating, "Beautiful! Lovin' The Cutler. Ace to hear some proper music being made again."

A testament to shared aspirations, the electronic duo known as The Cutler reunites Steve Cobby with the man partially responsible for the success of Fila Brazillia, Dave "Porky" Brennand. Brennand made his mark on the European music scene after forming the UK-based indie label Pork Recordings in 1991 and has released over 100 singles and albums to date. "Porky bestows his own brand of musical sensibilities as part of The Cutler duo," says Cobby. Brennand adds, "The success of Fila Brazillia was a glimpse into the future that is with us now." The Cutler's self-titled debut album will see a digital and physical CD release on 7 July 2008, and will be distributed physically and digitally world-wide by Kudos Records Ltd. Digital versions of the release will be available via iTunes, Emusic, Napster and a host of independent download stores, and over mobile.

For past followers of Fila Brazillia and the talented individuals behind it's success, the next chapter lies in the hands of Steel Tiger and its upcoming Cutler release. As they move upward and onward, Cobby, Lister, and Brennand maintain a focused mission... to make proper music again.

ALFONZO BLACKWELL – DANCE TO THIS

Top 10 Billboard Contemporary Jazz Artist, Alfonzo Blackwell’s latest and 7th CD entitled "Dance To This" is out now and is the highest anticipated CD of his career. He is currently gearing up for a major performance tour this year, entitled the "Dance To This" Tour. He’ll be coming to a city near you soon. 2008 is a defining year for Utopia Records executive and recording artist, soul saxophonist Alfonzo Blackwell. This music legend’s new CD release is a must have instant-classic masterpiece. Alfonzo Blackwell is an electrifying performer and recording artist veteran who has his sights set for a host of great accomplishments for this year. Alfonzo has garnered many successes in his long-standing career that surmounts to pure greatness as in what his latest new release serves up. You are invited into a world of music that gets all of your senses stimulated. Each track will have listeners grooving to the sizzling, seductive and smooth tunes.

Alfonzo Blackwell has been writing, producing, recording and playing the saxophone amongst other instruments for well over 15 years. Throughout his career, he has performed with luminous and legendary recording artists such as Roy Ayers, Gladys Knight, The Whispers, Mary J. Blige and Brian McKnight to name a few. Like in the vein of the late great Miles Davis, his music transcends all cultural and musical boundaries. Alfonzo’s music has been described as "Rhythm & Cool".

This year will prove to be very monumental with the debut releases of Saxophonist, Rebecca Buxton and Flautist, Shana Kaye on his label. The "Man with the Arms", as he’s been dubbed by notable radio personalities has a compassionate cause as an active member of his community as well. He participates and lends his support to various charities and local community organizations throughout New York City.

THE EVOLUTION OF SMOOTH JAZZ RADIO

Well, just as I imagined some time ago when stations in Baltimore, Denver, Jacksonville, New York, Houston, and Washington D.C. began dropping the Smooth Jazz format – now comes word that ‘Smooth AC" has been approved to replace "Smooth Jazz" as the format descriptor. It’s been reported that Arbitron has approved the addition of "Smooth AC" as a new format descriptor, effective immediately. The new format will appear on Station Information Packets (SIPs) for the Fall, 2008 survey and is supported by major groups such as Clear Channel, CBS Radio and Greater Media.

CBS Radio and KTWV-FM/Los Angeles GM Dan Weiner stated, "Our format is an AC hybrid with many contemporary vocals and instrumental covers. Over twenty years ago 'New AC' was launched and the audience began describing the music as 'Smooth Jazz.' Today the listeners still identify positively with that description but in agencies we feel that 'Smooth AC' is a better way to describe the format."

WLVE-FM/LOVE 94 and CC/Miami President Market Manager George Toulas added, "This announcement from Arbitron is a recognition that many advertisers and agency buyers already know...that the Smooth AC descriptor more clearly identifies the format and that the stations are in demographic sync with fellow AC formats".

Greater Media/Philadelphia WJJZ Station Manager Jim Brown commented, "The Smooth AC descriptor really hits the mark. It more accurately describes our format today for the industry. These days our station is more mainstream and mass appeal than it was years ago. When you attend WJJZ sponsored concerts and talk to our successful advertisers they tell us that this is the 'money demo'... adults with disposable income. This music is all that jazz and more, and the new descriptor captures that feeling better."

For those of you who may be hard-core Smooth Jazz radio enthusiasts - this is the beginning of the end of Smooth Jazz radio as we know it. Allowing the stations to use the Smooth AC banner will essentially open the door to more non-Smooth Jazz music to the playlist. Here’s a prime example of what I am talking about: http://www.groovefm.ca/.

THE JUNE CONCERT CALENDAR

Ladysmith Black Mambazo @ Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington, DC, June 1
Return To Forever @ Verizon Wireless Center, Houston, TX, June 1
Lizz Wright @ Varsity Theater, Minneapolis, MN, June 1
Joss Stone @ Rock In Rio, Lison, Pirtugal, June 1
Esperanza Spalding @ Puerto Rico Heineken Jazz Festival, San Juan, PR, June 1
Steve Tyrell @ Blue Note Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan, June 1-4
Lizz Wright @ Schuba’s, Chicago, IL, June 2
Chuck Loeb @ Catalina’s Bar and Grill, Los Angeles, CA, June 2-4
Return To Forever @ Paramount Theatre, Denver, CO, June 3
Jimmy Castor @ Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, NV, June 3
The Wailers @ BB King’s, New York, NY, June 3
Gerald Veasley @ Catalina’s Bar & Grill (Bossa), Los Angeles, CA, June 3
Maceo Parker @ Knotty Pine, Victor, ID, June 4
Lalah Hathaway @ BB King’s, New York, NY, June 4
Lizz Wright @ The Ark, Ann Arbor, MI, June 4
Maceo Parker @ Boulder Theatre, Boulder, CO, June 5
Lizz Wright @ House of Blues, Cleveland, OH, June 5
Chuck Loeb @ Anthology, San Diego, CA, June 5
Gerald Veasley @ Anthology (Bossa), San Diego, CA, June 5
Ron Carter, Russell Malone @ Mulgrew Miller – The Golden Striker Trio - @ Blue Note Tokyo, June 5-10
Return To Forever @ Schnitzer Concert Hall, Portland, OR, June 6
Chuck Berry @ BB King’s, New York, NY, June 6
Maceo Parker @ Telluride Jazz Celebration, Telluride, CO, June 6
Spyro Gyra @ North Folk Theatre at Westbury, Westbury, NY, June 6
Earth, Wind & Fire @ Las Vegas Hilton, Las Vegas, NV, June 6-7
Rachele Farrell @ The Blue Note, New York, NY, June 6-8
Spyro Gyra @ Merriweather Post Pavillion, Columbia, MD, June 7
Maceo Parker @ KTAO Solar Center, Taos, NM, June 7
The Yellowjackets @ Naperville Jazz Festival, Naperville, IL, June 7
Joss Stone @ West Hollywood Pride Festival, West Hollywood, CA, June 7
Return To Forever @ Britt Music Festival, Medford, OR, June 7
Caribbean Jazz Project @ WLOQ Festival, Winterpark, FL, June 7
Isaac Hayes @ Cedar Brook Park, Plainfield, NJ, June 7
Cassandra Wilson @ BAM Harvey Theatre, Brooklyn, NY, June 7
Me’Shell Ndegeocello @ Utah Pride at Washington Square, Salt Lake City, UT, June 7
The O’Jays, Harold Melvins’ Blue Notes, The Delfonics, The Intruders, The Three Degrees, Bunny Sigler, Jean Carne, Jerry Butler, C.G. Cameron, Russell Jr. Thompkins & The New Stylistics, The Soul Survivors & Bill Jolly @ The Borgata Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, NJ, June 7
Maceo Parker @ Belly Up, Aspen, CO, June 8
The Sax Pack feat. Jeff Kashiwa, Steve Cole & Kim Waters, Matt Marshak @ Seawalk Pavillion, Jacksonville, FL, June 8
King Britt @ Novarra Jazz Festival, Malpensa, Italy, June 8
Steely Dan @ Seminole Hard Rock, Hollywood, FL, June 8
Little Richard @ BB Kings, New York, NY, June 8
Return To Forever @ Paramount Theatre, Seattle, WA, June 8-9
Steely Dan @ Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, FL, June 9
The Yellowjackets & Mike Stern @ Dakota Jazz Club, Minneapolis, MN, June 10
Joss Stone @ Arena Santiago, Santiago, Chile, June 10
Return To Forever @ The Grand, San Francisco, CA, June 11-12
Joss Stone @ Luna Park, Buenos Aires, Argentina, June 11
Steely Dan @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Alpharetta, GA, June 11
The Yellowjackets & Mike Stern @ Dakota Jazz Club, Minneapolis, MN, June 11
Maceo Parker @ House Of Blue, Atlantic City, NJ June 12
Sophie Milman @ Blue Note Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan, June 12-15
Return To Forever @ Gibson Amphiteatre, Los Angeles, CA, June 13
Spyro Gyra @ Center For The Arts Of Homer, Homer, NY, June 13
The Bad Plus @ Glenn Gould Studio, Toronto, ONT, June 13
Maceo Parker @ Three Rivers Arts Festival, Pittsburgh, PA, June 13
Erykah Badu @ House Of Blues, Las Vegas, NV, June 13
Lionel Richie, Maxi Priest, Brian McKnight @ Antigua & Barbuda Music Festival, June 13
Anita Baker @ Wolf Trap Filene Center, Vienna, VA, June 13
Johnny Mathis @ Las Vegas Hilton, Las Vegas, NV, June 13-14
Steel Day @ Beacon Theatre, New York, NY, June 13-14; June 17-19; June 20-21
Frank Sinatra Jr., Dee Dee Bridgewater, Boz Scaggs, and Al Green @ The Rochester International Jazz Festival 7th Edition, Rochester NY, June 13-21, 2008
Chuck Mangione & Spyro Gyra @ House Of Blues, Atlantic City, NJ, June 14
The Bad Plus & Caribbean Jazz Project @ Rochester International Jazz Festival, Rochester, NY, June 14
Return To Forever @ Dodge Theatre, Phoenix, AZ, June 14
George Duke @ Rhythm and Ribs Festival, Kansas City, MO, June 14
Mike Stern @ Hua Hin Festival, Chiang Mai, Thailand, June 14
Andy Narell @ Pan Jazz 2008, New York, NT, June 14
The Yellowjackets @ Orange County Pavillion PAT, Santa Ana, CA, June 15
Herbie Hancock @ Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA, June 15
Guitars & Saxes: Gerald Albright, Jeff Golub, Peter White & Jeff Lorber @ Smooth Jazz Cruise, Pier 61, New York, NY, June 15
Heather Hadley, Damien Marley, Musiq Soulchild @ Antigua & Barbuda Music Festival, June 15
Joss Stone @ Via Funchal, Sao Paolo, Brazil, June 15-16
Acoustic Alchemy @ BB King’s, New York, NY, June 16
Mike Stern @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, June 16-21
Return To Forever @ Fox Theatre, St. Louis, MO, June 17
The Yellowjackets @ Rochester International Jazz Festival, Rochester, NY, June 17
Mandrill @ Birchmere, Alexandria, VA, June 17
Maceo Parker @ JVC Jazz Festival, New York, NY, June 18
Stevie Wonder @ Jones Beach, Wantagh, NY, June 18
Joss Stone @ Teatro Guaira, Curitiba, Brazil, June 18
Return To Forever @ Holland Performing Arts Center, Omaha, NE, June 18
Herbie Hancock @ Benaroya Hall, Seattle, WA, June 18
Stevie Wonder @ Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT, June 19
Bebel Gilberto @ Rio Grande Park, Aspen, CO, June 19
Lizz Wright @ New York Socity for Ethical Culture, New York, NY, June 19
Return To Forever @ The Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis, MN, June 19
Maceo Parker @ Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown, NY, June 19
Al Green @ Sony Centre For The Performing Arts, Toronto, Ontario, June 19
Return To Forever @ Chicago Theatre, Chicago, IL, June 20
Maceo Parker @ Toronto Jazz Festival, Toronto, Canada, June 20
Al Green @ Eastman Theatre, Rochester, NY, June 20
Anita Baker @ Rio Grande Park, Aspen, CO, June 20
Bebel Gilberto @ The Greek Theatre, San Francisco, CA, June 20
Jill Scott @ JVC Jazz Festival Carnegie Hall, New York, NY, June 20
Herbie Hancock @ Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver, BC, June 20
Stevie Wonder @ Trump Taj Majal, Atlantic City, NJ, June 21
Chaka Khan @ Philips Arena, Atlanta, GA, June 21
Anita Baker @ Star of The Desert Arena, Primm , NV, June 21
Simone @ Le Poisson Rouge (The Village Gate)l New York, NY, June 21
Sergio Mendes @ JVC Jazz Festival Carnegie Hall, New York, NY, June 21
Mandrill @ West Oak Lane Jazz & Arts Festival, Philadelphia, Pa, June 21
Return To Forever @ Freedom Hill, Detroit, MI, June 21
Zap Mama @ JVC Jazz Festival, New York, NY, June 21
Maceo Parker @ Vancouver Jazz Festival, Vancouver, Canada, June 21
Bebel Gilberto @ Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, NV, June 21
Marion Meadows @ Santa Fe Station Casino, Las Vegas, NV, June 21
Mandrill @ Blender Theater at Grqamercy, NYC, June 22
Joss Stone @ Auditorio Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico, June 22
Return To Forever @ Murat Theatre, Indianapolis, IN, June 22
Brad Mehldau Trio @ JVC Jazz Festivall, New York, NY, June 22
Herbie Hancock @ Confederation Park, Ottawa, Canada, June 22
Maceo Parker @ Victoria Jazz Festival, Victoria, Canada, June 22
John Mayer @ Picnic In The Park, The Hague, Netherlands, June 22
Joao Gilberto @ JVC Jazz Festival Carnegie Hall, New York, NY, June 22
Thievery Corporation, Bebel Gilberto, Seu Jorge, Los Amigos Invisibles, Federico Aubele @ The Hollywood Bowl, June 22
Herbie Hancock, Dave Holland, Vinnie Colaiuta, Chris Potter, Lionel Loueke & Sonya Kitchell @ JVC Jazz Festival Carnegie Hall, New York, NY, June 22
Stevie Wonder @ Tweeter Center, Masfield, MA, June 22
Natalie Cole @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, June 22-24, June 26-29
Dick Hyman & Friends @ JVC Jazz Festivall, New York, NY, June 23
Mike Stern @ Blue Note, Nagoya, Japan, June 23
Bebel Gilberto @ Belly-Up Tavern, Solana Beach, CA, June 23
Mandrill @ Rams Head Tavern, Annapolis, MD, June 23
Steely Dan @ Bank of America Pavillion, Boston, MA, June 23
Madeleine Peyroux @ Ottawa International Jazz Festival, Ottowa, ON, June 23
George Benson @ Green Valley Ranch, Las Vegas, NV, June 23
Maceo Parker @ Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, June 23-24
Joss Stone @ Auditorio Telmex, Guadalajara, Mexico, June 24
Stevie Wonder @ DTE Energy Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI, June 24
Return To Forever @ Plain Dealer Pavillion, Cleveland, OH, June 24
The Bad Plus @ New York Society For Ethical Culture, New York, NY, June 24
Esperanza Spalding @ New York Society For Ethical Culture, New York, NY, June 25
Madeleine Peyroux @ Interlochen Center, Interlochen, MI, June 25
Steely Dan @ Chevrolet Theatre, Wallingford, CT, June 25
Return To Forever @ Sony Centre, Toronto, Canada, June 25
Stevie Wonder @ Summerfest - Marcus Amphitheater, Milwaukee, WI, June 26
Return To Forever @ Confederation Park, Ottowa, Canada, June 26
Esperanza Spalding @ Birchmere, Alexandria, VA, June 26
Theivery Corporation, Seu Jorge, Bebel Gilberto & Federico Aubele @ Central Park Center Stage,New York, NY, June 26
The Bad Plus @ Glasgow International Jazz Festival, Glasgow, Scotland, June 26
Dave Koz @ House Of Blues, Atlantic City, NJ, June 27
Madeleine Peyroux @ Bardavon 1869 Opera House, Poughkeepsie, NY, June 27
Herbie Hancock @ Jardin de la Fontaine, Nimes, France, June 27
Al Green & Diana Reeves @ JVC Jazz Festival Carnegie Hall, New York, NY, June 27
Lizz Wright @ Café 939 at Berklee, Boston, MA, June 27
Steely Dan @ Borgata Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, NJ, June 27
Mike Stern @ Toronto Jazz Festival, Toronto, Canada, June 27
Maceo Parker @ Calgary Jazz Festival, Calgary, Canada, June 27
Return To Forever @ Pelletier Hall/Place des Arts, Montreal, Canada, June 27
The Bad Plus @ Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple, UK, June 27
Steely Dan @ Borgata Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, NJ, June 27
Bebel Gilberto @ Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown, NY, June 27
Bob Baldwin @ Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, GA, June 27
Soulive & Joshua Redman @ Le Poisson Rouge, New York, NY, June 27
Stevie Wonder @ Grant Park, Chicago, IL, June 28
Steely Dan @ Tower Theater, Upper Darby, PA, June 28
Mos Def Big Band & Gil Scott-Heron @ JVC Jazz Festival, New York, NY, June 28
Madeleine Peyroux @ Long Island Summer Festival, Oyster Bay, NY, June 28
Return To Forever @ Freihofer’s Jazz Festival, Saratoga, NY, June 28
Herbie Hancock @ Camp Santo, Orleans, France, June 28
John Mayer @ Hard Rock Calling, London, UK, June 28
Mike Stern @ Syracuse Jazz Festival, Syracuse, NY, June 28
Roy Ayers, Lonnie Liston Smith, Tom Browne @ Asbury Park Jazz Fesival, Asbury Park, NJ, June 28
Maceo Parker @ Saskatoon Jazz Festival, Saskatoon, Canada, June 28
Sakesho @ Jazz Fest, Syracuse, NY, June 28
Chip Shelton & Peacetime @ Creole Jazz Restaurant, New York, NY, June 28
Hiroshima @ Thorton Winery, Temecula, CA, June 29
The Bad Plus @ Jazz Café, London, UK, June 29
Gilberto Gil @ The Hollywood Bowl, June 29
Joss Stone @ Hampton Jazz Festival, Hampton, VA, June 29
Al Green & Lizz Wright @ Montreal Jazz Festival, Montreal, Quebec, June 29
Herbie Hancock @ La Defense, Paris, France, June 29
Maceo Parker @ Edmonton Jazz Festival, Edmonton, Canada, June 29
Al Green @ Foxwood’s Resort Casino-MGM Grand, Ledyard, CT, June 29
Lizz Wright @ Toronto Jazz Festival, Toronto, Ontario, June 29
Etta James & Roots Band @ The Birchmere, Alexandria, VA, June 29-30
Herbie Hancock @ Amphitheatre, Vienne, France, June 30
Ramsey Lewis Trio @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, June 30-July 2

LABELLE IS BACK!!! NEW ALBUM & TOUR IN THE WORKS

Patti Labelle Nona Hendryx, and Sarah Dash are back as Labelle!

Patti Labelle, Nona Hendryx, and Sarah Dash, R&B's most original and formidable trio are reuniting via Verve Records to deliver their first full-length studio album in more than 33 years. The new Labelle CD is to be completed in June and on course for a global release this fall. The CD is being produced by a trio of icons equally up to the task: cutting edge funk rocker Lenny Kravitz and longtime Labelle collaborators and 2008 Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame inductees, Gamble & Huff.

Transforming themselves from the classic-style 1960s girl group The Bluebelles into what one writer coined as 'the genre-bending rock supernova' of the 1970s, the innovative trio deftly combined glam rock, soul, funk, pop and gospel into a brash amalgam of breakthrough recordings such as "I Believe I've Finally Made It Home" from their pivotal second album Moonshadow (1972), and the groundbreaking "Lady Marmalade" from Nightbirds (1974)."

Labelle redefined the creative arc of the girl group, celebrating their three distinct personalities by donning outrageous costumes and addressing controversial issues in song and demeanor, shunning the cookie-cutter stereotypes that plagued most female singers of the era. The group (which included Elton John on piano in its earliest incarnation) continually pushed gender boundaries in music of black origin, opening up for rock icons such as The Who and the Rolling Stones as they revolutionized the roles women played in R&B, rock'n'roll, and even fashion.

Braced, as always, by their trademark vocal firepower, the 2008 version of the supergroup still relies on their expansive range, show-stopping sense of theatricality, and as Nona puts it, their innate ability to "pull together as sisters and 'Labelle-ize' the music and the vibe and the spiritual side of what we do like nobody else on the planet."

Concocting an energized blend of uptempo songs and heart-wrenching ballads, the new recording includes the mesmerizing "Candlelight," the driving "System," the scorching "Superlover," and the old school/Gamble & Huff-helmed "Living Without You," resulting in an edgy but fan-pleasing album that once again finds Labelle embarking on a riveting musical narrative.
"The thread that always runs through is that we're sisters and we'll always be sisters," declares Patti. A connection between the three that may have frayed now and then over the years, but always remained unbreakable "The timing for us getting together was perfect," says Nona. "About a year and a half ago we met in the studio to record a tribute to civil rights icon Rosa Parks (the song "Dear Rosa" has yet to be released) and we just felt in our bones it was time to do this." It was Nona who tapped eclectic rocker Lenny Kravitz for initial production duty on the new disc. "We're friends and admirers of each other's work. We talked to him about the idea of us getting together and invited him to a session. He showed up that day at 5:00 and we haven't stopped working since."

Where Kravitz represents the next-generation appeal of the Labelle magic, legendary songwriters/producers Gamble & Huff were part of the Philadelphia/New Jersey nexus that helped launch the careers of the famous trio and give birth to the most popular soul sounds of the 1970s (O'Jays, Teddy Pendergrass, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, and others). In fact, Kenny Gamble and Patti Labelle grew up on the same street in Philadelphia, and Gamble was instrumental in helping to launch Labelle's career.

Such foundational strengths anchor the new album, eliciting the same kind of confidence that enabled Labelle to break the mold back in the 70s, with each member eventually taking flight in inspired solo careers that accentuated their respective gifts. Patti went on to sign with Gamble & Huff's Philadelphia International Records in the early '80s, releasing the seminal album I'm In Love Again that cemented her long and acclaimed solo career. Her subsequent duet with Michael McDonald, "On My Own," soared to #1 on the charts, with scores of hits and an impeccable live reputation rounding out more than two decades of acclaimed releases, television and film appearances, sold-out shows across the globe, and multiple awards, including her April 2008 Humanitarian Award presented in New York by the We Are Family Foundation chaired by Nile Rodgers.

Nona and Sarah (both from Trenton, NJ) have also sustained compelling and highly successful individual careers. Sarah Dash has collaborated with such notable artists as Nile Rodgers and the Rolling Stones, (she even sang back-up on the Steel Wheels tour), and has released several hot records of her own, such as Sinner Man from the disco era. Sarah also drew raves as a celebrated fixture of Keith Richards' solo outfit The Expensive Winos. She too, has written for the stage and is currently penning her autobiography, as well as staying involved in local Trenton community endeavors. Her recent appearance in San Francisco's hit interactive theatre presentation, Teatro Zinzanni, seamlessly blended her commanding performing style with European cirque, opera, and musical theatre.

Nona's songwriting and production ventures have led her to work with everyone from Dusty Springfield to the Talking Heads to Keith Richards, among dozens of other stars. A renowned tastemaker of both the rock and R&B worlds, she's contributed to the Showtime series Sleeper Cell soundtrack, working with Paul Haslinger, produced and written plays, and even launched her own label, Rhythm Bank, enjoying "sitting on the other side of the table for a change."

Labelle's long-awaited return to the studio signifies yet another chapter in the historic legacy of the group. But all three members are quick to assert it's not the final one. There will be a tour. After all, the live component of Labelle has often been cited as their most unforgettable dynamic. "We're going to bring to the fans everything they've been asking for. We haven't lost our edge," assures Nona. "I feel we're better because of everything we've gone through," seconds Sarah. For a group whose roots indeed go all the way back to opening up for icons such as James Brown and Otis Redding, leave it to Patti to wrap it up -- true Labelle style. "I think all you gotta say is 'we're here.' We're like that caged bird. If you love it, you open the door and let it fly because you know it's going to come back stronger. Well, we're back, baby. Anyone that knows Labelle knows we don't know how to hold anything back."

DONNA SUMMER - CRAYONS

Celebrating four decades of milestones, Donna Summer adds another accomplishment to her list with the success of her new album "Crayons." The album debuted at #17 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart making it Summer'shighest debuting album ever. It also debuted at #5 on the Billboard R&B chart -- another personal best. "Crayons" is Donna's first album of all new studio material in 17 years and is her highest charting album since "She Works Hard For The Money" in 1983. Donna Summer’s long list of musical accomplishments include: 19 #1 Billboard singles, 12 Gold and Platinum singles, 5 Grammy Awards, 6 American Music Awards, 2 Double Platinum albums, 1 Platinum album, 8 Gold albums. Her song "Last Dance" won both Oscar and Golden Globe awards.

Adding to her list of accomplishments is the recent success "I'm A Fire,"the first single from "Crayons" which rose to #1 on the Billboard Hot DanceClub Play Charts making it her 13th #1 single to top the club charts and her 19th #1 charting single across all charts. Donna Summer is the only artist to have had a #1 charting dance hit in every decade since the 1970's. "I'm A Fire" was remixed by several remixers including Solitaire,Craig C, Rod Carillo, Redtop, Matty Soulflower and Baggi Begovic & Soul Conspiracy. The Rocasound original version is found on the full album. Containing a potent mix of the up-tempo tunes and ballads, "Crayons"showcases incredible new material, all co-written by Donna (who wrote orco-wrote the majority of her hits of the 70's and 80's). Working with Donna were renowned writers and producers including: Greg Kurstin (Lily Allen,Pink), Danielle Brisebois (Natasha Bedingfield, New Radicals), JR Rotem (Sean Kingston, Rihanna), Toby Gad (Fergie, Natasha Bedingfield), Evan Bogart (co-writer of Rihanna's smash "SOS" and the son of legendary record executive, Casablanca Records founder and Donna's mentor, Neil Bogart), andLester Mendez (Shakira, Santana).

Donna describes the background of the title "Crayons" and the aesthetic of the album as "a menagerie of colors and styles, with hints of different ethnic traditions and sounds. My dream is that when people hear the musicit will remind them of their youth, their childhood and the joy and wonderment they felt exploring their first pack of Crayons."


Donna Summer’s Crayons Track List:
1. STAMP YOUR FEET
2. MR. MUSIC
3. CRAYONS featuring Ziggy Marley
4. THE QUEEN IS BACK
5. FAME (THE GAME)
6. SAND ON MY FEET
7. DRIVIN' DOWN BRAZIL
8. I'M A FIRE
9. SLIDE OVER BACKWARDS
10. SCIENCE OF LOVE
11. BE MYSELF AGAIN
12. BRING DOWN THE REIGN

AL GREEN - LAY IT DOWN

Soul legend Al Green has returned with his highly anticipated new album (his third since his return to secular music), Lay It Down, featuring Brooklyn’s The Dap-Kings Horns (Sharon Jones, Amy Winehouse), Corinne Nailey Rae, Anthony Jamilton, John Legend, guitarist Chalmers "Spanky" Alford (Mighty Clouds of Joy, Joss Stone) and bassist Adam Blackstone (Jill Scott, DJ Jazzy Jeff) among others. Lay It Down is co-produced with Green by two of hip hop's most innovative players, Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson, drummer from The Roots, and keyboardist James Poyser, famous for working with artists ranging from Erykah Badu to Common. You can catch Al Green on The Late Show with David Letterman on June 5th as he features tracks from Lay It Down. In addition, he’s on the road in support of the album and his concert dates are listed below.

Al Green Lay It Down Tour:
June 19 - Toronto, ON - Sony Centre for the Performing Arts

June 20 - Rochester, NY - Eastman Theatre

June 27 - New York, NY - Carnegie Hall

June 28 - Montreal, QC - Montreal Jazz Festival

June 29 - Ledyard, CT - Foxwoods Resort Casino- MGM Grand

July 4 - Bossier City, LA - Horseshoe Casino Riverdome

July 5 - Tunica, MS - Grand Casino & Hotel

July 11 - Sterling Heights, MI - Freedom Hill

July 12 - Chicago, IL - Rochester International Jazz Festival

July 13 - St. Louis, MO - Fox Theatre

July 15 - Vienna, VA - The Filene Center

July 16 - Atlanta, GA - Chastain Park

July 18 - Niagara Falls, NY - Seneca Niagara Casino

July 20 - Atlantic City, NJ - House of Blues

Aug 31 - Denver, CO - Denver Botanic Gardens

Sept 1 - Beaver Creek, CO - Vilar Center for the Arts

Sept 3 - Salt Lake City, UT - Red Butte Garden Amphitheater

Sept 5 - Tacoma, WA - Emerald Queen Casino

Sept 6 - Richmond, BC - River Rock Casino Resort

Sept 7 - Coquitlam, BC - Red Robinson Theatre

Sept 13 - Primm, NV - Star of the Dester Arena

Sept 14 - Tucson, AZ - Desert Diamond Theater

Sept 17 - Lemoore, CA - Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino

Sept 20 - Los Angeles, CA - The Greek Theatre

Sept 21 - Valley Center, CA - Harrah's Rincon- Open Sky Theatre

Nov 21 - Foxborough, MA - Showcase Live

Nov 22 - Montclair, NJ - Wellmont Theater

SMOOTH JAZZ WSMJ 104.3 BALTIMORE SWITCHES TO ALTERNATIVE

Well here we go once again as the smooth jazz radio backlash continues. On top of smooth jazz stations in Denver, Jacksonville, Houston, Washington, DC and New York, now smooth jazz WSMJ in Baltimore also "fades into the sunset" (per the station's former website). In its place is an Alternative format now known as "Channel 104.3." Elliot in the Morning, from Clear Channel sister WWDC (DC101) will be simulcast in mornings on Channel 104.3. Soon the station will be rebranded as WCHH. WSJM's flip follows the flips of former SJ stations Emmis' WQCD/New York, which went Triple A, Citadel's WJZW/Washington, which moved to Oldies, and Lincoln Financial Media's KJCD/Denver, now an FM Sports outlet."This is a very exciting day for Baltimore radio listeners," said According to Clear Channel DC-Baltimore OM Jeff Kapugi, “This is a very exciting day for Baltimore radio listeners.” "The Rock/Alternative format is unique to the area and features some music that has not been played here for quite some time. The opportunity to add Elliot in the Morning to Channel 104.3 is huge." Yeah right pal – what about for the smooth jazz listeners? Do ya think they’re gonna listen to Alternative – NO WAY!

My guess is that more major market smooth jazz stations will convert - - that is unless the smooth jazz format evolves into something that listeners can actually enjoy listening too. As much as I love listening to smooth jazz radio, the playlists are too restrictive and so lately I find myself listening to my own “smooth jazz station” on my iPod which by the way has over 8,000 tracks on it. For smooth jazz to survive they need to really open up those playlists and become more daring, adventurous. Once they do that, I know that they will regain the excitement. Oh well – that’s my ranting for today. Later.

GILBERTO GIL - BANDA LARGA CORDEL

Brazilian Grammy-winner Gilberto Gil has just announced a series of U.S tour dates for the upcoming summer. He’s set for a dozen shows with his Broadband Band. The tour is set to launch June 18 in Ann Arbor, MI, and visit theaters and festivals across the US and into Canada through early July. In addition, Warner Brothers Records has announced the release of a brand new Gilberto Gil CD entitle "Banda Larga Cordel" (Broadband Pamphlet). "Banda Larga Cordel" will be released on May 14. Gil’s previous studio album, "Gil Luminoso," became available in the U.S, just this past year in March 2007.

Gilberto Gil (along with Caetano Veloso) are credited with pioneering the Tropicalia (protest) movement of the late 1960’s, at which time bith Gil and Velosa spent time in jail, and then eventually were exiled in England for a time.

GILBERTO GIL 2008 U.S. TOUR DATES
June18 - Ann Arbor, MI - Ann Arbor Summer Fest

June 19 - Highland Park, IL - Ravinia Festival

June 21 - Westhampton Beach, NY - Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center

June 22 - Washington, DC - Lisner Auditorium

June 24 - New York, NY - Nokia Theatre Times Square

June 26 - Montreal, Quebec - Maisonneuve Theatre27 - Toronto, Ontario - Massey Hall

June 29 - Hollywood, CA - Hollywood Bowl

June 30 - San Diego, CA - 4th and B

July 2 - San Francisco, CA - Nob Hill Masonic Center

July 3 - Boulder, CO - Boulder Theater

July 5 - Miami, FL - Fillmore at Jackie Gleason Theater

DAVE KOZ UPDATED TOUR INFORMATION

Here’s an updated tour itinerary for smooth jazz saxman and radio host Dave Koz. More dates will be added as they become available. Check out Dave’s latest album – Dave Koz At The Movies.

Dave Koz Summer Tour Schedule:
May 24 @ 33rd Annual Smooth Jazz KIFM 98.1 Festival, San Diego, CA
June 6 @ Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Center, El Paso, TX
June 7 @ South Village Smooth Jazz Fest, Bixby, OK
June 13 @ Chicago Theatre, Chicago, IL
June 14 @ 10th Annual Indy Jazz Festival at Military Park, Indianapolis, IN
June 15 @ Pabst Theatre, Milwaukee, WI
June 20 @ Mohegan Sun Cabaret Theatre, Uncasville, CT
June 21 @ Mohegan Sun Cabaret Theatre, Uncasville, CT
June 25 @ Scullers Jazz Club, Boston, MA
June 27 @ House Of Blues, Atlantic City, NJ
June 29 @ Hampton Jazz Festival, Hampton, VA
July 11 @ Tower Theatre, Fresno, CA
July 12 @ Robert Mondavi Winery, Napa Valley, CA
July 17 @ Lake Tahoe Jazz Festival Homewood Resort, Homewood, CA
July 23 @ Chene Park, Detroit, MI
July 25 @ Weesner Amphitheatre, Apple Valley, MN
July 26 @ House of Blues, Dallas, TX
Aug 8 @ The Pageant, St. Louis, MO
Aug 9 @ Long Island Jazz Festival, Oyster Bay. NY
Aug 16 @ Thornton Winery, Temecula, CA
Aug 22 @ Sunset Station Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV
Aug 24 @ Idyllwild Arts Foundation Campus, Idyllwild, CA
Sept 13 @ Camarillo Old Town Art & Jazz Festival, Camarillo, CA
Sept 27 @ The Greek, Los Angeles, CA