001. ANNUAL SMOOTH JAZZ FESTIVAL BREGENZ – LICENSE TO CHILL

Goodbye James – hello Candy. Only a couple of weeks ago the Bregenz Festival Hall was under the motto "Quantum of Solace" – but soon that is going to be: Enjoy a "Quantum of smooth jazz"...

Neusäß, 09.06.2008: While hot action scenes have rounded off the shooting programme for "Quantum of Solace" – the 22nd episode of the famous "My name is Bond"– special agen – saga - on the roof of the Bregenz Festival Hall, preparations for the just as promising 1st episode of a festival are in full swing: the 1st Annual Smooth Jazz Festival which is taking place here (in Bregenz, Austria) on the 29th and 30th of August. Not only does the smooth entertainment GmbH, Neusäß, provide the suitable background music for a shaken vodka martini with this event, but it also stages yet another world premiere in the studio theatre in Bregenz – and this mission is everything but secret. On the contrary: we are more than pleased to share all the news...

First Mission: What is Smooth Jazz?
The term "Smooth Jazz" is not one commonly used in this part of the world, so let’s start with a short definition: first: Smooth Jazz is not Jazz – or not only, at least. Secondly: Smooth Jazz is no muzak*!! But: Smooth Jazz is – a touch of Soul, a touch of RnB (not too much), a touch of Jazz, too. While wikipedia.de claims that Smooth Jazz is a variety of Jazz, we claim: Smooth Jazz is the play list of the "Cafe del Mar" – CDs. It is emotion. An attitude towards life which finds no echo in the mainstream–scores of the charts. It is chill-out music at its finest, but definitely with a light savoir-vivre- and laissez-faire-feeling at its heart. In the U.S and in Dubai the fans of this floating sound number millions already, prominent artists are e.g. Candy Dulfer, Sade, Carlos Santana, Simply Red, Nora Jones, Sting, but also the German band De Phazz with singer Pat Appleton.

Second Mission: Why Bregenz?
Smooth Jazz is casually cultivated lifestyle, paired with a dose of coolness, cultivated indulgence and culture – an ambience completely in line with the Bregenz Festival Hall. On the one hand a touch of "Casino Royale", on the other a breeze of beach-feeling à la "Cafe del Mar". Concerts with well-known artists will take place on both nights. The location: the studio theatre, the "rough diamond for events" of the Bregenz Festival Hall, set up as a multifunctional "Black Box" which will transform into a chilled-out party lounge on the occasion of the 1st Annual Smooth Jazz Festival. Moreover an outdoor lounge will be open to all – not only festival guests – from the afternoon.

Third Mission: Which Acts?
The Festival line-up sparkles with highlights: On the first night the Italian band Gabin will hit the stage with groovy beats. Then the American guitarist Chieli Minucci, who has already performed with artists like Jennifer Lopez and Anastacia, the saxophonist Marion Meadows, from the U.S. as well, and the Swiss-born pianist Alex Bugnon will take you away into the world of Smooth Jazz. De Phazz from Heidelberg is the closing climax of the first-night live acts, and will put the audience in the mood for the following after-show-party with elements of Dub, Jazz, Soul, Trip-Hop, Latin, Drum`n`Bass and Ambient; we have of course booked well-known clubbing-scene djs for both party nights.

The second night will be opened by De Phazz singer Pat Appleton with her own band, then big names in the world of Smooth Jazz, Peter White, Jaared and Candy Dulfer, follow onto the stage. The saxophonist from the Netherlands has already performed with international stars like Prince, Beyonce, Aretha Franklin and Pink Floyd and will put the heat on the audience for the following after-show-party. On this weekend a visit to Bregenz will even be doubly rewarding: on both days of the Festival the Bregenz town fair takes place during daytime, which each year attracts 120,000 guests to a visit at the lake promenade.

Other performers also appearing include Praful & Sound System, Adani & Wolf, and Rocco Ventrella.

The Performers...

GABIN
The duo Gabin is not from France, as the name might suggest, no, they call Italy their home. The faces behind the pseudonym are the musicians Massimo Bottini and Filippo Clary, whose approaches to music come from two different perspectives. While Clary works in Rome as a renowned dj and rocks the city’s nightlife there, Bottini is up to his tricks as a Jazz-bassist and can adorn himself with collaborations with such well-known Jazz personalities as Billy Cobham or John Scofield. Their own musical vision meets somewhere in the middle. Influences from Jazz and Soul meet Downbeat-sounds and Latin-rhythms. Discreetly used synthetic elements lend this lush music cocktail the necessary drive

CHIELI MINUCCI
The American Jazz-guitarist and composer with Italian roots was born in New York in 1958. His father, Ulpio Minucci, was a successful concert pianist and composer. Cieli himself is probably best known today as head of the Grammy-nominated Jazz-band "Special EFX", with whom he has recorded 23 cds. Moreover, he has worked together with world stars such as Celine Dion, Lionel Richie, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Jessica Simpson, and Anastacia. From the world of Jazz Marion Meadows, Jay Beckenstein, Gerald Veasley, Lao Tizer, Nestor Torez and Bob Baldwin have cooperated with Minucci, and his compositions for movies and television have earned him several Daytime Emmy Award nominations. He took home the award twice.

MARION MEADOWS
The saxophonist Marion Meadows (soprano-, tenor- and baritone sax) has style – in terms of outfit as well, as he prefers black and with his black dreadlocks, he is surely a favourite with the Jazz-loving ladies. As a musician he sets an example for countless smooth-saxophonists, who all try to follow suit with the casually cool, but still powerfully emotional Meadows sound. By now he has published nine cds and has worked together with a number of well-known artists like Brook Brenton, Eartha Kitt, Phyllis Hyman, Jean Carne, The Temptations, Michael Bolton or Angela Bofill.

ALEX BUGNON
Jazz-pianist and composer Alex Bugnon was born in 1958 in Montreux. His hometown regularly hosts the Montreux Jazz Festival – thus, Bugnon has more or less grown up with Jazz. Before moving to the U.S.A he studied music at the Conservatorium in Paris for two years. He then went to the Berkley School of Music and performed with gospel groups as a sideline. In 1990 he moved to New York, where he played in the background as a session musician with artists like Patti Austin, Freddie Jackson and Keith Sweat. He made it into the charts with his debut album "Love Season" just as with its successor, "Head over Heels"; in the R&B charts he even secured a place among the top 40. All following releases were placed in the R&B charts, too. After not having published an album under his own name for five years, the Jazz branch of Narada records offered him a contract and brought him to the market as a solo Jazz artist. He returned to the Jazz-charts with his album "Alex Bugnon" and further releases followed suit. Alex Bugnon has won two Soul Train Music Awards.

DE PHAZZ
The Heidelberg band De Phazz was founded in 1997 by pit Baumgartner as an open band -project. They got famous, among others, with their radio hit "The Mambo Craze" from their second album "Godsdog". The name "De Phazz" is derived from destination f(ph)uture jazz. The music, which might be familiar from a couple of TV commercials, is very varied and includes elements from Dub, Jazz, Soul, Trip-Hop, Latin, Drum`n`Base, Ambient and R&B, but also elements of Turntablism are woven into their music. The band itself developed more and more into a Live-Act and appears mainly in clubs and on open airs; the music is often accentuated by light and colour displays, projections and dances. The formation of the band itself keeps changing, too – its members include or have included musicians like Karl Frierson (vocals), Oli Rubow (drums), Susanne Horn (vocals), Pat Appleton (vocals), Roy Randolph (percussion, vocals) or Frank Spaniol (saxophone).

PAT APPLETON
Pat Appleton, daughter of a German mother and a Liberian father has found her way into music business during her time as a student of political sciences, when she took on a job as a singer in a party- and dance combo. She soon realised that being an ambassador for music suited her far better than lending her voice to politics, as originally planned. She therefore chucked her father’s dream of becoming President of Liberia and completed a vocal training. After a diversity of engagements as a lead- or background interpreter for numerous Pop- and Jazz bands as well as excursions into advertising and film soundtracks, she joined the Heidelberg sound-collective De Phazz in 1999, where she is creative as a composer and texter as well. Last but not least she is also a popular guest-singer with Bands like the Jazzkantine of the Nighthawks, with whom she has also written and published songs. As "one of the most important voices of contemporary German Jazz" (3sat) Pat Appleton tours the world with De Phazz today. Last September she presented her first solo album "What’s Next?"

PETER WHITE
An Englishman who accentuates his music with genial charm and musical playfulness. The result: Smooth Jazz with a spiritedness which many others in this genre lack. Born in Luton in 1954, White devoted himself to music already as a child. His father encouraged him to learn many instruments – the recorder, the clarinet, cornet, the trombone, violin, mouth organ, the piano – but his father’s instruments were not his – his was the guitar. But here his father could not help him. Therefore he helped himself, experimented with a few simple chords and imitated melodies from the radio. Like many musicians, White was strongly influenced by the Beatles and the guitar-driven Beat sound of the sixties. After his first electric guitar, which he had bought as a teenager, had burnt in a fire, however, he had to make do with an acoustic guitar. He made the best of it: White discovered his love for acoustic music. Shortly after he had left school at 18 he got an engagement in a hotel resort in the South of England, where he played over the summer. After that he travelled to London and joined a band managed by Miles Copeland (manager of Sting, R.E.M.). It was Copeland who arranged the contact between the 20-year-old White and Al Stewart, with whom he toured England and the US shortly after. He worked with Stewart as a pianist at first, and later also as a guitarist, composer and co-producer. In 1979 Stewart moved to Los Angeles, formed the band Shot in the Dark and a record label called Lobster Music. In 1990 he published his first solo album ("Reveillez-Vous"). The album soon became a favourite with Jazz-djs and Jazz-Radio stations. White has published more successful albums and is known throughout the world today.

JAARED
The alto- and soprano-saxophonist Jaared was born in Washington in 1967. He began playing the saxophone at the age of seven – on the recommendation of a doctor. The reason: he suffered from asthma as a child. To prescribe lessons on a wind instrument with such a diagnosis might sound strange at first, but actually the doctor was aiming at strengthening the lungs. The patient must have taken his medicine obediently, as he is a most well known Jazz-musician today. Jaared stands for neat, casually light Smooth Jazz. A major influence on him was David Sanborn, whose music had left an impression on Jaared even as a teenager; he made a name for himself in the music scene of Washington DC in the 80ies, where he performed with a diversity of artists: Starting with Ju Ju House of the Go-Go-Funk band EU up to Mary Ann Redmond, a highly distinguished Soul-/Rock-singer made along the lines of Tina Turner and Etta James. Even though he took part in a couple of R&B-Gigs, too, when he started recording albums of his own in 2000 the musician decided to concentrate on Smooth Jazz (in a time when he also toured the U.S. side by side with Jazz-guitarist Peter White). His debut album "Forward" was published in 2001, followed by "Hangtime" a year later.

CANDY DULFER
"If I want sax, I call Candy" Megastar Prince once said adoringly – and he is not the only one with whom Candy Dulfer rings a bell – the Dutchwoman has long since made a name for herself internationally as a saxophonist. The daughter of the well-known Jazz saxophonist Hans Dulfer soon knew that she would be treading in her father’s footsteps. Candy starts playing the sax as a six-year-old; at 14 she has a band of her own (Funky Stuff) with whom she works together up to the present day. In 1987 she put the heat on the audience as a supporting act for Madonna, and one year later she should have opened Prince’s shows in the Netherlands. When she received a cancellation at short notice she wrote him a letter of complaint. Which apparently was worth the effort: the man from Minneapolis invited her as a guest onto his stage. Since that day she repeatedly went on tours with him, could and can be heard on many of his albums. In 1990 Candy Dulfer`s first solo album "Saxuality" appeared and was an immediate success. Candy tours almost all of Europe and even performs in the U.S. With rewards: a Grammy Award nomination in the category "Best Pop-Album Instrumental". During the last years Candy Dulfer has worked together with Dave Stewart, Van Morrison, Pink Floyd, Aretha Franklin and Beyoncé. At the end of July 2007 the 10th album of the Dutch artist appeared. On 13 tracks Candy celebrates her maturity as a musician and plays with the most diverse elements form Pop, Soul and Jazz. Elements from Hip Hop and Rap are even more prominent here than in the past.

For more information click to www.smoothjazzfestival.de

DAVID SANBORN - HERE AND NOW

New from David Sanborn is "Here And Gone" which is a tribute to the sound of Hank Crawford, David "Fathead" Newman, Ray Charles, etc. Backing Sanborn are Steve Gadd (drums) and Christian McBride (bass). Guests include Eric Clapton, Joss Stone, Sam Moore, Derek Trucks and Anthony Wilson. Here And Gone was produced by yet another legend and longtime friend: Phil Ramone. "Joss is a real phenomenon," Sanborn says. "It takes a forceful talent to take a song ["I Believe It to My Soul"] that Ray Charles not only wrote but really defined and put your own identity on it." Sanborn, who has been friends with Eric Clapton for many years and a collaborator with him on several previous projects, asked Eric to play on Percy Mayfield's "I'm Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town." "Fortunately he agreed not only to sing on it but play on it! But he's got such a great understanding of what the music is about and the way it should be presented." Sanborn's song selection - like "I've Got News For You" which features Sam Moore of Sam & Dave fame - gives the listener a glimpse to his sense of humor.

Sanborn, an unrivaled player who straddles the pop and jazz worlds while commanding respect in both, has worked with Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder and The Rolling Stones to name just a few. Remember David Bowie's "Young Americans" or the Saturday Night Live theme - that's Sanborn. Night Music - his groundbreaking music television show on NBC - was produced by SNL's creator Lorne Michaels and featured a remarkably diverse guest artist list including Lou Reed, Sonic Youth, Sonny Rollins, the Pixies, Leonard Cohen and Al Green. Many of these episodes are on YouTube. As a child, David had polio. His doctor suggested he play a wind instrument to improve his lung strength. His father took him to a basketball game in his hometown of St. Louis. Hank Crawford performed during halftime, Sanborn was inspired and immediately took up the sax - the rest is history. Sanborn will tour later this summer in support of Here And Gone which is due for release on August 12.

DONN BYNUM - DO YOU FEEL ME

Saxophonist Donn Bynum has made his living playing with legends like the Commodores, Bootsy Collins, Brothers Johnson and more. The summer of 2008 marks his debut solo release with "Do You Feel Me. Do You Feel Me" is dynamic testament to this master tradesman’s many years of sharing his music around the world.

While other kids were making college plans, saxophonist Donn Bynum was creating a future with his horn. At the tender age of 18, Bynum joined legendary Bootsy Collins for several shows before attending Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. After graduating, Bynum joined the world famous Commodores and ventured on several world tours of Europe, Asia, Africa, as well as the USA. Playing sax, flute, keyboards and drums, Bynum would also join the Commodores for concerts in Bermuda, Nassau Bahamas, and the Virgin Islands with an appearance on the "Motown 25th Anniversary" television show.

Bynum performed for several years with international recording artists The Brothers Johnson, and appeared on the TV show Motown Live. Later, Bootsy’s Rubber Band called him back for more international touring and recording. During this time, he played on Bootsy’s CD entitled Bootsy’s New Rubber Band Live in Japan.

As a studio musician, Bynum was featured on the song "Make My Funk The P-Funk," along with funk master keyboardist Bernie Worrell. Bynum has also recorded and performed with stellar award-winning gospel artist Kenny Smith and many others.Do You Feel Me is his solo debut.
http://www.myspace.com/donnbynum

WHAT’S GRACENOTE?

It was 10 years ago this month, as the Internet era was exploding and digital music was getting a foothold in the entertainment industry, that a three-person start-up in California with the world's first digital music database was founded. The company, now called Gracenote®, began developing technology that has since become an essential ingredient in products offered by the biggest names in the digital entertainment, Internet, mobile and automotive industries - from online portals and communities such as Yahoo! and AOL, to devices and applications from Apple, Panasonic, Toyota, and Sony Ericsson, to online commerce sites such as iTunes. Today, Gracenote products are global in scale and will be used by more than 250 million consumers worldwide in 2008, in more than 200 countries and regions with content in more than 80 languages.

Ever since the first album, Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon," was entered into its growing digital music database, Gracenote's Global Media Database has been used to identify the album, artist and songs associated with nearly every CD ripped on a computer. The database has now grown to more than seven million CDs and 90 million song tracks, providing more digital music data and boasting more searches by more consumers than any other source of digital music Gracenote is celebrating a decade of developing groundbreaking products and services that are featured in millions of car stereos, tens of millions of mobile phones and media players, and hundreds of millions of consumer electronics devices around the world. The Global Media Database and MusicID® music recognition system have crossed over from the PC to the wireless industry, with Mobile MusicID becoming the standard application for music identification on mobile phones. MediaVOCS™ allows voice-controlled music navigation and playlisting, which is taking the automotive industry in an important in-car entertainment direction. Products such as Discover™ for music recommendations, Playlist™ for automated playlist generation, lyrics for access to authorized song lyrics, and cover art, album reviews and artist biographies significantly enrich music services offered by the leaders in digital media.
This year, Gracenote also expanded its digital media product line by crossing over into video. The new Gracenote Video Platform gives consumers, device manufacturers, and content owners the most effective way to search, identify, manage, and enjoy expanding video collections when accessed from their computers, mobile phones, DVD players, and other consumer electronics devices. The Gracenote database is the largest digital catalog of video works ever complied providing detailed, rich data for over 300,000 DVDs and nearly one million total unique video programs.

"Gracenote is one of the few companies with technology that spans the life of the digital entertainment industry, and we continue to be instrumental in developing solutions that make digital media accessible to consumers," said Craig Palmer, Gracenote president. "We are poised for more innovation and growth as the transition from physical media to digital media accelerates and digital media permeates more and more consumer products, while 'always-on' connectivity offers an unprecedented opportunity for commerce, discovery, community, and new dynamic media formats."

In June, Gracenote rounded out its 10 years of innovation and milestones by agreeing to merge with Sony Corporation of America (SCA), providing Gracenote with a closer connection to the content and digital services community that will accelerate adoption of its technology, and giving the company the resources necessary to rapidly expand development of next generation products for the entire industry.

Gracenote, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, is a global leader in embedded technology, enriched content, and data services for digital entertainment solutions within the Internet, consumer electronics, mobile, and automotive markets. Formerly known as CDDB®, Gracenote delivers a substantially improved consumer experience in digital media devices and applications, plus media monitoring and other data services to the recording industry, making it an integral part of the digital media economy. Gracenote powers leading services including Apple iTunes, Yahoo! Music Jukebox, Winamp; home and automotive products from Alpine, Panasonic, Philips and Sony; and mobile music applications from Samsung, Sony Ericsson, KDDI (Japan), KTF (Korea), Musiwave (Europe), and others. Gracenote is headquartered in Emeryville, California.

B.B. KING TO HOST SHOW ON XM RADIO

Blues music icon B.B. King will begin hosting his own weekly music show for XM Radio beginning in September 2008, it was announced recently by the company. The program will feature a broad range of blues and gospel music hand-selected by King, along with stories about the artists and other personal anecdotes from the bluesman's epic career. In anticipation of King's hosting debut, today XM relaunched its dedicated blues channel "Bluesville" as "BB King's Bluesville" (XM 74)."I love the blues and am looking forward to sharing my passion, stories and my favorite music with all the folks who listen to XM, one of the few places where the vibrant sounds of the blues still thrives," said B.B. King.

For more than 60 years, Riley B. King - better known as B.B. King - has defined the blues for a worldwide audience. Since he started recording in the 1940s, he has released over 50 albums, many of them classics, won 14 Grammy(R) Awards, been inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the National Medal of the Arts, the Kennedy Center Honors, the Grammy(R) Lifetime Achievement Award and the NARM (National Association of Recording Merchandisers) Chairman's Award, among many other awards. In a special ceremony at the Library of Congress, Librarian of Congress, James H. Billington presented B.B. with a "Living Legend" medal in honor of his achievements as a musician and ambassador for the blues. After 10,000 concerts, B.B. King continues to bring his music to audiences around the globe spending the better part of each year on the road with his beloved guitar, "Lucille."

On August 26, Geffen Records will release B.B.'s newest T Bone Burnett-produced album, "One Kind Favor," and, on September 13, King – one of few living musicians in the world to be so honored -- will preside at the opening of the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center in his hometown of Indianola, MS.

B.B. King was born September 16, 1925, on a plantation in Itta Bene, Mississippi, near Indianola. In his youth, he played on street corners for dimes, and would sometimes play in as many as four towns a night. In 1947, he hitchhiked to Memphis, TN, to pursue his music career. Memphis was where every important musician of the South gravitated, and which supported a large musical community where every style of African American music could be found. B.B. stayed with his cousin Bukka White, one of the most celebrated blues performers of his time, who schooled B.B. further in the art of the blues.

XM is America's number one satellite radio company with more than 9.3 million subscribers. Broadcasting live daily from studios in Washington, DC, New York City, Chicago, Nashville, Toronto and Montreal, XM's 2008 lineup includes more than 170 digital channels of choice from coast to coast: commercial-free music, premier sports, news, talk radio, comedy, children's and entertainment programming; and the most advanced traffic and weather information. XM, the leader in satellite-delivered entertainment and data services for the automobile market through partnerships with General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Porsche, Ferrari, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota, is available in 140 different vehicle models for 2008. XM's industry-leading products are available at consumer electronics retailers nationwide. XM programming is also available through XM Radio Online, the exclusive home on the Internet for XM's commercial-free music channels; as downloads of original XM shows via podcasts from XM's Web site or the Apple's iTunes Store; and as streams of commercial-free XM music channels to AT&T and Alltel wireless customers through XM Radio Mobile

THE AUGUST CONCERT CALENDAR

Spyro Gyra @ Radisson Hotel, Scranton, PA, Aug 1
Eddy Grant @ Mod Club, Toronto, CAN, Aug 1
Amos Lee @ The Social, Orlando, FL, Aug 1
Maxi Priest @ BB King’s Bar & Grill, Aug 1
Gladys Knight & Peabo Bryson @ Capital One Bank Theatre at Westbury, Westbury, NY, Aug 1
B.B King @ South Shore Music Circus, Cohasset, MA, Aug 1
Jesse Palter Quintet @ Music Hall Jazz Café, Detroit, MI, Aug 1
Return To Forever @ House Of Blues, Orlando, FL, Aug 1
Federico Aubele @ Big Chill Festival, Eastnor Castle, UK, Aug 1
Susan Tedeschi @ Hampton Beach Casino, Hampton Beach, CA, Aug 1
Paul Simon @ Teatro Greco Romano, Taormina, Italy, Aug 1
k.d. lang @ Symphony Hall, Birmingham, UK, Aug 1
Buddy Guy @ Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, CA, Aug 1
Akiko Yano & Marc Ribot @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Aug 1-3
Return To Forever @ Cobb Energy Center, Atlanta, GA, Aug 2
Pieces Of A Dream @ Equus Run Vineyards, Midway, KY, Aug 2
B.B King @ Community Theatre, Morristown, NJ, Aug 2
Steely Dan @ Harvey’s Outdoor Arena, Lake Tahoe, NV, Aug 2
Amos Lee @ State Theatre, St. Petersburg, FL, Aug 2
Hiroshima @ Houston International Jazz Festival, Houston, TX, Aug 2
Marion Meadows @ Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville, WA, Aug 2
Susan Tedeschi @ Cape Cod Melody Tent, Hyannis, MA, Aug 2
Toots & The Maytals @ Mann Center, Philadelphia, PA, Aug 2
Van Morrison @ Audley End, Essex, UK, Aug 2
Russell Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics @ BB King’s Bar & Grill, New York, NY, Aug 2
Richie Havens @ Newport Folk Festival, Newport, RI, Aug 2
Buddy Guy @ Spotlight Showroom, Coachella, CA, Aug 2
Toots& The Maytals @ Reggae Rising, Piercy, CA, Aug 3
Hiroshima @ Jones Plaza, Houston, TX, Aug 3
Eddy Grant @ Osheaga Festival, Montreal, CAN, Aug 3
B.B King @ Hampton Beach Casino, Hampton Beach, NH, Aug 3
Buddy Guy @ Viejas Concerts In The Park, Alpine, CA, Aug 3
Gilles Peterson @ Central Park Summer Stage, New York, NY, Aug 3
UB40 @ The Hollywood Bowl, Aug 3
Susan Tedeschi @ Gathering Of The Vibes, Bridgeport, CT, Aug 3
k.d. lang @ Brighton Dome, Brighton, UK, Aug 3
Richie Havens @ Sleeping Bear Dunegrass, Empire, MI, Aug 3
John Scofield @ Standford Jazz Festival, Palo Alto, CA, Aug 3-4
Return To Forever @ Merritweather Post Pavillion, Baltimore, MD, Aug 4
Steely Dan @ Honda Center, Anaheim, CA, Aug 4
Amos Lee @ The Music Farm, Charleston, SC, Aug 4
Will Calhoun, Stanley Jordan @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Aug 4-6
Esperanza Spalding @ UB On The Green, Buffalo, NY, Aug 5
Eddy Grant @ BB King’s, New York, NY, Aug 5
Amos Lee @ Variety Playhouse, Atlanta, GA, Aug 5
Toots & The Maytals @ DTE Energy Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI, Aug 5
Return To Forever & Bela Fleck & The Flecktones @ The Mann Center, Philadelphia, PA, Aug 5
Steely Dan @ Palomar Starlight Theater, Pala, CA, Aug 5
Bela Fleck & The Flecktones @ Mann Center, Philadelpha, PA, Aug 5
Return To Forever & Bela Fleck & The Flecktones @ Bank Of America Pavillion, Boston, MA, Aug 6
Marion Meadows & Alex Bugnon @ Smooth Jazz Cruise, Pier 61, New York, NY, Aug 6
Eddy Grant @ Trocadero, Philadelphia, PA, Aug 6
Sonny Rollins @ Central Park Summerstage., New York, NY, Aug 6
Marion Meadows @ Spirit Cruse Ship, New York, NY, Aug 6
Buddy Guy @ Anselmo Valencia Tori Amph., Tucson, AZ, Aug 6
.B King @ Charlottesville Pavillion, Charlottesville, VA, Aug 6
Esperanza Spalding @ Nighttown, Cleveland, OH, Aug 6
Toots & The Maytals @ Resch Center, Green Bay, WI, Aug 6
Bela Fleck & The Flecktones @ Bank Of America Pavillio, Boston, MA, Aug 6
The Yellowjackets & Mike Stern @ Yoshi’s, San Francisco, CA, Aug 6-7
Gilles Peterson @ Cielo, New York, NY, Aug 7
Return To Forever @ United Place, New York, NY, Aug 7
Amos Lee @ High Point Theatre, High Point, NC, Aug 7
Buddy Guy @ The Joint, Las Vegas, NV, Aug 7
Richie Havens @ Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn, NY, Aug 7
Mindi Abair @ Yoshi’s, Oakland, CA, Aug 7-8
Cassandra Wilson @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Aug 7-11
Steely Dan @ Pearl Concert Theater, Las Vegas, NV, Aug 8
Guitars & Saxes @ Hyatt Regency, Newport Beach, CA, Aug 8
Eddy Grant @ Birchmere, Washington, DC, Aug 8
B.B King @ Biltmore, Asheville, NC, Aug 8
Buddy Guy @ Iseta Casino & Resort, Alburquerque, NM, Aug 8
Amos Lee @ Cannery, Nashville, TN, Aug 8
Steely Dan @ Pearl Concert Theater, Las Vegas, NV, Aug 8
Toots & The Maytals @ Bradley Center, Milwaukee, WI, Aug 8
Toots & The Maytals @ Northrop Auditorium, Minneapolis, MN, Aug 8
Donna Summer @ River Rock Casino Resort, Richmond, BC, Aug 8-9
KEM, Michael Franks, Kirk Whalum, Poncho Sanchez, The Superstars of Jazz Fusion w/Roy Ayers, Lonnie
Liston Smith, Tom Browne, Wayne Henderson & Miki Howard, Keiko Matsui, Mindi Abair, Joyce Cooling, The hispers, The Commodores, Chrisette Michele, Down To The Bone, Nick Colionne, Euge Groove @ The Long Beach Jazz Festival, Long Beach, CA, Aug 8-10
The Yellowjackets & Mike Stern @ Yoshi’s, Oakland, CA, Aug 9
Buddy Guy @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, CO, Aug 9
Richie Havens @ LL Bean Summer Concert Series, Portland, ME, Aug 9
Amos Lee @ The Vogue, Indianapolis, IN, Aug 9
B.B King @ Ferguson Center, Newport, VA, Aug 9
Chaka Khan @ Borgata Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, NJ, Aug 9
Steely Dan @ Ironstone Amphitheatre, Murphys, CA, Aug 9
Eddy Grant @ Toad’s Place, Richmond, VA, Aug 9
Mindi Abair @ 21st Annual Long Beach Jazz Festival, Long Beach, CA, Aug 9
Pointer Sisters, Michael Henderson, Ray Parker Jr. @ Country Club Hills, Chicago, IL, Aug 9
Burning Spear @ Uppsala Reggae Festival, Uppsala, Sweden, Aug 9
Mindi Abair @ Long Beach Jazz Festival, Long Beach, CA, Aug 9
Burning Spear @ Reggae Sundance, Eersel, Netherlands, Aug 10
Esperanza Spalding @ Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI, Aug 10
Toots & The Maytals @ Park West, Chicago, IL, Aug 10
Eddy Grant @ Variety, Atlanta, GA, Aug 10
Nicola Conte @ Locus Festival, Locorotondo, Italy, Aug 10
B.B. King @ Filene Center, Vienna, VA, Aug 10
Kenny Loggins @ Avalon Ballroom, Catalina Island, CA, Aug 10
Chaka Khan @ Hampton Coliseum, Hampton, VA, Aug 10
Donna Summer @ Northern Quest Casino, Airway Heights, WA, Aug 10
Richie Havens @ Nashua River Valley Folk Festival, Lancaster, MA, Aug 10
Amos Lee @ Park West, Chicago, IL, Aug 11
Chaka Khan @ Nokia Theatre, New York, NY Aug 12
Eddy Grant @ Martyrs, Chicago, IL, Aug 12
Amos Lee @ The Pageant, St. Louis, MO, Aug 12
Buddy Guy @ Charlottesville Pavillion, Charlotesville, VA, Aug 12
Jill Scott, Wyclef Jean @ Central Park Summerstage, New York, NY, Aug 12
Candy Dulfer @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Aug 12-16
Phil Perry @ Smooth Jazz Cruise, Pier 61, New York, NY, Aug 13
Amos Lee @ Uptown Theatre, Kansas City, MO, Aug 13
Eddy Grant @ Fine Line, Minneapolis, MN, Aug 13
Donna Summer @ The Mountain Winery, Saratoga, CA, Aug 13
Buddy Guy @ Filene Center At Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA, Aug 13
Solomon Burke @ The Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA, Aug 13
Nicola Conte @ Stadtgarden, Cologne, Denmark, Aug 14
Toots & The Maytals @ CW Mitchell Pavillion, The Woodlands, TX, Aug 14
John Scofield @ Canterbury School, New Milford, CT, Aug 14
Buddy Guy @ Mann Center, Philadelphia, PA, Aug 14
Chaka Khan @ Warner Theatre, Washington, DC., Aug 14-15
Spanish Harlem Orchestra @ Yoshi’s, Oakland, CA, Aug 14-17
Anita Baker @ Pier Six Concert Pavillion, Baltimore, MD, Aug 15
Steve Nardella @ Memphis Smoke, Royal Oak, MI, Aug 15
Buddy Guy @ Hammerstein Ballroom, New York, NY, Aug 15
Toots & The Maytals @ Superpages Center, Dallas, TX, Aug 15
Eddy Grant @ Bluebird, Denver, CO, Aug 15
Donna Summer @ Peppermill Hotel Casino, Reno, NV, Aug 15
Amos Lee @ Lyons Folk Festival, Lyons, CO, Aug 15
Steely Dan @ DTE Energy Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI, Aug 15
Smokey Robinson @ Trump Marina, Atlantic City, NJ, Aug 15-16
Larry Carlton @ Suncoast Hotel, Las Vegas, NV, Aug 15-17
George Duke @ Wilson Creek Winery, Temecula, CA, Aug 16
Buddy Guy @ Hampton Beach Casino, Hampton Beach, NH, Aug 16
Eddy Grant @ Variety, Atlanta, GA, Aug 16
Jeffrey Osborne @ Sante Fe Hotel, Las Vegas, NV, Aug 16
Andre Delano @ Wilson Creek Winery, Temecula, CA, Aug 16
Medeski Martin & Wood @ Jackson Hole Music Festival, Jackson Hole, WY, Aug 16
Amos Lee @ Gothic Theatre, Englewood, CO, Aug 16
Donna Summer @ Paramount Theatre, Oakland, CA, Aug 16
Chaka Khan @ Seneca Events Center, Niagra Falls, NY, Aug 16
Anita Baker @ nTelos Wireless Pavillion, Portsmith, VA, Aug 16
Steely Dan @ Chicago Theatre, Chicago, IL, Aug 16
Toots & The Maytals @ Oklahoma City Zoo Amphitheatre, Oklahoma City, OK, Aug 16
Van Morrison @ Kenwood, London, UK, Aug 16
Marion Meadows @ Sea Walk Pavillion, Jacksonville, FL, Aug 17
Amos Lee @ Belly Up, Aspen, CO, Aug 17
Smokey Robinson @ Ameristar Casino Hotel, Chicago, IL, Aug 17
Buddy Guy @ Bank Of America Pavillion, Boston, MA, Aug 17
Donna Summer @ Wells Fargo Center For The Arts, Santa Rosa, CA, Aug 17
Satoru Shionoya Trio @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Aug 17-20
Eddy Grant @ Neumos, Seattle, WA, Aug 18
John Mayer @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Charlotte, NC, Aug 19
Eddy Grant @ Richards, Vancouver, BC, Aug 19
Buddy Guy @ Pier Six Pavillion, Baltimore, MD, Aug 19
Stanley Clarke, Marcus Muller, Victor Wooten @ Keswick Theatre, Philadelphia, PA, Aug 19
Toots & The Maytals @ Anselmo Valencia Tori Amphitheatre, Tucson, AZ, Aug 19
Richard Elliot & Rick Braun @ Smooth Jazz Cruise, Pier 61, New York, NY, Aug 20
John Mayer @ Post-Gazette Pavillion, Pittsburgh, PA, Aug 20
Keb Mo, Robert Cray @ Keswick Theatre, Philadelphia, PA, Aug 20
Amos Lee @ Oregon Zoo Amphitheater, Portland, OR, Aug 20
Donna Summer @ Viejas Concerts In The Park, Alpine, CA, Aug 20
Steely Dan @ Verizon Wireless Theater, Houston, TX, Aug 20
Buddy Guy @ National City Pavillion, Cincinnati, OH, Aug 20
Chaka Khan @ Nokia Theatre, Grand Prairie, TX, Aug 21
Eddy Grant @ Wonder, Portland, OR, Aug 21
Buddy Guy @ Meadow Brook Music Festival, Rochester, MI, Aug 21
Toots & The Maytals @ Valley View Casino, Valley Center, CA, Aug 21
Rich Braun, Richard Elliot @ Keswick Theatre, Philadelphia, PA, Aug 21
Spanish Harlem Orchestra @ Terrace Stage, Bethel, NY, Aug 21
Mindi Abair @ Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base, Wyomissing, PA, Aug 21
Mindi Abair @ Michigan State Fair, Detroit, MI, Aug 22
Buddy Guy @ Caesars, Elizabeth, IN, Aug 22
Mindi Abiar @ Smooth Jazz at South Shore Washington Park, Michigan City, IN, Aug 23
Spanish Harlem Orchestra @ Chinese Culture Centre, Calgary, Canada, Aug 23
Spanish Harlem Orchestra @ Expo Latino Festival, Calgary, Canada, Aug 24
Buddy Guy @ Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, Saint Paul, MN, Aug 24 Mindi Abiar @ Birchmere, Alexandria, VA, Aug 26
Steely Dan @ Ruth Finley Person Theater, Santa Rosa, CA, Aug 26-27
Pieces Of A Dream @ Smooth Jazz Cruise, Pier 61, New York, NY, Aug 27
Mindi Abair @ Ramshead On Stage, Annapolis, MD, Aug 27
Adele @ 9:30 Club, Washington, DC, Aug 27
Global Noize w/Jason Miles, DJ Logic, Karl Denson, Christian Scott, Bernie Worrell, Billy Martin, Cyro Baptista, John Popper, Vernon Reid, Me’Shell Ndegeocello, Herb Alpert, Dean Brown, Carl Burnett, Brian Dunne, james Genus, Falu, Suphala @ Aspen Jazz Festival, Aspen, CO, Aug 28
Mindi Abair @ Scullers Jazz Club, Boston, MA, Aug 28
Buddy Guy @ Ravinia Festival at Ravinia Park, Highland Park, IL, Aug 28
Les Nubians @ Studio B, Brooklyn, NY, Aug 28
Global Noize w/Jason Miles, DJ Logic, Karl Denson, Christian Scott, Bernie Worrell, Billy Martin, Cyro Baptista, John Popper, Vernon Reid, Me’Shell Ndegeocello, Herb Alpert, Dean Brown, Carl Burnett, Brian Dunne, james Genus, Falu, Suphala @ Owsleys Golden Road, Denver, CO, Aug 29
Mindi Abair @ IMAC/Inter-Media Art Center, Huntington, NY, Aug 29
Sadao Watanabe @ Yoshi’s, San Francisco, CA, Aug 29-31
Global Noize w/Jason Miles, DJ Logic, Karl Denson, Christian Scott, Bernie Worrell, Billy Martin, Cyro Baptista, John Popper, Vernon Reid, Me’Shell Ndegeocello, Herb Alpert, Dean Brown, Carl Burnett, Brian Dunne, james Genus, Falu, Suphala @ Fox Theaterm Boulder, CO, Aug 30
Buddy Guy @ Summerfest Grounds, Milwaukee, WI, Aug 30
Mindi Abair @ Mohegan Sun Casino Wolf Den, Uncasville, CT, Aug 30
Global Noize w/Jason Miles, DJ Logic, Karl Denson, Christian Scott, Bernie Worrell, Billy Martin, Cyro Baptista, John Popper, Vernon Reid, Me’Shell Ndegeocello, Herb Alpert, Dean Brown, Carl Burnett, Brian Dunne, james Genus, Falu, Suphala @ Harry O’s, Park City, UT, Aug 31

UPCOMING NEW RELEASES

NEW HEADS UP INTERNATIONAL RELEASES
Heads Up International has announced some upcoming releases due soon from George Duke (Dukey Treats); Fourplay (Energy); SMV comprised of Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller & Victor Wooten (Thunder); Taj Mahal (Maestro); and Take 6 (The Standard). No release dates have been announced; however, both "Dukey Treats" from George Duke, and "Energy" from Fourplay are both available for pre-release purchase directly at the Heads Up International website.

TIM BOWMAN SIGNS WITH TRIPPIN ‘N’ RHYTHM
Tim Bowman has signed with Trippin ’N’ Rhythm as this marks his highly anticipated return from a long recording hiatus with his fifth release. Coming off a string of hit records and his most recent #1 chart topper, "Summer Groove", Tim Bowman has firmly established himself in the smooth jazz rank and file as one of the formats most dynamic and prominent players. "I’m really excited about being part of the Trippin "N" Rhythm family and looking forward to making good music together," says Bowman. President/CEO of Trippin "N" Rhythm, Les Cutmore, comments "Having long been a fan of Tim’s music and seeing how he commands an audience in his live shows, I have been courting Tim for some time now. I’ve always believed that stylistically he was a perfect fit for the company and let’s face it the fans love this guy. The long courtship is finally over, the marriage has been recorded and we couldn’t be happier, as we embark together on this new adventure." The new CD is set to hit retail this September 3rd, and it features guest appearances by smooth jazz musicians Kirk Whalum and Jeff Lorber

SHEILA E. & THE PETE ESCOVEDO ORCHESTRA
Sheila E. along with her father, legendary Latin jazz percussionist Pete Escovedo, brothers Juan and Peter Michael and the Pete Escovedo Orchestra have just completed their first family album, Love's All Around, scheduled for release early next year. They are all headlining JazzFest West (formerly the Old Pasadena JazzFest) in San Dimas, California, on July 19. "We just started playing together again because of the CD. We're playing the new songs from the record, which we've actually written, to see everyone's reaction. So far it's been extremely positive; everyone really loves the new songs. So we know we're on the right track to get the buzz going with the family," Sheila said from her office in Van Nuys, California. Sheila E. is scheduled to perform with the Pete Escovedo Orchestra featuring Juan and Peter Michael Escovedo at JazzFest West (formerly the Old Pasadena JazzFest) on Saturday, July 19 at 8 p.m. JazzFest West will be held at Bonelli Park, 120 Via Verde, in San Dimas, California. If you are looking for some of Sheila E.’s earlier releases, word is that Rhino Encore will re-release several of Sheila E.’s Prince-related albums, including Sheila E,. Romance 1600, and Sex Cymbal. These are scheduled for release on July 29. All are available via Amazon.com (see the Amazon link here at The Jazz Chill Corner).

Earth, Wind & Fire’s "Live In Japan" DVD is scheduled for release on August 26 from Eagle Rock Entertainment.

New from Joan Osbourne is "Little Wild One" on the Time/Life label out on September 9.

Telarc has announced the August 26 release for ‘Vinho Do Porto" from The Portinho Trio.

"Love & Life" from Eric Benet will be released Reprise Records on Sept. 2.

MARILYN SCOTT - WITH EVERY TIME WE SAY GOODBYE

New from Marilyn Scott is ‘With Every Time We Say Goodbye", a 10-song collection comprised of standards such as the Cole Porter-penned title track. The title track sets the pace for the album as Marilyn's exceptionally soothing vocals take the listener to another time and place. On ‘With Every Time We Say Goodbye", Marilyn Scott is taking her love for jazz to the ultimate place her heart has always desired, to make an acoustic jazz album in New York City the way the legends used to do it - with the singer and musicians all cutting and working out arrangements together in the studio.

The outstanding musicianship that accompanies Ms. Scott on Every Time We Say Goodbye comes from a seasoned East Coast quintet led by acclaimed pianist Cyrus Chestnut and produced for the Japan-based Venus Records imprint by label president Tetsuo Hara and veteran jazz musician/producer Todd Barkan - his partner of 15 years. Although the physical CD is currently only available as a Japanese import, jazz fans can download the album on iTunes or purchase the CD from Marilyn's website, though soon it will also be available on Amazon.com. (see the Amazon link here at The Jazz Chill Corner).

The artist spreads her wings on Irving Berlin's "I Got Lost in His Arms" with a distinct flavor and rhythm that recalls Ella Fitzgerald paired with Joe Pass. Sister blues shows up on "Detour Ahead," where Marilyn shows the incredible diversity and confidence in her vocal style as jazz and blues intermingle and remind us of how close they are but a world apart with vocal tones and inflection. The arrangements offer new shades to familiar favorites when jazz was king, as do Marilyn's crafty and eloquent vocal interpretations.

The Songs:
1. Every Time We Say Goodbye (5:54)
2. Got Lost In His Arms (4:02)
3. Lonely Town (5:29)
4. Detour Ahead (4:30)
5. Do You Know The Way To San Jose (4:22)
6. Autumn In New York (5:04)
7. I Love Paris (4:20)
8. Cry Me A River (5:02)
9. Caravan (3:17)
10. Somewhere (4:39)

The Players:
1. Marilyn Scott - vocals
2. Cyrus Chestnut - piano
3. Paul Bollenback - guitar
4. Gerald Cannon - bass
5. Willie Jones III - drums
6. Ken Peplowski tenor sax/clarinet

GRETCHEN PARLATO SIGNS WITH OBLIQSOUND

ObliqSound has announced the signing of its newest artist, vocalist Gretchen Parlato. Gretchen Parlato has appeared as a guest on three previous ObliqSound releases, and will release her debut ObliqSound album in 2009. The album will combine Parlato's vocals in duo and ensemble, working with Lionel Loueke on guitar and vocals, Aaron Parks on piano and Fender Rhodes, Kendrick Scott on drums, and Derrick Hodge on acoustic and electric bass. Parlato was just named one of the top rising star female vocalists in Downbeat Magazine's 56th Annual Critics Poll, and is the first female vocalist signed to six-year-old independent label ObliqSound.

Parlato was the first vocalist ever to be selected for the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, chosen by none other than Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter and Terence Blanchard. She took first prize in the Thelonious Monk Jazz Vocals Competition in 2004. Since then, Parlato has toured internationally with her own band and as a guest for many others. Notable performances include La Villette in Paris with Wayne Shorter, the Hollywood Bowl with Oscar Castro-Neves, Gal Costa, Ivan Lins, and Dianne Reeves, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. Her recording credits include Terence Blanchard's 2005 Grammy-nominated album Flow and most recently, Esperanza Spalding's 2008 self-titled album.
In addition to her upcoming US, European and Australian tours, she can be heard this fall on Kenny Barron's upcoming release The Traveler. For more information about Gretchen Parlato, click to www.gretchenparlato.com and www.myspace.com/gretchenparlato

JOHNNY CASH REMIXED

Compadre Records/Music World Music has announced the release of "JOHNNY CASH REMIXED," featuring bold new interpretations of Johnny Cash classics from top music remixers and producers who were recruited to take the original master recordings and infuse them with the sounds and technology of modern music styles such as hip hop and dance music. The album, which includes a performance from Snoop Dogg, will be available in stores and online on October 14. A vinyl deluxe-edition will be available on September 23 in select independent record stores.

"Johnny Cash Remixed" is a tribute to the legacy of an American music icon whose work has touched every contemporary genre, and has the blessing and support of the custodians of Johnny Cash's legacy.

"My father made his stead by defying the expected and accepted way of things," says John Carter Cash, son of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash and Executive Producer of the Academy Award©-winning film "Walk the Line." "He set the standard at the same time. He would have loved this remix record. While it stays true to the original recordings, this CD touches on undiscovered ground. This is what my father was about: staying true to tradition while creating groundbreaking new music."

Johnny Cash classics were licensed from Cash's first record label, the legendary Sun Records, also the first record label home of luminaries such as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Roy Orbison. The original tracks, recorded with Cash's first band the Tennessee Two from 1956-1959, were pure and stark, with only the essentials; guitar, light percussion and Johnny Cash's unmistakable voice and presence. The new mixes maintain this fantastic charm and personality while filing out the sound and creating daring re-interpretations.


The remixed tracks (and remixers) include "I Walk The Line" featuring Snoop Dogg (QDT, the new production team led by Snoop Dogg -- featuring Snoop, Teddy Riley and DJ Quik), "Country Boy" (Sonny J, whose album will be released in August on Astralwerks US), "Get Rhythm" (Philip Steir, the only remixer allowed to work with the Reprise Records Frank Sinatra collection), "Leave that Junk Alone" (Alabama 3, creators of "The Sopranos" theme song), "Folsom Prison Blues" (the legendary Pete Rock), "Hey Porter" (Mocean Worker, whose remix of Elvis Presley's "Burnin' Love" was used as a soundtrack to Honda's Super Bowl TV commercial), "Sugartime" (Kennedy, cornerstone of the new UK Dirty Pop movement), "Trail to Mexico" (indie favorite Mexican Industry of Sound/MIS), "Doin' My Time" (The Heavy, critically acclaimed UK-based band) and "Wide Open Road" (Count de Money), among others.

A documentary following the making on this album is also in production, produced by Phear Creative in NYC. This short film features interviews from select remixers, filmed in their home studios, including Snoop Dogg captured at the Cash Recording Cabin in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

"Johnny Cash Remixed" is Executive Produced by John Carter Cash, Snoop Dogg, and Mathew Knowles for Music World Productions, Inc. and Co-Executive Produced by Brad Turcotte for Compadre Records/Music World Music and Gregg DeMammos for DeMammos Entertainment.
For more information and track samples, please visit: http://www.johnnycashremixed.com/

VERNON NEILLY & FRIENDS: A TRIBUTE TO STEVIE WONDER

"Vernon Neilly & Friends: A Tribute To Stevie Wonder is set for worldwide release on July 15th, 2008. For smooth jazz and Stevie Wonder fans alike there will be an opportunity to preview and cast their vote on the new single from the album – " I Was Made To Love Her" featuring U-Nam early at www.smoothjazztop20.com beginning July 12th. This single will also be the feature track at MyJazzNetwork.com starting July 14th and several tracks from the CD premiered at SmoothJazz.com on July 15th .The album is currently available for pre-order at Amazon.com (see the Amazon link here at The Jazz Chill Corner).

Vernon is an internationally known, award winning touring artist/producer with over 30 years of industry experience, and his resume includes performance and producing credits with the likes of well know music icons like Teena Marie, Johnny 'Guitar' Watson, Mary Wells, rap star 'Warren G.', Howard Hewitt, 'The Dramatics' and Motown hit producer Norman Whitfield just to name just a few.

Guest performers on "Vernon Neilly & Friends" include: Parisian smooth jazz guitarist U-Nam (No. 1 Commercial Jazz single of 2007, 'Street Life') and saxophonist Michael Paulo (Al Jarreau, Earth Wind & Fire, Peter White), also Grammy Award winning and internationally known touring bassist Juan Nelson (Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals), and internationally acclaimed guitar virtuoso Greg Howe (Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Enrique Iglesias.

Smooth jazz listeners who have been captivated by Stevie Wonder's musical genius through the years will have every opportunity to fall in love all over again, as this CD provides a glimpse of Stevie Wonder like you've never heard him before! With captivating arrangements of timeless classics of Stevie Wonder's best hits you will be treated to original re-makes of songs such as, 'I Wish', 'Superstition', 'Isn't She Lovely', 'Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing', 'Sir Duke', to name a few.

KENNY GARRETT - SKETCHES OF MD

Kenny Garret has signed with Mack Avenue Records for his September 23 release of "Sketches of MD", an excursion into open-ended melodies over grooves that reflect the artistry of key sidemen from Miles Davis' many groups - from John Coltrane to Kenny himself. Consisting of five compositions, Sketches of MD is a relaxed yet live record of some music Kenny performed at the Iridium Jazz Club in New York City with his band (Benito Gonzales on piano, Nat Reeves on bass, and Jamire Williams on drums) and special guest, tenor saxophone legend Pharoah Sanders. Kenny Garrett chose Detroit-based Mack Avenue as the home for his live project for a couple of reasons. "I see Mack Avenue as an independent label with big ideas.

Breaking down "Sketches of MD", Garrett continues, "I wanted to document the band I took on the road for Beyond the Wall while we were working with Pharoah and also write some new songs. The idea of doing the Miles-related songs just evolved." The result, captured before a captive audience in New York City, is a soul-stirring energy exchange. "That's because this music was as new to the audience as it was to the band," Garrett explains.

Kenny Garrett began his career in 1978 when he joined the Duke Ellington Orchestra, then led by Duke's son, Mercer Ellington. Three years later, he played in the Mel Lewis Orchestra (playing the music of Thad Jones) and also the Dannie Richmond Quartet (focusing on Charles Mingus's music). In 1984, he recorded his first album as a bandleader, Introducing Kenny Garrett. Since then, he has released a total of 14 albums as a leader, and has had numerous GRAMMY nominations. In addition to Sanders, Garrett has performed and recorded with Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw, McCoy Tyner, Brian Blade, Marcus Miller, Roy Haynes, Herbie Hancock, Bobby Hutcherson, Ron Carter, Elvin Jones and Mulgrew Miller.

JASON MILES – 2 GROVER WITH LOVE

Producer/artist/arranger/composer and keyboardist Jason Miles is about to release his second tribute to jazz and soul saxophonist Grover Washington. "2 Grover With Love" will be released on August 19th, 2008 and is the highly anticipated follow up to 2000's heartfelt tribute, "To Grover With Love," which sold over 100,000 CDs.

2009 marks the 10th anniversary of Grover Washington's death, and this album pays tribute to the great legacy of Washington and his incredible compositions of the '70s and '80s. Miles says, "I started listening to 'Come Morning,' the follow up to 'Winelight,' and started to love those songs. I then listened to 'Strawberry Moon,' and realized that I was on one of the songs on the CD, 'Summer Nights,' written by Marcus Miller. I knew at that point that there was definitely another Grover project to do, but it had to be done a certain way."

"2 Grover With Love" is an homage to the CTI records style of music, basing great songs with inspired playing by top artists. Miles decided to cut the record live in the studio, just as Washington did on many of his albums. Miles enlisted the talents of Chuck Loeb on guitar, Gerald Veasley on bass, Buddy Williams on drums, and Ralph Macdonald on percussion. "2 Grover With Love" also features Maysa (singing an inspiring version of "Mr. Magic"), Najee, Andy Snitzer, Kim Waters, Jay Beckenstein, Dean Brown and Dominic Farrinacci. After only one day of rehearsal, the album was recorded live at Bennett studios in New Jersey.

The result is an innovative, contemporary jazz look at the '70s and '80s versions of Grover's great legacy. Miles has crafted music for Miles Davis, Luther Vandross, Marcus Miller, Gato Barbieri, David Sanborn, Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, The Crusaders, Michael Brecker and many others. He has also produced ambitious musical tributes to both Weather Report ("Celebrating the Music of Weather Report") and Ivan Lins ("A Love Affair, The Music of Ivan Lins"). He has received four Grammy nominations as a producer, and his album, "A Love Affair..." garnered musician Sting a Best Male Pop Vocal for the track, "She Walks This Earth." "A Love Affair..." also featured Grover Washington's last studio performance.

Recently, Jason has produced Suzy Bogguss's new CD, "Sweet Danger," which has garnered great critical acclaim. His latest projects have been Soul Summit Live at The Berks Jazz Festival and Global Noize, his genre-bending project with DJ Logic. He also produced the CD "Enjoy" by KOCH Recording artist The Bjorkestra.

Jason has been playing more live concerts to bring his concepts to the live stage. He has performed 2 major shows at the last 5 Berks Jazz Festivals and has also performed in many other venues including an appearance at 2007 Casablanca Jazz Festival, Rehoboth Beach, Tri C Jazz. He will tour this summer in conjunction with the release of "2 Grover With Love."

The tracklisting of "2 Grover With Love":
1. Summer Nights
2. Bright Moments
3. Making Love To You
4. Mr. Magic
5. Strawberry Moon
6. Moonstreams
7. Reaching Out
8. Reed Seed
9. The Saddest Thing
10. Stolen Moments
11. To Grover With Love

HERB ALPERT & LANI HALL

Legendary trumpet player Herb Alpert and his wife, internationally renowned GRAMMY-winning singer Lani Hall, have signed with the Boston, MA-based booking agency Ted Kurland Associates (TKA) for worldwide representation. TKA will exclusively represent Alpert and Hall both for their performances as a duo. The move to TKA comes after Alpert and Hall's rare tour together this spring, where their legendary chemistry was spotlighted at intimate evenings of American and Brazilian jazz and American popular standards at sold-out shows for the entire tour cities. Stops on their itinerary, with engagements on the east and west coasts, included: Los Angeles' REDCAT, the Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater in the Walt Disney Concert Hall; Joe's Pub in NYC; Yoshi's in San Francisco; Blues Alley in Washington, DC; Seattle, WA's Jazz Alley; and Sculler's Jazz Club in Boston, MA.

"Herb Alpert is truly one of the great musical icons performing today. Our agency is extremely honored to have the privilege of serving him as a new client," said Ted Kurland. Alpert and Hall were accompanied on the road by a trio of top-flight musicians: Bill Cantos (piano), Michael Shapiro (drums) and Hussain Jiffry (bass). As they embarked on tour, Alpert commented, "My love for jazz is rooted in its spontaneity and its never ending search for personal truth and creative freedom. It is with that freedom that we're doing this tour, playing original arrangements of classic American standards with the color of Brazilian music scattered throughout, hopefully creating an exciting and unique musical blend without ever closing the space for spontaneity.""Ted Kurland is a class act himself," Alpert added. "We are excited about our new relationship."

The tour showcased Hall's elegant, stirring vocals entwined with Alpert's warm, expressive trumpet lines on classics of the American popular songbook including "Let's Face The Music And Dance" (Irving Berlin), "Night And Day" and "I've Got You Under My Skin" (Cole Porter), "That Old Black Magic" (Harold Arlen/Johnny Mercer) and -- rightly featuring Alpert's one lead vocal of the set -- "I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face" (Lerner & Lowe). On a contemporary note, Alpert and Hall blended the 2006 Corinne Bailey Rae hit "Like A Star" into a set-piece with "A Taste Of Honey" (Bobby Scott/Ric Marlow), a song that netted Alpert three GRAMMYs in 1965. Also featured were two compositions by the combo's pianist, Bill Cantos --"Morning Coffee" and "Who Are You?"In addition to considering future live performance options, Herb Alpert and Lani Hall are in discussions regarding a future album and DVD project.

CHILL SOUNDS FOR HOTELS & RESORTS

The days of background music has come a long way since the elevator. No longer are badly played covers of middle-of-the-road top 40 hits acceptable. London's leading music stylists, Audio Sushi, manage and create amazing background music for bars, hotels, restaurants and retail stores.

Background Music has come a long way since the elevator. No longer are badly played covers of middle-of-the-road top 40 hits acceptable. London's leading music stylists, Audio Sushi, manage and create amazing background music for bars, hotels, restaurants and retail stores. Music is one of the most significant environmental choices a business makes today. What once was the remit of the enthusiastic employee with a few CDs, the music selection business has now become both an essential branding tool and a key factor in the success of any bar or shop. An example is the Sol Melia Caribe Tropical Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, where chill sounds were broadcast in the lobby areas – quite relaxing indeed.

Audio Sushi’s talented music stylists will plan, create and implement customised background music for bars, night clubs, stores and restaurants. Audio Sushi works with its clients to gain an understanding of their brand and the audience they wish to speak to which helps them design the best possible customised background music. The tailor-made music is delivered on a hard-drive that connects to any sound system and is remotely updated each month. Audio Sushi's music supply is licensed for public broadcast worldwide.

Background music comes to the forefront at Audio Sushi. For more information click to: http://www.audiosushi.net/Background_Music.aspx

KENNY GAMBLE & PATTI LABELLE - I AM AN AMERICAN

Grammy Award winner Kenny Gamble has just released “I Am An American” which features special guest performances by Patti LaBelle and the Temple University Symphony Orchesta & Choirs. The recording of "I Am An American," a song adopted by U.S. spiritual leader the late Father Divine and his International Peace Mission movement, has been produced by legendary music producer and songwriter and recent Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Kenneth Gamble, the co-founder of Philadelphia International Records (known for hundreds of classic hits by such artists as The O'Jays, Teddy Pendergrass and Patti LaBelle among many others). "I Am An American" will be released by Sony BMG Masterworks and will be available at all digital service providers on July 1st.

Father of the "Philadelphia Sound," Kenny Gamble teams up with Patti LaBelle and the Temple University Symphony Orchestra and Choirs to bring America its new ode to patriotism, "I Am An American." Full of huge orchestral crescendos, excerpts from important speeches in American history and original words, along with Ms. LaBelle's powerful and soulful voice, "I Am An American" has all the making of being one of the great patriotic tunes of our time. When Temple University honored Gamble and his wife Faatimah for their community work in Philadelphia, the famed music man was inspired by hearing the prestigious educational institution's choir and orchestra and envisioned using them for "I Am An American." Adding Patti Labelle - with whom he has worked many times since their childhood days in Philly - was Gamble's idea and the powerhouse vocalist's performance on the song showcases a whole new side of her artistry, her first classically-oriented recording.

The writer of songs of empowerment such as "Wake Up Everybody" and "Love Train," Kenny Gamble views "I Am An American" as a recording meant to inspire, uplift and encourage a sense of pride in the nation: "In recent times, Americans have been depressed about many things and not always happy about the country. The words of this song and the performance by Patti LaBelle and the Temple choirs and orchestra can lift the spirits for America that has always been destined to be a country standing for freedom, justice and equality. It is the first time in the history of humanity that we have people of all creeds, colors and races in one place at one time. This recording is about being proud to be an American because, in 2008, we are doing a lot of great things. I'm hopeful that 'I Am An American' will be a new song for our country, that it will raise our morale and raise the consciousness of the people at a time when destiny has put us at a turning point in our history as a nation."

Historically, patriotic music has helped narrate the birth of our country, describe the struggles we overcame, and layout the bright future that we see for ourselves as a nation. Kenneth Gamble has kept true to this musical tradition, paying homage to where this country came from and where it is going. "I Am An American" may become one of our country's great anthems -- musically waving our country's flag for all to hear.

UPCOMING NEW RELEASES FROM DIANA ROSS, EDDY GRANT, BOBBI HUMPHREY, DAVID SANBORN & OTHERS…

DIANA ROSS - EVERYTHING IS EVERYTHING
Just released on June 17 is a Diana Ross 38-year-old second album "Everything Is Everything" that is finally getting a CD upgrade, complete with bonus tracks and alternate versions of several tracks. The Hip-O-Select/Motown release contains the album's original 11 songs, plus a previously-unreleased cover of the Beatles' "Something," alternate versions of "Ain't No Sad Song" and "Baby It's Love," as well as remixes of "Come Together" and "I'm Still Waiting." Also included is a never-before-released cover of "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" from the film "The Happy Ending." "Everything Is Everything" was originally released back in 1970, the same year as her self-titled solo debut, but it failed to yield a hit single as big as her No. 1 pop hit "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." However, "I'm Still Waiting" reached No. 1 on the U.K. singles chart, and Ross' cover of Aretha Franklin's "I Love You (Call Me)" was nominated for a Grammy. Diana Ross will be on tour in North America throughout the summer.

EDDY GRANT - THE VERY BEST OF EDDY GRANT: ROAD TO REPARATION
Mercury is set to release an 11-track ‘The Very Best Of Eddy Grant: Road To Reparation” for Eddy Grant. The album is scheduled for release on July 1 and will contain the UK chart hit “Gimme Hope Jo’anna,” ‘Do You Feel My Love,” “I Don’t Wanna Dance,” and “Living On The Frontline.”

VERVE ORIGINALS SERIES
Verve is re-issuing a series of past releases from Walter Beasley, Norman Brown, George Duke, and Will Downing. These will be re-released as part of their ‘Originals’ series. The Walter Beasley CD, simply entitled Walter Beasley, will include a bonus track which is a 12” remix of the original album track called “I’m So Happy.” The other titles are “Just Between Us” from Norman Brown, “A Dream Fulfilled” from Will Downing, and “Faces In Reflection” from George Duke. The release date is July 1.

NICK COLIONNE - NO LIMITS
Nick Colionne's new album, “No Limits”, arrives July 8th on Koch Records. His previous CD was “Keepin' It Cool”, which featured the smash smooth jazz single "Always Thinking Of You."Blue Note is preparing a batch of reissues set for release on July 22. Look out for the following releases: Fancy Dancer (Bobbi Humphrey); Set Us Free (Reuben Wilson); Heritage (Eddie Henderson); Elegant Soul, and Soul Symphony (The Three Sounds); and Howlin' for Judy (Jeremy Steig).

DAVID SANBORN - HERE AND GONE
Saxophonist David Sanborn will release “Here And Gone” on August 12th. The Decca Records release will feature several special guests, including Eric Clapton, Joss Stone, Sam Moore, Derek Trucks, Anthony Wilson, Steve Gadd, and Christian McBride will also add their skills to the set. ”Here And Gone” is David Sanborn's tribute to such '60s R&B-oriented jazz musicians as Hank Crawford and David "Fathead" Newman and was produced by Phil Ramone.

THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTIONS
Also watch for Definitive Collection series titles for the following artists: Diana Ross & the Supremes; The Four Tops; Gladys Knight & The Pips; Jr Walker & The All-Stars; DeBarge; Martha Reeves & The Vandellas; The Marvelettes; Mary Wells; Smokey Robinson & The Miracles; and The Temptations. These are out August 26.

NATALIE COLE - STILL UNFORGETTABLE
Grammy winner Natalie Cole will release “Still Unforgettable” on September 9th, 17 years after releasing “Unforgettable...With Love”, the album of American Songbook standards that included a duet with her late father, Nat "King" Cole. That album sold more than 14 million copies worldwide and earned Natalie five Grammy Awards. The new CD will be released and marketed through a co-venture between Cole, DMI Music, and Rhino/WEA. “Still Unforgettable” will feature 14 new tunes, including "The Best Is Yet To Come," "Nice 'N' Easy," and "Something's Gotta Give." The set includes another duet between Cole and her father on his hit "Walking My Baby Back Home" thanks to audio technology. Natalie Cole’s most recent album was “Leavin'”, released in 2006 on Verve. That project found Cole singing a range of '60 and '70s pop and R&B hits.

PATTI AUSTIN - THE SECRET GARDEN
Patti Austin is set to make a cameo appearance on the new CD by singer, songwriter and longtime friend Seidiah Garrett’s next CD. She’s performing on one of the album's tracks: a remake of the all-star ballad "The Secret Garden." The original version of "The Secret Garden" first appeared on Quincy Jones' 1989 album and featured performances by Barry White, El DeBarge, and others.producer of a record. So the whole day's work was about how to approach that lyric, how to make the song believable, and how to make it sound each time that you sing it... how to make it sound like it's just a thought that just popped into your head and you're having this conversation."

THE JULY CONCERT CALENDAR

Chip Shelton & Peacetime @ John Birks Gillespie Auditorium, New York, NY, July 1
Zap Mama @ Wolftrap, Vienna, VA, July 1
Federico Aubele @ World Café Live, Philadelphia, PA, July 1
Neville Brothers @ The Birchmere, Alexandria, VA, July 1
Joss Stone @ Taste Of Chicago, Chicago, IL, July 1
Stevie Wonder @ Fiddler’s Green, Englewood, CO, July 1
Solomon Burke @ Grand Casino, Basel, Switzerland, July 1
Paul Simon @ Laugardalsholl, Reykjavik, Iceland, July 1
Steely Dan @ Festival International de Jazz, Montreal, QC, July 1-2
Victor Wooten @ Riga Ritmis Festival, Riga, Latvia, July 2
The Bad Plus @ Cankarjev Dom Cultural & Congress Center, Ljubjana, Slovenia, July 2
Return To Forever @ Utenos Arena, Vilnius, Lithuania, July 2
Susan Tedeschi @ Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA, July 2
Solomon Burke @ Festival de Jazz, Strasbourg, France, July 2
Herbie Hancock @ Jazz Festival, Istanbul, Turkey, July 2-3
The Bad Plus @ Narodni dom Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia, July 3
Susan Tedeschi @ Fraze Pavollion, Keettering, OH, July 3
Solomon Burke @ Barbican Festival, London, UK, July 3
Paul Simon @ Marquee, Cork, Ireland, July 3
B.B King @ Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville, WA, July 3
The Whispers @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, July 3-6
Return To Forever @ Congress Hall, Warsaw, Poland, July 4
Steely Dan @ Casino Rama, Orillia, ON, July 4
John Legend @ Ben Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA, July 4
Chip Shelton & Peacetime @ Cleopoatr’a Needle, New York, NY, July 4
Al Green @ Horseshoe Casino Riverdome, Bossier City, LA, July 4
Stevie Wonder @ Reno Events Center, Reno, NV, July 4
Boz Scaggs @ Borgata Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, NJ, July 4
B.B King @ Northern Quest Casino, Airway Heights, WA, July 4
Ramsey Lewis Trio @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, July 4-5
Quincy Jones, Joan Baez, Herbie Hancock, Buddy Guy, Leonard Cohen, Mick Hucknall, Return To Forever, Gnarls Barkley @ Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux, Switzerland, July 4-19
Return To Forever @ Budapest Arena, Budapest, Hungary, July 5
Steely Dan @ Ottawa Bluesfest, Ottawa, ON, July 5
Solomon Burke @ Roskilde Festival, Roskilde, UK, July 5
Donna Summer @ Filene Center At Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA, July 5
Al Green @ Grand Casino & Hotel, Tunica, MS, July 5
Herbie Hancock @ Festival, Faro, Portugal, July 5
Stevie Wonder @ Shoreline, Mountain View, CA, July 5
Susan Tedeschi @ Rothbury Festival, Rothbury, MI, July 5
Richie Havens @ Guilfest, Surrey, UK, July 5
B.B King @ Maryhill Winery, Goldendale, WA, July 5
Paul Simon, Toots @ The Maytals @ Cornbury Music Festival, Charlbury, UK, July 5
Herbie Hancock @ Festival, Lisbon, Portugal, July 6
Solomon Burke @ Traumzeitfestival, Duisburg, Germany, July 6
The Yellowjackets & Mike Stern @ Castello Sforzesco, Galliate, Italy, July 6
John Legend @ Borgata Hotel, Atlantic City, NJ, July 6
Return To Forever @ Belgrade Arena, Belgrade, Serbia, July 6
Susan Tedeschi @ Summerfest, Milwaukee, WI, July 6
Paul Simon @ Liverpool Summer Pops, Liverpool, UK, July 6
k.d. lang @ Montreuz Jazz Festival, Montreux, Switzerland, July 6
Richie Havens @ Solidays, Paris, France, July 6
B.B King @ Les Schwab Amphitheater, Bend, OR, July 6
The Yellowjackets & Mike Stern @ Reigen, Vienna, Austria, July 7
Federico Aubele @ Ottawa Bluesfest, Ottawa, Canada, July 7
Susan Tedeschi @ Weesner Amphitheater, Apple Valley, MN, July 7
Van Morrison @ Massey Hall, Toronto, Canada, July 7
k.d. lang @ Villa Arconati, Bollate, Italy, July 7
Herbie Hancock @ Festival, Valencia, Spain, July 8
Victor Wooten @ A38, Budapest, Hungary, July 8
Donna Summer @ Meadowbrook US Cellular Pavollion, Gilford, NH, July 8
Return To Forever @ Olympia Hall, Paris, France, July 8
Amos Lee @ The Gig Theatre, Kitchener, Ontario, July 8
Stevie Wonder @ Sleep Train Pavillion, Concord, CA, July 8
Nick Colionne @ Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival, Colton’s Point, MD, July 8
Van Morrison @ Rosemont Theatre, Rosemont, IL, July 8
Roy Ayers, Tom Browne, Wayne Henderson, Miki Howard, Lonnie Liston Smith @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, July 8-13
Return To Forever @ Vienne Jazz Festival, Vienne, France, July 9
Amos Lee @ Danforth Music Hall, Toronto, Ontario, July 9
B.B King @ Solano County Fair, Vallejo, CA, July 9
Herbie Hancock @ Festival, Malaga, Spain, July 9
Carole King @ Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, FL, July 9
Donna Summer @ Mohegan Sun Arena Uncasville, CT, July 9
The Yellowjackets & Mike Stern @ Cordoba Guitar Festival, Cordoba, Spain, July 9
Susan Tedeschi @ Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids, MI, July 9
Paul Simon @ Montreux Jazz Fest, Montreux, Switzerland, July 9
Van Morrison @ Fox Theatre, Detroit, MI, July 9
Mindi Abair @ Animal Crackers Jazz Series, Racine, WI, July 9
k.d. lang @ Theatre Am Tanzbrunnen, Cologne, Germany, July 9
The Yellowjackets & Mike Stern @ Villa Celimontana Jazz Festival, Rome, Italy, July 10
Steely Dan @ Bethel Woods Arts Center, Bethel, NY, July 10
Victor Wooten @ Reigen, Vienna, Austria, July 10
Carole King @ Hard Rock Casino & Hotel, Hollywood, FL, July 10
Herbie Hancock @ Blue Note Festival, Ghent, Belgium, July 10
Spyro Gyra @ Polideportivo Municipal, Madrid, Spain, July 10
Return To Forever @ Via Jazz Festival, Madrid, Spain, July 10
Spanish Harlem Orchestra @ Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA, July 10
k.d. lang @ Volksbuhne, Berlin, Germany, July 10
Van Morrison @ Tower Theatre, Upper Darby, PA, July 10-11
Amos Lee @ Somerville Theatre, Somerville, MA, July 11
B.B King @ Pacific Amphitheatre, Costa Mesa, CA, July 11
Return To Forever @ Cap Roig Festival, Girona, Spain, July 11
Spanish Harlem Orchestra @ The Sportmans Lodge, Studio City, CA, July 11
Steely Dan @ Sands PAC, Canadaigua, NY, July 11
Al Green @ Freedom Hill, Sterling Heights, MI, July 11
Chris Standring, Everette Harp, Phil Perry @ Riverfront Jazz 7 Blues Festival, Omaha, NE, July 11
Stevie Wonder @ White River Amphitheatre, Auburn, WA, July 11
Spyro Gyra @ Auditorio El Porton, Malaga, Spain, July 11
Donna Summer @ Bethel Woods Center For The Arts, Bethel, NY, July 11
Susan Tedeschi @ High Falls Brewery, Rochester, NY, July 11
Solomon Burke @ JazzFest, Vienna, Austria, July 11
Medeski Martin & Wood @ All Good Music Festival, Masontown, WV, July 11
Paul Simon @ Palais des Sports, Paris, France, July 11
Stevie Wonder @ White River Amphitheatre, Auburn, WA, July 11
Richie Havens @ BluesFest, Windsor, ON, July 11-12
Tony Bennett @ Caesars Palace, Atlantic City, NJ, July 11-12
Amos Lee @ ZpoNential Music Festival, Camden, NJ, July 12
Herbie Hancock @ North Sea Jazz, Rotterdam, Netherlands, July 11-12
Spyro Gyra @ Auditorio Parque Almansa, Murcia, Spain, July 12
B.B King @ Pine Mountain Amphitheatre, Flagstaff, AZ, July 12
Spanish Harlem Orchestra @ The Arena Pier Ten, San Juan, PR, July 12
Medeski Martin & Wood @ Jefferson Center, Roanoke, VA, July 12
Denny Jiosa, Bobby Hebb @ Watertown Jazz Festival, Watertown, NY, July 12
Carole King @ Foxwoods, Mashantucket, CT, July 12
Chip Shelton & Peacetime @ Minton’s Playhouse, New York, NY, July 12
Gilberto Gil, Elba Ramalho, Mart’nalia @ Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux, Switzerland, July 12
Anita Baker @ DTE Energy Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI, July 12
Al Green @ Rochester International Jazz Festival, Chicago, IL, July 12
Federico Aubele @ Kalamitsi Camping Area, Thessaloniki, Greece. July 12
The Yellowjackets & Mike Stern @ Castello Banf, Mantalcino, Italy, July 12
Victor Wooten @ North Sea Festival, Rotterdam, Netherlands, July 12
Esperanza Spalding @ Outdoor Festival, Frederiksberg, Denmark, July 12
Stevie Wonder @ GM Place, Vancouver, BC, July 12
Donna Summer @ Bank Of America Pavillion, Boston, MA, July 12
Susan Tedeschi @ Marvin’s Mountaintop, Masontown, WV, July 12
Paul Simon @ Ahoy, Rotterdam, Netherlands, July 12
Van Morrison @ Borgata Hotel, Atlantic City, NJ, July 12
Mindi Abair @ Thornton Winery, Temecula, CA, July 12
Carole King @ MGM Grand Theatre, Mashantucket, CT, July 12
Michael McDonald @ Trump Taj Majal, Atlantic City, NJ, July 13
The Bad Plus @ Kulturzelt Kassel, Kassel, Germany, July 13
Medeski Martin & Wood @ Bijou Theatre, Knoxville, TN, July 13
Solomon Burke @ Rhythm & Blues Festival, Peer, Belgium, July 13
B.B King @ Desert Diamond Casino, Tucson, AZ, July 13
Al Green @ Fox Theatre, St. Louis, MO, July 13
Steely Dan @ National City Pavillion, Cincinnati, OH, July 13
Spyro Gyra @ Auditorio Parque Majuelo, Malaga, Spain, July 13
Oleta Adams @ Metrotech Plaza, New York, NY, July 13
Donna Summer @ Lebreton Flats Park, Ottawa, Ontario, July 13
k.d. lang @ Zelt-Musik Festival, Freiburg, Germany, July 13
Mindi Abair, Ellis Hall @ SLC Jazz Festival, Ellington Square, Salt Lake City, UT, July 13
Carole King @ Fallsview Casino, Niagra Falls, ON, July 13
Herbie Hancock & Chaka Khan @ Montreux Jazz Fesival, Montreux, Switzerland, July 13-14
Esperanza Spalding @ Jazzopen Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany, July 14
Amos Lee @ Highline Ballroom, New York, NY, July 14
Carole King @ Fallsview Casino, Niagra Falls, NY, July 14
Federico Aubele @ Lycabetous Theatre, Athens, Greece, July 14
Paul Simon @ Tanzbrunnen Koeln, Cologne, Germany, July 14
Victor Wooten @ Colos Saal, Aschagffenurg, Germany, July 14
Larry Coryell Trio @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, July 14-17
The Yellowjackets & Mike Stern @ Lorca Jazz Festival, Lorca, Spain, July 15
Al Green @ The Filene Center, Vienna, VA, July 15
Steely Dan @ Chicago Theatre, Chicago, IL, July 15
Solomon Burke @ Jazz Festival, Antibes, France, July 15
Amos Lee @ Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA, July 15
Medeski Martin & Wood @ Workplay Theatre, Birmingham, AL, July 15
Paul Simon @ Forest National, Brussels, Belgium, July 15
Esperanza Spalding @ Pori Jazz Festival, Pori, Finland, July 15-18
Chuck Mangione @ The Blue Note, New York, NY, July 15-20
Al Green @ Chastain Park, Atlanta, GA, July 16
Donna Summer @ Pier Six Pavillion, Boston, MA, July 16
Amos Lee @ Rams Head, Annapolis, MD, July 16
Medeski Martin & Wood @ Belcourt Theatre, Nashville, TN, July 16
Down To The Bone featuring Shilts, Smooth Jazz Cruise, Pier 61, New York, NY, July 16
k.d. lang @ Sentrum Scene, Oslo, Norway, July 16
Tony Bennett @ BB King’s Bar & Grill, New York, NY, July 16 & 18
Steely Dan @ Red Rocks, Morrison, CO, July 17
Susan Tedeschi @ River Run, Ketchum, ID, July 17
Medeski Martin & Wood @ Madison Theatre, Cincinnati, OH, July 17
Paul Simon @ Jazzopen Pariser Platz, Stuttgart, Germany, July 17
k.d. lang @ Tivoli Theatre, Copehagen, Denmark, July 17
Richie Havens @ Theatre Antique, Vienne, France, July 17
Donna Summer @ PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ, July 18
Al Green @ Seneca Niagra Casino, Niagra Falls, NY, July 18
Susan Tedeschi @ Grand Targhee Festival, Alta, WY, July 18
Amos Lee @ Rex Theatre, Pittsburgh, PA, July 18
Solomon Burke @ Jazzan Der Donau, Straubing, Germany, July 18
Medeski Martin & Wood @ Bomhard Theatre, Louisville, KY, July 18
Regina Carter Quartet @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, July 18-21
Susan Tedeschi @ Chautauqua Auditorium, Boulder, CO, July 19
Solomon Burke @ Pohodafestival, Trencin, Slovakia, July 19
Amos Lee @ Royal Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oak, MI, July 19
Paul Simon @ Moon And Stars, Locarno, Switzerland, July 19
Esperanza Spalding @ Stockholm International Jazz & Blues Festival, Stockholm, Sweden, July 19
The Yellowjackets & Mike Stern @ Lake Stage-Gyula Kazz Festival, Gyula, Hungary, July 19
Return To Forever @ Grugahalle, Essen, Germany, July 19
Victor Wooten @ Garana Jazz Festival, Garana, Romania, July 19
Steely Dan @ Sandia Resort, Alburquerque, NM, July 19
Donna Summer @ Nikon At Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, NY, July 19
Burning Spear @ Center Town Stage, Casablanca, Morocco, July 19
k.d. lang @ RAI, Amsterdam, Netherlands, July 19
Sheila E, The Pete Escovedo Orchestra @ JazzFest West in Bonelli Park, San Dimas, CA, July 19
Van Morrison @ Stockholm Jazz Fest, Stockholm, Sweden, July 19
The Yellowjackets & Mike Stern @ Garana Jazz Festival, Garana, Romania, July 20
Marion Meadows @ Ocean Pier Amphitheatre, San Diego, CA, July 20
Solomon Burke @ Gurten Festival, Bern, Switzerland, July 20
Amos Lee @ House Of Blues, Cleveland, OH, July 20
Medeski Martin & Wood @ Whistler Music & Arts Festival, Whistler, BC, July 20
Al Green @ House Of Blues, Atlantic City, NJ, July 20
Steely Dan @ Dodge Theatre, Phoenix, AZ, July 20
Paul Simon @ Palco Baltera, Riva de Garda, Italy, July 20
Donna Summer @ Seneca Allegany Casino, Salamanca, NY, July 20
George Duke @ Bonelli Regional Park, San Diego, CA, July 20
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings @ The Hollywood Bowl, July 20
Susan Tedeschi @ Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver, CO, July 20
Toots & The Maytals @ Max Fisher Music Center, Detroit, MI, July 20
Lionel Richie @ Ameristar Casino Hotel, Chicago, IL, July 20
Michael McDonald @ Capital One Bank Theatre at Westbury, Westbury, NY, July 20
k.d. lang @ Riverenhof, Duerne, Belgium, July 20
Richie Havens @ Stephen Talkhouse, Amagansett, NY, July 20
Return To Forever @ Indigo2, London, UK, July 21
Natalie Walker @ Joe’s Pub, New York, NY, July 21
Pacifika @ Yoshi’s, San Francisco, CA, July 21
k.d. lang @ Blue Balls Festival, Lucerne, Switzerland, July 21
Van Hunt @ Apache Café, Atlanta, GA, July 21-25
The Yellowjackets & Mike Stern @ Piazza Unita D’Italia, Trieste, Italy, July 22
Christian McBride, Perry Hughes, Dwight Adams @ Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, Detroit, MI, July 22
The Bad Plus @ Nice Jazz Festival, Nice, France, July 22
Steely Dan @ Anselmo Valencia Tori Amphitheatre, Tucson, AZ, July 22
Susan Tedeschi @ Red Butte Gardens, Salt Lake City, UT, July 22
Solomon Burke @ Debaser Medis, Stockholm, Sweden, July 22
Paul Simon @ Castillo, Udine, Italy, July 22
Amos Lee @ Newport Music Hall, Columbis, OH, July 22
Dave Mason @ BB King’s Bar & Grill, New York, NY, July 22
Donna Summer @ Casino Rama Entertainment Centre, Rama, Ontario, July 22-23
Soulalive, Christian Scott & Sam Kininger @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, July 22-25
The Yellowjackets & Mike Stern @ Langnau Jazz Nights, Langnau, Switzerland, July 23
Return To Forever @ Nice Jazz Festival, Nice, France, July 23
Amos Lee @ Headliners Music Hall, Louisville, KY, July 23
Steely Dan @ Nokia Theatre, Los Angeles, CA, July 23
Lalah Hathaway @ Wolf Trap National Park For Performing Arts, Vienna, VA, July 23
Brian Culbertson @ Smooth Jazz Cruise, Pier 61, New York, NY, July 23
Solomon Burke @ Folkets Park, Malmo, Sweden, July 23
Paul Simon @ Castle Esterhazg, Eisenstadt, Austria, July 23
k.d. lang @ New Theatre, Oxford, UK, July 23
Buddy Guy @ Oregon Garden, Silverton, OR, July 23
Anita Baker @ Hard Rock, Hollywood, FL, July 24
Federico Aubele @ Nice Jazz Festival, Nice, France, July 24
Susan Tedeschi @ Rose Quarter/Theatre Of The Clouds, Portland, OR, July 24
k.d. lang @ City Hall, Sheffield, UK, July 24
Buddy Guy @ Tulalip Amphitheatre, Tulalip, WA, July 24
Donna Summer @ Caesars Palace, Atlantic City, NJ, July 24-26
Hiroshima @ Hyatt Newporter, Newport Beach, CA, July 25
Janis Ian @ BB King’s Bar & Grill, New York, NY, July 25
Amos Lee @ The National, Richmond, VA, July 25
B.B King @ Riverfest Amphitheatre, Little Rock, AR, July 25
Federico Aubele @ Blue Balls Festival, Luzern, Switzerland, July 25
Kenny G @ Fantasy Springs Casino, Indio, CA, July 25
The Yellowjackets & Mike Stern @ Canal Street Festival, Arendal, Norway, July 25
Susan Tedeschi @ WaMU Theatre, Seattle, WA, July 25
Solomon Burke @ Autostadt Jazz & Blues Fest, Wolfsburg, Germany, July 25
Paul Simon @ Zitadelle, Mainz, Germany, July 25
Mindi Abair @ Four Seasons Resort Aviara, Carlsbad, CA, July 25
John Legend @ Highline Ballroom, New York, NY, July 25
Buddy Guy @ Little Creek Casino, Shelton, WA, July 25
Donna Summer @ Caesars Atlantic City, Atlantic City, NJ, July 25-26
The Bad Plus @ 10,000 Lakes Festival, Detroit Lakes, MN, July 26
Spanish Harlem Orchestra @ Midsummer Night Swing at Lincoln Center, New York, NY, July 26
B.B King @ Amphitheatre at the Wharf, Orange Beach, AL, July 26
Amos Lee @ Floydfest, Blue Cow Pavillion, Floyd, VA, July 26
Medeski Martin & Wood @ 10,000 Lakes, Desroit Lakes, MN, July 26
Steely Dan @ The Greek Theatre, Berkeley, CA, July 26
Solomon Burke @ Arendal Jazz & Blues Festival, Arendal, Norway, July 26
k.d. lang @ Sage, Gateshead, UK, July 26
Mindi Abair @ Hyatt Westlake Plaza, Westlake Village, CA, July 26
Buddy Guy @ Britt Pavillion, Jacksonville, OR, July 26
Clementine @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, July 26-27, July 29-31
Spyro Gyra @ Glenora Winer Cellars, Dundee, NY, July 27
Youssou N’Dour @ The Hollywood Bowl, July 27
B.B King @ Chastain Park Amphitheatre, Atlanta, GA, July 27
Amos Lee @ Mountain Stage, Charleston, WV, July 27
Spanish Harlem Orchestra @ National Black Arts Festival, Atlanta, GA, July 27
Donna Summer @ Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, Westhampton Beach, NY, July 27
The Yellowjackets & Mike Stern @ Corte Malatestiana, Fano, Italy, July 27
Susan Tedeschi @ San Francisco Jazz Festival, San Francisco, CA, July 27
Mindi Abair @ Wine Notes at Marymour Park, Redmond, WA, July 27
Buddy Guy @ Ironstone Vineyards, Murphy’s, CA, July 27
Susan Tedeschi @ Humphrey’s, San Diego, CA, July 28
Steely Dan @ Mountain Winery, Saratoga, CA, July 28
Toots & The Maytals @ Jones Beach Theater, Wantaugh, NY, July 28
Paul Simon @ Piazza Napoleone, Lucca, Italy, July 28
k.d. lang @ Olympia Theatre, Dublin, Ireland, July 28
Toots & The Maytals @ Humphrey’s, San Diego, CA, July 29
Spyro Gyra @ Wiggins Waterfront Park, Camden, NJ, July 29
Amos Lee @ The Orange Peel, Asheville, NC, July 29
Paul Simon @ Cavea Auditorium, Rome, Italy, July 29
B.B King @ Performing Arts Theatre, Roanoke, VA, July 29
Buddy Guy @ The Mointain Winery, Saratoga, CA, July 29
k.d. lang @ Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, UK, July 29
Spyro Gyra @ Spirit Cruise Ship, New York, NY, July 30
Andre Delano @ Catalina Bar & Grill, Hollywood, CA, July 30
GQ, Change, BB&Q Band @ BB King’s Bar & Grill, New York, NY, July 30
Amos Lee @ Neighbourhood Theatre, Charlotte, NC, July 30
The Yellowjackets & Mike Stern @ Piazza Grande-Polo Della Qualita, Caserta, Italy, July 30
Return To Forever @ The Fillmore Miami Beach, Miami, FL, July 30
Spyro Gyra @ Smooth Jazz Cruise, Pier 61, New York, NY, July 30
Toots & The Maytals @ Bank Of America Pavillion, Boston, MA July 30
k.d. lang @ Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, UK, July 30
Buddy Guy @ Marin Veteran’s Auditorium, San Rafael, CA, July 30
Steely Dan @ Chateau St. Michelle Winery, Woodinville, WA, July 30-31
Return To Forever @ Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, FL, July 31
Anita Baker @ Casino Rama, Rama, Ontario, July 31
B.B King @ Cape Code Melody Tent, Hyannis Port, MA, July 31
Toots & The Maytals @ Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA, July 31
Buddy Guy @ Legacy Resort Casino, Reno, NV, July 31

EDDY GRANT - THE BEST OF EDDY GRANT - THE ROAD TO REPARATIONS

A true great of Caribbean music, Eddy Grant may be the only major artist in the world who owns every song he has recorded in a 40-year plus career. Now Grant has entered into an exclusive licensing arrangement with Universal Music Enterprises for the distribution of that catalogue so fans may access those recordings as he returns to the stage. The Reparation World Tour reaches the U.S. August 1-28 and October 2-30. The first album to be issued under the deal is The Very Best Of Eddy Grant – The Road To Reparations (Mercury/UMe), released July 8, 2008.

Eddy Grant has gained an enormous amount of press in the UK, including: the BBC's, "Later, with Jools Holland," an interview with Gary Crowley from BBC London radio, and featured interview in the Daily Telegraph, not to mention his participation in July's O2 Wireless Festival and Nelson Mandela's 46664 Concert in Hyde park later this month. "Electric Avenue" will also be featured in a new movie out this August, "Pineapple Express" starring Seth Rogan from "Knocked Up."

Spanning his solo career from 1979 to 2005 - from his second album, Walking On Sunshine, to his latest, Reparation, the collection includes 11 classic tracks selected by Grant himself. Notable among them are his two biggest hits in the U.S. (the #2 pop "Electric Avenue" and Top 30 pop "Romancing The Stone") and three U.K. Top 10s ("Gimme Hope Jo'Anna," "Do You Feel My Love" and #1 "I Don't Wanna Dance).

Born in Guyana but raised in North London, Grant founded The Equals, in the mid-'60s the first multicultural pop-rock outfit to achieve global acclaim ("Baby Come Back"). While it was not fashionable at the time to be associated with Jamaican culture, he also experimented with reggae,
creating records for other artists as a writer-producer. His solo breakthrough came with Walking On Sunshine, which boasted the title track as well as his first solo hit, the #11 U.K. "Living On The Frontline." 1981's Can’t Get Enough then yielded "Do You Feel My Love."

But it was the next year's Killer On The Rampage, recorded at his studio in his new home in Barbados, that made him an international star. His blend of social commentary lyrics with a complex yet pop friendly sound deftly mixing international influences was epitomized by "Electric Avenue," which talked about tensions in the streets over a pulsating instrumental track of new-wave synthesizers and funky grooves. The Very Best Of Eddy Grant also adds the album's "War Party."

In 1984, Eddy Grant wrote the title song for the hit adventure film "Romancing The Stone," showcasing Grant's wailing, rock-style guitar solo. His Going For Broke album that year included "Romancing The Stone," "Come On Let Me Love You" and "Boys In The Street." He returned to the international pop scene in 1988 with "Gimme Hope, Jo'Anna," an anti-apartheid message (Jo'Anna meaning Johannesburg) wrapped in a funky, catchy Caribbean-pop melody. The most recent track on The Very Best Of Eddy Grant is "Gotta Be Positive" from 2005's Reparation.

Over the years, Grant's classic works have been covered by artists as diverse as Prince Buster, Jaheim, UB40, Pato Banton, and The Clash. Now the original returns, both on stage and with The Very Best Of Eddy Grant – The Road To Reparation.

Current tour dates for Eddy Grant:
Aug 1- Toronto , CAN @ Mod Club
Aug 3- Montreal, CAN @ Osheaga Festival
Aug 4 - Boston, MA @ Paradise
Aug 5 - New York, NY @ BB Kings
Aug 6 - Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero
Aug 8 - Washington DC @ Birchmere
Aug 9 - Richmond, VA @ Toads Place
Aug 10 - Atlanta, GA @ Variety
Aug 12 - Chicago, IL @ Martyrs
Aug 13 - Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line
Aug 15 - Denver, CO @ Bluebird
Aug 16 - Atlanta, GA @ Variety
Aug 18 - Seattle, WA @ Neumos
Aug 19 - Vancouver, BC @ Richards
Aug 21 - Portland, OR @ Wonder
Aug 22 - San Francisco, CA @ Slims
Aug 23 - San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
Aug 24 - Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues
Aug 26 - Los Angeles, CA El Rey
Aug 28 - Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues

DONNA SUMMER LAUNCHES TOUR

This summer Donna Summer will embark on a North American tour to promote her brand new album 'Crayons.' The "Stamp Your Feet" featuring a new set, design and costumes will include material from Summer's new album 'Crayons' as well as her classic hits. 'Crayons,' is Donna Summer’s first album of all new studio material in 17 years, debuted at #17 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart making it Summer's highest debuting album since 1983's "She Works Hard For The Money."

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 Dance Club Play Charts making it her 13th #1 single to top the club charts and her 19th #1 charting single across all charts. The remix for the
second single "Stamp Your Feet" is also poised to top the dance chart.

'Crayons' contains a potent mix of up-tempo tunes and ballads and it showcases incredible new material, all-co written by Donna (who wrote or co-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), and Lester Mendez (Shakira, Santana).

Donna'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.

Donna Summer "Crayons" Tour Dates
7.5.08 FILENE CENTER AT WOLF TRAP Vienna, VA
7.8.08 MEADOWBROOK U.S. CELLULAR PAVILLION Gilford, NH
7.9.08 MOHEGAN SUN ARENA Uncasville, CT
7.11.08 BETHEL WOODS CENTER FOR THE ART Bethel, NY
7.12.08 BANK OF AMERICA PAVILLION Boston, MA
7.13.08 LEBRETON FLATS PARK Ottawa, ON
7.16.08 PIER SIX PAVILION Baltimore, MD
7.18.08 PNC BANK ARTS CENTER Holmdel, NJ
7.19.08 NIKON AT JONES BEACH THEATER Wantagh, NY
7.20.08 SENECA ALLEGANY CASINO Salamanca, NY
7.22.08 CASINO RAMA ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE Rama, ON
7.23.08 CASINO RAMA ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE Rama, ON
7.25.08 CAESARS ATLANTIC CITY Atlantic City, NJ
7.26.08 CAESARS ATLANTIC CITY Atlantic City, NJ
7.27.08 WESTHAMPTON BEACH PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Westhampton Beach, NY
8.8.08 RIVER ROCK CASINO RESORT Richmond, BC
8.9.08 RIVER ROCK CASINO RESORT Richmond, BC
8.10.08 NORTHERN QUEST CASINO Airway Heights, WA
8.13.08 THE MOUNTAIN WINERY Saratoga, CA
8.15.08 PEPPERMILL HOTEL CASINO Reno, NV
8.16.08 PARAMOUNT THEATRE Oakland, CA
8.17.08 WELLS FARGO CENTER FOR THE ARTS Santa Rosa, CA
8.20.08 VIEJAS CONCERTS IN THE PARK Alpine, CA
8.22.08 HOLLYWOOD BOWL Los Angeles, CA
8.23.08 HOLLYWOOD BOWL Los Angeles, CA
8.27.08 CAESARS WINDSOR Windsor, ON
8.28.08 CAESARS WINDSOR Windsor, ON
8.30.08 RAVINIA FESTIVAL Highland Park, IL
8.31.08 MYSTIC LAKE CASINO Prior Lake, MN

FRANK MCCOMB, LEDISI & LALAH HATHAWAY HEADLINE PENN'S LANDING CONCERTS

The Bank of America Sounds of R&B Series, which begins Penn's Landing Corporation's series of Free Friday night concerts through July and August, features innovative, inspirational, and critically acclaimed national recording artists. Each artist expresses a mastery of the genre and a passion for exploring new directions in R&B. As part of the Summer Season 2008 at Penn's Landing, presented by Independence Blue Cross, this free concert series, beginning at 7:30 p.m. each week, is sponsored by Bank of America and a partnership with WDAS 105.3 and CW Philly 57.

In developing the 2008 series, Penn's Landing Corporation Program Director Keeya Branson-Davis comments, "This much-anticipated series is an opportunity for audiences to hear and see some of the best performers in R&B music today -- for free! Each performer in the series was selected for their incredible ability to interpret R&B music in their own unique style. All of the performers are true artists who will deliver stellar performances that will become memorable experiences for everyone who attends the concerts this summer."

The series kickoff features the budding talents of R&B newcomer Kevin Michael on Friday, June 27, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. So far, Michael's style shows dedication to R&B roots along with adventurous experiments with style and fusion. Noted for his "irresistible blend of soul, funk, R&B, and pop," Michael creates songs with hip-hop inflection, snappy pop phrasing and layered vocal harmonies, poignant lyrics, and an occasion Caribbean flavor. Michael gained attention on the music scene after his collaboration with Wyclef Jean on "It Don't Make Any Difference To Me."

Dubbed the most exciting live band on the international soul/jazz circuit, Fertile Ground brings its passionate and timely message of peace and love to the Penn's Landing stage on Friday, July 11, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. This cross-cultural fusion band supports their bold spiritual message with a mix of funk, Afrobeat, bebop, Latin and Caribbean music, reggae, R&B, US garage band style, modern soul, and hip-hop. This eclectic fusion produces an original sound strong enough to stand up to the proud political messages of their lyrics.

Friday July 18, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. features contemporary jazz singer and keyboardist Frank McComb. Sprouting from humble beginnings, McComb began pursuing music as a young boy, nestled on the piano bench of his church under the tutelage of his Aunt. His early dedication paid off when McComb, fresh out of high school, was asked to join the Rude Boys, a male R&B vocal group signed with Atlantic Records. Just a few years later, McComb took over as music director of the group. Soon after, he moved to Philadelphia and signed with Motown Records. Gradually, he transitioned from major labels to start his own company, Boobeescoot Music. Finally enjoying the freedom to produce and disseminate his music in his own way, McComb continues to release some of the most authentic jazz, R&B and soul albums of his time.

On Friday, July 25, 2008 at 7:30 p.m., Penn's Landing welcomes two-time Grammy nominee Ledisi. Born into a musical family, Ledisi began performing at the tender age of eight in a performance with the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra. From this powerful start, Ledisi went on to award-winning performances in California musical theater, five years of intensive study of opera and piano, and a series of independent albums with her group Anibade. In a 2007 career turning point, Ledisi signed with major record label Verve and collaborated with composer/keyboardist Rex Rideout in the Grammy-nominated "Lost and Found." In her music, Ledisi dares to cover taboo topics with elegance, soulful musicality, and an inspiring independent spirit.

Lalah Hathaway, daughter of revered R&B artist Donny Hathaway, also performs on the final night of the Bank of America Sounds of R&B Series, Friday, July 25, 2008. Lalah signed her first record deal with Virgin Records while still a student at the Berklee College of Music and has performed on over 200 recordings in the R&B, jazz and pop music fields. She has just released her 5th solo CD, "Self Portrait," with the legendary Stax Records, and is proudly continuing the legacy of timeless soul music.

Penn's Landing Corporation is the non-profit organization responsible for funding and producing public programming on the Great Plaza, Philadelphia's Delaware Waterfront Park. Independence Blue Cross is the presenting sponsor of the 2008 Summer Season at Penn's Landing. All events produced by Penn's Landing Corporation are FREE to the public and on the Great Plaza, the heart of Penn's Landing, Philadelphia's premier riverfront entertainment destination.

WDAS 105.3 is the new and proud radio partner for the Bank of America Sounds of R&B series. Personalities from the station and the promotional crew will be on site each week. The Bank of America Sounds of R&B series is also proudly supported by CW Philly 57. The CW Philly 57 (WPSG-TV) is part of the CBS Stations Group.

WDAS FM is part of the Clear Channel Worldwide the largest independent radio group with six stations in Philadelphia -- WDAS FM, Power 99 FM (WUSL), Q-102 (WIOQ), My106.1 (WISX), Rumba (WUBA-AM) and Radio 1045 (WRFF).