JOHN MAYER - BATTLE STUDIES

John Mayer's Battle Studies will be released on November 17th, 2009 on Columbia Records. The seven-time Grammy Award winner's fourth studio album was co-produced by John Mayer and Steve Jordan and debuts three years after his critically acclaimed 2006 album, Continuum. Incorporating the warmth, melodies and simplicity of 70's and 80's California rock/pop, Battle Studies is a confessional, relaxed and liberated album recorded in a private home in California where Mayer lived and worked over the course of six months before wrapping at the famed Capitol Studios in Los Angeles.

The album's first single, "Who Says" challenges conventional standards of what one can accomplish or undertake -- despite society's constraints. Battle Studies also showcases universal themes on "Heartbreak Warfare," "Assassin," and "War of My Life," while flexing guitar chops on "Rock Song," and a reinterpretation of "Crossroads." The famously collaborative guitar player also invited one of music's brightest new talents, Taylor Swift, to appear on "Half of My Heart."

"I approach music like a director doing a period piece," says Mayer. "Where Continuum was R&B and Soul, Battle Studies was written with the timelessness of Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac and Neil Young in mind. The melodies and message are concise and from-the-gut with the efficiency of simplicity."

A John Mayer North American tour is currently being planned and will follow the release of Battle Studies in early 2010, details to be announced soon. In the meantime, two rare performances by John Mayer Trio (John Mayer, Steve Jordan, Pino Palladino) have been announced for December -- December 29th in San Diego at the Copley Symphony Hall and a New Year's Eve show on December 31st in Las Vegas at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

The consistency with which John Mayer combines wordcraft and melody has earned him rarefied status in popular culture as a genuine and respected songwriter and musician. Since his acclaimed debut in 2001 with Room For Squares, each release has earned John Mayer additional accolades. Through 2003's Heavier Things, his work with John Mayer Trio in 2005, Continuum's 2006 release and now, Battle Studies, John Mayer has established himself as a musician and collaborator who exceeds genre boundaries. The guitarist, vocalist and songwriter has earned seven Grammy Awards and sold nearly 12.5 million albums worldwide.

In May 2007, Time Magazine placed John Mayer on their Time 100 list of the most influential contemporary thinkers, leaders, artists and entertainers. For two consecutive years, Rolling Stone Magazine featured John Mayer on the cover of their annual "Guitar" issue -- first with the May 2008 "Living Guitar Legends" issue and then as part of February 2007's "Guitar Heroes" round-ups featuring Mayer with peers and icons alike.

Pairings with a range of artists are a defining trait of the musician whose collaborative streak is well-known. From rock to blues, hip-hop to jazz to country, Mayer has performed and/or recorded with Eric Clapton, BB King, Buddy Guy, T-Bone Burnett, Herbie Hancock, Dixie Chicks, Jay Z, Alicia Keys and Taylor Swift. In 2005, Mayer famously toured and recorded with power players Pino Palladino and Steve Jordan as John Mayer Trio, whose live album TRY! featured searing blues and rock. As on Continuum, John Mayer again took the helm as the co-producer of Battle Studies, his fourth studio album, which will be released November, 17, 2009.

Source: Columbia Records

RAY CHARLES - THE GENIUS HITS THE ROAD

When Ray Charles left Atlantic Records for ABC-Paramount, his first move was to gather up a dozen vintage songs about U.S. destinations. The resulting album, The Genius Hits the Road, in turn gave Charles his first No. 1 hit, a soulful reading of Hoagy Carmichael's "Georgia On My Mind." The album, which also contains such travel songs as "Alabamy Bound," "California, Here I Come," "Deep in the Heart of Texas" and "Blue Hawaii," marked the start of Charles' long association with producer Sid Feller and featured band longtime accompanists saxmen David "Fathead" Newman and Hank Crawford, plus the Raeletts.A deluxe reissue of The Genius Hits the Road, augmented by six bonus tracks, digital re-mastering and new liner notes by Bill Dahl alongside original notes by Rick Ward. "This was the first album we made together," said late producer Feller. "(Ray) wanted to do songs either about states or cities. A lot of the material he knew himself. He'd give me some titles and then check through catalogs and publishers for other ones that had names of cities or states."The Genius Hits the Road was recorded in two lengthy New York recording sessions in March 1960. "Georgia On My Mind" was first on the evening's agenda. The song's lyricist Stuart Gorrell actually found his inspiration in Carmichael's sister Georgia rather than the state, but the words pay tribute to either. It was Charles' first No. 1 hit, earning him two of four Grammys that year. The album also contained a version of Leo Robin and Ralph Rainger's "Blue Hawaii," recorded originally for the 1937 movie Waikiki Wedding starring Bing Crosby. A year after Charles recorded it, the song became the title track to a 1961 Elvis Presley film.The 12 songs of The Genius Hits the Road were by no means the only travel tunes Charles recorded in his ABC-Paramount tenure. The expanded edition reissue adds six more. The best known of these is Charles' No. 1 version of Percy Mayfield's "Hit the Road Jack," which joins Les Brown's "Sentimental Journey," Bill Monroe's "Blue Moon of Kentucky," Tony Joe White's "Rainy Night in Georgia," Paul McCartney's "Long and Winding Road," John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads" and Charles' own "I Was on Georgia Time."The Genius Hits the Road vaulted to No. 9 on Billboard's pop charts during a 50-week run that began in October 1960. But this particular road was just the beginning of a new journey for Brother Ray.

Source: Concord Records

RAMSEY LEWIS - SONGS FROM THE HEART: RAMSEY PLAYS RAMSEY

Concord Jazz presents Songs From the Heart: Ramsey Plays Ramsey, the debut Concord Jazz CD from iconic pianist/bandleader Ramsey Lewis. At the age of 74, Ramsey Lewis has not only continued to be active in the jazz world, but he's also forging ahead with a newly inspired creative instinct as a composer. This re-envisioned artistic sensibility is showcased on his new album, which is a remarkable, refined collection of 12 new originals that he composed over a period of two years. The collection includes music from two commissioned world premiere performances at the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, Illinois, just north of Chicago. Eight songs come from the score of 2007's ballet To Know Her...written for the Joffrey Ballet Company and four pieces come from 2008's Muses and Amusements suite performed with the Turtle Island Quartet.

Songs From the Heart, Lewis' first trio recording in five years, features eight pieces with bassist Larry Gray and drummer Leon Joyce, and four piano solo performances. To Lewis, the CD marks a turning point in his storied career: he's found new life as a composer. "Initially nothing was compelling me to go into the studio," says the three-times-Grammy-winner Lewis, who in addition to his 80-plus album career (seven went gold) is also a Chicago-based radio personality and host of the PBS TV series Legends of Jazz. "But since I'd been composing so much and people were responding positively to the new songs, I decided to do an entire album of my own material instead of recording music by other artists."

In regards to his newfound love of composing, he adds, "I'm like a kid on Christmas morning all over again. For me, it's all about the music. It's what makes me sleep well and jump out of bed in the morning to work on new melodies. I can't wait." Lewis says that his early hits-most prominently his mid-‘60s international breakout tunes "The ‘In' Crowd," "Hang on Sloopy" and "Wade in the Water"-in some ways spoiled him. "Darn those hits," he says jokingly. "In the early days with the trio I wrote more, but once you get so popular you tend to get a little lazy. It comes to a point where you compose three or four songs for a new album, then one or two seems to suffice."

In 2006, Welz Kauffman, the president/CEO of Ravinia, suggested that Lewis, the jazz artistic director there, compose a score for the Joffrey. The pianist met with the ballet company's then- executive director Jon Teeuwissen and then set forth to work on an hour's worth of material. He was in for a rude awakening. "I sat down at the piano and all I could think of was Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev and music for classical ballet," he says. "As I sat at the piano with no ideas, my wife Jan told me, ‘I'm hearing you and you're suffering. Why don't you just turn on a tape recorder and play?' I told her, ‘But I'm trying to compose.'"

However, Lewis took her advice and began to discover melodies as he improvised. His breakthrough song is the CD's leadoff track, the lyrical "To Know Her Is to Love Her." More tunes quickly followed even without using the tape recorder ("It was almost like writing shorthand," says Lewis), and he presented the eight compositions to Joffrey choreographer Donald Byrd. "He liked my old hits, but he had nothing but superlatives for the new material," says Lewis, who notes that one tune, "Clouds in Reverie," was a version of a piece written for the previous year's Ravinia project, One Score, One Chicago: New Scenes From Childhood.

Joffrey choreography began in April 2007 for the June 2007 performance. A month before the premiere Lewis saw his first rehearsal. The troupe put his recorded demos on and began to dance. "The way they moved brought tears to my eyes," says Lewis. "When I started out in bands when I was 16, people danced to our music. This took me back 50 years, and here I was writing for dancing again."

At Ravinia, the performance garnered a rousing applause from the audience and critical plaudits from the press. Lewis says, "My son pointed out to me that this was the first concert of mine he had seen that got a standing ovation without me having to play the hits. That told me something about focusing more intently on composition."

Kauffman was so impressed that he immediately commissioned Lewis to write new works for Ravinia in 2008. He decided to compose for a string quartet to accompany his trio. On the recommendation of his good friend and fellow pianist Dr. Billy Taylor, Lewis enlisted the Turtle Island Quartet to perform a suite of eight new originals, including the relaxed-swinging "The Spark" and the bowed ballad "The Conversation." Of the former, Lewis says, "I like the energy in this song. I was thinking of a groove-not rock, but something that had an element of excitement and forward motion while at the same time was melodic."

From the ballet score, Lewis explains that the emotive tune "Touching, Feeling, Knowing" is based on a folk melody he heard when he visited Soweto, South Africa. "It's a simple melody that I used as the basis for this song. When we play it, it reminds me of South Africa." In regards to the appropriately titled "The Way She Smiles," Lewis says, "That's one of those songs that just happened. I woke up one morning and was thinking of a New Orleans groove."

One of the added bonuses of Lewis' prolific writing has been an enrichment of his pianistic talent. "The composing has informed my playing," says Lewis. "I'm looking at harmony and melody in a different way. I've noticed that my solos have become deeper and more contemplative." On Songs From the Heart, Lewis takes the solo spotlight four times, including the film noir-ish "Long Before She Knew" and reflective muse "The Glow of Her Charm."
The latter arrived when Lewis was working on an intro to the song "In the Still of the Night" that he was performing one evening in Washington, D.C. He was in his hotel room on a grand piano, determined to find a prelude. Once again, his wife offered her wisdom. "Jan was listening to me and said, ‘What's that? That's a song, not an introduction. You've got a new song.' And, if course, she was right."

On Songs From the Heart, Lewis offers graceful music, played with a light, gentle, joyful touch, and focused on melody. Writing in the CD liner notes, Lewis pointed out that in the CD's initial planning stages, all artistic and record company parties agreed that Songs From the Heart should be characterized by "heartfelt, lyrical and inspirational" music "that my fans had come to expect."
In the liners, Lewis also noted, "Our desire was to convey a sense of beauty, joy, simplicity and lyricism...I am extremely proud of the results." He adds, "Looking back at all the music that I've written over the last few years, I think I'm coming up with something unique. I think I'm developing a style."

Source: Concord Records

PONCHO SANCHEZ - PSYCHEDELIC BLUES

If music were about pictures, percussionist Poncho Sanchez's music would best be described as a kaleidoscopic swirl of some of the hottest colors and brightest lights to emerge from either side of the border. At any given show, on any given record, fragments of Latin jazz, swing, bebop, salsa and other infectious grooves collide and churn in a fiery swirl, with results that are no less than dazzling. All of these sounds and more come together in Psychedelic Blues, Sanchez's twenty-fourth recording on Concord Records. "The last couple records have gone a little heavy on the soul music, which has gone over really well in our live shows, but we wanted to do more of a straightahead Latin jazz record this time - something in the tradition of our earlier Concord records that we made back in the ‘80s."

With that strategy in mind, Sanchez enlisted guitarist Andrew Synowiec to change up the sound on a few tracks. Synowiec, a regular member of the L.A.-based Gordon Goodwin Big Phat Band, landed the gig about five minutes into his audition. "He came through the door with just a guitar and an amplifier," says Sanchez. "No effects pedals or other gadgets. He plugged and started to play, and I said, ‘No more auditions. We're using this guy.'" Along with Synowiec is the same lineup that has backed Sanchez on several records and countless live shows: keyboardist/arranger David Torres; saxophonist Javíer Vergara; trumpeter/flugelhornist Ron Blake; trombonist/arranger Francisco Torres; bassist/vocalist Tony Banda; timbalero George Ortiz; and percussionist/vocalist Joey De León. Even a couple alumni from earlier configurations of Sanchez's band - baritone saxophonist Scott Martin and percussionist Alfredo Ortiz - step back in to lend a hand on Psychedelic Blues. A few of these seasoned players go back more than 30 years with Sanchez, back to some of his earliest gigs as a local fixture in the Los Angeles club circuit.

Although born in Laredo, Texas, in 1951 to a large Mexican-American family, Sanchez grew up in a suburb of L.A., where he was raised on an unusual cross section of sounds that included straightahead jazz, Latin jazz and American soul. By his teen years, his musical consciousness had been solidified by the likes of John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Cal Tjader, Mongo Santamaria, Wilson Pickett and James Brown. Along the way, he taught himself to play guitar, flute, drums and timbales, but eventually settled on the congas. At 24, after working his way around the local club scene for several years, he landed a permanent spot in Cal Tjader's band in 1975. "I learned a great deal from Cal," says Sanchez, "but it wasn't as though he sat me down and taught me lessons like a schoolteacher. Mostly it was just a matter of being around such a great guy. It was the way he conducted himself, the way he talked to people, the way he presented himself onstage. He was very elegant, very dignified, and when he played, he played beautifully. The touch that he had on the vibes - nobody has that sound. To me, he was - and is, and always will be - the world's greatest vibe player." Sanchez remained with Tjader until the bandleader's death in 1982. That same year, he signed with Concord for the release of Sonando!, an album that marked the beginning of a prolific musical partnership that has spanned more than 25 years and has yielded two dozen recordings.

Psychedelic Blues, the latest product of that partnership, opens with the simmering "Cantaloupe Island," a Herbie Hancock composition recast in a Latin jazz groove. A number of soloists step forward here, most notably Torres on trombone and Synowiec on guitar - all weaving effortlessly above a firmly anchored rhythm section. Premier Latin trumpeter Arturo Sandoval - Sanchez's friend since their first gig together at a festival in Sardinia, Italy, some twenty years ago - makes a guest appearance via a rendition of Freddie Hubbard's "Crisis." The track showcases Sandoval's respect and reverence for the American bebop maestro who had passed away just a few months before the Psychedelic Blues sessions.

The title track is a fast-moving mambo, originally written by Sonny Henry and arranged here by Francisco Torres, who attaches a surprise at the end of the track. "Francisco really souped it up," says Sanchez. "The song has some nice horn lines, and some great jazz riffs, and then it ends in a bolero. So the song burns almost all the way through, and then at the end it shifts into a ballad."
The intriguing centerpiece to the album is a Willie Bobo medley featuring "I Don't Know" (a Sonny Henry piece commonly associated with Bobo), the laid back "Fried Neckbones and Some Homefries" and the slightly more urgent "Spanish Grease." All three of these songs merge effortlessly to create a nostalgic nod to the revered Latin and Afro-Cuban jazz percussionist of the ‘60s and '70.

Further into the set, Sanchez and the band turn "Silver's Serenade" - originally a swing tune by Horace Silver - into a mambo with personality to burn, thanks in large part to solo work by Francisco Torres. When Poncho himself steps forward to deliver some syncopated conga lines, the net result is an infectious groove. The salsa-flavored closer, "Con Sabor Latino," is an old song by Rene Touzet, a native of Cuba who became a well known Latin bandleader in Los Angeles in the ‘50s and ‘60s. In many ways, the song is Sanchez's tribute to some of the musical memories of his childhood. "My older brothers and sisters used to see Touzet play at the Hollywood Paladium," he says. "Back then, Chico Sesma was the only Latin disc jockey on the radio in southern California, and ‘Con Sabor Latino' was his theme song."

Whether it's salsa, straightahead jazz, Latin jazz, or even elements of soul and blues, the mesmerizing array of sounds and colors from Poncho Sanchez's youth have telegraphed across the decades and continue to inform his creative sensibilities to this day. "There's room for a lot of different sounds in our music," he says. "I think people have come to know that that's what Poncho Sanchez is all about. We put it all together in a pot, boil it together and come out with a big stew. This isn't some marketing strategy to sell records. These are the sounds I grew up with. So when I play this music, I'm not telling a lie. I'm telling my story. This is the real thing."

Source: Concord Records

NEW DJAY3 ADD-ON TO ITUNES

Every once in a while you see a new product out there that is really exciting and new, and so here is something that I am looking to pickup and enjoy. Algoriddim, which is a leader in next-generation music software for the Mac, today announced the release of djay 3, the completely revamped version of its fun and innovative music software application for Mac and iTunes. A host of unprecedented new features, including an Automatic Tempo & Beat Detection, Auto-Cut Scratching and extensive MIDI Support, combined with the program's redesigned user interface, make djay 3 the perfect tool for beginners and pros alike.

Previous djay editions have given iTunes users access to a brand new skill set, providing them with the tools to play live, create and record mixes at home, or during parties and events. Now, with djay 3's sophisticated on-the-fly tempo and beat detection, users can easily match the playback speed of two songs for a perfect transition. In addition, Auto-Cut, a breakthrough in digital scratching, allows the user to scratch music like a pro, completely in sync with the song's beat and rhythm. These, alongside djay 3's many other innovations, are straightforward enough to enable a total novice to discover the world of DJing and a professional artist to take their mixes to new heights - all without the need for additional external equipment.

With the click of a single button, djay 3's enhanced Automix lets users sit back and enjoy their own parties while the software mixes the music on its own - non-stop and fully-automatic. If users prefer a hands-on approach, they can step in any time to showcase their creativity and produce cutting-edge musical experiences using djay 3's versatile and easy-to-use FX tools. Combined with its innovative support of Multi-Touch gestures on a notebook's trackpad, djay 3's immersive interface recreates the feeling of a real turntable DJ setup.

"Feedback from our previous djay releases has proved that music fans at any level embrace the idea of adding their own creative touch to their favorite tunes," said Karim Morsy, CEO of algoriddim. "With this newest version of djay, we've taken the effects that professionals take years to learn and simplified them into easy, intuitive maneuvers. Even the best performers will be able to appreciate djay 3's ease-of-use and high-quality sound, and we're sure that iTunes users everywhere will recognize just how fun and easy it can be to mix and scratch their own music collection."

djay 3's Top New Features Include:
- Automatic Tempo & Beat Detection: Easily matches two songs for a perfect transition;
- Auto-Gain: Automatically adjusts the volume of two songs to the same level;
- Beat-matched Looping and Audio FX: Spices up your mix with new stunning, high-quality effects;
- Auto-Cut Scratching: Lets you scratch like a pro in sync with the song's beat and rhythm;
- Enhanced Automix: Let's you queue up your favorite tracks in advance; and
- MIDI Learn: Allows you to plug in your favorite MIDI controller and easily map all features in djay.

djay 3's Improved and Updated Features Include:
- Multi-Touch Trackpad Scratching: Lets you use a mouse or two-fingered gesture on a notebook trackpad to mix and scratch songs with pristine sound quality;
- Automix: Automatically mixes playlists with seamless DJ-style transitions that require no supervision;
- Seamless iTunes Integration: Automatically pulls songs, cover art and playlists from iTunes when launched; and
- Drag & Drop Mixing: Lets you easily mix tracks from iTunes that are dragged and dropped onto the virtual turntables.

djay 3 is available for a free 15-day trial or for purchase from http://www.djay-software.com/. It is also available for purchase from Apple retail locations for $49.95 or EUR 39.95 (+ VAT).

Created exclusively for the Mac, djay seamlessly integrates with your iTunes library and makes it easy to mix your favorite music. Perform live, create and record mixes at home, or let djay mix any playlist automatically with seamless, professional transitions. Unprecedented ease-of-use, combined with powerful and innovative features like Drag & Drop mixing, Automatic Tempo & Beat Detection and Multi-Touch Trackpad Scratching, make djay the perfect tool for beginners and seasoned pros alike. djay supports all major audio formats, including MP3, AAC, WAV, AIFF, Audio-CD and DRM-protected songs from the iTunes Music Store.

BAABA MAAL - TELEVISION

Celebrated Senegalese master-musician Baaba Maal follows up 2001's Grammy-nominated Missing You with his new multi-lingual album, Television. A subtle blend of electronic dance elements with timeless West African musical traditions, Television was recorded in London and Dakar over the last three years, during which time Baaba has kept up his rigorous global touring commitments, including his work on the large-scale Africa Express project, in collaboration with Damon Albarn. Baaba Maal worked on Television's eight songs with various musicians, but most specifically in a collaboration with singer Sabina Sciubba and keyboardist Didi Gutman, both members of New York's Brazilian Girls. The African-crossover "International" features a poetic listing of exotic cities across the globe by Sciubba. Working on the song "Tindo," whose subject is the guidance meted out to Senegalese children as to their future responsibilities, Baaba Maal found that Sabina's responses, sung in Italian, accurately mirrored his own lyrics: "I see language as an instrument. Sabina told me that she could just feel the meaning of the words that I was singing. This is the power of music - it can give you advice even if you do not understand the language."

Baaba Maal Tour Dates
Oct 8 – Los Angeles, CA @ UCLA
Oct 17 – New York, NY @ Joe’s Pub
Oct 22 – Antwerp, Belgium @ Zuiderpershuis
Oct 24 – Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Paradiso
Oct 25 – Cologne, Germany @ Kantine
Oct 26 – Hamburg, Germany @ Markthalle
Oct 27 – Berlin, Germany @ Astra
Oct 29 – Munich, Germany @ Muffathalle
Oct 30 – Zurich, Switzerland @ Rote Fabrik
Oct 31 – Vienna, Austria @ Porgy and Bess

2010 Tour Dates
Apr 6 – Toronto, ONT @ Telus Center
Apr 8 – Madison, WI @ Wisconsin Union Theatre
Apr 10 – Chicago, IL @ Venue TBD
Apr 13 – Arcata, CA @ Buchanan Hall
Apr 14 – Chico, CA @ Laxson Auditorium
Apr 15 – Davis, CA @ Mondavi Performing Arts Center
Apr 17 – Los Angeles, CA @ Royce Hall Auditorium
Apr 18 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Campbell Hall
Apr 20 – Berkeley, CA @ Zellerback Auditorium
Apr 22 – Scottsdale, AZ @ Scottsdale Center For The Performing Arts
Apr 24 – New Orleans, LA @ New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Apr 25 – Houston, TX @ Houston International Festival
Apr 27 – Chapell Hill, NC @ UNC Chapel Hill Memorial Hall
Apr 29 – Washington, DC @ Lisner Auditorium
Apr 30 – New York, NY Fillmore East
May 1 – Somerville, MA @ Somerville Theatre
May 2 – Lebanon, OH @ Lebanon Opera House

BEBEL GILBERTO - ALL IN ONE

“All In One” is Bebel Gilberto’s seductive debut for Verve Foreceast. Known for her adventurous blends of Brazilian, European and electronic pop styles, Gilberto continues to blur musical boundaries. But the sensual rhythms of her native country dominate the production courtesy of Carlinhos Brown, Didi Gutman (Brazilian Girls), Mark Ronson, Daniel Jobim and John King of the acclaimed Dust Brothers. Unlike her previous albums, “All In One” is a more personal endeavor. In addition to silky originals, the album includes imaginitive covers, such as the Ronson produced and Stevie Wonder-penned "The Real Thing," the album's club-ready highlight, featuring a propulsive groove provided by The Dap-Kings. Bebel also recorded Bob Marley's "Sun Is Shining" and Carmen Miranda's "Chica Chica Boom Chic." The latter song, with Carlinhos Brown's percussive-heavy arrangements, is Gilberto's tribute to Miranda. Most of the record is sung in Portuguese, Gilberto’s native language, and was conceived, developed and recorded in her home studio. Gilberto also performs a duet with Daniel Jobim (the grandson of Antonio Carlos Jobim) on “Bim Bom,” a song that was first recorded by her father, bossa nova legend Joao Gilberto.

Bebel Gilberto’s first international hit debut “Tanto Tempo” was released in 2000 and it helped spark a resurgence in American interest in Brazilian music, and it sold millions worldwide. She met with critical acclaim, enjoying global success with the hits “Batucada” and “Technova.” Over the years, she has collaborated with artists including Arto Lindsay, Kenny G, Thievery Corporation, David Bynre, and Nina Miranda. “All In One” will be released on September 29.

HARRY CONNICK JR. - FOR YOUR SONGS

For Your Songs, his newest collection on Columbia Records, Connick expands his vision to encompass 14 classic popular songs; his instrumental pallet through a striking integration of a string orchestra and his swinging Big Band; and his basic approach to recording. Clive Davis, the legendary producer and Chief Creative Officer of Sony Music Entertainment, is the driving force behind the change. "The term 'producer' is normally kind of nebulous in my environment," Connick says. "He might set up the sessions and ensure that we get the best possible sound. Tracey has done that, and acted as a sounding board; but I always made all the musical decisions. As my co-producer on this album, Clive was very involved in the overall concept, song selection and choice of tempos. And, although he didn't come to the studio when we recorded, he gave me lots of comments on the mixes."

It was Davis who suggested that the album be built around pop classics. "He wanted to feature me as a singer," Connick notes, "and we threw ideas for songs back and forth for four or five months. He had ideas on the arrangements as well, including a couple that I would have never thought of. It was a new role for me, and it was invigorating." The songs that Connick and Davis selected include some of the best known work of singer/songwriters Billy Joel ("Just the Way You Are"), Lennon-McCartney ("And I Love Her") and Elton John ("Your Song"), as well as classics made immortal by the likes of Nat Cole ("Mona Lisa"), Frank Sinatra ("All the Way") and Elvis Presley ("Can't Help Falling in Love with You"). "Besame Mucho," sung in both Spanish and English, is a long-time favorite of Connick's father, while "Some Enchanted Evening" was included after Connick heard it performed in the current revival of South Pacific. Regardless of the source, however, Connick approached each title with his usual musicality and interpretive strength.

"Although I have wrestled with this for some time, I don't think that anyone's version of a great song, however classic, should preclude my singing it," he insists. "I respect the originals, but believe that there is always room for another interpretation. I take each song in its rawest form, as it appears on the sheet music, and go from there." When it came to choosing the proper tempos, Davis' input was critical. "The one thing that Clive repeatedly pounded into my brain, which I had been thinking about myself for a while, was how easy it is for tempos to become too slow. He made an interesting point one day when he said that 'it's not always about a performance.' In other words, don't let a song get so into your head that your version only has personal meaning. He really kept my focus on the songs."

Davis also suggested that Connick orchestrate the album, rather than turning arranging chores over to someone else. "I was fine with that, and even kind of excited," Connick admits. "To use a film analogy, it would have been like an actor showing up on a movie set, knowing that the director and producer had worried about everything else. But Clive persuaded me to do it myself." It was a wise decision, as Connick displays a unique and subtle manner of balancing the sensitivity of strings and the punch of his big band. "I have never really been able to do that kind of writing throughout an entire record," he acknowledges. "It's a more spacious approach, with the orchestra in service to the singing; and it was a kick to sing over those charts."

Connick's vocals are also in service to the songs, as are the contributions of his featured guests Branford Marsalis (heard on "All the Way"), Wynton Marsalis ("Can't Help Falling in Love with You" and "Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)") and Bryan Sutton ("Can't Help Falling in Love with You" and "And I Love You So"), as well as longtime Connick Big Band stalwarts Leroy Jones ("(They Long to Be) Close to You") and Jerry Weldon ("Mona Lisa"). "As a singer, I'm pretty straight with the melodies, and when the soloists asked me what I wanted them to do, I explained that this record is supposed to be straight. Playing a melody straight can be deceptively hard. As my bass player Neal Caine pointed out, the album was a great lesson in discipline, and a great way to understand your function in the overall process. On this record, as a pianist, there were times when I would go to play my part with the tape rolling and hardly play anything, because it was all already there."

http://www.harryconnickjr.com/
http://www.columbiarecords.com/

NEW RELEASES FROM DZIHAN & KAMIEN, HARRY CONNICK JR., IVAN LINS, MARCOS VALLE & MORE...

Aaron Bing – Secret Place
Alessia Piermarini – PG Major 7
Amanda Brecker – Brazilian Passion
Avenue H – On The Floor
BTS – A Groove For Candy
Balam – 4 Floors Up
Beverley Knight – 100 Percent
Bloodstone – Bloodstone
Bob Marley & The Wailers – Best Of The Early Singles
Brittany Bosco – Spectrum 2.0
Calvin Richardson – Facts Of Life: The Soul Of Bobby Womack
Cesars Salad – Latin Beat
Chad Taylor – Circle Down
Chill Factors – The Venus Effect
Chris Hunter – Bop City
Cookin’ On 3 Burners – Soul Messin’
Dan Siegel – Sphere
Dennis Gonzalez – Matter Of Blood
Dzhihan & Kamien – Music Matters
Elan Mehler – After Suite
Eric Bolvin – Workin’ It
Eric Robertson – Music Fan First
Esperanza Spalding – Newport Jazz Festival
Fink – Sort Of Revolution
Freddie Washington – In The Moment
Gagle – Slow But Steady
Harry Connick Jr. – Your Songs
Isley Jasper Isley – Broadway’s Closer Than Sunset Boulevard
Ivan Lins – Ivan Lins & The Metropole Orchestra
J. Dee – Smooth On The Move
Jaafer – Travel Light
James Buchert – Electronic Space Odyssey – Transcending Lounge Music
Jazzanova - Kaleidoskop
Jimmy Ruffin – Ruff ‘N’ Ready
Jon Secada - Expressions
Kindred Spirits Ensemble – Love Is Supreme
Kovshik – Beep Tape
Kylie Auldist – Made Of Stone
Marcos Valle & Celso Fonseco – Paginal Central
Mayer Hawthorne – Strange Arrangement
Mike Clinco - Neon
Nils Philips - Rejunction
Obie Jesse – New Atmosphere
Peripheral Enterprise Sound - Unorthodoxy
Peven Everett – Party Of The Year
Phillip Martin - Realization
Quadron – Quadron
Ray Charles – The Genius Hits The Road
Ron Otis – Upfront
Rosalia De Souza – D’improvviso
Russell Taylor – Confessional
Sakura – Real Love
Silky Smooth Music – The All-Star Tribute To Maze Feat. Frankie Beverly
Sky D’or – Inner Music
Timewarp Inc. - Funstrumentals
Uptown Funk Empire – Empire Strikes Back
Various Artists – Chillout In Blue
Various Artists – Hotel Costes Vol. 12
Various Artists – Late Night Lounge
Various Artists – Luxury Lounge 3.0
Various Artists – Sister Bossa Vol. 9
Various Artists – Smooth Jazz Chill Out Lounge
Vusik – Cinematic Scenery Is Here
Wet Cookies – Soul Protection
Whitney Houston – I Look To You
Zero 7 – Yeah Ghost
Zero Cult – Dreams In Stereo

U-NAM & THE ONE SOUL JAZZ SERIES

International Recording Artist U-Nam will be hosting The One Soul Jazz Series every Sunday evening from 6PM-9PM beginning October 18 with Special Guest Oli Silk at The Cellar in Long Beach, California. U-Nam will open the show with his 6-piece band of world renowned musicians and feature chart topping keyboardist Oli Silk. Silk’s current hit, “Chill or Be Chilled” from his current CD entitled, The Limits the Sky, climbed to #3 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart and remained in the Top 10 for 4 months. He has been a featured keyboardist with Peter White’s Band, Euge Groove and Marc Antoine to name a few. Hailing from Paris, France, U-Nam best known for his #1 instrumental single, “Street Life” from the CD entitled, Back FromThe 80’s topped Billboards Top 10 charts for an entire year. U-Nam’s recently released CD, Unanimity is sure to take the world by storm with his unique guitar sound and funky soul filled melodies.

U-Nam was born Emmanuel Abiteboul in 1970 in Paris, France where he picked up the guitar at age 12 and studied for three years at the Paris-based CIM – the first European school for jazz – between 1986 and 1989. At age 19 he turned professional, becoming a fixture at various Paris studio sessions. He continued to produce and make music before releasing “The Past Builds the Future” on the Trippin’N’Rhythm record label in 2005, scoring a smooth jazz hit with “I’m Only U-Nam.” For the past ten years, while focusing on his solo career, U-Nam has also devoted himself to songwriting, production and remixes, working for national and international acts such as Barry White, Honeyz, Luis Fonsi, Alsou, Kool & the Gang, Billy Paul, and CNote. U-Nam’s biggest success has come with Pop/Rock vocalist Cindy Daniel, whose 2006 CD titled “J’avoue” reached No. 1 in album sales in Quebec, Canada. U-Nam produced the project.

On October 25, U-Nam will host the Official Grand Opening of the Jazz Series and will be celebrating his Birthday at The Cellar as well. VIPs and Press from all over the country are expected to attend along with several surprise guest musicians for a great night of Smooth Jazz and Funk. Other artists scheduled to appear with U-Nam are Michael Paulo (November 8) and Gregg Karukas (November 22). The Cellar is located in downtown Long Beach and offers an intimate vibe not unlike the nightclubs of a bygone era. Owner, Chef Paul St Bernard offers his signature dishes that include home style cooking at affordable prices. At $15 general admission and $25 VIP seating, The Cellar is offering award winning entertainment for a reasonable price compared to most.

ACCUJAZZ RADIO ADDS BRAZILIAN CHANNEL

AccuJazz is an all-Jazz radio station designed to showcase the exciting potential of the new medium of Internet radio. It contains over two-dozen jazz channels based on categories of style, instrument, composer, region and decade. Each channel is further customizable by the option to "deselect" artists the listener would rather not hear. A new subchannel is added every week. The variety of channels and their customizable nature makes AccuJazz a jazz radio experience unlike any other. AccuJazz is provided by AccuRadio, a top-10 webcaster with over 300 channels and 400,000 unique listeners per month. Every month, 5 notable new releases are featured on the AccuJazz.com home page and are featured heavily in the AccuJazz programming. There are over 15,000 songs playing on the many AccuJazz channels, and new music is always being added. The AccuJazz Main Channel reflects the most current jazz charts and is programmed by Lucas Gillan, a working musician and avid jazz fan based in Chicago. Now AccuJazz Internet radio has just launched a new streaming channel devoted to the Bossa Nova style of music originally created by Antonio Carlos Jobim. Listeners can enjoy a playlist consisting of over 600 songs playing on the channel. The playlist includes timeless bossa nova by Joao Gilberto, Charlie Byrd, Stan Getz, Bebel Gilberto, Astrud Gilberto, Dexter Gordon, Joe Henderson, and jazz-tinged MPB (Musica Popular Brasileira) by artists such as Joao Bosco, Gilberto Gil, Beth Carvalho, and Caetano Veloso. Brazilian expatriates such as Eliane Elias, Jovino Santos Neto, Luciana Souza and Claudio Roditi also make up a large portion of the playlist. "Brazilian Jazz" brings the tally of AccuJazz channels to 48, joining other popular channels like "Piano Jazz," "Decade: 50s," "Straight Ahead," and "Jazz Fusion." As with all AccuJazz channels, listeners can customize their experience by pausing, skipping songs, and "deselecting" artists they would rather not hear.

AccuJazz.com

THE OCTOBER CONCERT CALENDAR

Bela Fleck @ Princeton Conservatory, Princeton, NJ, Oct 1
Joyce, Joao Donato @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Oct 1
Ottmar Liebert @ The Blue Note, Milan, Italy, Oct 1
Maxi Priest @ BB Kings, New York, NY, Oct 1
Peter White @ Jazztrax, Catalina Island, CA, Oct 1
All Stars Collective, Jocelyn Brown @ Le Manoir, London, UK, Oct 1
Van Morison @ Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Montreal, QC, Oct 1

Peter White @ Catalina Island JazzTraxx Festival,
Catalina Island, CA, Oct 1

Dennis Edwards & The Temptations Revue, Russell Thompkins Jr. &
The Stylistics, Peabo Bryson, Deniece Williams, Jimmy Ruffin,
Billy Paul, Freda Payne, Jean Knight, Percy Sledge @
The Journal TV Net Theatre, London, UK, Oct 1-2

Earl Klugh @ Yoshi’s, Oakland, CA, Oct 1-3
Bela Fleck @ Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA, Oct 2
Maxwell @ Verizon Center, Washington, DC, Oct 2
Kenny G @ Cheyenne Civic Center, Cheyenne, WY, Oct 2
Pjil Perry @ Bishop Arts Center, Dallas, TX, Oct 2
Natalie Cole @ The Venue At Horseshoe Casino, Hammond, IN, Oct 2
Medeski Martin & Wood @ Austin City Limits, Austin, TX, Oct 2
John Legend, Laura Izibor @ Austin City Limits Festival, Austin, TX, Oct 2

Oli Silk, Nick Colionne @ Catalina Island JazzTraxx Festival,
Catalina Island, CA, Oct 2

Peter White @ Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Amphitheater,
Newport Beach, CA, Oct 2

Brian Culbertson, Larry Graham, Funk All-Stars @ Billboard Live,
Osaka, Japan, Oct 2-3

Ahmad Jamal @ The Blue Note, Milan, Italy, Oct 2-3
Eldar @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Oct 2-3
Ramsey Lewis @ Yoshi’s, San Francisco, CA, Oct 2-4
John Legend, Laura Izibor @ Winstar Casino, Thackerville, OK, Oct 3
Kenny G @ Union Colony Civic Center, Greeley, CO, Oct 3
Natalie Cole @ Motorcity Casino-Sound Board, Detroit, MI, Oct 3
Maxwell @ Wachovia Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA, Oct 3
Bela Fleck @ The Egg, Albany, NY, Oct 3
Peter White @ Thornton Winery, Temecula, CA, Oct 3

Najee, Kyle Eastwood, Cindy Bradley, Paul Brown, Marc Antoine
@ Catalina Island JazzTraxx Festival, Catalina Island, CA, Oct 3

Earl Klugh, Chris Standring, Michael Lington, Greg Karukas
@ Catalina Island JazzTraxx Festival, Catalina Island, CA, Oct 4

John Legend, Laura Izibor @ Meyerson Symphony Hall, Dallas, TX, Oct 4
Thievery Corporation @ House Of Blues, Dallas, TX, Oct 4
Charlie Wilson @ Las Vegas Hilton, Las Vegas, NV, Oct 4
Ron Carter Quartet @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Oct 4-9
Bela Fleck @ University of Richmond, Richmond, VA, Oct 5
Maxwell @ Phillips Arena, Atlanta, GA, Oct 5
Maxwell @ Time Warner Calbe Arena, Charlotte, NC, Oct 6
Natalie Cole @ The Rose Theater, Brampton, ON, Oct 6
Bela Fleck @ Williams Center, Easton, PA, Oct 6
Thievery Corporation @ House Of Blues, Houston, TX, Oct 6
Bobby Caldwell @ Birdland, New York, NY, Oct 6-10
Patti LaBelle @ Seminole Hard Rock Live, Hollywood, FL, Oct 8
Bela Fleck @ University of Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, Oct 8
Maxwell @ United Center, Chicago, IL, Oct 8
Baaba Maal @ UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, Oct 8
Thievery Corporation @ House Of Blues, Orlando, FL, Oct 8
Mindi Abair @ Catalina Island Jazz Festival, Catalina Island, CA, Oct 8
Susan Tedeschi @ Skowhegan Opera House, Skowhegan, ME, Oct 8
Acoustic Alchemy @ Boulton Center, Bayshore, NY, Oct 8
Susan Tedeschi @ Topsfield Fair, Topsfield, MA, Oct 9
Larry Carlton, Robben Ford @ The Blue Note, Nagoya, Japan, Oct 9
Natalie Cole @ The Keswick Theater, Glenside, PA, Oct 9
Patti Austin @ Smooth Jazz Cruise Chelsea Piers, New York, NY, Oct 9
Maxwell @ Scottrade Center, St. Louis, MO, Oct 9
Basia @ The Blue Note, Milan, Italy, Oct 9
Thievery Corporation @ The Fillmore, Miami Beach, FL. Oct 9

Phillip Martin, Tim Bowman @ Catalina Island JazzTraxx Festival,
Catalina Island, CA, Oct 9

Acoustic Alchemy @ Scullers Jazz Club, Boston, MA, Oct 9-10

Pieces Of A Dream, Four 80 East, Jesse Cook, Nils
@ Catalina Island JazzTraxx Festival, Catalina Island, CA, Oct 10

Susan Tedeschi @ Community Theatre, Morristown, NJ, Oct 10
The Rippingtons @ Bouldet Station, Las Vegas, NV, Oct 10
The Wailers @ NY Harvest Festival, Hancock, NY, Oct 10
Natalie Cole @ Zoellner Arts Center, Bethlehem, PA, Oct 10
Tania Maria @ The Blue Note, Milan, Italy, Oct 10
Branford Marsalis @ Sandler Center, Virginia Beach, VA, Oct 10
Thievery Corporation @Ritz Theatre, Tampa, FL, Oct 10
Patti Austin @ Smooth Jazz Cruise, New York, NY, Oct 10
Larry Carlton, Robben Ford @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Oct 10-14

David Sanborn, Jonathan Butler, Candy Dulfer, Najee, Mike Phillips,
Brian Culberston, Patti Austin @ Capitol Jazz Supercruise, Oct 10-17

Bonnie Raitt @ Koger Center, Columbia, SC, Oct 11
Geoff Eales @ The Forge, London, UK, Oct 11
Jackiem Joyner @ JazzTraxx, Catalina Island, CA, Oct 11
Will Downing @ Prime Time Theatre, Sayreville, NY, Oct 11
Acoustic Alchemy @ Tupelo Music Hall, Londonberry, NH, Oct 11
Susan Tedeschi @ Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield, CT, Oct 11
Thievery Corporation @ Tabernacle, Atlanta, GA, Oct 11

Norman Brown, Paul Taylor, Matt Marshak, Cindy Bradley
@ Catalina Island JazzTraxx Festival, Catalina Island, CA, Oct 11

Bela Fleck @ Memorial Hall, Chapel Hill, NC, Oct 11
Steely Dan @ Paramount Theatre, Seattle, WA, Oct 12-13
Bonnie Raitt @ Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, Asheville, NC, Oct 13
Maxwell @ Toyota Center, Houston, TX, Oct. 13
Basia @ The Blue Note, Nagoya, Japan, Oct 13
Acoustic Alchemy @ BB King’s, New York, NY, Oct 13
Marc Broussard @ Birchmere Music Hall, Alexandria, VA, Oct 13
Bonnie Raitt @ Tennessee Theatre, Knoxville, TX, Oct 14
Mica Paris @ Jazz Café, London, UK, Oct 14
Pat Martino Quartet @ The Blue Note, Nagoya, Japan, Oct 14
Marc Broussard @ Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis, MD, Oct 14
Bela Fleck @ Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA, Oct 15
Keiko Matsui @ Catalina Island Jazz Festival, Catalina Island, CA, Oct 15
Quasimode @ The Blue Note, Nagoya, Japan, Oct 15
Poncho Sanchez @ Kyoto Grand Hotel, Los Angeles, CA, Oct 15
Acoustic Alchemy @ Town Crier, Pawling, NY, Oct 15

Keiko Matsui @ Catalina Island JazzTraxx Festival,
Catalina Island, CA, Oct 15

Mindi Abair Peter White @ Rehoboth Beach Autumn Jazz Festival,
Rehoboth, DE, Oct 15

Basia @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Oct 15-19
Bela Fleck @ Goshen College, Goshen, IN, Oct 16
Steely Dan @ Pechanga Resort, Temecula, CA, Oct 16
Acoustic Alchemy @ The Egg-Swyer Theater, Albany, NY, Oct 16
Marc Broussard @ The Concert Hall, New York, NY, Oct 16
Maxwell @ Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA, Oct 16
Eric Darius, Cindy Bradley @ JazzTraxx, Catalina Island, CA, Oct 16
Bonnie Raitt @ Johnny Mercer Theatre, Savannah, GA, Oct 16

Bobby Caldwell, Diane Schuur @ Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre,
Vacaville, CA, Oct 16

Cindy Bradley, Eric Darius @ Catalina Island JazzTraxx Festival,
Catalina Island, CA, Oct 16

Al Green @ BB Kings, New York, NY, Oct 16-17
Matisyahu @ Flames Central, Calgary, ON, Oct 17
Steely Dan @ Fantasy Springs Casino, Indio, CA, Oct 17
Acoustic Alchemy @ Infinity Hall, Norfolk, CT, Oct 17
Bonnie Raitt @ House of Blues, Myrtle Beach, SC, Oct 17
Bobby Caldwell, Diane Schuur @ Heritage Theatre, Campbell, GA, Oct 17
Marc Broussard @ Stage One, Fairfield, CT, Oct 17
Baaba Maal @ Joe’s Pub, New York, NY, Oct 17

Jackiem Joyner, Kim Waters, Craig Sharmat, Bernie Williams
@ Catalina Island JazzTraxx Festival, Catalina Island, CA, Oct 17

Susan Tedeschi @ Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise,
San Diego, CA, Oct 17-24

George Duke, Jessy J, Drew Davidson, Gail Johnson @ Catalina Island
JazzTraxx Festival, Catalina Island, CA, Oct 18

Sheila E., Pete Escovedo, Dave Koz, Patrice Rushen, Ndugu Chancler @
Vista Del Mar Jazz Fest, Los Angeles, CA, Oct 18

Bela Fleck @ Gusman Hall, Miami, FL, Oct 18
Acoustic Alchemy @ Birchmere, Alexandria, VA, Oct 18
U-Nam, Oli Silk @ The Cellar, Long Beach, CA, Oct 18
Branford Marsalis @ Eastman Theatre, Rochester, NY, Oct 18
Matisyahu @ Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC, Oct 18
Marc Broussard @ World Café Live, Philadelphia, PA, Oct 18
Queen Latifah @ California Center For The Arts, Escondido, CA, Oct 19
Matisyahu @ McDonald Theatre, Eugene, OR, Oct 19
Matisyahu @ Catalyst, Santa Cruz, CA, Oct 20
Acoustic Alchemy @ Blair Mansion, Silver Spring, MD, Oct 20
Bela Fleck @ Ideda Theater, Mesa, AZ, Oct 20
Geoff Eales @ Dempsey’s, Cardiff, UK, Oct 20
Marc Broussard @ S.P.A.C.E., Evanston, IL, Oct 20
Bonnie Raitt @ Saenger Theatre, Pensacola, FL, Oct 20
Omara Portuondo @ Palace Of Fine Arts Theatre, San Fransisco, CA, Oct 20
Steely Dan @ San Jose Civic Auditorium, San Jose, CA, Oct 20-21
Thievery Corporation @ Royal Oak Music Theatre, Detroit, MI, Oct 21
Matisyahu @ House Of Blues, Anaheim, CA, Oct 21
Lee Ritenour @ Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, CA, Oct 21
Matisyahu @ The Fillmore, San Francisco, CA, Oct 22
Bonnie Raitt @ Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, FL, Oct 22
Bela Fleck @ Royce Hall, Los Angeles, CA, Oct 22
Candy Dulfer @ General Musik Direktion, Graz, Austria, Oct 22
Marc Broussard @ The Rutledge, Nashville, TN, Oct 22
Baaba Maal @ Zuiderpershuis, Antwerp, Belgium, Oct 22
Bobby Caldwell @ Billboard Live, Tokyo, Japan, Oct 22-25
David Sanborn @ Yoshi’s, San Francisco, CA, Oct 22-25
Phil Perry @ John Lyman Center, New Haven, CT, Oct 23
Marc Broussard @ Center Stage In The Round, Atlanta, GA, Oct 23
Omara Portuondo @ UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, Oct 23
Bonnie Raitt @ Pompano Beach Amphitheatre, Pompano Beach, FL, Oct 23
Thievery Corporation @ Kool Haus, Toronto, ON, Oct 23

Bettye LaVette @ James Lumber Center For The Performing Arts,
Grayslake, IL, Oct 23

Lee Ritenour @ Catalina Bar & Grill, Hollywood, CA, Oct 23-25
Steely Dan @ Masonic Hall, San Francisco, CA, Oct 23-25
Bettye LaVette @ McAninch Arts Center, Glen Ellyn, IL, Oct 24
Matisyahu @ Kick Gas Festival, San Diego, CA, Oct 24
Candy Dulfer @ Infiniti Arena, Kosice, Slovakia, Oct 24
Geoff Eales @ Lifford Hall, Broadway Worcs, UK, Oct 24
Baaba Maal @ Paradiso, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Oct 24
Will Downing @ The Canon Center, Memphis, TN, Oct 24
Michael Lington @ Santa Fe, Las Vegas, NV, Oct 24
Marc Broussard @ Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth, TX, Oct 24
Van Morrison @ Palace Theatre, Waterbury, CT, Oct 24
Kim Waters @ Georgia Institute Technology, Atlanta, GA, Oct 24
Bonnie Raitt @ St. Augustine Amphitheatre, St. Augustine, FL, Oct 24
Bela Fleck @ Chan Center, Vancouver, BC, Oct 24
George Benson @ Westbury Music Fair, Westbury, NY, Oct 24
Chris Botti @ Kleinhans Music Hall, Buffalo, NY, Oct 24
Thievery Corporation @ Metropolis, Montreal, QC, Oct 24
Matisyahu @ Marquee Theatre, Tempe, AZ, Oct 25
Baaba Maal @ Kantine, Cologne, Germany, Oct 25
Will Downing @ Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, Oct 25
Candy Dulfer @ PKO, Bratislava, Slovakia, Oct 25
Melba Moore @ The Sheldon Concert Hall, St. Louis, MO, Oct 25
Natalie Cole @ Konzerthaus, Vienna, Austria, Oct 25
Thievery Corporation @ The House Of Blues, Boston, MA, Oct 26
Baaba Maal @ Markthalle, Hamburg, Germany, Oct 26
Marc Broussard @ The Mint, Los Angeles, CA, Oct 26-27
Matisyahu @ The Fillmore, Denver, CO, Oct 27
Natalie Cole @ SalaPalatuiul, Bucharest, Romania, Oct 27
Regina Carter @ The Blue Note, Milan, Italy, Oct 27
Steel Dan @ Dodge Theatre, Phoenix, AZ, Oct 27
Baaba Maal @ Astra, Berlin, Germany, Oct 27
Bobby Caldwell @ Billboard Live, Osaka, Japan, Oct 27-29
Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Oct 27-31
Bela Fleck @ San Francisco Jazz Festival, San Francisco, CA, Oct 28
Inner Circle @ Roxy Theatre, Los Angeles, CA, Oct 28
Thievery Corporation @ The Norva, Norfolk, VA, Oct 28
Geoff Eales @ Canterbury Festival Club, Canterbury, UK, Oct 28
Kurt Elling, Ernie Watts @ The Blue Note, Milan, Italy, Oct 28
Van Morrison @ MGM Grand, Mashantucket, CT, Oct 29
Baaba Maal @ Muffathalle, Munich, Germany, Oct 29
Steely Dan @ Wells Fargo Theatre, Denver, CO, Oct 29
Eric Benet, Ledisi @ Verizon Wireless, Houston, TX, Oct 29
Natalie Cole @ Congress Hall, Warsaw, Poland, Oct 29
Matisyahu @ People’s Court, Des Moines, IA, Oct 29
Phil Perry @ Sambuca, Atlanta, GA, Oct 29
Medeski Martin & Wood @ The Tbilisi Concert Hall, Tbilisi, GA, Oct 28
Marc Broussard @ Café du Nord, San Francisco, CA, Oct 29

Thievery Corporation @ Charlottesville Pavilion,
Charlottesville, VA, Oct 29

Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Lenny White @ The Blue Note,
Milan, Italy, Oct 29-30

Quincy Jones, Patti Austin, Erykah Badu, James Ingram, Wyclef Jean,
John Legend, Michael McDonald, Kenny Rogers, Naturally Seven,
Greg Phillinganes, Paul Jackson, Jr.
@ Bermuda Jazz Festival, Bermuda, Oct 29-31

Chris Botti @ Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington, DC, Oct 29-31
Marc Broussard @ Tractor Tavern, Seattle, WA, Oct 30
Baaba Maal @ Rote Fabrik, Zurich, Switzerland, Oct 30
Federico Aubele @ The Rivoli, Toronto, ON, Oct 30
Bobby Caldwell @ Doshin Hall, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Oct 30
Inner Circle @ Canes, San Diego, CA, Oct 30
Thievery Corporation @ Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA, Oct 30
Kenny G @ The Queens Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad, Oct 31
Thievery Corporation @ Terminal 5, New York, NY, Oct 31
Geoff Eales @ Pizza Express, Maidstone, UK, Oct 31
Federico Aubele @ Shuba’s, Chicago, IL, Oct 31
N’Dambi @ Muse Café Theater, Dallas, TX, Oct 31
Eric Benet, Ledisi @ Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA, Oct 31
Inner Circle @ Soho, Santa Barbara, CA, Oct 31
Phil Perry @ Roper Performing Arts Center, Norfolk, VA, Oct 31
Baaba Maal @ Porgy & Bess, Vienna, Austria, Oct 31
Natalie Cole @ Avo Sessions, Basel, Switzerland, Noc 31
Lee Ritenour @ Jazznojazz Festival, Zurich, Switzerland, Oct 31
Bill Frisell 858 Quartet @ The Blue Note, Milan, Italy, Oct 31
Matisyahu @ Pabst Theatre, Milwaukee, WI, Oct 31George Duke @ Stadsschouwburg, Amsterdam, Holland, Oct 31

GABRIELA ANDERS - BOSSA BELEZA

E1 Music has announced the release of "Bossa Beleza" from Argentinean-born artist Gabriela Anders. This soulful collection of classic Bossa Nova songs from Anders, now a local New Yorker, has been released in Japan and will be available in the U.S. on September 29th, 2009. Gabriela's entire life has revolved around music. Her training began at an early age learning and playing the piano and classical guitar in her native Buenos Aires. Her father was jazz saxophonist Jorge Anders, who filled her childhood home with Afro-Cuban and Jazz influences, such as Stan Getz and Dexter Gordon. Gabriela's career really took off once she came to New York. A recent high school graduate, she found herself working with top producer Sergio George, and had the opportunity to record with Marc Anthony, Grover Washington Jr., Celia Cruz and Tahlia. Her first album, "Wanting," had a unique combination of pop, Latin, and jazz, prompting Vogue and People to describe her music as exotic and bold. Back in 2004 she had amazing success with a Billie Holiday tribute album entitled "Last Tango in Rio." Her music has also been featured in a Mercedes-Benz television ad campaign. On "Bossa Beleza" one hears Bossa Nova at its best with Brazilian classics such as "Dindi," "Folhas Secas," "One Note Samba" and "Agua de Beber." It's clear that artists such as Jobim and Gilberto have made quite an impression on this young star. But Anders is still an American girl who also has fun on this album with classic covers such as "Satisfaction" by the Rolling Stones and "September" by Earth, Wind and Fire. "Bossa Beleza" also features three original Anders compositions, completing this very special addition to the shelf of international lounge classics.

http://www.gabrielaanders.com/
http://www.kochrecords.com/

BARRY WHITE - NUMBER ONES & UNLIMITED BOX SET

Barry White's deep, mesmerizing voice, romantic rhythms and satiny late-night love songs elevated the singer-songwriter-producer into a global icon. In celebration of his phenomenal career, Hip-O/UMe in association with the Barry White estate will release Number Ones, his first-ever collection of No. 1 hits, on September 15, 2009, three days after what would have been his 65th birthday (Sept. 12; Barry died July 4, 2003). In addition, Unlimited, a 5-disc, limited edition, career-spanning, rarities box set, will be released October 27. Number Ones brings together all of White's No. 1 hits as a solo artist and as leader of the instrumental ensemble Love Unlimited Orchestra plus his No. 1 production for his girl group Love Unlimited. Five bonus tracks that just missed the top spot and/or have become hip-hop sample favorites are also included.

White reluctantly stepped in front of the microphone to make his national recording debut as a solo artist in 1973. In just the next two years he scored four gold No. 1 hits: "I'm Gonna Love You Just A Little More, Baby" (#3 Pop/#1 R&B), "Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up" (Cash Box #1 R&B, Billboard #7 Pop/#2 R&B), "Can't Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe" (#1 Pop/#1 R&B) and "You're The First, The Last, My Everything" (#2 Pop/#1 R&B). At the same time, his classic "Love's Theme" from Love Unlimited Orchestra, on which he played piano in addition to writing and producing, was a #1 Pop/#10 R&B smash - making Barry White the only artist ever to have No. 1 hits with a vocal and an instrumental record in the same year.

The rest of the decade brought "I Belong To You" from Love Unlimited (#1 R&B), "What Am I Gonna Do With You" (#8 Pop/#1 R&B), "Let The Music Play" (#4 R&B), the gold-selling "It's Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next To Me" (#4 Pop/#1 R&B), "Your Sweetness Is My Weakness" (#2 R&B) and the jazzy "Playing Your Game, Baby" (#8 R&B). From his Love Unlimited Orchestra, there was the #1 Disco/Dance combo single "My Sweet Summer Suite" and "Brazilian Love Song."

Number Ones also includes "The Secret Garden (Sweet Seduction Suite)," his 1989 gold-certified No. 1 R&B collaboration with Quincy Jones, Al B. Sure!, James Ingram and El DeBarge. White scored in 1991 with "Put Me In Your Mix" (#2 R&B) and returned to the top of the charts with 1994's gold-seller "Practice What You Preach" (#1 R&B), co-written by second-generation star Gerald Levert. Later in the '90s, Barry won a new audience when his music was used in the hit television series Ally McBeal. An additional bonus track is "Sho' You Right," one of his personal favorites that became a Top 20 R&B hit in 1987.

A rarities collection celebrating Barry's depth as a songwriter and producer, the 4-CD/1-DVD Unlimited box set presents tracks from when he stepped out with his own sound, with Love Unlimited in 1972, through his final studio album, the Grammy(R)-winning Staying Power, released in 1999. Highlighted on the CDs are extended and/or rare versions of his hits, never-compiled personal favorites and LP tracks, and rare BW productions from a dozen different artists, including Gloria Scott, Tom Brock, Love Unlimited, Love Unlimited Orchestra, White Heat and others. The DVD offers every video from his tenure on A&M Records ("Practice What You Preach," "Sho' You Right," "Come On" and eight more) and rare bonus clips, including a live duet with Luciano Pavarotti that has become a YouTube phenomenon; each clip has bonus commentary from Jack Perry, White's longtime friend, co-producer and musical director. Liner notes in the lavish packaging - including an essay and commentary by Barry White himself and by Perry, with additional notes from Quincy Jones - reveal the stories behind the songs and the man who made some of the funkiest, most romantic music of all time.

www.ilovethatsong.com

QUINCY JONES & FRIENDS @ BERMUDA JAZZ FESTIVAL

"Quincy Jones and Friends" will be staged over three days from October 29-31, 2009, in a spectacular setting on the tip of the island of Bermuda, surrounded by crystal blue waters and performed under the stars. On the final night, October 31st (Halloween) there will be a special performance of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" - 25 years after the best-selling album of all-time was first produced by Quincy Jones. The Bermuda Music Festival, sponsored by the Bermuda Department of Tourism, broke all attendance records last year when Beyonce and Alicia Keys performed on the island. This October, the Festival will take its musical presentation to another level by showcasing the many talents of living legend Quincy Jones - a 27 time Grammy Award winner, with a record 79 Grammy nominations. The prolific Jones will conduct, arrange and perform with artists who share his passions, many of whom he has mentored or guided at different points in their careers.

The lineup - like Quincy's own career - mixes a broad variety of talent, range and style. The elite group of musicians share both musical roots and - in some cases personal ties - with the man who has collaborated with talents as diverse as Frank Sinatra, Will Smith and Ella Fitzgerald. The 2009 Bermuda Music Festival artists, with over 45 Grammies between them, are:

Patti Austin - A beloved singer and member of Quincy's extended family, Patti has worked with Quincy since she was 4 years old. Proud to be Patti's godfather, Q produced her #1 hit "Baby, Come to Me" - a duet with James Ingram. She later teamed up with Ingram once again for chart-topper "How Do You Keep the Music Playing." Patti's other work with the Quincy "family" includes collaboration with both Quincy and Michael Jackson on "Off The Wall" and "The Wiz."

Erykah Badu - Acclaimed, multiple Grammy winner who is known as the "First Lady of Neo-Soul." Her work blends many musical genres - something which Quincy will do in Bermuda - and includes elements from R&B, hip hop and jazz, weaving unusual musical influences together to create a rich texture of sound. In many aspects she remains the quintessential Hip-Hop B-Girl, although she no longer rhymes.

James Ingram - Versatile soul musician and acclaimed vocalist, James and Quincy have collaborated in many ways, including their stunning "cold open" of the 1984 Grammy Award telecast, performing "Just Once." He co-wrote "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)," recorded by Michael Jackson on his blockbuster Thriller. James and Quincy's other hits include "Secret Garden" (written and produced by Quincy), which hit #1 on the Billboard AC chart and "One Hundred Ways" for which James won the Grammy for Best R&B Vocal.

Wyclef Jean - A multi-platinum Haitian-American musician, actor, producer and social entrepreneur. He recently performed at the 2009 Montreux Jazz Festival, where he was introduced by Quincy Jones, and dedicated his set to Quincy. The two musicians share a deep commitment to philanthropy and Wyclef is a Haitian Goodwill Ambassador. Through the foundation he created, Yele Haiti, Wyclef supports projects that are making a difference in education, health, environment and community development. Wyclef has just finished recording for the upcoming Quincy Jones Tribute Album, out shortly on Interscope Records.

John Legend - Six-time Grammy award winner, recording artist, musician and actor, Quincy just penned John's entry in the 2009 TIME 100 Most Influential People issue (http://tinyurl.com/ckckjk), where he stated that Legend has "a dedicated work ethic born of (his) desire and God-given talents to be the best at (his) craft that (he) could be." Jones and Legend recently recorded the ballad "Tomorrow," which will be featured on Jones' forthcoming tribute album.

Michael McDonald - Michael is known around the world as a founding member of both the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan. A gold and platinum-selling American R&B/soul singer and songwriter, he teamed up with James Ingram on the album "It's Your Night," produced by Quincy Jones. His duet with Ingram, "Yah Mo Be There" won the Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo.

Kenny Rogers - One of the first four artists to appear in "We Are the World," the best-selling single of all time, produced by Quincy Jones. With an instantly identifiable raspy voice, Rogers' songs "Lady," "The Gambler," "She Believes in Me," "Islands in the Stream," are beloved around the world. Though theoretically a country singer, Rogers has delivered chart-topping memorable songs for more than five decades to fans among rock, pop, soul and country audiences.

Naturally Seven - An innovative R& B music group with a distinct a cappella style that they call "Vocal Play." Quincy is currently working on contemporary remakes of the songs "Relax Max" and "Soul Bossa Nova" with Naturally Seven. This past summer, they stunned audiences new to their work with their special tribute to Michael Jackson at the Quincy Jones 75th Birthday Celebration during the Montreux Jazz Festival.

The artists will perform with an international orchestra, assembled by Quincy and comprised of some of the music world's most respected talents: Greg Phillinganes, music director, writer, arranger, producer and 34-year veteran musician; R&B guitarist Paul Jackson Jr.; and John Robinson, Q's drummer since 1979 and the drummer for Barbra Streisand from 1993 through the present. Local Bermudian musicians will also join these global talents for a truly unique collaboration.

LAURA IZIBOR FALL 2009 TOUR DATES

Atlantic recording artist Laura Izibor has announced a busy schedule of fall concert dates. The critically acclaimed Irish soul singer will join John Legend as special guest on his upcoming US tour, kicking off on September 16th at Humphrey's Concerts By The Bay in San Diego. Izibor also has slated a number of major headline shows, including eagerly anticipated dates in Los Angeles, West Palm Beach, and New York City (see itinerary below). The tour marks the recent release of Izibor's much-admired debut album, "Let The Truth Be Told." The collection is highlighted by the singles, "From My Heart To Yours" and "Don't Stay." The latter track is looking like a major hit for the Dublin-based singer, having quickly ascended to the top 20 at Urban Adult Contemporary radio outlets nationwide. In addition, the "Don't Stay" companion video has just been added into "Power" rotation at VH1 Soul and is "Soul Approved" rotation at BETJ.

Izibor, who just received a prestigious "Best Newcomer" nomination from the MOBO Awards, the UK's annual celebration of music of black origin - will make her late night TV debut with a September 28th performance on CBS' "Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson." The track proved a multi-format hit upon its release last spring, reaching the top 10 at Urban AC. The companion video clip for "From My Heart To Yours" also scored major rotation at BETJ and VH1 Soul, which named Laura one of their "You Oughta Know" artists.

A tireless performer, Izibor recently finished up a US tour supporting Maxwell, having already shared stages with such greats as India.Arie, Aretha Franklin, Al Green, John Legend, James Brown, Angie Stone, and Atlantic labelmate Estelle. The Maxwell tour earned Laura ecstatic press across the country. The Philadelphia Inquirer praised Izibor for "delivering an invigorating performance full of soul, with an international twist... the Irish-born Izibor spun tunes of unrequited, misplaced, and adoring love into a 13-song performance full of piano-built feel-good music, slow melodies, and lush coos." The Palm Beach Post found it " ...difficult to believe someone so young could have the breadth of experience necessary to write such songs of deep reflection and insight," adding that Laura "performs her songs with such emotion that she draws you right into the experience with her."

Izibor has already drawn tremendous praise from a wide range of national and international publications, including Rolling Stone, which featured her among its "Artists To Watch." Ebony declared Laura to be the "Soul of Ireland," noting that her music "brings to mind the echo of older, soulful songstresses like Aretha Franklin," while Essence hailed the album as "a sweet, sophisticated debut filled with catchy tunes about female empowerment and ballads about achy love that have the right amount of blues, grit and gospel emotion."

Born and raised in Dublin, Izibor became enthralled with the sounds of classic soul and R&B at an early age. By 15, she had honed her vocal talent to such a high level that she won Ireland's prestigious RTÉ 2fm Song Contest. It wasn't long before Laura began working on what would ultimately become "Let The Truth Be Told," recording her self-penned songs in such cities as New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Dublin. From the sassy "Shine" to the deeply personal "If Tonight Is My Last," "LET THE TRUTH BE TOLD" is rich with authenticity and passion, its songs revealing Izibor's uniquely heartfelt take on life and love.

LAURA IZIBOR - ON TOUR 2009
All Dates w/John Legend Except * Headline Shows

SEPTEMBER
16 - San Diego, CA @ Humphrey's Concerts By the Bay
17 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Roxy *
18 - Las Vegas, NV @ Red Rock Casino
19 - Temecula, CA @ Pechanga Resort & Casino
20 - Tucson, AZ @ Music Hall/Tucson Convention Center
22 - West Palm Beach, FL @ Palm Beach Improv *
24 - Charlotte, NC @ Utopia Soundstage *
25 - Biloxi, MS @ Beau Rivage Theatre
26 - Little Rock, AR @ Robinson Center
28 - Salina, KS @ Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts
30 - Houston, TX @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

OCTOBER
2 - Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits Festival
3 - Thackerville, OK @ Winstar Casino
4 - Dallas, TX @ Meyerson Symphony Hall

NOVEMBER
3 - New York, NY @ Highline Ballroom *

http://www.lauraizibor.com/
www.myspace.com/lauraizibor

ENNIO MORRICONE - ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD

Legendary Italian maestro Ennio Morricone will conduct the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra in an evening of music drawn from his most famous film scores -- including "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly"; "The Untouchables"; "Cinema Paradiso"; "Once Upon a Time in America"; "The Mission"; "Once Upon a Time in the West"; "A Fistful of Dollars"; "Sacco and Vanzetti"; "The Battle of Algiers"; "A Fistful of Dynamite"; and "U Turn" - at Hollywood Bowl on October 25. The evening, which also includes participation by the Angeles Chorale, is billed as "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," and will be Morricone's only U.S. concert appearance of the year. Ennio Morricone's rise to film music prominence and worldwide acclaim began in 1964 when he teamed up with friend and former classmate, director Sergio Leone, for a series of westerns (the Italian-produced "spaghetti westerns"), beginning with "A Fistful of Dollars" in 1964. Morricone's innovative scores for Leone's films incorporated gunshots, whip cracks, whistling, wordless vocals, Jew's harp, and electric guitars. The spare, evocative soundscapes shot through with memorable instrumental motifs changed the way westerns sounded forever and have influenced Hollywood soundtracks ever since. Most recently, Morricone's music can be heard in Quentin Tarantino's just-released World War II romp "Inglourious Basterds."

In addition to receiving an Honorary Oscar in 2007 and five previous Academy Award nominations, Morricone has been showered with awards and accolades including five BAFTAs (the British equivalent of the Oscar), eight Nastro D'Argento and seven David di Donatello awards in his native Italy, and France's Legion of Honor Knighthood in 2009. His Oscar nominations were for scores to such wide-ranging films as Terrence Malick's "Days of Heaven," Roland Joffé's "The Mission," Brian De Palma's "The Untouchables," Barry Levinson's "Bugsy," and Giuseppe Tornatore's "Malena."

Morricone was born in Rome on November 10, 1928, earned a degree in composition from the National Academy of Santa Cecilia in 1954 and has since scored more than 450 films. He scored his first film, "Il Federale," in 1961 and his unique collaboration with Sergio Leone extended to the westerns "For a Few Dollars More," "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" -- the 1967 soundtrack LP was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2009 -- "Once Upon a Time in the West," "A Fistful of Dynamite," and the gangster epic "Once Upon a Time in America." Morricone - who scored 20 films in 1968 alone - has composed music for everything from comedies (all three "La Cage aux Folles" films) and cult thrillers (Mario Bava's "Danger: Diabolik" and Dario Argento's "The Bird with the Crystal Plumage," "The Cat o' Nine Tails," and "Four Flies on Grey Velvet") to historical dramas (Gilo Pontecorvo's "The Battle of Algiers," Bernardo Bertolucci's "1900") and science fiction (Brian De Palma's "Mission to Mars," John Carpenter's "The Thing").

Along the way, he has also worked with such acclaimed directors as Pier Paolo Pasolini ("The Decameron," "120 Days of Sodom"), Giuseppe Tornatore ("Cinema Paradiso," "The Legend of 1900"), Pedro Almodovar ("Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!"), Roman Polanski ("Frantic"), John Boorman ("Exorcist II: The Heretic"), Wolfgang Peterson ("In the Line of Fire"), Mike Nichols ("Wolf"), Lina Wertmuller ("Violent City"), Samuel Fuller ("White Dog"), Warren Beatty ("Bulworth"), and Oliver Stone ("U-Turn").

"Inglourious Basterds" is not the only Tarantino film to incorporate Morricone's work. The director is such a fan of Morricone's music that he's integrated many of the maestro's previous compositions into the soundtracks for both "Kill Bill" films and his "Death Proof" portion of "Grindhouse." Morricone's influence also extends into the realm of pop music: Hugo Montenegro's version of the main theme to "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" hit No. 2 on the U.S. charts in 1968 -- and a 2007 tribute album ("We All Love Ennio Morricone") featured interpretations of the maestro's works by such diverse artists as Bruce Springsteen, Herbie Hancock & Quincy Jones, Yo-Yo Ma, Metallica, Andrea Bocelli, Sarah Brightman, Chris Botti, and Celine Dion, whose contribution "I Know I Loved You" sports lyrics written by Marilyn & Alan Bergman to "Deborah's Theme" from "Once Upon a Time in America."

DAVE KOZ ON THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME

In a career spanning two decades, Dave Koz has established himself as a platinum-selling artist, humanitarian, entrepreneur, radio host, and instrumental music advocate. A six-time Grammy® nominee, the list of artists he has played with bears testament to his talent and includes such musical luminaries as Burt Bacharach, Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, Celine Dion, Kenny Loggins, U2, Barry Manilow, Michael McDonald, Luther Vandross, and Rod Stewart. Now Dave Koz is about to get his own star at the Hollywood Walk Of Fame on September 22. His will be the 2,389th on the legendary Walk Of Fame.

Many of his own hits — smash singles such as “You Make Me Smile,” Koz’s signature song, “Castle of Dreams,” “Can’t Let You Go” featuring the late Luther Vandross, “Together Again,” “Honey-Dipped,” “All I See Is You,” and “Faces of the Heart,” which was the theme song for “General Hospital” for more than 10 years — were collected in his first-ever retrospective album, Dave Koz – Greatest Hits, which bowed at No. 1 on both Billboard’s Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart and iTunes’ Jazz Album chart in September 2008. “Life In The Fast Lane,” one of four new songs included on the album, spent seven weeks at No. 1 on the Smooth Jazz chart and “Bada Bing” hit No. 2. Koz’s latest single, “And Then I Knew,” produced by Rob Cavallo (Dave Matthews Band, Green Day) just went to radio.

Born and raised in L.A.'s San Fernando Valley, Koz initially picked up the saxophone to gain entry into his big brother's band. What began as a ploy became a lifelong obsession. After earning his degree in mass communications from UCLA, Koz decided to become a professional musician and toured with Bobby Caldwell’s band, keyboardist Jeff Lorber, and pop singer Richard Marx. His 1990 self-titled solo debut album on Capitol Records was the first in a body of best-selling work, which includes the gold-certified Lucky Man (1993), Off The Beaten Path (1996), The Dance (1999, certified gold), Saxophonic (2003) and the holiday-themed albums December Makes Me Feel This Way (1997), Dave Koz & Friends - A Smooth Jazz Christmas (2001) and Memories Of A Winter’s Night (2007). In 2007, Koz released At The Movies, a lush, romantic celebration of timeless melodies from cinema that spent 12 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Contemporary Jazz chart. Produced by the legendary Phil Ramone, it was nominated for a Grammy in the “Best Pop Instrumental Album” category and included “Over the Rainbow,” which was also nominated for a Grammy. His fans eagerly anticipate his annual summer and fall tours and many have had the opportunity to join him at sea as well – the Holland America Cruise Line has offered several Dave Koz-branded cruises. The Dave Koz & Friends A Smooth Jazz Christmas tour, which celebrates its 12th anniversary this year,will launch on November 27 in Mobile, AL. The 21-date outing will continue through the holiday season, concluding in Mesa, AZ on December 22.

Koz also serves as the host of a weekday afternoon radio show that’s nationally distributed on the Smooth Jazz Radio Network; and, on weekends, as the host of the Dave Koz Radio Show, now in its 15th year and syndicated in approximately 120 markets. As an entrepreneur, Koz founded Rendezvous Entertainment. As a philanthropist, he has served for 17 years as global ambassador for the Starlight Children’s Foundation. He recently partnered with Vinum Cellars, a Napa Valley boutique winery, and Whole Foods Market® to introduce three types of KOZ wines. He is donating all his proceeds from KOZ wines – available exclusively at Whole Foods Market stores in Southern California, Arizona and Nevada – to help Starlight continue its vital mission. Koz completed a four-year term on the Grammy Foundation Artists Committee, has served as National Trustee for the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS) and is an ongoing member of the Board Of Governors for the Grammy® Foundation.

MEDESKI MARTIN & WOOD FALL TOUR DATES

American jazz trio, Medeski Martin & Wood (or MMW), consisting of John Medeski on keyboards and piano, Billy Martin on drums and percussion, and Chris Wood on double bass and bass guitar has scheduled their next round of tour dates. The band draws on influences from a number of musical traditions, from funk to Hip Hop, and is known for an unconventional style sometimes described as "avant-groove". MMW has found moderate mainstream success, often working with noted guitarist John Scofield and touring on the jam band circuit.

Sept 6 - Baltimore, MD @ Traffic Jam Festival @ Sonar

Sept 11 - Bridgeport, CT @ Klein Memorial Auditorium

Sept 13 - Columbus, OH @ The Newport Music Hall

Sept 15 - Nashville, TN @ The Cannery Ballroom

Sept 16 - Knoxville, TN @ The Bijou Theater

Sept 17 - Birmingham, AL @ The Workplay Theater

Sept 18 - Atlanta, GA @ The Variety Playhouse

Sept 19 - Charlotte, NC @ The Neighborhood Theatre

Sept 20 - Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel

Oct 2 - Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits

Oct 28 - Tbilisi, GA @ The Tbilisi Concert Hall

Nov 12 - North Adams, MA @ The Mass MoCA

Nov 13 - Boston, MA @ The House of Blues

Nov 14 - New York, NY @ The Nokia Theatre

Nov 15 - Syracuse, NY@ The Westcott Theatre

Nov 17 - Kent, OH @ The Kent Stage

Nov 18 - Grand Rapids, MI @ The Intersection

Nov 19 - Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue

Nov 20 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Eagles Club

Nov 21 - Chicago, IL @ The House of Blues

FIONA JAY HAWKINS - BLUE DREAM

The headlines may read like a dream tale now, but the road to musical success has been long for Australia's reigning New Age composer and pianist, Fiona Joy Hawkins who is about to become that country's first indie artist to release an album on SA-CD. Hawkins began playing piano at age eight, but she was in her thirties before she could get back to her music as a career; she is making up for lost time by composing and producing some of the most exciting music available today, as presented in BLUE DREAM and the rest of the Little Hartley Music catalog. Hawkins, whose music crosses genres from classical to world fusion, found embarking on a musical career later in life a bit daunting. "It was lonely, doing this from rural Australia. Most people never returned my phone calls or letters. Sometimes, I'd email or post comments on websites like Luka Bloom's…I never expected that he was actually reading them, and would eventually ask if he could perform on my album."

Hawkins persevered with composing and recording, releasing her first album PORTRAIT OF A WATERFALL in 2005. It went to #1 on the New Age Radio (NAR) Charts, made the top five in the MusicOz Awards for the classical genre, and was a finalist for Best Piano Album at the 2005 NAR Lifestyle Music Awards. Encouraged by her bit of success, Hawkins followed with ANGEL ABOVE MY PIANO, which won Best Piano Album at the NAR Lifestyle Music Awards in 2006. Her third album, ICE: PIANO SLIGHTLY CHILLED also rose to #1 on New Age Reporter's Top 100 New Age/Ambient/World Radio/Internet Airwaves Chart, and also won a Best Dance Dub/Club NAR Award in 2008. After those three commercially viable and critically-acclaimed albums, the phone began to ring. Hawkins' most exciting telephone conversation was with Will Ackerman, founder of Windham Hill Records, during which he asked if she'd like to record her next album at his studio in Vermont.

"Fiona Joy Hawkins' BLUE DREAM began as the most ambitious project of my entire career and resulted in one of the most remarkable collaborations this genre has ever known. BLUE DREAM is unique and I'm as proud of it (and Fiona) as anything I've ever worked on in my 35-year career of Grammy® Awards and gold and platinum records," Ackerman shares. Hawkins wrote and recorded BLUE DREAM at Ackerman's Imaginary Road Studios on a Steinway piano. The project was ambitious in scope: a 68 minute suite of music performed by an all-star ensemble, incorporating world fusion elements and instrumentation, with lyrics in Gaelic and Lugandan. "I wrote the music for this album in six months," notes Fiona. "It was a very emotionally turrbulent time in my life and the music reflects how I felt as I was looking backwards and looking forward. The album goes from quiet contemplative piano to full orchestral, to world sounds, rhythms, jazz influences and back again to the 'Bach moment' - all in a breath."

In addition to Hawkins and Ackerman, the musical talent on BLUE DREAM includes Luka Bloom, Lilith, T-Bone Wolk (Hall & Oates), Eugene Friesen (Paul Winter Consort), Jeff Haynes (Pat Metheny), Marc Shulman (Jewel and Suzanne Vega), Heather Rankin (The Rankin Family), Philip Aaberg, Jeff Oster, Jill Haley, Samite Mulondo, Sapphron Obois and other top players.
The album was produced in surround sound, and is available in traditional CD format as well as SA-CD. According to Hawkins, the team didn't try to re-create an accurate live sound stage effect, but rather a Soundscape Experience that creates more of a dream effect. The album was engineered and mixed by Corin Nelson and mastered by the legendary Bob Ludwig of Gateway Mastering. In Ludwig's opinion, "Fiona Joy Hawkins plays with great imagination and beauty. Every measure of this sensitive recording is carefully considered, it takes the listener on a wonderful journey." Since charting with the highest rank in the history of the International NAR Charts and winning a MusicOZ Award, BLUE DREAM awakened Hawkins career to a worldwide publishing deal and a record deal in Australia with ABC Records. While she is fielding label offers from other countries, she will proceed with an independent release of the BLUE DREAM SA-CD from her Little Hartley Music imprint.

THIEVERY CORPORATION TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED!

Thievery Corporation has just announced a string of U.S. tour dates for the month of October. The tour will feature the usual cast of characters performing old favorites from the back catalog as well as tracks from the band's latest album Radio Retaliation. Come out and support the band in a city near you!

9/19: @ Pier 6 Pavillion, Baltimore MD
10/4: @ House of Blues, Dallas TX
10/6: @ House of Blues, Houston TX
10/8: @ House of Blues, Orlando FL
10/9: @ The Fillmore, Miami FL
10/10: @ Ritz Theater, Tampa FL
10/11: @ Tabernacle, Atlanta GA
10/21: @ Royal Oak Music Theatre, Detroit MI
10/23: @ Kool Haus, Toronto ON
10/24: @ Metropolis, Montreal QC
10/26: @ House of Blues, Boston MA
10/28: @ The Norva, Norfolk VA
10/29: @ Charlottesville Pavillion, Charlottesville VA
10/30: @ Electric Factory, Philadelphia PA
10/31: @ Terminal 5, New York NY

The Ancient Astronauts will be opening for Thievery Corporation at the Dallas, Houston, Orlando, Miami, Tampa and Atlanta shows. More opening act announcements to come!

JON SECADA - EXPRESSIONS: THE JAZZ ALBUM

On September 22, 2009, Secada returns to his roots (no, not his Latin roots, his Jazz roots) with the release of "Expressions: The Jazz Album" (The Orchard), which will coincide with the kick-off of a week-long engagement at Feinstein's at Loews Regency in New York, a national PBS television special with Jim Brickman ("Beautiful World") and, his fourth season starring on "Latin American Idol." Jon Secada is known by millions as an international superstar who has sold over 20 million records worldwide, written and produced his own hits as well as those for such artists as Gloria Estefan, Ricky Martin and Jennifer Lopez. What many do not know is that Jon received his Master's Degree in Jazz Vocal Performance from the University of Miami and finds much of his musical inspiration and passion for this album from such vocalists at Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Hartman and Joe Williams. "Expressions: The Jazz Album" is a stunning collection of new songs, classic standards and Secada hits - all with a twist and Jon's own jazz-flavored arrangements. Songs include the evergreen favorites "Chances Are" and "What A Wonderful World," the Secada hits "Angel" and "Just Another Day" and, some new tunes including "Find Me In Your Dreams," a touching tribute to his children. In addition, Jon is joined by such legendary and respected musicians as Mike Levine (piano), Alex Berti (bass) and Lee Levin (drums), as well as featured guest performances by Dave Koz (tenor saxophone), Ed Calle (tenor and soprano saxophone) and Jason Carder (trumpet).

After starting his career as a songwriter and background vocalist for superstar Gloria Estefan, Jon's 1992 self-titled debut album sold more than six million copies worldwide and was certified triple platinum in the U.S.A, where it reached No. 15 on the Billboard 200 chart. He later scored a Top 5 hit with the single "Just Another Day," and three more top 30 hits, "Angel," "I'm Free," and "Do You Believe in Us?" The Spanish-language version of the album, "Otro Dia Mas Sin Verte," became the Number One Latin album of 1992 and earned Jon his first Grammy Award, for Best Latin Pop Album. This landmark success was followed in 1994 by Jon's second album, "Heart Soul and Voice," which went Platinum in the U.S.A. and spun off the Top 10 hit "If You Go" and a Top 30 hit "Mental Picture." His third album, "Amor," was released in 1995 and earned the singer his second Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Performance. In 1995, Jon took a step out of the music spotlight and on to the Broadway stage where he dazzled audiences and critics as the first-ever Latin Danny Zuko in the revival of "Grease." In 2003 Jon returned to Broadway and received more critical acclaim for his starring role as the Emcee in the Sam Mendes production of "Cabaret." Following Broadway, Jon went on to star in a tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." When he returned to pop music in 2006 with "Same Dream," once again Secada received more rave reviews and the CD was hailed by Billboard as "the kind of meticulously produced album that most of us thought were a thing of the past." Jon, a musician who is always on the cutting edge, is followed by more than 250,000 members on Twitter, and can be seen live during a week-long preview of material from "Expressions" at the intimate club, Feinstein's at Loews Regency, in New York from September 15 through September 19, 2009. For more information regarding the new CD, live shows or Latin American Idol, click to: www.jonsecada.com