AARON NEVILLE - HOLIDAY PARTY

The Weather Channel® (TWC) and Aaron Neville have announced the release of Holiday Party, a holiday music compilation album. The CD features the single "Please Don't Forget" by Aaron Neville, and a portion of the proceeds from the single and the CD will be donated to The Salvation Army's Annual Red Kettle Christmas Campaign. Holiday Party features a mix of upbeat and festive music. Along with classic holiday songs, the CD offers the all-new single "Please Don't Forget" by Grammy Award-winner Aaron Neville. A song about true joy and peace received from helping others, "Please Don't Forget" follows in the tradition of the "original" Salvation Army Christmas song "Silver Bells," which also is performed by a Salvation Army brass band on the CD. "Silver Bells," inspired by the iconic Salvation Army bell ringer, was originally recorded by Bing Crosby in 1950.

Neville also lends his voice to the holiday classics "White Christmas" and "Go Tell It On The Mountain" from his album Christmas Prayer. Holiday Party features other well known artists such as Ray Charles, The Beach Boys, Amy Grant, The Salvation Army Ensemble, One Approved, Matt Belsante and Blessing. Classic holiday songs include "All I Want For Christmas," "Little Drummer Boy," the Charlie Brown Christmas Theme and others. Aaron Neville will appear for the special premiere performance of "Please Don't Forget" Friday, Nov. 20 on Wake Up with Al, The Weather Channel morning show hosted by Al Roker and Stephanie Abrams. The Weather Channel, Aaron Neville and The Salvation Army also have joined forces to promote the single and the CD. TWC will support the effort from weather.com as well as on air. Holiday Party will be distributed to the retail market via EMICMG Distribution, a subsidiary of EMI Music. The CD will be available at major retailers such as Wal-Mart.

The release of Holiday Party follows past CD release successes from The Weather Channel. In December 2007, TWC's debut album The Weather Channel Presents…Smooth Jazz hit number one on Billboard's current contemporary jazz charts and became a top-20 seller on Amazon.com. In spring 2008, a second Smooth Jazz II compilation was on Amazon.com's Top-40 list for several weeks.

NEW RELEASES: ANGIE STONE, GERARDO FRISINA, NORAH JONES, TOM BRAXTON & MORE...

Angie Stone - Unexpected
Carmen McRae – Live At The Flamingo Jazz Club
Deep Jazz – Heaven And Earth
Destrumentals – Bridge Through Time
Ella Fitzgerald – Twelve Nights In Hollywood
Everette Harp – First Love
Gerardo Frisina - Introducing Emily Jones
Gerardo Frisina – Samba Skindim
Glauco Lourenco – Abalo Sismico
King Ellis – Timeless Vol. 1
Monnette Sudler – Where Have All The Legends Gone?
Norah Jones – The Fall
Shelby Brown – The Meaning Of Life
Steve Wallace – Urban Soul
Svely Mesquita – Microswing
Teodross Avery – The Diva’s Choice
Tom Braxton – Endless Highway
Various Artists – ChillOut Session Vol. VII
Various Artists – Delicious Grooves
Various Artists – Dinner Lounge Jazz
Various Artists – Jazzoholik
Various Artists – Lounge Anthology
Various Artists – Lounge Du Soleil Vol. 8
Various Artists – Mocha Soul Mixed By DJ Muro
Various Artists – Smooth Jazz: The Silkiest Jazz Album, Ever!
Various Artists – Winter Chillout Lounge 2010
Wolfgang Hafner – Round Silence

GAIL PETTIS - HERE IN THE MOMENT

Here In The Moment is the new release by Seattle jazz vocalist Gail Pettis. On the new CD, which will be released on January 12 and was produced by Pettis, the singer mixed staples of her repertoire ("The Very Thought of You," "Night and Day") with others, such as "In the Still of the Night" and "I Could Have Danced All Night," that she had seldom sung prior to the recording. "It was interesting to look for a balance between familiarity and freshness," she says. Her accompanists on the disc are also her frequent collaborators on the stage: the pianists Darin Clendenin and Randy Halberstadt, bassists Clipper Anderson and Jeff Johnson, and drummer Mark Ivester. Here In The Moment is only the second recording in a professional career that began in 2002. But Pettis has quickly worked to establish herself in a crowded field as a consummate stylist who sounds like no one but herself. After spending nearly two decades as a successful orthodontist, Pettis turned to music in midlife and was soon attracting the cream of Seattle's jazz instrumentalists, who've backed her on her recordings and her gigs in Seattle and abroad. Named 2007 Northwest Vocalist of the Year by Earshot Jazz Society, Pettis debuted on record two years ago with the well-received May I Come In? (Origin/OA2).

Born in Kentucky in 1958 and raised in Gary, Indiana, Pettis comes from a family of medical professionals--her father was an anesthesiologist, her mother a pediatric nurse, and several close relatives were dentists. As a result she followed the family trade, graduating from the Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry in Nashville and an orthodontic residency program at Harvard University. Pettis moved to Seattle in 1996 and opened a private practice. She also became an avid participant in West Coast Swing dance events in Washington and Oregon.

Although Pettis had been very involved with music as a child and through her teens--as a singer in church and school ensembles and as a French horn player in her high school band--it wasn't until years later that she became aware of a musical branch of the family tree. Her grandfather Arthur Pettis was a blues singer and guitarist who recorded for Victor Records in Memphis in 1928 and for Brunswick in Chicago in 1930. Her grandmother, Ninevah Pettis, played piano around Chicago.

When a 2001 knee injury ended Pettis's dancing aspirations, she started looking for another creative outlet and eventually found her way to a jazz workshop at MusicWorks Northwest. Her instructor, saxophonist Darren Motamedy, was more than encouraging: he invited her to participate in jam sessions with his band. Later, Pettis continued her jazz studies with Dee Daniels and Greta Matassa. From there, she has constructed a flourishing career as a singer and performer known for infusing her delivery with emotion and honesty.

www.gailpettis.com

SMOOTH JAZZ FORMAT TO HOPEFULLY SURVIVE?

Clear Channel continues to divest itself of their association with the Smooth Jazz format as they have announced that they are selling off its interest in research and consulting firm Broadcast Architecture to BA President, Allen Kepler. As of January 1, the company, which also operates its own Smooth Jazz network, becomes a stand-alone entity. In a recent statement, Kepler said, "I'm deeply grateful to Tom Owens, John Hogan and the management at Clear Channel for this extraordinary opportunity. While we'll miss being part of the Clear Channel family, we welcome the broad possibilities going forward with all of our radio partners, including Clear Channel. January 1, 2010 will mark my 20th anniversary with Broadcast Architecture. We're excited to be moving ahead with our current partners and making new friends over the next 20 years." Following this announcement, Broadcast Architecture revealed it has inked a deal with United Stations Radio Networks, Inc. The multi-year partnership makes USRN the affiliate relations and advertising sales arm for Broadcast Architecture’s Smooth Jazz Network throughout the domestic U.S. USRN President/COO Jim Higgins commented, "Our relationship with Broadcast Architecture goes back nearly 15 years, and we’re big believers in what they do. We also believe that there’s a fantastic opportunity in today’s radio climate to help them to expand the reach of their services as well as increase their revenue streams." Kepler added, "The team at United Stations completely understands our world both creatively and on the business side. Smooth Jazz remains the most unique format in radio and offers advertisers access to the most affluent and exclusive audience reached by the medium. We’re extremely excited about our future with USRN as our partner." Seems like there is some hope that Smooth Jazz will be around for some time, however, let’s keep our fingers crossed that going forward these programmers understand that the playlists need to be a lot broader and accepting of new and exciting music – which could be the only way to attract new listeners.

SEAL - HITS

Grammy-winning vocalist and songwriter Seal is about to release a collection of his greatest songs on one CD, Hits, to be released December 8, 2009 on Warner Bros. Records. Seal Hits will span the artist’s 20 year career and be comprised of sixteen of Seal’s biggest hit songs, along with two brand new tracks. These two new recordings, produced by David Foster, extend the concept of Seal’s hugely successful 2008 covers album, Soul, which has sold more than three million units worldwide and received international critical acclaim. Seal brings his unique and exquisite vocal style to “I Am Your Man” written by Ashford & Simpson, first recorded by Bobby Taylor, and the Sly and The Family Stone classic “Thank You.” Seal is currently in the studio recording a new album of original material to be released in 2010. The London-born Seal first emerged from Britain’s house music scene in the early ’90s providing vocals and lyrics for techno artist Adamski’s 1990 hit “Killer.” The Top Ten debut single, “Crazy,” followed and Seal would go on to earn critical acclaim and worldwide commercial success over five albums. Seal’s prodigious vocal gifts — his soaring, husky baritone that has become a signature on such hits as “Prayer for the Dying,” “Kiss From a Rose,” and “Don’t Cry” — amplify the emotion he brings to a song.

The track-listing for Seal HITS is as follows. Please note this is not a final album sequence.
1. I Am Your Man
2. Kiss From A Rose
3. Crazy
4. Fly Like An Eagle
5. Love’s Divine
6. A Change Is Gonna Come
7. Amazing
8. Killer
9. Prayer For The Dying
10. Get It Together
11. The Right Life
12. Future Love Paradise
13. Waiting For You
14. Free
15. Rolling
16. Don’t Cry
17. If You Don’t Know Me By Now
18. Thank You

http://www.seal.com/

JOHN MAYER TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED

John Mayer has kicked off on a world tour tour and here is the full list of tour dates starting off in New York on November 17 and winding up on April 10, 2010 in Chicago.

Nov 17 @ The Beacon Theatre, New York, NY
Nov 24 @ Sound Academy, Toronto, ON
Dec 11 @ Madison Square Garden, New Yorkm NY
Dec 29 @ Copley Symphony Hall, San Diego, CA
Dec 31 @ The Joint, Las Vegas, NV
Jan 15 @ Manchester Apollo, Manchester, UK
Jan 16 @ O2 Academy, Glasgow, UK
Jan 18 @ Hammersmith Apollo, London, UK
Jan 19 @ Wolverhampton Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, UK
Feb 8 @ North Charleston Coliseum, Charleston, SC
Feb 9 @ BJCC Arena, Birmingham, AL
Feb 10 @ Sommet Center, Nashville, TN
Feb 12 @ Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, MI
Feb 13 @ Air Canada Centre, Toronto, ON
Feb 16 @ Scotiabank Place, Ottawa ON
Feb 17 @ Bell Centre, Montreal ,QC
Feb 19 @ Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT
Feb 20 @ Verizon Center, Washington, DC
Feb 21 @ Wachovia Center, Philadelphia, PA
Feb 24 @ TD Banknorth Garden, Boston, MA
Feb 25 @ Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Feb 28 @ Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, MI
Mar 1 @ Bradley Center, Milwaukee, WI
Mar 2 @ Xcel Energy Center, St. Pau,l MN
Mar 4 @ Qwest Center, Omaha, NE
Mar 5 @ Ford Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Mar 6 @ Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Mar 8 @ Frank Erwin Center, Austin, TX
Mar 9 @ American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
Mar 10 @ New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, LA
Mar 12 @ Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
Mar 13 @ Freedom Hall, Louisville, KY
Mar 15 @ Greensboro Coliseum Complex, Greensboro, NC
Mar 16 @ John Paul Jones Arena, Charlottesville, VA
Mar 17 @ Philips Arena, Atlanta, GA
Mar 19 @ Fed Ex Forum, Memphis, TN
Mar 20 @ Scottrade Center, St. Louis, MO
Mar 22 @ Sprint Center, Kansas City, MO
Mar 23 @ Pepsi Center, Denver, CO
Mar 25 @ Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
Mar 26 @ HP Pavilion, San Jose, CA
Mar 30 @ Rose Garden, Portland, OR
Mar 31 @ Key Arena, Seattle, WA
Apr 1 @ GM Place, Vancouver, BC
Apr 3 @ Pengrowth Saddledome, Calgary, AB
Apr 4 @ Rexall Place, Edmonton, AB
Apr 6 @ Credit Union Centre, Saskatoon, SK
Apr 7 @ MTS Centre, Winnipeg, MB
Apr 8 @ Fargodome, Fargo, ND
Apr 10 @ United Center, Chicago. IL

CANDY DULFER - FUNKED UP & CHILLED OUT DELUXE EDITION

Nearly two decades after her GRAMMY®-nominated recording debut in 1990, saxophonist Candy Dulfer has earned a reputation as a high-energy performer with charisma and sex appeal to burn. Thundering out of the gate in 1990 with the million-plus-seller and GRAMMY-nominated debut album, Saxuality, she has since crafted a string of fine recordings and has worked alongside an impressive and diverse list of collaborators: Prince, Dave Stewart (Eurythmics), Maceo Parker, Van Morrison, Beyonce, Pink Floyd, Aretha Franklin, Joey DeFrancesco and many others. But along the way – both on stage and in the studio – she has offered numerous glimpses of her softer, quieter side. These two creative dimensions make up the whole of her diverse and eclectic approach to songwriting and performing. Dulfer bares it all – the brassy and edgy as well as the relaxed and mellow – with Funked Up & Chilled Out. The deluxe luxury edition 2-CD set, scheduled for international release only (sorry U.S. fans), features one disc loaded with the revved-up funk and R&B typical of her legendary live show, and another that simmers with the cooler, quieter groove that settles in after hours when it’s time to kick back and relax. Candy will be one of the special guests at the concerts of the Dutch group Bløf at the Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam on December 3rd and 4th. Called ‘Bløf & Friends’, the band will perform their biggest hits and they will be joined by various musical friends. Besides Candy there will also be guest performances by Maria Mena, Tom Baxter and Daniël Lohues.

Candy Dulfer Tour Dates:
Nov 12 – Leverkusen, Germany @ Jazztage
Nov 20 – Maastricht, Netherlands @ Mass Music Jazz aan de Maas
Nov 25 – St. Petersburg, Russia @ Philharmonic
Nov 27 – Moscow, Russia @ International House of Music
Dec 3 – Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Heineken Music Hall
Dec 4 – Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Heineken Music Hall

MEDESKI MARTIN & WOOD ON TOUR

Here's a breakdown of tour dates for Medeski Martin & Wood...

11/12/09: North Adams, MA - Mass MoCA
11/13/09: Boston, MA - House of Blues
11/14/09: New York, NY - Nokia Theatre
11/15/09: Syracuse, NY - Westcott Theatre
11/17/09: Kent, OH - Kent Stage
11/18/09: Grand Rapids, MI - Intersection
11/19/09: Indianapolis, IN - The Vogue
11/20/09: Milwaukee, WI - The Eagles Club
11/21/09: Chicago, IL - House of Blues
12/03/09: Burlington, VT - Higher Ground
12/04/09: Providence, RI - Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel
12/05/09: Portland, ME - Port City Music Hall
01/27/10: Sydney Festival - The City Recital Hall
01/28/10: Sydney Festival - The Famous Spiegeltent
01/29/10: Melbourne, Australia - The Hifi
02/17/10: San Diego, CA/ House of Blues
02/18/10: Los Angeles, CA/ El Rey
02/19/10: Anaheim, CA/ House of Blues
02/20/10: Santa Cruz, CA/ Rio Theatre
02/21/10: San Francisco, CA/ Fillmore
02/23/10: Petaluma, CA/ The Mystic
02/24/10: Crystal Bay, NV/ Crystal Bay Club Crown Room
02/25/10: Eugene, OR/ McDonald Theatre
02/26/10: Portland, OR/ Roseland Theater
02/27/10: Seattle, WA/ Showbox at The Market

John Medeski's dates at The Stone, NYC
11/6: "Hum" featuring John Medeski, Calvin Weston, Billy Martin and Marc Ribot
11/7: "Concert of the Secret Guardians" featuring Tisziji Munoz (guitar), John "lam sobo" Medeski (keyboards), Ra-Kalam Bob Moses (drums), John Lockwood (bass), Don Pate (bass)
11/8: "Red Cred" featuring Ben Perowsky (drums), Chris Speed (sax), John Medeski (keyboards)

Billy Martins dates at The Stone, NYC
11/06: Billy with "Hum" featuring John Medeski, Calvin Weston and Marc Ribot
11/10: 8pm Mystery Riddim with Shahzad Ismailey, Kato Hideki electric players + Jed Koziner, Steve Honoshosky, Ronald Stockwell and Billy Martin acoustic percussion

Chris Wood's dates with The Wood Brothers
12/08: Boston, MA - Paradise Rock Club
12/09: Montreal, Quebec - Petit Campus
12/10: South Burlington, VT - Higher Ground Showcase Lounge
12/11: Syracuse, NY - The Westcott Theater
12/30: Denver, CO - Fillmore Auditorium *(s/f Yonder Mountain String Band)

BRIAN CULBERTSON - LIVE FROM THE INSIDE

Brian Culbertson’s new CD/DVD combo, Live From The Inside was recorded at the historical Capital Records Studio A in Hollywood, California. The new CD/DVD is a career retrospcetive and it includes a new song, “Go”. It’s a behind the scenes, intimate look into the world of Brian Culbertson! Take a trip into the recording studio, take a trip back to Brian’s hometown and high school, hit the road with Brian, and watch him record his live album. This CD/DVD comb includes special guests, bonus features, favorite Culbertson hits, and it set for release on November 10.

DVD CONTENT

01 Opening Credits

02 Say What?

03 Always Remember

04 B's Opening Statement

05 Hollywood Swinging

06 Do You Really Love Me?

07 Rehearsal Day 1

08 The House of Music

09 Life On The Road

10 Back In The Day

11 So Good

12 Rehearsal Day 2

13 Serpentine Fire

14 Decatur

15 Hookin' Up

16 Capitol Setup Day

17 All About You

18 Mountain Drive

19 Come To Me

20 Go

21 Chicago

22 Funkin' Like My Father

23 Venues

24 Let's Get Started

25 On My Mind

26 B's Closing Statement

27 Get It On

28 Credits

CD CONTENT

01 Get It On

02 Always Remember

03 Do You Really Love Me?

04 Come To Me

05 Go

06 All About You

07 Hookin' Up

08 Let's Get Started

09 On My Mind

10 Back In The Day

11 So Good

12 Our Love

Special Features:

*Full Interview With - Brian Culbertson; Dave Koz; Ray Parker Jr.; Eric Darius; Michael Lington; Eric Marienthal; Jim Culbertson; Lamar Jones; Wayne Bruce; Chris Miskel; Marqueal Jordan; Sheldon Reynolds

*Hangin' At ATL

*BC's PRVCY Photo Shoot

*Meet N' Greet

*Outtakes*Our Love (Bonus Performance Track)

BRIAN CULBERTSON'S A SOULFUL CHRISTMAS

For the fourth consecutive year, contemporary jazz favorite, Brian Culbertson, is taking BRIAN CULBERTSON'S A SOULFUL CHRISTMAS to venues across the country. This year, Brian has added his good friend and chart-topping sax-man, Michael Lington. AirTran Airways is returning as the tour sponsor. The show will feature uplifting and soulful performances of holiday favorites and tunes from Brian's holiday album, A Soulful Christmas (in stores now)! In addition, Brian will play songs from his new DVD/CD combo, Live From The Inside. This special package will be in stores on November 10 and was recorded in Studio A at Capitol Records in Hollywood, CA.

"I had an idea to do a variety of small jazz clubs this year because I love being up close to the audience," states Culbertson. "Over the past couple years, we've been only doing the large venues so I wanted to change it up and do a totally different 'intimate' show. I'm also very excited to be reunited with Michael Lington who spent two years with my band a few years ago. We have great chemistry together on stage and I just love the way he plays. The Christmas season is one of my favorite times of year and I can't wait to get back on the road and spread some holiday cheer!"

Current tour dates are as follows (more to come):
November 28 - Anthology - San Diego, CA
December 1 - Rams Heads On Stage - Annapolis, MD
December 3 - Infinity Music Hall and Bistro - Norfolk, CT
December 9 - The Fine Line - Minneapolis, MN
December 10 - Music Mill - Indianapolis, IN
December 12 - House of Blues - Cleveland, OH
December 14 - Catalina Bar & Grill - Los Angeles, CA
December 15 - Catalina Bar & Grill - Los Angeles, CA
December 16 - Catalina Bar & Grill - Los Angeles, CA
December 18 - Yoshi's San Francisco - San Francisco, CA
December 19 - Yoshi's San Francisco - San Francisco, CA
December 20 - Yoshi's San Francisco - San Francisco, CA

JAZZ AT LNCOLN CENTER

The Orchard, a full service media company specializing in the distribution of music and video entertainment, has announced that it has been selected by Jazz at Lincoln Center for marketing, national physical distribution, and worldwide digital distribution of both new and previously-captured recordings from the revered jazz institution. Jazz at Lincoln Center is widely acknowledged and applauded for being at the forefront of leading the development of jazz through performance and education. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal commented, "From the start, the organization has built jazz awareness from the bottom up." Jazz at Lincoln Center captures the incredible sound and vibrancy of live performances that take place at the venue in its home, Frederick P. Rose Hall. The performing arts complex in New York City consists of three impressive music venues – Rose Theater, The Allen Room, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola and an education and recording center Rose Theater, The Allen Room and Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola use in-house state-of-the-art recording technology, allowing The Orchard to deliver the highest quality live jazz recordings around the world on its digital network. The first album under the agreement will be Portrait in Seven Shades, a newly-composed suite by jazz musician Ted Nash and recorded by the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. Portrait in Seven Shades will be released on January 19, 2010. The suite premiered at Rose Theater in 2007 and will be performed as part of the "Jazz & Art II" concerts at Jazz at Lincoln Center on February 4-6, 2010.

With this signing, The Orchard is set to build and expand the JALC mission of continuing the education and performing art of jazz by introducing the music in digital and physical formats. As the catalog becomes available over the next several months, The Orchard will support releases with campaigns that employ the latest tools and forward thinking ideas in promotion- including iPhone Apps, exclusive digital video content in HD, and extra recording and dissemination of various other series that will raise awareness and expose Jazz at Lincoln Center’s celebrated performances to audiences worldwide.

Jazz at Lincoln Center is dedicated to inspiring and growing audiences for jazz. With the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and a comprehensive array of guest artists, Jazz at Lincoln Center advances a unique vision for the continued development of the art of jazz by producing a year-round schedule of performance, education and broadcast events for audiences of all ages. These productions include concerts, national and international tours, residencies, a jazz hall of fame and concert series, weekly national radio programs, television broadcasts, recordings, publications, an annual high school jazz band competition and festival, a band director academy, jazz appreciation curriculum for students, music publishing, children’s concerts and classes, lectures, adult education courses, student and educator workshops and interactive websites. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis, Chairman Lisa Schiff and Executive Director Adrian Ellis, Jazz at Lincoln Center produces more than 2,000 events each season in its home in New York City, Frederick P. Rose Hall, and around the world.

NEW RELEASES FROM EUGE GROOVE, CESARIA EVORA, ERYKAH BADU, BARRY WHITE, KID CREOLE & THE COCONUTS AND MORE...

Arnaldo Antunes - Ie Ie Ie
Barry White - Unlimited
Carly Simon – Never Been Gone
Carlyle Barriteau – Groovin’ At Sunset
Cesaria Evora – Nha Sentimente
ChinahBlac – Introducing Euenia Shata
Christopher Goze – A Day In Ibiza
Cosiner & James Andrews – Visions Of Cosiner & James Andrews
Dalindeo – Soundtrack For The Sound Eye
Danielle Haynes – Love’s Never Lost
Deep Jazz – Heaven & Earth
Dionne Bromfield – Introducing Dionne Bromfield
Erykah Badu – Live
Euge Groove – Sunday Morning
Fred Anderson – Live At Th Velvet Lounge
Hil St. Soul - Realease
Jesse Johnson – Verbal Penetration
John Zorn - Femina
Kid Creole & The Coconuts – Anthology Vol 1 & 2
Little Dragon – Machine Dreams
Maria Bethania – Encanteria
Maria Bethania – Tua
Natural Self – My Heart Beats Like A Drum
Nellie McKay – Normal As Blueberry Pie: A Tribute To Doris Day
Papik – Rhythm Pf Live
Piero Umiliari & Gato Barbieri – Una Bella Grinta
Raak Project - Score
Raul Midon - Synthesis
Rod Stewart – Soulbook
Seawind – Reunion
Seu Jorge – America Brasil Ao Vivo
Small Night Orchestra – The Immortality Of The Crabs
Soulballet - 2019
Sting – If On A Winter’s Night
Various Artists – After Work Jazz
Various Artists – After Work Lounge Cocktail Hour
Various Artists – Café Archy Chillout Collection 7
Various Artists – Café Archy Lounge Collection 6
Various Artists – Classic Chillout Album
Various Artists – DJ Nartak Lounge Mix
Various Artists – Erotic Lounge Vol. 8 Intimate Selection
Various Artists – Get Your Stereo Deluxed
Various Artists – Hotel De Mozambique Vol. 2
Various Artists – Milk Breaks 2
Various Artists – Music For Cocktails: Fashion Show
Various Artists – Planet Radio Early Morning Breaks
Various Artists – Putumayo Presents Espana
Various Artists – Spaced Out Jazz
Various Artists – Verve Today 2009
Various Artists – Vintage Café Deluxe Vol. 8
Whispers - Thankful
Zap Mama - Recreation

MARTINIQUE JAZZ FESTIVAL

Melodious musique de jazz will fill the air once more this fall as the Caribbean’s longest running jazz festival, the Martinique Jazz Festival, will be held November 26 to December 6. The festival, which dates back to 1983, has long provided a showcase for local and international artists to share their talents with a lively and appreciative crowd of music lovers from all corners of the globe. This year will be no exception, as a solid line-up of musicians are set to combine with interactive master classes, film screenings and exhibits to create the ultimate jazz experience under the warm Caribbean sun. Among the international artists scheduled to perform are Elizabeth Kontomanou (France), the Kenny Barron Trio (USA), and Lionel Loueke (Bénin/USA). A highlight of the event will no doubt be the performance of steel pan master, Andy Narell (USA), who will team with calypso legend, Relator (Trinidad) to perform innovative “PanJazz” selections from their new album, University of Calypso. Martinique Jazz Festival performances will be held primarily at L’Atrium, in the capital city, Fort-de-France, with additional concerts and events held in the towns of Sainte Anne, Sainte Marie, Lamentin, Riviere Salee, Sainte Luce and the La Pagerie Museum in Trois-Ilets, childhood home of Empress Josephine. Muriel Wiltord, director Americas for the Martinique Promotion Bureau/CMT USA, commented on the festival, stating: “Over the years, the Martinique Jazz Festival has attracted some of the biggest names in jazz and scores of their fans to our shores. We look forward to more of the same in 2009 and beyond.” Jazz luminaries who have performed at the Martinique Jazz Festival in years past include the Marsalis brothers, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Paquito d’Rivera, Chucho Valdes, and many more.

TONI BRAXTON SIGNS WITH ATLANTIC RECORDS

Atlantic Records has announced the signing of legendary R&B superstar Toni Braxton to its roster. The multiple Grammy Award-winning singer will unveil her hugely anticipated label debut on February 2nd, 2010. "Atlantic Records has a rich heritage of great soul voices, from Ray Charles to Aretha Franklin, from Otis Redding to Roberta Flack," said Atlantic Chairman/CEO Craig Kallman. "Last year, we had the rare opportunity to bring another R&B icon into the Atlantic family, and for me it was an opportunity of a lifetime. Toni Braxton is not only one of the greatest voices of all time, but she is a charismatic superstar with an incredible list of achievements. She has sold over 40 million records worldwide, has had 15 Top Ten Billboard hits, earned six Grammy Awards, and the list goes on and on. Above all, there has always been that fantastic voice, filled with passion and beauty and soul. I believe that Toni has made the most spectacular album. It's the culmination of everything that has come before... a brilliant reflection of her experiences in music and in life. It's the start of an exciting new chapter -- one which all of us at Atlantic are so very proud to be part of."

"Yesterday," the first single from the album, is currently on sale at Braxton's official website. A companion video, directed by famed filmmaker Bille Woodruff, known for such classic Braxton clips as "Un-Break My Heart" and "He Wasn't Man Enough" -- was filmed earlier this month in Los Angeles and is currently in post-production with a premiere date to be announced later. The as-yet-untitled album looks to be Toni's most powerful and personal musical statement to date. Braxton personally chose to collaborate with a veritable who's-who of red-hot producers and songwriters, including Frank E (Madonna, T.I., Plies, Flo Rida), Steve Mac (Leona Lewis, Il Divo), Lucas Secon (Britney Spears, The Pussycat Dolls), Harvey Mason & Oak (Chris Brown, Joe, Mario), Troy Taylor (Trey Songz, Kevin Lyttle), Dapo Torimiro (John Legend, David Archuletta, Brandy), and David Foster (Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion). What's more, the album features a guest appearance from Toni's new Atlantic labelmate, R&B/hip-hop sensation Trey Songz, who lends his distinctive vocal stylings to the aforementioned single, "Yesterday."

Toni Braxton has been at the forefront of modern R&B and soul since her 1991 debut single, "Love Shoulda Brought You Home" (featured in the film, Boomerang). Her self-titled debut, which followed in 1993, proved a true pop phenomenon, earning 8x-platinum certification from the RIAA for sales in excess of 8 million. The album also saw Braxton receiving her first round of Grammy Awards, including "Best New Artist" and two "Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female" trophies, honoring the singles, "Another Sad Love Song" and "Breathe Again."

Secrets arrived in 1997 and indelibly confirmed Toni's status as a true international superstar. The 8x-platinum certified collection spawned a string of major hit singles, including the #1 hits, "You're Makin' Me High" and "Un-Break My Heart." The latter track became an instant pop classic, topping Billboard's "Hot 100" for 11 consecutive weeks, while also dominating a variety of other charts around the world. "Un-Break My Heart" and "You're Makin' Me High" earned Braxton two more Grammy Awards, for "Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female" and "Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female," respectively.

Toni followed the stunning success of Secrets by embarking on a further career as a stage actress. She drew rave reviews for her history-making turn as "Belle" in Disney's Beauty and the Beast- the first African-American woman to star in a Disney musical production.

Braxton's long-awaited third album, The Heat, was released to worldwide acclaim in 2000. At year's end, Toni was named Billboard's "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Artist - Female," "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Album Artist - Female," "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks Artist - Female," while the gold- certified, chart-topping smash, "He Wasn't Man Enough," brought home still another Grammy Award for "Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female."

In 2001, Toni made her big-screen debut in 2001's hit comedy, Kingdom Come, earning a BET Black Oscar for her performance. 2002's More Than A Woman and 2005's Libra saw her continuing to expand her musical range of expression, while her 2006 collaboration with Il Divo, "The Time of Our Lives," was named the official anthem of the 2006 FIFA World Cup. That same year saw Toni making history once again, this time with Toni Braxton: Revealed, her blockbuster stage show at Las Vegas' Flamingo Hotel & Casino. Though initially slated for a brief three-month run, the show proved such a success that it was ultimately extended through mid-2008. As if all that weren't enough, Braxton was also among the top competitors on the 2008 season of ABC's Dancing with the Stars. She followed the reality series' success by appearing in the "Dancing with the Stars - The Tour 2008/2009" roadshow, which played to sold-out arenas across the country.

http://www.tonibraxton.com/

DAVE BRUBECK - A LIVING LEGEND

Declared a Living Legend by the Library of Congress, jazz pianist and composer Dave Brubeck will be capping off a banner year in his extraordinary career with a three-night run of six shows (8 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.) at New York's Blue Note on November 27-29 and being honored at the 2009 Kennedy Center Honors in Washington on December 6, the artist's 89th birthday. The 32nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors Gala Program will be broadcast on CBS television on December 29, 2009 at 9:00-11:00 p.m. (ET/PT). "Dave Brubeck's genius has dazzled us for six decades and has helped to define an American art form," said Kennedy Center Chairman Stephen A. Schwarzman. "This year, the Kennedy Center celebrates five extraordinary individuals whose unique and abundant artistry has contributed significantly to the cultural life of our nation and the world." (Other honorees this year are Mel Brooks, Robert De Niro, Bruce Springsteen and opera singer Grace Bumbry.)

2009 marks the 50th anniversary of Brubeck's Time Out, one of the most loved and best selling jazz albums of all time, and its centerpiece track, "Take Five," an eternally cool sonic tonic for an endless summer night which became the first million-selling jazz single in Billboard Hot 100 history.
Columbia Records/Legacy Recordings/Sony Music celebrated the album's 50th anniversary with a three-disc edition of Time Out featuring the original album (remastered for the first time since 1997) in its entirety, a CD of eight previously unreleased live performances from the 1961, 1963 and 1964 Newport Jazz Festival, and a DVD premiering a 30-minute documentary on the making of Time Out, with an exclusive Brubeck interview, extensive performance footage and more. "This package adds tremendously to the value of the original album," wrote the All Music Guide.

A new Legacy Edition of another classic jazz title from the Dave Brubeck Columbia Records catalog has been planned for release in 2010. Still actively performing throughout the year, Dave Brubeck and his Quartet helped launch the Time Out Legacy Edition with an incandescent mini-set at the Soho Apple Store in New York on Tuesday, July 21, 2009. History has a way of working with Dave Brubeck. By 1959, the year he recorded Time Out, the album that brought the jazz avant-garde into mainstream consciousness, he'd already been honored as the second jazz musician ever to appear on the cover of Time magazine, five years after Louis Armstrong became the first on February 21, 1949. Honored in 1996 with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, in 2008 Brubeck became the very first recipient of the U.S. State Department's Benjamin Franklin Award for Public Diplomacy. In presenting the award, Secretary Condoleezza Rice stated that ''as a pianist, composer, cultural emissary and educator, Dave Brubeck's life's work exemplifies the best of America's cultural diplomacy."

Throughout his long career Dave Brubeck has received national and international honors, including the National Medal of the Arts from President Clinton, the Smithsonian Medal, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He holds numerous honorary doctorates from American, Canadian, English and German universities, including an honorary degree in Sacred Theology from Fribourg University, Switzerland. Recently, Brubeck received the Distinguished Arts Award from the Ford Honors program of the University of Michigan and in 2006 received from Notre Dame their highest honor, the Laetare Medal. He is a Duke Ellington Fellow at Yale University, and was presented with the Sanford Medal by the Yale School of Music.

In the year 2000 the National Endowment for the Arts declared Dave Brubeck a Jazz Master. He was inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame in 2003. In 2007 he received a Living Legacy Jazz Award from Kennedy Center and the Arison Award from the National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts. His international honors include Austria's highest award for the Arts, a citation from the French government, and the Bocconi Medal from Italy. The London Symphony Orchestra, acknowledging their long association, presented him with their prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.

www.LegacyRecordings.com

DANA HALL – INTO THE LIGHT

Born in Brooklyn and raised in Philadelphia, the 40-year-old Chicago-based drummer and composer Dana Hall studied aerospace engineering and percussion at Iowa State University. He spent two years with the Boeing Company before committing to music full-time. That decision led to a move to New York City in 1991, and for the next several years Hall freelanced with Roy Hargrove, Betty Carter, Joshua Redman, and George Coleman, among others. Based in Chicago since 1994, Hall is an Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and is pursuing a doctorate in ethnomusicology at the University of Chicago. (The subject of his dissertation is the soul music of Philadelphia and its relationship to the Black Power Movement.) The drummer has worked with Chicagoans such as Von Freeman, Malachi Thompson, Bobby Broom, Patricia Barber, and Kurt Elling, and for the last 15 years with the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, serving as its music director for the past two.

Dana Hall has been in demand as a sideman for nearly two decades, working with major names in jazz such as Joe Henderson, Branford Marsalis, Maria Schneider, Benny Golson, the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, and Kenny Barron. He's also an educator, the musical director of the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, and--since 2006--leader of an all-star quintet featuring trumpeter Terell Stafford, saxophonist Tim Warfield Jr., pianist Bruce Barth, and bassist Rodney Whitaker. On his outstanding CD debut as a leader, "Into the Light," Hall chose to feature his working band, a versatile and simpatico unit that shares his penchant for a broad stylistic range and "trying to go to the 21st century," rather than playing "like it's 1964 all the time." Recorded in a single Sunday afternoon earlier this year, with most of the tunes first takes, the CD will be released by Origin Records November 17.

"'Into the Light' means a number of different things," says Hall. "It sort of has a religious connotation, when people think of going into the light and what they see when they're at the end of their lives. It can also mean just going into the unknown and having the courage and skill set to explore the unknown. And it can mean someone who's usually a sideman stepping out as a leader and stepping into the light as a composer, which is something a lot of people don't know about me."

Though the disc leads off with Herbie Hancock's "I Have a Dream," and closes with compositions by Whitaker and Warfield, Into the Light places Hall's writing at the heart of the proceedings--six originals including the ballad "Orchids"; "The Path to Love," a mid-tempo swinger; and "Jabali," an adventurous suite named for drummer Billy Hart. Hall was inspired by great drummers like Jeff Watts, Victor Lewis, Max Roach, and Billy Higgins who "thought about compositions and conceptualizing a recording from the first song through the last song, not just about showing off some great drum stuff."

Dana Hall's newest role is as a bandleader promoting a new CD with his favorite group of musicians. The quintet will appear in Cincinnati, at the Blue Wisp (1/29-30), with a hometown CD release event at the Green Mill 2/5-6; other bookings, in Cleveland, Washington DC, and New York, are being finalized. "Into the Light" has provided Hall and his band the opportunity "to finally document what we've been doing," says Hall. "Now we'll see if we can get some momentum going from that." Hall's musicianship, energy, and vision make momentum--and exciting music--inevitable.

http://www.danahallmusic.com/

WYNTON MARSALIS – CHRISTMAS JAZZ JAM

Musician, composer, band leader and educator, Wynton Marsalis, is back with Christmas Jazz Jam, his first holiday album in 20 years. Marsalis is partnering with Target ® to exclusively release this holiday essential currently available on iTunes and in stores nationwide on November 1st. The Pulitzer Prize and Grammy® Award-winning musician and composer is joined by his septet for his 78th recording as they breathe new life into Christmas classics. Rooted in the spirit of New Orleans and the gospel church, these new arrangements of holiday standards are drenched with down-home soul and joyous swing. Marsalis's trumpet is joined by Don Vappie on banjo and guitar; Wycliffe Gordon on trombone and tuba; Vincent Gardner on trombone; Victor Goines, Wessell Anderson, Walter Blanding and Paul Nedzela on reed instruments; a rhythm section comprised of Dan Nimmer, Herlin Riley and Reginald Veal with the vocals of Roberta Gumbel joining the band on "Mary Had a Baby" and "O Little Town of Bethlehem". Christmas Jazz Jam brings the American art of jazz improvisation to traditional songs loved worldwide. It provides a great opportunity to discover and enjoy contemporary jazz. Born in New Orleans in 1961, Marsalis has recorded over 70 albums encompassing both jazz and classical music. His prominent position in American culture was solidified in April 1997, when he became the first jazz artist to be awarded the Pulitzer Prize in music for his work Blood on the Fields. He is the co-founder of Jazz at Lincoln Center, the first non-profit organization devoted solely to jazz. He currently serves as the world-renowned arts organization's artistic director as well as music director of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

Christmas Jazz Jam Track Listing
1. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
2. Mary Had a Baby
3. Jingle Bells
4. Blue Christmas
5. Go Tell It On the Mountain
6. O Christmas Tree
7. O Little Town of Bethlehem
8. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
9. The Christmas Song
10.Good King Wenceslas
11. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
12. Greensleeves

SUPERNATURAL SANTANA: A TRIP THROUGH THE HITS

Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through The Hits, the exhilarating rock-n-roll concert experience featuring Carlos Santana and his band, will continue its successful run at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas in November 2009 and February 2010. Featuring an ever-changing set list and a new opening number since its May debut, concertgoers will continue to be wowed, even if they've already seen the show. Eleven additional performance dates from February 3 through February 21 will go on sale Saturday, Oct. 31 at noon, as part of Santana's multi-year deal with AEG Live. In addition, through 2010 The Joint will be the only venue west of the Mississippi where fans can see Santana. Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through The Hits marks the first and only rock-n-roll resident show in Las Vegas, and has Nov. 11-22, 2009 performance dates already on sale.

Showcasing the band's career-spanning classics such as "Oye Como Va," "Black Magic Woman," "Evil Ways," and "Maria Maria," Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through The Hits -- which was exclusively designed for The Joint -- takes fans on a multi-sensory journey through the most prolific Santana songs. Each show includes a unique take on the band's repertoire, creating a one-of-a-kind experience for show-goers. "This show is designed to bring everyone in the audience together as one," said Carlos Santana. "My wish is for it to be a night that will move you to dance, to cry, to laugh and to feel the totality and fullness of being alive."

Launching May 27, 2009, Supernatural Santana: A Trip Throught The Hits has been met with rave reviews. The Los Angeles Times said that Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through The Hits "proves what an unusual rock icon [Carlos Santana] is" and highlighted the "deeply energetic" performances of his long-time band members, who routinely have audience members dancing in the aisles. Santana plays approximately 36 times per year at The Joint, with a show time of 8 pm. Performances take place on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (dark Monday, Tuesday and Thursday). Ticket prices start at only $51 and can be purchased by visiting the Hard Rock Hotel Box Office, as well as all Ticketmaster locations.

Forty years and as many albums later, Santana has sold more than 90 million records and has performed to more than 100 million fans at concerts worldwide. To date, Santana has won ten GRAMMY® Awards, including a record-tying nine for a single project, 1999's Supernatural (including Album of the Year and Record of the Year for "Smooth"). In 1998, the group was ushered into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, whose web page on their induction notes, "Guitarist Carlos Santana is one of rock's true virtuosos and guiding lights." Among many other honors, Carlos Santana has also been cited by Rolling Stone as #15 on their list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists Of All Time," and #90 on their 2005 survey of the "100 Greatest Artists Of All Time."

In other Santana news, Carlos and the band have been in the studio and have begun working on the next Santana recording, tentatively due out in the late Spring/early Summer of 2010. The record will be released through RCA/J Records with Carlos and Clive Davis as the Executive Producers. Look for photos and recording updates in the months to come as we report on Santana (one of our favorite bands ever!). Also, Santana bandmates are working on their own solo projects. Bill Ortiz released a Jazz CD, From Where I Stand, and Karl Perazzo's salsa band Avance released a new CD, Incontrolable.

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FELA KUTI - THE BEST OF THE BLACK PRESIDENT

Over the next 18 months, all 45 Fela Kuti’s titles will be remastered and re-released in unique digi-packs with the original artwork. This reissue series will also mark the first time all of Fela's titles will be released on vinyl in North America, along with the first official release of the entire catalog of Fela's 1960s highlife band Koola Lobitos. The first release of the series, The Best Of The Black President compiles 13 of the most popular Fela compositions. The deluxe edition of the CD comes with a DVD featuring segments from the film 'Music is the Weapon', performances from the Berlin Jazz Festival and interviews with choreographer/director Bill T. Jones and Fela biographer Carlos Moore. The impact of Fela Anikulapo Kuti's music in Africa - and worldwide - cannot be overstated.

Hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, he was a revolutionary and Africa's musical genius, the creator of Afrobeat - a genre combining traditional African highlife, jazz, James Brown funk grooves and Latin rhythms into a unique, toxic mix that is wholly his own. Fela's politically inflammatory songs laid bare the corruption, violence, and greed of the ruling regimes across the continent and world. Fela was arrested over a hundred times by the Nigerian government. Ultimately 1000 soldiers invaded and destroyed the Kalakuta Republic – Fela's living and performing compound that he shared with his 27 wives and mother – sending nearly all of the inhabitants to the hospital, or worse. Despite the death of his mother in the siege, Fela never stopped fighting the powers of imperialism, colonialism and racism with, as the legendary Fela Kuti put it, music as his weapon.

As we previously reported (see separate blog posting), in support of this re-launch of Fela Kuti’s music, Giant Step Records has organized official Felabration events in more than 15 cities across North America throughout the month of October; this outstanding schedule of Felabrations has brought together some of the best DJs, musicians, and promoters around to celebrate the life, music, and birthday of Fela Kuti. With the support of DJs such as Rich Medina, DJ Spinna, Ron Trent, DJ Nu-Mark, DJ Day, Jeremy Sole, DJ Kemit, J-Justice, Adam Gibbons, DJ Sun, Chicken George and Frank Gossner, as well as artists such as Roy Ayers, WUNMI, Ikebe Shakdown, Baba Ola Jagun, Amon, and many more, these Felabrations have united the diverse communities and Tastemakers across the country that are instrumental in keeping Fela's music alive.

In addition to the re-release of the Fela Kuti’s catalog, and the Felabratiojns is a new Broadway show. Tony Award-winner Bill T. Jones is the director and choreographer of the new Broadway musical, FELA!, based on the life and music of the legend. The critically acclaimed musical will open at the Eugen O'Neill Theatre in New York on November 23. Sold-out crowds were left dancing in the aisles during its premiere last summer at Off-Broadway 37 Arts, as the world renowned Antibalas and otther members of the NYC Afrobeat community, under the direction of Aaron Johnson, performed Fela's music live onstage. "The timing couldn't be more perfect," says Knitting Factory Records label manager Ian Wheeler. "With the play opening, it made the most sense to start the reissue series in the fall. We are taking great care working with Fela's estate to make the reissue series the most true to the artist's original concepts than ever before. We have a lot of fun ideas up our sleeves too."

FEDERICO AUBELE - AMATORIA REMIXED

ESL Music artist, Federico Aubele’s sultry musical ode to love, Amatoria, gets the remix treatment as Amatoria Remixed. The original version of Amatoria is Federico Aubele’s newest and most personal album yet. Inspired by the classic and passionate sounds of bolero and Argentinian tango, Aubele infuses his distinctive Spanish guitar sound with sultry vocals and subtle electronic beats to create a unique collage of intimate love songs. Entirely self-produced, Amatoria features vocal collaborations with Natalia Clavier, Sabina Sciubba of The Brazilian Girls, and Miho Hatori of Cibo Matto. Amatoria Remixed features six superbly re-worked tracks, this short album is a gem for DJs and fans of beefy electronic rhythms. “Luna Y Sol” is transformed by Lance Herbstrong into an exercise in throbbing basslines and stomping percussion, while Gianma provides upbeat breaks and house remixes of “Otra Vez” for the dancefloor. ESL cohorts Ancient Astronauts serve up a dub-hop version of “Este Amor” while Son of Kick turns “Suena Mi Guitara” into an epic electro-glitch dancefloor smasher. Pablo Anglade closes this set with a gliding minimal-techno version of “Amatoria” infused with Federico’s hypnotic guitar work. Amatoria Remixed is available now for digital download and purchase worldwide. In the meantime Federico Aubele has scheduled a series of tour dates in support of this collection.

Oct 30 @ The Rivoli, Toronot, Canada
Oct 31 @ Schuba’s, Chicago, IL
Nov 1 @ Schuba’s, Chicago, IL
Nov. 3 @ The Varsity Theatre, Minneapolis, MN
Nov 8 @ Mountain Stage, Charleston, WV
Nov 28 @ Oran Mor, Glascow, Scotland
Nov 29 @ The Social, London, UK
Nov 30 @ Academy 2, Dublin, Ireland

ALESSANDRO MAGNANINI – SOMEWAY STILL I DO

New from Italy’s Schema label is the debut album from Alessandro Magnanini, entitled Someway I Still Do. If you previously enjoyed the music of Mario Biondi’s A Handful Of Soul album, then you will enjoy this as it follows the same vein. Magnanini is the songwriter responsible for “This Is Who You Are” and “No Mercy For Me” (both from Biondi’s A Handful Of Soul). Magnanini utilized the great pop productions from the past for his main sources of inspiration, where the melodies are predominately easy listening in style, but with a cool jazz approach. The melodies are uniquely identified along with arrangements by Claus Ogerman, among others, and are reminiscent of those that you may have heard in the style of Astrud Gilberto, the orchestral atmospheric arrangements of Shirley Bassey, and the playful evocative sounds of Henry Mancini. Alessandro Magnanini has enlisted the talents of beautiful and dreamy voices to convey his message, and they are Liam McKahey, Jenny B., Stefania Rava, Rosalia De Souza, and Renata Tosi. The entire album is comprised of original compositions which make up this imaginary soundtrack. It’s definitely worth a listen.

Someway Still I Do Track Listing:
1. Open Up Your Eyes (featuring Jenny B.)
2. Living’ My Life (featuring Liam McKahey)
3. So Long, Goodbye (featuring Jenny B.)
4. Secret Lover (featuring Jenny B.)
5. Greeting From Here
6. But Not For You (featuring Liam McKahey)
7. Someway Still I Do (featuring Liam McKahey)
8. Stay Into My Life (featuring Renata Tosi)
9. L’Estate E’ Qua (featuring Rosalia De Souza)
10. Suddenly
11. Something Fine (featuring Stefania Rava)
12. Blind Date Blues

NICOLA CONTE - THE MODERN SOUND OF NICOLA CONTE - VERSIONS IN JAZZ DUB

With just one year after releasing the internationally successful Rituals album, Italian jazz-head Nicola Conte returns with a double-cd entitled The Modern Sound Of Nicola Conte – Versions In Jazz Dub. This new release compiles a series of re-worked, remixed, and fully new arranged tracks that he has produced in the last few years. From Italy to Brasil, Latin America, the USA, Japan and back to Scandinavia and Germany, The Modern Sound Of Nicola Conte – Versions In Jazz Dub takes us on a journey into the most tasteful sounds you can get when it comes to Bossa flavored Jazz, Latin excursions and soulful grooves. To complement the masterful takes on other musicians’ recordings, 8 of the 26 tracks on this impressive collection are Nicola’s own. Some have never before released before, and stem from the sessions to his sought after albums, Other Directions and Rituals. Working with some of the world’s finest musicians, Nicola’s The Modern Sound Of Nicola Conte – Versions In Jazz Dub, features household names such as Mark Murphy, Till Brönner, and The Five Corner Quintet, who like Nicola Conte, are dedicated to preserve the spirit of the best in 1950’s and 1960’s jazz, while percussionists Roberto Roena and Luisito Quintero represent two generations of Latin rhythm fever. The music of The Bobby Hughes Combination and American group Thunderball (from Thievery Corporation’s ESL Records) both comes from a more eclectic and electronic background, but Nicola turns their respective tracks into elegant Jazz takes nevertheless. This he does also with Japanese guests such as Akiko, Maki Mannami and the Sunaga T Experience. On Nicola’s reworkings of the various tracks and on his own takes, you hear him alongside his fabulous sessions musicians like Pietro Ciancaglini, Daniele Scannapieco, Lorenzo Tucci, Pietro Lussu, Gaetano Partipilo, Rosario Giuliani and Sandro Deida, Fabrizio Bosso, Flavio Boltro, and the Finn Teppo Mäkynen and Timo Lassy. On vocals you hear the talents of Lisa Bassenge, Maki Mannami, Kim Sanders, Alice Ricciardi, José James and Philipp Weiss. Nicola Conte is not only one of today’s most elegant Jazz producers but also a perfectionist in sound. Listening to the 26 tracks of The Modern Sound Of Nicola Conte – Versions in Jazz Dub you will learn to love the extraordinary sound and music qualities provided. While many artists will remix music simply by using software tools and letting the computer do the work, Nicola Conte’s method of re-recording live takes with his own musicians make his Versions In Jazz Dub a most enjoyable pleasure and a welcome addition to his artistic catalogue.

Track list
1. Mark Murphy - Stolen Moments (Midnight Mood Rework)
2. Thunderball - Elevated States
3. Akiko - Mood Indigo
4. Fertile Ground - Yellow Daisies
5. re:jazz - Quiet Night (Out Of Cool Version)
6. Nicola Conte - When I Wish Upon A Star
7. Bitter:Sweet - Heaven (West Coast Vibes Remix)
8. Nicola Conte feat. Jose James - All Or Nothing At All
9. Nicola Conte Jazz Combo - New Blues
10. Maki Mannami - Lotus Sun
11. The Dining Rooms - Flamenco Sketches (New Rhumba Version)
12. Nicola Conte - Charade
13. Nicola Conte Jazz Combo - Castles In The Rain
14. Till Bronner - So Danço Samba (Nicola Conte Rework)
15. Sabrina Malheiros - Terra De Ninguem
16. Nicola Conte Jazz Combo - Solo
17. Marco Di Marco - Take Off (Campi's Idea Version)
18. The Five Corners Quintet - Corner (Nicola Conte Rework)
19. Roberto Roena - Take Five (Nicola Conte Remix)
20. Bobby Hughes Combination - Kerma Elastica (Nicola Conte Remix)
21. Povo - You Are
22. Luisito Quintero - Our Love
23. Nicola Conte Jazz Combo - Groovy Samba
24. Sunaga t Experience - No Reason No Rhyme (Mode For Tatsuo)
25. Sunaga t Experience - A Healing Blue
26. Nicola Conte Jazz Combo - Black Is The Graceful Veil (Acoustic Version)

THE DECEMBER CONCERT CALENDAR

Matisyahu @ Webster Theatre, Hartford, CT, Dec 1
George Winston @ Baruch Performing Arts Center, New York, NY, Dec 1
David Sanborn @ The Blue Note, Nagoya, Japan, Dec 1
Brian Culbertson, Michael Lington @ Rams Head, Annapolis, MD, Dec 1

Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Lenny White @ The Blue Note,
Tokyo, Japan, Dec 1-2

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
King Center For The Performing Arts, Melbourne, FL, Dec 2

Matisyahu @ House Of Blues, Cleveland, OH, Dec 2
Zero 7 @ Club Soda, Montreal, QC, Dec 2
Zero 7 @ Phoenix, Toronto, ON, Dec 3
Matisyahu @ Bogart’s, Cincinnati, OH, Dec 3
The Three Degrees @ The Blue Note, Nagoya, Japan, Dec 3
Eric Benet, Ledisi @ The Pageant, St. Louis, MO, Dec 3
Medeski Martin & Wood @ Higher Ground, Burlington, VT, Dec 3

Brian Culbertson, Michael Lington @ Infinity Music Hall & Bistro,
Norfolk, CT, Dec 3

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, FL, Dec 3

Candy Dulfer @ Heineken Music Hall, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Dec 3-4

David Sanborn Group @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Dec 3-5, 10-12

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Playhouse Square Center/Palace Theatre, Cleveland, OH, Dec 4

Branford Marsalis @ Avalon Theatre, Easton, MD, Dec 4
George Winston @ Buffalo State PAC, Buffalo, NY, Dec 4
Zero 7 @ Metro, Chicago, IL, Dec 4
Medeski Martin @ Wood @ Lupo’s, Providence, RI, Dec 4
Brian Culbertson, Michael Lington @ B.B. Kings, New York, NY, Dec 4
Eric Benet, Ledisi @ The Midland, Kansas City, MO, Dec 4

Chris Botti @ Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, MN, Dec 4-5

Bela Fleck & The Flecktones @ N. Charleston Performing Arts Center,
N. Charleston, SC, Dec 5

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Chicago Auditorium, Chicago, IL, Dec 5

Al Jarreau @ Paramount Theatre, Peekskill, NY, Dec 5
Zero 7 @ Epic, Minneapolis, MN, Dec 5
Medeski Martin & Wood @ Port Music Hall, Portland, ME, Dec 5
Average White Band @ BB Kings, New York, NY, Dec 5
Branford Marsalis @ New Jersey PAC, Newark, NJ, Dec 5
Eric Benet, Ledisi @ The Orpheum Theatre, Memphis, TN, Dec 5
Average White Band @ BB Kings, New York, NY, Dec 5
Boney James @ Boulder Station, Las Vegas, NV, Dec 5
Herb Alpert @ Orange County PAC, Costa Mesa, CA, Dec 5
Michael McDonald @ Snoqualmie Casino, Snoqualmie, WA, Dec 5
Ledisi @ Nokia Live, Grand Prairie, TX, Dec 6
Chris Botti @ Genesee Theatre, Waukegan, IL, Dec 6
George Winston @ Berrie Center, Mahwaw, NJ, Dec 6

Bela Fleck & The Flecktones @ Curtis M. Phillips Center,
Gainesville, FL, Dec 6

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Palace Theatre, Columbus, OH, Dec 6

Eric Benet, Ledisi @ The Nokia Theatre, Dallas, TX, Dec 6

Sadao Watanabe, Kenny Garrett @ The Blue Note,
Nagoya, Japan, Dec 6-10

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Ferguson Center For The Arts, Newport News, VA, Dec 7

Matisyahu @ St. Andrews Hall, Detroit, MI, Dec 7
Zero 7 @ Ogden Theatre, Denver, CO, Dec 7
Corinne Bailey Rae @ HIRO Ballroom, New York, NY, Dec 7
Zero 7 @ Belly Up, Aspen, CO, Dec 8
Matisyahu @ The Armory, Rochester, NY, Dec 8
Michael McDonald @ The Granada, Santa Barbara, CA, Dec 8
Bebel Gilberto @ Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach, CA, Dec 8
Joshua Redman, Kurt Elling @ Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles, CA, Dec 8
Chaka Khan @ Royal Centre, Nottingham, UK, Dec 8

Stanley Clarke, Chick Corea, Lenny White @ Hult Center
For Performing Arts, Eugene, OR, Dec 8

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
The Palace Theatre, Waterbury, CT, Dec 8

Sting, Chris Botti @ Cathedral of St. John The Divine, New York, NY, Dec 8-9

Charlie Hunter @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Dec 8-9

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Community Theatre, Morristown, NJ, Dec 9

Zero 7 @ Depot, Salt Lake City, UT, Dec 9
Bebel Gilberto @ Henry Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles, CA, Dec 9
George Winston @ Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield, MA, Dec 9
Stanley Clarke @ Aladdin Theatre, Portland, OR, Dec 9
CeU @ Teatro des Artes, Sao Paulo, Brazil, Dec 9
Michael McDonald @ Star Of The Desert Arena, Primm, NV, Dec 9
Brian Culbertson, Michael Lington @ The Fine Line, Minneapolis, MN, Dec 9
Brian Culbertson, Michael Lington @ Music Mill, Indianapolis, IN, Dec 10
Chaka Khan @ Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham, UK, Dec 10
Bebel Gilberto @ Bimbo’s 365 Club, San Francisco, CA, Dec 10
Charlie Hunter @ Mississippi Studios, Portland, OR, Dec 10
Joshua Redman, Kurt Elling @ Chris’ Jazz Café, Philadelphia, PA, Dec 10-11

Stanley Clarke, Chick Corea, Lenny White @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley,
Seattle, WA, Dec 10-12

Natalie Cole @ Concert/Filming Mormon Tabernacle,
Salt Lake City, Utah, Dec 10-13

Acoustic Alchemy @ Pizza Express Jazz Club,
London, UK, Dec 10-23; 27-31

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Nob Hill Masonic Center, San Francisco, CA, Dec 11

Will Downing @ Star Palace Theatre, Merrillville, IN, Dec 11
Charlie Hunter @ Stillwater, Ashland, OR, Dec 11
George Winston @ George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, Dec 11
Michael McDonald @ Visalia Fox Theatre, Visalia, CA, Dec 11
Zero 7 @ Wonder Ballroom, Portland, OR, Dec 11
John Mayer @ Madison Square Garden, New York, NY, Dec 11
McCoy Tyner @ Symphony Theatre, Chicago, IL, Dec 11
Brian Culberson, Michael Lington @ Gilly’s, Dayton, OH, Dec 11
Dionne Warwick @ Cypress Bayou Pavilion, Clarenton, LA, Dec 11
UB40, Eddy Grant @ 02 Arena, London, UK, Dec 12
Bebel Gilberto @ Holocene, Portland, OR, Dec 12
Charlie Hunter @ The Red Fox, Eureka, CA, Dec 12
Chaka Khan @ Bournemouth Int’l Centre, Bournemouth, UK, Dec 12
Chris Botti @ Scottish Rite Auditorium, Collingswood, NJ, Dec 12
Stevie Wonder @ Nokia Theatre, Los Angeles, CA, Dec 12
Michael McDonald @ San Jose Civic Auditorium, San Jose, CA, Dec 12
Zero 7 @ Showbox, Seattle, WA, Dec 12
Thievery Corporation, 18th Street Lounge, Washington, DC, Dec 12

Brian Culbertson, Michael Lington @ House of Blues,
Cleveland, OH, Dec 12

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Copley Symphony Hall, San Diego, CA, Dec 12

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert, CA, Dec 13

Chris Botti @ Heinz Hall For The Performing Arts, Pittsburgh, PA, Dec 13
Chaka Khan @ Plymouth Pavilions, Sun Plymouth, UK, Dec 13
Charlie Hunter @ Hopmonk Tavern, Sebastopol, CA, Dec 13
Bebel Gilberto @ Showbox At The Market, Seattle, WA, Dec 13
Michael McDonald @ Turlock Community Theatre, Turlock, CA, Dec 13
Zero 7 @ Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC, Dec 13
Chaka Khan @ Portsmouth Guildhall, Portsmouth, UK, Dec 14
Bebel Gilberto @ Commodore, Vancouver, BC, Dec 14
Charlie Hunter @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center, Santa Cruz, CA, Dec 14

Brian Culbertson, Michael Lington @ Catalina Bar & Grill,
Los Angeles, CA, Dec 14-16

Dionne Warwick @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Dec 14-16
Ledisi @ Birchmere Music Hall, Alexandria, VA, Dec 14-15, 17
Chris Botti @ The Blue Note, New York, NY, Dec 14-31

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Wells Fargo Center For The Arts, Santa Rosa, CA, Dec 15

George Winston @ Campanile Center For The Arts, Minocqua, WI, Dec 15
Zero 7 @ Warfield Theatre, San Francisco, CA, Dec 15
Charlie Hunter @ Yoshi’s, San Francisco, CA, Dec 15-17
Michael McDonald @ Capital One Bank Theatre, Westbury, NY, Dec 16
Zero 7 @ Orpheum, Los Angeles, CA, Dec 16
Chaka Khan @ Apollo Manchester, Manchester, UK, Dec 16

Michael McDonald @ Sandler For The Performing Arts,
Virginia Beach, VA, Dec 17

Zero 7 @ House Of Blues, San Diego, CA, Dec 17

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Plaza Theatre, El Paso, TX, Dec 17

George Winston @ Thrasher Opera House, Green Lake, WI, Dec 17
Chaka Khan @ Symphony Hall, Birmingham, UK, Dec 17
Natalie Cole @ Beau Rivage Resort, Biloxi, MS, Dec 17-18
Ledisi @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Dec 17-20

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Radisson Hotel Ballroom, Sacramento, CA, Dec 18

Michael McDonald @ F.M. Kirby Center For The Performing Arts,
Wilkes-Barre, PA, Dec 18

Lalah Hathaway @ The Birchmere Music Hall, Alexandria, VA, Dec 18
Tortured Soul @ Double Door, Chicago, IL, Dec 18
Chaka Khan @ Hull City Hall, Hull, UK, Dec 18
Dionne Warwick @ Fairmont Singapore Hotel, Singapore, Singapore, Dec 18
Kenny G @ Memorial Auditorium, Spartanburg, SC, Dec 18
Charlie Hunter @ Yoshi’s, Oakland, CA, Dec 18-20
Ledisi @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Dec 18-20

Brian Culbertson, Michael Lington @ Yoshi’s,
San Francisco, CA, Dec 18-20

Natalie Cole @ Universal Studios Florida, Orlando, FL, Dec 19
Fourplay @ Birchmere, Alexandria, VA, Dec 19
Will Downing @ Keswick Theater, Glenside, PA, Dec 19

Eric Benet @ TBA, Seoul, South Korea, Dec 19

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Cerritos Center For The Performing Arts, Cerritos, CA, Dec 19-20

George Winston @ Minnesota Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, MN, Dec 20
Michael McDonald @ Fox Theatre, Detroit, MI, Dec 20
Chaka Khan @ Opera House, Sun Blackpool, UK, Dec 20
Fourplay @ Keswick Theatre, Glenside, PA, Dec 20
Aaron Neville @ The Birchmere Music Hall, Alexandria, VA, Dec 20
Dionne Warwick @ Siam Pavalai, Bangkok, Thailand, Dec 20
Dionne Warwick @ Wattana Church, Bangkok, Thailand, Dec 21
Natalie Cole @ Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, FL, Dec 21
Eric Benet @ TBA, Tokyo, Japan, Dec 21
Chaka Khan @ Belfast Waterfront, Belfast, UK, Dec 21
George Winston @ Crossings At Carnegie, Zumbrota, MN, Dec 21-22

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Mesa Arts Center/Ikeda Theatre, Mesa, AZ, Dec 22

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Gibson Amphitheatre, Los Angeles, CA, Dec 23

John Mayer Trio @ Copley Symphony Hall, San Diego, CA, Dec 23
Brian Setzer Orchestra @ The Joint, Las Vegas, NV, Dec 23

B.B. King @ Star Of The Desert Arena, Primm, NV, Dec 26
Pieces Of A Dream @ The Birchmere Music Hall, Alexandria, VA, Dec 26
Eric Benet @ TBA, Yokosuda, Japan, Dec 27
Regina Belle @ B.B. Kings, New York, NY, Dec 26
David Benoit @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Dec 26-27
Dionne Warwick @ Lensic PAC, Santa Fe, NM, Dec 27
B.B. King @ Belly Up, Aspen, CO, Dec 28
Eric Benet @ TBA, Yokota, Japan, Dec 28
Regina Belle @ The Birchmere Music Hall, Alexandria, VA, Dec 28
Southside Johnny & Asbury Jukes@ The Birchmere, Alexandria, VA, Dec 29
Incognito @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Dec 29-31
Poncho Sanchez @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Dec 29-31
B.B. King @ Vilar Center, Beaver Creek, CO, Dec 29

Ledisi @ Yoshi’s, San Francisco, CA, Dec 29
John Mayer @ Copley Symphony Hall, San Diego, CA, Dec 29

McCoy Tyner @ Yoshi’s, Oakland, CA, Dec 29-31
Ledisi @ Yoshi’s, San Francisco, CA, Dec 29-31
KEM @ The Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA, Dec 30

Blood, Sweat & Tears @ Eastside Cannery Casino & Hotel,
Las Vegas, NV, Dec 31

Bobby Caldwell @ Scullers Jazz Club & The Doubletree,
Boston, MA, Dec 31

John Mayer Trio @ The Joint, Las Vegas, NV, Dec 31
B.B. King @ Mabee Center, Tulsa, OK, Dec 31

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy @ Walt Disney Concert Hall,
Los Angeles, CA, Dec 31

Kim Waters @ Hyatt Regency Resort, Huntington Beach, CA, Dec 31
Bobby Caldwell @ Scullers Jazz Club, Allston, MA, Dec 31

Rick Braun, Brian Bromberg, Richard Elliot, David Benoit,
Philippe Saisse, Chuck Loeb @ JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort &
Spa, Tucson, AZ, Dec 31

FREE DOWNLOAD OF COOL URBAN JAZZ CD

Shanachie record label is offering a free download on Amazon.com of a smooth jazz sampler album that includes a track from singer and East St. Louis native Phil Perry. The sampler album is called Shanachie: Cool Urban Jazz, and also includes songs from drummer Norman Connors, saxophonist Kim Waters, singer Maysa, The Sax Pack, saxophonist Everette Harp, Streetwize, and saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa.You can download the whole album or individual tracks in .mp3 form for free here. Shanachie Records was founded in 1976 by Richard Nevins and Dan Collins and is one of the largest independent record labels in the world, and is currently distributed E1 Music. Starting as speciality fiddle music label they released work by Celtic groups such as Planxty, Clannad, and The Chieftans. Other genres on the label include Latin American, African music, soul, country, ska and smooth jazz. In 1989 they acquired Yazoo Records from Nick Perls which allowed them to release vintage jazz and blues recordings. The Shanachie roster includes Euge Groove, Everette Harp, The Sax Pack, Ted Winn, Calvin Richardson, Down To The Bone, Leela James, Swing Out Sister, Craig Chaquico, Norman Connors, Inner Circle, Jeff Kashiwa, Melba Moore, and Phil Perry.

NEW RELEASES FROM BRAND NEW HEAVIES, JOSS STONE, GILLES PETERSON, YOLANDA JOHNSON & MORE...

Brand New Heavies – Live In London
Brazilian Groove Band – Anatomy Of A Groove
Brian McKnight – Evolution Of A Man
Brigitte Fontaine – Prohibition
Cayetano – The Big Fall
Clonious – Between The Dots
Don Tiki – South Of The Boudoir
Giselle Smith – Giselle Sith & The Mighty Mocambos
Houston Person – Mellow
Jason Lindner – Now Vs. Now
Jazzin’ Park – A Day In The Life
Jazzra – Soulounge
Joss Stone – Colour Me Free!
M-Swift Presents 24 Carat – Blue In Black
Mayer Hawthorne – Strange Arrangement
Medeski Martin & Wood – Radiolarians III
Mike Reid – People Place: Things About Us
Natalie Cole – Merry Christmas, Darling
Nicolay – City Lights Volume 2: Shibuya
Opolopo – Beyond Jipanagu
Oscar Castro-Nieves - Bossa Nova Celebration All-Stars Live At The Blue Note Tokyo
Ray Lugo’s LES Express – I Dream Of Bahia/Get On Up
Ryuichi Sakamoto – Playing The Piano
Various Artists – Cuban Pearls 4: Latin Jazz
Various Artists – Gilles Peterson Presents Havana Culture: New Cuban Sound
Various Artists – Impossible Ark: A Compilation
Various Artists – Jazz Swings Motown
Various Artists – Kay Rush Unlimited VIII
Various Artists – Sister Bossa Vol. 9 – Cool Jazzy Cuts Wit A Brazilian Flavour
Various Artists – Soul Unsigned Vol. 3
Various Artists – Spaced Out Jazz
Various Artists – Tru Thoughts 10th Anniversary
Various Artists – Twilight Jazz
Yolanda Johnson - Breathing

AL/CAPONE BAND - MR. SMOOTH

Who says the sound of smooth jazz is dead, well not so for Mr. Smooth, the new smooth jazz CD from the Al/Capone Band charted at number 45 on the Smooth Indie Star its first week of reporting. The CD, a mix of smooth jazz, fusion, R&B, funk and Latin music, is now being aired on 47 radio stations around the country. Kudos out to all those stations that still embrace the smooth jazz format. "Mr. Smooth brings the listener many styles of music on one CD," says Jeep Capone, Al/Capone's band leader and drummer. "Although we're found under the smooth jazz genre, our band crosses the lines giving us a unique sound that appeals to a wider audience. I think it's that smooth blend of musical styles that makes all the difference." One popular cut from Mr. Smooth, Jamatude, is receiving air play on the 47 stations and three more songs from the eleven-song CD have already been edited for radio, and are on their way to more stations. Mr. Smooth is presented by The CC Entertainment label and receives air play through All That Jazz. Al/Capone is a high-energy six-piece smooth/pop jazz band based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The music is contemporary and melody driven while always remaining true to its jazz roots. The band's website, http://www.caponelive.com/ contains personal biographies of the band members, history, Al/Capone band merchandise, upcoming performance venues, and the official band newsletter. You can also visit The Vault, to listen to past recordings from the Al/Capone Band.

For more information click to http://www.caponelive.com/

ZERO 7 TO TOUR IN THE U.S.& CANADA

Zero 7, the Grammy Award-nominated downtempto-styled musical duo comprising of Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker are set to tour commencing on November 26 in the United States. Zero 7 will perform the following concerts: November 26 at 9:30 Club in Washington DC; November 27 at Terminal 5 in New York NY; November 28 at House of Blues in Boston MA; November 29 at TLA in Philadelphia PA; November 30 at Rams Head in Baltimore MD; December 2 at Club Soda Montreal QC; December 3 at Phoenix in Toronto ON; December 4 at Metro in Chicago IL; December 5 at Epic in Minneapolis MN; December 7 at Ogden Theatre in Denver CO; December 8 at Belly Up in Aspen CO; December 9 at Depot in Salt Lake City UT; December 11 at Wonder Ballroom in Portland OR; December 12 at Showbox in Seattle WA; December 13 at Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver BC; December 15 at Warfield Theatre in San Francisco CA; December 16 at Orpheum in Los Angeles CA; and December 17 at House of Blues in San Diego CA. Zero 7 have been popularly featured in various film and TV soundtracks, as well as lounge music compilations such as The Chillout Project by Filipino DJ Anton Ramos, and the Hotel Costes compilation CDs. Their music appearances in movies and television are also apparent, most notably their songs "Destiny" (Blue Crush, Raising Helen, Smallville, Roswell, Obsessed), "Give It Away" (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation), and "In The Waiting Line" (Garden State, Sex and the City House, Numbe3rs).

MOTOWN - THE COMPLETE NO. 1'S & MOTOWN 50 - THE DVD

New (and just in time for the holidays) is the 10-CD box set Motown: The Complete No. 1's (Motown/UMe) which brings together every Motown No. 1 hit, from every U.S. and international chart and from every genre - a staggering 192 tracks-plus 10 bonus tracks whose cover versions were No. 1, for a total of 202 No. 1 recordings. Housed in a replica of the original Motown headquarters, Hitsville U.S.A., Motown: The Complete No. 1's spans generations of musical memories, beginning with 1961's R&B No. 1 "Shop Around" from The Miracles, and the label's first Pop No. 1, "Please Mr. Postman" from The Marvelettes. From The Supremes' five consecutive No. 1's, starting with "Where Did Our Love Go," to The Temptations' immortal "My Girl," this is the soundtrack to the sixties, seventies and beyond, concluding with 2000's "Bag Lady" from Erykah Badu. Heard too are Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Four Tops, Martha & the Vandellas, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Jackson 5, Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Commodores, Rick James, Lionel Richie, Boyz II Men, and more.

Motown Records changed the sound of popular music and also its face. With Motown artists appearing on television's music and variety shows, the label put African-Americans in the spotlight like no other music company ever had. In this 50th anniversary year of Motown's founding, Motown 50 - The DVD (Motown/UMe), to be released November 3, 2009, presents 18 classic and often rare television performances from 1965 through 1971 featuring some of the label's greatest artists performing their biggest hits. Some of the DVD's highlights include the Marvelettes on Teen Town with Motown's first Pop #1 hit "Please Mr. Postman"; a luminous live "The Tears Of A Clown" by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles on The Andy Williams Show; The Supremes with a hardly seen "Back In My Arms Again" on The Mike Douglas Show; and Martha & the Vandellas performing "Dancing In The Street" on The Ed Sullivan Show and "Nowhere To Run" while on the Ford Mustang assembly line for a Murray The K TV special, a famed clip where they show deft footwork while avoiding workers continuing to build cars.

Motown: The DVD includes highlights from national Hollywood-based shows - such as Hullabaloo, from which the DVD shows the Marvelettes singing their 1966 hit "Don't Mess With Bill" and Hollywood A-Go-Go, featuring a young Marvin Gaye doing the "Hitch Hike" - to local and syndicated series. From Los Angeles' Shivaree is Brenda Holloway's "Every Little Bit Hurts"; from Philadelphia's Hy Lit Show is a rare color clip of the Contours grinding to "Do You Love Me"; from Cleveland's Upbeat are David Ruffin's "My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)" and Edwin Starr's "War"; and from Motown's own Detroit come Swingin' Time with Kim Weston's "Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me A Little While)" and Stevie Wonder's "Uptight (Everything's Alright)" and the short-lived Teen Town with the Temptations' "My Girl."

Gaye is also heard on the Live From The Bitter End series from New York City with a suave version of "Ain't That Peculiar." Gladys Knight & the Pips lay down an electric "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" for the 1972 Save The Children Concert from Chicago. Two performances hail from across the Atlantic: the Four Tops with an exciting "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)" on the Belgian show Tienerklanken and Jimmy Ruffin with "What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted" for the German TV series Beat Club.

To enhance the experience, Motown 50 - The DVD allows the listener to choose the audio: original broadcast audio and, where available, original single mono mix, remastered stereo or 5.1 Surround. Additional features include vintage interviews with Motown founder Berry Gordy, the Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight & the Pips and others, interspersed between clips; plus bonus material that includes the full interview segment from a Teen Town special with Berry Gordy and Motown's head of sales, Barney Ales; personal, never-before-released footage from a seventies Motown picnic; and an entertaining retrospective of news, entertainment and advertisements from 1959, the year Motown was launched.

The celebration of Motown 50 continues around the globe with events, special programming, exhibits, etc. An irresistible force of social and cultural change, Berry Gordy's legendary Motown Records made its mark not just on the music industry but society at large, with a sound that has become one of the most significant musical accomplishments and stunning success stories of the 20th century. No other record company in history has exerted such an enormous influence on both the style and substance of popular music and culture. That influence is still being felt today, from pop to hip-hop, as Motown celebrates the 50th anniversary of the company's founding. Today, Motown is part of the Universal Music Group, with its classic recorded music catalog managed by Universal Music Enterprises (UMe).

http://www.classic.motown.com/

BRIAN MCKNIGHT - EVOLUTION OF A MAN

E1 Music has announced the release of Evolution Of A Man, the new studio album by R&B singer and radio broadcaster Brian McKnight, on October 27th, 2009. The first single off of the album, "What I've Been Waiting For," is already Top 10 at Urban A/C radio and continues to climb! Additionally, Brian McKnight has a syndicated urban radio show "The Brian McKnight Show," which can be heard in 47 markets. He also hosts a Top 5 rated show 2 years running with "The Brian McKnight Morning Show," on KTWV, The Wave Smooth Jazz radio. Brian's latest project, "The Brian McKnight Show," his new late night television talk show, debuted on September 26th, 2009 and is syndicated in over 200 U.S. markets. Throughout his career Brian McKnight has released 11 albums throughout his career, 7 of them having gone Platinum, and has sold over 20 million albums worldwide. He has toured successfully for over a decade and has collaborated with performers across every genre including Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey, Puffy, Christina Aguilera, Rascal Flatts, Nelly, Vanessa Williams, Willie Nelson and Kenny G.

Evolution Of A Man Track listing:
1. The Brian McKnight Show
2. Just A Little Bit
3. I Betcha Never
4. What I've Been Waiting For
5. When Ur Lovin' Me
6. Never Say Goodbye
7. Stay Tuned
8. Next 2 U
9. I Miss You
10. Always Be My Baby
11. Baby It's You
12. While
13. Another You
14. Not Alone

To listen to the single "What I've Been Waiting For," click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjN1cFh81H8&feature=channel_page
www.brian-mcknight.com

NATALIE COLE - MERRY CHRISTMAS, DARLING

Multi-channel retailer HSN has teamed up with Natalie Cole for her newest Christmas release, Merry Christmas Darling. The shopping network kicked off the holidays in style when renowned vocalist Natalie Cole appeared live on HSN this past October 17. Cole performed songs from a special two-disc CD set featuring her chart-topping release Still Unforgettable, which launched in 2008, along with Merry Christmas, Darling, an exclusive collection of classic holiday favorites. "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year", "Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!", "It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas", "Merry Christmas Darling" and "My Favorite Things" will all be featured on the special holiday disc. "Having Natalie Cole on HSN is the perfect way for our customers to get into the holiday spirit," said Andy Sheldon, HSN's Executive Vice President of Television and Executive Creative Director. "We are thrilled to have her performing live on HSN and have created a beautiful, intimate setting for her to sing these holiday standards for a studio audience, as well as millions of viewers." Ms. Cole, the daughter of legendary artist, Nat 'King' Cole, is a nine-time Grammy Award winner and has also received Album & Record of the Year Awards for Unforgettable...With Love, the predecessor to Still Unforgettable. Still Unforgettable, Cole's 21st studio album, won two Grammys this year and was Cole's first time producing. Cole's career dates back to 1975, when she introduced herself to the music scene with the #1 hit, "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)".DMI Music CEO/Chief Creative Officer Tena Clark was executive producer of both Merry Christmas, Darling and Still Unforgettable, with Ms. Cole and Gail Deadrick serving as co-producers. Ms. Clark is also responsible for bringing Natalie Cole to HSN for this holiday exclusive. The exclusive set, a must-have for holiday entertaining and gifting alike, is also available for $19.90 (plus $2.99 for shipping & handling) on hsn.com, keywords: Natalie Cole.

ERIC BENET'S SEXY SOUL TOUR

Eric Benét is heading out for a 19-city tour called the “Sexy Soul Tour” beginning October 29th in Houston’s Verizon Wireless Theatre. Benét has long been considered one of the most romantic live performers out there with a legion of devoted fans. The handsome R&B Grammy nominated crooner will be joined by Mint Condition and Ledisi. Benét's most recent ultra-romantic CD, “Love and Life,” debuted on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart at No. 11 and was a collaboration with longtime production partner Demonte Posey. People Magazine, which gave “Love and Life” 3 1/2 stars, glowed, “Fans of the female persuasion will rejoice when they hear the R&B singer/songwriter regain his footing.”

Eric Benet Sexy Soul Tour Fall 2009 Schedule
October 29 - Houston, TX @ Verizon Wireless
October 31 - Atlanta, GA @ The Fox Theatre
November 1 - Charlotte, NC @ Ovens Auditorium
November 5 - Cincinnati, OH @ The Music Hall
November 6 - Cleveland, OH @ The Palace Theatre
November 7 - Detroit, MI @ The Masonic Temple Theatre
November 8 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Riverside Theatre
November 12 - Minneapolis, MN @ The State Theatre
November 13 - Chicago, IL @ The Arie Crown
November 19 - New York, NY @ The Beacon Theatre
November 20 - Philadelphia, PA @ The Academy Of Music
November 21 - Norfolk, VA @ The Chrysler Theatre
December 3 - St. Louis, MO @ @ The Pageant
December 4 - Kansas City, MO @ The Midland
December 5 - Memphis, TN @ The Orpheum Theatre
December 6 - Dallas, TX @ The Nokia Theatre
December 19 – Seoul, South Korea @ TBA
December 21 – Tokyo, Japan @ TBA
December 27 – Yokosuka, Japan @ TBA
December 28 – Yokota, Japan @ TBA