NEW RELEASES: MATT MARSHAK, QUIET NIGHTS ORCHESTRA, PAMELA WILLIAMS, SAX PACK & MORE...

Carl Anderson – Absence Without Love/On & On
Chris Greene Quartet – Merge
Deep Street Soul – Deep Street Soul
Four Tops – Something To Remember: The Casablanca Sessions
James Brown – The Godfather’s Smackdown: Live!
Konstantin - Smoothing
Mario Biondi – If
Mark Feldman – Secrets
Matt Marshak – Family Funktion
Medeski Martin & Wood – Radiolarians: The Evolutionary Set
Miriam Aida – Letra Ao brasil
Manu Dibango – Makossa Man: The Very Best Of Manu DiBango
Mario Biondi - If
New Mastersounds – Ten Years On
Nightmares On Wax – Coming Home
Quiet Nights Orchestra – Chapter One
Pamela Williams - Chameleon
Rad – Getting Down Is Free
Ralph Towner & Paolo Fresu - Chiaoscuro
Richard Bona – The Ten Shades Of Blues
Robert Tarenzi Trio – I’ll Fly Away
Sax Pack – The Sax Pack Is Back
Sky d’Or – Inner Music
Shirley Bassey – The Performance
Teisha Marie – Addicted To Life
Terence Blanchard Group - Choices
U Nam - Unamity
UB40 – Best Of Labour Of Love
Various Artists – Café Marakech: Chillout From Maroc
Various Artists – Chicago Lounge Vo. 6
Various Artists – Cool Forest
Various Artists – Flamenco Chill & House
Various Artists – Free Soul Colors 15th Anniversary Edition
Various Artists – Future Jazz Café
Various Artists – In The Christmas Groove
Various Artists – Jazz Club Bossa Nova Guitar
Various Artists – Le Suite 7
Various Artists – Punta Des Este Chill Sessions
Various Artists – Pure Lounging Vol. 2
Various Artists – Saxaphobia Sexy & Loung
Various Artists – Silk & Sexy
Various Artists – Something Cool The Best Cool Music
Various Artists – Soulful Finland Vol. 1
Various Artists – Sylt Finest Lounge Music Vol. 6
Various Artists – We Love Depeche

WHITNEY HOUSTON - 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Arista Records/Legacy Recordings has announced the release of the 25th Anniversary Edition of Whitney Houston, the astonishing debut album that catapulted a virtually unknown young artist into the upper reaches of pop superstardom in 1985. The Whitney Houston - 25th Anniversary Edition CD/DVD package includes the international chart-topping original Arista album remastered in its entirety for the 25th anniversary along with five bonus tracks including Whitney's a cappella recording of "How Will I Know" plus a live performance of "Greatest Love of All." As an added bonus for fans, the 25th Anniversary Edition of Whitney Houston includes a new DVD collection featuring the four iconic music videos from the album as well as her breakout national TV debut singing "Home" (from The Wiz) on the Merv Griffin Show in 1983. Exclusive and newly filmed interviews with Whitney Houston and Clive Davis round out the bonus DVD portion of the Whitney Houston - 25th Anniversary Edition collection.

Originally released on Valentine's Day 1985, Whitney Houston entered The Billboard 200 at #166 the week of March 30. A year later, in April 1986, the album began its first seven week run at #1, then spending three weeks at #2 before reclaiming the top slot for a jaw-dropping second seven week stand. Whitney Houston became a fixture on The Billboard 200 for 162 weeks, including a record-breaking 46 weeks in the Top 10 and 14 non-consecutive weeks at #1. The strength, beauty and power of the record's music including four chart-topping singles ("You Give Good Love," "Saving All My Love For You," "How Will I Know," "Greatest Love of All") have made Whitney Houston one of the best-loved and most enduring albums in pop music history. The planet's top-selling debut album ever released by a solo artist, Whitney Houston has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide while earning RIAA-certified 13x Platinum status in the US (in recognition of domestic sales of more than 13 million pieces).

With Whitney Houston earning the artist a Best Album Grammy nomination in 1986, Whitney Houston took home her first Grammy that year in the Best Pop Vocal, Female category for "Saving All My Love For You." Her performance on the Grammys won her an Emmy for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety of Music Program. Whitney, who currently holds the record for most American Music Awards held by a solo artist (21), picked up her first seven AMAs, and an MTV Video Award, that same year.Whitney Houston topped countless critic's polls and year-end lists including Rolling Stone, who named it 1986's Album of the Year. Billboard ranked Whitney Houston as the #1 album of the year and Whitney Houston 1986's #1 popular artist.

Since the release of her 1985 self-titled debut album, Whitney Houston has built and sustained an illustrious career, generating combined worldwide sales of more than 170 million albums, singles and videos. Cited by the Guinness Book of World Records as music's "most awarded female artist of all time," with an unsurpassed tally of 411 awards including 6 Grammy Awards, 2 Emmy Awards, 23 American Music Awards and 16 Billboard Music Awards Whitney Houston remains a singular force in music today. In August of 2009, Houston's seventh studio album, the critically-acclaimed I Look To You debuted No. 1 in USA, Canada, Germany, Italy, Holland and Switzerland, marking the biggest first week's sales of her career in both the USA and the UK. The CD will be released on January 19, 2010.

Whitney Houston - 25th Anniversary tracklisting
DISC 1 - CD
You Give Good Love
Thinking About You
Someone For Me
Saving All My Love For You
Nobody Loves Me Like You Do
How Will I Know
All At Once
Take Good Care Of My Heart
Greatest Love Of All
Hold Me (Duet With Teddy Pendergrass)
BONUS TRACKS
Thinking About You (Remix by Bruce Forest)
Someone For Me (Remix by Alan Coulthard)
How Will I Know (A cappella)
How Will I Know (Remix by Jellybean)
Greatest Love Of All (Live)
DISC 2 - DVD
"Home" - Whitney Houston's premiere performance on the Merv Griffin Show
"You Give Good Love" (promo music video)
"Saving All My Love" (promo music video)
"How Will I Know" (promo music video)
"Greatest Love Of All" (promo music video)
Interviews with Whitney Houston and Clive Davis on Whitney Houston

UNWRAPPED VOL. 6: GIVE THE DRUMMER SOME!

Hidden Beach Recordings' Unwrapped Vol. 6 Give The Drummer Some has debuted at #1 on the Contemporary Jazz Chart, topping Chris Botti and Brian Culbertson's releases. The acclaimed Unwrapped series continues its legacy with its latest partnership with drummer Tony Royster, Jr. It appears this milestone may be full of firsts. It is believed to be the first time ever a project led by a drummer has entered the chart at #1. Observers have also noted this may be the first #1 record in history with so few initial shipments to the traditional record retail marketplace. Such an accomplishment is especially noteworthy considering the product's minimal phase one availability in the usual retail channels. With Hidden Beach Recordings' strong ties, following and reach in the mid-Atlantic region--specifically, the Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. areas--lead the charge in enthusiasm with regard to this release. Philadelphia is the birthplace of Hidden Beach's new grass roots marketing and retail program "The Philly Experiment" and is familiar ground for the brand (i.e., Jill Scott, Kindred the Family Soul) and the leader in the national marketplace as local clubs and independent deejays there have embraced the project full force. The company's grass roots approach in exposing the record through clubs and direct retail while tying in radio promotions has brought in the initial regional phase I awareness of the Unwrapped Brand to both the jazz and R&B consumer. Unwrapped Vol. 6 continues the Hidden Beach Unwrapped llegacy of yet another jazzy, jam-packed collection of the best known hip hop, rap and R&B hits made popular by Lil Wayne, Soulja Boy, T.I., Jamie Foxx, Beyonce, and many more! Vol. 6 features 10 smash hits which have been stripped down, exposed and Unwrapped, including "Lollipop" which alone fueled over 3 million albums for Lil Wayne, and is one of four featured #1 hit singles along with "Best I Ever Had" - Drake, "Blame It" - Jamie Foxx and "Live Your Life" - T.I.

DEAN MARTIN - MY KIND OF CHRISTMAS

Dean Martin, the iconic singer who defined cool, smooth, and suave expands into the collectible and digital universes with new partnerships recently announced today on the heels of a fresh just-in-time-for-the-holidays collection of 14 Dino Christmas classics, My Kind Of Christmas (Polydor/UMe), featuring a the remix, "Winter Wonderland - The Swingin' Yuletide Mix." Elevating the legendary singer (and 2009 Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award winner) to a level of brand awareness worthy of his stature as the King of Cool are agreements with the Bradford Exchange - who has licensed Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and other superstars for the collectibles market and PLG, Italy's premier licensing agency, as well as the recent launch of a new Website (deanmartin.com) powered by innovative e-commerce technology from Echospin.

Said Bruce Resnikoff, President/CEO, UMe: "Dean Martin as a brand has always been about more than music. It's about style and attitude. The ventures announced today ensure that one of the most recognizable personalities in show business history will resonate in pop culture far into the future." In 2008, UMe acquired worldwide rights to the recordings Martin made for the Reprise label as well as Martin's name and likeness from the Dean Martin Family Trust (DMFT). Said Laura Lizer, executor of the DMFT: "Dean Martin is an icon for every era, for every generation. Now, with new albums and new mixes, new products and new ideas, we're bringing that special magic of Dean Martin not only to today's fans but also to those who will become fans in the years ahead."

With the worldwide licensing partnership between Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) and the Bradford Exchange, Martin's name, likeness, signature, logo and sound recordings may find its way onto products from plates, clocks and music boxes to pins, retro phones and radios. All products and product designs will be subject to the approval of UMe and the DMFT.
Added Maura E. Kelly, Vice-President Licensing and Art Acquisition, Bradford Exchange: "Dean Martin is an extraordinary figure in pop culture who continues to be rediscovered. We look forward to working with UMe and the Martin family to bring his inimitable and classic style to celebrity-branded products."

The Dean Martin brand will also reach Italy, the ancestral home of the man born Dino Crocetti, thanks to an agreement reached between UMe and Milan-based Professional Licensing Group (PLG), Italy's premier licensing agency. PLG will expand the Dean Martin brand, with the DMFT's approval, with products from apparel to accessories for the fashionable Italian market.
Noted Attilio Mazzilli, Creative Director, PLG: "Dean Martin was the most popular performer to ever have hits sung in both English and Italian. We are proud to represent here such a symbol of the connection between Italy and America."

Meanwhile, as Bradford and PLG develop products, the music of Dean Martin, including the recently issued My Kind Of Christmas, is now available via a new Website. Utilizing Echospin's market leading commerce and media delivery platform that facilitates the sale and promotion of digital, physical and mobile products by integrating direct-to-fan sales and promotions into Websites, fans will enjoy greater access, availability and ease of purchase through deanmartin.com. The amore for Dean Martin continues into 2010 and 2011 with new CD and DVD releases culled from the DMFT audio and video vaults, including rare never before seen and recently discovered treasures, out of print, and unreleased performances.

MICHAEL BUBLE CRAZY LOVE TOUR DATES

Michael Bublé will be hitting the road beginning March 10th in Orlando, Florida, it was confirmed recently by Reprise Records and the tour’s national promoter, Beaver Productions. Twenty shows are being announced (see below) with stops in New York (March 20), Chicago (March 27) and Los Angeles (April 9). Additional tour dates for the Crazy Love Tour which will run throughout 2010 will be announced early next year. “I’m an entertainer…It’s what I live for...The show will be bombastic, cinematic and at the same time a very intimate experience. I can’t wait to get back out on the road and of course – to see my fans. I’ve missed them,” said Bublé about returning to performing. Bublé’s previous tour had sold out dates in 90 US cities where he performed for over 650,000 fans. Bublé, a Grammy winner, is also scheduled to perform on December 2nd at the NBC Christmas Tree Lighting in Rockefeller Plaza as well as the Regis and Kelly Show the same day. His Crazy Love CD has remained in the top ten since its No. 1 debut on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart where it remained for two weeks following performances on the Oprah Winfrey Show and the Today Show. The CD has remained a top ten selling album since its release on October 9th. His current single, the Bublé penned, “Haven’t Met You Yet” remains a top ten single on several radio formats.

MICHAEL BUBLÉ CRAZY LOVE 2010 TOUR DATES:
3/10/10 - Orlando, FL
3/12/10 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
3/13/10 - Tampa, FL
3/14/10 - Atlanta, GA
3/16/10 - Philadelphia, PA
3/17/10 - Pittsburgh, PA
3/19/10 - Worcester, MA
3/20/10 - New York, NY
3/23/10 - Cleveland, OH
3/24/10 - Cincinnati, OH
3/25/10 - Detroit, MI
3/27/10 - Chicago, IL
3/28/10 - St. Paul, MN
3/30/10 - Denver, CO
3/31/10 - Salt Lake City, UT
4/2/10 - Portland, OR
4/3/10 - Seattle, WA
4/6/10 - Oakland, CA
4/8/10 - Phoenix, AZ
4/9/10 - Los Angeles, CA

THE JANUARY 2010 CONCERT CALENDAR

Ledisi @ Yoshi’s, San Francisco, CA, Jan 1-2
B.B. King @ Riverwind Casino, Norman, OK, Jan 1

Melba Moore @ The Rrazz Room At Hotel Nikko,
San Francisco, CA, Jan 1-3

Bobby Caldwell @ Scullers Jazz Club, Allston, MA, Jan 2
Caribbean Jazz Project @ Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis, MD, Jan 2
Curtis Salgado @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Jan 2-3
McCoy Tyner @ Yoshi’s, Oakland, CA, Jan 1-3
Chris Botti @ The Blue Note, New York, NY, Jan 1-3
B.B. King @ Memorial Auditorium, Wichita Falls, TX, Jan 2
George Winston @ Dean Lesher Regional Center, Walnut Creek, CA, Jan 2
Bobby Caldwell @ Scullers Jazz Club & The Doubletree, Boston, MA, Jan 2
Incognito @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Jan 2-5
B.B. King @ Nokia Theatre, Grand Prairie, TX, Jan 3
Chris Botti @ Charleston Music Hall, Charleston, SC, Jan 5
Charlie Hunter @ Rose, Brooklyn, NY, Jan 5
B.B. King @ Alabama Theater, Birmingham, AL, Jan 6
Incognito @ Motion Blue, Yokohama, Japan, Jan 6
Bob James, Earl Klugh @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Jan 6-10
B.B. King @ Von Braun Center, Huntsville, AL, Jan 7
Incognito @ The Blue Note, Nagoya, Japan, Jan 7
Patti Labelle @ San Manuel Indian Theatre, Highland, CA, Jan 7
Chris Botti @ Peace Center Concert Hall, Greenville, SC, Jan 7
George Winston @ Crest Theater, Sacramento, CA, Jan 7
Roy Hargrove Quintet @ Yoshi’s, San Francisco, CA, Jan 7-10
B.B. King @ Tennessee Theater, Knoxville, TN, Jan 8
Patti Labelle @ Arena Theatre, Houston, TX, Jan 8
McCoy Tyner @ Highline Ballroom, New York, NY, Jan 8
Vieux Farka Toure @ Festival In The Desert, Essakane, Mali, Jan 8
Chris Botti @ The Community Theatre, Morristown, NJ, Jan 8

Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra @ Philharmonic Center For The Arts,
Naples, FL, Jan 8-9

B.B. King @ Peace Center, Greenville, SC, Jan 9
Patti Labelle @ Winstar World Casino, Thackerville, OK, Jan 9
Jack Jones @ McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert, CA, Jan 9
Maysa @ Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis, MD, Jan 9
Chris Botti @ Merrill Auditorium At City Hall, Portland, ME, Jan 9
George Winston @ Tower Theatre, Fresno, CA, Jan 9
Tony Bennett @ Philharmonic Center For The Arts, Naples, FL, Jan 10
Bob James @ The Blue Note, Nagoya, Japan, Jan 12
WAR @ The Birchmere Music Hall, Alexandria, VA, Jan 12
Charlie Hunter @ Rose, Brooklyn, NY, Jan 12
Sophie Milman @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Jan 12-13
Chris Botti @ Overture Hall, Madison, WI, Jan 14
Brad Mehldau @ Highline Ballroom, New York, NY, Jan 14
Jesse Cook @ Del E. Web Ctr For Perf Arts, Wickenburg, AZ, Jan 14
Roy Hargrove @ Yoshi’s, San Francisco, CA, Jan 14-17
John Mayer @ Manchester Apollo, Manchester, UK, Jan 15
Chris Botti @ Orchestra Hall, Detroit, MI, Jan 15
Vieux Farka Toure @ Beck’s Festival Bar, Sydney, Australia, Jan 15
Whispers, @ Palladium Ballroom, Dallas, TX, Jan 15
Jesse Cook @ Scottsdale Ctr For Perf Arts, Scottsdale, AZ. Jan 15
Michael Feinstein @ McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert, CA, Jan 15
Dionne Warwick @ Sound Board @ MotorCity Casino, Detroit, MI, Jan 15
Blue Magic @ Scullers Jazz Club, Allston, MA, Jan 15-16
John Mayer @ Os Academy, Glasgow, UK, Jan 16
Jesse Cook, Sophie Milman @ McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert, CA, Jan 16
Vieux Farka Toure @ The Domain, Sydney, Australia, Jan 16
Kenny G @ Nokia Theatre, Los Angeles, CA, Jan 16
Christian McBride @ Rialto Center For Arts, Atlanta, GA, Jan 16
Dionne Warwick @ Hard Rock Casino Tulsa, Catoosa, OK, Jan 16
Joshua Redman, Kurt Elling @ Salle Pleyel, Paris, France, Jan 16
WAR @ Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis, MD, Jan 17
Dave Koz, Gerald Albright, Phil Perry, Marcus Miller, Jonathan Butler,
Rick Braun, Eric Darius, Andre Delano, Richard Elliot, Jeff Golub,
Euge Groove, Stanley Jordan, Earl Klugh, Keiko Matsui, Ledisi,
Brian Simpson, Peter White @ Smooth Jazz Cruise, Holland America/
Westerdam, Ft. Lauderdale, FL Jan 17-24

John Mayer @ Hammersmith Apollo, London, UK, Jan 18
Mavis Staples @ Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis, MD, Jan 18
India.Arie @ Kennedy Center For Perf Arts, Washington, DC, Jan 18
John Mayer @ Wolver Hampton Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, UK, Jan 19
Charlie Hunter @ Rose, Brooklyn, NY, Jan 19
Jesse Cook @ One World Theatre, Austin, TX, Jan 19
Brad Mehldau @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Jan 29-20
Vieux Farka Toure @ Brisbane Powerhouse, Brisbane, Australia, Jan 19-20
Laura Izibor @ The Birchmere Music Hall, Alexandria, VA, Jan 20
Incognito @ Piper Club, Rome, Italy, Jan 21
Vieux Farka Toure @ Thombury Theatre, Melbourne, Australia, Jan 21-22
Robben Ford @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Jan 21-24
Thievery Corporation @ 18th Street Lounge, Washington, DC, Jan 21-23
Incognito @ Teatro Verdi, Cesena, Italy, Jan 22
David Benoit @ One World Theatre, Austin, TX, Jan 22
Walter Beasley @ Scullers Jazz Club, Allston, MA, Jan 22-23
Kenny Garrett @ Yoshi’s, San Francisco, CA, Jan 22-24
George Winston @ Montalvo-Carriage House, Saratoga, CA, Jan 22
Bobby Caldwell @ BB King’s, New York, NY, Jan 23
Dionne Warwick @ Arcada Theatre, Saint Charles, IL, Jan 23
Dee Dee Bridgewater @ Kennedy Center, Washington, DC, Jan 23, 24, 27
Incognito @ Gran Teatro, Padova, Italy, Jan 23
Herb Alpert, Lani Hall @ Aladdin Theater, Portland, OR, Jan 23

Herb Alpert, Lani Hall @ BC Capilano Perf Arts Theatre,
North Vancouver, BC, Jan 24

Branford Marsalis @ Salle-Wilfrid-Pelletier de la La Place des Arts,
Montreal, QC, Jan 24

Incognito @ Catania Jazz, Catania, Italy, Jan 25
Chris Botti @ Carolina Theatre, Durham, NC, Jan 25-26
Charlie Hunter @ Rose, Brooklyn, NY, Jan 26
Herb Alpert, Lani Hall @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Jan 26-27
David Sanborn @ Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis, MD, Jan 27
Incognito @ The Blue Note, Milan, Italy, Jan 27-30
McCoy Tyner @ Jemison Concert Hall, Birmingham, AL, Jan 28
Chris Botti @ Kravis Center, West Palm Beach, FL, Jan 28
Al Di Meola @ Barns At Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA, Jan 28
Charlie Hunter @ Sellersville Theatre 1894, Sellersville, PA, Jan 28
Tower Of Power @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Jan 28-31

Branford Marsalis @ Schermerhorn Symphony Center,
Nashville, TN, Jan 29

Herb Alpert, Lani Hall @ Walt Disney Concert Hall,
Los Angeles, CA, Jan 29

Charlie Hunter @ World Café Live, Philadelphia, PA, Jan 29
Al Di Meola @ Count Basie Theatre, Red Bank, NJ, Jan 29
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy @ One World Theatre, Austin, TX, Jan 29
Joe Sample Scullers Jazz Club, Allston, MA, Jan 29-30
George Winston @ La Paloma Theatre, Encinitas, CA, Jan 29-30
Branford Marsalis @ McCarter Theatre, Princeton, NJ, Jan 30
Charlie Hunter @ Jammin’ Java, Vienna, VA, Jan 30
Al Di Meola @ The Egg, Albany, NY, Jan 30
Chris Botti @ Baton Rouge River Center, Baton Rouge, LA, Jan 30
David Sanborn @ Grove Park Inn, Asheville, NC, Jan 30

Herb Alpert, Lani Hall @ Center For The Perf Arts,
Scottsdale, AZ, Jan 30

Herb Alpert, Lani Hall @ Del E. Webb Center For Performing Arts,
Wickenburg, AZ, Jan 31

Charlie Hunter @ The 8X10, Baltimore, MD, Jan 31
Joe Sample @ Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis, MD, Jan 31
Al Di Meola @ Infinity Hall, Norfolk, CT, Jan 31
David Sanborn @ The Birchmere Music Hall, Alexandria, VA, Jan 31
Joshua Redman, Kurt Elling @ Konserthus, Vara, Sweden, Jan 31

NORAH JONES - THE FALL

Over the last several years, Norah Jones has released three multi-platinum albums, and she has established a strong identity based around her sultry vocals and jazz-informed, piano-driven pop style. On her fourth studio album The Fall (due out on November 17, 2009) on the Blue Note Record label, however, Jones has added an emphasis on rhythm and brings her own guitar playing front and center. Experimenting with different sounds, Norah enlisted noted producer and engineer Jacquire King (Kings of Leon, Tom Waits, Modest Mouse), as well as several songwriting collaborators, including Ryan Adams, Okkervil River's Will Sheff, and frequent partner Jesse Harris. With the track entitled "Chasing Pirates" you can easily hear her new direction. Entertainment Weekly wrote that, "'Chasing Pirates' is a bluesy surprise and welcome change of pace," adding, "Jones' voice remains as lovely as ever." From the swaying rock thump of "Stuck" to an intimate ballad like "Back to Manhattan," one thing that hasn't gone away on The Fall is the distinctiveness and expressiveness of Jones' singing. It has the feeling of an artist growing into a new phase in her creative development. Beyond the changes in the conception of her own sound, she maintains that her songwriting is at the very foundation of her new approach. Norah Jones career began with her 2002 debut album Come Away With Me, an album that received five Grammy Awards, including "Record of the Year" and "Best New Artist". This was followed by her second album, Feels Like Home, released in 2004. In 2007, she released her third album, Not Too Late. Norah Jones has sold more than 16 million albums in the US and over 36 million records worldwide; altogether, she has sold more albums than any other female jazz artist during the 2000's.

TUNESPRO.COM OFFERS 19 CENT DOWNLOADS

iTunes has been repeatedly criticised for raising the prices of music downloads during a time when online music sales are on the rise. Single track downloads recently rose from 99c to $1.29 on iTunes which prompted competing music sites Amazon, Napster, & CDUniverse to also raise prices. Critics of the price rise hope this opens the door for newer sites to take precedent by lowering prices. Now comes TunesPro.com, a relatively new mp3 download site, that has overwhelmed sales expectations by taking a chunk of the market share simply by offering all individual songs for as little as 19c, with additional 10% discounts given to consumers who purchase full albums. "It simply doesn't make sense to buy music for $1.29 per song at iTunes.com when TunesPro is offering the same exact music for a fraction of the cost," says Jesse Kuzecki, a dance choreographer who often purchases music online via TunesPro. According to Slyck.com, a popular newgroup offering music news and reviews, "It's no secret by now that buying a CD single is soooo 2001. In an era where you can stuff 10,000 songs in a device the size of a paperclip it's hardly a revelation that CD single sales have tanked, while 2009 was a record year for digital single sales in the UK. And the BPI has the stats to back it up." claims Thomas Mennecke, chief editor of Slyck.com while explaining "The latest digital music sales in the UK paint the situation perfectly. In 2002, there were almost 144 million CD single sales with only about 44 million digital download sales. Those numbers have totally flipped in 2009 - there were only 1.9 million CD single sales, with an impressive 117.6 million digital download sales" Mike Chancy of Mp3.com forums reiterated his colleagues disapproval of the high costs by stating, "Consumers shouldn't have to win the lottery in an effort to finance the high music costs". According to Chancy, if sites similar to TunesPro gain popularity, iTunes and Napster will be forced to either lower prices or face losing their respective market share. We personally have not checked TunesPro.com to see the availability of tracks and artists, so we’ll leave it to you to let us know if it’s worth looking into.

SIRIUS XM ADDS MILES DAVIS RADIO

SIRIUS XM Radio has announced today that it will launch Miles Davis Radio, a 24-hour commercial-free channel devoted to the music and career of Miles Davis, one of the greatest visionaries and most important figures in jazz history. The limited-run channel will launch on Friday, November 20 at 3:00 pm ET and will run until Wednesday, November 25 on SIRIUS channel 72 and XM channel 70. Miles Davis Radio is hosted by Davis' son Erin Davis, his nephew drummer Vince Wilburn Jr. and legendary bassist, producer and writer Marcus Miller, and it will feature music from Davis' extensive catalog, which includes over one hundred albums. Listeners will hear composer and former Miles Davis music director Robert Irving III premiere never before heard soundtrack music recorded by Davis for the 1986 film Wise Guys. In addition, the channel is scheduled to include special segments and interviews with former Davis band members and various guests, including drummer Jimmy Cobb, pianist Herbie Hancock, guitarist John Scofield, pianist Monty Alexander, record executives Bruce Lundvall and Clive Davis, Davis' long-time road manager Gordon Meltzer, bassist Ron Carter, guitarist Carlos Santana, Rolling Stones bassist Darryl "Munch" Jones and friend and peer Quincy Jones. Words and music will also be devoted to different phases of Davis' career including stories from the legend himself. Courtesy of CBS News, excerpts from the 1989 60 Minutes interview with the late Harry Reasoner will be aired and musician/broadcaster Ben Sidran contributes his 1989 conversation conducted on the beach at Davis' Malibu home. The channel coincides with the November 24 release of Miles Davis: The Complete Columbia Album Collection, a deluxe limited edition retrospective of the iconic music Davis created during his 30 years with Columbia Records - 70 CDs and 1 DVD packaged in Japanese-styled mini LP Jackets, plus a 250-page book with a biography, discography, complete song index and rare photos.

www.miles-davis.com

B.B. KING TOUR DATES

The legendary B.B. King will perform the following concerts:
November 13 @t Peppermill, Wendover, NV
November 14 @t Silver Legacy Resort, Reno, NV
November 15 @ Heritage Theater, Campbell, CA
November 17 @ Cal State Chico, Chico, CA
November 19 @ Coussoulis Arena, San Bernardino, CA
November 20 @ Centennial Hall, Tucson, AZ
November 21 @ Celebrity Theatre, Phoenix, AZ
November 22 @ Belly Up, Solana Beach, CA
December 26 @ Star Of The Desert Arena, Primm, NV
December 28 @ Belly Up, Aspen, CO
December 29 @ Vilar Center, Beaver Creek, CO
December 31 @ Mabee Center, Tulsa, OK
January 1 @ Riverwind Casino, Norman, OK
January 2 @ Memorial Auditorium, Wichita Falls, TX
January 3 @ Nokia Theatre, Grand Prairie, TX
January 6 @ Alabama Theater, Birmingham, AL
January 7 @ Von Braun Center, Huntsville, AL
January 8 @ Tennessee Theater, Knoxville, TN
January 9 @ Peace Center, Greenville, SC
February 4 @ King Center, Melbourne, FL
February 5 @ Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, FL
February 6 @ Fox Theater, Atlanta, GA
February 9 @ Ryman, Nashville, TN
February 11 @ Constitution Hall, Washington, DC
February 12 @ United Palace Theatre. New York, NY
February 13 @ Caesars Circus Maximus Theatre, Atlantic City, NJ
February 14 @ MGM Grand, Mashantucket, CT
February 16 @ Fox Theater, Detroit, MI
February 18 @ Family Arena, St. Charles, MO
February 19 @ Midland Theatre, Kansas City, MO
February 20 @ Orpheum, Minneapolis, MN
February 22 @ Mid-America Center, Council Bluffs, IA
April 19 @ Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre, Denver, CO
April 23 @ Sangamon Auditorium, Springfield, MI
April 25 @ House Of Blues, Chicago, IL
April 29 @ Evansville Auditorium, Evansville, IN
May 9 @ Florida Theatre, Jacksonville, FL

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)