SADE - SOLDIER OF LOVE

Soldier Of Love, the highly anticipated anthemic first single off Sade's forthcoming album, Soldier Of Love is already making radio history. Following it's release on December 8th, the track debuted at #11 on the Urban Hot Adult Contemporary chart, making it the highest debut of the decade and the third highest all-time on the Urban Hot Adult Contemporary chart. But, that's not all! "Soldier Of Love" also debuted at # 5 on the Smooth Jazz airplay chart while also becoming the first ever vocal to hit # 1 on the Smooth Jazz Top 20 Countdown. "Soldier Of Love" which Sade co-produced with Mike Pela, was written by Sade along with longtime collaborators Andrew Hale, Stuart Matthew man and Paul Spencer Denman. It was recorded in England and set for release on February 9th, Soldier Of Love is Sade's first official studio album since the multi-platinum release of Lovers Rock in 2000. Known for their one of a kind timeless sound, Sade has enjoyed phenomenal success both internationally and stateside throughout the span of their twenty-five year career. Since the release of their debut album, Diamond Life in 1984 the band has seen all five of their studio albums land in the Top 10 on Billboard's Top 200 Album Chart selling a total of more than 50 million albums worldwide to date. They've been nominated for American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and have won three Grammy Awards - first in 1986 for Best New Artist, then in 1994 for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group for "No Ordinary Love", and again in 2002 for Best Pop Vocal Album with Lovers Rock.

THE MOST POPULAR CHRISTMAS SONGS - TOP 10 LIST

As the week of Christmas kicks off and last- minute baking, shopping, decorating and planning kicks into high gear, holiday music is being played more and more on radio airwaves across America. As a matter of fact, there are a number of radio stations that have been playing Christmas songs since last October, not to mention those that are Christmas year round. The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), has released its listing of 2009's most played holiday songs, tracked by radio airplay monitoring service, Mediaguide, from over 2,500 radio stations nationwide.

The top 10 most-played holiday songs in the ASCAP repertory this holiday season are:
1. "Sleigh Ride" (Leroy Anderson, Mitchell Parish) - played 118,918 times
2. "Jingle Bell Rock" (Joseph Carleton Beal, James Roth Boothe) - played 118,601 times
3. "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" (Edward Pola, George Wyle) - played 101,614 times
4. "White Christmas" (Irving Berlin) - played 89,348 times
5. "Winter Wonderland" (Felix Bernard, Richard B. Smith) - played 77,599 times
6. "The Christmas Song" (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) (Mel Tormé, Robert Wells) - played 74,360 times.
7. "A Holly Jolly Christmas" (Johnny Marks) - played 57,948 times
8. "Little Drummer Boy" (Katherine K. Davis, Henry V. Onorati, Harry Simeone) - played 55,617 times.
9. "Feliz Navidad" (José Feliciano) - played 51,072 times
10. "Frosty the Snowman" (Steve Nelson, Walter E. Rollins) - played 51,068 times

Note: The above list represents an aggregation of all differentartist versions of each cited holiday song.

ENIGMA - THE PLATINUM COLLECTION

This is the 20th anniversary of a musical phenomenon which has always been ahead of its time: producer Michael Cretu's ENIGMA. To commemorate the milestone, Virgin/EMI will release a deluxe, career-spanning 3CD boxed set on February 9 titled ENIGMA: The Platinum Collection, featuring 17 standout album tracks, 12 sought-after remixes and 11 previously unreleased recordings. The collection will also be available for download purchase from all major digital service providers. Romanian-born producer Michael Cretu has never shied away from breaking into uncharted terrain with his musical creations, catapulting his frequently experimental songs and albums into remarkable commercial dimensions. ENIGMA's many worldwide accomplishments include more than 50 million records sold, 100 gold and platinum sales awards and 50 number one positions in the international charts.

ENIGMA: The Platinum Collection sees Cretu not only taking stock of his success, but also presenting an impressively comprehensive portrait of his creative oeuvre. Disc One, "The Greatest Hits," features 17 of ENIGMA's most popular and successful songs, all of them prototypes of a unique conglomeration of ethnic, electronic and classical music transformed into mythical, sensual pop symphonies. Vocal protagonists, from Ruth-Ann to Andru Donalds to ENIGMA's best-known Gregorian choirs, were integrated by Cretu into a sonic bed in which energetic rhythms and spherical spaces combine. Disc Two, "The Remix Collection," showcases 12 of ENIGMA's tracks, remixed for lounge and club play, including favorites "Mea Culpa" and "Principles Of Lust" alongside more recent compositions "Voyageur" and "Dreaming of Andromeda." Disc Three, "The Lost Ones," will be of particular interest to true ENIGMA fans, offering a 36-minute voyage through 11 drafts from the personal vault of sonic alchemist Michael Cretu, who describes the consecutively numbered curiosities, "Lost One" to "Lost Eleven," as follows: "Everything starts with trial and error. Sometimes it's a sound, then a melody, a harmony or a mood. The 'Lost Ones' are my way of instrumental drafts developed from a boiling cauldron full of unordered, naive and carefree musical ideas."

ENIGMA: The Platinum Collection (3CD, digital) Tracklist:

Disc One: THE GREATEST HITS
01. Sadeness (Part 1)
02. Mea Culpa (Orthodox Version)
03. Principles Of Lust
04. Rivers Of Belief
05. Return To Innocence
06. Age Of Loneliness
07. Out From The Deep
08. Beyond The Invisible
09. T.N.T. For The Brain
10. Gravity Of Love
11. Push The Limits
12. Turn Around
13. Voyageur
14. Boum-Boum
15. Following The Sun
16. Seven Lives
17. La Puerta Del Cielo

Disc Two: THE REMIX COLLECTION
01. Sadeness (U.S. Violent mix)
02. Mea Culpa (Fading Shades mix)
03. Principles Of Lust (Everlasting Lust mix)
04. Return To Innocence (Long and Alive version)
05. Age Of Loneliness (Enigmatic club mix)
06. Out From The Deep (Trance mix)
07. T.N.T. For The Brain (Midnight Man mix)
08. Gravity Of Love (Judgment Day club mix)
09. Push The Limits (ATB remix)
10. Voyageur (Club mix)
11. Boum-Boum (Chicane club edit)
12. Dreaming Of Andromeda (Jean F. Cochois remix)

Disc 3: THE LOST ONES
01. Lost One
02. Lost Two
03. Lost Three
04. Lost Four
05. Lost Five
06. Lost Six
07. Lost Seven
08. Lost Eight
09. Lost Nine
10. Lost Ten
11. Lost Eleven

MIDEM 2010 JAZZ CLUB

The MIDEM Jazz event will once again be welcoming a selection of international artists next month. A sparkling line-up of performers will take the stage at the event's jazz club in the Salon Zephyr at the Hotel Carlton from 24-26 January 2010. For the third consecutive year, the Talent Jazz stage will offer one concert each evening from Sunday through Tuesday: Sunday 24 January, Swiss singer Sophie Hunger will transport the audience to her unique universe, where folk meets pop and jazz. The composer, pianist, guitar player and singer will be joined by trombonist Michael Flury and Christian Prader (flute, piano and guitar). Monday 25 January will see Tigran Hamasyan performing his virtuoso improvisations. The 22 year old New York-based Armenian pianist has already produced three albums, won prizes from international competitions (Montreux, Juan-les-Pins and the Martial Solal Competition) and collaborated with the likes of Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock and John McLaughlin. Tuesday 26 January is when Canadian pianist Francois Bourassa will share his daring musical explorations. This master of polyrhythm, whose remarkable compositions are heavily influenced by French music, has spent the last twenty five years travelling the world with his musical collaborators.

Each night, Talent Jazz will be followed by MIDEM Jazz Club, from 11pm to 1.30am:Sunday 24 January will have a Spanish flavour with two of the hottest acts from the Catalan scene: Double bass player Giulia Valle will explore her experimental rhythms, followed by a concert from the Xavier Dotras Trio. Monday 25 January, MIDEM will be presenting the Carte Blanche SACEM evening. The line-up includes guitarist Louis Winsberg, winner of the Django d'Or 2008, and his amazing Jaleo project where jazz blends with flamenco and Indian music. The second part of the evening will be dedicated to Davy Sicard, with his Creole-tinted jazz and its Madagascan, Indian and African influences. Tuesday 26 January, MIDEM will be honouring German producer Siggi Loch, founder of the Act label. Two exceptional events will mark the celebrations: The reforming of the mythical jazz fusion group of the 1970s that made his name, Passport, with its leader Klaus Doldinger; followed by a unique session with artists from his hotbed of budding talent brought together under the moniker Act Family Band: Niels Landgren, Michael Wollny, Lars Danielsson, Froy Aagre, Wolfgang Haffner and Nguyen Le

GEORGE BENSON - SONGS AND STORIES ON HIGH DEFINITION SURROUND SOUND

10-time Grammy Award winner George Benson’s new album Songs And Stories on High Definition Surround Sound SuperDisc has been released by Monster Music and The Concord Music Group. The Monster SuperDisc version of Songs and Stories is now available at select Best Buy stores for a suggested retail price of $24.95 (the original version (in traditional stereo) by the Concord Music Group & Monster Music was released in the U.S. in August). The SuperDisc version features the entire album as well as behind-the-scenes video footage. The Monster Music SuperDisc of Songs And Stories has been mixed in Monster High Definition Surround (HDS). Like Monster Music’s previously released SuperDisc release of George Benson and Al Jarreau’s Givin’ It Up, the remastered SuperDisc marks a major step forward in the evolution of audio quality, delivering Monster’s own highest fidelity stereo and surround experiences in Dolby Digital and DTS for both home theater systems and iPod/MP3 players.

Monster HDS is specially engineered to capture music’s true harmonic depth and tonal richness and sound significantly different than traditional surround sound. HDS selectively places artist and instruments around the room for the ultimate listening experience, and unlike DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD, HDS on a SuperDisc plays in any DVD player. Notably, Monster HDS is also an interactive music experience, allowing listeners with a home theater system to select their own “Surround Experience,” choosing to be “in the studio” of a live recording or “in the room” sitting next to the band. Additionally, to provide users of portable music players, including iPods and iPhones, as well as computer users, with easy access to the enhanced tracks, the SuperDisc includes digital music files specially encoded in Dolby® Headphone surround, allowing users to enjoy a virtual surround sound experience from any pair of headphones on any portable music player.

Songs And Stories is Benson’s second album on the Concord Records/Monster Music label. The album is a collection of tunes penned by some of the most prolific and enduring songwriters of the last half-century. Some were written specifically for this new recording, such as Bill Withers (who came out of retirement to write “A Telephone Call Away” for George), Rod Temperton’s “Family Reunion” and Lamont Dozier’s “Living in High Definition”; while others, including James Taylor’s “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight”, Donny Hathaway’s “Someday We’ll All Be Free” and Tony Joe White’s “Rainy Night in Georgia” were hand-picked by Benson for their ability to convey simple but universal truths about the human experience. Songs and Stories was produced by Concord’s Grammy winning, creative head John Burk and renowned bassist/composer/producer Marcus Miller. Benson, Miller, keyboardist Greg Phillinganes, guitarist Jubu and drummer John Robinson make up the core unit for the project. They were joined by special guests: guitarists Lee Ritenour, Steve Lukather, Wah Wah Watson and Norman Brown, vocalists Lalah Hathaway and Patti Austin, keyboardist David Paich, saxophonists Tom Scott and Gerald Albright along with several others.

PHILIPPE SAISSE - AT WORLD'S EDGE

At World’s Edge represents one of Phjlippe Saisse’s most ambitious and adventurous solo projects to date. While Saisse produced the lion’s share of the project in Los Angeles, he enlisted an All-Star cast of musicians, engineers, and singers from New York, London, Paris, and Japan, who sent him tracks from around the world. Musicians featured on the CD include Simon Phillips and Skooter Warner on drums, bass players Pino Palladino, David Finck, and Ron Jenkins, guitarist’s Jeff Golub, Marc Antoine, and Annas Allaf, horn players, Kirk Whalum (tenor saxophone), Jason Golley (trumpet and flugelhorn), Jeff Beal, (trumpet and flugelhorn), Rick Braun (trumpet), and Michael Davis (trombone and bass trombone), Lenny Castro on percussion, and singers Angelique Kidjo, Jasmine Roy and David Rice. Saisse used noted Japanese engineer Goh Hotoda, who has collaborated with him on his most recent projects to engineer the CD. Last week, Philippe Saisse, scored a personal triumph and first when NARAS voters opted to honor and acknowledge this progressive and daring solo album, with a 2009 Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Jazz Album. Saisse has enjoyed a distinguished career over the past 30 years, but finally attaining the milestone achievement on his ninth solo effort has even more special significance, because he dedicated the album in loving memory to his late father Maurice Saisse. “Hearing the news that At World’s Edge was nominated elated me beyond words,”revealed a delighted Saisse. “I felt particularly grateful for the validation of the incomparable contributions all the musicians, singers and engineers made to the record. I just wish my father would have lived long enough to share this special honor with me.”

2010 NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL LINEUP

APRIL 23 - 25 (1st WEEKEND)
Lionel Richie, Allman Brothers Band, My Morning Jacket, Anita Baker, Dr. John, Darius Rucker, The Black Crowes, Steel Pulse, Johnny Lang, Band of Horses, The Levon Helm Band, Drake, Keely Smith, Baaba Maal, George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic, Imagination Movers, Ledisi, King Sunny Ade & His African Beats, Better Than Ezra, Blind Boys of Alabama, Elvin Bishop, funky Meters, Sax for Stax featuring Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, and Jeff Lorber, Marcia Ball, Shawn Colvin, Pastor Smokie Norful, Terence Blanchard, Cowboy Mouth, The Campbell Brothers, Chocolate Milk, Sam Bush, The Voice of the Wetlands Allstars, Joe Lovano Us Five, Donald Harrison, Lena Prima, Tab Benoit, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & the Golden Eagles, Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Bonerama, Irvin Mayfield & the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Deacon John, Walter “Wolfman” Washington & the Roadmasters, Davell Crawford and One Foot in the Blues with special guests Dr. John and Jon Cleary, The Bounce Extravaganza feat. Big Freedia, Sissy Nobby, Katie Redd, Magnolia Shorty, and DJ Poppa, Bob French & the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band 100 Year Anniversary Celebration, Jon Cleary: Piano, Bass & Drums, Irma Thomas’ Tribute to Mahalia Jackson, The Wonderful World of Louis Armstrong feat. Wycliffe Gordon, James Andrews, and Victor Goines, Papa Grows Funk, Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience, Theresa Andersson, Jewel Brown with the Heritage Hall Jazz Band, Joe Krown Trio feat. Walter Washington & Russell Batiste, New Orleans Klezmer Allstars, The Radiators--Pre-War Blues, Wayne Toups & Zydecajun, Grayson Capps, Kenny Neal, Treme Brass Band, Dr. Michael White & the Original Liberty Jazz Band feat. Thais Clark, Jeremy Davenport, Maurice Brown Effect, James Andrews & the Crescent City Allstars, Storyville Stompers Brass Band, Glen David Andrews, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas, Roddie Romero & the Hub City Allstars, Honey Island Swamp Band, OTRA, Leah Chase, Bill Summers & Jazalsa, Savoy Center of Eunice Saturday Cajun Jam, Mia X, Cheeky Blakk, and Ms. Tee, Wayne Toups & Zydecajun, Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band, Rotary Downs, The New Orleans Bingo! Show, Little Freddie King Blues Band, Andrew Duhon & the Lonesome Crows, Rumba Buena, Spencer Bohren, Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes, Louisiana LeRoux with Tab Benoit, Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble, Red Stick Ramblers, Guitar Slim, Jr., Kipori Woods, Kim Carson Band, Ivoire Spectacle feat. Seguenon Kone, The Revealers, Shades of Praise, Lionel Ferbos & the Palm Court Jazz Band, Sammy Rimington, The Electrifying Crownseekers, Tribute to Juanita Brooks feat. Betty Shirley, Germaine Bazzle, and Leah Chase, The James Rivers Movement, Leo Jackson & the Melody Clouds, Susan Cowsill, David Egan, Panorama Jazz Band, George French & the Storyville Jazz Band, New Orleans Night Crawlers, Midnite Disturbers, Ninth Ward Navajo Mardi Gras Indians, Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers’ Tribute to Rockin’ Dopsie, Sr., Frankie Ford, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Reggie Hall & the Twilighters, Gal Holiday & the Honky Tonk Revue, Mas Mamones, Lil’ Buck Sinegal Blues Band, Jesse McBride presents the Next Generation, Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Septet, Michael Ward, Bleu Orleans, Mahogany Brass Band, Untouchables, Furious Five, and Big Steppers Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Creole Wild West and Golden Star Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Mark Braud’s New Orleans Jazz Giants, Gospel Soul Children, Blessed, Watson Memorial Teaching Ministries, Louisiana Repertory Jazz Ensemble, Clive Wilson’s New Orleans Serenaders feat. Butch Thompson, N.O.C.C.A. Jazz Ensemble, Judy Spellman, Leroy Jones, Olympia Aid, New Look, and The First Division Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Golden Comanche, Golden Blade, and Wild Mohicans Mardi Gras Indians, Free Agents Brass Band, The Wiseguys, Jambalaya Cajun Band, Jeffery Broussard & the Creole Cowboys, D.L. Menard & the Louisiana Aces, The Revivalists, Rockie Charles, Robert “1 String” Gibson, Beth Patterson, Patrice Fisher & the Honduran Connection, Original Dixieland Jazz Band, Tommy Sancton Quintet, UNO Jazz Allstars, Smitty Dee’s Brass Band, Comanche Hunters, Semolian Warriors, and Black Feathers Mardi Gras Indians, Willis Prudhomme & Zydeco Express, Goldman Thibodeaux & the Lawtell Playboys, Marc Stone Band, Betsy McGovern & the Poor Clares, Alexis Marceaux, Julio y Cesar, Sonny Bourg & the Bayou Blues Band, Chris Clifton, Miss Sophie Lee, June Gardner, The Guitar Woodshed feat. Steve Masakowski, Todd Duke, and Jake Eckert, Mount Hermon BC Mass Choir, Tonia Scott & Anointed Voices, Resurrection Baptist Church Mass Choir of Schertz, TX, Brass Bass Ensemble, Jai Reed, Loyola University Jazz Ensemble, Real Untouchables Brass Band, Divine Ladies, Dumaine Gang, and Ladies of Unity Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Young Pinstripe Brass Band, Johnette Downing, Kat Walker Jazz Combo, Guardians of the Flame, Single Ladies, Keep N it Real, and Nine Times Men Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Voices of Distinction, Nineveh BC Mass Choir, Kevin Thompson & the Sensational Six, Red Hot Brass Band, Lindsay Mendez, God’s House Westbank Cathedral Choir, The Gospel Stars, Da Souljas Brass Band, Single Men, Family Ties, and Big Nine Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Delgado Community College Jazz Ensemble, Natasha Richard of Canada, Culu Children’s Traditional African Dance Ensemble, Jacquelyn Mayfield, Golden Voices Community Choir, John Lee & the Heralds of Christ, Greater Antioch Full Gospel Mass Choir, Black Mohawks, Seminoles, and Red, White & Blue Mardi Gras Indians, Archdiocese of New Orleans Mass Gospel Choir, The Bester Singers and the Dynamic Smooth Family Gospel Singers, New Orleans Young Traditional Brass Band with the Heel to Toe Steppers, Franklin Avenue Baptist Church Mass Choir, Carrollton Hunters Mardi Gras Indians…

APRIL 29 – May 2 (2nd WEEKEND)
Pearl Jam, Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, Widespread Panic, The Neville Brothers, B.B. King, Jeff Beck, Irma Thomas, Gipsy Kings, The Dead Weather, Elvis Costello & the Sugarcanes, Teena Marie, Allen Toussaint, Gov’t Mule, Average White Band, Jose Feliciano, Steve Martin with the Steep Canyon Rangers, Maze feat. Frankie Beverly, Kirk Franklin, Wayne Shorter Quartet, Gil Scott Heron, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Clarence Carter, Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Band, Tye Tribbett, Juvenile & DJ Mannie Fresh, Take Six, Sugarfoot’s Ohio Players, Galactic, Stanley Clarke Band feat. Hiromi, Old Crow Medicine Show, Richie Havens, Marcus Miller, Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars, Pete Fountain, The Radiators, Blues Traveler, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Anders Osborne, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, Rebirth Brass Band, Sonny Landreth, Elvis Perkins in Dearland, Martin Sexton, Bernard Allison, Ruthie Foster, Jimmy Johnson Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Cyril Neville & Tribe 13, Dee Dee Bridgewater – A Celebration of Lady Day, Ellis Marsalis, Buckwheat Zydeco, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Clarence “Frogman” Henry, Louis Prima, Jr., Henry Butler, The Roots of Music Marching Crusaders, Selvy Singers of Arkansas, Aaron Neville, Chris Thomas King, Dala, Brian Blade & the Fellowship Band, The Davell Crawford Singers, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, Inspirational Souls of Chicago, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, John Mooney & Bluesiana, subdudes, Iguanas, DJ Captain Charles, The Dixie Cups, Sherman Washington & the Zion Harmonizers, The Jon Batiste Band, Nicholas Payton, The Four Freshman, Amanda Shaw & the Cute Guys, Russell Batiste & Friends feat. Jason Neville, Pine Leaf Boys, Eric Lindell, C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Shamarr Allen & the Underdawgs, Banu Gibson with Swing Out & Tap!, Tribute to Juanita Brooks feat. Wanda Rouzan, Barbara Shorts, and Topsy Chapman, John Boutté, Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, Luther Kent, Astral Project, Germaine Bazzle, Soul Rebels, New Birth Brass Band, Big Chief Bo Dollis & the Wild Magnolias, Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole, PJ Morton, New Orleans Spiritualettes, The Johnson Extension, Orange Kellin’s New Orleans Deluxe Orchestra, Bobby Lonero’s Tribute to Louis Prima, Don Vappie & the Creole Jazz Serenaders, The Allen Toussaint Jazzity Project, Charmaine Neville, MyNamesIsJohnMichael, Kirk Joseph’s Backyard Groove, Paul Sanchez & the Rolling Road Show, Bobby Lounge, Big Al Carson, Lynn Drury, Vivaz!, Nova NOLA feat. Sasha Masakowski, Topsy Chapman & Solid Harmony, Coco Robicheaux & the Swamp Monsters, Fredy Omar con su Banda, Loose Marbles, Heavenly Melodies, Betty Winn & One A-Chord, Kent Jordan, Shannon Powell’s Organ Combo feat. David Torkanowsky and Charlie Gabriel, Forgotten Souls, Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie, TBC Brass Band, Westbank Steppers, Valley of Silent Men, and Pigeon Town Steppers Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Apache Hunters, Wild Red Flame, and Mohawk Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Jockimo’s Groove feat. War Chief Juan and Billy Iuso, Elysian Fieldz, Feufollet, Creole Zydeco Farmers, The Hadley J. Castille Family & the Sharecroppers Band, GROUPA – Nordic Folk Fusion, Tin Men, R. Scully Rough 7, Creole String Beans, Ernie Vincent & the Top Notes, Margie Perez, Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone & the XL Band, Kristin Diable, Jimmy Robinson, Kenny Bill Stinson & the ARK-LA-Mystics, Mem Shannon & the Membership, Bamboula 2000, Kora Konnection feat. Morikeba Kouyate of Senegal and Thierno Dioubate of Guinea, Papa Blue Viking Jazz Band of Sweden, Onward Brass Band, Dukes of Dixieland, Tim Laughlin, Val & the Love Alive Fellowship Choir, Jo “Cool” Davis, Zulu Male Ensemble, Phillip Manuel, Roderick Paulin, SUBR Jazzy Jags, Pinstripe Brass Band, Original Prince of Wales and Original Lady Buckjumpers Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, New Orleans Indian Rhythm Section, Fi Yi Yi & the Mandingo Warriors, 101 Runners, Evan Christopher & Tom McDermott, New Leviathan Oriental Foxtrot Orchestra, Pfister Sisters, Walter Payton with Snapbeans and Filé Gumbo, Brother Tyrone, Driskill Mountain Boys, Sunpie & the Louisiana Sunspots, Thomas “Big Hat” Fields, Mark Adam Miller, Benny Grunch & the Bunch, J. Monque’D Blues Band, Mia Borders, Lars Edegran & the New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra, Classie Ballou & the Family Band, John Rankin, Jonny Frishberg & Bayou DeVille, DJ Soul Sister, Zion Trinity, AsheSon, Los Po-Boy-Citos, Kumbuka African Drum & Dance Collective, Donnie Bolden, Jr. & the Spirit of Elijah, Ebenezer Mass Choir, Keith Frank & the Soileau Zydeco Band, Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band, Voices of Peter Claver, Sean Johnson & the Wild Lotus Band, Mario Abney Quintet, Lady Rollers, Original C.T.C. Steppers, and Nine Times Ladies Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Baby Boyz Brass Band, Geronimo Hunters, 7th Ward Creole Hunters, and Young Magnolias Mardi Gras Indians, Lafayette Rhythm Devils, Joe Hall & the Cane Cutters, Eddie “ChopChops” Paris, Hot Club of New Orleans, Connie Jones & the Crescent City Jazz Band, Young Tuxedo Brass Band, Lady Jetsetters Social Aid & Pleasure Club, Ladies Sing the Blues feat. Gina Brown, Angela H. Bell, and Tereasa B., Julliard Jazz Ensemble, Craig Adams & Higher Dimensions of Praise, McDonogh #35 High School Gospel Choir, O. Perry Walker Charter High School Gospel Choir, Warren Storm, Willie Tee & Cypress, McMain High School Gospel Choir, Blodie’s Jazz Jam, Xavier University Jazz Band, Tulane University Jazz Ensemble, Pinettes Brass Band, Scene Boosters, Ole & Nu Style Fellas, and Secondline Jammers Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, New Wave Brass Band, Red Hawk, Black Seminoles, and Black Eagles Mardi Gras Indians, Dwight & Connie Fitch with the St. Raymond/St. Leo the Great Choir, N’Fungola Sibo West African Dance Company, Marisa y Mariachi Agave, Grupo Sensacion, Dee-1, Lucky 7, Franklin IV, Mardi Gras Indian Orchestra, Ray Abshire, Bonsoir, Catin, Dillard University Jazz Ensemble, Jamil Sharif & the Jazz Professors, Rocks of Harmony, Some Like it Hot, Kid Simmons’ Local International Allstars, The Wright Brothers, Tyronne Foster & the Arc Singers, St. Joseph the Worker Music Ministry, Heritage School of Music Band, New Generation, Undefeated Divas, and VIP Ladies Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Highsteppers Brass Band, Trouble Nation and Wild Apaches Mardi Gras Indians, David & Roselyn, Paulin Brothers Brass Band, Morning Star BC Mass Choir, Arthur Clayton & Purposely Anointed, Gloria Bell & the Revelation Gospel Singers, First Emmanuel Baptist Church Choir, White Cloud Hunters and Wild Tchoupitoulas Mardi Gras Indians, Tornado Brass Band, Lyle Henderson & Emmanuel, Pastor Terry Gullage & the Greater Mount Calvary Voices of Redemption Choir, Gospel Inspirations of Boutte, Ayla Miller, Original Four, Original Big 7, and Bon Temps Roulez Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Golden Sioux and Cherokee Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Nashville Children’s Choir, Claudia Baumgartner, Saltimbanqui Puppet Theater of Mexico, Stephen Foster’s Foster Family Program, Hazel & the Delta Ramblers, N’Kafu African Dance presented by Young Audiences, O. Perry Walker Kuumba Players, Jazz Fest Residency Showcase feat. Seva Venet and KIDSmART…

MIDEM 2010 JAZZ EVENTS

The MIDEM Jazz event will once again be welcoming a selection of international artists next month. A line-up of performers will take the stage at the event's jazz club in the Salon Zephyr at the Hotel Carlton from 24-26 January 2010. For the third consecutive year, the Talent Jazz stage will offer one concert each evening from Sunday through Tuesday: Sunday 24 January, Swiss singer Sophie Hunger will transport the audience to her unique universe, where folk meets pop and jazz. The composer, pianist, guitar player and singer will be joined by trombonist Michael Flury and Christian Prader (flute, piano and guitar). Monday 25 January will see Tigran Hamasyan performing his virtuoso improvisations. The 22 year old New York-based Armenian pianist has already produced three albums, won prizes from international competitions (Montreux, Juan-les-Pins and the Martial Solal Competition) and collaborated with the likes of Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock and John McLaughlin. Tuesday 26 January is when Canadian pianist Francois Bourassa will share his daring musical explorations. This master of polyrhythm, whose remarkable compositions are heavily influenced by French music, has spent the last twenty five years travelling the world with his musical collaborators.

Each night, Talent Jazz will be followed by MIDEM Jazz Club, from 11pm to 1.30am: Sunday 24 January will have a Spanish flavor with two of the hottest acts from the Catalan scene: Double bass player Giulia Valle will explore her experimental rhythms, followed by a concert from the Xavier Dotras Trio. Monday 25 January, MIDEM will be presenting the Carte Blanche SACEM evening. The line-up includes guitarist Louis Winsberg, winner of the Django d'Or 2008, and his amazing Jaleo project where jazz blends with flamenco and Indian music. The second part of the evening will be dedicated to Davy Sicard, with his Creole-tinted jazz and its Madagascan, Indian and African influences. Tuesday 26 January, MIDEM will be honouring German producer Siggi Loch, founder of the Act label. Two exceptional events will mark the celebrations: The reforming of the mythical jazz fusion group of the 1970s that made his name, Passport, with its leader Klaus Doldinger; followed by a unique session with artists from his hotbed of budding talent brought together under the moniker Act Family Band: Niels Landgren, Michael Wollny, Lars Danielsson, Froy Aagre, Wolfgang Haffner and Nguyen Le.

GRAMMY SALUTE TO KENNY BURRELL

As they continue on their mission of recognizing excellence in music, The Recording Academy® will present the GRAMMY Salute To Jazz ® to this year's honoree, guitarist Kenny Burrell on Jan. 26, culminating with the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010. The Grammy's will be broadcast live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on the CBS Television Network, from 8–11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The GRAMMY Salute To Jazz event will feature live performances and a special presentation of The Recording Academy President's Merit Award to these accomplished artists in honor of their professional achievements.

The GRAMMY Salute To Jazz honoring Kenny Burrell will be held at the GRAMMY Museum® at L.A. LIVE on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010. With a career spanning more than 40 years, Burrell is a celebrated and respected jazz guitarist who pioneered the guitar-led jazz trio with bass and drums in the late 1950s, and one of the earliest proponents of solo jazz guitar. He has recorded more than 100 albums and has played with the likes of John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie and Oscar Peterson. One of his songs, "Dear Ella," was the title tune for the GRAMMY-winning album by Dee Dee Bridgewater in 1997. In addition to his extensive performing, recording and composing schedule, Burrell is the founder and director of the jazz studies program at University of California, Los Angeles, where he is a professor of music and ethnomusicology. He is a lecturer and director of workshops on guitar and jazz studies, and the co-founder of the Jazz Heritage Foundation and the Friends of Jazz at UCLA. He will be featured on the Delta Airlines' GRAMMY Salute To Jazz channel for the month of January.

TEENA MARIE & DAVID SANBORN HEADLINE "JAZZ IN THE GARDENS" FESTIVAL

Teena Marie, David Sanborn and Cassandra Wilson are among the artists set to headline the upcoming City of Miami Gardens “Jazz in the Gardens" festival. The City of Miami Gardens has announced the star-studded lineup for the 5th Annual "Jazz in the Gardens" hosted by #1 rated, nationally syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner, taking place on Saturday, March 20th and Sunday, March 21st at Dolphin (Landshark) Stadium, 2269 Dan Marino Blvd, Miami Gardens, Florida 33056. Confirmed artists include the queen of R&B, Mary J. Blige; Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter, John Legend; R&B crooner, Robin Thicke; funk/R&B diva, Teena Marie; '90s R&B/pop super group, Boyz II Men; Grammy-nominated R&B vocalist, Melanie Fiona; jazz chanteuse, Cassandra Wilson; saxophone king, David Sanborn; already classic newcomer, K'Jon; and famed pianist, keyboarder and founding member of the Jazz Crusaders, Joe Sample. Local artist names will be released soon.

Jazz in the Gardens, a two-day weekend festival, is now in its fifth year and has grown to be one of the top cultural events in America. The jazz festival delivers a diverse mix of music genres and mixes jazz, pop, R&B, Neo-soul and Caribbean flavors, having something to offer all music aficionados at an affordable price. "I am proud to proclaim 'Jazz in the Gardens' as an undeniable premier stop on the national festival circuit. With audiences coming from international and domestic markets, it has become a major destination event for anyone seeking the combined ambience of fabulous music, sunshine, great food, shopping and beautiful people all in one setting," says Shirley Gibson, Mayor Miami Gardens.

The 4th Annual Jazz in the Gardens shattered expected ticket sales, enjoying an attendance of almost 40,000, more than double the sales of the 2008 festival. In 2009, the "Jazz in the Gardens" crowd enjoyed performances by Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds, Kenny G, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Erykah Badu, Common, Roy Ayers, Jonathan Butler, Will Downing, and Angelique Kidjo.

http://www.jazzinthegardens.com/

STEVIE WONDER - GRAMMY NOMINATION FOR ALL ABOUT THE LOVE AGAIN

Stevie Wonder has been nominated for a Grammy® nomination for Best Pop Male Vocal Performance of his song "All About The Love Again." With a total of 22 Awards, Stevie Wonder has been awarded the most Grammy® Awards for a Male Artist in history. Wonder's "All About The Love Again" was first introduced to Grammy® voters during last year's 51st award ceremony. Wonder went on to perform the song, which was written for President Obama, during a PBS command performance at the White House. "All About The Love Again" marks the second time in Wonder's storied career where his music has been used for social change such as his "Happy Birthday" ode to Martin Luther King, Jr. in the campaign to adopt a Federal Holiday in his honor. Wonder began writing "All About The Love Again" in the 70's during his history breaking Grammy® run and was moved to complete the song by the Obama campaign message of Change. Grammy® insiders recognized Wonder's broad popular message and placed it in the Pop Male Vocal category this year. Will this become Stevie's 23rd Grammy®?

Wonder's songwriting genius and legacy continues to provide the world with music that permeates popular culture. The heartfelt simplicity of the message in the music has never departed from his songs. "All About The Love Again" speaks to the power of love to cure the problems of hunger, war, and poverty. "All About The Love Again" appears exclusively on the Change Is Now: Renewing America's Promise CD+DVD from set from Hidden Beach Recordings and is available at retailers nationwide and online from iTunes and Amazon.com. In addition to Stevie Wonder's track, Change Is Now: Renewing America's Promise features tracks by will i. am, the Tony Rich Project, Ozomatli, Sheryl Crow, India.Arie, Melissa Etheridge, Lenny Kravitz, Robin Thicke, Maroon 5, Usher Raymond IV, BeBe Winans, Wilco, James Taylor, Jennifer Hudson, Lionel Ritchie, Death Cab for Cutie and Common.

SADE - SOLDIER OF LOVE

Epic Records has announced the release of "Soldier Of Love," the highly anticipated first single off Sade's forthcoming new body of work by the same name. "Soldier Of Love" which Sade co-produced with Mike Pela, was written by Sade along with longtime collaborators Andrew Hale, Stuart Matthewman and Paul Spencer Denman. The track, featuring a pulsating and anthemic drum beat along with haunting vocals that Sade is known for, is set to hit airwaves December 8(th) and will kick off the countdown for SOLDIER OF LOVE. Recorded in England and set for release worldwide on February 8(th), SOLDIER OF LOVE marks Sade's first studio album since the multi-platinum release of Lovers Rock in 2000. The first single "Soldier Of Love" will premiere on Tuesday, December 8(th) at 7am EST on http://www.sade.com/. Known for their one of a kind timeless sound, Sade has enjoyed phenomenal success both internationally and stateside throughout the span of their twenty-five year career. Since the release of their debut album, Diamond Life in 1984 the band has seen all five of their studio albums land in the Top 10 on Billboard's Top 200 Album Chart selling a total of more than 50 million albums worldwide to date. They've been nominated for American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and have won three Grammy Awards - first in 1986 for Best New Artist, then in 1994 for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group for "No Ordinary Love", and again in 2002 for Best Pop Vocal Album with Lovers Rock.

BERNARD PURDIE - SOUL DRUMS

Every so often you come across a really hot album that you want to tell everybody about – well here is one for you all. I was listening to Jazz FM (from the U.K.) the other day when they were playing a track entitled Soul Drums from Bernard Purdie and then I decided to do a little research to find out more about this artist. Come to find out that Bernard Purdie is one of the most well known drummers of all time, in all genres of music and probably the most recorded in history. He was a session player in the early days, Aretha Franklin’s musical director, over-dub drummer for The Beatles, and he recorded albums with King Curtis, Steely Dan, Cat Stevens, Joe Cocker, Herbie Hancock, Hall & Oats, Quincy Jones, The Last Poets, Roberta Flack & James Brown, just to name a few. In 1967 he entered the studio with several other musicians to record his first solo album, Soul Drums. The album was originally released on the label Date, which is a new subsidiary of Columbia Records. More recently Bernard Purdie was the drummer for the 2009 Broadway revival of Hair and he also appeared on the associated Broadway cast recording. Soul Drums has become one of the most sought after drum LP’s amongst vinyl collectors and it is now finally available for the first time on CD with the inclusion of an additional eight bonus tracks. These songs are rumored to be the follow-up LP titled Alexander’s Rag Time Band which has been shelved since it was recorded. One of my other favorites on this album is Groovin' originally recorded by The Rascals.

Soul Drums track listing:
1. Soul Drums
2. Bee ‘N’ Bee
3. Caravan
4. Soul Bossa Nova
5. Jimmy’s Back
6. Funky Monkey
7. Bill’s Groove
8. On The Outskirts Of Minitown
9. Testifyin’
10. Modern Jive
11. Blow Your Lid (But Watch Your Cool)

Bonus Tracks
12. Alexander’s Rag Time Band
13. Fickle Finger Of Fate
14. Genuine John
15. Soul Clappin’
16. Groovin’
17. If You Never Cry
18. Stop
19. Time Is Tight

ANTHONY HAMILTON RECEIVES GRAMMY NOMINATIONS

R&B singer/songwriter Anthony Hamilton has received three Grammy nominations for Best R&B Album and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for his fifth studio album, The Point Of It All and the title track. The North Carolina native also earned a third nomination for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance for "Soul Music" a track from the 2008 Soul Men movie (which featured Samuel L. Jackson and the late Bernie Mac). This brings Hamilton's total Grammy nominations throughout his musical career to ten. Last year, Hamilton won his first Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance for collaboration with Al Green, "You Got The Love I Need." Hamilton released The Point Of It All on SoSo Def/Jive Records last December and the project garnered widespread critical attention. Entertainment Weekly declared Hamilton has "a voice that bridges seduction and gospel fervor." Boston Globe raved, "His singing...is flawless and expressive...Anthony Hamilton has proven himself to be one of the logical heirs to Marvin Gaye." Remarking on Hamilton's stature in the musical landscape of R&B, USA Today described him as "one of the genre's rare singers." The album thus far has spawned two successful Top 5 singles on the Urban Adult Contemporary chart, "Cool" featuring David Banner and the title track "The Point Of It All" which has been a Top 15 staple on the chart for over six months. Hamilton first rose to fame with his platinum-selling second studio album Comin' From Where I'm From (2003), which featured the singles "Comin' From Where I'm From" and "Charlene."

NEW RELEASES FROM ANDY CALDWELL, LIZZ FIELDS, RICHARD ELLIOT, RICK BRAUN, MONET & OTHERS...

Andy Caldwell - Obsession
Al Kent – Secret Sounds
Alan King – The Experiment
Deep Jazz – Heaven And Earth
Emily Nicole – Like Someone In Love
Hibere Orchesta Familia – Contrastes
Jason Stein’s Locksmith Isidore – Three Less Than Between
Karen Briggs – Soulchestral Groove
Laura Vane & The Vipertones – Laura Vane & The Vipertones
Leak Smith – Beautifully Made
Lizz Fields – Reproduced
Mike Stern – Big Beighborhood
Monet - Vain
Quartetto Trevi With Max Ionata – Night Watch
QPSM Unit With David Durrah – Great Symbolisms
Rasmus Faber – Platina Jazz Anime Standards Volume 1
Richard Elliot – Rock Steady
Rick Braun – All It Takes
Sherry Winston – For Your Love
Soul Cycle - Mosaic
Various Artists – Atomic Café
Various Artists – Atomic Café: Music From The Soundtrack Plus Music Inspired By The Film
Various Artists – Brazil Sambossica 2
Various Artists – Electro Swing Volume 2
Various Artists – Hotel Costes by Stephane Pompougnac: A Decade 1999-2009
Various Artists – Il Sexy e Pericoloso
Various Artists – Jazz Club: Black Power
Various Artists – Ladies Jazz For Christmas
Various Artists – Ladies Jazz Volume 5
Various Artists – Ram Cafe
Vienna Art Orchestra – Third Dream

DEAN MARTIN - ESSENTIAL LOVE SONGS

Capitol/EMI has assembled Dean Martin's most romantic ballads for a new mood-setting collection, Essential Love Songs, to be released January 26, just in time for Valentine's Day. 16 classics are featured, including "You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You," "Just In Time," "That's Amore," "I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face," and "Dream A Little Dream Of Me." For Dean Martin, singing came as naturally as breathing. Effortlessly cool and dynamic in his life and career, Martin's recordings showcase his trademark style of casual, easy charm. His timeless love songs remain universal favorites and perfect accompaniments to any romantic occasion. Martin's velvet voice provided his entry into show business, when he began singing professionally in Ohio's ballrooms. He built a loyal following and moved on to the supper clubs and cabarets of New York City, before moving to Los Angeles and signing with Capitol Records. Martin's meteoric rise to fame also made him a big-screen draw and landed him acclaimed film roles alongside legends including John Wayne and Marlon Brando. Dean Martin is recognized as one of the 20th Century's greatest entertainers for his decades of hit recordings, films, TV shows and stage performances.

Dean Martin: Essential Love Songs (CD, digital) track listing
1. Just In Time
2. I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face
3. All I Do Is Dream Of You
4. You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You
5. Let Me Love You Tonight
6. How Sweet It Is
7. Innamorata (Sweetheart)
8. Let's Be Friendly
9. Dream A Little Dream Of Me
10.That’s Amore
11. It Looks Like Love
12. My One And Only Love
13. It Won’t Cool Off
14. Heaven Can Wait
15. I Have But One Heart (O Mareniello)
16. Everybody Loves Somebody

FREE DOWNLOADS @ AMAZON.COM

Amazon.com has announced that the Amazon MP3 store will be kicking off their second annual “25 Days of Free.” For each day of December until Christmas, a new holiday-themed song will be available as a free download from the Amazon MP3 store. Now in its second year, “25 Days of Free” began Dec. 1, and lasts until Christmas. Every day in December leading up to Christmas, a new song — hand-picked by Amazon MP3 editors — will be unveiled, and customers will be able to download each of these songs for free. For more information about “25 Days of Free” and to download your free music, visit: http://www.amazon.com/25daysoffree. The MP3 selections range from traditional holiday songs performed by modern artists to some unique holiday-themed originals. A few of the available tracks will be Tori Amos’ “Snow Angel,” Lady Gaga’s “Christmas Tree,” and Casting Crowns’ “Joy to the World.” Tori Amos’ “Snow Angel” is an original holiday-themed song from Amos’ newly released album “Midwinter Graces.” Casting Crowns, one of music’s top Christian rock bands, performs the classic carol “Joy to the World,” from their holiday album “Peace on Earth.” Lady Gaga’s “Christmas Tree” is a festive romp from one of 2009’s biggest breakthrough artists. “Our customers love that we offer free songs all year since it’s an easy way for them to experiment with artists they are unfamiliar with,” said Pete Baltaxe, director of Amazon MP3. “25 Days of Free is a fun way to discover new holiday music to keep our customers in the spirit at home or on the go.” Since launching in 2007, Amazon MP3 has grown its selection to include over 10 million songs. Amazon MP3 offers everyday low prices on bestselling albums starting at $7.99, most bestselling songs for $.99, hundreds of free songs, and a daily album deal. All music downloads sold at Amazon MP3 are DRM-free, which means they work on virtually any MP3 player, including the iPhone and iPod. Installing the Amazon MP3 Downloader allows users to easily import music into Windows Media Player or iTunes. Amazon MP3 is also available on-the-go via the Amazon MP3 mobile application, available preinstalled on a variety of mobile phones, including the Palm Pre, T-Mobile MyTouch 3G, Motorola Droid, HTC Droid Eris, T-Mobile G1, Palm Pixi, Samsung Moment, HTC Hero, Motorola Cliq, and Samsung Behold II.

GEORGE WINSTON - LOVE WILL COME: THE MUSIC OF VINCE GUARALDI, VOL. 2

In 1996, pianist George Winston recorded a tribute album to jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi, a musician beloved by generations for the compositions he recorded for various Charlie Brown television specials and for his standard "Cast Your Fate to the Wind." That album was Linus & Lucy-The Music of Vince Guaraldi, and Winston revisits his musical hero a second time with Love Will Come-The Music of Vince Guaraldi, Vol. 2, a collection of a wide range of Guaraldi interpretations. The 16-song album will be available February 2nd. Many of the songs from Winston's new album are from the Charlie Brown episodes, and tracks for them written by Guaraldi include "Time For Love" from the episode, There's No Time For Love Charlie Brown, "Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown," "Love Will Come," "Woodstock," "Little Birdie," "It Was a Short Summer Charlie Brown," "Rain, Rain, Go Away," "Air Music," and "You're Elected Charlie Brown." The album also features other Guaraldi compositions from his jazz albums. On December 1, George Winston hit the stage in New York, NY to kick off his 29-city tour.

Love Will Come - A Tribute to Vince Guaraldi - Volume 2 Track Listing
Time For Love
It Was A Short Summer, Charlie Brown
Macedonia/ Little David
Woodstock
Fenwyck's Farfel/ Calling Dr. Funk
Room At The Bottom
Air Music
Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown
You're Elected, Charlie Brown/ Little Birdie
Brasilia
Jambo's (Casaba)
Pebble Beach/ Dolores Park
Love Will Come/ Slow Dance
Rain, Rain, Go Away
Nobody Else
Love Will Come 2

George Winston 2009/2010 Tour Dates:
Dec 1 - New York, NY @ Baruch Performing Arts Center
Dec 4 - Buffalo, NY @ Buffalo State Performing Arts Center
Dec 6 - Mahwaw, NJ @ Berrie Center for Performing & Visual Arts
Dec 9 - Pittsfield, MA @ Colonial Theatre
Dec 11 - Fairfax, VA @ Center for Arts at George Mason University
Dec 15 - Minocqua, WI @ Campanile Center for the Arts
Dec 17 - Green Lake, WI @ Thrasher Opera House
Dec 20 - Minneapolis, MN @ Minnesota Orchestra Hall
Dec 21 - Zumbrota, MN @ Crossings at Carnegie
Dec 22 - Zumbrota, MN @ Crossings at Carnegie
Jan 2 - Walnut Creek, CA @ Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts
Jan 7 - Sacramento, CA @ Crest Theater
Jan 9 - Fresno, CA @ Tower Theatre
Jan 22 - Saratoga, CA @ Montalvo-Carriage House
Jan 29 - Encinitas, CA @ La Paloma Theatre
Jan 30 - Encinitas, CA @ La Paloma Theatre
Feb 5 - Mesa, AZ @ Mesa Arts Center
Feb 8 - Santa Fe, NM @ TBA
Mar 2 - West Hartford, CT @ Saint Joseph College
Mar 4 - Fairfield, CT @ FTC Stage One
Mar 6 - Old Saybrook, CT @ Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center
Mar 8 - Newburyport, MA @ Firehouse Center for the Arts
Mar 9 - Newburyport, MA @ Firehouse Center for the Arts
Mar 12 - Chatham, NJ @ The Sanctuary Concerts
Mar 14 - Glen Allen, VA @ The Cultural Arts Center
Mar 21 - Easton, MD @ Avalon Theatre
Mar 30 - Arlington Heights, IL @ Metropolis Performing Arts Centre
Mar 31 - Arlington Heights, IL @ Metropolis Performing Arts Centre
Apr 7 - Phoenixville, PA @ Colonial Theatre
Apr 9 - North Bethesda, MD @ The Music Center at Strathmore
Apr 12 - Tryon, NC @ Tryon Fine Arts Center
Apr 15 - Greenville, SC @ Peace Center for the Performing Arts
Apr 22 - Berea, KY @ Phelps Stokes Auditorium

NORAH JONES ANNOUNCES 2010 U.S. TOUR

Norah Jones has announced her 2010 U.S. tour in support of her newest album, The Fall. The 36-city tour will kick off March 5, 2010 in Tulsa, OK and conclude May 15, 2010 in Atlanta, GA. The tour dates are as follows:
March 5: Tulsa, Ok. (Brady Theater)
March 6: Kansas City, Mo. (The Midland)
March 7: Omaha, Neb. (Orpheum)
March 9: Des Moines, Ia. (Civic Center)
March 11: Akron, Oh. (E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall)
March 12: Louisville, Ken. (Whitney Hall)
March 13: Indianapolis, Ind. (Murat Theatre)
March 15: Madison, Wisc. (Overture Hall)
March 17: St. Paul, Minn. (The O'Shaughnessy)
March 19: Milwaukee, Wisc. (Riverside Theatre)
March 20: Chicago (Chicago Theatre)
March 25: Boston (Wang Theatre)
March 26: Mashantucket, Conn. (MGM Foxwoods)
March 27: New York City (WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden)
March 30: Baltimore, Md. (Lyric Opera House)
April 1: Charlottesville, Va. (The Paramount Theater)
April 2: Washington, DC (Warner Theatre)
April 3: Philadelphia (Tower Theatre)
April 18: Seattle (Paramount Theatre)
April 19: Portland, Oreg. (Arlene Schnitzer Hall)
April 21: San Francisco (The Fillmore)
April 23: Los Angeles (Orpheum Theater)
April 24: San Diego, Calif. (Spreckels Theatre)
April 25: Phoenix, Ariz. (Dodge Theater)
April 28: Albuquerque, N.M. (Kiva Auditorium)
April 29: El Paso, Tex. (Plaza Theatre)
May 1: Austin, Tex (Stubb's Bar-B-Q)
May 4: Dallas (Majestic Theatre)
May 5: Houston (Verizon Wireless Theater)
May 6: Mobile, Ala. (Saenger Theatre)
May 8: Memphis, Tenn. (Orpheum Theatre)
May 9: Birmingham, Ala. (Alabama Theatre)
May 11: Asheville, N.C. (Thomas Wolfe Auditorium)
May 12: Charlotte, N.C. (Ovens Auditorium)
May 14: Nashville, Tenn. (Ryman Auditorium)
May 15: Atlanta (Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre)

ATLANTIC RECORDS: TIME CAPSULE

Atlantic Records has announced the release of ATLANTIC RECORDS: TIME CAPSULE, an incredible boxed set celebrating the iconic label's past and present through music, images, and words. The most comprehensive project ever devoted to the Atlantic story, this numbered, limited edition collection spans the label's entire history, from its inception in 1947 to the present day.

TIME CAPSULE is housed in a custom-designed metallic box featuring:
-- 9 CDs containing 165 tracks from 141 artists spanning more than six
decades
-- DVD of the acclaimed PBS "American Masters" documentary, "Atlantic
Records: The House That Ahmet Built"
-- 140-page book featuring over 200 rare and/or previously unseen
photographs from the Atlantic Archives; reflections and stories from
artists and other key players in the company's history; and a complete
Atlantic timeline
-- Boxed set exclusive 45 rpm vinyl single reissue of Atlantic's first
hit, "Drinkin' Wine, Spo-Dee-O-Dee" by "Stick" McGhee and His Buddies
(1949)
-- Reproductions of memorabilia and vintage swag, including posters,
handbills, ticket stubs, lyrics, backstage passes, and more
-- Individually numbered certificate of authenticity

ATLANTIC RECORDS: TIME CAPSULE is dedicated to Atlantic founder Ahmet Ertegun, who remained active at the company until his passing in 2006 at the age of 83. The artists Ahmet championed, the music he pioneered, and the executives he mentored led a revolution in contemporary music that reshaped and reflected the modern cultural landscape. In the label's formative years, the groundbreaking "Atlantic Sound" was forged by the most formidable production team to ever reside at a single company - including such industry icons as Atlantic co-founder Herb Abramson, Jerry Wexler, Ahmet's brother Nesuhi, Tom Dowd, Leiber & Stoller, Arif Mardin, and Joel Dorn. Today, led by chairmen Craig Kallman and Julie Greenwald, Atlantic remains inspired by its deep roots as a company driven first and foremost by a passion for the music and a steadfast belief in its artists.

TIME CAPSULE was created in the same spirit that infused the label's very beginnings. Just as the company's founders, to quote Ahmet, "wanted to make the kind of records that we would want to buy," the team set out to assemble a collection that would tell a story that they would want to hear. From the outset, the idea was to present Atlantic Records "from the inside," drawing on rarely seen material from the Atlantic Archives, Ahmet's personal papers, the work of staff photographers through the years, and recollections from artists, producers, and other pivotal figures in the company's history.

As Atlantic grew from literally a one-room operation into a major international recording company, the label released an extraordinary body of recordings that have had a profound impact on the course of modern music. The music on this comprehensive collection traces Atlantic's dramatic evolution from its R&B roots into its wide-ranging prominence in jazz, pop, soul, folk, rock'n'roll, and hip-hop. TIME CAPSULE is living history - a diverse mosaic of our times, given voice by an exceptional array of singers, musicians, and composers.

The Package Concept & Development of ATLANTIC RECORDS: TIME CAPSULE was overseen by Mark Obriski, Liz Barrett, and Livia Tortella. The Compilation Producers were Liz Barrett and Bob Kaus, with Art Direction by Mark Obriski, and Design by Mark Obriski and Zachariah Mattheus. Liner Notes & Editorial Content was written, collected, and edited by Bob Kaus. The music was A&R'd by Craig Kallman, Craig Rosen, and Bob Kaus. The Executive Producer was Ahmet Ertegun.

In the fall of 1947, two passionate jazz fans and obsessive record collectors - Ahmet Ertegun and Herb Abramson - decided to start their own record label. The Istanbul-born Ertegun, son of a renowned Turkish diplomat, was an embassy-bred graduate student of philosophy. New York-born Abramson was a dental student turned record company A&R man. They shared a love of black American music, and with a $10,000 loan from Ahmet's dentist, together they formed what would become one of the most successful, influential, and enduring companies in music industry history.

A pioneer, icon, and true original, Ahmet's eclectic tastes and boundary-crossing life set the course of Atlantic and defined its essence. "I thought that we had a small chance of survival," Ahmet said. "I knew that we knew the music better than our competitors. We understood what made people buy records, and we knew the kind of records we wanted to make... All that really mattered was that we loved the music, and we made up the rest as we went along."

In contrast to other independent labels born in the '40s and early '50s, Atlantic never became irretrievably locked into one musical style. So while its foundation was built on a string of pioneering rhythm and blues recordings, before the '50s had passed, Atlantic had branched out into groundbreaking jazz and crossed over into white pop territory. In the '60s, the company reclaimed the black music crown with the definitive soul roster, while at the same time moving full-bore into the new rock era on both sides of the Atlantic. By the time Woodstock defined a cultural sea change in 1969, two decades after Atlantic's formation, the label had grown into a global music powerhouse.

Today, sixty years since scoring its first hit, Atlantic's original entrepreneurial spirit remains its driving force, and unlike countless long-departed labels, it has thrived through constant evolution and determined diversity. What has mattered most to the company's long-term survival is that it continues be run by true music people. At the end of the first decade of the new century, the "house that Ahmet built" is in the midst of a renaissance, ranking #1 in an industry in the midst of radical change. It is a testament to Atlantic's unique place in history that it remains such a vital force six decades down the line.

ATLANTIC RECORDS: TIME CAPSULE
ARTISTS IN CHRONOLOGICAL/DISC ORDER:
Joe Morris * "Stick" McGhee And His Buddies * Ruth Brown * The Clovers * Professor Longhair * Big Joe Turner * The Chords * Ray Charles * Ivory Joe Hunter * LaVern Baker * Chuck Willis * The Bobbettes * Modern Jazz Quartet * The Coasters * Bobby Darin * Charles Mingus * The Drifters * John Coltrane * Ornette Coleman * Ben E. King * Herbie Mann * Booker T. & The MG's * Barbara Lewis * Doris Troy * Rufus Thomas * Don Covay * Solomon Burke * Otis Redding * Wilson Pickett * Sonny & Cher * The Young Rascals * Percy Sledge * Sam & Dave * Carla Thomas * Buffalo Springfield * Arthur Conley * Aretha Franklin * The Bar-Kays * Bee Gees * Vanilla Fudge * Albert King * Cream * Archie Bell & The Drells * Iron Butterfly * Crazy World Of Arthur Brown * Dusty Springfield * Led Zeppelin * Blind Faith * Thunderclap Newman * Crosby, Stills & Nash * The Allman Brothers Band * Les McCann & Eddie Harris * R.B. Greaves * Brook Benton * Clarence Carter * Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young * The Velvet Underground * King Floyd * Stephen Stills * Emerson, Lake & Palmer * Derek & The Dominos * Donny Hathaway * The Rolling Stones * Betty Wright * Yes * The Spinners * Roberta Flack * Dr. John * Bette Midler * Manu Dibango * Genesis * Blue Magic * Dionne Warwicke & The Spinners * Bad Company * J. Geils Band * Average White Band * Major Harris * Roxy Music * Hall & Oates * ABBA * The Trammps * Foreigner * Peter Gabriel * Peter Tosh * Chic * The Blues Brothers * Sister Sledge * Manhattan Transfer * Pete Townshend * Slave * Phil Collins * Stevie Nicks * Laura Branigan * Robert Plant * Shannon * Ratt * Twisted Sister * Honeydrippers * Nu Shooz * Debbie Gibson * Levert * INXS * Mike + The Mechanics * Skid Row * Rush * Alannah Myles * En Vogue * Marc Cohn * Mr. Big * Tori Amos * Stone Temple Pilots * All-4-One * Collective Soul * Hootie & The Blowfish * Everything But The Girl * Trans-Siberian Orchestra * Jewel * Matchbox Twenty * Sugar Ray * Lil' Kim * Brandy * Aaliyah * Kid Rock * Uncle Kracker * P.O.D. * Sean Paul * Simple Plan * Rob Thomas * Staind * Death Cab For Cutie * James Blunt * Gnarls Barkley * T.I. * Panic! At The Disco * Paramore * Flo Rida * Lupe Fiasco * Estelle * Jason Mraz * Zac Brown Band * Shinedown

TRIPPIN 'N' RHYTHM PRESENTS - THE VERY BEST OF CHRISTMAS

Here’s a fantastic Christmas compilations with some of your favorite Trippin ‘n’ Rhythm artists lending their own magic to nine of our best-loved holiday tunes, and Paul Hardcastle adds a sparkling original classic (“Coming Home For Christmas”) to the mix. There’s even a track from the Trippin Allstars (U-Nam, Gregg Karukas, Jaared, and Oli Silk) laying down a killer version of “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” The Trippin ‘n’ Rhythm stable of artists has been hugely successful in ’09, with major chart-topping hits from Paul Hardcastle, Tim Bowman, U-Nam, Gregg Karukas, Oli Silk, Jaared, The Trippin’ All Stars and newcomer trumpet sensation Cindy Bradley. You’ll hear them all at their very best on this polished Christmas collection. The Very Best Of Christmas from Trippin ‘n’ Rhythm will not only brighten this Christmas season, but many more to come. It’s already a classic! As a matter of fact, we recently received an email from the Trippin’ N’ Rhythm label that this CD was already a big seller and had gotten lots of pre-orders from Retail, so if you haven’t already done so pick up your copy fast before they sell out.

THE VERY BEST OF CHRISTMAS Tracklisting
1. Greensleeves – Gregg Karukas
2. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen – Tim Bowman
3. Christmas Time Is Her – Jaared
4. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town – Oli Silk
5. Do You Hear What I Hear? – Cindy Bradley
6. Coming Home For Christmas – Paul Hardcastle
7. This Christmas – U-Nam
8. The Christmas Song – Gregg Karukas
9. The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year – The Trippin’ All Stars
10. Winter Wonderland - Jaared

LIVE NATION TEAMS WITH ITUNES

Live Nation, the world's largest live music company, has joined with the iTunes Store the world's #1 music retailer, to launch a new live music program, which debuted recently. Live Nation Studios will now offer exclusive recorded and filmed concerts from its network of "wired" venues for purchase and download only on iTunes. Exclusive live recordings from OK Go, Jesse McCartney, Saving Abel, A Fine Frenzy, Duffy, Plain White T's and Ziggy Marley, to name a few, have been released this week, with many more to follow. Live Nation, through its Studios division, regularly records concerts in more than 80 of its venues, which have been transformed into next-generation "wired" live recording studios, and will now offer a variety of them for purchase and download exclusively on iTunes. The program extends the live concert experience well beyond the show itself, giving customers exclusive content at a great value and opening a new avenue for touring artists to easily offer audio and video recordings of live concerts directly to their fans, creating new sources of revenue for Live Nation and its partners - artists, labels and music publishers. To coincide with the program's launch, iTunes has added a new area dedicated exclusively to live recordings. Live Nation's mission is to maximize the live concert experience. Their core business is producing, marketing and selling live concerts for artists via thier global concert pipe. Live Nation is the largest producer of live concerts in the world, annually producing over 22,000 concerts for 1,600 artists in 33 countries. During 2008, the company sold over 50 million concert tickets and drove over 70 million unique visitors to LiveNation.com.

JOE LOCKE - FOR THE LOVE OF YOU

E1 Music has announced the release of a new album from vibraphonist Joe Locke. For The Love Of You will be released on January 26th, 2010 and features vocals from Kenny Washington. Joining Locke and Washington is an all-star rhythm section: pianist Geoffrey Keezer, bassist George Mraz, and drummer Clarence Penn. Locke, a top radio charting jazz artist, is highly regarded as an instrumentalist, composer and band leader. Elegance, lyricism and soul are the sublime qualities at play in this magical new release. For the first time in many years, the vibesman includes vocals as a primary part of the mix. Forging a style that seems to be made of equal parts Nat King Cole and Donny Hathaway, Kenny Washington weaves his unique spell around a diverse repertoire. The seven vocal tunes include pieces taken from the contemporary pop / soul lexicon as well as the Great American Songbook. There is also a Locke original, "Verrazano Moon," which is given a deeply poignant reading by Washington and the band. Three instrumentals round out the collection -- the swinging "I Miss New York (When I Been Gone Too Long)," the contemporary "Bright Side Up" (both Locke originals) and an elegant reading of Ennio Morricone's "Cinema Paradiso." When Locke's group made its debut last year at New York's Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, word quickly got out that this was a "can't miss" gig, and the lines at Jazz at Lincoln Center were proof positive of the fact. Now, with the release of For The Love Of You, jazz fans everywhere can hear what all the talk was about.

The critical community continually cites Locke for his artistic work. He has been given the "Mallet Player of the Year" Award by the Jazz Journalists Association (JJA) on three occasions, and he has received two Golden Ear "Concert of the Year" Awards for his performances at the Ballard and Port Townsend Jazz Festivals. He has been voted the #1 "Rising Star" vibraphonist in DownBeat Magazine's Critic's Poll several times and has been acknowledged as "best vibraphonist" in Brazil's International Jazz Poll. In addition to his strengths as an instrumentalist, recent recordings and live performances by his Force of Four quartet, The Joe Locke / Geoffrey Keezer Group and his 4 Walls of Freedom project offer further evidence of his ever-growing stature as a band leader, composer and conceptualist. Joe Locke and his band will launch For The Love Of You with a week-long engagement at New York's world-famous Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola at Jazz at Lincoln Center, January 26th through January 31st, 2010.

Track listing for For The Love Of You:
1. Two For The Road
2. Old Devil Moon
3. For The Love Of You
4. Verrazano Moon
5. I Miss New York (When I Been Gone Too Long)
6. Birds
7. The Shadow Of Your Smile
8. Cinema Paradiso
9. Pure Imagination
10. Bright Side Up

http://www.joelocke.com/
http://www.e1music.us/

SADE - SOLDIER OF LOVE

Epic Records has announced that Sade has finally completed her long-awaited sixth studio album, Soldier Of Love, Sade’s first collection of new material since 2000's Lover's Rock. Solider Of Love will be released Feb. 8, 2010 worldwide on Epic. Sade and her longtime bandmates including Stuart Matthewman, a.k.a. Cottonbelly, regrouped in a U.K. recording studio in June and were recording and mixing into October. Known for their one of a kind timeless sound, Sade has enjoyed phenomenal success both internationally and stateside throughout the span of their twenty-five year career. Since the release of their debut album, Diamond Life in 1984, the band has seen all five of their studio albums land in the Top 10 on Billboard's Top 200 Album Chart selling a total of more than 50 million albums worldwide to date. They've been nominated for American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and have won three Grammy Awards -- first in 1986 for Best New Artist, then in 1994 for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group for "No Ordinary Love", and again in 2002 for Best Pop Vocal Album with Lovers Rock. Though no details about Sade's new music have yet been revealed, one artist heard early versions of several songs: Maxwell, a fellow Sony recording artist and longtime friend and collaborator with Matthewman. The R&B singer sent a message to fans in March via his private Facebook page in which he indicated that he'd heard some of his labelmate's new recordings. "Trust me, it's so monolithic it'll shake you in your shoes!" he wrote. Sade's 2000 release, Lovers Rock, sold 3,881,000 copies in the U.S. and the prior album, 1992's Love Deluxe, sold 3,407,000. Since 1984's Diamond Life debut, Sade has sold nearly 17 million units in the U.S. alone according to Nielsen SoundScan. Soldier Of Love was recorded in England and produced by the band and their longtime collaborator Mike Pela.

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